Mbozi Meteorite

The Mbozi Meteorite represents a remarkable specimen of cosmic origin, situated in the Mbozi within Tanzania’s southern highlands. This substantial ungrouped iron meteorite ranks among the largest discovered globally, estimated within the ten heaviest meteorites known. In Africa, it ranks just second to Hoba meteorite in Namibia. Its dimensions are considerable, measuring 3.3 meters in length, 1.2 meters in height, and 1.6 meters in width, with an estimated mass of 25 metric tons.

While local knowledge of the meteorite predates its formal scientific discovery – reportedly known for centuries by the Nyiha tribe, with a blacksmith named Halele being an early witness – the Mbozi Meteorite was officially documented in 1930 by William H. Nott, a European surveyor.

The meteorite’s location was on the southwestern slope of Marengi Hill, and only the upper portion of the meteorite was visible above the terrain. Subsequent excavation of the surrounding slope was necessary to fully expose the object. This process resulted in a pillar of undisturbed earth beneath the meteorite, which was later reinforced with concrete to serve as a stable foundation.