THE SAMBURU EVICTION MIGHT DAMAGE THE DOMESTIC TOURISM INDUSTRY

The Kenyan travel industry has been urged by the German travel industry to immediately resolution this current issue of the Samburu people who were expelled from their land because failure to do so might affect its position in the tourism business. According to findings, a lot of money is spent by the Germans in countries abroad than any other country. In the letter sent by the head of the German Travel Association commonly know as DRV to the President Mwai Kibaki, he expressed his immense concern about the situation in Kenya’s Laikipia district where so many Samburu have been forced to vacate their homeland Eland Downs as it is known because of constant aggressive evictions by Kenya’s police to an extent of burning down their houses, people are battered and farm animals are stolen in the process.

The people are being chased away from their land after this land was bought by two conservation bodies which are the Nature Conservancy (TNC) together with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) in an effort to support the 17,100 hectares so that the Kenya government can create a new national park and be able to fuel tourism.

DRV ‘s president Jürgen Büchy mentioned  that  his people have been considering Kenya  as a very significant destination but tourism development can not be achieved at the cost of human rights as well as the local communities and this can not be supported by the German travel industry. He stands for 80% of Germany tour operators and travel agents and In 2010 Germans used up more than 60 billion Euros on overseas tours which was much more than any other country spent.

Büchy asked the Kenya’s government to make sure that the Samburu regain their land in the Eland Downs and also offer them a part of the land in the preservation of the wildlife in Laikipia. However the government has not acted in response to The German Travel Association request.

Survival’s Director Stephen Corry said that it is quite impressive to see that the German travel industry is looking at the issue of human rights sincerely. This is severe caution to the Kenyan government that the international community will not stomach human rights violation no matter the cause. All the Samburu should get back their land and if the government needs to use their land for any sort of development, they have got to get approval from the Samburu.

http://www.ecocta.com/

RWANDA GORILLA PERMITS’ PRICE INCREASE

The government of Rwanda this Friday publicized the increment made in the prices for the gorilla permits to go track the rare mountain gorillas the country’s national parks which  are the major tourist attraction of Rwanda and come June 1, permit will be sold  $750 from $500.

According to the Rwanda Development Board, the increase in the price has comes at a time when there is considerable increase in the number of gorillas in the parks and at the same time an increase in the demand for gorilla tourism. And this therefore indicates that it is actually very important to carry on working hard enough towards conservation so as to be able to defend the environment and the exceptional species.These permits are issued to the tourists permitting them to spend some time of about an hour watching the primates, predicted to be of about 790 worldwide in total. There are so many primates in the Virunga massif that is along the border between Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda, they are also found in Uganda, in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

THE HIGHER THE PRICE FOR RHINOS’ HORNS, THE MORE ENDANGERED THEY BECOME

Rhinos in Africa are more at risk of being poached than any other kind of animal in the parks and this is so because of the increasing demand for the rhino’s horns.   He added that there is a very high price for the rhino’s horn in the modern-day market and I every kilogram is sold at about USD 5000 and yet just one rhinoceros horn can weigh about 4 kilograms.

Mr. Maige was speaking just after the international roundtable discussion that was held in Dar es Salaam last Thursday aimed at paving ways of preventing illegal trade among the  endanger  groups.  He together with Dr Ewa Bjorling who is a visitor from Swedish Minister for Trade and he stated that in 1965, there were rhinos found in about 20 African countries but at the moment they can be found in just four countries and Tanzania is among them. He also said that the meeting brought together main players in the fight against illegal hunting and this is a strategy to manage to avoid illegal trade in endangered group.

The major aim for the meeting was to improve joint venture relationship and work out the national legislation and international treaties as well as endorse global, regional and local events in an effort to stop illegal trade of these animals. Maige noted that in the year 2011, South Africa which has got the largest number of rhinos in the whole of Africa had lost about 448rhinos to poaching. Therefore, Tanzania has got to tighten its security given the fact that South African can lose such number of rhinos and ye it is one of the countries in Africa with the best security system and hence a cause for alarm so he said.

http://www.ecocta.com/

ORPHANED CHIMPANZEES At HOME ON NGAMBA ISLAND

Ngamba Island is a Chimpanzee Sanctuary which was set up in October 1998 to be a home for the young chimpanzees that  are left one their own after the death of the parents after they have been collected by  Uganda Wildlife Authority from different areas especially from national parks so that they can get proper care fro them to survive. There are so many of them which were saved from being poached and they were rehabilitated once they are in this new location.

This sanctuary is about 100 acres which is like 40 hectares of land with a rainforest and it is located 23 km from Entebbe and very close to the Equator in Lake Victoria. With in the Island are a number of wild animals which also have it as its home and also it is a source of food for the chimpanzees and all the animals that live in their. This island is established as an eco-friendly project with compost toilets, rainwater collection systems, proper waste management practices and solar energy for electricity and hot water all with an aim of conserving nature.

However this Sanctuary is a non-profit organization under the management of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) in partnership with six other organizations interested in the well being and conservation of wildlife and they include Born Free Foundation, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Jane Good all Institute, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECO-TRUST) and Uganda Wildlife Society.

The sanctuary is open throughout the year and therefore visitors are free to come and visit and every visitor pay an entrance fee to see one or both of the chimpanzee feedings. Those who come during the day and overnight are all welcome and they can stay in luxury tents which are available however they have to be booked through the booking agent which is Wild Frontiers Uganda.

Birding Safaris in Africa: The black Weaver

The black Weaver, also known as the Spotted-backed Weaver or Black-headed Weaver is a species of bird found in much of sub-Saharan Africa. It has also been introduced to Hispaniola, Mauritius and Réunion. This often abundant species occurs in a wide range of open or semi-open habitats, including woodlands and human habitation, and frequently forms large noisy colonies in towns, villages and hotel grounds. The nests are the round suspended objects. This weaver builds a large coarsely woven nest made of grass and leaf strips with a downward facing entrance which is suspended from a branch in a tree. 2-3 eggs are laid. This is a colonial breeder, so many nests may hang from one tree. Village Weaver feeds principally on seeds and grain, and can be a crop pest, but it will readily take insects, especially when feeding young, which partially redresses the damage to agriculture. The calls of this bird include harsh buzzes and chattering.

http://www.ecocta.com/

Birds in Africa: The Red Throated Bee-Eater

The Red-throated Bee-eater is a stunning green, red and turquoise bee-eater. This bird is essentially West African but extends into Uganda along the north western region. Red-throated bee-eaters are species of bird in the meropidae family and the bird was scientifically named in 1817 by Veillot. You will find Red-throated Bee-eaters breeding in the tall sandbanks near Lake Albert, Kazinga channel, and on the Nile River below Murchison Falls.

The Red-throated Bee-eater calls with a variety of short musical yaps, churls and thrills, which are usually higher, pitched than those of white fronted bee-eaters. It lays 2-3 eggs and these are incubated by either sex.You can identify the bird by its distinctivered neck/throat. It has a sharp small black beak. The bird’s forehead is green and his lower head is brown in colour. The back feathers are green, the bird has brown breast bands and lower under part. The tail is a mixture of brown and green lines with brown being more dominant than green. This bird also has a blue lower under side. The legs are small and black and the bird has a white spot on the blue colour on its underside. Both males and females are similar, although the young ones are paler.

http://www.ecocta.com/

79 YEAR OLD CANADIAN GETS TO THE TOP OF MT.KILIMANJARO.

A tourist from Canada has urged the Tanzanians to try and climb Mount Kilimanjaro so that they can clearly see, enjoy and value the magnificence this mountain with Africa’s highest peakgranted to the country by. Raymond Walker a 79 year old tourist said so just not so long ago after he managed to climb the mountain up to its highest Uhuru peak and has therefore become the very  first aged  person to  reach at that point on the mountain’s uppermost peak.

He added that he was so happy and so proud of himself being the very first elderly climber to reach this point which is considered as one of the international treasures. He said the worked so had to get there because he wanted to see how it looked like up there. He also appreciated the local tour operators for all their help and for believing in him from the very day he begun his journey.

He was quoted to have said “I recommend Tanzanians to go ahead and climb that mountain while they are still young and energetic because it will give them a lot of pleasure just like it gave him especially since he is already an old man.

Tags: African, Climbing, Mountain, Safari, Trekking

Australians love South African holidays

South Africans, like Australians, hear the call of the sea and pack local beaches in the summertime.

They share summer's beach culture with Australians. So, it's no surprise when rainbow nation tourism officials announce surging numbers of Aussies are taking African beach holidays. The Australian dollar's strong - making this inexpensive destination even cheaper.

Exploring its rich cultural mix and scenic attractions are year-round activities. However, summer isn't prime time for eyeballing wild animals in famed game reserves such as Kruger National Park.  While animal-viewing remains reasonable, conditions are sometimes wet with washed out roads. In South African game reserves, winter is high season (though climatic conditions vary in other African countries).

But the beach is a different story. Summer crowds make a beeline for South Africa's superb beaches.

From Cape Town in the far south (where some beaches cluster on the Atlantic Ocean side and others face the Indian Ocean) to the east coast's Durban and beyond - with Port Elizabeth and East London in between - are dozens of memorable options.

Here's some of the best:

CAPE TOWN

Clifton: South Africa's most glamorous beach is a 10-minute cab ride from downtown. Skimpy designer swimwear, high-fashion sunglasses, a well-toned body and loads of attitude are de rigueur at this see-and-be-seen chill-out zone for self-styled beautiful people where the beach is a series of coves.

Camps Bay: A white-sand strip a few more minutes' drive, similarly oozing affluence but not as crassly as at Clifton. Good restaurants thrive nearby. Regulars include surfers (as at Clifton) and families with kids. Be warned: the Atlantic can be chilly.

Sea Point: Between Clifton and the city, this isn't really a beach at all (though there's a swimming pool). It's more hang-out territory for seafront promenading. Sea Point has many restaurants (with particularly good seafood ) and bars along with vibrant nightlife.

Blouberg: Also an Atlantic beach, it's far less pretentious than Clifton. Splendid Table Mountain views attract professional photographers. Popular for swimming and surfing, its water is wonderfully cool on hot summer days.

Muizenberg: Faded grandeur lingers from 1960s trendiness. A long white-sand strip, with gaudily-painted "beach huts", still attracts big weekend crowds. On the Cape Peninsula's warmer-water False Bay side, Muizenberg has charming Indian Ocean neighbours: St James, Fish Hoek, Hout Bay (a fishing village renowned for swimming and kayaking) and Kalk Bay (with calm water and shallow tidal pools in a family-friendly setting).

Boulders: Alongside False Bay's Simonstown naval base - with quaint pubs, art galleries, souvenir shops and an English seaside ambience - is the Boulders, home of an African penguin colony which waddles ashore at dusk while watched from tourist boardwalks. By day, gigantic smooth-surfaced rocks create sheltered coves.

Strand: "Strand" is Afrikaans for beach. This 5km False Bay white-sand strip is reminiscent of Queensland's Surfers Paradise. A 40-minute drive from downtown, it's one of the safest near Africa's southern tip. Water sports include kayaking. Beginner surfers are numerous. The next beach, curved Gordons Bay, also pulls large crowds.

Hermanus: Whale-watching (of Southern rights) draws June-December crowds. An all-year lure: cage-diving among great white sharks. The less daring choose from several operators offering shark-spotting trips. One recent boatload watched a frenzied fish leap from the water with a seal in its jaws. Other Hermanus diversions: seal colonies, beach horse-riding. Several beaches entice swimmers; nearby Onrus is arguably the Cape Town area's number-one surfing destination.

DURBAN

Margate: South of Durban (127km), this tranquil holiday choice has abundant accommodation in all price categories. Swimming, body-boarding, surfing, fishing and undemanding beach-lazing are lures in a hideaway less frenetic than Durban itself.

North Beach, South Beach: Durban is one of the few cities boasting downtown beaches. Cross hotel-studded O.R. Tambo Parade to reach the Golden Mile's band of sand - just beyond footpath vendors of Zulu handicrafts.

Suncoast Beach: Nearby Suncoast is decidedly trendier than its downtown rivals. Some call it Durban's best. Tropical Durban - with weather similar to southern Queensland's - promotes year-round swimming but beaches do get chilly in winter.

Umhlanga Rocks: Ten minutes' drive north is an up-and-coming district with hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and a beach liked by South Africans and tourists. Families congregate at calm areas. Surfers insist Umhlanga is unrivalled along KwaZulu-Natal province's coast.

La Lucia: Between Durban and Umhlanga Rocks is La Lucia with pristine beaches, safe Indian Ocean swimming and reasonable surfing. Upscale suburbia, it's a winner for diverse cheaper-than-Australia mall shopping. (Only electronics are more expensive.)

PORT ELIZABETH

Humewood Beach: Among many Algoa Bay beaches in and near Port Elizabeth. it attracts locals, solo travellers, holidaying couples and families with children. It's safe for swimming and recommended for surfing (which aficionados describe as reasonable rather than outstanding).

Bluewater Bay: A suburb of car-manufacturing Port Elizabeth, this beach is handy for city workers who throng here before or after work. to the city. Both swimming and fishing are evident during my weekday visit - with many people sprawled on the sand (some with laptops). Surfing isn't a drawcard here.

Blue Horizon Bay: 45kms from Port Elizabeth, this Indian Ocean area is awash in worthwhile choices including Maitland Beach (with 5kms of coastal dunes), Hobie Beach (great for body-surfing), Paradise Beach (with hotels, shopping and uncrowded sands) and Pollock Beach (with sheltered, shallow rock pools trapping sea life at high tide; I've beachcombed happily here, hopping between rocks and peering into rock pools - a pleasant postscript to several hours' snorkelling). A good side-trip is Addo Elephant National Park, a pachyderm habitat with other beasts also roaming free.

EAST LONDON

Orient Beach (in suburban Quigney), Nahoon Beach (where surfing contests are regularly held) and Gonubie Beach (25kms north, with a boardwalk across indigenous vegetation) are this laid-back Eastern Cape city's best.

And then there's Coffee Bay, also on the Wild Coast.

Coffee Bay: It's an East London-area gem, arguably South Africa's supreme surfing spot and a flourishing tourist destination (particularly for backpackers). Some lodgings offer transfers for the 197kms from East London. There's surprisingly little at Coffee Bay where rolling green pastures slope towards the sea - except splendid beaches, glorious surf, numerous backpacker lodgings, upmarket B&Bs and good tourist hotels, along with several restaurants.

Rare mountain gorillas for tourists to Uganda/Africa

Rare ... with fewer than 750 left, the mountain gorillas are one of world's most endangered species and are found only in the dense forests straddling the border between Rwanda, Uganda and eastern Congo. UGANDA will begin exposing two groups of rare mountain gorillas to human contact, paving the way for more visits to the country's most lucrative tourist attraction, Uganda's Wildlife Authority (UWA) said.
Uganda's legendary mountain gorillas - renowned for the shimmering silver hair adorning the backs of their males - draw thousands of tourists each year, many of them high-end travellers paying $US500 a visit plus hefty safari lodge prices.

The gorillas are found only in the dense forests straddling the border between Rwanda, Uganda and eastern Congo. With fewer than 750 left, they are one of world's most endangered species.
The UWA has habituated four social groups of six to seven gorillas each in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, meaning they are accustomed to seeing people and do not lash out or run away.
Rangers and primatologists accustom the gorillas by spending progressively more time close to them each day. The UWA says each group can only receive eight tourists per day - any more stresses them out and puts them at greater risk of catching potentially lethal diseases.

Attackers Kill Five Foreign Tourists in Ethiopia

Unknown attackers killed five foreign tourists in Ethiopia's northeastern Afar region, state television reported Tuesday. The foreigners, whose nationalities were not immediately known, were killed on Monday in the remote region bordering Eritrea, Ethiopian Television said, citing the defence ministry.

A German foreign ministry official who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity said they were probing reports that German nationals could have been victims of the attack. "Reports of an attack on tourists group with German citizens in Ethiopia are being followed up. The German foreign ministry and the German embassy are working with determination to clarify the matter and the fate of the German citizens," the officials said on phone from Berlin.

The tourists were in a group and other sources reported injuries and kidnapping. The Afar region, an unhospitable desert with shallow salty lakes and chains of volcanoes, is reputed to be one of the hottest place on earth and known for hominid fossil finds. In 2007, a group of European nationals were kidnapped in the region, but later released by rebel group that captured them.

Ethiopia, which often accuses its arch-foe Eritrea of backing rebels fighting the Addis Ababa regime, accused Eritea of supporting the group behind the 2007 kidnapping. Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a bitter territorial war between 1998 and 2000 and are still deeply at odds over their border.

Victoria Falls National Park Africa's Finest

http://www.ecocta.com/
The Victoria Falls National Park is hailed as one of Africa's finest wildlife sanctuaries that protect the south and east banks of the Zambezi River within the world-famous Victoria Falls. The park's unique climatic and vegetation features have given rise to a rainforest that grows in the spray of the falls.

The rainforest with the proclivity to intermittently drench all tourists, who visit the majestic falls, is an outstanding feature. After all, this makes the tourist feel soothed during the long walk across the falls. While the ready availability of lush green forest and water makes wildlife viewing relatively easier on the Zimbabwe safari. Some of the plant species include ferns, liana vines, palms plus several tree species such as mahogany.

The national park has the falls themselves as a major attraction and when combined together, the national park and falls give a complete tourist circuit. Also famously known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya", the magnificent Victoria Falls is 1708m wide and is recognised as the world's largest water curtain.

The spectacular falls shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe and is territorially divided by Cecil Rhodes' famous bridge produces deafening roars and forms a thick blanket of mist as millions of litres of water flow down its cliff. Victoria Falls National Park is home to elephants, buffalo, lions, giraffe, and antelopes like kudu and waterbuck. Crocodiles may be seen in the Zambezi River, and a nearby crocodile ranch offers a safer view of these dangerous animals. Riverine bird life is plentiful with egrets, herons, cormorants, fish eagles and kingfishers.

The period between September and December offers the best time to see sufficiently impressive amounts of water pouring over the edge.

Grand Zambezi River - white-water rafting, sundowner cruising, fishing, bird watching and game viewing are major activities. The best view of the falls is from the air and helicopter rides, euphemistically called Flight of Angels.

It usually rains from November through to April, creating a hot and humid climate. The falls are at their wettest and most spectacular by the end of the summer rainy season.

May to October is usually dry and September and October allows better photo opportunities at Victoria Falls as there is much less spray, but the torrent is slightly less impressive. The dry season also presents the prime for game viewing in Zambezi National Park.

You can never go wrong if you visit the Victoria Falls National Park.

Hundreds of tourists stranded as Kruger National Park floods

http://www.ecocta.com/

Several hundred tourists have been stranded by flood waters inside the Kruger National Park as torrential rains pound the region. The world renowned game reserve in South Africa - one of the largest in the world - has endured three days of heavy rainfall causing rivers to burst their banks and sever road connections. At least 12 camps are unreachable by road and 10 main entrance gates have been closed, according to officials.

 Flood-hit: Heavy rains and a river bursting its banks have caused significant damage South Africa National Parks spokesman, Reynold Thakuli, said the military, had been brought in to help with the evacuation. 'The situation is under control but has deteriorated severely,' he said.

'Several camps are now unreachable. The tourists and staff in each are all safe and being looked after, but are effectively stranded.' A river near the Kruger's main camp Skukuza has completely burst its banks, effectively dividing the camp in two and causing severe flooding.

 More...Greece set to rent out its ancient ruins to help pay for upkeep Devon delights as it scoops best hotel in the UK award... and three more spots in the top 10  Plans revealed to put Hitler's forest lair on the tourist trail

A doctor who works at Skukuza - which has become the centre of operations for the emergency services during the crisis - confirmed medics were flying emergency supplies to guests and workers in need.

Dr. Gary Pieser said: 'We are now totally stranded inside the camp – the only way to get in or out is via helicopter,' he added. Helicopter evacuations began after six holidaymakers were isolated by flooding during a game drive on Tuesday night. The group was airlifted to safety and treated by doctors at Skukuza. 'They had minor injuries and are now receiving medical attention,' said Mr. Thakuli.

 Safety fears: The famous Kruger National Park is currently closed due to the floods

Around 32 foreign tourists have been evacuated by helicopter, including 26 guests from the Tinga private lodge near Skukuza. Another of the park's private game lodges, Phinda, has been completely submerged by the flood. All organised game drives have been suspended and Mr Thakhuli has rushed to reassure holidaymakers that they will be well looked after. The reserve was currently around 50 percent occupied after the peak safari period over the Christmas break.

More than 1,500 people have been forced to flee their homes in the neighbouring Maputo and Gaza provinces of Mozambique as relentless flood waters devastate their land.  Nearby Hoedspruit weather station reported a 267mm rainfall in the 24 hour period between Tuesday and Wednesday, over five times the classification for heavy rain.  The downpour follows a prolonged spell of wet weather across South Africa's eastern provinces, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Wanda Mkhutshulwa, head of communications at South Africa National Parks, said: 'We gather from reports that the worst is over. We are in contact with Mpumalanga’s disaster management centre and we will receive military support if necessary.' But South Africa weather forecasters have advised that another storm will be approaching Mozambique near Madagascar next Thursday, which could result in yet more heavy rain.

All About the Mountain Gorillas

After the recent census of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif, the population of mountain gorillas stands at 786: 480 in the Virunga Massif (based on 2010 census) + 302 in Bwindi (based on 2006 census) + 4 orphaned gorillas in a sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A century of persecution

In 1902, the German explorer Oscar von Beringe became the first non-African to encounter the mountain gorilla. In the ensuing century, a combination of hunting and habitat destruction has driven this very rare primate to the verge of extinction.

To the rescue – the first gorilla champions

But for the intervention and dedication of a handful of people, the mountain gorilla would surely already be extinct. The work of conservationists such as Carl Akeley, George Schaller and Dian Fossey focused global attention on the plight of gorillas

Local heroes

It is the people of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Uganda, for the most part unsung heroes, who deserve the credit for ensuring the survival of the mountain gorilla, and who offer the greatest hope for its continued survival over the coming centuries. The continued protection, monitoring and management of the mountain gorilla and its habitat have demanded huge commitment and cost many lives. The dedication of park staff in the three countries is the chief reason why mountain gorillas are thriving today

Limited range

Mountain gorillas are effectively divided into two distinct populations. The first is confined to an area of around 330 square kms in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The second is found in the Virunga Volcano Region (VVR), which lies across the international borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Although it comprises one single ecosystem covering approximately 450 square kms, the VVR is separated into three national parks: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcano National Park in Rwanda and the Southern Sector of the Virunga National Park in DRC

http://www.ecocta.com/

ECONOMIC CRISIS AFFECTS AFRICA TOURISM INDUSTRY.

There has been a huge impact on the tourism industry resulting from the on going economic crisis around the world which has led to a decline in the number of foreign tourists who are coming into the country for the holiday by 15% compared to the records of booking s for the previous year.  This crisis has tremendously affected so many of Kenyan’s potential markets like Italy but the led to an increase in the number of domestic tourists  increased more than 20% and reached 100% when compared to previous year  where majority of the local hotels were fully  booked by the local residents from  Nairobi, Mombasa and many other parts of upcountry.

According to the reports from the tourism fraternity, it is showed clearly that the number of arrivals from foreign countries was about 85% reducing from 100% as it has always been since 10 December.  An Italian Consulate based in Malindi Roberto Marci said while addressing the Star that the prevailing condition was too bad in the past when the arrivals were between 60% and 65% and only got better 10 days back.

Macri said on phone while at a resort town that the tourism industry is at medium level since the number of visitors had suddenly dropped considering the records from the previous year they had 100% of the hotels fully booked at around the same period of time. He added that the international market operating at medium levels of 85 per cent yet used to be at 100 per cent and had just improved a few days like 10 days from the 60 % which was too low for the sector.

The Consulate said that there is only one person from Italy who has visited the resort town and that is non other than the famous Billionaire Flavio Briatore as well as H.E. Madame P. Imperiale the ambassador to Italy. Kenya managed to get a sum of Sh73.6 billion shillings from the tourism industry in 2010 which is Sh26.4 billion below the Sh100 billion target income forecast by players.  The tourists coming in by air and sea is 1.1 million this year 2011 leading to a positive change of 15.1 % from 952, 481 visitors of 2009 though was still below their target of 1.2 million visitors they had expected.

<ahref='www.ecocta.com'>Tours</a>

NATIONAL PARKS IN UGANDA TO BE FENCED

The Government of Uganda is certain that it will be it is better have all that national parks in the country fenced to control and avoid any more human-wildlife conflicts like the ones that are currently going on in Murchison falls national park. This is therefore why the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is determined to start on this long-term project of fence off all national parks in the country as a way of controlling the problem that is existing between the human-wildlife clashes.

This project is intended to defend local villages that are close to national parks that are constant under the risk of being attacked by these animals after they run away from the parks and they destroy their food crops and some time evade their homes and scare them out but it is also intended to protect these animals from being poached to get their tasks for sale as well as being killed by angry people after they eat all the crops, they may decide to kill some of them out of anger for revenge.

Mr. Ephraim Kamuntu who is Uganda’s Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage talk about the plan during the opening of the latest driving track from the Te Bito to the Top of the falls located on the northern banks of the Murchison Falls National Park. He is quotated to have said that “the easiest way to get rid of this human-wildlife clash  trenches  have been dug which are deep enough for the animals to jump  to stop them from entering into people’s  gardens to damage their crops and threaten their  lives as well as. But later, all major national parks will be fenced when the required funds have been got and the work will begin from Murchison Park where this problem is so severe and local people are complaining all the time about the animal attacks.”

The idea of fencing off national parks in the region started from Kenya after the Aberdare National Park was fenced off by a private enterprise supported by Rhino Ark. Kenya Wildlife Services followed the trend and fenced  off Mt Kenya National Park in 2011 a project they  spend on $12m  .

Travel to Africa and Join ANC to Celebrate 100 Years

http://www.ecocta.com/

Travel to Africa as The African National Congress (ANC) turns 100 this weekend. You will learn about the political history of Africa, the apertheid experience in South Africa. Mean while massive centennial Celebrations are planned. The festivities will be held in Bloemfontein, where the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) was founded on January 8, 1912. In 1923, the party was renamed the African National Congress.

The city is the perfect place to celebrate the history of politics in South Africa, said Louwna Erasmus, editor of the local newspaper the Bloemfontein Courant, to South Africa's The Star newspaper.

“The ANC started here, and so did the National Party. So Bloemfontein is an important part of the history of South Africa,”