NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA . . . News!

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Dry season in Tanzanias' Ngorongoro Conservation Area occurs from June to October. Many visitors enjoy cool nights and clear skies. October should see the coming of the short rains and fresh growth. As the clouds build, many of the 400 bird species in the NCA, begin to prepare for breeding. The annual wildebeest migration will turn back south to the short grass plains. Another spectacular event bought on by the rains is the arrival of thousands of European White Storks (20,000 this year!), and other palearctic migrants from the north. They feast on the food rich plains, side by side with herds of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles.

The Ngorongoro Highlands have welcomed visitors from all over the world this season and hikers have been challenged and inspired by walking in 'Maasai Land'. An unusual light rain fall last month in early August and treated walkers to flowers normally only seen in December, January. Huge flocks of Quelea are sweeping across the plains, feeding on the fallen seeds of dry Cordifolia Gutenbergia plants.
Birds of prey that have gathered near the dry season water holes, Marabous, Tawny Eagles, Secretary Birds and Fish Eagles, are using ingenous methods to catch the Quelea as they come in their thousands to drink.

Ezerina, a young Crater Rhino cow, has given birth to her 1st calf!!
Great excitment as she reappeared from the forest where she was hiding with young 'Maisha' by her side. 'Maisha' means 'Life' in Swahili. They are spending time in areas where visitors can view them as they go about their usual 'Rhino Family' life.

VIP VISITORS...
Royal Family of Norway, Prince of Wales, Princess Royal, Prince of Japan, PM Tanzania Frederick Sumaye, Bill, Hilary & Chelsea Clinton, Bill Gates, Claudia Schiffer, and more, many more, couldn't all be wrong ....... just join them, and come to Ngorongoro!! Karibu!

September - October 2001