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NGORONGORO CRATER, Tanzania—Scaling the walls of Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater is among the few terrestrial experiences we have that feel akin to ascending to heaven, or another higher plane. (Though one would hope that when he does meet St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, he will not be out of breath and will be much less sweaty.)

Two thousand feet below, on the floor of the volcanic caldera, is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Elephants, zebras, lions, wildebeest, rhino, hippos, flamingos, hyenas: The crater walls create a distinctly protected habitat among the Serengeti plains. Spend some time in the region before visiting the area, and you can’t help but compare the area to, well, an animal spa.

Hiking up to the top of the rim, the knowledge that wildlife is not just below but all around you fuels you with adrenaline. Among the dense foliage and trees surrounding us, there are wildebeest mingling and elephants descending down into the crater in a physics-defying parade; my human-sized body can barely stay upright on the steep incline. In fact, the hike is so exposed that our guide, Arthur (who insisted on being called “King Arthur”), carried a rifle to protect us in case we encountered an aggressive animal; I was not reassured by his response on whether he’s had to use it.

Read more at The Daily Beast.