Travel News letter
Why do we travel?
To experience different places and cultures, to see wildlife, or to relax on a deserted white-sand beach, perhaps. These are all admirable reasons for choosing a holiday destination, of course-but, do we ever really get to know a country when we visit? The simple answer is no. We often barely scratch the surface.
For me, the best way to get under the skin of a place is through the people. In Africa, while amazing animal encounters or mind-blowing natural wonders linger long in the memory, I truly treasure the unexpected conversations along the way. From market traders to lodge owners, from taxi drivers to safari guides to entrepreneurs, everyone has a story to tell…..some are quite surreal.
What story will you bring home?
image by Chem- Chem
BEST SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL TIPS FOR AN AFRICAN SAFARI
We believe that the most constructive way to travel sustainably in Africa is to go on safari. Not only are you avoiding the world’s tourist hotspots overrun by throngs of visitors, but by paying conservation fees – a small tariff worked into the cost of your safari that's transferred to national parks or indigenous landowners – you directly finance wildlife conservation and give local communities a tangible incentive to help protect Africa’s magical ecosystems.
Africa is also leading the way in the fight for a cleaner, eco-friendly world. Thirty-four African nations have either passed a law banning single-use plastics and implemented it, or have passed a law with the intention of implementation. Countries like Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia are front runners in the journey to creating a single-use, plastic-free world.
When thinking about how to travel sustainably, one of the simplest ways is to take less long-haul flights. But for those travellers who want to witness Africa’s mesmerising landscapes and remarkable wildlife, there are ways to go on eco-holidays in Africa and make your trip more sustainable.
What is Sustainable Tourism?
What is Eco-Travel or Sustainable Tourism?
Eco-travel or sustainable tourism can be defined as responsible travel to natural areas that help conserve the environment and wildlife, and improve the well-being of local communities.
But ecotourism is more than just how travel companies manage their resources and the impact they have on the environment. It’s also about taking responsibility to help travellers understand the impacts of their actions, both while travelling and when they return home.
If travellers are looking for an environmentally friendly way to travel, travel companies should advise them to first think about what they consider to be good eco-tourism. Once they understand how to travel more sustainably, they’re in a place to ask their travel agents the hard questions about the products they are suggesting, as well as their own operations.
These questions could include:
What is your company’s commitment to eco-tourism and how are you making this a reality?
Are the suppliers you are recommending part of any regional or global eco-tourism initiatives?
What are your suppliers’ employment and development programs?
How does a camp or lodge minimise its use of resources and the impact it has on the immediate environment?
Are you or your suppliers involved in any carbon offsetting programs?
Do you or your suppliers support any environmental or conservation programs?
Why is Sustainable Travel Important?
image by Ol Pejeta
Eco-tourism is essential to educate travellers about how to travel sustainably, provide funds for ecological conservation programs, aid the economic development and empowerment of local communities, and to foster respect for different cultures and human rights. Sustainable travel has become a critical endeavour for wildlife conservation and to ensure that future generations may experience destinations reasonably untouched by human intervention.
What does the future hold for Mountain Gorillas?
Image by Andy Biggs
Virunga Massif, Bwindi National Park & Sarambwe Reserve
September 24th marked the day that Dian Fossey set up two small tents on the mountainside of the Virungas and founded Karisoke Research Center 55 years ago. Since then, the mountain gorillas have witnessed significant change, and in this month's newsletter, we will take a closer look at how they are faring today.
Below you will find why we are hopeful for the future of mountain gorillas, how you can gain a behind-the-scenes insight into mountain gorilla conservation, and some interesting facts about the national parks and reserves in Rwanda and Uganda where the mountain gorillas call home.
EXPANSION OF VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Volcanoes National Park is the name given to the Rwandan side of the Virunga Massif, which also encompasses Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.
Rwanda has embarked on an ambitious project to expand Volcanoes National Park by roughly 23%, increasing its size by 37.4 square kilometers (3,740 hectares). The aim is to ensure a better habitat for the mountain gorillas, as the current size of the park is too small to accommodate the growing population of gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. This conservation venture will not only benefit the gorillas but will also improve the habitat for other wildlife living in the park and further improve the lives of the surrounding communities.
ARE GORILLA NUMBERS INCREASING?
According to the most recent census, the population of mountain gorillas has increased from 480 to 604 individuals in the Virunga Massif, and from 400 to 459 in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the adjacent Sarambwe Reserve in the DRC. At the end of 2019, it was estimated that the overall population of mountain gorillas had reached 1063.
Once on the brink of extinction, mountain gorilla numbers continue to grow. In Rwanda, this success is celebrated with the annual 'Kwita Izina' baby gorilla naming ceremony, which is now in its 18th year.
VISIT THE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
It is essential to book gorilla tracking permits well in advance, as there are only a limited number of permits available each day in Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Permits need to be paid for, in full, at the time of booking. A percentage of the gorilla permit fee goes to supporting the communities living around the parks, in addition to funding conservation and management of the parks:
Volcanoes National Park
Habituated groups: 12
Permits per group: 8
Total: 96 per day
Permit price: $1500
Bwindi National Park
Habituated groups: 18
Permits per group: 8
Total: 144 per day
Permit price: $700
Mgahinga National Park
Habituated groups: 1
Permits per group: 8
Total: 8 per day
Permit price: $700
Virunga National Park in the DRC also has a number of habituated gorilla families but Urth Expedition does not operate in this country at the moment. As mountain gorillas roam freely, with no wildlife borders between Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC, these numbers are subject to change.
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“When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate on the preservation of the future” ”
When to Plan a Safari
We’re often asked how far in advance it’s necessary to plan a safari. The short answer is “the sooner the better!” If you are set on specific destinations, specific camps or lodges, or specific dates, especially if traveling during peak seasons, it’s best to plan anywhere from 12 – 24 months in advance. That said, if you’re flexible on destination or accommodation type, we can very often help with a shorter window of time. We’ll look at some of the nuances of planning ahead here, as the time to craft a customized trip varies somewhat by location and safari type.
Holidays
Considering a safari over the holiday seasons like Christmas, New Year’s or Easter? You’ll need to start planning at least 12 months in advance and 24 months is better if you want to get into preferred smaller camps and boutique hotels. For example, Cape Town is a fantastic place to spend time in December and January as the weather and water are the warmest of the year, but you’re not only competing for preferred accommodations with other international travelers, you’re competing with many South Africans looking to escape to the beautiful Western Cape!
Migration
Seeing East Africa’s Great Migration is on many travelers’ wish lists, and rightfully so! Additionally, many travelers have their hearts set on trying to witness a river crossing, which normally take place just a few months of the year – typically July, August, October and November. We recommend booking a Kenya or Tanzania Great Migration safari at least 1 year in advance during the high season/crossing months. While we think it’s wonderful any time of year (ask us about the Green Season!), if you’re particular about staying in a certain camp or being best positioned to see a river crossing, those who plan early reap the rewards! If you’d like to discuss the best time for your East Africa safari, contact your adventure Specialists.
Gorilla Trekking
Widely considered one of the most memorable and incredible wildlife experiences anywhere in the world, trekking to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda takes expert planning – and that planning should be done in advance! There are a limited number of permits available for travelers to visit the habituated gorillas each day, and once they’re sold, they’re gone. We recommend planning your gorilla safari 12-18 months in advance to ensure permit availability on the dates that you wish to visit. June through August is the busiest season.
Beach Safari
If you’re planning to visit one of Africa’s spectacular beach destinations, either on its own or to relax after a safari, we suggest booking 12 months in advance to secure space in the most desirable accommodations. Whether you’re imagining a little R & R in Zanzibar, an unforgettable retreat in Seychelles or even an adventure on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, booking early is the best way to ensure you get exactly what you want. A special note that the same timeframe holds true for planning a honeymoon safari!
What are we reading?
When an American traveler on her way to Kansas ends up in the Serengeti, her life gets a complete makeover. Within months, she is the wife of a French safari guide and the stepmother of an eleven-year-old. In the year that follows, fragile loyalties will be tested as each member of the family struggles to make a place for himself in a tantalizing and dangerous world. Part love story, part adventure saga, Our House in Arusha explores the meaning of second chances...
Who are we listening to?
Who are we following?
African Wildlife Foundation
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, is about to get bigger. an innovation conservation stragtegy, a partnership between the African Wildlife Foundation and the Rwandan government will add 3740 hectares (37.4 sq km) of prime mountain gorilla habitat to the park. Not only will this further boost the endangered primates’s resurgency, but it will also improve the quality of life of thousands of local people and increases viewing opportunities for tourists. The initiative, which projects reducing human-wildlife conflict by 80 per cent, includes a 6620 hectare buffer zoone between the protected area and where people live. In more good news for gorillas.