10 interesting facts on Ngorongoro

Located in the Northern part of Tanzania, Ngorongoro is not only one of the most historic places in the world but also one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of Africa.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site not only attracts tourists from all over the world but also travelers, researchers, and conservationists.

Here are 10 interesting facts you may not know:

1. It’s formation? Millions of years ago

Yes, you read that right.

Scientists believe that the Ngorongoro Crater was formed 2-3 million years ago as a result of a massive volcanic eruption. The crater, therefore, is as historic as it is breathtaking.

2. The World’s Largest Intact Volcanic Caldera

Spanning 265-square-kilometers, Ngorongoro holds the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. A caldera forms when the top of a volcanic cone collapses into the space left after magma is ejected during a violent volcanic eruption.

3. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa

In 2013, the Ngorongoro Crater was voted as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders, putting it alongside landmarks like Mount Kilimanjaro and the Nile River. With Africa’s many beauties and wonders; being one of the seven is a testament to Ngorongoro’s unmatched marvel.

4. A Unique Ecosystem

Within the crater’s walls is one of a kind ecosystem. Within the walls of the Ngorongoro Crater you can find a diverse fauna and flora.

5. Dense wildlife population

Ngorongoro is one of the densest wildlife areas on Earth. It is estimated that Ngorongoro holds more than 25,000 large animals, including zebras, wildebeests, lions, and elephants.

6. The Best Place to See Black Rhinos in Tanzania

In recent years, deliberate and intensive conservation efforts, has stabilized the number of black rhinos in Ngorongoro and other places in the world. With current estimates placing a number of black rhinos in Ngorongoro around 30, this is one of the places you can easily spot this endangered rhino species.

7. A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which includes the crater, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its outstanding natural beauty and cultural importance.

8. The cradle of humankind

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area hosts Olduvai Gorge, a place where archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered some of the oldest human remains. This is one of the origins of mankind.

9. Birds, a lot of them

Ngorongoro is a home to over 500 bird species, from ostriches to crowned cranes. With such varied bird types, Ngorongoro Crater is a world-class birdwatching destination.

10. Nature + Culture

For centuries, the Maasai have lived around Ngorongoro, co-existing with the many animal species. A trip to Ngorongoro is not only about the birds, wildlife or the crater, it is a trip to the rich and one of the highly maintained cultures in the world.

The Ngorongoro area offers quite a lot. Whether you want to see one of the world heritage sites or on the lookout for birds and wildlife; this place has it all.

Whatever your next adventure is, Let’s Discover Africa is here to help.

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