#Ngorongoro Conservation Area

[wilkpreriowy]

Serengeti wolf (Canis lupaster bea) Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Photo © Seig & Alice Kopinitz

[greatimageexpedition]

Your Seamless Journey Home from Zanzibar Airport

Zanzibar, with its perfect sea shores and energetic culture, offers a charming departure. As your get-away reaches a conclusion, the flight home from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) marks the last leg of your experience. Guaranteeing a smooth takeoff is fundamental for a lovely end to your outing.

Groundwork for Flight

On your last day in Zanzibar, you'll have an opportunity to absorb the island's excellence. Contingent upon your flight plan, partake in a comfortable breakfast or a last swim in the sea. Try to affirm your flight home from Zanzibar Airport ahead of time to stay away from any last-minute shocks.

Transportation to the Airport

Transportation to Zanzibar Airport is commonly remembered for visit bundles, giving a tranquil change from your inn to the Airport. Your driver will help with your baggage and guarantee you show up on time. Assuming you like to organize your own vehicle, taxicabs and transport administrations are promptly accessible.

Airport Offices

Zanzibar Airport is furnished with different conveniences to make your stand by agreeable. There are sans obligation shops, bistros, and parlors where you can loosen up before your flight. For those requiring last-minute trinkets, the shops offer a scope of neighborhood specialties and products. The Airport staff is well disposed and prepared to help with any questions, guaranteeing your flight home from Zanzibar Airport is smooth and pleasant.

Checking In and Security

Showing up no less than two hours before your flight is prudent. Registration techniques at Zanzibar Airport are proficient, yet having additional time is in every case better. Ensure your movement reports are all together, and comply to security guidelines to assist the cycle. The security staffs at Zanzibar Airport are intensive, guaranteeing wellbeing for all travelers.

Last Considerations

Consider the recollections made during your visit in Zanzibar as you hang tight for your flight. The island's appeal and neighborliness have an enduring effect, making the flight home from Zanzibar Airport a mixed encounter. Whether you were hanging around for experience or unwinding, Zanzibar offers an extraordinary escape.

In outline, careful preparation and a quiet disposition will guarantee a consistent takeoff. Embrace the last snapshots of your Zanzibar process, and anticipate your following visit to this tropical heaven.

[herpsandbirds]

Grey-crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), family Gruidae, order Gruiformes, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

ENDANGERED.

Photograph by Ren Schiffer (@ren.schiffer.photography)

[mutant-distraction]

📷Close-up portrait of a caracal in the soft light of early evening. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. © Vicki Jauron (Photographer of the Year 2024 entry)

@vicjauron

[workingclasshistory]

On this day, 9 June 2022 Indigenous Maasai people in Tanzania from the villages of Ololosokwan, Oloirien, Kirtalo and Arash gathered to protest against land enclosures by the Tanzanian government. On June 7, Tanzanian security forces and Ngorongoro Conservation Area officials seized 1500 km² of Maasai land and began evicting some of its 70,000 residents. The land enclosure was nominally in the name of "conservation" and in order to establish a luxury hunting reserve for wealthy tourists. On June 10, security forces used live ammunition and tear gas against Maasai protesters. 32 people were shot, and one 84-year-old protester named Orias Oleng’iyo was "disappeared". Maasai people fought back and one police officer was killed by an arrow. The government then used this death as an excuse to round up Maasai leaders, and eventually charged 24 people with murder and conspiracy. Meanwhile, over 2000 Maasai people fled to neighbouring Kenya, and protests continued with Maasai people marching on the Tanzanian high commission in Nairobi. Eventually, in November, lacking any evidence, prosecutors dropped the criminal charges. More information, sources and map: https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/11105/maasai-people-protest-enclosures https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=640914004748485&set=a.602588028581083&type=3

[good-old-gossip]

Maasai people are being beaten and forced to relocate from the land they’ve called home for centuries – so the government can boost its tourism and conservation efforts. ⁣ ⁣

A new report from Human Rights Watch says at least 82,000 indigenous Maasai people are due to be relocated from their homes in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, even though they have a right to occupy the land. ⁣ ⁣

[humanrightsupdates]

Tanzania: Indigenous Maasai Being Forcibly Relocated

Consult Communities, Restore Social Services in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

(Des Moines) –Tanzania’s government is forcibly relocating Indigenous Maasai residents from their homes and ancestral lands in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Before further relocations are planned or carried out, the Tanzanian authorities should restore essential public services and consult affected communities to seek their free, prior, and informed consent.

The 86-page report, “It’s Like Killing Culture,” documents the Tanzanian government program that began in 2022 to relocate over 82,000 people from the NCA to Msomera village, about 600 kilometers away, to use their land for conservation and tourism purposes. Since 2021, the authorities have significantly reduced the availability and accessibility of essential public services, including schools and health centers. This downsizing of infrastructure and services, coupled with limiting access to cultural sites and grazing areas and a ban on growing crops, has made life increasingly difficult for residents, forcing many to relocate.

“The Maasai are being forcibly evicted under the guise of voluntary relocation,” said Juliana Nnoko, senior researcher on women and land at Human Rights Watch. “The Tanzanian government should halt these relocations and respect the rights of Indigenous people and rural communities by ensuring their participation in decisions affecting their rights and livelihoods through genuine consultation, access to information, and consent of Indigenous groups.”

The NCA, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site is managed by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), a government entity. The area has been home to the Maasai for generations.

[afrotumble]

Empakai Crater in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania.

[badbishop999]

How Do Wildebeest Know When to Start Their Migration?

The Great Wildebeest Migration is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that sees millions of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, traverse the plains of East Africa in search of greener pastures. One of the most intriguing aspects of this migration is how these animals seem to know exactly when and where to move, despite covering vast distances and facing numerous challenges along the way. So, how do wildebeest know when to start their migration? Let's delve into the fascinating world of animal instincts and environmental cues.

1. Seasonal Changes and Rainfall Patterns

Wildebeest migration is closely linked to seasonal changes and rainfall patterns in East Africa. During the dry season, which typically lasts from June to October, the grazing lands in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area become depleted. As the dry season progresses, food and water become scarcer, prompting the wildebeest to start moving northward in search of greener pastures and water sources that are replenished by seasonal rains.

2. Sensitivity to Photoperiod (Day Length)

Animals, including wildebeest, have internal biological clocks that are sensitive to changes in day length, also known as photoperiod. As the days grow shorter towards the end of the dry season, it triggers hormonal changes in wildebeest and prompts them to start their migration. This sensitivity to photoperiod serves as a reliable cue for the timing of the migration, ensuring that the animals move at the optimal time to find food and water resources.

3. Past Experience and Collective Memory

Wildebeest herds consist of animals of varying ages, from newborn calves to older individuals who have experienced multiple migrations. Older individuals within the herd pass down knowledge and migration routes to younger generations through collective memory. This accumulated wisdom ensures that the entire herd benefits from the experience of past migrations, enabling them to navigate familiar routes and anticipate challenges along the way.

4. Availability of Nutrient-Rich Grasses

The timing of wildebeest migration also corresponds with the availability of nutrient-rich grasses in different parts of their range. Following the rains, new grasses sprout in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara regions, providing an abundant food source that sustains the migrating herds. Wildebeest are selective grazers and prefer young, tender grass shoots, making the timing of their migration critical to accessing these nutrient-rich resources.

5. Social Dynamics and Herd Behavior

Wildebeest are social animals that typically migrate in large herds, which can number in the hundreds of thousands. This collective behavior serves several purposes, including protection against predators and sharing of knowledge about migration routes and timing. Social cues within the herd, such as increased restlessness and movement among individuals, often indicate the imminent start of migration, signaling to the entire herd that it's time to move.

6. Adaptation to Environmental Changes

Through millennia of adaptation and natural selection, wildebeest have evolved to synchronize their migration with the changing environmental conditions of East Africa. This adaptability ensures their survival in a dynamic and often harsh landscape, where the availability of food and water fluctuates seasonally. By timing their migration to coincide with periods of abundant resources, wildebeest maximize their chances of survival and reproductive success.

Conclusion

The timing of the Great Wildebeest Migration is a testament to the remarkable instincts and adaptations of these iconic African herbivores. By responding to environmental cues, including seasonal changes, rainfall patterns, and social dynamics within the herd, wildebeest ensure that they migrate at precisely the right time to sustain themselves and their offspring. This annual spectacle not only showcases the beauty of nature but also underscores the intricate ways in which animals have evolved to thrive in their natural habitats.

[gskiphotography]

The diversity of Tanzania!

@gskiphotography

Photo locations:

- Ngorongoro Conservation Area

- Serengeti National Park

- Lake Natron (alkaline lake)

Check out more captures from my travels and support by purchasing through the iStock portfolio! I greatly appreciate all your views and kind messages. Thank you for following my african journeys!!

[have-you-been-here]

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, Tanzania

[wilkpreriowy]

A female Serengeti wolf (Canis lupaster bea) chases a spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) away from her pups in a nearby den. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania.

Photo © Charlie Summers / naturepl.com

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Top Tourist Attractions in Africa That You Have to See with Your Own Eyes

Africa is a continent of unparalleled beauty and diversity, boasting some of the world's most spectacular natural and cultural wonders. Here are some must-visit destinations that offer unforgettable experiences:

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Home to the iconic Great Migration, Serengeti National Park is one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, teeming with lions, elephants, and other fascinating species against the backdrop of sweeping savannahs.

Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Known as the "Smoke that Thunders," Victoria Falls is one of the largest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls on the planet, offering breathtaking views and thrilling adventures for visitors.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza stand as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of ancient Egypt, captivating travelers with their grandeur and mystique.

Table Mountain, South Africa

Dominating the skyline of Cape Town, Table Mountain offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding coastline, making it a favorite destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Sahara Desert, Multiple Countries

The Sahara Desert is the world's largest hot desert, spanning multiple African countries and offering visitors the chance to experience its vast and mesmerizing landscapes.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta is a pristine oasis in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, attracting travelers with its rich biodiversity and unparalleled opportunities for safari adventures.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, beckons adventure seekers from around the globe with its challenging but rewarding trekking routes and stunning views from the summit.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Renowned for its abundant wildlife and conservation efforts, Kruger National Park is a must-visit destination for safari enthusiasts, offering the chance to spot the Big Five and other iconic African species.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Home to roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers visitors the rare opportunity to encounter these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Famous for its spectacular wildlife sightings, including the annual wildebeest migration, the Masai Mara National Reserve offers visitors the chance to witness the drama of the African savannah up close.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife and offering some of the best game viewing opportunities in Africa.

Marrakech, Morocco

A vibrant city steeped in history and culture, Marrakech enchants visitors with its bustling souks, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in North Africa.

Sossusvlei Dunes, Namibia

Rising from the heart of the Namib Desert, the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei are a photographer's dream, offering stunning vistas and unforgettable experiences for adventurous travelers.

Seychelles Beaches, Seychelles

With their pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, the beaches of the Seychelles are paradise on earth, perfect for relaxation, water sports, and romantic getaways.

Cape Winelands, South Africa

Renowned for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wines, the Cape Winelands region offers visitors the chance to indulge in wine tastings, gourmet cuisine, and scenic drives through rolling hills and valleys.

These are just a few of the many incredible attractions that Africa has to offer. Whether you're seeking wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or simply breathtaking scenery, Africa has something for everyone to enjoy.

[herpsandbirds]

Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura), male displaying to female, family Viduidae, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

photograph by Barbara Fleming

[bobbinacrossafricatake2]

Lunch

June 4, 2024

There are guides. And then, there are guides! Can’t say we’ve had a bad one, but a few really stand out. Anaeli is one of those. He’s been guiding for about 25 years, since he was about 25, and his experience shows. He’s not only great at the substance of the job, but he’s been great at reading us, being responsive and proactive when appropriate. And most of all, his sense of what and when something might just be worth waiting for is impeccable.

Coffee was, of course, delivered to our room via the horizontal dumbwaiter and after getting ready and packing, we headed to the lodge for breakfast. This place has been pretty special. Too bad we didn’t have a day to chill and enjoy. But our marathon was ready to continue. Johnathan was grateful for the tip when Jill handed him an envelope at breakfast, but he asked us to hold it until the full staff was assembled to bid us farewell. A class act. We did so, and left as they all waived goodbye.

Joseph, a Maasai who grew up in the local village but has since moved away, was our guide for a walk to the village and we were escorted by an armed park ranger. It was a bit treacherous walking down the steep drive with dry sand and pebbles, but fascinating as Joseph would stop here and there to describe plants, flowers, and the medicinal qualities of each. The Maasai have home grown remedies for everything from skin ailments (Seb) to cough (Seb) to remedies for a bad tummy (never know for Seb or Jill), and even soft leaves appropriate for “bush TP.” Anaeli picked us up part way to the village to shorten the trip. On arrival at the village, one gent was there to greet us. Joseph and he escorted us in and placed us well to watch the welcome march and dance that the villagers performed for us, as well as a jumping contest of the younger men. They were all dressed in the wonderfully vivid, bright colored, mostly plaid garb. The women additionally have large earrings, necklaces and rigid beaded collars with bells that bounce when they dance. Seb joined in on invitation, making a general fool of herself, but what the heck. The men demonstrated how they start a fire (for a bush bar-b-que) and then we toured a home - stick structure with cow dung walls and roof. Iit doesn’t get more simple than this living, but these folks seem happy. They are, of course, paid for opening up their homes, but it felt less intrusive than we expected.

The drive out was stunning. It’s hard to describe just how vast things seem. From up on the ridge of the Ngorongoro Crater, one looks down across miles and miles of planes with Acacia trees on the hills and dotting the landscape. We passed some Maasai selling honey that Anaeli suggested is not up to good sanitary standards and various groups of Maasai walking here and there. When we got down to ground level (from somewhere on the order of 7000 ft), the plains likewise went on forever. A photo can do no justice to the horizon that one can see, hazy but amazing.

The day was long. On bumpy dirt roads, it took us a while to get out of the conservation area - a fair number of trucks and vehicles kicking up dust, particularly those that speed along. (We’re grateful that Anaeli is a carful driver!). At one point, some workers were attempting to regrade the road, now that rainy season is over, but were doing each side, leaving a peak in the middle and a serious slant on each side of the road. And they seriously added to the dust situation. We saw some animals including baboons, giaraffes, gazelles, as well as herds of sheep and cows belonging to the Masai. One of the notable impressions is seeing, in the vast landscape, a pop of color where a Masai herder or other is wandering.

We made a quick stop near Olduvai Gorge, where the earliest human was discovered. Onward, continuing to bump along, we crossed into the Serengeti and shortly thereafter came to a stop for the obligatory park entrance fees (and another bathroom break - gotta’ take it as opportunities present!). Anaeli was cute, urging us to drink our water, and giving us deadlines to finish. So good to know he’s looking out for us.

A little into the Serengeti, there was a regal male lion just at the side of the road. We almost went by it, but eagle-eyed Anaeli spotted it and backed up a bit. He saw a couple other vehicles stopped ahead and speculated that it might be a few girls. No! Better! It was two cheetahs. They were quite well camouflaged in the grass. We pulled up along with the three or four land cruisers stopped already. It was fun to watch them alternate sitting up and scanning around and lying back down to rest. We were close enough that we could see them doing some heavy breathing in the sun and heat. Anaeli thought they might move across the street to some shade. He said that cheetah sightings are fairly rare in the Serengeti (there are relatively few, as they are less competitive for food than other animals), and hinted that we might like to eat our packed lunch while we wait to see if they make a move. All the while snapping the periodic photo (cute little buggers that they are), we all of a sudden realized there was a third. At that point, Anaeli realized they were likely brothers or colleagues hanging out together. He suggested and we agreed to wait to see what happens. All of the other vehicles got bored and left. Another one approached and stopped. At that point, Anaeli spotted a young, limping wildebeest in the distance and he foreshadowed what was to come. The poor soul was zig-zagging right toward us. No way we could get that lucky. No way the three cheetahs could get that lucky. One seemed to spot the wildebeest. Then he crouched down. The other two were oblivious. He got up and down a few times and seemed to get more attentive. Then #3 saw him. #2 was still oblivious, looking our way. Poor unaware wildebeest kept coming. Soon he was approaching and it was quite clear what was going down. In a flash, all three cheetahs got up and went into prone positions and as if on queue, they charged. WOW. We sat riveted, as the wildebeest tried to evade, but it was never going to happen with three cheetahs. They chased, weaved, lept on him and finally brought him down. They disappeared for a bit. Then two popped up to scan the horizon (where IS that lion that was oh-so-close, and which way is the wind blowing - seemingly in their favor…). Finally all three popped up together - the beast was clearly a former beast waiting for the three to LUNCH!

What an amazing experience to see the kill from start to finish. We finally pulled away and continued our journey, understanding what the Serengeti is all about - nature, survival of the fittest, and the circle of life.

The rest of the afternoon was driving. A lot of bumps. And more bumps. And more bumps. The landscape over time gave way to rock outcroppings (some for “Simba” and some for Masai) then more and more trees. Along the way, we observed the great migration. A whole new kind of “wow.” At times hundreds, thousands of wildebeasts with (only sometimes) zebras in the mix. They move in lines or groups,heading to where new, fresh grasses will be. At times they stop en-masse to chomp on some grass, some guys romping or fighting, and all the while, loads of grunts from the huge herds. It is truly a sight to behold, particularly on several occasions when we stopped and were totally surrounded with animals as far as they eye could see! It turns out that, contrary to popular belief - the great migration is not simply a 2x/year seasonal event. They come and go from Kenya 2x/year (maybe it’s a marketing thing for Kenyan tourism?) but they migrate throughout much of the year all around Tanzania, to find the grass they need to survive. They decimate a region, poop excessively, and then by the time they ever get back to that area, the poop had fertilized the soil and the new grass is wonderful again.

The rest of the drive was interesting by way of evolving scenery, with interesting new animal sightings here and there (a cobra on the road, for example, who slithered off before we could snap a photo), and some classic big game, still a rush to see.

After going through the central Serengeti, we headed west toward our destination. It was amazing that Anaeli knew where to go with all we were doing was following reasonably well-worn and less worn tracks in the grass. We asked if he ever gets lost and he admitted that he has and on occasion still does (but always finds his way out!). We remain convinced that later in the afternoon was one of those occasions. He looked around intently for a while, had a radio conversation that we couldn’t understand, but did not admit to not knowing where we were going. Was it just our imagination that we doubled back? And then backtracked again? It was at this point that Jill passed an iPhone note to Seb asking her to check the gas gauge (thankfully still at 30%). At any rate, with only one near stuck-in-the mud situation (he stopped, got out, assessed and made the right call to get us out), we made it to camp by about 5:00 PM.

[petnews2day]

Photographer Captures Big Cats Sleeping on Big CATS

New Post has been published on https://petn.ws/TmtOB

Photographer Captures Big Cats Sleeping on Big CATS

A photographer in Tanzania captured a set of amusing photos showing a pride of lions snoozing on Caterpillar construction vehicles. The cat on CAT images were captured by wildlife photographer Bobby-Jo Vial who was in the Ngorongoro Crater, part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, leading a photo tour. “The CAT vehicles were on the edges […]

See full article at https://petn.ws/TmtOB #CatsNews #Humor, #Africa, #Bigcats, #Cats, #Funny, #Funnyphoto, #Humorous, #Lioness, #Lions, #Tanzania, #Wildlife, #Wildlifephotography