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Nov 14, 2007
The Big 5 Ms: Maasai, Manchampane, Malawi, Mara & Management
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Introduction
by Clarissa Hughes
We are thrilled with the news that former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for their work in raising awareness of global warming. This puts global warming and environmental awareness in their rightful place – at the top of the priority list for the 21st Century.
Of course, personal choices, including travel, come under the spotlight when we think about our own impact on the planet. Here at ecoAfrica Travel we’ve discussed the issue of responsible travel at length and you can see what we think by visiting our blog.
With the opening of the Mata Mata border post in the Kgaligadi Transfrontier Park, I’m afraid to say that word has been leaked as to what a fantastic park this is - one of my favourite places. Visitors to Botswana, Namibia & South Africa can now access this wonderful Peace Park. Salomi is going up there next week, so look out for her report on this in the next issue.
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Or nearly so
Julia discovers that Maasai chiefs have a penchant for young women with long dark hair and a sizable dowry payable in cattle! Here is an excerpt from her trip to northern Tanzania. Visit our blog for a full report.
“As we entered the Ngorongoro Conservancy, we encountered a tropical rain forest in low-lying mist. This vegetation is very typical of the crater rim and was provides a home to buffalo, waterbuck, bush pig and local Maasai warriors herding their goats or cattle to the water source in the crater. Be prepared to pull out USD1 to take a photo of one of these fine-featured locals! After a tricky 600m drop along narrow road we ventured for a game drive in the 2 million year old crater. Three distinct eco-zones: flat grasslands, forest thicket and a small lake attracted all types of birds and wildlife."
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In the Limpopo National Park
After years of civil war, Mozambique is being re-discovered and there is great hype, and hope, for its wildlife refuges. Ralph recently visited the newly declared Limpopo Transfrontier Park which includes world famous Kruger National Park. Here is a passage from his article.
“The Machampane concession comprises a large wilderness area that borders Kruger Park to the west and extends down to Lake Massangir on the Olifants River. A fence still separates Limpopo, which was until fairly recently a hunting concession, and Kruger and over the last few years relocated wildlife have been released into a sanctuary area here, the fences of which are still visible south of the camp. Near the lake, but within the park, local Shangaan eke out a subsistence living on the land. Apparently the people will be relocated at some future stage.” |
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A “massive success” in Malawi
Based at the Chintheche Inn on the northern shore of Lake Malawi, the three-day event took place in the first weekend in October.
All accommodation in the area was fully booked weeks ahead as well over 1500 people converged on this particularly beautiful stretch of the lakeshore. With its combination of live music from south and east African artists and sets from Western DJs, the event hosted 75 performers. £4400 raised for UNICEF's projects in Malawi, Over £100K was generated by the festival for the Malawian economy. The festival was opened by the Malawian Deputy Minister of Tourism.
Of course, the lake can be visited all year round. For more information on the festival, you can visit their website. |
Thousands of wildebeest drown in Mara River
During the migration
With the extremely heavy rains experienced in East Africa lately, the bi-annual wildebeest migration has taken a knock. According to some sources, up to 20,000 wildebeest have drowned while trying to cross the Mara River in their attempt to get to good pastures.
However, the Kenya Wildlife Services have confirmed that there have been approximately 5,000 deaths (2,000 more than normal years).
With more than two million wildebeest in the Mara/Serengeti ecosystem the numbers are not that alarming. Yet, the cause is: the destruction of Mau forest in Kenya - which gives us all the more reason to encourage the preservation of the environment through tourism.
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For water management
Namibia is not a country that one automatically associates with water. Yet the mouth of the Orange River (the largest river in South Africa) and the mouth of the Kunene River (forming the northern border with Angola) are found here. Furthermore, the Okavango River flows through the Caprivi Strip, and Lake Liambezi and the Linyanti Swamps are located here too.
Dorothy Wamunyima, Project Co-ordinator for the transboundary initiative “Every River Has Its People” has won the International Water Resources Management Award in Sweden.
Focusing on the sustainable use of the Okavango River Basin which spans Angola, Botswana and Namibia, Dorothy seeks to involve communities in water resource management.
The Caprivi Strip is situated in the middle of the area and boasts some excellent and remote wilderness experiences. The Kwando River region is home to many of Africa’s best gameviewing. |
Travellers Feedback
Karl Fischer (Venezuela) on the 8 nights at Phinda Forest Lodge, Phinda Walking and Ngala Tented Camp
"Our experience with ecoAfrica was superb! Your selection of itineraries and lodges more than met our expectations and the quality of service was outstanding throughout. Your staff is knowledgeable, eager to please every whim, and deliver a most rewarding experience.
We particularly enjoyed the Ngala Tented Lodge, its location and its exquisitely outfitted “tents”. Our wildlife guide there, Sipho, is worth special mention for the brilliant, well humoured tours he gave us.
Dr. Ralph and Anita Kornbluth (USA) who stayed at Semliki Lodge
"...Thank you for arranging Semliki for us... We enjoyed working with you. It has been a real pleasure. When we or our friends travel to South Africa we will definitely tell them to get in touch with you.
This was our sixth trip to Africa and I can't wait to go back."
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ecoAfrica Newsletter © 2007 ecoAfrica Travel.
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