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February 21, 2007
Changing the Present
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Introduction
by Clarissa Hughes
With the recent excesses of a neo-Western Christmas still fresh in my mind I came across a novel way of gift-giving. Changing the Present will appeal to those of you who, like me, are fatigued by all the useless baubles that seem to do the rounds at this time. In choosing a charity you can still participate in the giving of the season while maintaining a social conscience. You may even succeed in educating one of the recipients of your gifts. A win-win-win situation, if ever I saw one. And, if none of the listed charities resonate personally with you, you can always transplant the idea onto a charity you really do want to help. I learned the other day that someone who'd had a "significant" birthday had asked all her guests to donate money to her favourite charity instead of bringing gifts to the party.
The wellbeing of the environment and human society cannot be separated and it is only through the choices people make on an individual level that both will remain healthy. I believe these choices extend to everything in your life including your travel decisions. We have some value recommendations which we think you should look for, in your choice of a holiday.
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Bloodless Diamonds
Contrary to Leonardo di Caprio's latest movie, the world's largest diamond producer is not only African but is also a model of peace and stability.
Botswana's story is an inspiring one. Discovered just months after Botswana's independence in 1966, diamonds have become one of the three mainstays of her economy (tourism and beef being the others). With a sound fiscal policy the government has overseen one of the fastest economic growth rates in per capita in the world - an average of over 9% per year from 1966 to 1999.
Built on the traditional "legkotla" system of tribal governance, modern democracy was an easy adjustment for the people of Botswana. First-rate leadership has guided her through to the 21st Century.
Home to the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert, Botswana's tourism industry is another success story for this sparsely populated country - 2 million inhabitants in a country the size of France.
Experience Botswana's abundant wildlife in the magical "Jewel of the Kalahari".
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Elephant Capture
The moral issue of trained elephants is highlighted in this disturbing news
by Johnny Rodrigues, Chairman, Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force (ZCTF)
The news of the capture of 12 juvenile elephants by a tourism operator from Hwange National Park is fairly widespread by now. I have just returned from a 3-week trip and was given the distressing information while I was out of the country. I released the story to the media while I was away and now that I am back, I would like to state that the ZCTF is disgusted and disappointed that this cruel practice has been allowed to take place.
For those who have not yet heard the story, this company, based in Victoria Falls somehow managed to secure a permit from National Parks to capture 15 juvenile elephants from Shumba Pan in Hwange NP. Their intention is to train them for the purpose of giving elephant rides to tourists. This is in contravention of the accepted policy that no wild animal will be domesticated... read more
One of ecoAfrica Travel's criteria for products in our stable is that we do not actively promote luring, taming or killing of wildlife.
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The Great Walk
Maasai Warrior Miyere to walk back to Kenya from Cape Town
Almost two years after arriving in Cape Town after his epic walk from Kenya, Miyere Ole Miyandazi, a Maasai warrior is preparing for the return journey. The trek of 4,000 kms (2550 miles) should take him 5 to 6 months.
If you like the idea of walking through Kenya's wild spaces take a look at two of our new products. The Great Walk takes you through East and West Tsavo National Park. Following the Galana River the emphasis is on big game viewing. The Great Escape takes in Mount Kenya, Shaba National Reserve and the Maasai Mara Reserve.
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Call of the Wild!
Julia Demaio returns from an exhilarating 4 day trip to the Kruger National Park
After an early start in Johannesburg, we departed for a lengthy, but very comfortable transfer, in air-conditioned vehicles to a private bush camp situated in the Kruger National Park. Facilities are basic, but comfortable. After unpacking and refreshments we got onto open 4x4 vehicles and embarked on the quest for wildlife.
In the evening we returned to camp for a boma dinner and some traditional Shangaan song and dance. The smell of the animal skins when thumped with sticks was unforgettable, the sound reverberating deep within my torso too. Don't be shy when they invite to join in on the dancing! ...read more
See more details of Julia's fantastic trip.
Julia Demaio is our lead travel consultant and has been arranging holidays for online travellers for the past 10 years.
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How responsible is your Coffee?
Your early morning cuppa may be destroying wildlife
Fairtrade, the international trade label for responsibly-traded products has highlighted the ethics behind business dealings in coffee. Furthermore, a recent report from WWF shows that coffee is being illegally grown inside one of the world's most important national parks for tigers, elephants and rhinos, in Indonesia, and then mixed with legally grown coffee and sold to large multi-national corporations.
I am fortunate to have a coffee roastery near my home and, being a serious coffee drinker, always order the Ethiopian variety because it provides a livelihood for the subsistence farmers there, and it is the original home of coffee. Zambia too has some excellent coffee and when I tried ordering it last week I was told that the entire crop had been bought up by Starbucks! Zambia's coffee growing areas do not interfere with its wildlife reserves.
Visit Zambia's renowned Luangwa Valley for some of the best wildlife experiences on the planet.
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This morning we went on a balloon safari over the Masai Mara
With the bi-annual wildebeest migration in full swing Lizanne tries flying over the Garden of Eden
I guess it is safe to say that I love doing exotic and wonderful things, but the truth is that I love it when a dream comes true. It is a thrilling experience when the images you have fondled in your mind becomes part of "things you have done" - you feel like anything is possible, and that many more such wonderful things will happen. Silently floating a few meters above the wild animals of Africa seems like a sweet dream of reality - as if your heart and soul mingles with the physical world around you, and everything seems easy... read more
Lizanne Malherbe holds a Masters degree in Environmental Ethics and is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Design.
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Travellers Feedback
Marcelo Cerqueira Ribeiro from Brazil
I am very impressed with EcoAfrica Travel's service. They've been always one step ahead giving me all suport I needed. Despite the distance and the Internet use, I felt very safe and well attended. Congratulations!!
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ecoQuest
Visit the Pearl of Africa
Experience the best of Uganda's famous national parks, including exciting chimpanzee trekking. A mix of luxury lodges and adventure camping (where no lodges exist) optimizes the game viewing experience of the outstanding all-round central African safari.
Visit Uganda: 8 Day Taste of Uganda
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Travel Tip
Respect the environment
Respect the environment, stay on trails during hikes, do not remove plants or feed animals, and never litter. At the sea do not take any corals, shells, dried fish, starfish, sea-fans and other marine souvenirs - removal can seriously disrupt ecosystems. Navigation in reef water needs special care - do not anchor on reefs which can be easily damaged.
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ecoSpecials
Exciting Safari Deals
A new addition to the ecoAfrica website is the specials page, where you will find exciting safari specials for this time of the year. |
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ecoAfrica Newsletter © 2007 eocAfrica Travel.
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