ABOUT: NPM-DVD-142 - In the north of Tanzania is one of Africa's finest natural landscapes, the Serengeti. From endless grass covered savannahs to dense rain forests the large variety of landscapes as well as many species of wildlife is really quite remarkable. The Massai have retained their age-old traditions and the pastures at the bottom of the Ngorongoro Crater are ideal for their herds of cattle. The two hundred and sixty square kilometre Ngorongoro Crater is not only a wonder of nature but also home to an impressive number of animals. The bottom of the crater is covered with grass and several watering holes provide a perfect habitat for large herds of wild animals. In the second half of the twentieth century two British archaeologists and anthropologists made several striking discoveries in the region. In the Oldupai Canyon they discovered a Hominid skull that made both explorers world famous as the almost two million year old skull was the oldest prehistoric discovery of human existence ever found. Each morning two balloons take off from the Massai Kopjes in the centre of the National Park on a one hour journey above the Serengeti. Depending on wind and weather conditions the balloon rises to an altitude of more than three hundred metres above sea level. The pilots often navigate their balloons close to the ground and just above the treetops when most of the animals run away at the sight of the hot air balloon and the strange sound caused by its burner. Gazelles, gnus and buffalo crowd into their favourite pastureland that is usually located close to various watering holes while vultures are always to be found close to the herds and are always ready to take advantage of a dead or dying animal. The Serengeti - a symbol of a paradise that may not last forever and a world full of primeval beauty and natural wonder.