Eight Fascinating Facts About The Ngorongoro Crater : Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Tanzania, the crater is the largest intact unfilled caldera in the world which is why it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a Natural Wonder.
Ngorongoro Crater provides home for Africa’s diverse wildlife include The Big Five – lions, leopards, cape buffaloes, elephants and rhinos as well as other animals. Ngorongoro Crater attract thousands of visitors on a Tanzania safari, as a traveler planning to a safari to the Ngorongoro Crater. Here are the nine fascinating facts about the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater.
THE FORMATION OF THE NGORONGORO CRATER
Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world, this gigantic crater was formed over three million years ago when a massive volcano exploded on itself. Over time, this vast crater created by a massive volcanic explosion was transformed into a unique ecosystem hosting grasslands, forests and freshwater lakes and became the Ngorongoro crater we see today.
The eruption that formed the hole was the largest ever recorded and is believed to have affected the climate of the entire planet.
THE NGORONGORO CRATER IS HOME TO ENDANGERED SPECIES
The spectacular Ngorongoro Crater is home to a diverse range of wildlife and what makes it special is the unique wildlife inhabiting in the crater which includes several vulnerable and endangered species.
Also, Ngorongoro crater is of one of the few places in Tanzania where you can find black rhinos in the wild. Unfortunately, the black rhino has come close to extinction due to poaching and habitat loss.
Because of this, there is much effort put in conserving the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater ecosystem. These efforts have been crucial in protecting the endangered species that call Ngorongoro Crater home.
THE NGORONGORO CRATER IS A NATURAL WONDER
Often called the Garden of Eden, Ngorongoro Crater is a naturally beautiful ecosystem with abundance of wildlife. The diverse range of wildlife found in Ngorongoro Crater is testament to the area’s unique ecosystem, the crater’s walls act as a natural barrier, creating a haven for the animals that call the crater home.
Visitors on a Tanzania safari to Ngorongoro are always mind-blown by the number of animals on the crater floor.
CONSERVATION EFFORTS
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area was established in 1959 purposely to protect the unique ecosystem and the surrounding area. Today, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) oversees efforts to preserve the area’s wildlife and natural resources.
The conservation efforts in the area have played a crucial role in protecting the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater, the site is home to a diverse range of plants and animals. Many of which are endemic, the efforts taken by the NCAA to protect the area’s natural resources are a testament to the importance of preserving our natural world.
THE CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF NGORONGORO CRATER
Ngorongoro Crater is essential to the Maasai people who have lived there for a long time, the Maasai have a strong connection to the land and the area’s ecosystem has influenced their culture.
Travelers on a Tanzania safari visit to Ngorongoro Conservation Area have the opportunity to learn more about the Maasai way of life and witness their customs and traditions firsthand.
How are the Maasai people and the Ngorongoro Crater connected?
The Maasai People heavily depend on the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for their livelihoods, the raise livestock around the crater such as cattle, sheep and goats.
They deeply respect the wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater and they believe that the animals residing in the Ngorongoro Crater are sacred and should be protected.
NGORONGORO CRATER IS A BIRDWATCHING PARADISE
Ngorongoro Crater is a birdwatcher’s paradise, the crater is home to over 500 resident bird species including terrestrial and aquatic birds. The terrestrial birds – also known as land birds can be spotted around Lake Magadi or Lake Maka soda lakes found in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Some of the most common birds found in Ngorongoro Crater include flamingoes, Ostriches and eagles. The freshwater lakes in the crater are home to various water birds including herons and storks.
The diversity of birdlife in Ngorongoro Crater is a testament to the area’s unique ecosystem. The Rufous Tailed Weaver is a notable endemic bird species in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, other endemic species include black-winged lapwings, rufous-winged sunbirds, and Usambara weavers.
FOSSIL DISCOVERIES IN THE NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
Ngorongoro Conservation Area has been a site of several important fossil discoveries including the remains of early hominids, in 1915, Mary Leakey discovered the skull of a hominid that was over 1.8 million years old. This discovery helped to shape our understanding of human evolution.
In summary; The above are the Eight Fascinating Facts About The Ngorongoro Crater
