This is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, and some scientists maintain that before it erupted, it would have stood higher than Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa. Covering a mere 260 km2, the 600 metre deep crater is home to a permanent population of more than 25000 large mammals, most of which are grazers like zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, buffalo, eland, hartebeest, warthog and high numbers of predators such as lion and spotted hyaena. 

The Crater is a unique microcosm of grasslands, swamps, forests, saltpans, a fresh water lake and a wonderful variety of birdlife. One has a very good chance of seeing the "Big Five" (lion, leopards, rhino and elephant) in the course of a morning or an evening's game drive. Nights on the crater rim (2 400 metres) where the lodges are, can get icy cold. Unique to the crater is that of the local Maasai who graze their cattle on the floor, and it is not unusual to see Maasai cattle and buffalo grazing together, with a lion kill just a few hundred meters away. There are around 100 lions in the crater, and about 20 black rhino. The spectacular Lerai Forest is one of the best places in Africa to spot leopard. The Ngorongoro Crater forms part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area - where Olduvai Gorge, the Cradle of Mankind, is located and where the remains of our earliest ancestors, the hominids, were found. 

Seasons: Due to its altitude the climate around the Crater is much cooler than elsewhere in Tanzania. Late Oct-Dec are usually the most pleasant months, despite the "short rains". The days from Dec-March are very dry and hot. 

Wildlife: You should see: zebra, wildebeest, lion, elephant, warthog, hippo, buffalo, Thomson's gazelle, eland, reedbuck, golden jackal , black-backed jackal, hyena, hartebeest, black rhino You may see: bat-eared fox, leopard, cheetah, 

Precautions: Malaria area - minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective insect repellents (containing Diethyltoluamide DEET) on exposed skin. Sleep under treated mosquito netting or ensure that the doors and windows of your accommodation are screened against mosquitoes. Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will further suppress mosquito activity. Currently, the three effective anti-malaria tablets are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil). It is still possible to contract malaria while on malaria prophylaxis. Note that Lariam may present serious side-effects - please test before you depart.