The “Perks” of Kogatende

The people now known as AbaKurya are of diverse origins and clans. Before the 20^th 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