How big is ngorongoro crater
How big is Ngorongoro crater Tanzania is one of the most common asked question by both tourists and other stakeholders. Travelers always research more before they undertake their dream trip in any given destination. Ngorongoro crater is the most popular feature every traveller dreaming to have a safari in Tanzania plans to see and visit during their time in the world’s best tourism destination. As one is planning to have the best of their dream safari the most common asked question in mine is how big is Ngorongoro crater.
The crater is found in Ngorongoro crater conservation Area about 180 kilometers from the tourist city Arusha. Its located on the Northern sector of Tanzania in Arusha region along with other famous parks like Serengeti national park, Lake Manyara national park and Tarangire national park. Ngorongoro crater is the largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera not only in Tanzania but the whole world.
The crater was formed due to volcanic explosion that collapsed on itself around 3 million years ago. Before the explosion taking place the mountain was one of the highest mountains in Africa at the same level with Mount Kilimanjaro ranging the height of 4500 to 5800 meters. Ngorongoro crater is 610 meters an equivalent to 2000 feet deep, the floor has a total surface area of 260 square kilometres an equivalent to 100 square miles.
Ngorongoro crater has the highest elevation in Africa rising up to 5900 feet above the sea level, the crater was voted by the 7 natural wonders as one of the seven wonders of Africa in Tanzania Arusha in February 2013. Volcanic activity that happened several crater lakes were formed around Ngorongoro conservation area for example Olmoti and Empakaai though they are small lakes due to small magnitude of the volcanicity but still are very vital lakes around the area. There are more two volcanoes adjacent to the famous Empakaai caldera that were formed of recent around 2007 and 2008 those are Kerisimasi and Ol Doinyo Lengai which is called the Mountain of God by the Maasai locals.
The Crater lake at the base of the crater is called Lake Magadi though the local Maasai call it Makat which means salt. It is being drained by the Lerai Stream and Loitokitok spring found on the Eastern wall of the crater. This gives the best scenic view to the tourists and also attracts big wildlife species like Hippos, Rhinos and Elephants which like staying in cool places especially during dry seasons.
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