Once upon a time, not so long ago...in fact a mere 40 years ago Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro National Park were closer than the closest bosom of friends. Closer than the mouth and nostrils, so I'm told. the stretch that now cuts across Siha and Hai Districts (that is from King'ori through KIA to Boma Ng'ombe) was inhabited by wild life.
"We could see giraffes, zebras, gazelles and even elephants when we commuted with my father in lorries from Arusha to Moshi. There were trees and the land was ever green and cool. Rains were constant at least twice a year. That was less than 50 years ago"
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| Part of the Arusha National Park (picture retrieved from ngomisafaris.com) |
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And now my generation and the ones after me may never get to experience that stretch in all that glory again. Human activities that began in the 60's have left the land barren and bare. Our predecessors made their homes in this stretch and in that span of time cut down the trees to make charcoal and get firewood. They let the animals roam free to feed and they fed on the grass to dust.
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| Part of the KIA stretch, Orkolili, as it can be seen now. |
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Since 95% of this land is naked, there are no trees to capture the clouds hence rains are scarce. When the rains finally bless the land, it turns into a beautiful place but since cattle still roam the lands, it turns to a dusty ocean soon after.
Tragic isn't it. But sometimes there is a beauty in the dust and barren land just look closer!
ReplyDeleteAs beautiful as the desert can look, unfortunately it's the pressures of its toils and snares that threaten the resident.
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