I am privileged to run 3-4 photo safaris / workshops to the Serengeti each year. I get no greater pleasure in life than introducing people to the ‘wonder’ that is the Serengeti. No matter how you pre-visualize it… it’s better in real life. I can not imagine losing this opportunity for future generations.

I do understand the dire need for infrastructure development for the people to the west of the Serengeti. It is obvious to even the casual observer that the economic potential of connecting the shores of Lake Victoria to the rest of Tanzania is significant and needs to be done as soon as possible. However, nearly half of the proposed northern road will run through protected areas (Loliondo and the Serengeti) that are crucial to the ecosystem, and along which no development will be allowed. The southern route not only would connect a much larger population, but it will spur development all along the entire length of the road.

The Serengeti is one of the few positive examples on our planet of how wildlife management and protection can work. There are roughly a million more large mammals today in the Serengeti than there was in 1960. In August 2005, National Geographic stated that the wildlife is as varied and as plentiful as it was 20,000 years ago. To risk this amazing accomplishment for a slightly shorter road to fewer people is beyond comprehension. The migration of roughly 2million mammals is in Tanzania 9 months of the year. They cross the proposed road in August/September on their way to water in Kenya, and cross again in October/November on their way south to the special grasses needed for nursing their young (all born within a 6 week period in January / February).

If you have not experienced the migration in person, do so while you can. I assure you that once experienced, you will do all you can to stop this development. Please help. Join / Like Facebook Stop The Serengeti Highway page to get started http://tinyurl.com/StopHwyFB