Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact ancient caldera in the world, nearly three million years old. The Ngorongoro volcano was one of the world's tallest mountains before it exploded and collapsed. The crater is one of Tanzania's most popular tourist destinations and known for excellent wildlife viewing.

Thousands of wild game can be seen on the crater floor, including lions, elephants, rhinos, Thomson's gazelles and buffaloes. Wildebeests and zebras account for over half of the estimated 30,000 animals that call the Ngorongoro Crater home. They do not migrate, like their counterparts in the Serengeti, because of the permanent supply of water and grass. Giraffes are not found in the area due to the steep sides of the crater and the lack of food at tree level. Bird watching is superb, especially around Lake Migadi, which attracts flocks of flamingoes to the shallows. Lake Migadi is a soda lake located at the center of the crater. Many seasonal migrant birds and other water birds can be found in and around the lake. Hippos are content to submerge themselves during the day and then graze in the nearby grass in the evening.

The Maasai people live within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area around the crater. The Maasai are nomadic herders and warriors, a visit to their traditional, temporary villages "enkangs" is a highlight for tourists. Visiting the Maasai allows a glimpse of their fascinating culture: their bright red robes, ornate beadwork and how they live off the land by utilizing cattle. The nomadic Maasai have grazing rights of the Ngorongoro Crater and treat cattle as a sign of wealth.