click to view larger image
click to view larger image
|
| >> Safaris >> Ngorongoro Crater Highlands |
|
The Crater Highlands range is roughly oval is shape, measuring about 80km by 40km, and is pinched at one end.
The range rises steeply from the surrounding plains at about 1500metres to heights of between 2500 and 3500
metres.
Highlands are volcanic in origin, although the different peaks were created over many millions of years by a
series of eruptions connected with the formation of the Great Rift Valley. The Older Volcanoes have been
eroded and most have collapsed to form the craters (more correctly known as calderas).
At the southern end of the crater highlands are the oldest volcanoes, Oldeani and Lemagrut, with both
summits at a around 3100 metres, North-east of this lies the Ngorongoro Crater is the main part of the
highlands, where the trekking can be done.
Only a few km away, the mountain of Olmoti rise to 3100 metres on its western side, with a flat - topped
peak (plateau) which can early be seen from Ngorongoro. This mountain also has a small crater.
To the east of Olmoti is Loolmalasin, the highest peak on the ranges, at 3648 metres, with its eastern side
dropping steeply down to the plains near Engaruka. North of these 2 peaks is Empakaai (also spelt Embagai),
with a steep - sided circular crater, half - filled by a lake. In between the peaks of Olmoti, Loolmalasin
and Empakaai the ground deeps to form the large Embulbul Depression.
At the northern end of the range is Kerimasi, one of the more recent volcanoes, rising to 2300 metres.
Beyond this lies the crater highlands northernmost mountain Oldoinyo Lengai (2878)
|
click to view larger image
click to view larger image
|
|
