Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Tanzania · wildlife · volcanic crater · ancient history

Giant volcanic crater. Ngorongoro Crater is a massive volcanic caldera (a bowl-shaped depression left behind when a volcano collapses). It's so enormous and special that the whole conservation area is named after it.

Home to Great Migration. Millions of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and other animals migrate across this area every year in one of nature's most spectacular journeys. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area connects with nearby Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Maasai Mara to create one giant pathway for these animals.

Ancient human discovery site. Olduvai Gorge, located within the conservation area, is one of the world's most important places for learning about human origins. Scientists have found fossils and tools there that help us understand where humans came from.

Protected wild place. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is managed by the Tanzanian government and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it's protected and considered important for all of humanity.

Located in Tanzania. The conservation area sits in northeastern Tanzania, about 180 kilometers west of the city of Arusha in the Crater Highlands geological region.