1. Africa Update
ecoAfrica celebrates 10 years of
responsible travel!
The
website that would become ecoAfrica.com started back in 1995, on the
cusp of the internet revolution that was set to change the world.
Back then already our slogan was “Promoting Responsible Tourism”.
With time we narrowed the focus to “ecotourism” because of its
emphasis on nature-based, ethical travel, which fitted our interest
in nature and conservation more closely, but which also –
importantly - relied on what we regard as Africa’s unique
competitive advantages, her wildlife and wilderness.
ecoAfrica: history, concepts and values
Four new marine protected areas for South Africa
Four
new marine protected areas (MPAs) are to be proclaimed along the Cape
coastline. The announcement was made at the launch of
National Marine Week earlier this month. The four new areas will
bring South Africa's total number of MPAs to 27, covering one-fifth
of its waters up to one nautical mile off shore. Marine protected
areas combine conservation with the development of tourism, and in
this respect are the marine equivalent of national parks.
Kilimanjaro marathon: How far would you
go for a safari excuse?
Although
the 'Kilimanjaro Adventure Challenge' is not something the
average person might consider a reason to travel, if it meant going
on a
safari in Tanzania, one might be
tempted to lace up. So for those runners who are looking for a noble
sounding pretext to visiting the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and
Zanzibar - then this is as good an opportunity as you're going to
get! The race takes place in February - the same time that thousands
of wildebeest start calving in the southern Serengeti and the
weather in Zanzibar isn't bad either.
Shady hunters to bite the bullet
In an attempt to clean up the hunting industry in South
Africa, The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has
proposed the banning of various "distasteful" forms of hunting.
The proposals include a complete ban on "canned hunting"; hunting in
national parks or provincial reserves; hunting on any properties
where captive-bred animals are reared; the use of dogs, traps,
snares, bait, lights or luring sounds; and "green" hunting where
animals are repeatedly "shot" with tranquilising darts.
2. ecolabels in ecotourism: do they have a future?
Ecolabels are meant to help travellers choose
environmentally friendly travel products on the one hand, and, on
the other, help certified travel companies gain a competitive
advantage in the marketplace. To date ecolabels have failed to truly
influence traveller behaviour, and this article contends that
voluntary and self-regulating ecolabels will not be embraced by
travel businesses either. So - do they have a future? We think they
do, but not in the form everyone expected....
Read the full article
3. New on ecoAfrica.com
Mfuwe
Lodge, Zambia
Mfuwe Lodge is situated 3km inside
the South Luangwa National Park, beautifully sandwiched between 2
lagoons. Here exciting wilderness adventures are matched by the
enchantment of the lodge, the warm welcome from the staff and the
courtesy and efficiency of service. The lodge has 18 thatched
cottages - each individually situated along the river with own
viewing deck.
4. Ranger Diaries
Simon reports from Tena Tena Camp, Zambia:
"Game viewing has been fantastic as per normal. A little while
ago Rocky and Chris saw a great leopard kill up at
Tena Tena. The little leopardess
caught a puku and took it up a nearby tree to get her dinner away
from the lions and hyenas who might steal her kill if she kept it on
the ground. As you can see by the photos a great deal of strength,
skill and agility is required to get her food up into a tree but the
reward is great as she can then feed uninterrupted. Notice that it
is the choice cuts first!! The rump is usually the first to be eaten
followed by the other specialties such as fillet, loin and possibly
ribs depending on your preferences!"
5. Traveller Feedback
Feedback from Gladys and Adrian Fung who visited Exeter
Dulini Lodge in October:
"Adrian
and I had a wonderful time with
Exeter Dulini and the lodge/safari
experience exceeded our expectations! The lodge main facility and
our private suite was very clean and luxurious, and blended in very
well with the surroundings. The meals were all execellent and we had
a change of meal settings every day - near the pool, in the open air
boma, in the main lodge. The staff were so friendly and
professional.
Our ranger was Rexton and tracker was Patrick and both were very
knowledgeable about the ecosystem, animals, and the history of the
land. Both were curteous and very friendly at all times, including
when dining with us and other guests.
The highlight of the trip was when 3-4 other tracker/rangers in the
area were all looking for a pride of lions, Rexton and Patrick were
the only ones who did not give up, and ended up finding them first!
It was amazing seeing how they work together and educated us a
little bit about tracking animals through ravines, bush, and rough
terrain.
I highly recommend the Exeter Dulini lodge. It is one of the best
vacation/experiences I have had. Lastly, thanks ecoAfrica for your
help as well as getting everything organized. I was a bit hesistant
doing everything online and not going to a local travel agent. But
you helped us put this together very smoothly. Thanks again!"
