NEWZZZ::::HIVI NI KWAMBA SISI WATANZANIA NI WAPOLE SANA NA WAKIMYA?HEBU INGIA HAPA CHINI YA HABARI KUNA LINK CLICK UONE WAKENYA WAVYOTUSEMA WATANZANIA.

Arson halts wildebeest migration

Part of a herd of some 1.5 million wildebeests crosses the Mara River in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve during an annual migration in August, 2006. Tanzanians living around the Serengeti Game Reserve allegedly set the area on fire to block the wildebeest migration. Photo/FILE 

By NATION CORRESPONDENT
Posted  Sunday, July 22  2012 at  23:30

A diplomatic row is simmering after Tanzanians living around the Serengeti Game Reserve allegedly set the area on fire to block the wildebeest migration.

The infernos that have lasted for two weeks have delayed hundreds of wildebeest from Serengeti plains gathered on the Mara River ready to cross into Kenya.

Hundred of acres of the reserve in Northern Tanzania along the migratory routes are still on fire and have pushed back wildlife.

The spectacular Mara River wildebeest crossing is expected to kick off the annual tourism peak season in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

Hold talks

Narok County Council, the custodians of the reserve, have appealed to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism to hold talks with respective ministries in Tanzania to solve the standoff.

The reserve’s chief warden, Mr Michael Ole Koikai, said tourists who started arriving last week have pitched camp along the banks of the river to watch the migration which has been delayed by the fires.

Mr Koikai said the animals attempted to cross twice but could not access the river.

 http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Arson+halts+wildebeest+migration+/-/1056/1460962/-/pd789c/-/index.html