Saturday, October 21, 2006
Going On Hiatus
I’m moving to California at the end of the month, so I will be unable to update this blog for a few weeks. But never fear! I’ll be back and posting before the year is out!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
World Tourism Day Celebrated in Tanzania
Thursday, Oct. 26, is World Tourism Day, and to celebrate Tanzania is opening a new tourist region of Kagera on the shores of Lake Victoria.The Kagera region lies close to the equator (1 degree south) and has been rising as a tourist destination in Tanzania. The region includes diverse cultural and historical attractions and rich wildlife resources.
Kagera also shares territorial borders with Rwanda and Uganda, with a large part of its area sharing Lake Victoria water resources, which, in turn, shares borders with Kenya and Uganda. Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake in the world and the second largest freshwater lake on Earth.
The opening is part of a week-long tourism promotion, the inauguration of Kagera Annual Cultural Festival and the World Tourism Day. Activities will focus on poverty reduction strategies, contribution to reconciliation of people’s culture, economic benefits of tourism and environmental protection.
For more information, visit www.kagera.org/worldtourismday.htm.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Maasai Squatters Given Ultimatum
The Tanzania government have given Maasai communities living inside Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) until the end of this year to vacate the premises, reports Apolinari Tairo of eTN.
Often called the "Last Garden of Eden," the NCA is located in Tanzania's tourist circuit and is a World Heritage Site. The nomads moved there, looking for greener pastures for their cattle.
Increasing human activities in the area have worried wildlife conservationists. Approximately 60,000 people, primarily Maasai, are currently living in NCA, disrupting both tourism and conservation efforts.
For more information about the NCA, the Maasai and this long-time cultural issue, visit these resources:
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
www.ngorongoro-crater-africa.org
Maasai Wildlife Conservation and Human Need
www.ogiek.org/faq/article-ndasoki-mas.htm
Legitimizing Dispossession: The Tanzanian High Court's Decision on the Eviction of Maasai Pastoralists from Mkomazi Game Reserve
www.cs.org/publications/csq/csq-article.cfm?id=503
Often called the "Last Garden of Eden," the NCA is located in Tanzania's tourist circuit and is a World Heritage Site. The nomads moved there, looking for greener pastures for their cattle.
Increasing human activities in the area have worried wildlife conservationists. Approximately 60,000 people, primarily Maasai, are currently living in NCA, disrupting both tourism and conservation efforts.
For more information about the NCA, the Maasai and this long-time cultural issue, visit these resources:
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
www.ngorongoro-crater-africa.org
Maasai Wildlife Conservation and Human Need
www.ogiek.org/faq/article-ndasoki-mas.htm
Legitimizing Dispossession: The Tanzanian High Court's Decision on the Eviction of Maasai Pastoralists from Mkomazi Game Reserve
www.cs.org/publications/csq/csq-article.cfm?id=503
Friday, September 15, 2006
Global Warming Could Alter the Mane Attraction
Much like human females, lionesses fancy thick, full manes on their men. But unlike human males, climate is a large factor in how full and thick a lion’s mane will get, research published in the April 13, 2006, issue of the Journal of Mammalogy found.
The study, based on zoo animals throughout the United States, showed that up to one-half of the length and density of zoo lion’s manes could be attributed to temperature. The lion’s mane, which can hinder heat loss just like a wool scarf, is primarily used to attract females.
But being sexy comes at cost: it takes energy to grow and maintain a full mane, it can make it harder to sneak up on prey, it makes a great home for parasites, it catches on bramble more easily, and, as this study shows, it can make it harder to keep cool while hanging out on the Serengeti.
"Many variables interact to affect mane development in wild lions," said Dr. Bruce Patterson, lead author of the paper and principal investigator of Earthwatch's Lions of Tsavo project. "Several of these variables, including food, water and social groupings are controlled in zoological parks, where the authors show climate has a major effect on more development."
This pans out in the wild, where lions in the hottest climates have little or no mane at all. "This is the case in Tsavo, Kenya," said Patterson, "where most lions are maneless."
So, could global warming make lions with dark, luxurious manes a thing of the past as Peyton M. West suggests in his American Scientist article, "The Lion’s Mane"? Previous research has indicated that in areas of east Africa most impacted by global warming, lion manes have been getting thinner and less ostentatious.
For more information about Earthwatch’s Lions of Tsavo project and the scientists working on the project, visit www.earthwatch.org/site/pp2.asp?c=dsJSK6PFJnH&b=1147599.
The study, based on zoo animals throughout the United States, showed that up to one-half of the length and density of zoo lion’s manes could be attributed to temperature. The lion’s mane, which can hinder heat loss just like a wool scarf, is primarily used to attract females.
But being sexy comes at cost: it takes energy to grow and maintain a full mane, it can make it harder to sneak up on prey, it makes a great home for parasites, it catches on bramble more easily, and, as this study shows, it can make it harder to keep cool while hanging out on the Serengeti.
"Many variables interact to affect mane development in wild lions," said Dr. Bruce Patterson, lead author of the paper and principal investigator of Earthwatch's Lions of Tsavo project. "Several of these variables, including food, water and social groupings are controlled in zoological parks, where the authors show climate has a major effect on more development."
This pans out in the wild, where lions in the hottest climates have little or no mane at all. "This is the case in Tsavo, Kenya," said Patterson, "where most lions are maneless."
So, could global warming make lions with dark, luxurious manes a thing of the past as Peyton M. West suggests in his American Scientist article, "The Lion’s Mane"? Previous research has indicated that in areas of east Africa most impacted by global warming, lion manes have been getting thinner and less ostentatious.
For more information about Earthwatch’s Lions of Tsavo project and the scientists working on the project, visit www.earthwatch.org/site/pp2.asp?c=dsJSK6PFJnH&b=1147599.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Eco-Tourism On the Rise in Africa
When most people think of going on a vacation to Africa, the word "safari" comes up. For most, the whole point of a safari is to see the wildlife of the mysterious continent. However, as many of you know, and as I’m mentioned in other posts to this blog, that wildlife is not only getting smaller, but is, in some cases, in danger of disappearing altogether.
Thankfully, many African nations are realizing the importance their wildlife has for their economy and are starting to use tourism as a way of funding conservation efforts. Thus, eco-tourism, nature-based tourism that educates and interprets the natural environment for tourist and is ecologically sustainable, is growing in many African countries.
For a good overview of this topic, check out “Development of Africa’s eco-tourism” at www.traveldailynews.com/makeof.asp?central_id=1194&permanent_id=31.
Thankfully, many African nations are realizing the importance their wildlife has for their economy and are starting to use tourism as a way of funding conservation efforts. Thus, eco-tourism, nature-based tourism that educates and interprets the natural environment for tourist and is ecologically sustainable, is growing in many African countries.
For a good overview of this topic, check out “Development of Africa’s eco-tourism” at www.traveldailynews.com/makeof.asp?central_id=1194&permanent_id=31.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Black Rhino Population Improving
When I lived in Kenya, there was this black rhino that my family considered "our rhino." Every time we went to this national park, I can't remember which, it was there hanging about this lone acacia tree. We lived in Kenya for two and half years, and it was always there. Then, before we returned to the U.S., we returned to the acacia tree to say good-bye, but the rhino was not there.The black rhino, along with whales and elephants, is a leading symbol for environmentalism. Once abundant throughout sub-Saharan Africa, their habitat is limited to an area stretching from Cameroon in the west, Kenya in the East and South Africa in the south. Only a few years ago, it looked like the black rhino would disappear altogether.
But thanks to conservationists' efforts, the black rhino is making a comeback. At the end of 2003, there were only 428 animals in Kenya. At the end of 2005, the number had grown to 539. "This shows a healthy increase that surpassed our targets," said Dr. Taye Teferi of the World Wildlife Federation’s Eastern Africa office in Nairobi.
Of course, this does not mean rhinos are out of the woods. Poachers still seek their horns because there is still a market for them in Asia, where rhino horn powder is used in traditional medicine, and the Middle East, where rhino horn is still carved for handles of ceremonial daggers.
Also, rhinos in Kenya once numbered 20,000 in 1970. They were abundant and a common site when lived there from 1969 to 1971. Now, the goal set by the Kenya Wildlife Service, in cooperation with WWF’s black rhino project, is to increase the population to a mere 1,000 by 2020. "With increased improvement in wildlife management and monitoring," said Dr. Teferi, "the black rhino population can continue to show a healthy growth rate for many years to come."
For more information about the WWF Black Rhino Project, visit worldwildlife.org/rhinos/subspecies/subspecies_br.cfm.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Ugandan President Supports Conservation
Despite pressure from Basongora pastoralists returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Yoweri Museveni, has made it clear that no part of any National Park in Uganda will be degazetted.
This is probably due to the immense financial benefit the parks and their wildlife bring to the country. Wildlife is integral to Ugandan tourism, which is a major contributor to the country’s economy.
According to Moses Mapesa, who wrote an opinion piece for Uganda's leading daily newspaper, The New Vision, a single gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park brings in $100,000 (US) per year and provides jobs for 30 people.
Increasing human population has caused a lot of political pressure to degazette park lands for human settlement. And, more than 90% of the Ugandan population is rural, requiring lots of land. Compare this to the less than 20% in South Africa and China, where the population is concentrated in cities and the rural areas are set aside for production and conservation of natural resources.
Human encroachment has jeopardized the wild populations, especially carnivores and omnivores, which are often poisoned by the communities. At least five lions were recently found poisoned in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.
To read more of Mapesa’s article, visit www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/459/515276.
This is probably due to the immense financial benefit the parks and their wildlife bring to the country. Wildlife is integral to Ugandan tourism, which is a major contributor to the country’s economy.
According to Moses Mapesa, who wrote an opinion piece for Uganda's leading daily newspaper, The New Vision, a single gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park brings in $100,000 (US) per year and provides jobs for 30 people.
Increasing human population has caused a lot of political pressure to degazette park lands for human settlement. And, more than 90% of the Ugandan population is rural, requiring lots of land. Compare this to the less than 20% in South Africa and China, where the population is concentrated in cities and the rural areas are set aside for production and conservation of natural resources.
Human encroachment has jeopardized the wild populations, especially carnivores and omnivores, which are often poisoned by the communities. At least five lions were recently found poisoned in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.
To read more of Mapesa’s article, visit www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/459/515276.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Evidence of Global Warming in Africa
The snows of Kilimanjaro are not the only victims of climate change and global warming. Recently, the Rwenzori Centenary Expedition found evidence that glaciers are receding on Africa’s largest alpine region, located in Uganda. The study by British and Ugandan scientists predicts that the equatorial icecaps will disappear within two decades because of global warming.
"Recession of these tropical glaciers sends an unambiguous message of a changing climate in this region of the tropics," said Richard Taylor of the University College London Department of Geography, who led the study funded by The Royal Geographical Society and The Royal Society. Taylor and his colleagues found that in the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, there have been clear trends since the 1960s toward increased air temperature without significant changes in precipitation.
Still unknown is how this projected loss of the glaciers will affect tourism, as well as local traditional belief systems, that depend on the snow and ice, known locally as "Nzururu."
The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, sit astride the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Uganda.
"Considering the continent’s negligible contribution to global greenhouse-gas emissions," said Taylor, "it is a terrible irony that Africa, according to current predictions, will be most affected by climate change."
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park, in Uganda, is one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites. A scientific team has been charged with studying maps of the glaciers, comparing the cartography from 1955 to reports from 1906.
Photo Source: oldhippies.blogspot.com/2005/03/just-do-it.html
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Africa’s Tourism Fostered in First Ever African-Centric Initiative
Two of the days, Sept. 14 and 15, will be dedicated to the importance of women in the development of African tourism. The World Association of Women Entrepreneurs is sponsoring the special days.
Some of the topics to be discussed during the congress include heritage preservation, sustainable development and tourism project development.
For more information, visit TourismAfrica’s official website at www.tourismafrica.com.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Annual Goat Races to Be Held Aug. 26
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Crossing Border Made Easier at Mt Elgon National Park
"Uganda and Kenya have allowed visitors to Mt Elgon National Park to cross the common border atop the mountain," reports Lillian Nsubuga, Special Correspondent for The East African, "taking the campaign to create a single East African tourism market to a higher level."
Until now, tourists had to go up and come down the mountain on the same side of the border, but now they have a choice of ascending and descending on either side of the border.
Ugandan and Kenyan officials will soon meet to discuss the initiative, Moses Mapesa Uganda Wildlife Authority executive director told Nsubuga. "We need a memorandum of understanding to guide us on key issues such as the procedures for handing over tourists by one country to another, especially since the point of handover is not an officially gazetted immigration point."
Currently, Kenya and Uganda use transfer forms filled by tourists wishing to cross the border. Immigration officials on either side countersign the forms, confirming entry or exit of the visitors.
The cross-border initiative is one of several joint activities being implemented under the Mt Elgon Regional Ecosystem Conservation Programme. The joint venture aims make the mountain available to tourists at affordable costs.
Kenyan and Ugandan tourism authorities have improved security to stop illegal immigrants from abusing the cross-border tourism facility, Joshua Masereka, chief warden of the park, said. Mt Elgon is one of the 10 national parks managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
For more information, see the full story at allafrica.com/stories/200608140837.html.
Note: Image from www.shoebillsafaris.com/mount_Elgon.htm
Until now, tourists had to go up and come down the mountain on the same side of the border, but now they have a choice of ascending and descending on either side of the border.
Ugandan and Kenyan officials will soon meet to discuss the initiative, Moses Mapesa Uganda Wildlife Authority executive director told Nsubuga. "We need a memorandum of understanding to guide us on key issues such as the procedures for handing over tourists by one country to another, especially since the point of handover is not an officially gazetted immigration point."
Currently, Kenya and Uganda use transfer forms filled by tourists wishing to cross the border. Immigration officials on either side countersign the forms, confirming entry or exit of the visitors.
The cross-border initiative is one of several joint activities being implemented under the Mt Elgon Regional Ecosystem Conservation Programme. The joint venture aims make the mountain available to tourists at affordable costs.
Kenyan and Ugandan tourism authorities have improved security to stop illegal immigrants from abusing the cross-border tourism facility, Joshua Masereka, chief warden of the park, said. Mt Elgon is one of the 10 national parks managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
For more information, see the full story at allafrica.com/stories/200608140837.html.
Note: Image from www.shoebillsafaris.com/mount_Elgon.htm
Monday, August 07, 2006
Construction Moratorium Established for Masai Mara
"What strikes you most about the Masai Mara, a massive game reserve in Kenya, is the amount of wildlife roaming its grassy plains," wrote Leigh Murray in a recent travel article for the Chicago Sun-Times. There you can see lions, cheetahs, giraffes and the wildebeest, which make their annual migration through the park.
I spent many a fun weekend with my family there, so it warms the cockles of my heart to discover that the Kenyan Government and the National Environmental Management Authority in Kenya has put a moratorium on construction in Masai Mara until a review and new management plan for the game reserve has been agreed upon.
Both conservationists and stakeholders in the hospitality industry favor the action. According to The East African Standard, "there has been haphazard development of lodges, camps and mushrooming of settlements outside the park gates" over the last 15 years. "More than sixty lodges and camps have been developed without impact assessment being done, exerting pressure on the fragile ecosystem."
The Mara river has suffered serious pollution due to effluent being discharged into the water from establishments along its shores. This river is an important the source of clean water for both human and wild game.
For more information:
allafrica.com/stories/200607240651.html
I spent many a fun weekend with my family there, so it warms the cockles of my heart to discover that the Kenyan Government and the National Environmental Management Authority in Kenya has put a moratorium on construction in Masai Mara until a review and new management plan for the game reserve has been agreed upon.
Both conservationists and stakeholders in the hospitality industry favor the action. According to The East African Standard, "there has been haphazard development of lodges, camps and mushrooming of settlements outside the park gates" over the last 15 years. "More than sixty lodges and camps have been developed without impact assessment being done, exerting pressure on the fragile ecosystem."
The Mara river has suffered serious pollution due to effluent being discharged into the water from establishments along its shores. This river is an important the source of clean water for both human and wild game.
For more information:
allafrica.com/stories/200607240651.html
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Luxury Hotel Opens in Kampala, Uganda
The former Nile Hotel has been renovated and reopened as the Kampala Serena Hotel, luxury, five-star hotel.
"This is just the type of investment that Uganda needs to spur its burgeoning tourism sector and attract other investors," said Uganda's Minister of State for Privatisation Prof. Peter Kasenene.
The opening of the hotel not only helps tourism, it also adds value to Uganda's employment sector, as the new facility will employ about 350 people.
The Serena Group owns properties in Kenya and Tanzania, as well, and is considered one of the leading hospitality providers in East Africa.
"The objective from the outset was to create the finest facility in the region," Serena Hotel sales and marketing director Peter Mhogua told travel agents and journalists touring the facility. It took nearly 18 months for the reconstruction and renovation to be completed on this property.
Amenities available at the Kampala Serena include 152 rooms and suites, the Pearl of Africa restaurant, The Mists cocktail bar, the Explorers Bistro, the Lakes' restaurant, Maisha Health Club and a state-of-the-art conference center.
Prince Amyn Aga Khan, Chairman of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), the principal shareholders of the Serena Group, hopes that the new hotel will help the Serena Group expand it safari and leisure circuit in East Africa.
For more information, visit www.serenahotels.com/uganda/kampala/home.asp
"This is just the type of investment that Uganda needs to spur its burgeoning tourism sector and attract other investors," said Uganda's Minister of State for Privatisation Prof. Peter Kasenene.
The opening of the hotel not only helps tourism, it also adds value to Uganda's employment sector, as the new facility will employ about 350 people.
The Serena Group owns properties in Kenya and Tanzania, as well, and is considered one of the leading hospitality providers in East Africa.
"The objective from the outset was to create the finest facility in the region," Serena Hotel sales and marketing director Peter Mhogua told travel agents and journalists touring the facility. It took nearly 18 months for the reconstruction and renovation to be completed on this property.
Amenities available at the Kampala Serena include 152 rooms and suites, the Pearl of Africa restaurant, The Mists cocktail bar, the Explorers Bistro, the Lakes' restaurant, Maisha Health Club and a state-of-the-art conference center.
Prince Amyn Aga Khan, Chairman of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), the principal shareholders of the Serena Group, hopes that the new hotel will help the Serena Group expand it safari and leisure circuit in East Africa.
For more information, visit www.serenahotels.com/uganda/kampala/home.asp
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Expeditions to East Africa from the National Wildlife Federation
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) offers a unique travel service with its Expeditions Travel Program. Each trip selected emphasizes the unique wildlife of the area, and all tours include a strong educational component.
Two of their upcoming trips will be to East African countries.
September 11, 2006 - September 23, 2006
Tanzania Adventure Safari
Rate: $4,990 per person including airfare from New York
This safari is designed for travelers seeking something more intimate, more organic, more unique from a trip. It includes several nights of real camping
March 9, 2007 - March 20, 2007
Journey of Discovery to Kenya
Rate: $3,295 per person
Ten days of exploration with naturalists and native guides.
Most tours for 2006 sold out, and the 2007 Expeditions are expected to do the same, so check on these soon, if you’re interested in participating.
NWF promises an intimate and secure expedition, as the groups are kept small -- most tours are limited to 15-20 participants in order to maximize wildlife-viewing opportunities. “Travelers share their adventures with like-minded travelers who are sensitive to the fragile environments visited,” NWF said in a press release.
For more information on NWF Expeditions, including the itinerary for each trip, visit the NWF web site at www.nwf.org/expeditions or call 1-800-606-9563.
Two of their upcoming trips will be to East African countries.
September 11, 2006 - September 23, 2006
Tanzania Adventure Safari
Rate: $4,990 per person including airfare from New York
This safari is designed for travelers seeking something more intimate, more organic, more unique from a trip. It includes several nights of real camping
March 9, 2007 - March 20, 2007
Journey of Discovery to Kenya
Rate: $3,295 per person
Ten days of exploration with naturalists and native guides.
Most tours for 2006 sold out, and the 2007 Expeditions are expected to do the same, so check on these soon, if you’re interested in participating.
NWF promises an intimate and secure expedition, as the groups are kept small -- most tours are limited to 15-20 participants in order to maximize wildlife-viewing opportunities. “Travelers share their adventures with like-minded travelers who are sensitive to the fragile environments visited,” NWF said in a press release.
For more information on NWF Expeditions, including the itinerary for each trip, visit the NWF web site at www.nwf.org/expeditions or call 1-800-606-9563.
Monday, July 31, 2006
East Africa: A Single Tourist Destination
The East African Community (EAC) has a new strategic plan to promote tourism in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Part of the initiative is a common visa for tourists that would be honored in all three countries.
The plan hasn’t been approved yet, but many hope it will be by November, in time for the World Travel Fair in London, as well as the Berlin Fair later in the year. The benefits of such a program include:
The EAC, which depends on wildlife-based tourism, has a lot to offer eco-minded tourists, and packaged as a single destination could offer tourists a broader experience. Tourists looking to see wildlife make up more than 75 percent of the tourists to the region. In addition, Kenya has been ranked among the world’s top eco-tourism destinations, with Tanzania and Egypt coming in second for popularity in eco-tourism. On top of that, National Geographic Magazine named Serengeti, the largest national park in Tanzania, one of the 50 must-go-to-in-lifetime places in the world.
The plan hasn’t been approved yet, but many hope it will be by November, in time for the World Travel Fair in London, as well as the Berlin Fair later in the year. The benefits of such a program include:
- It supports the spirit of the common East Africa customs union, launched last year, as well as the proposed common market between the three countries by 2010.
- It would allow tour operators to develop packages that visit all three countries more easily.
The EAC, which depends on wildlife-based tourism, has a lot to offer eco-minded tourists, and packaged as a single destination could offer tourists a broader experience. Tourists looking to see wildlife make up more than 75 percent of the tourists to the region. In addition, Kenya has been ranked among the world’s top eco-tourism destinations, with Tanzania and Egypt coming in second for popularity in eco-tourism. On top of that, National Geographic Magazine named Serengeti, the largest national park in Tanzania, one of the 50 must-go-to-in-lifetime places in the world.
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