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eco-travel in Africa makes a difference
 
Jan 15, 2009
It’s not the end of the world; it’s the time to vacation
Introduction
By Clarissa Hughes
With the world economic crisis and the news of cholera in Zimbabwe, Africa would seem to be the last place to vacation.   But as with all difficulties, therein lies opportunity. 
 
The travel slowdown means that many operators are reassessing their budgets for 2009 and in order to survive through the financial turmoil are offering all kinds of fantastic specials.  Really, there are some great ones out there and if travel to Africa is on your 2009 agenda then contact our consultants. They have an up–to-date list of what’s being offered.
 
If you’re hesitant to travel to our wild places because of the news of cholera in Zimbabwe, I have some good news here too.  Cholera is one of the easiest diseases to prevent, and to cure.  The fact that there’s an epidemic in Zimbabwe is an indication as to just how pathetically low the country has sunk.  Cholera is spread by contaminated water (drinking or washing).  I always travel with water purification tablets, in case the water is suspect.  Also sachets of potassium permanganate are always included in my bags.  I’ve used the latter to disinfect shower water, to rinse crockery and cutlery and fruits (a wide-necked water bottle makes a good portable wash-up bowl).  Obviously ice is to be avoided as well as salads or any uncooked fruit or veg that you are unable to put through the PP rinse.  It really is as simple as that.
 
Also current exchange rates for holidays priced in local currencies are favourable to those paying with USD or Euro.
 
So now really is the time to travel to Africa, obtaining an excellent deal and having the wild places relatively exclusively.  If travel is your passion, as it is ours, I can’t think of a better opportunity.
 
 
Botswana is Tops
For a Wilderness Experience
 
In September I had the great fortune to travel with Karibu Safari into the world famous Moremi Game Reserve on the edge of the Okavango Delta.  It had been some years since I’d last been there and I’d half forgotten what a great privilege the registered tour operators enjoy in the use of exclusive, wilderness campsites in the national parks of Botswana.  As far as I’m aware it’s the only country that permits this practice and it allows for an unparalleled wilderness experience.  Imagine looking out from your campsite and seeing no other lights at night – the nearest campsite is at least 10 km away – and having visitors in the form of hyaenas, hippos, you’re never quite sure what, wander through camp.  We had a lioness walk through our camp just before dinner.  From her tracks, which we followed the next morning, it was apparent that she had cubs hidden nearby and she had moved them away somewhere.
 
The wilderness camps have no facilities, so to enjoy the privilege all water needs to be trucked in - don’t expect air-conditioned tents on this kind of safari.  But basic comforts are attended to – en suite showers and biodegradable chemical loos are part of the equipment.  Good food and comfortable beds complete the picture.

Our guide was one of my erstwhile camp assistants from 15 years ago.  Apart from having a good old catch-up chinwag I was greatly encouraged to see citizen empowerment (a tenet of ecotourism) in action.

The game viewing was absolutely spectacular.  In Moremi animals aren’t afraid of humans and it’s an honour (and a kind of absolution) to have them share their world.
 
Tswalu
An Excellent Guide

If safaring in comfort is more your style then I can recommend Tswalu Game Reserve in the Northern Cape province in South Africa.
 
Here all the mod cons are available from air-conditioned chalets to wifi and broadband.  The attention to detail in the furnishings of the lodge and the comfort of the guests is extraordinary.  A cigar humidor, a shop that stocks genuine pashminas (for those cold Kalahari nights) and bed linen that is made of, well … linen, are merely a few of the fine points that spring to mind. 
 
The reserve is the largest privately owned reserve in South Africa.  Its 110,000 hectares covers a section of the Korannaberg mountain range and is divided into two main sections.  One section on the east of the Hotazel road is fully electric fenced and contains the predators.   The other, larger, section holds plains game with several camps for breeding of the highly endangered desert black rhino. 
 
The Oppenheimer family owns Tswalu and the raison d’etre of the property is primarily conservation.  Tourism helps pay the bills for the important scientific work
being conducted on the reserve.  At the time of my visit there were 26 research projects being conducted by scientists from all over the world.  
 
Apart from game drives (day and night) and game walks other activities available include horseriding (I was impressed with the enthusiasm and passion displayed by Leonie who looks runs this side of the operation) and a visit to a meerkat colony,an entertainment all on its own.
 
And, if you’re into celebrity spotting, Tswalu may be up your street.  Richard Gere and family were guests just prior to my visit.
 
 
Rainy season migrations
Over 400 eland on the march

The eland has mystical powers for the Bushmen of the Kalahari and seeing a conglomeration of around 400 of these large, majestic beasts on the move for green pasture is an emotional experience for anyone. 
 
It was to preserve these ancient migration routes that the Kgaligadi Transfrontier Park (between Botswana and South Africa) was proclaimed in 1999.  Having just returned from this first Peace Park I was privileged to experience the wonders that Old Mother Kalahari dished up.  A spectacular electric storm over Mabuasehube Pan that lasted five hours was better than any fireworks display.  Leopard, cheetah, lion and brown hyaena were larger predators and smaller ones included many different raptors and the most beautiful cobra I’ve ever seen - the colour of oiled 24ct gold – exquisite!
 
The Kalahari has a very special place in my heart and one that I will return to again and again. 
 
Self-drive and guided tour options are available – enquire with our consultants.

 
Traveller's Feedback
Mitch Mackler (USA) on a Tailormade Safari

"...one of the best trips I have taken in a long time (and I travel a LOT). It was fun, well organized educational, eye-opening, comfortable, relaxing and beautiful."
 
Safari: Madagascar
 
 
 

ecoAfrica Newsletter © 2008 ecoAfrica Travel.
 
In This Issue
 
Local on Bicycle in Madagascar © Mitch Mackler
Chameleon in Madagascar © Mitch Mackler
In the Water in Madagacar © Mitch Mackler