Africa
Save the Serengeti: ATTA Update
August 25, 2010
In June, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) signed and advocated an urgent petition on behalf of Save the Serengeti, an alliance of independent organizations concerned about the detrimental effect a proposed highway in Tanzania will have on the Serengeti National Park and its wildlife inhabitants. This update to the information of the original ATTA article provides the results of an economic impact study run by the group, including a survey of international tour companies. The study clearly demonstrates how the highway would also have negative and likely permanent consequences on Tanzanian tourism industry, which plays a key role in the country’s economy. Also included here is a letter of support for Save the Serengeti’s cause from the African Travel and Tourism Association, which is an Association Partner of ATTA. Download the Economic Impact Statement overview [PDF] Download the Economic Impact Statement full report [PDF] Click to view Letter of Support - full size Read More →
Member Press ReleasesUpdate on the Situation in Kampala, Uganda
July 12, 2010
Update as reported by ATTA Member Jane Behrend, Director of International Sales for Volcanoes Safaris North America: “There have been media reports relating to explosions at public places in Kampala, the capital of Uganda on Sunday 11 July, where a number of people are reported to have died. The government is investigating this incident and will release further information as and when a clearer picture emerges. Preliminary indications are that this was a one-off terrorist incident organized by a militia group from a neighbouring country. After this sad incident, life in Kampala has returned to normal and is proceeding as usual. Travel to and from the city continues normally. All areas of the country remain stable and clients are proceeding with safaris as planned. Most Volcanoes Safaris clients do not generally visit Kampala on their way to tourist attractions. There is no cause for alarm. The government has reinforced security and reassured everyone that measures are in place to... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesStrawberry Fields Eco Lodge (SFEL)
July 8, 2010
Strawberry Fields Eco Lodge (SFEL) (registered under Ethiopian business license no: EIA-0L /2358/08) is a socially-oriented Eco-Tourism project in Konso, South Ethiopia, which integrates an Eco-Lodge, model Permaculture farm and gardens, an organic restaurant, a PC design training facility and runs a program of trekking and community based cultural activities. Strawberry Fields has cozy, local-style Konso huts, dry composting toilets, solar shower and solar power. Our organic Permaculture farm produces fresh organic vegetables, salads, fruits and we serve a selection of delicious dishes in our restaurant. We are a quiet and relaxing oasis of green tranquillity, where one can escape the hassle of travel in Ethiopia to recover for a while before going down to the Omo valley, or heading to/from Kenya as we are on the Addis to Moyale Road. SFEL’s project objectives are to promote alternative livelihoods for the Konso community through facilitating community inclusion in tourism activities,... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesAfrica Adventure Consultants Adds New 9-Day Highlights of Egypt Tour To Extensive Portfolio of Cultural Safaris
July 8, 2010
Offers Ten Savvy Travel Tips on Vacations to Egypt DENVER, CO – Africa Adventure Consultants announces the addition of Egypt to its already extensive portfolio of special interest safari programs in East, Southern and now Northern Africa. “We’ve been designing custom tours to Egypt on request for years but from the interest we’ve seen we now feel it’s a natural ‘next step’ to formally launch an Egypt program with a new nine-day Highlights of Egypt Tour,” says Kent Redding, president of Africa Adventure Consultants. Tour highlights include the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Kom Ombo Temple and the Valley of the Kings & Queens as well as a three-night cruise along the River Nile. Per person, double occupancy rates begin at $1,914, plus $364 for Cairo/Aswan and Luxor/Cairo flights. Included are all accommodations, meals, some drinks, guides, transfers, vehicles, park fees, activities, and a $25 donation to a select African charity. “While Egypt is very different,... Read More →
Featured Article Must Read/View
Save the Serengeti: An ATTA Call to Action
June 25, 2010
~ A major highway, an international airport, power struggles, development, and human welfare issues – critical challenges now threaten the very fabric and survival of the Serengeti National Park as we know it. Never before in its history has the world’s greatest wildlife heritage faced such an uncertain future. ~ Source: SaveTheSerengeti.org On June 21, 2010, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) signed an urgent petition initiated by Save the Serengeti, a coalition of organizations that share a concern over the future of the Serengeti National Park. “Our sacred responsibility to the young and unborn generations of mankind is to jealously protect Mother Earth and all life on it.” Maasai elder Photo: Courtesy Boyd Norton. “This threat to the Serengeti, a major commercial highway across the Serengeti National Park, is of great concern to us and many of our members,” said Shannon Stowell, ATTA President. “We’re hoping for an alternative plan that can still serve... Read More →
Member Press Releases
Africa Adventure Consultants Teams Up with AfricAidTo Support Girls’ Literacy in Africa
June 10, 2010
A Special 2011 Fundraising Safari to Tanzania Includes a $2,000 Per Guest Contribution to AfricAid’s Kisa Project DENVER, CO – Kent Redding, president of Africa Adventure Consultants and newly appointed Board member of AfricAid, a nonprofit organization that supports girls’ education in Africa, announces a May 2011 AfricAid/Africa Adventure Consultants fundraising safari in Tanzania. The 13-day program dubbed AfricAid’s Tanzania: In-Depth Cultural Experience & Wildlife Safari has been set for May 20, 2011. Image Copyright Paul Majewski The per person rate is $7,995 based on double occupancy. The single supplement is $750. The fee includes a tax-deductible $2,000 donation that provides a two-year scholarship for one girl as part of AfricAid’s Kisa Project (www.kisaproject.org). Kisa Project funds school scholarships and leadership training to some of Africa’s brightest young women. Safari highlights include game viewing in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti parks,... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesTanzania Tourist Board Honors Africa Adventure Consultants As Tour Operator with Most Extensive Itineraries in Country’s Southern/Western Circuit
May 28, 2010
DENVER, CO – The Tanzania Tourist Board announced recently that Africa Adventure Consultants has been named 2010 Best Tour Operator focusing on development of that country’s southern/western circuit. “We are honored to have received this prestigious award from the Tanzania Tourist Board,” said Kent Redding, president of Africa Adventure Consultants. “Southern and Western Tanzania are not only areas of expertise for us, but also home to some of our favorite parks, reserves and safari activities in Tanzania.” Those favorites include Mahale Mountains National Park, famous for its prime chimpanzee viewing opportunities; Selous Game Reserve, Africa’s largest protected game area; Ruaha National Park, with its abundance of wildlife; and remote Katavi National Park, which boasts unspoiled terrain and very few visitors. “These areas offer incredible beauty and natural diversity and they hold a special place in all our hearts,” said Redding, who with his wife, Kelly, lived in Tanzania... Read More →
Gorillas Back in Mgahinga National Park, Uganda
May 5, 2010
Story Source: Volcanoes Safaris The Nyakagezi gorilla group in Mgahinga National Park have for many years been a fairly nomadic rag-tag bunch. Made up of 3 silverbacks, 2 blackbacks and only one adult female – mother to the 2 blackbacks, they have been crossing in and out of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC since 2005. In 2008 they crossed the border of Uganda deep into the Rwandan side of the Virunga Massif forests and did not return. However, recently the Ugandan Wildlife Authority has reported that the long lost Nyakagezi family have returned to Mgahinga National Park, and they have 2 new members in tow! An adult female with a baby have been stolen from another gorilla group in Rwanda and have joined the Nyakagezi group. This is great news for the gorilla group as the addition of another adult female will help to stabilise it and reports are showing that the group are already happier and more relaxed. The full family group now includes Nyakagezi, the lead silverback who is around 50... Read More →
Member Press Releases Spotlight: DestinationsUpdate on the situation in Kampala 11 September 2009
September 11, 2009
Editor’s Note: ATTA Member Volcanoes Safaris has just issued the following: Update on the situation in Kampala 11 September 2009 During the last two days there have been reports of civil disturbance in a few areas of Kampala city sparked off by local political issues. The Government has taken steps to restore law and order and most of Kampala is calm now and has returned to normal. Volcanoes Safaris is monitoring the situation and will inform agents/clients if there is any change. Clients safety is paramount to the company and if required we will change safari programs to minimize inconvenience or risk to clients. At present travel to and from Kampala is proceeding normally. If you have any enquiries please address them to carol@volcanoessafaris.com Read More →
Member Press ReleasesThomson Safaris wins 2009 Tanzania Conservation Award
May 25, 2009
Honored for community-based initiatives at Enashiva Nature Refuge Arusha, Tanzania — The Tanzania Tourist Board has honored Thomson Safaris (www.thomsonsafaris.com) with the 2009 Tanzania Conservation Award. The award specifically recognizes the company’s efforts in establishing and supporting the Enashiva Nature Refuge, a community-based conservation project east of the Serengeti. On May 19, Enashiva’s project manager, Daniel Yamat, received the award on behalf of Thomson Safaris at a ceremony in Cairo, Egypt, which was attended by Tanzania’s minister of tourism, Shamsa Mwangunga, among other distinguished guests. “Thomson Safaris is humbled to receive this honor,” said Yamat. “We owe our deepest gratitude to the Tanzania Tourist Board, the government, and, most of all, the Maasai communities around Enashiva that have helped make conservation successful. The award really belongs to them.” Since conservation efforts began at Enashiva, wildlife... Read More →
