The olduvai Gorge in Ngorongoro. As we know Gorges are deep ravines between pairs of escarpments or cliffs and are most often carved landscape by the erosive activity of a river over geologic timescales, while Caves are natural opening or cavity within the earth, generally extending from the earth’s surface to beyond the zone of light
Tanzania is well endowed with abundant significant cultural heritage resources which range from the Pliocene period about four million years a go to present time which are: Historical sites; Historical towns; Traditional Settlements; Historic Buildings; Sites with special memories; Archaeological or Paleontological sites a well as Natural Features and Structures
According to currently available research findings show that Tanzania has 128 areas which have been published on the National Gazette, though there are more than 500 areas recorded to have significance of cultural heritage resources.
Three sites among the sixteen (16) which are Kondoa Rock Art site, the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara, and Olduvai Gorge are inscribed on the World Heritage list.
OL KARIEN GORGE
A visit to Ol Karien Gorge is referred by many visitors as a spectacular trip. The scenery is prehistoric. Huge mountains, canyons and spectacular rock formations dominate the wide meandering valleys. Geologically it is an amazing site with the great canyon slicing through the earth-the gorge is naturally inviting!
Olkarien gorge is one of spectacular landform in the eastern edge of the Gol Mountains in the Serengeti eco-system. The main attraction of the gorge is the colonies of the highest flying birds ‘the Ruppell’s Griffon Vultures’. These highly social vultures of the Serengeti, makes large nests of sticks and have been breeding their chicks here for thousands of years.
When thermal currents start to develop enough lift in the mornings, The Ruppel’s Griffon Vultures are seen slowly leaving the roost and continue soaring around the gorge. The Ruppel’s Vultures flies to the West for up to 90 miles searching for the great Serengeti herds and stays in the air for almost seven hours patrolling for animal carcasses.
The gorge provides a unique and safe nesting for almost a hundred bird species. On mid day, the gorge is also used by the Maasai warriors who herd their animals to drink water at the wells dug below. Visitors to this mystical gorge experience a classic example of natural interaction between man and wildlife in a natural setting.