Ngorongoro Crater
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Ngorongoro Crater
World’s largest intact volcanic crater
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978
High concentration of predators
The Ngorongoro Crater was declared a World Heritage Site in 1978. The world’s largest intact volcanic crater measures almost 20 km in diameter and falls to a depth of up to 600 m. The mineral-rich crater floor is covered with nutrient-rich grass, which attracts large herds of animals, most notably wildebeest, tsessebe, buffalo and gazelle – and of course, their predators.
The crater is well known for its high concentration of predators. Powerful lion prides and their archenemy, the hyena, are permanently at home here, and can often be seen snatching prey from each other. With a bit of luck, it’s also possible to spot cheetah and leopard, or even one of the rare rhino. There is a small number of elephant here too, but not a single giraffe in sight, perhaps because the journey to the crater is too difficult for them. With this in mind, it is quite amazing then that several hippos live here! The crater is diverse and forms a closed ecosystem comprising grassy plains, wooded areas (such as the Lerai Forest), various marshlands, natural springs and Lake Magadi at its centre, which supports flamingo and pelican.
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