The tracks along both sides of the Mto wa Mkindu river should be used in the dry season only. The wild date palms which are so common in this area give their name to the stream which flows from the escarpment to the lake. For some years the wild date palm remains in the form of a low-growing mass of fronds but eventually it grows into an elegant palm. Interestingly palms, unlike trees, have only one growing point, which means that the palm will die if the growing point is damaged.

Also here are the yellow-barked fever trees which always grow in damp places and were thought by early explorers to cause malaria. The trunks of this species of acacias are often gnarled and knotted a few feet above the ground where elephants have tried to remove the bark.

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Fever trees exude a gum which is eaten by vervet monkeys. The vervet is a small monkey with a black face, white cheek tufts and grey fur. It is commonly found in wooded areas of the Park. Male vervets are easily identified by their azure blue scrotums. Vervets feed on insects, fruit, leaves and seeds and may also eat young birds and eggs. Their social structure is similar to baboons, although vervet groups are territorial and defend their ranges against nearby groups. Vervets form a favorite prey of leopards, which are found in the Park.

Special Thanks to Thomson Safaris and Tanzania National Parks for contributing Tanzanian information.

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