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The United Republic of Tanzania
NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA AUTHORITY
The United Republic of Tanzania
NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA AUTHORITY
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Mbozi meteorite
Overview
The 4th largest and world’s most famous Mbozi meteorite (commonly known as Kimondo in Swahili language) is one of the most popular tourist attractions found in Songwe region. Situated approximately 65 kilometers South-west of Mbeya, the Mbozi Meteorite weighs an estimated 25 metric tons; it’s about 3 meters long, and 1 meter tall.
The irregularly shaped Mbozi Meteorite, which lies on the southwestern slope of Marengi Hill, 70 kilometers west of Mbeya, off the road to Tunduma, is a great site you can’t afford not to visit, at least once in your lifetime. It’s a fragment of interplanetary matter that was large enough to avoid being completely burned up when entering earth’s.
The Mbozi Meteorite has been known for centuries, but the lack of legends recounting its sudden and undoubtedly fiery arrival suggests that it fell to earth a thousand years before the current inhabitants arrived. The meteorite was officially discovered in 1930, when only the top was visible.
To expose the entire meteorite, the hillside around it was excavated, leaving a pillar of soil beneath the meteorite that was then reinforced with concrete to serve as a base plate. The irregular notches on the pointed end were caused by souvenir hunters hacking out chunks, which was no easy task given the strength of the nickel-iron of which it is made. It is unique in that it is composed primarily of iron (90.45 percent) and nickel (8.69 percent), with minimal amounts of copper, sulphur, and phosphorus.
A trip to the Meteorite Site is always exciting, especially if you travel in a group and use public transportation to get a better taste of the countryside and face some adventures. This allows the group to interact with the locals, who are always willing to share their perspectives with visitors.
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F.A.Q's
Ngorongoro is managed by a different government authority namely Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA). To get their details including fees kindly visit their website www.ngorongorocrater.go.tz
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to much more than wildlife safaris, with important cultural and archaeology here too.
Away from the wildlife, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area has other areas of significance. Oldupai Gorge is one of Africa’s most important archaeological excavations where some of the world’s most humanoid remains were discovered.
When travelling to foreign destinations it is always respectful to dress modestly and we suggest the emphasis is on comfortable clothing.
It is often warm on the plains and at lower altitudes but cold in the hilly and mountainous areas; a rain jacket, fleece and good quality walking shoes/boots are essential.
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