Few places in Africa combine wildlife, scenery, geology, culture and human history quite like the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. At its heart is the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a vast volcanic caldera surrounded by steep walls and highland landscapes. The crater is roughly 20 kilometres across and around 600 metres deep, creating an extraordinary natural setting for wildlife. ngorongorocrater.org Descending into the crater is one of the great experiences of a Tanzania safari. Wildlife in Ngorongoro The crater floor supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife. During a game drive, travellers may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and other species. The area is also home to the Big Five, including the endangered black rhinoceros. The crater's enclosed geography makes it particularly rewarding for wildlife viewing, although the surrounding conservation area is just as interesting. More Than the Crater Ngorongoro is much larger than the crater itself. The conservation area includes highlands, forests, grasslands, archaeological sites, mountains and other volcanic features. The area also contains important sites connected to human evolution, including Olduvai Gorge. Birdwatchers can find more than 550 recorded bird species across the different habitats, including flamingos, raptors, ostriches, crowned cranes and various waterbirds. NCAA Maasai Culture Ngorongoro is also a place where wildlife conservation and traditional pastoral life exist side by side. Maasai communities live within the broader conservation area, and carefully arranged cultural experiences can introduce visitors to traditional homes, livestock keeping, culture and daily life. Things to Do The main activity is a game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, but travellers can also explore the area's cultural and archaeological attractions, enjoy birdwatching and take part in selected walking and hiking experiences. The dramatic scenery also makes Ngorongoro an exceptional destination for photography. Best Time to Visit Ngorongoro can be visited throughout the year. The conservation authority notes that the area can be visited even during the rainy season, when the landscapes become particularly green and scenic. NCAA Why Visit Ngorongoro? Ngorongoro offers something very few destinations can match: extraordinary wildlife in a spectacular volcanic landscape, combined with a living cultural heritage and some of the world's most important archaeological stories. Onyx Nature Safaris can include Ngorongoro as part of a northern Tanzania safari together with Serengeti and other destinations.