The local Maasai people have a deep connection with Ngorongoro Crater – the world’s largest inactive, intact, unfilled volcanic caldera – and the life it encloses and sustains. Indeed, the name “Ngorongoro" refers to the sound made by cow bells as the Maasai herders lead their cattle through this epic wilderness which is home to more than 25,000 individual animals. With such a feature on its doorstep, Ngorongoro Crater Camp keeps things simple – just 10 pared-back guest tents and two adjoining bar and dining tents.

The camp's setting, in a cluster of acacia trees, is enchanting. Watch in awe as the late- afternoon light filters through the woodland and a campfire crackles to life – a magical sight and sound. Indoors, monochrome portraits lining the communal areas depict your most regularly sighted neighbors – zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephants, lions and leopards – while the chorus of tree-dwelling birdlife serves as your morning alarm call.