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The wildlife abundance of the African continent and the astonishing natural wonders that it houses in its dark depths are delights that greet anyone and everyone who pays a trip to this amazing land. Despite human interference, indiscriminate hunting and colonial exploitation of resources, the indomitable spirit of the ancient land never fades away into oblivion. And with conservation programs now taking shape, the Dark Continent is finally seeing light when it comes to saving its rich treasure. The Ngorongoro Crater and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is one such chest of natural treasure located in the heartland of Tanzania.

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Covering an area of 260 km², the large and lush green land of Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unbroken, un-flooded volcanic caldera. Home to some of Africa’ s many untamed beasts, it was formed some two to three million years ago when a volcanic mountain (estimated to have been fifteen to nineteen thousand feet) collapsed on itself. With over 25,000 large animals in the crater the whole area stands witness to the annual ungulate migration of 1.7 million wildebeest and 260,000 zebra.

Initially a part of the Serengeti National Park, the region was declared a conservation area by the British in 1959. Although the local Maasai tribe has been evicted, constant struggle between the locals and the authorities finally led to an amicable solution, making it the only conservation area in Tanzania that allows human population. But the activities are constantly monitored and controlled to ensure that the ecosystem stays unharmed.

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The Ngorongoro is famous for its panoramic view of the vast African grasslands, great wildlife diversity and the sight of over a couple of million herbivores migrating down south each year. The region is also inhabited by the rare Black rhino whose numbers have dwindled alarmingly to just around 11-15 in 1995, despite the best efforts of the NCA authorities. Also it has an isolated, yet dense population of 62 lions, which are now under the threat of constant in-breeding.

Apart from the majestic lions and armored rhinos, there are also leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hyenas, Thomson’s gazelles, zebras, jackals, and African wild dogs. With various water sources in and around the crater, a trip to witness Ngorongoro’s wildlife treats you to a showcase of the very best that Africa has on offer. Nothing short of breathtaking, the NCA also contains the Olduvai Gorge. Known as the seat of humanity, the earliest known specimens of the human genus, Homo habilis were found here, making the area almost an intimidating visit. Isn’t it?

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Ngorongoro is  not just an African heritage, but a site that is a part of the legacy of the human race. The grand riches of this crater marked land and the millions of sights and sounds it offers, leaves you wanting for more as the haunting tunes of the Maasai drums stay etched in your mind forever.

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