The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is one of Tanzania’s most remarkable protected regions, covering over 8,000 km² (3,200 sq. miles) in northern Tanzania. Stretching from the Serengeti National Park in the north to the Great Rift Valley in the east, the area is a unique mix of forests, valleys, savannahs, lakes, craters, and volcanic mountains.

Ngorongoro Crater

The crown jewel of the conservation area is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Formed two to three million years ago when a massive volcano collapsed, the crater spans 20 km (12.5 miles) across and is 600 metres (2,000 feet) deep. Its fertile floor supports an extraordinary density of wildlife, including zebras, buffaloes, elephants, hippos, flamingos, and all members of the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses. Predators such as cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals are also abundant, making the crater one of Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations.

Diverse Habitats and Cultural Heritage

Beyond the crater, the NCA includes Lake Ndutu, Olduvai Gorge, Empakaai Crater, Olmoti Crater, and Oldonyo Lengai, offering diverse landscapes and habitats for numerous species. The area is also home to the Maasai people, who are permitted to graze their livestock within the conservation area, allowing for a harmonious coexistence of wildlife and traditional pastoralist culture.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is celebrated for its unique geological features, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for any Tanzanian safari.