By The Respondent Reporter
The Mayor of Dallas, Texas, Eric Johnson, has described his first visit to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) as a life-changing experience, vowing to return with his family to witness what he called “the eighth wonder of the world.”
Mayor Johnson, who is on his first trip to Africa, toured the globally renowned Ngorongoro Crater on Thursday, expressing awe at its ecological richness and breathtaking scenery.
“I’ve dreamed of coming here my entire life, but the reality surpasses anything I imagined,” he said. “This is my first time in Africa and I must say, Ngorongoro has completely captured my heart. I want my children to experience this place. It’s something everyone in the world should see.”he added
The Mayor was accompanied by Tanzania’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Elsie Kanza, and received by the Conservation Commissioner of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), Mr. Abdul-Razaq Badru, who guided him through the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
Mr. Badru noted that Ngorongoro remains one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, home to the famed “Big Five” and a mosaic of attractions ranging from the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater to the archaeological treasures of Olduvai Gorge, the calving grounds of Ndutu, the shifting sands, and the Laetoli footprints dating back 3.7 million years.
“Ngorongoro is not just a destination it’s a living classroom,” said Mr. Badru. “This is one of the few places on the planet where endangered black rhinos roam freely in their natural habitat. Our responsibility is to protect and preserve this heritage for future generations.”
Ms. Mariam Kobelo, Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Tourism and Marketing, highlighted the area’s prestigious international recognitions under UNESCO.
She noted that Ngorongoro holds three rare designations: it is a Biosphere Reserve, a Mixed World Heritage Site honouring both its natural and cultural significance and part of the Ngorongoro-Lengai UNESCO Global Geopark.
“These designations not only underscore our global importance but also drive us to maintain high standards of conservation, tourism, and community engagement,” said Ms. Kobelo.
Mayor Johnson’s visit comes at a time when Tanzania continues to attract high-profile international visitors, further cementing its position as a premier global tourism destination.