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Ultimate Africa travel and wildlife news archive

August 1998

Maun, Botswana Runs Out of Water, August 1 1998

The northern town of Maun, which lies on the tip of one of the greatest inland waterways in the world, the Okavango Delta, has run out of water. In Maun demand exceeds supply by about 2000 cubic meters a day and the quality is too salty for most people's tastes. The level in the town's main river, the Thamalakane, has been dropping rapidly over the past 30 years and right now it is bone dry.

Several theories have been offered for this, ranging from villagers who blame elephant droppings to scientists who blame seismic activity. Whatever the cause, the government is spending 22 million pula (US $4 million) investigating ways to supply Maun, the heart of the tourism industry.

In 1996, for the first time this century, the flooding Okavango Delta waters stopped before reaching Maun.

"Big Five" to Roam New Cape Wildlife Reserve, August 1 1998

The development of a 25000ha Cape Wildlife Reserve, which will see the re-introduction of the "Big Five" to the Klein Karoo region of the Western Cape, is destined to become a major draw to domestic and international tourists. The project conceived to harness and preserve the area's natural and historical resources is scheduled to open in time for the new millennium. Located in the heart of the Karoo veld, the development will be comprised of luxury stone and thatch executive lodges, a resort lodge, conference center and health spa.

Only 2 1/2 hours by car from Cape Town, the Cape Wildlife Reserve will be the only one of its magnitude in the Cape. Leopard, elephant, buffalo, lion, rhino and Cape plains game will be incorporated with the indigenous wildlife already found there, which includes duiker, steenbok, klipspringer, kudu and cheetah.

Rhinos move to Eastern Cape, August 1 1998

Three rhinos have been acquired by the Addo Elephant Park outside Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape in an attempt to reintroduce indigenous black rhino into the region. The rhino, from the Karoo National Park, are currently undergoing 'familiarization' in bomas and will be released into the park soon. The East African rhinos which presently inhabit the park will be phased out slowly. Some will remain in the country, but most will be transferred back to Kenya and Tanzania.

Mastercard Pushes South African Government, August 1 1998

Mastercard has asked the South African government to allow motorists in South Africa to use credit cards to pay for petrol, as is the norm in Europe and America. According to Mastercard tourists find it very strange when they visit SA and they can't pay for their petrol with a credit card as they do in their own home countries.

Many Against Namibian Seal Culling, August 1 1998

The Namibian cabinet, amid strong opposition from environmental organizations, has approved the culling of thousands of seals. Up to 15,000 pups and 3,000 bulls are to be clubbed to death at the Cape Cross seal colony, and 20,000 pups and 2,000 bulls will be killed at the Luderitz colony. The Wildlife Society of Namibia is to observe the culls.

The main reason given by the Namibian government for the culls is to keep the seal numbers down on the grounds that over-population will damage fish stocks and the entire marine ecosystem. David Barritt, Director of southern Africa affairs for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, which has been battling for years to get the Namibian government to abandon its annual culls, said yesterday: "Official Namibian figures show that no seal products have been exported over the past five years. They have also admitted that they have a five-year stockpile of seal pelts. We believe the main reason for the culling is for seal penises, which are used as aphrodisiacs," Barritt said. Despite official figures, it is believed that the genitals are being exported.

According to Barritt, the Namibian government in the past suppressed reports from scientists who admitted that the culls were not sustainable. When the reports were leaked, the government chose to ignore them.

Lufthansa Adds Flight to Windhoek, Namibia, August 1 1998

Lufthansa has increased the number of flights it provides between Frankfurt and Windhoek, Namibia from two to three a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Zanzibar Ferry Transport Service Resumes, August 1 1998

The Zanzibar Ferries Ltd. has resumed its sea transport service on the Mombasa-Zanzibar-Dar es Salaam route, six months after they suspended it because of poor business. The Zanzibar based company operates the MV Sepideh, a 300 seat luxury ferry that calls into Mombasa once a week.

Kenyan Tourism Still in Doldrums, August 1 1998

Recent figures released by the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers show that the country's tourism industry is still suffering from the slump that affected it all through last year. However, there were encouraging signs of confidence by investors. This included the recent opening of a tented camp in the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary by the Dhanjal Group. Other investors like Hilton Kenya and Shelly Beach are on the verge of putting up new multi-million projects at the Coast.

Twin East African Bomb Blasts Not Targeted at Travelers, August 9, 1998

Tour operators in Kenya and Tanzania confirm that life has returned to normal after the shocking twin bomb blasts that rocked both Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam this past Friday. "The Americans, South Africans, and various other specialists are at the scenes and have taken total control making everyone feel very safe" according to one Tanzanian tour operator.

The tragic bombings came as a complete surprise as both Kenya and Tanzania are considered two of the safest countries in Africa, with positive and unstrained relationships with the United States government and no restrictions on travel.

Many feel that the terrorist bombings, like the New York Trade Center Bombing, are a one off event however the US State Department has issued travel warnings (see next story).

It is important to note that the bomb blasts occurred far away from the two country's main tourist areas and that travelers were not in any way targeted. Tour operators report that travelers currently on safari are continuing their tours on schedule.

Travel Warnings Issued for Kenya and Tanzania, August 9, 1998

As of August 7, 1998 American citizens are warned against travel to Kenya and Tanzania in light of the attack on the American Embassy's in Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam.

American citizens in Kenya and Tanzania are urged to limit travel within the country's and to exercise caution. All American citizens are urged to review their personal security and to depart, if they deem it appropriate.

Tanzania Expands National Park, August 9, 1998

Tanzania has expanded the Katavi National Park in the western region of Rukwa to provide more areas for wildlife. Inaugurating the extended park this past Wednesday, Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa said that wildlife should be protected not only for the benefit of Tanzania but for the whole world.

Katavi Park, one of 12 national parks in the east African country, was established in 1974 with an area of 2,253 square kilometers. It has now been expanded to 4,471 square kilometers. The park, characterized by Miombo Woodland and water-logged plains, is famous for its sable and roan antelope which are rarely found in other Tanzanian Parks. It also has a high density of crocodiles, water buck, hartebeest and greater kudu among other large mammals.

Tourist Arrivals Worse in Kenya, August 9, 1998

Kenya, which in the past enjoyed the status of being the traditional tourist destination in Africa, was last year overtaken by a newcomer - Zimbabwe. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) reports that Kenya dropped to position six, out of 15 top tourist destinations in Africa. South Africa led, followed by Tunisia and Morocco, while Zimbabwe was fourth.

"Yes" to Zimbabwe - South Africa Cross Border Wildlife Parks, August 9, 1998

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has expressed his support for cross border wildlife parks with South Africa. President Mugabe spoke at a meeting with the South African Chief of Parks, Anthony Rupert, held at the farm of former Zimbabwean Minister of Agriculture Dennis Norman at Norton.

President Mugabe said the parks were a very appealing concept as they would create employment while conserving nature. "This concept can help us absorb lots of unemployed people and ensure that the country benefits," he said.

Mr. Rupert said the cross border partnerships would benefit both wildlife and visitors as they will be allowed to move freely across borders.

Zimbabwe Backs Okavango Tourism Venture, August 9, 1998

The government of Zimbabwe has said it fully supports the Upper Okavango Tourism Initiative, a wildlife / tourism venture combining game parks in five southern African countries.

Zimbabwean Mines, Environment and Tourism minister, Simon Moyo, stated that his ministry fully supported the proposal which was now being studied by officers in the ministry.

The proposed international tourism development zone will cover an area of 260,000 square kilometers and incorporate tourism assets such as Livingstone in Zambia, Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park, the Caprivi Game Reserve in Namibia, the Okavango in Botswana and the Mucusso and Luena National Parks in Angola.

Zimbabwean Pressure Group wants Rhodes' Grave Removed, August 9, 1998

Sangano Munhumutapa, a local Zimbabwean pressure group has threatened to exhume the remains of former Rhodesian colonist, Cecil John Rhodes, who is buried at Matopo Hills in Zimbabwe.

Sangano Munhumutapa president Lawrence Chakaredza has said that consultations over the planned exhumation had been finalized. "We have already done our final consultations over the issue and one morning the nation will find the national shrine cleansed of the white man's grave which is a mockery to the traditional importance attached to the place."

Chakaredza has claimed that during a visit to the United Kingdom, he had made it clear to the British that his organization was going to throw Rhodes' remains into the Zambezi river if they failed to come and collect them.

Zimbabwe's Mahenye Safari Lodge to Close for Renovations, August 9, 1998

Zimbabwe's Mahenye Safari Lodge, adjoining Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou National Park, will be closed for renovations from September 1, 1998 through October 15, 1998. Nearby Chilo and Senuko Safari Lodges will remain open.

Both Chilo and Mahenye were built with active participation of the local Shangaan people, who helped add their customs and cultural heritage to the project design.

Mahenye accommodates 16 guests in 8 twin bedded chalets. Mahenye is reached by air transfer.

Easier Access to South African Ski Resort, August 9, 1998

Tiffendell, South Africa's ski resort near Rhodes in the Eastern Cape, has become far more accessible thanks to a new 2 million Rand (US $328,000) private road which the resort and four neighboring farmers have built. The construction of the road started six months ago because of demand for easier access by skiers. The road is reportedly in perfect condition but had to be scraped regularly for ice and snow.

Tiffindell is on the slopes of Ben Macdhue, its highest peak 3,001 meters above sea level.

Zimbabwe will not Cull Elephants, August 16, 1998

Zimbabwe's Environment and Tourism Ministry says it has no plans to cull elephants despite earlier official claims that culling was vital to preserve biodiversity and prevent parks such as Hwange from being turned into semi-desert. 

Wildlife industry sources said they believed the government feared an outcry from animal rights lobbyists in Europe and the US if it began culling in the wake of last year's long sought relaxation of the ban on international trade in ivory and elephant products.

Strange Africa - Zimbabwean War Veteran Buys Dog a Watch, August 16, 1998

A veteran of the Rhodesian civil war which ended with the creation of Zimbabwe in 1980, used part of his war victims' compensation fund to buy a watch for his dog. The ex-combatant, Chipembere Ngoya (48), then approached cobblers at a nearby township, and asked them to make a special belt so the watch could be strapped to the neck of his dog, Chapura.

However, on June 15 this year, someone stole both the dog and the watch. The dog did return home later, but minus the watch. Ngoya, meanwhile, has vowed to buy another watch very soon for his dog Chapura whom he has nicknamed 'Chap'. "I bought my dog a watch to show how much I love it." said Ngoya.

Ngoya said he could have ordered a suit for his dog, but realizing that it was difficult for a dog to wear a suit, he opted for a watch instead.

Kenya and Tanzania Travel Warning Lifted, August 23, 1998

The United States Department of State has lifted the August 7, 1998 travel warning that advised against travel Kenya and Tanzania. However U.S. citizens should still exercise caution while traveling in Kenya and Tanzania.

Wilderness Safaris to Operate Chikwenya and Water Wilderness, August 23, 1998

Wilderness Safaris will be taking over the management, marketing and operations of Zimbabwe Sun's Chikwenya and Water Wilderness camps in Zimbabwe. The agreement, entered into with Zimbabwe Sun, takes effect at the end of October, 1998. Zimbabwe Sun remains the owner of the camps, but Wilderness will take over daily operations. The rationale is that Wilderness Safaris can then offer a complete "circuit" in Zimbabwe covering Hwange, Matusadona and Mana Pools. 

Wilderness intends to completely rebuild Chikwenya by March 1, 1999. Water Wilderness will have the same treatment as the floating
Matusadona Water Lodge.

Operation ZZAM Expedition Now Over, August 23, 1998

Three months ago a team of 10 skilled white water rafters went out to conquer the Zambezi river to raise awareness of the plight of land mine victims in Africa. Operation ZZAM was named after the 4 country's through which the Zambezi River flows - Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Mozambique.

This worthy cause was the brain child of Paul Templer, a former guide on Lake Kariba until he had his arm viciously torn off by an angry hippopotamus. Having been able-bodied all his life, 30-year-old Templer was suddenly awakened to the anger, frustration, and bitterness that inevitably surrounds those who lose their limbs to land mines, accidents, or illness. Templer's experience in daily life after the accident created in him an awareness of the even more difficult circumstances of the thousands of amputees who live in Africa.

The expedition also raised funds for a prosthetic plant in Zimbabwe. The expedition may be viewed at http://www.zzam.com

Warning Issued Against Those Wishing to Tamper with Rhodes' Grave in Zimbabwe, August 23, 1998

Villagers in Zimbabwe's Matobo area south of Bulawayo have warned members of the Sangano Mhunumutapa pressure group not to tamper with the grave of chief imperialist and founder of Rhodesia, Cecil John Rhodes, who is buried in the granite rocks of Matobo National Park. The villagers said they will do all in their power to protect Rhodes' grave because it is a national monument and also part of the history of this country.

A spokesman for the villagers, Dumisani Ncube, said members of Sangano Mhunumutapa had no right of say on the issue of Rhodes' grave because they were from Manicaland. "Rhodes' grave is part of our history and nobody should remove him from the Matobo area," they said.

The grave has been declared a national monument together with that of the founder of the Ndebele nation, King Mzilikazi kaMatshobana kaKhumalo. Mzilikazi is buried at Entumbane, 2km from the grave of Rhodes, in the same area.

This area is now known as "the land of the spirits" where, according to locals, voices are always heard from the rocks. The two graves are now part of the Matobo National Park and are very popular with foreign tourists.

Last week, the leader of Sangano Mhunumutapa, Warlord Chakaredza threatened to exhume Rhodes' grave, saying he did not deserve to be buried in that area. Police have said that Chakaredza and his group will be arrested if they tampered with the grave.

The governor of Matabeleland South, Stephen Nkomo, warned Chakaredza and his group that any actions against the grave would be dealt with by the law. He added that Rhodes' grave is part of history and as the government had declared it a national monument, every Zimbabwean was obliged to respect that decision. "We will not tolerate people who travel all the way from Harare to disturb peace in our region," said the governor.

Chakaredza had earlier on said that the police will not be able to arrest him because he will go to the grave in the form of a spirit.

Drifters Overland Introduces "Ultimate" Tour Vehicle, August 23, 1998

Drifters, the well known southern Africa overland tour operator, has introduced two new "ultimate tour vehicles" to its fleet. The vehicles, to be used mainly on the company's Botswana trips, have been built on the latest Mercedes Benz 4x4 chassis and seat 14 passengers in individual forward facing aircraft-type seats. The arrangement offers maximum legroom, high game viewing positions and, for close up game viewing, a roof seat and standing platform.

Cape Colony Restaurant Rated One of the World's Best, August 23, 1998

"The Cape Colony", signature restaurant of Cape Town's prestigious Mount Nelson Hotel, was recently rated "one of the world's top 10 restaurants" by the American magazine, Hotels.

The restaurant's unique cuisine, aptly labeled "Modern South African", is a fusion of  Thai, Italian/Mediterranean and European flavors with a strong Cape Malay influence. The menu features a host of tantalizing entrees, including smoked crocodile with spinach, crayfish and salmon ravioli with braised leeks and truffle cream, as well as numerous tasty main courses including loin of springbok with potato and pear tatin, roasted onions and mushrooms. Prices begin at R65 (US $10) per person for two courses (lunchtime).

Zimbabwe Still Safe, August 30 1998

The Zimbabwe Council for Tourism (ZCT), has assured overseas tourists that Zimbabwe remains a safe destination despite its involvement in the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a statement issued this last week, the ZCT's chairman, Herbert Nkala said "Zimbabwe was over 2,000 kilometers from the DRC, and chances of that country's instability spilling into Zimbabwe were close to zero".

Nkala, said overseas markets often make the mistake of treating Africa as one tourist destination, and that his organization wished "to advise all prospective travelers that Zimbabwe continues to be a safe travel destination. In fact, the council wishes to highlight that southern Africa, south of the Congo, is at present enjoying a period of political stability not seen for over four decades, a situation which, no doubt, the respective governments are keen to cherish, retain and promote. Again, the council wishes to assure all tourists to Zimbabwe that the country continues to be one of the safest destinations in the world," he said.

Zambezi Rafting Fees Increased, August 30 1998

The Zimbabwe National Parks River Usage Fee for white water rafting at Victoria Falls has been increased from Z $25 per person to Z $50 per person (US $1=Z $23)

Zimbabwe's Baobab Trees Threatened, August 30 1998

Zimbabwe's baobab trees (Adansonia digitata) is being threatened by a mysterious disease called soot. Environmentalists estimate that approximately 50% of the once majestic tree population now resembles a grotesque collection of burnt logs as the disease blackens bark, trunks and branches. They warn that if no biological control means are found the chances of the species surviving are very slim as the disease indiscriminately attacks trees of all ages.

The villagers around Mutare, Zimbabwe's third largest city, where the tree once grew in abundance, say they have never seen anything like it. "We think the illness is a result of a water shortage because the trees began developing this condition after the catastrophic droughts of 1991 and 1992," says one of the local traditional leaders.

Commenting on the disease outbreak Nelson Samkange, of the Department of Natural Resources Board, says baobabs are dying due to changes in both climate and the environment. He says the disappearance of vegetative cover was depriving the trees of humus and moisture protection resulting in direct sunlight shining on the tree.

But Anxious Masuku, a local nature expert, argues that the sooty mold is not a disease and is not new to the country. He says the phenomenon was first reported and investigated by scientists in the 1940s. He says the soot mould is a symptom and is not the primary cause of the problem. "The observed conditions on baobabs countrywide is a product of many factors and the sooty mould we see is the manifestation of years of interaction among the various factors. It is one end of the scale," he said.

According to Masuku if the baobab was to disappear completely, both the biodiversity and the living standards of the local communities would be adversely affected. He said the baobab was one of the most multipurpose use plants known in Africa.

Baobab roots can be used as a medicine for malaria. When soaked in water the roots are a source of soluble red dye used for coloring textiles. The root bark is harvested to produce ropes which make cordage, fishing nets, baskets and mat threads. The leaves can be cooked to provide a relish rich in vitamin C and the baobab flesh is light and spongy making it good for making wooden platters, canoes and corks for both fishing and bottle stoppers. The pollen from baobab flowers is mixed with water to produce glue for carpenters, while the fruit husks are burnt as fuel and used to make dishes. "Many of us depend on the baobab and its extinction would be a disaster to us" said one villager.

Ski Time in South Africa, August 30 1998

Heavy snowfall experienced over South Africa's Hogsback Mountains, Rhodes and other high lying areas have turned parts of the Eastern Cape into a winter wonderland. Snow fell over South Africa's only ski resort, Tiffindell, near Rhodes on Sunday, August 23, 1998. A spokesman for Hogsback Inn in Hogsback said that so much snow had fallen over the weekend that it looked "like fairyland".

South African Tourism Industry Devastated by Cape Bombing, August 30 1998

The South African Tourism Board (Satour) has expressed anguish and disgust at the bombing of Planet Hollywood in Cape Town. Acting executive director, Michael Farr said he was shocked and distraught at the incident which has been condemned worldwide as an act of terrorism. "This was an act of indiscriminate terrorism".

Last Tuesday evening's bomb blast hit at South Africa's most popular tourist attraction, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

The United States Department of State has stated that the restaurant, which is locally owned, may have been targeted due to its American links and that Americans in all urban areas in South Africa, including Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, and Johannesburg should exercise extreme caution. In addition, Americans should seek to avoid large crowds, demonstrations, and other potentially volatile situations.

Tanzanian Wildlife Threatens Locals, August 30 1998

In yet another reminder of the reality of wildlife conservation in Africa wild animals are threatening residents in the Ruvuma region of southern Tanzania. According to a local district commissioner, since January 1998 wild animals have killed 15 people in the Lukumbule and Malasi Divisions in Tunduru. Of the victims, eight have been killed by crocodiles, five by elephants and two by lions. Apart from threatening people's lives, more than 30% of this area's yearly food crops are destroyed by wildlife.

The Ruvuma region is sandwiched between Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve and River Ruvuma.

Although Tanzania has a good reputation with regards to wildlife conservation, abundant wildlife means that rural Tanzanians (not to mention all rural Africans) must live in danger.

New Airstrip for Sossusvlei Camp in Namibia, August 30, 1998

A new airstrip, scheduled for completion by mid September, is under construction at Wilderness Safaris' Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp near Sesriem in Namibia. Inbound flights are presently landing at Sesriem, 20 kilometers away.

The camp, built below the top of a mountain from brick, timber and thatch, was designed with the elements in mind. It is sited on a 7,000 hectare property and, with only nine en-suite guest bungalows - each with its own plunge pool - offers privacy and exclusivity.

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