Ngorongoro Conservation Area Must Be Preserved as a National Treasure, Says Dr Mpango

Vice President Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango has emphasized the critical importance of preserving the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, describing it as not only a national pride but a global heritage that must be safeguarded for future generations and sustained as a key driver of tourism in the country.

Dr. Mpango made these remarks on July 15, 2025, during his visit to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) pavilion at the ongoing Second Pan-African Media Council Summit, currently taking place at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) in Arusha.

“Ngorongoro is not only Tanzania’s heritage but a global one. Continue preserving it and ensure you encourage more citizens, especially those from outside Arusha Region, to visit and witness the pride of our nation,” said Dr. Mpango.

Providing a briefing to the Vice President, NCAA Chief Tourism Officer Peter Makutian outlined the exceptional attractions within the conservation area, highlighting its unique blend of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage.

“In addition to strengthening conservation efforts, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers rare and diverse attractions such as the Ngorongoro, Empakai, and Olmoti craters; Mount Lolmalasin—the third highest peak in Tanzania; the Olduvai Gorge Museum; the Shifting Sands; Laetoli Footprints; the Ndutu plains, where wildebeest calving occurs; Endoro waterfalls; and ancient sites including Amboni Caves in Tanga, the Mbozi Meteorite, the Engaruka ruins, and Mumba Caves,” said Makutian.

He further informed the Vice President that Ngorongoro was recently awarded the 2025 title of Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction—marking the second time the destination has received this recognition, following its win in 2023.

A Natural Wonder of the World

At the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area lies the Ngorongoro Crater, often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” It is the world’s largest intact, unfilled volcanic caldera, spanning over 260 square kilometers. Formed about two to three million years ago, the crater supports over 25,000 large animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and endangered black rhinos. The density and diversity of wildlife make it one of the only places in Africa where visitors can reliably spot the “Big Five” in a single game drive.

Beyond its ecological significance, Ngorongoro is also a cultural and archaeological gem. The Maasai people continue to live within the conservation area, coexisting with nature through their traditional pastoralist lifestyle. Meanwhile, globally important paleoanthropological sites such as Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli have yielded critical discoveries in human evolution, earning the area its nickname: The Cradle of Mankind.

Promoting Tourism Through the Media Summit

The ongoing Pan-African Media Council Summit, which began on July 14 and runs through July 17, 2025, brings together more than 200 media stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. Journalists, media council representatives, communication experts, and press freedom advocates are gathered to discuss media ethics and freedom under the theme: “Advancing Media and Communication Ethics for Quality Journalism in Africa.”

NCAA is strategically participating in the summit to showcase Ngorongoro’s offerings to influential communicators from across the continent. Makutian explained:

“By directly engaging with media professionals, we’re creating opportunities for future collaborations in storytelling, documentaries, and investment initiatives that can elevate Ngorongoro’s profile on the global stage.”

Throughout the summit, NCAA is conducting presentations, distributing promotional materials, and holding individual meetings with attendees to deepen understanding of the area’s unique ecological and cultural value.

As the summit continues, the message is clear: preserving Ngorongoro is not only a matter of national pride but a shared global responsibility.