|
|
Dubbed "the eighth wonder of the world" Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania is one of the world's greatest natural spectacles, its magical setting and abundant wildlife never fail to enthral visitors. Set in the north of Tanzania, it lies at the south east corner of Serengeti National Park, not far from Arusha and Kilimanjaro.
Life is easy here, and the animals choose to stay.
Ngorongoro is a volcanic crater, the largest un-flooded and unbroken caldera in the world. About 20kms across, 600 metres deep and 300 sq kms in area, the Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural wonder. The rich pasture supports over 25,000 animals, predominantly grazing animals, including some of Tanzania's endangered black rhino. Big tuskers roam the floor and even though animals are free to leave or enter the crater, most remain because of the plentiful water and food available on the Crater floor throughout the year.
Steep inner slopes give way to open grasslands which cover
most of the floor with several species of grasses that are the
main food source for most of the larger grazing animals. Lake
Makat, fed by the Munge River is a soda lake and a magnet for
flamingos and other water birds which come here to feed. The crater
is a dynamic and changing ecosystem and the numbers and proportion
of some animals has fluctuated over the last thirty years.
A major ecological survey of the Serengeti Reserve in 1959, resulted
in the establishment of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA).
It is a pioneering experiment in multiple land use where pastoralism,
wildlife and tourism co-exist.
Acclaimed as a World Heritage Site and having international Biosphere status, the NCA covers an area of 8,292 sq km and ranges in altitude from 1,020 m to 3,587 m. The terrain embraces several distinct habitats from open grasslands to montane forests, from scrub to highland heath. The NCA contains the world renowned archaeological sites of Oldupai (incorrectly recorded as Olduvai by German scientists) and Laetoli and other sites of international importance. Of major ecological impact on the short grass plains of Ngorongoro, is the annual migration of hundreds of thousands of plains animals, principally wildebeest, zebra and gazelles.
The multiple land use philosophy in the area is to maintain the peaceful co-existence of human and wildlife in a natural and traditional setting. Pastoralism, conservation of natural resources and tourism are the three, main components that are given equal consideration in policy shaping decisions. The NCA aims for the historic balance of people and nature in a way which has not been possible in many parts of the world. At stake are the rich biodiversity and ecology of the Serengeti Plains and The Ngorongoro Highlands, the major palaeontological and archaeological sites and important water catchment areas. Tourism is a vital element in raising revenue and has been encouraged and developed with a respect for culture and without damaging the enviornment. Man and his ancestors have lived in the Ngorongoro eco-system for more than three million years. By careful research and continuing management, the fragile balance between man and nature will be successfully maintained.
Maasai pastoralists arrived in the area a few hundred years ago. Their strong traditional customs and way of life allow them to live in harmony with the wildlife and the environment. Today there are approximately 52,000 Maasai living in the NCA with their livestock. Being herders of cattle, goats and sheep, their semi-nomadic life depends on accessible water supplies. Their seasonal homes, known as bomas, are scattered throughout the landscape and are rebuilt upon return from the dry or wet season quarters.
Some engangs (villages) are designated 'Cultural Bomas' and
offer visitors the chance to learn about the Maasai culture and
to buy a variety of handicrafts. Such cultural tourism also encourages
residents to share their values with the outside world and provides
them with direct financial benefits. If you want to spend more
time exploring the culture you should consider staying at Longido Village
