ULTIMATE
AFRICA SAFARIS
Ultimate Africa travel and wildlife news archive April 1998 Clintons' Botswana Safari "Beyond Wildest Dreams", April 5 1998 US President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, spent two days during their African trip in Botswana, with part of their time spent in Botswana's world famous Chobe National Park. Along with guide Richard Randall, and 3 secret service agents they made their way through the park in an open 4x4 vehicle. They viewed elephants at close range (Chobe is home to over 50,000 elephants - one of Africa's largest herds), a lion pride with cubs, hippo, crocodile, large buffalo herds, and other African wildlife along the banks of the Chobe River. Clinton looked the part of a safari sightseer. He wore a drab green shirt and a baseball cap. Hillary wore a wide-brimmed hat for protection against the blazing sun. The President, awed by his safari experience, declared "It's been an amazing day - beyond my wildest dreams!" He stated "This is a magnificent place. We feel very welcome here." After leaving Kasane, Clinton flew to Gaborone, the Botswana capital, for a meeting at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve with six experts on environmental issues facing Africa. The issues range from the complex problem of desert preservation to controlling the number of elephants and other wildlife. Clinton said that anyone who has visited a pristine place like Chobe National Park "instinctively feels humanity's sacred obligation to preserve our environment." He applauded Botswana for setting aside huge tracts of land for parks, stopping poachers and promoting the sustainable use of resources. Clinton Sees Victoria Falls from the Air, April 5 1998 President Clinton couldn't resist taking in one more sight during his 12-day tour of Africa, getting permission from Zimbabwe to let his plane enter its airspace so he could take a peek at Victoria Falls. "It really took your breath away. It was spectacular,'' Clinton told White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry in describing his view of the world's largest waterfall. McCurry said Clinton flew on a small Gulfstream jet from Kasane airport in Botswana and that the pilot was granted permission to fly over the falls. Earlier, Clinton said he hoped to return to Africa, perhaps less constrained next time by his entourage and the demands of protocol. "There are many parts of Botswana and nearby areas I really want to see,'' he said. "When I'm not president for example, if I want to drive 70 or 80 km (44-50 miles) to see Victoria Falls, I can, without thinking of the diplomatic implications of going into a different country and all of that.'' Rafting Company Safari Par Excellence is Back on the Zambezi River, April 5 1998 Safari par Excellence will once again brave the rapids after a short absence on the Zambezi due to "rising water levels". Safari Par Excellence will commence rafting from the Zambian side of the river beneath the falls with immediate effect. Zimbabwe Airport Departure Tax Relief, April 5 1998 Air Zimbabwe has announced that the new Z $50 (US $3.10) domestic departure tax, which should have come into effect this past week, has been scrapped. The international departure tax for foreigners remains US $20, with local Zimbabwean residents now paying Z $100 (US $6.25) for international departures, instead of the previous Z $20 (US $1.25). Tanzania Launches New Beer, April 5 1998 A small Dar-es-Salaam based brewery has introduced a new beer named "Serengeti - the Kick" which has a 7% alcohol content. Most beers made in the region, including Associated Breweries' "Serengeti Lager" and "Serengeti Classic" contain 5% to 5.5% alcohol. Tanzania Plans Aggressive Tourism Marketing Campaign, April 5 1998 The Tanzanian Tourist Board plans to participate in 12 international tourism exhibitions during 1998 in a bid to position itself as the leading east African tour destination. Botswana's New President Takes Over, April 5 1998 Festus Mogae, 58, was sworn in last Wednesday as Botswana's third post-independence president at a ceremony in Gaborone, Botswana. He replaced Ketumile Masire who voluntarily resigned from office last Tuesday after 18 years in power. Mogae was a former Botswana Central Bank Governor before being appointed by Masire as vice president and minister of finance, planning and development. Mogae and the ruling Botswana Democratic Party are faced with an election contest in 1999. Former president Masire had taken over from the late Seretse Khama in July 1980 and steered Botswana to become one of Africa's richest nations. Masire stepped down Tuesday at an official ceremony, as visiting U.S. President Bill Clinton ended his two-day safari in Botswana. Botswana, which has a population of some 1.5 million, gained its independence from Britain Sept. 30, 1966. It was originally a British protectorate and was known as Bechuanaland. Hopes Raised for Malaria Vaccine, April 5 1998 Scientists in the UK have developed a vaccine which they say is 100% effective against malaria in mice. The vaccine, produced by the Oxford Institute of Molecular Medicine, will now be tested on humans. If the Oxford work can be applied to humans successfully, it would be one the great medical triumphs as all previous attempts to produce an effective vaccine have failed. The first human tests are expected next year. If all goes well, the two-part vaccine could be in use within five years. The populations of more than 90 countries, many in Africa, are at risk from malaria. South Africa Airports get US $163 Million Upgrade, April 5 1998 The Airports Company of South Africa will spend US $163 million on enlarging and upgrading its airports this year. A quarter of the money will be spent on Cape Town's International Airport, "the flagship airport" in terms of growth. A total of 20 international airlines and eight domestic airlines now fly into Cape Town's airport on scheduled flights. The number of international passengers arriving at Cape Town has grown at a rate of 38% in 1995, 26% in 1996 and 20% in 1997. Mandela Says Tourism Vital to South Africa, April 5 1998 Speaking at Kruger National Park's Centenary celebration South African President Nelson Mandela said "tourism occupies a strategic place in South Africa's overall strategy for reconstruction and development". According to Mandela "it can help produce wealth which will strengthen our efforts to provide clean water, electricity, health care and adequate housing to those who have been so long denied these basic amenities." Parks such as the Kruger National Park and other tourist attractions, if developed within a framework of regional co-operation, could make a major contribution not only to South Africa, but to the whole of southern Africa. In this regard, Mandela, accompanied by his Mozambican companion Graca Machel, fully supported discussions with Mozambique to establish a single park that linked the two countries. "That would be a victory not only for more cohesive management of our region's ecology, but a concrete symbol of regional unity and a spur to development. If we are to succeed in fully realizing the potential of ecotourism to contribute to development, it will be by embracing the spirit of partnership that underlies all our achievements as a newly liberated nation," Mandela said. The 2 million-hectare Kruger National Park, which spans Mpumalanga and Northern Province along the border with Mozambique, was first proclaimed the Sabi Game Reserve in 1898. It was subsequently enlarged and renamed after then president Paul Kruger of the Transvaal Republic when the area was proclaimed South Africa's first national park in 1926. It is Africa's largest game reserve within the borders of one country and one of the oldest in the world. Mandela said rural communities could become active agents in meaningful programs of conservation and environmental community education. In so doing, they would contribute to the sustainable use of the environment and at the same time dispel the myth that tourism was a preserve of the rich elite. Conservation by its nature was directed at both the past and the future to preserve the country's heritage and to ensure that it benefited future generations. Mandela was given a small statue of an elephant killed by poachers in 1984. The elephant, Joao, had tusks that weighed 60 kg and 70 kg respectively and was reputed to have been one of the seven biggest elephants in the world. Shearwater Suspends Victoria Falls Rafting, April 12 1998 Shearwater has suspended their Victoria Falls rafting operations until further notice. They ran their last trip on April 6th, 1998. This decision has been taken as a result of the now rapidly rising Zambezi River water levels. They conducted a helicopter recce this past week and confirm that the last few evacuation sites are now under water. In light of this, and after consultation with senior trip leaders, they have decided that they are no longer able to provide the level of safety coverage that they consider to be necessary in order to run a safe rafting trip. They will continue to monitor the situation and will conduct regular reccees so as to keep up to date with developments in the gorge. They will re commence operations as soon as they are able to provide effective safety coverage.This action is intended as a safety precaution for traveler's benefit. Travelers To Pay More Booking Victoria Falls Activities Direct, April 12 1998 Travelers who wait to pay for their Victoria Falls adventure activities until they are in Victoria Falls will now pay more than booking direct through an agent. As of April 1, 1998, all direct bookings that are paid for with travelers checks and credit cards in Zimbabwe will attract Zimbabwean sales tax amounting to 17.5%. In the past, many travelers have booked their high adventure activities once they got to the Falls, not including them in their itineraries booked through their agent. In order to avoid these tax charges you should try and book rafting, bungi etc... before you come to Zimbabwe. Continental and Northwest Join Forces, April 12 1998 Continental Airlines has entered into a strategic global alliance with Northwest Airlines, which will connect both airline's route systems. This means that, through Northwest's codeshare agreement with KLM, Continental Airlines can now also offer services to South Africa. British Airways / Comair Awarded Lion's Share of new Zimbabwe Flights, April 12 1998 The international Air Services Council has awarded four of the available nine additional passenger frequencies to Zimbabwe to British Airways / Comair (BA Comair). The four flights apply to the Johannesburg-Harare route, with no additional services being awarded on its Victoria Falls routing. A spokesperson for BA Comair in Johannesburg says that the airline will be implementing these new routes by year end, giving it a daily service to Harare. (Courtesy SA Tourism Update) Randy Rhino Forsakes Zebra for his own Kind, April 12 1998 Frikkie, an orphaned rhino in Mpumalanga, South Africa, who unintentionally killed three zebras in his desperate attempts to procreate, has finally mated with a rhino cow. The lonely Frikkie tried to mount three zebras, snapped their back legs and crushed them before a female mate was found for him. But the delightful Frieda just did not seem to interest him, until last week that is. "Some rangers came across them last Friday as they were "busy" under a tree near a watering hole," said Andre Lubbe. He said the sated Frikkie eventually collapsed into the water and stayed there the rest of the day. (Courtesy Wildnet Africa) Drifters Overland Safari Guides are Always Prepared, April 12 1998 Late last year a young Belgian couple on one of Drifters 18-day South African safaris suddenly decided to 'tie the knot' and get married, reports well-known tour operator, Ken Hill. What made it even more unusual is the fact that they insisted the ceremony take place immediately! The nearest town was Hluhluwe in KwaZulu Natal. It was hastened to with great speed, a minister called upon and, with a Drifters' guide acting as best man, the couple happily pledged their vows before continuing on their way with the rest of the safari group. Drifter's Overland Safaris To Keep '98 Prices in 1999!, April 12 1998 For 1999 Drifters are planning several new and exciting adventures, and once again, there will be no price increase for their 1999 tours. New tours will include one to Mozambique as well as a short Garden Route tour in the Cape. A new product which doesn't fit into the usual Drifters' "Roughing it and loving it" adventure profile is its new upmarket game lodge, Drifters Game Lodge, located in a reserve bordering the Kruger National Park. With tariffs set at around US$95 per person sharing, its "intimate" accommodation for 12 guests only at any one time has been designed to give a "relaxed and homey" feel without cutting any corners. Mala Mala Win's Again!, April 12 1998 Mala Mala Game Reserve has once again been awarded "Best Value for Money" in the world for hotels over US $350 per room per day and a close second overall in the world for "Best Value for Money". The 1998 results were published in the February issue of the US leisure magazine, Travel & Leisure. At US $1148 per room, Mala Mala is the most expensive hotel of the 10 chosen and the only one in Africa. Referred to as "astronomically priced" in comparison to the winner of this category, value was measured by the experience of the "wild splendors of Africa with a personal ranger and cocktails in the bush!" Harley Motorcycle Tour to Visit Zimbabwe, April 12 1998 After completing a successful Harley Davidson tour of South Africa in November last year, Superbike Safaris has decided to organize its "first ever" Harley trip to Zimbabwe. Accommodating up to ten motorbike enthusiasts, the 16-day tour through South Africa to Zimbabwe will be taking place from September 20 to October 5, 1998. The tour will leave from Johannesburg, riding up through Mpumalanga to view its famous landmarks with an overnight at a game lodge and a day spent game viewing. The tour, which covers a total of 3,850 kilometers in all, then moves north towards the Zimbabwe border where accommodation is provided at a hot water mineral spa resort near Messina, South Africa. Regular stops on the tour will be made to see Zimbabwean attractions such as the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Nyanga and Lake Kariba. Frequent leisure days are provided in between traveling, with a host of activities for guests to choose from, including game viewing, canoeing, white water rafting and microlighting. On day 12 the group will cross the Zambezi river into Zambia and cover 550 kilometers as they head westward reentering Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls. The tour then heads south to Bulawayo where the final day is spent at leisure. A baggage vehicle and fully trained technician accompany the tour. Gauteng-based Superbike Safaris, operated by ex motorcycle racing champion Dirk du Plooy, has its own fleet of rental motorcycles, from on/off road bikes to legendary Harley Davidsons. Motorcycle enthusiasts can also bring their own bikes along for the ride! Safari Par Excellence Fishing Lodge in Zambia, April 12 1998 Safari Par Excellence's Mutemwa Lodge in Barotseland, Zambia, specializes in fishing safaris on a 40km private stretch of the Zambezi River. Situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, the lodge accommodates up to 12 guests in six luxury stilted tents with en-suite facilities and private patios. A shared thatched dining room is centrally located along with a kitchen, boma, pub and reception area. A swimming pool is also available. Guests can enjoy early morning tiger fishing down the river or spearfishing by spotlight at night. All boats are fully equipped with the necessary rods, reels and tackles and food is supplied on all safaris. Mutemwa also offers three day canoeing safaris near the Ngonye Falls (overnighting on a nearby island); overnight trips into the Sioma Ngwezi Game Reserve; and camping on one of the many islands. Basic camping equipment and meals are supplied. Safari Par Excellence will open a fourth lodge on the river, Mwambashi, at the end of April. Boost for Southern Africa Tourism Project, April 19 1998 Zimbabwe's tourism industry is likely to get a boost from the planned Okavango Upper Zambezi International Tourism Development Initiative. The project is expected to see the creation of southern Africa's single largest tourist development encompassing five Southern African Development Community countries. The Okavango Upper Zambezi International Tourism Spatial Development Initiative (OUZIT SDI) was first mooted more than five years ago with a project to establish a Southern African wildlife sanctuary in the wetlands of the Zambezi and Okavango deltas. The development seeks to incorporate game parks in Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Botswana Takes Lead in World Economic Growth, April 19 998 Botswana has the world's fastest growing economy between 1965 and 1996 said a report released in Washington by the World Bank. Eric Swanson of the bank's development data group said the report showed Botswana's per capita income had grown 9.2 percent during the 31-year period, compared with 7.3 percent for South Korea, the second fastest performer and number three, China's 6.7 percent. South African Airways Increases Comfort, April 19 1998 South African Airways is to enhance the comfort of its first class passengers by extending the first class seat pitch on board its Boeing 747 fleet from 62 inches to 83 inches. This move follows a world-wide trend among airlines to introduce lie-flat first-class seats with a 180 degree recline. Existing Boeing 747-400s will be refitted when they undergo a complete refurbishment; the 2 new Boeing 747-400s which will be delivered this year will also be fitted with lie-flat, 180 degree recline seats SAA is still ahead of Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa and Cathay Pacific where leg room is concerned. Chat with a Gorilla on the Internet, April 26 1998 If you log on to the Internet for a chat on Monday, you may find yourself talking to a gorilla. In a world first, Koko the gorilla is getting ready to reveal her innermost thoughts via the Net. While she cannot actually type, the 26-year-old western lowland gorilla is fluent in modified American sign language. Koko is said to understand some 2,000 words of spoken English. According to the Gorilla Foundation where she has been tutored, she has a working vocabulary of 500 signs. In what is being described as the first interspecies computer chat, Koko will use her skills to answer questions from curious humans through the Internet provider America Online (AOL) and Lycos. While the chat session will be a first, Koko is no stranger to computers. Apple Computer gave her a Macintosh as part of a study in the late 1980s. The chat is being held to highlight the plight of gorillas. Central African lowland gorillas like Koko are threatened by logging and poaching in their natural habitats. Koko's chat will take place on April 27 at 7:00 PM Eastern time (23:00 PM GMT) . Net users can participate in the dialogue through Envirolink at http://www.envirolink.org/koko.html. You can also visit the Gorilla Foundation at http://www.gorilla.org/ for further details. New Airline for Zimbabwe, April 26 1998 Zimbabwe is expected to have a fourth airline, Air Tandi, once it receives the green light from that country's civil aviation authority. Air Tandi will target the budget travel market, according to the airline's chairman, Joseph Tandi. The airline will operate out of Harare to Hwange, Victoria Falls, Kariba and Bulawayo. The airline plans to lease a 48-seat Hawker Sid- deley HS 748 aircraft for the service. Other Zimbabwean airlines include Air Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Express Airlines and Expedition Air. Kenya Wildlife Service Gets US $300,000 for Elephant Research, April 26 1998 The European Union has granted Kenya Wildlife Service over US $300,000 for elephant research. In a statement, the wildlife organization said the grant, established under an elephant research trust fund, will cover a period of three years and will finance individuals and institutions wishing to carry out research or management projects on elephant conservation. 1998 Worst Year for Kenyan Tourism, April 26 1998 Mr. Sondhi of the Reef Hotels chain, in a statement regarding the Kenyan Government's idleness in response to tourism industry problems,.said that 1998 would go down as the worst year in the history of Kenya's tourism industry and that the once dynamic enterprise which offered employment to thousands of Kenyans was now breathing its last breath. Mr. Sondhi went on to say that Kenya was no longer known for its beaches, splendid game parks and world class hotels, but for its broken down infrastructure, mounting crime rate and stinking garbage. Return to Weekly Update Archive |
