Scientists suggest that Africa is part of Gondwana. In the Cenozoic period, Africa fell into the zone of stretching of the earth's crust, resulting in the formation of mid-ocean ridges and the Great East African faults. It is believed that the fault process continues to this day and ultimately leads to the fact that the eastern part of the continent will break away and a new island will appear.
Every year, a crack in the earth's crust increases by 4 millimeters. Accordingly, the capacity of water bodies increases, and as a result, everything will be flooded with ocean waters. Although there were other cases, in 2005, in the area of Northern Tanzania, the land split 10 meters in 10 days.
Today, almost all active volcanoes of the continent are concentrated on this territory, except Cameroon, many extinct volcanoes and even thermal water outlets. In general, there are about 30 active and weakly active volcanoes.
Therefore, this place attracts tourists, there are many nature reserves and the most beautiful places on the planet with numerous flora and fauna.
Fault Countries
The Great African Rift crosses several countries:
- Malawia (a small state that still leads territorial disputes with Tanzania).
- Zaire (former Republic of Congo).
- Mozambique (the ancestral land of the Bushmen and Hottentots).
- Tanzania (a country with two capitals).
- Rwanda (Land of a Thousand Hills).
- Burundi (a small and underdeveloped state of the continent).
- Kenya (the most dynamically developing republic of Africa).
- Uganda (Buganda with Swahili).
- Ethiopia (the state with the most significant ethnic diversity).
Some archaeologists claim that this place is the cradle of mankind, as evidenced by multiple archaeological artifacts found.
Serengeti National Park
This is the oldest reserve of the Great African Fault, and it is located in northwestern Tanzania. The total occupied area is 14,750 square kilometers. By the way, the name of the Masai Park translates the local population as "unlimited." And on the southeastern border is the protected area of the Ngorongoro Crater. There are two magnificent lakes - Victoria and Eyasi.
This unique zone of the Great East African Faults can be reached from Arusha (320 km). Regular charter flights fly here and a bus runs, but it will take 6 hours to go, but on a good track.
The most unique occurrence in the national park is the massive migration of wildebeests, Thomson's zebras and gazelles. This is a magnificent sight when more than 3 million individuals travel crowded to other territories in search of fresh vegetation, overcoming more than 3 thousand kilometers.
The park has the largest population of lions on the entire planet, more than 3 thousand individuals. Near the border of the park is located the closed lake Natron, from which salts are not washed out, and geysers boil at the bottom.
Ngorongoro Crater
The occupied area of this unique part of the Great African Fault is 3300 square kilometers. This is a multifunctional land where wildlife reigns and the Masai nomads. The protected area is located 190 kilometers from Arusha.
The main attraction is the Ngorongoro Crater itself. Millions of years ago, this volcano was larger than Kilimanjaro, and one day it exploded and filled a funnel with lava, the diameter of which is from 16 to 20 kilometers. And the depth in some places reaches 760 meters. And the most interesting is Lake Magadi inside.
In addition, there are several more volcanoes, one of the most unique - Ol-Doinho-Lengai, it is active and spews the most liquid and cold lava.
There are cliffs in the northern part of the zone, but they can be visited only for an additional fee and accompanied by local rangers. These rocks are populated by leopards and cheetahs.
Gombe National Park
This is the smallest protected area in Tanzania on the Great African Rift, occupying only 52 square kilometers. There are few travelers here, since the park is located far from traditional routes, although there are regular flights from Arusha and Dar es Salaam here.
The main attraction is the huge natural population of chimpanzees. It is also here that the Ujiji settlement is located, where the two greatest explorers Stanley and Livingstone met.
Park "Manyara Lake"
This place is located where the borders of the Tarangire Park and the security zone of the Ngorongoro Crater pass. The Great African Fault Lake covers an area of 330 square meters. km And most of the territory, more precisely 230 square meters. km, located under the alkaline lake Manyara. This pond sang even Hemingway. But the traveler will be pleased not only with the vast expanse of the reservoir and picturesque nature, but with lions climbing trees. These animals look out for their prey from above. In addition, there are the most dark-colored giraffes that appear black from afar. And the most interesting is pink flamingos on the surface of the lake. In the south of the park there are hot springs Maji Mato (temperature about 60 degrees).
Katavi National Park
In terms of size, this is the third protected area of Tanzania. Total occupied area - 4500 sq. M. km, although it is rather difficult to meet travelers here. People come here for unique photographs of crocodiles and hippos, because it is in this park that their largest population is.
The park has the famous tamarind tree. Some people believe that a spirit lives on in it today, after which the park is named, so you can come to a tree and chat with him.
National Park "Kitulo"
In this place, where the Great African Faults are located, the most unique flora. Aborigines themselves distinguish the territory of the park, because it is here that the most unique flowers on the whole continent grow. The park is home to beautiful birds, butterflies of unique species.
Tourists are offered a 6-hour walking tour through the mountains of Livingston to the town of Matema. It is recommended to stay for a few days. On the territory of the village there is Lake Nyasa, where you can go fishing, sunbathing, and enjoy waterfalls.
Park "Mahal Mountains"
These are vast territories - a whole peninsula on Lake Tanganyika. You can get here by motor boat from Kigoma. Air traffic from Dar es Salaam and Arusha is also established.
There are many chimpanzees in the park, you can find elephants and buffaloes, and in the south - giraffes and lions and tropical butterflies. In the very central part there is a mountain range with the highest point (2462 meters) and the cleanest waters of Lake Tanganyika.
The African Fault is vast steppes and clean reservoirs with a unique and almost untouched ecosystem.