The people now
known as AbaKurya are of diverse origins and clans. Before the 20th century,
they did not refer to themselves as the AbaKurya but by their various clans.
The Kurya people live astride the Kenya - Tanzania border in South Nyanza. They
are divided into tribes. They have named almost all the areas of the northern
Serengeti. “Kogatende” comes from
the AbaKurya language. There is an airstrip named after this name. The landscapes
here, are dominated by open woodlands, (predominantly Commiphora) and hills;
ranging from Seronera in the south to the Mara River on the Kenyan border. Apart
from the seasonal migratory wildebeest and zebra (which reside from July to November
– following there own pattern crossing the Mara river a numerous times), it
consists of the bushy savannah & kopjes. These outcroppings (kopjes) are
the result of volcanic activity. They provide habitats for a huge number of
Serengeti “dwellers”.
From the
variety of kopjes (big and small), bushy savannahs, cheetah plains & picturesque
hills make this a must visit.
Below are some
photos from my last weeks trip to the northern Serengeti visiting Kimondo, Ubuntu & Olakira (Asilia’s
mobile camps) & Sayari (Asilia’s
prominent permanent camp). The photographs don’t necessarily do justice, but
give a good idea of the beauty and wildlife of Kogatende.
Akil Halai –
Aug 2016
