Geoblog #4

Today marks the conclusion of my first week in the Udzungwa Mountains National Park in Tanzania.   Although I’ve had fun exploring Dar es Salaam and Morogoro, this section of the trip has been my favorite by far.  We have been learning about the human-wildlife conflicts in the area, and now I can finally see how real the situation is.  We have spent several days in Mang’ula, the local village, meeting the people and beginning to understand their way of life.  It’s so easy to get attach  ed to the little kids here.  They’re so affectionate!  From the moment I enter the village I have a swarm of about ten adorable little kids holding my hand, asking to be picked up, giving high fives, or just walking along next to me.  Even the adults come up to us, shake our hands, and offer a blessing or a greeting.   Tanzanians are so friendly!  While in the village, we not only talk to these amazing people.  We also take note of their living conditions.  In some cases, people’s homes are built right on top of the park boundary.  We see women (because men are forbidden since they can carry even more wood) carrying over 100 pounds of firewood out of the park on their heads to light the stove that feeds their family. These are serious issues of encroachment on park resources that are leading to deforestation problems for Udzungwa.  There are so many people and too few resources for both the people and the wildlife.  Even the firewood collection has been minimized to only women on Thursdays but will be completely illegal in 1 year from today.  The situation in this particular region is so challenging, but I’m learning so much by simply observing it.

As for the fun stuff…last night I camped on top of the Sanje Waterfall, the highest waterfall in the Tanzanian National Park system (TANAPA).  After carrying a tent, water, food, and extra clothes up an unbelievably steep trail to the top of the 750 meter waterfall, a swim in its pool felt incredible!  Actually, the water falls in three segments, so we swam in two separate pools.  I had to keep telling myself, “Yes Rachel!  You really are swimming under a waterfall in Tanzania.  This is really happening.”  After our swim, we set up camp under the stars at the top of the falls overlooking the entire Kilombero Valley.  I was standing on top of the fall and feeling like the rock beneath my feet dropped off the face of the earth to the breathtaking view below.  The only thing even more amazing than that was standing there this morning and watching the sun rise over the valley.  I was actually on top of some of the clouds squinting to see the sugar cane plantations far below.  Now more than ever I wish I could upload a photo to show you!  The internet here is steady but slow…too slow for uploading pictures.  I promise to share the photos when I return.

Here’s looking forward to the next three weeks in Udzungwa.  More adventures to come…

Location: Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania