Lake Magadi

Standing on the Edge: The Breathtaking Rim of Ngorongoro Crater

There is nothing quite like the first time you stand on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Looking out across the vast expanse, you realize you are standing on the edge of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.

In the foreground of this shot, you’ll notice a striking member of the aloe family—likely the Krantz Aloe (Aloe arborescens). These resilient plants frame the dramatic view of the crater floor 2,000 feet below.

The Descent to Lake Magadi

Far in the distance, shimmering on the crater floor, you can make out the outline of Lake Magadi. This shallow, alkaline body of water is a focal point for wildlife, often attracting vast flocks of flamingos that tint the shoreline pink.

Getting from the rim to that water is an adventure in itself. The steep drop is navigated via a white-knuckle switchback road in a 4-wheel drive vehicle—a breathtaking (and bumpy!) experience that truly puts the scale of the caldera into perspective.

A Natural Wonder of Tanzania

I shot these images during my first visit to the region back in 2017, and the sense of awe hasn't faded. Whether you are interested in the geology of the caldera or the unique African flora clinging to the rim, Ngorongoro remains one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet.

Walking on Stilts: A Close Encounter with the World’s Leggiest Bird in Tanzania

Walking on Stilts: A Day at Lake Magadi, Tanzania

If you ever find yourself on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, your eyes will likely be drawn to the massive lions or the rare black rhinos. But if you look toward the shimmering, salt-crusted edges of Lake Magadi, you’ll find one of the most elegant (and slightly comedic) sights in East Africa: the Black-winged Stilt.

The "Supermodel" of the Soda Lake

The first thing you notice about the Black-winged Stilt is the contrast. Their plumage is a sharp, tuxedo-like black and white, topped off with a needle-thin beak. But then, you see the legs.

Bright pink and impossibly thin, these legs look like they shouldn’t be able to support the bird at all. In fact, stilts hold the record for the longest legs relative to body size of any bird in the world. Watching them navigate the slapping waves of Lake Magadi, it’s immediately clear how they earned their name; they truly look like they are walking on wooden poles.

Why Lake Magadi?

Lake Magadi isn't your typical freshwater retreat. It is a soda (alkaline) lake, a harsh environment that most animals avoid. However, for waders like the stilt, it’s a goldmine.

  • Foraging Strategy: Their height allows them to wade deeper than other shorebirds, reaching food sources that smaller birds can't touch.

  • The Menu: They use those sharp beaks to peck at brine flies, larvae, and small crustaceans that thrive in the alkaline waters.

  • Adaptation: While the soda levels can be corrosive, the stilt thrives here, sharing the shoreline with shimmering flocks of Lesser Flamingos.

A Photographer’s Dream

Capturing a Black-winged Stilt in motion is a highlight of any Tanzanian safari. Whether they are delicately picking their way through the mud or taking flight with those long legs trailing behind them like a rudder, they bring a unique grace to the rugged landscape of the crater.

Pro-Tip: If you’re visiting Ngorongoro, bring a pair of high-quality binoculars or a long telephoto lens. The stilts often stick to the muddy shallows of Lake Magadi where the "slapping waves" meet the shore—a perfect spot for action shots.