Eighty-five members from 15 African countries, serving on the African Union Peace and Security Council, were in Arusha for a training program aimed at familiarizing new members with the council’s work.
During their visit, they had the opportunity to explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and were left in awe of its natural beauty and diverse tourism attractions.
Ambassador Rebecca Mugotengo, Uganda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, commended the Tanzanian government for its outstanding efforts in conserving wildlife and protecting heritage resources.
This dedication inspired the council members to visit Ngorongoro’s tourist sites before returning to their respective countries.
“After our meeting in Arusha, we chose to visit Ngorongoro. We encountered warm and welcoming people. Ngorongoro is a well-preserved natural haven, with abundant wildlife, vibrant birdlife, and an impressive number of animals. This rich biodiversity is a major attraction for visitors from around the world,” Ambassador Rebecca said.
Migel Mtutumu, a delegate from Nigeria, emphasized that UNESCO made the right decision in recognizing Ngorongoro as a World Heritage Site, given its array of captivating natural features.
“During our three-hour visit, we observed a wide range of animals, including the Big Five: rhinos, leopards, lions, buffalo, and elephants,” he shared.
Ambassador Tibelelo Alfred, Botswana’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, also praised the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as one of Africa’s premier tourist destinations.
He pointed out that Africans do not need to travel to Europe to experience such magnificent natural wonders when they have exceptional sites like Ngorongoro right on their doorstep, attracting visitors from around the globe.
The leader of the delegation, Ambassador Innocent Eugine Shio, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, explained that after completing their two-day training program in Arusha, the council members arranged the visit to Ngorongoro to experience the area’s beauty firsthand.
For many, it was their first opportunity to see the Big Five in their natural habitat, and they expressed a strong desire to return with their families in the future.