1. Africa Update
Make safety for people and sharks the net result
In
past newsletters we've discussed
the murky issues surrounding shark cage diving, as well as the
recent spate of shark attacks. It seems the controversy over sharks
is still a hot topic as all sorts of innovative methods of reducing
attacks are considered - the latest being the use of electronic
shark deterrent barriers. WWF and the Endangered Wildlife Trust
recently issued a statement concerning this: Read more
Africa scoops Travel + Leisure awards
World's Best Hotel -
Singita Private Game Reserve -
2nd
Africa & Asia's Best Hotels - Kichwa
Tembo - 2nd place
World's Best Safari Outfitters -
Wilderness Safaris -
3rd
Africa & Asia's Best Hotels - Sabi
Sabi Private Game Reserve - 4th
Africa & Asia's Best Hotels -
Mala Mala Private Game Reserve -
6th
Africa & Asia's Best Hotels -
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge - 8th
Africa & Asia's Best Hotels -
Londolozi Private Game Reserve -
9th
Hotel to watch:
Madikwe Safari Lodge
2. Ecolabels in tourism:
eco-colonialism or eco-protectionism?
So ecolabels help us to select travel that makes a
difference. But is it the difference we intended? Do they perhaps
marginalise developing countries' operators? Or do they perpetuate
western ideas of wilderness at the expense of locals? We examine the
charges of eco-colonialism and eco-protectionism...
click here for the full article.
3. New on ecoAfrica.com
Birding
at Phinda - KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Specialist birding rangers endeavour to show guests a wide variety
of the 378 bird species in this Big Five private game reserve with
seven distinct habitats. Exclusive use of a 4x4 safari vehicle
offers flexibility and excellent photographic opportunities. Enjoy
exceptional lodge accommodation, Pan-African cuisine and service
excellence.
African
Propoor Tourism - Kenya
The aim of
this project is to ensure that tourists enjoy nature, share
experiences with local communities and contribute to their
wellbeing. "Travel responsibly and touch the heart of a poor
person." - these trips aim to do just that:
Kenya Cultural Safari
Kenya Luxury Eco-Safari
4. Traveller Feedback
“Our
guide was extremely informative about both the wildlife and the
local culture. And we were very interested in Olonana's
relationship with the Maasai community and their impact on it. We
found staying there to be a very convenient place to meet Maasai and
talk about various issues.”
Mrs Nancy Stinson (USA) who stayed at
Olonana, Kenya, 21 - 25 June 2005
"We
are back from our trip to Gomo Gomo, and we had such a good time!
The accommodations were excellent, also the food, but the most
outstanding was the service, and particularly our ranger, Arend - he
went out of his way to give us the best viewings of all. I also
wanted to let you know we are so happy we came across your
website!"
Silvana & Ernie (USA) who visited
Gomo Gomo,
Timbavati - greater Kruger Park, 01- 04 July 2005
6. Ranger Diaries
-
Kicheche Mara camp reports:
"Yesterday evening Julius and guests came across an
amazing scene when they saw a huge python
lying on the ground... curled around a Thompsons gazelle.
The gazelle had already been asphyxiated by the python which was
attempting to swallow its huge meal. Its jaws had unhinged and the
mouth was slowly moving up the carcass when a couple of jackals
stumbled across the scene. There ensued a lot of harassment from the
jackals trying to cash in on the undigested Tommie. Finally they
succeeded and the python gave up and slithered off waving goodbye to
several months food supply!"
