East Africa Safari Newsletter – January 2009
Six Camps and Lodges in Kenya get ecotourism rating
Samburu Lodge, Joys Camp, Samburu Tented Camp, Mara Interpids Camp, Mara Explorer Camp, and Keekorok Lodge got their ecotourism rating which show their commitment to responsible tourism. These facilities, located in Masai Mara Game Reserve and Samburu underwent a rigorous vetting process by Ecotourism Kenya. Eco-rating is used to certify lodges, hotels and camps that meet high standards in environmental protection and social responsibility. According to the findings of the assessment the rating ranges from gold, silver or bronze ratings. At present 30 facilities were rated, two have gold rating, six have silver and 22 bronze.
Change on phone numbers for Rwanda
The telephone-numbering system in Rwanda will change from the 8-digit to the internationally common 10-digit numbering system.
Obama’s granny’s historic journey to Washington
Sarah Obama, the paternal grandmother of president Barack Obama traveled to the United States where she witnessed the swearing in of her grandson as the 44th President of the United States of America on January 20.
Fly 540 now offers daily flights to Kilimanjaro
Fly540 will commence daily flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro airport. The airline already has daily flights from Nairobi via Mombasa to Zanzibar.
Turkish Airlines to start Nairobi flights
Turkish Airline intents to start flights from Istanbul to Nairobi by the end of February. Sofar Kenya Airways has not given any indication that they will offer the same route as well.
Chimps Nest in Kibaale Nationl Park, Uganda is now open
This new eco-friendly lodge just outside the Kibaale National Park is ideal for visitors coming to the park to track chimpanzees, watch the nearly 350 species of birds or want it visit Rwenzori Mountains or the township of Fort Portal. Self-contained accommodation is available in cottages, one tree house and a nearby campsite. The lodge offers full-board accommodation and lunches for day visitors. Visit www.chimpsnest.com for more information.
Agreement for Charter flights between Spain and Kenya
Kenya has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish government allowing again charter flights from Spain into Kenya. Kenya is due to participate in the biggest Spanish tourism fair, FITUR to promote Kenya to Spanish tour operators and the public.
Rwanda inaugurates Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest was now declared National Park to attract more tourist visitors to the area. It is the country’s largest national park and the third after the Akagera National Park and the Parc de Volcanoes, the latter best known for gorilla tracking. Nyungwe is home to a large number of chimpanzees and nearly 300 species of birds. A five-star, eco-friendly lodge at Nyungwe is being build which is expected to be ready by mid-2009.
Internet takes over dominance in European travel business
In the year 2008 the number of travellers using the Internet to plan their travel is now in the majority. This is the result of a survey done on behalf of ITB Berlin. The number of bookings through the Internet is growing over proportually. The share of Internet bookings in Europe increased from 19 % in the year 2003 to 41% in the year 2008 zu. Travel agencies becoming less important for the planing of holidays.
Most Canadians still plan to go on vacation
Despite the economic downturn 69 % of Canadians say they’re still planning to take a vacation within the next year. Nearly half plan to travel outside Canada and one third want to go on a cruise. Canadian value their holidays and a lot of them are alrady booking their annual trip. There is a strong correlation between cold weather and cruise bookings to warm destination.
Its seems Germans do not save on their vacation
Experts do not expect a decrease in the German travel market despite finance crises and recession. According to a forcast of the German Forschungsgemeinschaft Urlaub und Reisen will the travel market remain on the same level like 2008. 22% of Germans plan for 2009 more trips then in the year before. The same number of people plan less trips then in the year before. Only 13% see that the finance crises will affect their travel plans. People will save in other areas before they reduce travelling.
New Website at Kenya Tourist Board
Kenya Tourist Board has now a German version of their website. The new website www.magical-kenya.de offeres visitors information about this exciting country in East Africa, which offers much more then safaris and beach. Apart from information about the different regions and attractions of this country there are many general travel tips and the possibility to order information material to be delivered by mail. www.magical-kenya.de
Kenya One Tours on Facebook
Kenya One Tours launched a company page on Facebook. The aim of this is to enable interactivity and sharing of ideas, experiences, photos and even videos amongst travel enthusiast in East Africa and beyond.
Check the page and register as a fan at Kenya One Tours on Facebook
Gorilla population in Virunga, DRC grows despite war
The mountain gorilla population in Virunga National Park’s has increased despite the war in this area. A count showed that the number of gorillas 81, compared to 72 in 2007.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
