The name Ngorongoro comes from the Masai word Ilkorongoro. This word was the name worn by the ancient Masai warriors who defended this territory from invaders. The sounds of the bells that the warriors used during the battle to intimidate the enemy were like koh-rohng-roh. Hence the name Ngorongoro came.
Ngorongoro Crater was formed 2.5 million years ago and is considered relatively young in Africa. It used to be a huge volcano. After the largest eruption, its top collapsed and formed a caldera. But volcanic activity did not stop and small eruptions continued as a result of which mountain peaks appeared at the bottom of the crater, which can be seen to this day. Ngorongoro was turned into a nature reserve in 1959. The crater and surrounding areas occupy an area of 8288 square meters. km In 1978, this reserve was declared a world natural heritage for its beauty and significance. A crater in diameter from 16 to 19 km has a total area of 265 sq. Km. The edges of the crater are located at an altitude of 2286 m above sea level, its bottom is 610 meters lower. Ngorongoro is often spoken of as "paradise on earth" or "garden of Eden." This is obviously why every year thousands of tourists come here from all over the world.
Ngorongoro Crater is unique in that for many years it has formed its own habitat for many species of animals that are not able to get out. There they are born, live, multiply and die. It is estimated that about 30 thousand animals live in the crater.