Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro refers to both the Ngorongoro Crater and the surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania. The crater is a massive caldera formed by the collapse of a volcano about 2–3 million years ago. The rim stands roughly 2,300 meters above sea level, enclosing a floor about 260 square kilometers in area and plunging roughly 600 meters below the rim.

The crater's floor holds a self-contained ecosystem with permanent waters and grazing, supporting high densities of wildlife. Common sightings include herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, gazelles and other ungulates, along with predators such as lions, hyenas and jackals. The enclosed habitat contributes to year-round viewing opportunities for safari visitors, who typically explore by vehicle along a circular access road that traverses the crater floor and rises to the rim viewpoint.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, established in 1959, protects the crater and surrounding highlands and preserves the cultural heritage of the Maasai people who live in the area. The site was designated a World Heritage Property by UNESCO in 1979 for its exceptional geological features and biodiversity. Tourism within the NCA is managed to balance wildlife conservation with traditional land use and local livelihoods. The area is part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, and the crater remains one of Tanzania’s most visited natural destinations.