The Ngorongoro Crater is 16km wide, the largest unflooded volcanic caldera in the world. From its rim, thickly forested walls drop 600 metres into a spectacular natural arena that supports enormous concentrations of wildlife year round. Descending into the crater, you encounter large herds of zebra and wildebeest, as well as buffalo, baboons, eland, lion, hyena and jackals. Black rhino, seldom found elsewhere in Tanzania, are seen regularly. Crowned cranes, ostriches, Kori Bustard and secretary birds frequent the grasslands and a plethora of waterbirds dwell in the swamps. You may see Maasai grazing their cattle alongside the buffalo, under the fixed gaze of lions. To reduce the number of visitors, entry permits for the crater are half-day only.
