Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro is one of the largest unbroken volcanic calderas in the world, about 20 kilometres across, with walls some 600 metres high enclosing a floor of grassland, swamp, forest and a soda lake. It lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Maasai herders still graze their cattle.

Tens of thousands of large animals live on the crater floor, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, great herds of zebras and wildebeest, and one of Tanzania’s last populations of black rhino. Because the animals are concentrated in a relatively small area, game viewing is exceptional.

Descend early to make the most of the morning before the vehicles gather, and take a packed lunch to eat by the hippo pool. The rim is high and cool, so bring a jacket.