1. East Africa Natural Environments

2. Major Land feature? Great Rift Valley - Breaking of Earth crust in East Africa

3. Mount Kilimanjaro - Tallest mountain in Africa. It is a Volcano that is snow capped, near the Equator.

4. Mt. Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro, the most famous mountain along the Great Rift Valley, is an extinct Volcano. It has not erupted in modern history, although it periodically emits steam and sulfur. Three cones top Kilimanjaro: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo’s peak is the highest point in Africa. Kilimanjaro features prominently in African mythology. For example, East African legend held that Ngai, the creator of the world, lived on the mountain. The name comes from the Swahili phrase Kilima Njaro, which means “shining mountain.” Europeans first reached the Great Rift Valley in 1848. Until then, some Europeans did not believe that there could be snow so close to the equator, even on a mountain as tall as Kilimanjaro. Today, it is a favorite destination for climbers and hikers. Why do you think they focused their myths on the mountains? Why might people want to climb Mt Kilimanjaro?

5. Rift Valley Lakes – Watery Cracks in the Crust Lake Victoria - Largest lake in Africa. Named after British Queen Victoria – Why? Influence of British, European Imperialism LAKE VICTORIA

6. The Safari Many tourists to East Africa refer to their travels as a “safari.” Historically, however, the term refers to large parties of hunters who went to the region in search of big game. They were accompanied by dozens of gun bearers and trackers and were led by professional hunters. Many species were driven nearly to extinction by these excursions. National parks and preserves have since been established to protect East Africa’s wildlife. Among the most famous is the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, home to millions of wildebeest and gazelles, as wells as lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, and huge herds of zebras. Most safaris today consist of tourists armed only with cameras. Tourism has great potential for economic growth in the region. Fascinating animals, cool highlands, snowcapped mountains, clean beaches, and cultural events all draw tourists from developed countries. Resorts, restaurants, safari lodges, and taxi companies provide many jobs. Tourists also buy traditional arts and crafts as souvenirs. Would you like to go on an Africa Safari? Why or why not? What might be some problems that might hurt the tourist industry in East Africa?

7. Major Climate Type - Tropical Savanna Animals - Elephant, giraffes, Lions, gazelles, etc Serengeti National Park - Tanzania/Kenya over 70 mammal species

8. Modern Day Safaris Camera as the “weapon” of choice

9. Safari in the early 1900s

10. Great Migration of the Serengeti Plain Mara River Crossing

11. Gorillas in the Mist The story of conservationist Dian Fossey

12. Mountain Gorilla Living Areas Tropical Highlands Countries: Rwanda Congo Burundi

13. Do you think there might be a genetic link between gorillas and human beings?