NGORONGORO CRATER

#NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

Visit the #world-class tourist #destination in the East Great Rift Valley which is home to the spectacular Ngorongoro #crater which is the world's largest unbroken caldera. Visitors are likely to see the Big five - Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard and Buffalo- in their natural environment.

The park was established as a conservation area for wildlife and the semi-nomadic Maasai population that reside in it.

The caldera is an important landmark for human history, as well as an essential habitat safeguarding animal diversity. Despite its small area, the caldera has excellent biodiversity, and several globally threatened species live on these plains. These plains form part of the route of the Great Migration.

The caldera is of scientific importance as important discoveries were made here that shed light on the path of human evolution.

Aside from the main #caldera, there are two other volcanic craters: the Olmoti and Empakai. The Olmoti is famed for its beautiful waterfalls, and the Empakai is known for its deep lake and lush green walls.

Another amazing site is the #Olduvai Gorge, a 14km long ravine. In order to protect this incredible natural wonder, visitor numbers are closely monitored, and you must obtain a permit to enter the crater and the gorge.

The crater was formed around 2.5 million years ago when a volcano - thought to be roughly the same height as #Kilimanjaro - erupted and collapsed in on itself. Now dormant, the #volcano’s #crater is 610 meters deep and 20km wide, making it the world’s largest inactive #caldera.