The ancient volcanic mountains that make up the Ngorongoro Highlands cover a large area of northern Tanzania and include steep treacherous volcanic mountains and vast open grassland savannah. Much of the Highlands area is difficult to access, and therefore provides some truly memorable opportunities for hiking, trekking and climbing through the wilderness.

 

One of the most well-known features of the Ngorongoro Highlands is the world famous Olduvai Gorge, known as the Cradle of Mankind. It was here in Olduvai Gorge that Dr Mary Leakey and her husband Dr Louis Leakey discovered a series of archaeologically remarkable hominid remains in the 1950s and 1960s. There is a museum here which is worth a visit, and the area is notable for both its beauty and its place in archaeology.

 

There are also other less well-known extinct volcanic craters to explore, for the more adventurous. These spectacular mountains exist as a result of volcanic activity along the edge of the Rift Valley approximately two million years ago. Now the breathtakingly beautiful, stark and barren landscape is made up of a number of dormant volcanic peaks which rise to over 10,000 feet above sea level; Loolmalasin, Empakaai, Ol Deani, and Olmoti. Walking or horseback safaris can be arranged through many of these areas, offering a unique opportunity to experience a region of Africa few visitors are even aware of.

 

For more information on visiting, hiking and trekking the Ngorongoro Highlands contact us.