Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater
Welcome to the Ngorongoro Crater! This huge bowl was once a volcano taller than Kilimanjaro — now it's a natural wonderland where thousands of animals live together.
Why is it famous?
It is the world's largest inactive, intact volcanic caldera — a giant bowl over 12 miles wide.
Nearly 25,000 large animals live inside it, including lions, elephants, zebras, and rhinos.
How was it formed?
Millions of years ago, a huge volcano here erupted and then collapsed in on itself, leaving a giant bowl-shaped crater.
Steep walls over 2,000 feet tall now keep many animals living inside all year round, since food and water are always there.
Amazing facts
The crater floor covers about 100 square miles — roughly the size of a big city.
It's one of the few places where you might spot the "Big Five" African animals in a single day.
Quick facts
- The crater floor covers about 100 square miles — roughly the size of a big city.
- It's one of the few places where you might spot the "Big Five" African animals in a single day.
- The volcano that formed it was once as tall as Mount Kilimanjaro before it collapsed.
- A salty lake in the middle of the crater is often covered with pink flamingos.