[1] The Poroto Mountains are a northwestward extension of the Kipengere Range, and part of the Southern Highlands.

The northern rim of the caldera is the highest point in the Porotos.

Ngozi and the southern slopes of the Porotos are among the rainiest places in Tanzania.

[2] The southern slopes are drained by the Kiwira River, which flows southwards into Lake Malawi.

Poroto Ridge Forest Reserve (240.34 km2) was established in 1937, and includes Ngozi and a large tract of montane evergreen rainforest.