Shifting sands ngorongoro conservation area, Tanzania
Shifting sands of Ngorongoro conservation area, as seen from the side (south)
Shifting sands of Ngorongoro conservation area, 'on the way' - the sandy roads from Olduvai gorge to it- Shifting sands of Ngorongoro conservation area, in the distance - a view from the road approaching it
- Shifting sands of Ngorongoro conservation area, in the distance
- Shifting sands of Ngorongoro conservation area, on the far left
- Shifting sands of Ngorongoro conservation area, looking out from the it - one of the year markers (small box near left)
- Shifting sands of Ngorongoro conservation area, a view from the back (east)
- Shifting sands of Ngorongoro conservation area, looking north from the sands in the direction of Nasera rock (Olgol mountains in the distance)
- Shifting sands of Ngorongoro conservation area, a view from its top
- Shifting sands of Ngorongoro conservation area, in the distance (2017) with a marker for its position in 2016 at the bottom of the image
- Shifting sands of Ngorongoro conservation area, looking out at the Serengeti like plains nearby
Altitude: 1500 m.a.m.s.l.
A moving black dune, composed of volcanic ash from the nearby volcanic mountain - Oldoinyo Lengai, that is moving slowly westwards across the Ngorongoro plains at a rate of about 15 to 20 metres per year. It is normally about 8 metres tall, 30 metres wide and 20 metres long from front to back.
Apart from this dune there is little to no sand or ash in the surrounding areas and the shifting sands are moved by the strong winds that blow across the surrounding plains, a condition that sometimes creates a mini sand storm in the areas that surround it, making it difficult to see or visit the dunes. However; when it calms down it becomes possible to even climb to the top of the dune for photos or view the vast plains around it.
It is said that the dune was created over 3,000 years ago from a massive eruption at Oldoinyo Lengai - an active volcano, that is located about 60km north east. Throughout the years, the dune has slowly crept along, sometimes changing shape and even direction.
Records show that the dune's movement was originally headed southwest towards the river in the nearby Olduvai gorge, creating fears among local about its demise, only to change direction and head west. There also is another much smaller dune about 3km north that is said to have been part of the current one, before splitting and heading in its own direction.
What to do there?Admire the unique phenomenon, take pictures or even better yet see for yourself the large distances that the sands cover in a year. When done, you could also visit other attractions in the vicinity (see section after map below).
Best time to visit?Any time of the year or during the wildebeest migration for an added experience.
Location of Shifting sandsThe shifting sands are located in the north eastern plains of the Ngorongoro conservation area, in northern Tanzania. The larger of the two is located about 2 km north of Olduvai gorge, with the smaller one being a further 7km from the gorge. For more information on its location, please see the map below.
How to get thereVia a 4x4 ride as the bit from Olduvai gorge to the sands requires driving over sandy roads.(see the NCAA website for more info).
AbbreviationsNCAA - Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority
m.a.m.s.l. - metres above metric sea level
A moving black dune, composed of volcanic ash from the nearby volcanic mountain - Oldoinyo Lengai, that is moving slowly westwards across the Ngorongoro plains at a rate of about 15 to 20 metres per year. It is normally about 8 metres tall, 30 metres wide and 20 metres long from front to back.
Apart from this dune there is little to no sand or ash in the surrounding areas and the shifting sands are moved by the strong winds that blow across the surrounding plains, a condition that sometimes creates a mini sand storm in the areas that surround it, making it difficult to see or visit the dunes. However; when it calms down it becomes possible to even climb to the top of the dune for photos or view the vast plains around it.
It is said that the dune was created over 3,000 years ago from a massive eruption at Oldoinyo Lengai - an active volcano, that is located about 60km north east. Throughout the years, the dune has slowly crept along, sometimes changing shape and even direction.
Records show that the dune's movement was originally headed southwest towards the river in the nearby Olduvai gorge, creating fears among local about its demise, only to change direction and head west. There also is another much smaller dune about 3km north that is said to have been part of the current one, before splitting and heading in its own direction.
What to do there?Admire the unique phenomenon, take pictures or even better yet see for yourself the large distances that the sands cover in a year. When done, you could also visit other attractions in the vicinity (see section after map below).
Best time to visit?Any time of the year or during the wildebeest migration for an added experience.
Location of Shifting sandsThe shifting sands are located in the north eastern plains of the Ngorongoro conservation area, in northern Tanzania. The larger of the two is located about 2 km north of Olduvai gorge, with the smaller one being a further 7km from the gorge. For more information on its location, please see the map below.
How to get thereVia a 4x4 ride as the bit from Olduvai gorge to the sands requires driving over sandy roads.(see the NCAA website for more info).
AbbreviationsNCAA - Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority
m.a.m.s.l. - metres above metric sea level
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