Maasai keep ancient traditions alive in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Though essentially a southern extension of the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area differs in its more indigenous populace.

The Maasai in particular, can still use the areas to graze cattle as they have done for centuries. This gives the place a unique spin, enabling you to watch the astounding sight of a Maasai warrior shooing lions away with his staff, as he leads a herd of docile cattle to a watering hole.

But the area's main attraction is really the extraordinary 12-mile wide Ngorongoro Crater, a collapsed volcano where one of Africa's greatest concentrations of game grazes, basks, frolics and hunts.

Rhinos, elephants, and hippos and lions are all easily ticked off within a few hours of cruising the park, but for a real treat stay in one of the handful of exclusive lodges on the crater rim and enjoy the dawn and dusk views.