NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA . . . News!

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November / December brings us to the end of another year but for the animals and birds of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, it brings the end of another dry season and the beginning of the long awaited wet-season. Elephants climb the steep walls of the Crater to enjoy the diversity of the forest habitat of the highlands. A half-hour trip of sometimes breath-stopping enjoyment for safari guests is for the elephants of the Crater, an easy few hours stroll. It is not unusual to meet the odd one, quietly browsing on the vegetation on his way out or coming back down. This time of year is one of anticipation on the Serengeti Plains. The fireball lily appears at the onset of the rains and its scarlet flower is easily seen on the edge of the eastern woodlands now. Surprisingly enough, acacia canopies turn bright green just before it rains and are in contrast to the dusty surrounds. The building clouds hold such great promise that already some of the migrating birds suddenly arrive. They often move on after a short pause to reappear two or three days after the initial heavy showers have flushed hibernating insects from their dusty hiding places and the first green shoots are unfolding their invitation to the migrating herds.

December brings many changes to the short grass plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Already enriched from the huge numbers of animals from the last wet season, the earth is revived and swollen by the longed for showers and produces the first signs of life.
Long forgotten landmarks, hidden by the dust laden air of the dry season, magically announce themselves on near horizons that were far only hours ago. Surely one of the most exciting times to be here.
Jackals begin their search for good dens, warthogs, honey badgers and hyenas dig in the wet earth and will breed in the coming weeks.
Birds remember their breeding songs and the tireless migrating herds begin to return to their breeding grounds of the NCA.
It will be easier to come to us, even if a little less adventurous, when the Makuyuni / Ngorongoro road is completed. Our Vice President, Dr Mohamed Shein, officially opened the work, also long awaited by residents and visitors alike, on the 23rd November.
As it leads right up to our entrance gates, it will make you feel even more welcome to Ngorongoro.

While appraising the growing masses of dark clouds and preparing their return to wet season pastures the Maasai of the NCA have, as part of the Community Development on Education, opened the much needed Embarway Secondary School.
Also the official inauguration of the Pastoralist's Council was on the 14th November and was attended by the Hon. Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mrs Zackia Meghji. These official occasions were well attended by officials from Dar es Salaam, the NCAA, resident and visiting Maasai and the occasional elephant!

November - December 2001