Why the Serengeti must be preserved

Lions, cheetahs and wildebeest. These are just three of the reasons that the Serengeti should be protected at all costs.
 
If, like me, you have a huge fondness for seeing such majestic creatures in their natural habitat, you will probably be concerned about the lack of clarity over a new road that could be built right through the middle of the national park. I was relieved when the Tanzanian government recently scrapped plans to construct a tarmac monstrosity across this beautiful area, but it seems the proposals are not totally out of the window just yet.
 
You may ask, what is all the fuss about?
 
Well, if you are unfamiliar with the east African country, you may not be aware of the great wildebeest migration, which sees thousands and thousands of the species move from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara in Kenya and back again. The sheer scale of the convoy has to be seen to be believed. Constructing a new road could put this phenomenon in grave danger and I for one think that is a travesty.
 
It really does single out Tanzania as one of the most special destinations anywhere in the world, although this is not the only thing. The land that is roamed by all these wonderful animals is overlooked by the tallest peak in Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro. No trip to this part of the continent is complete without at least attempting to scale the landmark. Doing so can prove to be a defining moment in many people's lives, although it is far from easy.
 
Whether you trek along the relatively direct and straightforward Marangu Route or opt to take the more hardcore Machame Route, it is a gruelling climb, but one that offers fantastic rewards - a birds-eye view of eastern Africa. I just hope that people who make it to the summit in the next few years are not greeted with the sight of a procession of lorries and trucks meandering down a new intrusive highway.