ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS
Wildebeest Migration
Update! Northern Tanzania, like the rest of East Africa, has been affected by drought as the long rains of the "Masika" in April and May failed this year. In the Serengeti the large herds of wildebeest and zebra began to march west and northwards in May crossing the Grumeti River at the end of the month. They reached the Sand River and crossed in the Maasai Mara early in June. The Tarangire National Park is one of the few areas in northern Tanzania with permanent water during the dry season. Concentrations of wildlife along the Tarangire River have been higher than in previous years with elephant families chewing the bark of every baobab tree in search of minerals. Large herds of wildebeest and zebra are not venturing far from water and the resident lions are taking advantage of the situation. Client's have been seeing leopard and wild dogs on a regular basis! One evening, thirsty elephants decided that the shower water at one of the camp's was of better quality than the salty river water. The elephants finished, one by one, the water left in the showers while clients enjoyed their dinner in the mess tent. The event was followed by a race to take the best pictures and the elephants posed like movie stars without showing any sign of disturbance. Situated about 15 kilometers from the Tanzania / Kenya border at Namanga, the local Maasai have started a cultural program to attract foreign visitors and generate revenue. Activities include climbing Longido Peak, bird watching and the visits to local "Bomas". Clients are escorted by local Maasai guides who lecture about culture, the birds, the animals and the traditional medicinal uses of trees and plants. Recently a group of clients were invited to a celebration and spent the whole day and much of the night singing and dancing with the locals. There is another area in northern Tanzania that the Maasai call Embussel. This area of outstanding beauty is situated in the shadow of the snow capped Kilimanjaro (the western breach, the Shira Plateau and the sharp ridges of Mawenzi) and has remained virtually unknown until today. We call this area Sinya. Once hunted, the African Wildlife foundation is now involved with Kibo Safaris in a new ecotourism project with benefits directed back to local communities. Activities include walking safaris, game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles and cultural activities with the local Maasai. When examining northern Tanzania's attractions many forget to mention the rich bird life. Tanzania boasts 1,038 listed bird species including raptors, plovers, parrots, turacos, bee-eaters, barbets, starlings, weavers, pipits and sun birds. Back to The Wildebeest Migration Made Simple Links to other pages: ULTIMATE AFRICA
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