Big Cats Of Africa

The cat, regarded by some as an animal that nature had made perfect from the outset, has undergone only the subtlest of changes, in evolutionary terms, over the last 30-odd million years.
It is Africa’s three great cats, the Lion, Cheetah and Leopard that inspire the most passionate legends the world over. Each of these cats is an icon in their own right.

The Power and Majesty of the Lion
Often called, “King of the Beasts”, the lion has an iconic reputation as a cat of great strength and beauty. The largest of Africa’s big cats, its regal legacy is enhanced by the male’s magnificent mane, which ranges from a rich golden colour to a darker brown hue as the animal ages.



Of course, the dominant male lion seldom does its own hunting, preferring instead to allow the females and adolescent males of the pride do the hard work before coming along and claiming its share of the kill. Weighing in at well over 200 kg in the wild, and standing at up to 2 metres at the shoulder, this huge animal cuts a formidable figure.

The most socially co-operative of all the big cats, their real strength lies in their ability to work together as a pride, using group hunting tactics to make the kill.

While they are primarily nocturnal, they are easily found during the day, conserving energy and resting in shady areas. The unwary tourist, enjoying the sight of these listless and “tame” animals while out on a safari game drive, would be well advised to note that lions are quick to become active if ever an easy meal opportunity may present itself.

The Cheetah a Symbol of Speed and Grace
Renowned as the fastest animal on land, the cheetah has a slender body, long legs and semi-retractable claws, with a short, coarse coat dotted with small, round, black spots.

It stands with a shoulder height of about 70cm, has a body length of 112-135 cm, a tail length 66-84 cm and weighs in around 34-54 kg, with males being slightly larger than females.

Far more slightly built that either the lion or the leopard, its strategic hunting advantage is its well-known ability to accelerate to incredible speeds over short distances. While not particularly adept at covering long distances, it can reach its maximum speed of around 110km/h (70mph) in mere seconds. Using careful stalking techniques, it tracks prey and approaches to within 20 -30 metres before unleashing its pace weapon, leading to successful kills in about 50% of chases.

Decline in prey, loss of habitat, poaching, and its reputation as a livestock predator threaten the survival of the cheetah throughout its range.

The Ruthless Efficiency of the Lone-Hunting Leopard
Leopards, sometimes called the “quintessential cat” are the most elusive of the three big cats of Africa. Standing at around 80cm at the shoulder, and weighing between 40 and 70kg, these cats are more powerful but slower than cheetahs, and substantially smaller than lions.

Solitary hunters, leopards seek company only to mate, and are constantly in danger of losing their kill to lions. For this reason, they use their supreme climbing ability to drag their prey into trees for safekeeping. While the more substantial kills are cached in this way, with the cat returning later to feed, leopards are opportunistic animals with an extremely flexible diet. They are happy to consume protein in almost any form, from beetles to animals almost twice its own weight and will readily eat carrion.

To observe these big cats in their natural habitat is a privilege not to be missed. Reading about them, or seeing them on TV often gives an interesting insight into their lives, but getting up close to these magnificent beasts when on a game drive, will leave you inspired.

 

Big Cats Facts

• The cheetah is the world’s fastest land mammal. It can run at speeds of up to 70 miles an hour (113 kilometers an hour).


• An adult lion’s roar can be heard up to five miles (eight kilometers) away.


• Long, muscular hind legs enable snow leopards to leap seven times their own body length in a single bound.


• A tiger’s stripes are like fingerprints—no two animals have the same pattern.


• The strongest climber among the big cats, a leopard can carry prey twice its weight up a tree.


• The Amur leopard is one of the most endangered animals in the world.


• In one stride, a cheetah can cover 23 to 26 feet (7 to 8 meters).


• The name “jaguar” comes from a Native American word meaning “he who kills with one leap.”


• In the wild, lions live for an average of 12 years and up to 16 years. They live up to 25 years in captivity.


• The mountain lion and the cheetah share an ancestor.


• Cheetahs do not roar, as the other big cats do. Instead, they purr.


• Tigers are excellent swimmers and do not avoid water.


• A female Amur leopard gives birth to one to four cubs in each litter.


• Fossil records from two million years ago show evidence of jaguars.


• Lions are the only cats that live in groups, called prides. Every female within the pride is usually related.


• The leopard is the most widespread of all big cats.


• Mountain lions are strong jumpers, thanks to muscular hind legs that are longer than their front legs.


• Tigers have been hunted for their skin, bones, and other body parts, used in traditional Chinese medicine.


• Unlike other cats, lions have a tuft of hair at the end of their tails.


• After humans, mountain lions have the largest range of any mammal in the Western Hemisphere.

By http://www.isnare.com

 

World Travel Market 2011 Experiences 5% Increase in Visitors

From one stand to the other, meetings to seminars and exhibition to sealing off regional/continental deals, the World Travel Market (WTM) has for the 32 years of its existence been one of the sustainable platforms for competitiveness and innovation in the global travel and tourism trade.

This year’s edition is not different. Riding on the success of the 2010 edition that saw a total industry participants of 47,532 people, 5,053 exhibiting companies, 2,648 international press and about 189 countries and regions, the 2011 WTM is once again engaging global travel business in networking that will hopefully surpass the massive £1,425 million revenue generated last year by exhibitors.

By meeting, networking, negotiating and conducting business under one roof, participants efficiently and productively gained immediate competitive advantage for their business and stay abreast with the latest developments in the travel industry.

With 183 new exhibitors, over 65,000 participants, the leading global event for the travel industry witnessed appreciable growth, and almost doubled the revenue generated in last year’s edition.

The growth has been largely driven by the technology and online travel region that hosted 71 exhibitors with their stands for the first time. The increase is symptomatic of the growth of the importance of technology in the industry. Companies making their débuts covered virtually every aspect of the online travel world.
However, 15 out the 183 new exhibitors were from Africa. The development, according to Jeffery, highlights the continued development of African tourism. Those making their débuts include the Democratic Republic of Congo, newly-formed ground-handling company - Albrieux Africa Tours, truck touring specialist - Nomad Adventure Tours, destination marketer - the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa, and the Savoy Sharm el Sheikh.

Among the traditional participants from the African region, the fair was a scramble for business, investments and partnerships. Nigeria did not fail to impress the global visitors to its stand with outstanding branding. Unlike the previous edition, the Nigerian contingent led by Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), witnessed for the first time, participation of more tour operators who, together with the staff of the corporation, sold Nigeria travel, business and tourism potential to the visitors.

From Remlords Tours, Akwaaba African Travel Market, Radisson Blu, Eko Hotel & Suites, Cross River Tourism Bureau, Divine Tours, Gani-Tarzan Marine Enterprises Nig. Ltd., Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA)/Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), the business was ‘Destination Nigeria.’

As expected, most visitors showed concern about visiting Nigeria with the security alerts and travel advices from the home countries advising against such visits. But the well-informed contingent was able to seal many deals for the country. Many are coming for business and leisure in the coming months and the new year, because of the many business opportunities they could take advantage of in the country.
As OlusegunRunsewe, director general, NTDC, notes, “Nigeria is the business hub of Africa, not minding the security issues that are often over bloated. We are peace loving people. I can assure you of safety as the Nigerian government is working to make the country safer for all visitors and investors alike.”

The highlight of Nigeria’s participation was the launch of two new products by NTDC at the fair. The products include an online publication that explores and exposes all the tourism and business opportunities in the country to the global readers and would-be investors, while the second is a virtual tour of the 32 top tourism sites in the 36 states of the federation for easy access to everyone in and outside the country.

In his remarks at the launch held at the Nigerian stand in WTM, Runsewe noted that the corporation developed the products in line with today’s technology and in response to the need to take Nigeria to the global travellers, would-be investors and tourists.

Onag Nkereuwem, CEO, Remlords Tours, thought the country offers irresistible investment opportunities that continuously woo foreigners to her shores.  Commenting on the improved participation of the Nigerian private sector at the fair, Ikechi Uko, CEO, Akwaaba Africa Travel Market, said the development suggests that Nigerians are beginning to realise that national development is not sole government responsibility, but all stakeholders.

Interview: Ambassador Patrick Mugoya, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Heritage

Uganda is very interested in the Ugandans in the Diaspora and sees them as Ambassadors for marketing Uganda abroad. Accordingly, UTB intends to identify new clusters in which Ugandans in the Diaspora can be mobilized and sensitized so as to encourage not only themselves but also their friends, relatives and acquaintances to visit Uganda.

The Promota: Uganda was selected the world’s tourist destination for the year 2012 by “Lonely planet”, an international publisher of the world’s largest travel guidebook and digital media. How is Uganda Travel Bureau (UTB) taking advantage of this accolade, internationally?
Ambassador Mugoya: Uganda Tourism Board has incorporated this recognition into the country’s short term and medium term marketing campaign through a number of initiatives including; the use of social media to market the various tourism destinations and products in Uganda; encouraging destination endorsement through familiarization trips by the leading tourism suppliers and celebrities coming to Uganda.

We have emphasized this strategy in all up-coming conferences such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly due to take place in April 2012 and major National events like, the upcoming 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations of Uganda 2012.  We are urging the highest levels of political and other structures to embrace it as part of the national promotion initiative.

PM: What are Uganda’s unique selling points?  Have there been any new discoveries or projects taking place?
Ambassador Mugoya: The new projects taking place include,  repositioning of the Tourism sector with the creation of a fully fledged Ministry and prioritization of the sector in the National Development  Plan.

By regional and international comparison, Uganda is exceptionally endowed with unique and rich ecological and cultural resources; hence the historical brand as the “Pearl of Africa” stated by Sir Winston Churchill in 1908.  Over 270 tourist attraction sites have so far been recorded including 10 National Parks and 13 Wildlife Reserves, 13 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 Community Wildlife Areas, 506 Central Forest Reserves and 191 Local Forest Reserves. All are characterized by mosaic of landscape inhabited by and comprising a unique diversity and richness of wildlife, cultures and way of life of indigenous peoples.

Uganda’s unique selling points include the following; Uganda hosts 54% of the world’s Mountain Gorillas; the Source of the River Nile, the second longest River in the world; more than 1,150 species of birds which equates to 11% of global bird species, and more than 4,500 plant species which makes Uganda an eco-tourism paradise. And Mountain Rwenzori, situated on the Equator, is a mountaineering wonder with permanent snow throughout the year.

Uganda is home to a large number of primates and 8% of the global mammal diversity  including the big five; 19% of the Africa’s amphibian species richness and 14% of Africa’s reptile species richness.  White water rafting, bungee jumping and sport fishing also offer unique experiences on the River Nile.
The country has unique and rich ecological and cultural resources, and is also well known for its wide cultural heritage and excellent hospitality.

PM: Considering the 350,000 Ugandans believed to be in the UK, do you have any plans to tap into this market?
Ambassador Mugoya: Uganda is very interested in the Ugandans in the Diaspora and sees them as Ambassadors for marketing Uganda abroad. Accordingly, UTB intends to identify new clusters in which Ugandans in the Diaspora can be mobilized and sensitized so as to encourage not only themselves, but also their friends, relatives and acquaintances to visit Uganda. This will be done in collaboration and coordination with the Uganda Missions abroad, as representatives in the source markets.

PM: Uganda earns over 650 million US Dollars from over 500,000 tourists annually.  Why is it that very little is invested in promoting the industry compared to other regional markets?
Ambassador Mugoya:  For sometime the focus of government was on investing in sectors that would  enable the economy to recover, such as agriculture, infrastructure, industry, health, education and security, after the many years of upheaval prior to 1986.  Since then, a lot has been achieved and  the focus is now shifting to sectors likely to further catalyze the growth of the economy such as tourism.

PM: The tourism industry was growing during the most severe economic crisis of a generation, and it was said that the number of international tourists globaly in 2012 would break through the one billion barrier. What are you doing to ensure that tourism is sustained to maintain growth?
Ambassador Mugoya: Steps being undertaken to ensure that tourism is sustained to maintain growth include; the review of Uganda’s Tourism Master plan which expired in 2003, the development of a responsive tourism  marketing strategy, focusing on international, regional and domestic tourism promotion and skills development to ensure quality service delivery.
The Ministry is also positioning itself  to ensure protection and sustainable utilization of Uganda’s natural and cultural heritage resources, reviewing key issues that affect the overall destination competitiveness and carrying out product development through Public Private Partnerships. We have also embarked on the promotion of domestic tourism including the formation of Tourism clubs in schools.

PM: Ugandan Embassies have always been poorly branded and under-utilised when promoting Uganda. Are there any plans to change this in par with most African countries?
Ambassador Mugoya:  Embassies are an important tool for destination promotion. When poorly branded and utilized, they become a weak link in the chain for Tourism promotion. We therefore intend to brand the Embassies, identify and train personnel in order to promote tourism in source markets.  We shall also increase our support to the Embassies with the necessary marketing materials.

PM: Africa is leading the world in mobile commerce with the travel industry at the forefront of the movement, reveals the WTM Global Trends Report, released in early Nvember 2011 at World Travel Market. What plans have been set up by UTB to promote tourism via technology?
Ambassador Mugoya:  UTB together with other strategic Tourism Partners intends to further leverage the power of technology in promoting Uganda as an attractive tourism destination through the development of a National tourism portal and a dedicated social media campaign.

PM: Were the Ministry of Tourism’s expectations realised at the WTM?
Ambassador Mugoya: The Ministry’s expectations were well met during the World Travel Market exhibition. The ministry participated at the highest level of representation. The delegation was led by Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Heritage and included private sector participants.
Overall, the attendance at the Uganda stand was encouraging gauging from the interactions with the participants. The delegation participated in a number of activities, including the Ministerial meeting that addressed the topic ‘How Tourism can prosper during times of uncertainty’. At the Regional Ministers meeting hosted by Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu, members discussed joint marketing activities of the East African Region; a networking cocktail for Uganda’s business partners at the Uganda stand, where a number of Uganda’s Tourism attractions were highlighted and the World Travel and Tourism Council meeting.
Uganda registered a substantial number of inquiries on the country’s products, while the private sector participants signed a number of contracts with international tour operators.  The interest in Uganda’s stand reflected the big potential the country has.  During his stay, Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu also gave a number of press interviews.

PM: What are the best opportunities to invest in tourism in Uganda and what incentives are in place?
Ambassador Mugoya: Uganda has a favorable investment climate with a one-stop investment centre, the Uganda Investment Authority. The areas for investment include among others, accommodation, tour, travel operations and charter flights, heritage parks, and entertainment centers, water transport, angling/ sport fishing, water rafting, game ranching, restaurants, tourism and hospitality training institutions.

PM: Normalcy is back in Northern Uganda.  Are there any plans to rejuvenate the tourism industry in the region especially the cultural sites?
Ambassador Mugoya:  There are plans to rejuvenate the Tourism Industry in the northern region. The documentation is ongoing of the tourism sites to be put in the database for future development. The preservation of four memorial sites in conjunction with the communities, has already commenced. A strategy to promote the northern slave trade route, covering Fort Patiko, Pabo, Wadelai, Dufile and Nimule is also ongoing. The Fort Patiko trail was launched in September 2011 as part of the activities to mark the World Tourism Day.  Plans are also in advanced stages to develop the Tourism facilities at the Nyero Rock paintings in Eastern Uganda.

Lonely Planet’s names Uganda as Best Destination to visit in 2012

If you go to a travel agency in the West – it is most likely that you will not be offered any informational material about Uganda – gorillas might be an exception.  The truth is that Uganda has not been seriously considered by most travel and tour companies except as an add-on or extension to a safari in Kenya or Tanzania. And when it comes to mountain gorillas – Rwanda is often more promoted by travel agents as the place to visit these beautiful animals, rather than Uganda.

In truth, Uganda has not actively promoted itself  as a prime tourist destination. This is evident when one looks at the money allocated for such promotion. Uganda has relied on ‘accidental tourism’ (those who discover Uganda on their own) and on Ugandan tour operators doing their best to promote Uganda as a choice African safari destination. In comparison, nearby countries run circles around Uganda when it comes to promoting tourism for their countries.

In spite of the above, more and more travelers have discovered that Uganda is not just a mere gorilla and chimpanzee trekking add-on to their Tanzania or Kenya Safari, but is an African country travel destination that stands on its own.  Uganda is a ‘big-5 plus’ destination – the plus being the best mountain gorilla and chimpanzee destination in Africa. It stands also for having over 1040 species of birds, a true bird- watchers’ paradise.  The plus stands also for volcano hiking and climbing, such as Mount Sabinyo and Mount Elgon amongst others, and also for climbing the tallest Mountain range – the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains. The historic River Nile, offers also the best white water rafting, kayaking, river surfing and more.  In addition, Uganda is the best place to see tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and also Kidepo Valley Park. Visitors will also be delighted with the  golden monkeys of Mgahinga National Gorilla Park, the jungles of Kibale Forest and Semliki.  Lastly, the ‘plus’ stands for a discovery of authentic African culture – lived out daily,  not just as a tourist-orientated presentation.

Uganda was picked by Lonely Planet for good reasons, as the best country to visit  and as far as I am concerned – not just for 2012 but anytime.  Uganda is Africa as you imagine it to be – only better! It has ten fabulous national parks plus wildlife reserves including one of the most remote parks in all of Africa – the Kidepo Valley Park.  It is a safe place to visit in spite of erroneous reports by ill-informed reporters who are based in Nairobi or Johannesburg. Lonely Planet called Kampala as one of the safest capitals in Africa – a place where you can safely take a walk, unlike other places in East Africa.

Is Uganda the best African country to visit?  International Airlines seem to think so, as more and more are adding Entebbe to their routes – some, as British Airways have dramatically increased their weekly flight numbers. So why not make Uganda your destination of choice for 2012?

by Jon Blanc.

The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon

Uganda – Still a Hidden Safari Destination

Rwenzori Mountains were declared a Forest Reserve in 1941. This reserve was recognized as the largest catchment area giving rise to numerous streams that supply water to the surrounding communities as well as maintaining the flow of water to lakes Edward, George and Albert. Rwenzori Forest reserve was gazetted as a national park in 1991 and declared a world heritage site in 1995. The Rwenzori Mountains have a range covering an area of 996 sq kms, commonly referred to as the legendary “Mountains of the Moon” for its mist-shrouded, snow-capped peaks that lie 4° north of the Equator. The mountain range has six peaks that stretch from Mt. Stanley with Alexandria and Margherita (Africa’s third highest Mountain at 5109 metres), Mt. Speke

– Vittorio Emmanuele (4889m), Mt. Baker (4843m), Mt. Gessi (4797m), Mt. Emin (4791m) and Mt. Luigi de Savoia 4626). Mt. Rwenzori is re known for its un engineered, steep – slippery trails and frequent rain. High altitude, rain, cold temperatures, mud, bogs and steep terrain make it the most challenging safari in Africa. Nevertheless it is an excellent destination for keen hikers and climbers.