
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area was established in 1959 and covers an area of 8288 sq. kms. In 1978 was declared a World Heritage Site in recognition of its beauty and importance. The crater has an area of 265 sq. kms and measures between 16 and 19 kms across. The rim reaches 2286 m above sea level. The name 'Ngorongoro' comes from Maasai world
Ilkorongoro which was the name given to the age group of Maasai warriors who defeated the previous occupants of the area, the Datong, around 1800.