Local turnout rises at Ngorongoro– Lengai Geopark Museum
KARATU: NEARLY five months after its launch, the number of Tanzanians visiting the Ngorongoro–Lengai Geopark Museum in Karatu District, Arusha Region, continues to rise.
The museum was inaugurated on October 16th, last year by former Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango.
It is the only geopark museum of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa and the second on the African continent.
The Principal Conservation Officer and Head of the Geopark Museum at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), Dr Agness Gidna, told ‘Daily News’ that the museum has received a strong response from Tanzanian visitors since opening its doors.
“In November 2025, we recorded 575 visitors, of whom 568 were Tanzanians,” Dr Gidna said.
“The museum has been open for nearly five months, and the response has been encouraging, especially among local visitors.”
She added that in January this year, the museum received 463 visitors, including 451 Tanzanians.
According to Dr Gidna, the majority of visitors comprise primary and secondary school students, college students and various community groups, including SACCOS members and ethnic communities living away from their ancestral homes.
She noted that one of the key attractions for Tanzanian visitors is the exhibition section, particularly the use of modern technology that allows guests to listen to animal sounds.
Other highlights include cycling within the museum grounds, the cultural hall and a variety of interactive features.
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“Secondary school students are especially interested in the scientific information about the geology of the Ngorongoro area, particularly the volcano that shaped the valleys and mountains we see today, as well as exhibitions on history and human origins,” she said.
Regarding foreign tourists, Dr Gidna said turnout remains moderate but is gradually increasing, with expectations of attracting more visitors from different countries in the coming months.
She encouraged Tanzanians and East Africans in general to visit the museum in greater numbers, noting that entry fees for East African residents are affordable.
Residents aged 16 and above pay 5,900/-, children aged 5–15 pay 1,180/-, while children under five enter free of charge.
Visitors from outside East Africa aged 16 and above pay 35.40 US dollars, those aged 5–15 pay 11.80 US dollars and children under five are admitted free.
Beyond preserving ancient tools, oral traditions, indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage, the geopark also promotes geological and environmental education, while supporting ecological research and studies on environmental change.
