MAASAI CRATER

The Maasai crater is a large volcanic caldera that is located about 30 kilometres south west of the city of Arusha – Tanzania. From above, it is almost circular in shape, with a maximum length of about 1 kilometre, a minimum length of about 800 metres and a depth of about 200 metres. Most of it’s sides have steep – rocky walls, with the exception of the northwestern and southwestern parts, where both of its only entrances are located.he top part (crater rim) has near vertical rocky walls, with a small breach where the entrances are located.When approaching by car, or on foot – it almost always is hidden from sight right up until the last minute – appearing from nowhere, another wonder of this crater.

Apart from the rainy season, all other areas around the crater are almost always bone dry with a few thorny trees, shrubs and bushes; However, the crater always bears enough greenery inside to feed most of the cattle for the Maasai from the nearby villages. During the height of the rainy season, the crater floor does hold some water, but this drains away quickly enough – so no lake here, but rather a patch of long grass that can be seen to hang around well into the dry seasons. You my need the energy.

There are three hiking routes at the crater, one that takes you around it giving you a 360 degree view of it, the surrounding areas and villages. The other route goes into the crater but not all the way to the floor, rather ending starting the climb out of the crater after descending about halfway. The third route goes all the way into the crater partly using the same pathway as that of the second one.