April 18, 2007
What will your legacy be?
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Introduction
by Clarissa Hughes
Much is made about the development of Africa and her people. However, with the progress that development brings so her remaining wild places come under pressure from human activities.
While human progress is welcome and rewarding it is essential that it’s done with an eye on the future and the health of that-which-sustains-us: Mother Earth. I was therefore happy to see that the newly promulgated Zambia Development Act allows for the Environmental Council to have its say in the development of one of the poorest countries in the world. With the restriction of an environmentally disastrous development at the World Heritage Site of the Victoria Falls, the people of Zambia and her government have proved they are thinking of future generations - a good example for the rest of Africa and the world to follow.
Something I’ve found myself mulling over lately is that in the African tradition, ancestors are revered. But will our descendants revere us? I have this uncomfortable feeling we may be regarded as the Thieves in the Temple. Ho hum. Wasn’t it the Iroquois who maintained that all decisions taken by the tribal elders should consider seven generations hence? Self-examination is usually a prickly process. Nevertheless, at this stage of the game it’s an essential prerequisite to assuring the future of our species. How does your personal travel choice have an impact? View our criteria.
With international Earth Day (22nd April) almost upon us, now is an opportune moment to make a Earth Day Resolution – how can you tread more lightly on the planet?
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Jumbo Babel
It has long been known that elephants are great communicators.
Recent research conducted in Etosha National Park, Namibia discovered these imposing animals are able to receive messages through their sensitive feet. But of greater surprise was the news that recorded messages were understood by other elephants in the same geographical area but not by elephants in another geographical area. It appears that wild elephants, like humans, have evolved different languages!
South Africa is in the process of formulating an elephant management plan. And, as expected, the issue is highly controversial. The full policy announcement by the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism is available online.
Botswana has the largest remaining herd of wild African elephant and the Government there has debated the issue of active management long and hard. To see one of Africa’s greatest spectacles, visit Northern Botswana in October at the end of the dry season. The floodplains of the Chobe River are heaving with elephant.
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Uproar in Uganda
Tropical hardwood forest under threat
Just 54 km from Kampala lies the recovering Mabira Forest. Recovering? In 1986 encroachers were evicted from this protected area. With financial help from the European Union the forest has slowly been recuperating. It is an important water catchment and biodiversity area (30% of Uganda’s bird species occur in the forest). Together with tourism revenue these all enhance Uganda’s economic output. However, the Sugar Corporation of Uganda wants to take 25 per cent of Mabira Forest to plant more sugar cane. The damage of cutting away part of Mabira Forest in terms of carbon credit is estimated at $316m. The value of the land is estimated at about $5m and the value of the wood at another $568m. That means the Ugandan public stands to lose almost $890m as a result of the Government's plan to degazette part of the forest: all in the name of big business.
Fortunately, no mountain gorillas occur in Mabira and these gentle creatures can still be seen in western Uganda.
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The highlights of Edna’s trip to Namibia
“The first thing I realised is that the locals are extremely friendly, caring and welcoming and that made me feel right at home.
The 10 day Namibian Highlights safari takes in a variety of landscapes and cultures which made the trip exciting as every day was different. The first 2 days at Sossusvlei there are orange-red sand dunes as far as your eyes can see. Sossusvlei is such a peaceful and relaxing place and was one of my personal favourites. Next we drove along the coast to Swakopmund and I was fascinated by the desert on the one side of the vehicle and the sea on the other. I always imagined the desert would be nowhere near water!
We then went on to Spitzkoppe which has wonderful rock formations that have been created by erosion over thousands of years. Here the small Damara community live off selling handmade items and different types of stones they take out of the ground.
Then on to Hobatere just outside the world famous Etosha National Park. Along the way we stopped at little craft shops run by Hereros and saw the women in their big, long dresses reaching to the ground. Their head-gear comprises a cap showing two high points on the sides of the head. We also went up north and visited a local Himba village and this was the highlight of my trip. It was amazing to see how these people still keep their tradition alive and still live a traditional lifestyle in a harsh environment. The women’s entire body is rubbed with animal fat mixed with ochre powder. The aromatic resin of the Omuzumba bush is added as well. The cream lends the body an intense reddish shine, which corresponds to the Himba ideal of beauty. The following 2 days we spent in Etosha National Park and saw lots of game which was a wonderful experience. Namibia is a fascinating destination and I would highly recommend it.”
Edna has been on the ecoAfrica Travel team for 3 years as a Tour Consultant.
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Primeval: The Movie
Inspired by most prolific serial killer in history
It is the story of a legendary man-eating crocodile in war-torn Burundi and, like most mainstream films, doesn’t do the creature justice. Science only recently discovered that crocodiles produce a unique peptide (aptly called crocodillin) that has extremely high antibiotic qualities. A salve is now available commercially that cures anything from psoriasis to HIV/Aids sores. 5000 years ago the Ancient Egyptians worshipped crocodiles and those they kept in captivity were bedecked with jewels in honour of the great god, Sobek. The Pharaohs apparently knew all about the healing properties of crocodile fat as they would be regularly anointed with it. Moreover, it’s widely believed that the mythological dragon has its origins in the crocodile and the name Pendragon (Arthur of Camelot’s family name) is translated as “one who is protected”.
So think twice when you see a crocodile. Like so much in life, it is often the despised that holds the key to the future.
Throughout my travels in Africa, the place where I saw the highest density of large crocodiles was on the Lufupa River in North Kafue National Park in Zambia. The banks were literally teeming. To see this spectacle (from the safety of a vehicle) visit one of Africa’s least known parks with the The Great Zambia Journey.
The Wildlife Conservation Society of Zambia is currently conducting a survey of carnivores in Zambia. Clare Mateke of the Society would be grateful for your reports on your sightings. Contact her at vcmateke@zamnet.zm.
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Thonga Beach Lodge
Luxury and isolation on the North East coast of South Africa
Julia recently visited this special place and this is what she has to say.
“We were welcomed by very friendly staff and a refreshing iced tea! I found that all the staff and management at the lodge were sincere and accommodating to special requests. As for the activities, we were busy for all 5 days. My most special moment was seeing the baby leatherback turtles making their way down to the water embarking on a journey of a lifetime. Our guide had a true passion for the nature and his knowledge was impressively extensive considering that he couldn’t read too well. The snorkelling was fantastic - I had the opportunity of seeing a full sized giant moray eel!! The location is idyllic with relaxation and comfort being the priority. We felt spoilt and privileged.”
Julia is our Office Manager and has been a tour consultant for the past 10 years.
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Travellers Feedback
Gomo Gomo
It was the first time I booked holidays by internet. The service from ecoAfrica Travel was excellent. All got smoothly! Thank you!!! This holidays were the most impressive and exciting holidays we ever had. The wildlife is grandiose! ~ Nicole (Switzerland)
Gomo Gomo Game Lodge is a private and intimate camp situated on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River in the prestigious Timbavati Nature Reserve.
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ecoQuest
8 day Taste of Kenya
Enjoy Kenya's four most popular game parks in the classic northern circuit. Excellent lodges with the last two nights in luxury tents in Kenya's best wilderness, the Masai Mara.
This safari takes in the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Mount Kenya
and Samburu National Park.
Hoopoe Safaris won the 2004 Condé Nast Traveler's
Ecotourism Award for Best Operator in the World, for their continued and
outstanding community-based Ecotourism partnerships across East Africa and
specifically Northern Tanzania.
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Travel Tip
Conserve water
Take showers rather than baths, and use a refillable water container, sterilising water when necessary, rather than buying bottled water.
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ecoSpecials
Indulge yourself in paradise at Cousine Island, Seychelles
Cousine Island is about relaxing in luxury, seclusion and nature. Here the wildlife and visitors share the island in harmony. The conservation officer will take you on a walk of the island explaining their work and philosophy pointing the varied habitat that the untrained eye might miss.
Price: €1498 per villa, per night
Valid: 15 January - 21 May 2007
If you would like to book this trip or look at some more specials, visit our specials page,
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ecoAfrica Newsletter © 2007 eocAfrica Travel.
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