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June 30, 2008
ecoTourism & Biodiversity |
Introduction
by Clarissa Hughes
We’re hearing a lot about food and oil prices right now. And Africa is being encouraged to develop its agriculture. However, more land being turned over to farming will exacerbate the drastic loss of biodiversity we’re already facing. According to the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), countries and communities are dependent on their biodiversity and the rich variety of species to fuel their development. Ecological diversity underpins social, economic and cultural diversity. Africa is in need of development – this is a no-brainer.
The other threat stems from the population density and hence from population growth. Population growth and loss of biodiversity are joined at the hip.
For me there is no doubt that mankind is headed for a showdown with Mother Nature. Extreme weather and rising sea levels are in one group of hazards. Another relates to population consumption. What is not so clear are the consequences of more of earth’s surface being turned over to mono-culture. The metaphor of a cancer is appropriate here – one cell proliferates at the expense of other types of cells.
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Participate in Wildlife Conservation
Hyenas may not invoke warm, fuzzy feelings in most humans but they are essential members of a healthy ecosystem in Africa.
Renowned wildlife zoologist, Gerrie Camacho, will be leading a safari in July/Aug to relocate four spotted hyena into an area where their populations have been decimated by poaching. This trip combines the front side of ecotourism, where the traveler sees and photographs animals and learns about the bush, with the back end, the wildlife management side.
Guests will have the opportunity to be “hands on” during the relocation, should they wish. They will also visit camera traps, the means by which many scientists gather vital information for the management of our ever dwindling wildlife.
Staying in luxury accommodation in and around the Sabi Sands Reserve this 14 day trip is an excellent way to experience the nuts and bolts of wildlife conservation, while enjoying the comforts of luxury travel. Please enquire with our consultants for more information on this once-and-only opportunity.
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North Luangwa and the Okavango
Five black rhino were recently relocated in the North Luangwa National Park in Zambia. They were moved from the Kruger National Park and Marakele National Park in South Africa. Black rhino are browsers and despite their ferocious reputation have been decimated by hunting in most parts of Africa. For a chance to see these rhino and experience the beautiful wilderness of North Luangwa contact us now.
I received a very excited newsletter recently about a rhino sighting in the Okavango Delta. Way back in the late 1980’s when I guided safaris in Botswana, rhinos were scarce. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary was set up in 1992 to preserve the species in Botswana. So the sighting from the Okavango is BIG NEWS indeed. If you’d like to have the chance to see the wild Okavango rhinos take a look at this active safari. If you prefer a guaranteed sighting and would like to see more of Botswana then we suggest you look at this safari. |
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The secret is out
For the cognoscenti, the bat migration to Kasanka National Park in Zambia, has been a well kept secret. But now, thanks to Time magazine, this annual migration of straw-coloured bats is common knowledge.
Millions of bats congregate around November/December in Kasanka. Their numbers are so great that large, healthy trees have been known to collapse under their weight. Time has listed the migration alongside other great wonders such as the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti and the sardine run off the coast of South Africa.
Enquire with one of our consultants if you want to learn more about this truly amazing spectacle.. |
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Musical Festival 2008
Preparations are underway for this year’s festival to be held on the shores of the exquisite Lake Malawi from 10th to 12th October. Going from strength to strength each year the festival features scores of musicians from around the world, as well as home grown African artists. Money raised from the festival goes towards UNICEF’s water and sanitation project in Malawi.
If you’re into music and want to enjoy a tropical beach holiday as well, ask our consultants about the 12 day tour starting 3rd October to this wonderful, friendly central African country.
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Aaaaah, It Was Wonderful To Go Back To The Bush!
Julia Spends Time in the Kruger
Julia is a keen birder and clocked up to 40 lifers mostly thanks to Rob, the specialist guide.
“On our final full day in the park, our guide had a good feeling about the day and he was quite right - not only did we see a huge Elephant herd, Buffalo bulls, Rhino and calf and 3 bachelor Lions, but we were graced with a sighting of the elusive Leopard precariously feeding on an Impala carcass high in a Sausage Tree, as well as of a small pack of four Wild Dog trotting off into the oblivion of the savanna. It is true, the animal movements are extremely unpredictable making every sighting a very special moment in time!
This time I was fortunate to have my husband accompany me to share the spoils of South Africa’s world renowned Kruger National Park and adjacent reserves.”
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Travellers Feedback
Eric Decruccio (USA) on a 3 Day Classic Kruger and Ambassador Hotel in Cape Town
"We had an amazing and memorable trip to South Africa. Thanks to you and your organization all of the details and planning were perfect and went off with no problems or complications.
All of our experiences with everyone were positive and pleasurable.
Special mention to our hosts at the Outlook Lodge Leanne and Elmer for welcoming us so graciously and being the perfect hosts and making our stay there comfortable and enjoyable. Also, mention to Willem our Safari guide who with his great knowledge and passion for the wildlife and his sense of wonder and great humour made it a Safari to remember forever! The Ambassador Hotel staff also provided consummate professionalism and excellent customer service...
Overall it was one of the best holidays I have experienced."
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ecoAfrica Newsletter © 2008 ecoAfrica Travel.
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