January 29, 2025 • 18 mins
In this episode of Global Treasures, we cover Ngorongoro Conservation Area, located in the United Republic of Tanzania. It contains the world’s largest caldera and a wide variety of wildlife. We will discuss the history, travel tips and more.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Abigail (00:00):
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries, where
culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
the history, travel tips, andlegends surrounding one of the 1, 223
(00:24):
World Heritage Sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal cultural or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to Season 2, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that
(00:46):
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures Podcast.
We appreciate all of your support, and youcan continue to support us by subscribing
at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean.
You can also follow us onFacebook, and please share
this podcast with your friends.
(01:06):
Dawn breaks over Ngorongoro Crater,and a prehistoric scene unfolds
beneath the misty rim of the world'slargest intact volcanic caldera.
The first rays of sunlightpierce the morning haze.
Illuminating a landscape that has remainedlargely unchanged for millions of years.
(01:28):
Below, across the crater floor's vastexpanse, dark shapes begin to move.
Herds of wildebeest and zebra emergingfrom the shadows, while distant
lions call out across the savanna.
This
(01:49):
is no ordinary wildlife sanctuary.
It's a living time capsule, wherethe story of human evolution
intersects with one of Earth's mostspectacular natural amphitheaters.
The sound of cowbells echoesacross the grasslands.
The same sound that gave this place itsname, as Maasai herders continue age
old traditions within sight of ancientfootprints left by our earliest ancestors.
(02:13):
Welcome to the NgorongoroConservation Area, where every
sunrise reveals a land that bridgesdeep time with the present day.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Areastands as a testament to nature's raw
power and humanity's deepest roots.
At its heart lies the Ngorongoro Crater.
(02:35):
The world's largest unbroken caldera,a volcanic crater spanning 260 square
kilometers that crashed into existencebetween 2 and 3 million years ago.
But this vast protected area encompassesfar more than just its namesake crater,
stretching across 8, 292 square kilometersof Tanzania's northern highlands.
(03:01):
It forms a complex mosaic of ecosystems,from the famous crater floor to the
lesser known, but equally magnificentEmpakaai and Olmoti craters, from the
archaeological treasures of OlduvaiGorge to the sweeping Serengeti Plains
that mark its northwestern boundaries.
(03:21):
What makes Ngorongoro truly uniquein the world of conservation is its
innovative approach to protectingboth natural and cultural heritage.
Since its establishment in 1959,it's served as a pioneering
experiment in multiple land use,where wildlife conservation coexists
(03:43):
with traditional Maasai pastoralism.
This delicate balance earnedit recognition as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 1979.
And in 2010, its status was upgradedto acknowledge both its natural and
cultural significance, a rare distinctionthat speaks to the area's extraordinary
(04:05):
value to our understanding of bothnatural history and human origins.
And the over half a millionvisitors it gets each year is
a testament to its vast beauty.
The geology tells a story oftremendous forces and ancient fires.
The crater itself formed when a massivevolcano, once potentially taller than
(04:27):
Mount Kilimanjaro, collapsed after acatastrophic eruption approximately 2.
5 million years ago.
The collapse created a calderaof staggering proportions,
stretching nearly 12 miles across.
To put this in perspective, beforeits collapse, The original volcano
(04:48):
likely stood up to 5, 800 meters or 3.
5 miles tall, dominatingthe ancient landscape.
But Ngorongoro is morethan a single crater.
It forms part of a volcanic complexknown as the Crater Highlands, featuring
eight extinct shield volcanoes.
(05:10):
To the northeast stands Ol Doinyo Lengai,the Mountain of God in Maasai language.
An active volcano that continuesto shape the landscape with recent
eruptions as recently as 2008.
The crater floor itself is amasterpiece of geological engineering.
At its heart lies Lake Magadi, ashallow alkaline lake fed by streams
(05:36):
that flow from the crater walls.
These water sources create acomplex hydrology that supports
the area's remarkable biodiversity.
The very waters that sustainlife today speak to the
volcanic history of the region.
The springs in the area emerge warm fromtheir journey through ancient volcanic
(05:58):
pipes, creating vital oases that attracteverything from hippos, to elephants.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Areaholds some of the most important
paleoanthropological sites on Earth, nonemore famous than Olduvai Gorge, an 8.
6 mile long ravine that has beencalled the cradle of humankind.
(06:22):
For over 80 years, this remarkable sitehas yielded fossil evidence spanning
nearly 4 million years of humanevolution, providing an unprecedented
window into our species' past.
Perhaps most spectacular amongthese discoveries are the Laetoli
footprints, fossilized humanfootprints preserved in volcanic ash,
(06:46):
providing irrefutable evidence ofbipedalism in our early ancestors 3.
6 million years ago.
These ancient tracks tell us that ourancestors walked upright long before
they developed the large brains thatwould later characterize our species.
The gorge has also yieldedcountless crucial fossils.
(07:07):
Including the famous fossils discoveredby Mary Leakey in 1959, and numerous
specimens of early Homo erectus.
These discoveries have helpedpiece together the complex puzzle
of human evolution, showinghow our ancestors evolved.
The Ngorongoro Crater functions as anatural enclosure for one of Africa's
(07:30):
most dense concentrations of wildlife.
Within its walls, approximately25, 000 large animals thrive.
In a remarkable balance of predator andprey, the crater floor hosts one of the
most densest known populations of lions.
Though, their isolation hasled to interesting challenges,
(07:52):
including genetic bottlenecksthat scientists closely monitor.
Among its most precious residentsare the critically endangered black
rhinoceros, whose population has facedsevere challenges over the decades,
declining from over 100 individualsin the 1960s to just a handful today.
(08:14):
Yet, despite these challenges, The craterremains one of the best places in the
world to see one of these magnificentcreatures in their natural habitat.
The diversity of wildlife is staggering.
Vast herds of wildebeest and zebra sharethe grasslands with thousands of grants
(08:34):
and Thompson's gazelles, while Capebuffalo gather in impressive numbers,
particularly during the rainy season.
What makes this ecosystem even moreremarkable is its role in one of nature's
greatest spectacles, the annual migration.
During the wet season, approximately20 percent of the wildebeest and half
(08:57):
of the zebra populations leave thecrater, joining the Greater Serengeti
Migration in a centuries old pattern.
that has shaped theecology of Eastern Africa.
This connection to the largerSerengeti ecosystem is vital.
As the rains arrive, the crater'sresident herds respond to an ancient call,
(09:18):
ascending the steep crater walls to jointhe millions of animals in their circular
journey across the Serengeti Plains.
It's a dramatic example of how theNgorongoro Conservation Area, Despite
its apparent isolation, remainsintimately connected to the greater
rhythms of the East African wildlife.
(09:41):
The wildebeest population, which canreach up to 7, 000 inside the crater
during peak seasons, becomes part of amigration that involves over 2 million
animals across the broader region.
This movement creates a dynamic ecosystemwhere wildlife numbers ebb and flow with
(10:02):
the seasons, while some species, like theCape buffalo, remain year round residents.
Others participate in this grandcyclical journey, following ancient
pathways that connect the crater tothe broader Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
The crater's permanent water sources,including the hippo pools, support this
(10:24):
diverse population and attract abundantbird life, including thousands of lesser
flamingos that gather at Lake Magadí,their pink plumage creating a striking
contrast against the alkaline waters.
The story of Ngorongoro is notcomplete without acknowledging its
human inhabitants, particularlythe Maasai people, who have called
(10:49):
this region home since the 1800s.
Their arrival followedearlier inhabitants.
Including the Datooga, creating a richtapestry of human history in the region.
The very name, Ngorongoro, comes from theMaasai language, referring to the sound
of cowbells echoing across the crater.
(11:11):
However, this coexistence betweenconservation and culture has
not been without its challenges.
The establishment of the conservationarea in 1959 represented a
groundbreaking attempt to balancewildlife protection with human
rights, a contrast to the completeremoval of indigenous peoples that
(11:33):
characterized many other African parks.
Yet, this balance remains delicate,with ongoing debates about land use
rights, traditional grazing practices,and the increasing pressure of tourism.
The conservation area faces modernchallenges that would have been
unimaginable to its earliest inhabitants.
(11:53):
Climate change threatens traditionalpatterns of both wildlife
migration and pastoral activities.
Tourism, while providing crucialrevenue for conservation efforts,
places increasing pressureon the fragile ecosystem.
In 2009, the Wildlife ConservationAct imposed stricter land use
(12:14):
regulations, creating new tensionsbetween conservation goals
and traditional practices.
Here's something that might surprise you.
While the crater hosts an incrediblydiverse population of wildlife,
some species are notably absent.
You won't find giraffes here.
The crater walls are toosteep for them to navigate.
(12:37):
Similarly, impala andcrocodiles are missing from this
otherwise complete ecosystem.
The crater's isolation has createdfascinating evolutionary pressures.
For instance, the crater's lionpopulation has developed distinct
characteristics due to their relativeisolation, though this has also led
(12:58):
to concerns about genetic diversity.
Another intriguing detail is thepresence of a unique species found
nowhere else on Earth, Mduma's strew,which lives only in the montane
forests along the crater's edge.
This tiny mammal serves as a reminderof how specialized niches Within
(13:20):
the conservation area have led tounique evolutionary adaptations.
As the sun sets over the crater rim,painting the sky in spectacular hues of
orange and purple, one can't help but feelconnected to both the ancient past and the
urgent present of this remarkable place.
(13:40):
Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, anarchaeological buff, Or simply someone
who appreciates the raw beauty of nature,the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers
an experience that will stay with youlong after you've left its borders.
But before you pack your bags, Let'stalk about the practical aspects of
(14:01):
visiting this extraordinary destination.
If you're flying in from anothercountry, you'll likely want to fly into
Lake Manyara or Kilimanjaro Airport.
A note about Lake Manyara: if your guide and vehicle are (14:13):
undefined
provided by your camp or tour, Myunderstanding is you can fly in here.
If not, you may want to reachout to them ahead of time before
trying to book a flight online.
You can ask your hotel if they offera transfer service, or you can ask
(14:34):
your tour operator for suggestionsif it isn't included in the cost.
I will add that if you fly intoKilimanjaro, It appears it'll take
about three hours to get here.
I highly suggest booking a hiking tour,group tour, or some sort of safari,
because vehicle access to the crater andother popular parts of the site requires
(14:57):
limits due to conservation efforts.
My understanding is toursoften have that clearance.
Ngorongoro also closes inthe evenings due to safety.
On top of that, Swahiliis the primary language.
While many speak English in touristspots, you'll have the comfort of
knowing your guide speaks your nativelanguage and can help arrange activities,
(15:20):
food, and accommodations for you.
Also, they likely arethe experts of the area.
And we'll know the best spots foryou to get incredible photos of those
magnificent animals we discussed earlier.
Park entry fees depend on whatyou plan on doing in the park,
whether you have a vehicle, etc.
So I highly recommend checkingout the website prior to entry.
(15:44):
In terms of weather, temperaturestypically run from the low
50s in the morning to mid 80sFahrenheit in the afternoon.
And that's throughout most of the year.
The majority of the heavy rainfall isduring the months of March, April
and November, so you may want to keepthat in mind when booking your trip.
For places to stay, there aren'tmany homestay options in this area,
(16:08):
and the lodges, such as the famousCrater Lodge, is incredibly expensive.
Again, This is why I strongly suggesta tour that includes accommodations.
And same goes for restaurants.
There aren't many in thisarea because it's remote.
However, if you get the chanceto try some dishes unique to
(16:29):
the area, I suggest Ugali.
This is actually cornflour mushthat's served as a side dish and is
considered to be the national dish.
I always describe it topeople as polenta adjacent.
This site truly is a treasure trove.
There is so much to do.
(16:50):
You can see the crater, of course.
Olduvai Gorge Empakaai Crater,and if you're feeling brave, you
can make the trek afterwards totry to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
You can also take a picturesque hotair balloon ride over the crater.
Finally, if you get the opportunity,I highly suggest scheduling a
(17:12):
tour to get acquainted with thecustoms of the Maasai people.
I will forewarn that they willlikely try to sell you the homemade
items, such as art they make,at the conclusion of the tour.
But this is important because it helpsdispel myths about indigenous populations.
For example, many thought that theMaasai people were extinct, and
(17:36):
in schools, We often learn thatthere are nomadic people, but that
isn't necessarily the case anymore.
Experiencing new customs, beliefs, andways of life makes us more informed
travelers and global citizens.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures Podcast.
(17:56):
Our next episode will take us toanother UNESCO World Heritage Site,
the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel.
to Philae, a village in Egypt that is thesite of two rock temples built by Pharaoh
Ramesses II in the 13th century BC.
(18:17):
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries, where
culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
the history, travel tips, andlegends surrounding one of the 1, 223
(00:24):
World Heritage Sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal cultural or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to Season 2, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that
(00:46):
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures Podcast.
We appreciate all of your support, and youcan continue to support us by subscribing
at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean.
You can also follow us onFacebook, and please share
this podcast with your friends.
(01:06):
Dawn breaks over Ngorongoro Crater,and a prehistoric scene unfolds
beneath the misty rim of the world'slargest intact volcanic caldera.
The first rays of sunlightpierce the morning haze.
Illuminating a landscape that has remainedlargely unchanged for millions of years.
(01:28):
Below, across the crater floor's vastexpanse, dark shapes begin to move.
Herds of wildebeest and zebra emergingfrom the shadows, while distant
lions call out across the savanna.
This
(01:49):
is no ordinary wildlife sanctuary.
It's a living time capsule, wherethe story of human evolution
intersects with one of Earth's mostspectacular natural amphitheaters.
The sound of cowbells echoesacross the grasslands.
The same sound that gave this place itsname, as Maasai herders continue age
old traditions within sight of ancientfootprints left by our earliest ancestors.
(02:13):
Welcome to the NgorongoroConservation Area, where every
sunrise reveals a land that bridgesdeep time with the present day.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Areastands as a testament to nature's raw
power and humanity's deepest roots.
At its heart lies the Ngorongoro Crater.
(02:35):
The world's largest unbroken caldera,a volcanic crater spanning 260 square
kilometers that crashed into existencebetween 2 and 3 million years ago.
But this vast protected area encompassesfar more than just its namesake crater,
stretching across 8, 292 square kilometersof Tanzania's northern highlands.
(03:01):
It forms a complex mosaic of ecosystems,from the famous crater floor to the
lesser known, but equally magnificentEmpakaai and Olmoti craters, from the
archaeological treasures of OlduvaiGorge to the sweeping Serengeti Plains
that mark its northwestern boundaries.
(03:21):
What makes Ngorongoro truly uniquein the world of conservation is its
innovative approach to protectingboth natural and cultural heritage.
Since its establishment in 1959,it's served as a pioneering
experiment in multiple land use,where wildlife conservation coexists
(03:43):
with traditional Maasai pastoralism.
This delicate balance earnedit recognition as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 1979.
And in 2010, its status was upgradedto acknowledge both its natural and
cultural significance, a rare distinctionthat speaks to the area's extraordinary
(04:05):
value to our understanding of bothnatural history and human origins.
And the over half a millionvisitors it gets each year is
a testament to its vast beauty.
The geology tells a story oftremendous forces and ancient fires.
The crater itself formed when a massivevolcano, once potentially taller than
(04:27):
Mount Kilimanjaro, collapsed after acatastrophic eruption approximately 2.
5 million years ago.
The collapse created a calderaof staggering proportions,
stretching nearly 12 miles across.
To put this in perspective, beforeits collapse, The original volcano
(04:48):
likely stood up to 5, 800 meters or 3.
5 miles tall, dominatingthe ancient landscape.
But Ngorongoro is morethan a single crater.
It forms part of a volcanic complexknown as the Crater Highlands, featuring
eight extinct shield volcanoes.
(05:10):
To the northeast stands Ol Doinyo Lengai,the Mountain of God in Maasai language.
An active volcano that continuesto shape the landscape with recent
eruptions as recently as 2008.
The crater floor itself is amasterpiece of geological engineering.
At its heart lies Lake Magadi, ashallow alkaline lake fed by streams
(05:36):
that flow from the crater walls.
These water sources create acomplex hydrology that supports
the area's remarkable biodiversity.
The very waters that sustainlife today speak to the
volcanic history of the region.
The springs in the area emerge warm fromtheir journey through ancient volcanic
(05:58):
pipes, creating vital oases that attracteverything from hippos, to elephants.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Areaholds some of the most important
paleoanthropological sites on Earth, nonemore famous than Olduvai Gorge, an 8.
6 mile long ravine that has beencalled the cradle of humankind.
(06:22):
For over 80 years, this remarkable sitehas yielded fossil evidence spanning
nearly 4 million years of humanevolution, providing an unprecedented
window into our species' past.
Perhaps most spectacular amongthese discoveries are the Laetoli
footprints, fossilized humanfootprints preserved in volcanic ash,
(06:46):
providing irrefutable evidence ofbipedalism in our early ancestors 3.
6 million years ago.
These ancient tracks tell us that ourancestors walked upright long before
they developed the large brains thatwould later characterize our species.
The gorge has also yieldedcountless crucial fossils.
(07:07):
Including the famous fossils discoveredby Mary Leakey in 1959, and numerous
specimens of early Homo erectus.
These discoveries have helpedpiece together the complex puzzle
of human evolution, showinghow our ancestors evolved.
The Ngorongoro Crater functions as anatural enclosure for one of Africa's
(07:30):
most dense concentrations of wildlife.
Within its walls, approximately25, 000 large animals thrive.
In a remarkable balance of predator andprey, the crater floor hosts one of the
most densest known populations of lions.
Though, their isolation hasled to interesting challenges,
(07:52):
including genetic bottlenecksthat scientists closely monitor.
Among its most precious residentsare the critically endangered black
rhinoceros, whose population has facedsevere challenges over the decades,
declining from over 100 individualsin the 1960s to just a handful today.
(08:14):
Yet, despite these challenges, The craterremains one of the best places in the
world to see one of these magnificentcreatures in their natural habitat.
The diversity of wildlife is staggering.
Vast herds of wildebeest and zebra sharethe grasslands with thousands of grants
(08:34):
and Thompson's gazelles, while Capebuffalo gather in impressive numbers,
particularly during the rainy season.
What makes this ecosystem even moreremarkable is its role in one of nature's
greatest spectacles, the annual migration.
During the wet season, approximately20 percent of the wildebeest and half
(08:57):
of the zebra populations leave thecrater, joining the Greater Serengeti
Migration in a centuries old pattern.
that has shaped theecology of Eastern Africa.
This connection to the largerSerengeti ecosystem is vital.
As the rains arrive, the crater'sresident herds respond to an ancient call,
(09:18):
ascending the steep crater walls to jointhe millions of animals in their circular
journey across the Serengeti Plains.
It's a dramatic example of how theNgorongoro Conservation Area, Despite
its apparent isolation, remainsintimately connected to the greater
rhythms of the East African wildlife.
(09:41):
The wildebeest population, which canreach up to 7, 000 inside the crater
during peak seasons, becomes part of amigration that involves over 2 million
animals across the broader region.
This movement creates a dynamic ecosystemwhere wildlife numbers ebb and flow with
(10:02):
the seasons, while some species, like theCape buffalo, remain year round residents.
Others participate in this grandcyclical journey, following ancient
pathways that connect the crater tothe broader Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
The crater's permanent water sources,including the hippo pools, support this
(10:24):
diverse population and attract abundantbird life, including thousands of lesser
flamingos that gather at Lake Magadí,their pink plumage creating a striking
contrast against the alkaline waters.
The story of Ngorongoro is notcomplete without acknowledging its
human inhabitants, particularlythe Maasai people, who have called
(10:49):
this region home since the 1800s.
Their arrival followedearlier inhabitants.
Including the Datooga, creating a richtapestry of human history in the region.
The very name, Ngorongoro, comes from theMaasai language, referring to the sound
of cowbells echoing across the crater.
(11:11):
However, this coexistence betweenconservation and culture has
not been without its challenges.
The establishment of the conservationarea in 1959 represented a
groundbreaking attempt to balancewildlife protection with human
rights, a contrast to the completeremoval of indigenous peoples that
(11:33):
characterized many other African parks.
Yet, this balance remains delicate,with ongoing debates about land use
rights, traditional grazing practices,and the increasing pressure of tourism.
The conservation area faces modernchallenges that would have been
unimaginable to its earliest inhabitants.
(11:53):
Climate change threatens traditionalpatterns of both wildlife
migration and pastoral activities.
Tourism, while providing crucialrevenue for conservation efforts,
places increasing pressureon the fragile ecosystem.
In 2009, the Wildlife ConservationAct imposed stricter land use
(12:14):
regulations, creating new tensionsbetween conservation goals
and traditional practices.
Here's something that might surprise you.
While the crater hosts an incrediblydiverse population of wildlife,
some species are notably absent.
You won't find giraffes here.
The crater walls are toosteep for them to navigate.
(12:37):
Similarly, impala andcrocodiles are missing from this
otherwise complete ecosystem.
The crater's isolation has createdfascinating evolutionary pressures.
For instance, the crater's lionpopulation has developed distinct
characteristics due to their relativeisolation, though this has also led
(12:58):
to concerns about genetic diversity.
Another intriguing detail is thepresence of a unique species found
nowhere else on Earth, Mduma's strew,which lives only in the montane
forests along the crater's edge.
This tiny mammal serves as a reminderof how specialized niches Within
(13:20):
the conservation area have led tounique evolutionary adaptations.
As the sun sets over the crater rim,painting the sky in spectacular hues of
orange and purple, one can't help but feelconnected to both the ancient past and the
urgent present of this remarkable place.
(13:40):
Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, anarchaeological buff, Or simply someone
who appreciates the raw beauty of nature,the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers
an experience that will stay with youlong after you've left its borders.
But before you pack your bags, Let'stalk about the practical aspects of
(14:01):
visiting this extraordinary destination.
If you're flying in from anothercountry, you'll likely want to fly into
Lake Manyara or Kilimanjaro Airport.
A note about Lake Manyara: if your guide and vehicle are (14:13):
undefined
provided by your camp or tour, Myunderstanding is you can fly in here.
If not, you may want to reachout to them ahead of time before
trying to book a flight online.
You can ask your hotel if they offera transfer service, or you can ask
(14:34):
your tour operator for suggestionsif it isn't included in the cost.
I will add that if you fly intoKilimanjaro, It appears it'll take
about three hours to get here.
I highly suggest booking a hiking tour,group tour, or some sort of safari,
because vehicle access to the crater andother popular parts of the site requires
(14:57):
limits due to conservation efforts.
My understanding is toursoften have that clearance.
Ngorongoro also closes inthe evenings due to safety.
On top of that, Swahiliis the primary language.
While many speak English in touristspots, you'll have the comfort of
knowing your guide speaks your nativelanguage and can help arrange activities,
(15:20):
food, and accommodations for you.
Also, they likely arethe experts of the area.
And we'll know the best spots foryou to get incredible photos of those
magnificent animals we discussed earlier.
Park entry fees depend on whatyou plan on doing in the park,
whether you have a vehicle, etc.
So I highly recommend checkingout the website prior to entry.
(15:44):
In terms of weather, temperaturestypically run from the low
50s in the morning to mid 80sFahrenheit in the afternoon.
And that's throughout most of the year.
The majority of the heavy rainfall isduring the months of March, April
and November, so you may want to keepthat in mind when booking your trip.
For places to stay, there aren'tmany homestay options in this area,
(16:08):
and the lodges, such as the famousCrater Lodge, is incredibly expensive.
Again, This is why I strongly suggesta tour that includes accommodations.
And same goes for restaurants.
There aren't many in thisarea because it's remote.
However, if you get the chanceto try some dishes unique to
(16:29):
the area, I suggest Ugali.
This is actually cornflour mushthat's served as a side dish and is
considered to be the national dish.
I always describe it topeople as polenta adjacent.
This site truly is a treasure trove.
There is so much to do.
(16:50):
You can see the crater, of course.
Olduvai Gorge Empakaai Crater,and if you're feeling brave, you
can make the trek afterwards totry to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
You can also take a picturesque hotair balloon ride over the crater.
Finally, if you get the opportunity,I highly suggest scheduling a
(17:12):
tour to get acquainted with thecustoms of the Maasai people.
I will forewarn that they willlikely try to sell you the homemade
items, such as art they make,at the conclusion of the tour.
But this is important because it helpsdispel myths about indigenous populations.
For example, many thought that theMaasai people were extinct, and
(17:36):
in schools, We often learn thatthere are nomadic people, but that
isn't necessarily the case anymore.
Experiencing new customs, beliefs, andways of life makes us more informed
travelers and global citizens.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures Podcast.
(17:56):
Our next episode will take us toanother UNESCO World Heritage Site,
the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel.
to Philae, a village in Egypt that is thesite of two rock temples built by Pharaoh
Ramesses II in the 13th century BC.
(18:17):
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
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I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.