The Ngorongoro Crater as the biggest geotouristic attraction of the Gregory Rift (Northern Tanzania, Africa) – geographical setting

The Ngorongoro Crater, an extinct volcanic caldera in Tanzania, stands out as the largest intact unflooded caldera on Earth, covering nearly 300 km² with walls rising 400–610 meters above its floor. Its unique natural richness and biodiversity stem from favorable weather and hydrological conditions, including diverse water sources like springs, rivers, marshes, and reservoirs—both fresh and salty. This ecological diversity supports a wide range of East African flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. Additionally, the presence of the Maasai people adds cultural significance to the site. Established as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) in 1959 and later inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, this study focuses on the crater's geographical setting, encompassing its morphology, hydrology, climate, wildlife, and indigenous population.

Żaba, J., & Gaidzik, K. (2011). The Ngorongoro Crater as the biggest geotouristic attraction of the Gregory Rift (Northern Tanzania, Africa) – geographical setting. Geotourism/Geoturystyka, 24-25(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.7494/geotour.2011.24-25.3