Tanzania's Highway Plan: Will This End the Great Migration? | HuffPost Life

The migration of two million herbivores crossing the Serengeti-Mara border is a natural wonder. But it could be jeopardized if the Tanzanian government builds a proposed highway through it.

By

Travel Writer. Editor, <a href="http://www.thecultureist.com/" target="_hplink">Culture-ist Magazine</a>

Travel Writer. Editor, <a href="http://www.thecultureist.com/" target="_hplink">Culture-ist Magazine</a>

|

This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.

The extraordinary migration of approximately two million herbivores crossing the Serengeti-Mara border is truly one of the world's natural wonders. But this incredible phenomenon could be jeopardized if the Tanzanian government carries out its plans to build a national highway running east-west through the Serengeti park, cutting off the habitual path of the Great Migration. President Jakaya Kikwete claims that the highway will bring great benefits to the people of Tanzania, but conservationists warn that if the massive road is built, it could be the end of something that's the last of its kind in the world.

Will This be the End of Africa's Great Migration?

Tanzania Serengeti Highway(01 of07)

In this undated image made available by the Wildlife Conservation Society on Wednesday Aug. 25, 210, wildlife roam the Serengeti in Tanzania. Tanzania's Serengeti is a vast plain dotted with acacia trees and watering holes, where huge herds of wildebeest and zebra rumble across one of the world's biggest nature reserves during annual migrations. Tanzania's government, though, is planning to build a highway through the park, and conservationists are warning the road could destroy ancient migratory patterns and scar one of Africa's natural wonders. (credit:AP)

Masai Mara Tribe Women (02 of07)

Many of the Maasai have waited anxiously for the construction of the highway. For most it means better access to medical treatment, cheaper goods and the possibility of electricity making its way into local villages. (credit:Flickr:The Dilly Lama)

Serengeti at Dawn(03 of07)

Life begins to stir at dawn, the natural ebb and flow of nature continues. As wildebeest travel across the great grasslands an estimated 800,00 pounds of dung is believed to be dispersed, nourishing the soil and stimulating new growth. If the highway is built, scientists predict that this natural balance will be severely disrupted. (credit:Flickr:Noel Feans)

Lion Pride at Waterhole, Serengeti (04 of07)

Lions instinctively rely on the annual patterns of the migration for food. They too will need to adapt if the massive road tears through their habitual hunting grounds. (credit:Flickr:amanderson2)

Birds Eye View of the Serengeti(05 of07)

The Serengeti's entire ecosystem could be in jeopardy. Invasive seeds, stuck to the tires of vehicles traveling on the road, could potentially reek havoc on endemic plant life. (credit:Flickr:K.Hurley)

Elephants on theSerengeti (06 of07)

Even the mightiest of creatures will suffer. The elephant's ritual quest for food and water will become a confusing junction of packed dirt road, choked with impetuous buses, trucks and cars. (credit:Flickr:Abeeeer)

The Great Migration(07 of07)

Wildlife crossings will undoubtedly cause treacherous car accidents resulting in human and animal deaths. (credit:Flickr:Erik Cleves Kristensen)

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.

Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.

Support HuffPost

Related

maasai Serengeti slidepollajax tanzania travel

Suggest a correction

|

From Our Partner

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

REI's Hiking Apparel Was Already Kind Of A Steal — And It's On Ultra-Sale Right Now

The 1 Shoe That Has Helped Eliminate My Dad’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain

This Classic '90s Shoe Brand Is Having A Major Moment

Why Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth Is Way More Important Than You Think (Plus The Best Products To Use)

AllBirds Running Sneakers Reviewers Say They ‘Live In’ Are 40% Off Today

MORE IN LIFE

Style & Beauty

OK, But Is Sunbathing Really THAT Bad? Here’s The Realistic Answer

Wellness

The 1 Word Therapists Say You Need To Stop Using With Yourself

Relationships

‘Boysober’ And Celibate By Choice: Why These Women Are Swearing Off Sex

Food & Drink

7 Grocery Shopping Mistakes That Cause You To Overspend

Wellness

Do You Have ‘FOPO’? Here’s How To Spot The Damaging Habit.

Work/Life

6 Work Habits That Are Secretly High-Functioning Anxiety In Disguise

Relationships

These Are The Top 5 Fantasies Women Want To See More Of In Porn

Parenting

The Funniest Tweets From Parents This Week

Shopping

This Back-Saving Electric Spin Scrubber Is Under $40 With A Coupon For A Limited Time

Parenting

German Parliament To Relax Strict Restrictions On Family Names

Life

The Funniest Tweets From Women This Week

Shopping

This Internet-Famous Cleaner Is Somehow Less Than $100 — And The Sale Could End Any Second

Shopping

5 Inflatable Hot Tubs That Amazon Shoppers Love

Shopping

This Inconspicuous And Truly Effective Bug Hack Is Only $20 On Amazon

Shopping

13 Products That Make Cleaning Hard-To-Reach Places Actually Easy

Shopping

These Cult-Favorite K-Beauty Products Are Hiding In Plain Sight On Amazon

Shopping

37 Effective Products You'll Want To Immediately 'Add To Cart'

Shopping

The 1 Thing You Need To Prevent Your Bed Pillows From Turning Yellow

Parenting

8 Things You Should Never, Ever Say To A Teenager

Relationships

5 Signs Your ‘New Relationship Energy’ Is Actually Unhealthy

Shopping

These Nike Sneakers Feel Like 'Walking On A Cloud' & They're 50% Off

Shopping

The Travel-Friendly AeroPress XL Makes The ‘Best Coffee Ever.’ Get It For 30% Off.

Shopping

Some Reviewers Chose These Earbuds Over AirPods — And They’re On Sale For $19

Shopping

These Beloved North Face Rain Jackets Are Up to 50% Off At REI

Shopping

Reviewers Love This Tiny Speaker’s ‘Small But Mighty’ Sound Quality — And It’s Under $50

Life

Love Petting Your Cat? There's A 'Red Zone' You Need To Avoid.

Shopping

A Podiatrist Reveals The Best Walking Sandals You Can Buy

Shopping

These 10 Mascaras Will Be Game-changing If Your Eyelashes Have Zero Curl

Shopping

Highly-Rated Outdoor Enclosures For Your Pet That You Can Get On Amazon

Shopping

The Best Anti-Theft Bags To Carry While Traveling

Shopping

35 Essential Items That Everyone Should Have In Their Home

Shopping

Reviewers Say These ‘Life-Changing’ Sandals Really Help With Foot Pain

Parenting

The 1 Phrase You Should Never, Ever Say To A Toddler

Shopping

This Top-Rated Humidifier has Over 45,000 5-Star Ratings. Grab One Now At 25% Off.

Shopping

Reviewers Love This Tiny Speaker’s ‘Small But Mighty’ Sound Quality — And It’s Under $50

Shopping

Reviewers Say This 2-Basket Air Fryer Is '100% Necessary' — And It's On Sale Now

Shopping

These Are The Eight Books That I Caught HuffPost Editors Reading

Shopping

12 Non-Breakable Dishes For Outdoor Dining That Aren't Ugly

Shopping

If You Deal With Plantar Fasciitis, Podiatrists Say These 7 Products Can Help

Shopping

31 Comfortable Bottoms Guaranteed To Make You Forget All About Jeans