TANZANIA: Asalia Africa Is Top Most Committed To Responsible Tourism In Africa

Luxury eco-tourism company, Asilia Africa has launched a safari conservation project in Southern Tanzania with INEOS Chairman, Jim Ratcliffe.

The $10 million investment in Southern Tanzania offers visitors a unique safari experience, great hospitality and high-quality accommodation.

The project is intended to create a sustainable tourism industry, high quality and numerous jobs for local people and discourage poaching by offering alternative income streams.

Jim Ratcliffe says, I have visited Southern Tanzania many times and know what an extraordinary place it is. As has been seen so clearly in the Okavango Delta, when a local community benefits from high-quality employment from tourism, poaching flips to protection to preserve those jobs.

Asilia Africa is well known for being one of the best and most responsible luxury safari companies on the continent.

The three camps sit within two unique eco-systems which cover over 100,000 sq km of conservation land.

They are home to one of the most diverse collections of wildlife in the world, including the largest single concentration of lions.

The Jabali Ridge and the Jabali Private House are situated in the Ruaha National Park which is home to 10% of the world’s lion population.

Both properties offer private guides, vehicles for safari, swimming pool/spa and top quality service with full board.

The Roho Ya Selous camp is located in the heart of the Selous Game Reserve, overlooking Lake Nzerakera. This very stylish camp provides game drives, fishing, boating and walking safaris.

Each guest should generate over $100 per day for the local area.

Jeroen Harderwijk, the founder and CEO of Asilia Africa, says, We have long wanted to expand into Southern Tanzania and the joint venture with Jim has allowed us to do it.

The creation of three camps means there is now a Southern Tanzania circuit which should prove a real attraction to responsible safari travellers from around the world.

Jim Ratcliffe is a firm believer in conservation and has backed many sustainability projects in the past.

As well as these three camps, he is currently supporting a research facility in the area which is monitoring both the local wildlife and the environment.

Jim has also bought over one million acres in North East Iceland to help protect Icelandic salmon from overfishing and environmental threats.

Jim Ratcliffe adds, I believe in sustainable conservation and know that the only way to ensure the long-term survival of unique and vulnerable habitats like those in Northern Iceland and Southern Tanzania is through projects like these which protect the animals, preserve the environment and help the local community.

Roho ya Selous, in the UNESCO world heritage site of Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania, is the latest addition to the Asilia stable of ecotourism camps.

As an impact company, Asilia is a leader in the African eco-tourism industry.

So, what is impact investing? It’s a very specific type of investing, which occurs across all types of asset classes. Its basic premise is to have a positive impact on society and the environment.

It can also be thought of as sustainable philanthropy. Operating 18 camps in East Africa, Asilia’s vision is to turn vulnerable ecosystems into viable conservation economies.

Operating 18 camps in East Africa, Asilia’s vision is to turn vulnerable ecosystems into viable conservation economies. A number of turnaround stories bear testament to Asilia’s vision.

The establishment of Sayari as a semi-permanent camp in an area that was overrun by bushmeat poachers, and as a result was devoid of tourists, was pivotal to the northern Serengeti’s turnaround.

In 2010 Rekero Camp in the Masai Mara Game Reserve joined the growing Asilia tribe. Since then Naboisho Camp in the all-important Naboisho Conservancy itself nurtured into being by Asilia and other stakeholders showcases the benefits that local people can derive from nature if the will and know-how exist.

For its innovative and exemplary governance model, the Naboisho Conservancy won the prestigious African Responsible Tourism Award in 2016.

Asilia’s model of tourism employs large numbers of rural dwellers where few other opportunities exist. Eco-Friendly Lodges: Asilia Africa Asilia Africa FarmingWith over 800 continental citizens on its payroll.

It is a growing employer generating sizeable revenues to national governments in the form of fees, levies and taxes – approximately US$7.8 million in 2016/17.

In addition, Asilia raised a further $236,000 for conservation and social development projects in the areas where it operates. Direct contributions from the company to the same projects amounted to $137,000, over and above this.

The extra $370,000 was donated to effective and vetted partners in East Africa. For more information on Asilia’s partners and their projects please go to Asiliagiving.org.

This sense of making a difference to real people and places is an attraction to international tourists. It also helps ensure the sustainability of the wild areas where Asilia operates.

Asilia was just rated as the company in Africa which is most committed to responsible tourism standards in Africa, according to a Fair Trade Tourism review of certified safari lodges and camps.

We are extremely proud to be singled out by Fair Trade Tourism as a leading responsible tourism company in Africa. Making a positive impact is integrated into all our management routines.

What gets measured gets done.

The great benefit of certification schemes like Fair Trade is that they help to benchmark performance so that together we can continue to raise the bar, says Jeroen Harderwijk, CEO and Co-founder of Asilia.

The survey conducted, across eight countries on the continent, found that Asilia has 48% of its properties certified at best-practice responsible tourism level.

The hotel group’s ten properties – Sayari, Oliver’s, Little Oliver’s, Namiri, Olakira, Dunia, Namiri, Ubuntu in Tanzania and Naboisho and Rekero in Kenya – have been independently audited against best-practice criteria set by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

The review places Asilia at the top of the list, while Wilderness Safaris came in with 42%, Great Plains at 29%, Elewana Collection at 27%, Serena and Classic Safari Africa both at 14%, and Sanctuary and &Beyond both have 10% of their properties certified at best-practice level.

We congratulate all tourism companies that achieve best-practice certification, it is not only a testament to their commitment to doing the right thing, but to their impressive level of transparency.

We believe independent auditing against globally respected standards is the only credible way to verify responsible tourism claims, says Jane Edge, Fair Trade Tourism Managing Director.

In addition, Asilia remains the only safari company in Africa to be certified by the Global Impact Investment Rating System. Ranked at Platinum Level, Asilia is in the top 10 of impact companies worldwide.

Asilia believes that by making bold, and often pioneering, investments into areas that are ecologically and economically vulnerable, these areas can be turned into viable conservation economies, benefiting both the people and nature alike.

We work closely with communities, authorities, NGOs and industry partners to achieve the best possible long-term outcomes for all concerned.


Tourism Observer

TANZANIA: Unforgettable Tourist Attractions To Visit In Tanzania

Tanzania is home to Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro Africa’s highest mountain, and is one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations.

The country also has dozens of beautiful white sandy beaches such as those found in the island of Zanzibar.

Visit some of the most unforgettable tourist attractions in Tanzania.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is among the best-known big game safari destinations in Africa and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tanzania. It is famous for its annual wildlife migration of wildebeest and zebra. One of the best times to visit the park is in May when the grass becomes dry and exhausted and the wildebeest and zebra start to mass in huge armies offering a spectacular wildlife show.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro is formed form a volcano erupting two to three million years ago which has collapsed and formed a crater. The steep sides of the crater have become a natural enclosure for a wide variety of wild animals. It is also presently one of the most likely areas in Africa to see the endangered Black Rhino. Local Maasai people are permitted to bring cattle to graze in the crater but are required to leave at the end of each day.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano in north-eastern Tanzania, near the border with Kenya. At 5,892 meters (19,331 feet) above sea level, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and the world’s highest free-standing mountain. Although positioned close to the equator, Mount Kilimanjaro is famous for its snow-capped peak looming over the plains of the savannah. The mountain has become a major tourist attraction for mountaineers and trekkers from around the world.

Zanzibar

The island of Unguja, part of Zanzibar, makes up the final Spice Island. Once part of the British Empire, today Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. The African island has been for centuries an important trading center, a melting pot of African, Indian and Arab influences. Zanzibar’s major tourist attraction is Stone Town, with its whitewashed coral rag houses. Another big draw are its beautiful white sandy beaches.

Lake Manyara

In the wet season Lake Manyara is home to almost 300 different species of migratory birds, including thousands of flamingos. In the dry season, alkaline mud-flats take the place of the waters. This is the best time to see large mammals such as hippos, elephants, wildebeest and giraffe. A number of safari lodges provide tourists with lodging and day and night safaris to see the wildlife.

Mafia Island

Also part of the Spice Islands, but smaller than Pemba, Mafia Island has a population of around 40,000 people. Don’t expect organized crime: the name derives either from the Swahili “mahali pa afya,” meaning “a healthy dwelling-place,” or from the Arabic “morfiyeh,” meaning “archipelago”. The island attracts scuba divers, game fishermen, and people wanting to relax on one of the island white sandy beaches.

Tarangire National Park

Smaller than Ruaha, this national park is a paradise for bird watchers as more than 550 different species frequent the park. Tarangire is also known for its huge number of elephants, baobab trees and tree climbing lions. Huge termite mounds can be found all around the park.

Pemba Island

Known as the Green Island in Arabic, Pemba Island lies in the Indian Ocean and is part of the “Spice Islands”. As neighboring Zanzibar is becoming more and more popular with tourists, more adventurous travellers are seeking out the less-crowded Pemba. The island is especially popular with divers who come here for the untouched coral and very abundant marine life.

Selous Game Reserve

Savanna animals can be found in this reserve in greater numbers than in any other African game reserve, thanks to stringent regulation by the Wildlife Division of the Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. Most visitors arrive by aircraft, and walking tours or river trips are permitted, though no human habitation or permanent structures are allowed.

Ruaha National Park

Located in the middle of Tanzania, the Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in the country. The park is named after the Hehe word “ruvaha,” meaning “river.” Filled with wild dogs, lions, leopards, elephants, cheetah, giraffes, zebras, impala, bat eared foxes and jackals, the park offers visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal with nature. Due to the parks somewhat rnemote location visitors can enjoy viewing the wildlife without competing with hordes of other tourists.



Tourism Observer

TANZANIA: Tanzania Has Highest Population Of Wild Animals In Africa

The Northern Circuit is probably Africa’s most dramatic wildlife area. Game safaris never fail to satisfy with the thrill of the big game; they also offer diverse flora, panoramic landscapes and spectacular mountains; the game migrations across the plains defy description. The Serengeti is an ‘Immortal Eden’ where nature reigns - vast endless plains echo with thundering hooves of over two million migrating wildebeest.

Ngorongoro crater heralded as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ is an awe-inspiring caldera; enclosed by sheer walls the crater is breathtaking; this Garden of Eden flourishes with flora and fauna. The Northern Circuit has other equally exceptional game sanctuaries such as Tarangire National Park, which during the dry season has teeming herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle passing through in search of water; and patiently the predators follow these grazers; Tarangire National Park also boasts many hundreds of bird species.

Lake Manyara National Park where tree-climbing lions sprawl on stout limbs of acacia. The lovely Arusha National Park nestling against Mount Meru; Lakes Natron and Eyasi are soda lakes that are as fascinating as they are remote and Olduvai Gorge known as the cradle of humankind; so come and let us take you on a safari of a lifetime in Northern Tanzania.

The Southern Circuit is off the beaten track. It is said that Tanzania even now has undiscovered nature secrets. This is not an exaggeration and the seldom-traveled southern circuit offers safaris that evoke the romance, enchantment and spiritual delight of the African bush. The Selous Game Reserve embraces 54,000 square kilometers of southwestern Tanzania; it is the largest protected wilderness reserve on the continent, three times larger than the Serengeti.
There is also Udzungwa Mountains National Park, which is a park without roads and is Tanzania’s first National Park created primarily to protect flora rather than fauna. Other parks in Southern Tanzania are Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park and the Southern Highlands close to Lake Nyasa ,Lake Malawi.

Chimpanzee trails at Lake Tanganyika along the almost inaccessible Lake Tanganyika – the world’s second deepest lake – lay two exceptional game parks which are home to troops of chimpanzee. Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountain National Park provide a rare opportunity to observe and study behavior of one of the most interesting area the world has to offer.

Kilimanjaro “As far as you can see, as wide as the whole world and unbelievably white as the sun” This is Kilimanjaro through the eyes of Ernest Hemingway. At 5895m Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest point and the world’s highest freestanding mountain. Incredibly, the snow-capped peak is only a few hours away from a tropical coastline.

It is fascinating to experience this mountain as it raise majestically above the hazy African plains and trekking to the summit from equatorial Africa to artic conditions; passing through tropical rain forest, moorland, alpine desert onto snow and ice.
Routes for climbing Kilimanjaro are: - Marangu, Rongia, Machame, Mweka, Umbwe and Shira Plateau. Anyone above the age of 12 years, physically fit enough to walk 20 km per day may attempt to climb this mountain.

Zanzibar never fails to evoke the exotic, the magic of ancient times, from early explorers and missionaries, to slave traders and colonial rulers. All this is mirrored in Stone Town and its historical architecture and the rich ethnic mixture of its culture. In the towns’ narrow streets, every sight, every glance conjures up the romantic past. Beyond Stone Town clad in spice gardens are silver sandy beaches bejeweled by superb resorts. Zanzibar is a tropical paradise that dreams are made from; pristine beaches, unspoiled reefs, fantastic sport fishing and romantic dhow cruises make Zanzibar the ideal place to relax after your safari.

The scintillating coast crystal seas, sun bleached white sands give Tanzania’s cost a scintillating appearance. The palm fringed coastline look out over the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Tranquil coral lagoons shelter underwater coral gardens, boasting some of the best diving in the world; Tanzania and Zanzibar welcome you to explore a diving paradise. Ancient ruins rest among whispering easuarinas and palms enticing you to explore.

Take time to discover the bustling city of Dar es Salaam: Bagamoyo an old slave port north of Dar es Salaam: Pangani famous for game fishing at the Pemba Channel and to the south is Kilwa with its fascinating medieval ruins and remote white beaches.

Tanzania

The United Republic of Tanzania is a unitary republic composed of 30 regions and bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The country’s eastern border lie on the Indian Ocean.

The Capital City is Dodoma and the major commercial centre is the harbour city of Dar es Salaam.

The name Tanzania is a combination of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The two states united in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which later the same year was renamed the United Republic of Tanzania.

With 49.3 million people – according to a 2013 census – Tanzania has the 26th largest population in the world and was last year the country with the eight fastest population growth in the world. Like many other African countries, Tanzania has a large diversity of cultures and almost 100 tribes, including the colourful Maasai peoples. There are more than 158 local languages with Swahili the national language but English the official language of education, administration and business.

Tanzania takes conservation of its wildlife extremely seriously and boasts the largest concentration of wildlife animals per square kilometre, with more than 4 million wild animals representing 430 species and subspecies.

CURRENCY

The Tanzanian Shilling (currency code TZS) stands at around 2190 to the US dollar.

THE BREW

Tanzania ranks 6th in Africa for beer consumption. While 90% of the consumption is home made or bought from the informal sector, the commercial market leader is Kilimanjaro Premium Lager from Tanzania Breweries.

Tanzania has its very own ‘7 Natural Wonders’. They are:

Mount Kilimanjaro – The tallest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Mount Kilimanjaro is 19,340 feet (5,895 m) high at Uhuru Peak, only one of Kilimanjaro’s seven peaks.

Selous Game Reserve – This is the largest game reserve in the world and extends across Tanzania’s borders. The reserve expands 21,100 square miles (54,600 sq km). With no permanent human residents, it is one of the most natural places on Earth.

Ngorongoro Crater – This is the world’s largest unbroken caldera. Referred to as “Africa’s Garden of Eden,” the crater is home to over 30,000 animals including elephants, lions, cheetahs, wildebeests, buffaloes, and rare black rhinos.

Gombe Stream National Park – This is the smallest of Tanzania’s national parks but one of the most famous because of the chimpanzee conservation work done by the late Jane Goodall. The park covers only 20 square miles (52 sq km).

Ruaha National Park – This is the largest national park within Tanzania’s borders. The park extends across 5,000 square miles (13,000 sq km) and sits in the heart of Tanzania. It is famous for the large 10,000 plus herd of roaming elephants and over 430 species of birds.

Kitulo National Park – This park is unique because of the flora. It covers 159 square miles (413, sq km) and is known as the the “Serengeti of Flowers.”

The Serengeti migration – This is the longest and largest overland migration of animals in the world. The Serengeti plains account for over 18,641 square miles and the migration itself see animals ravel 500 miles on the path from Tanzania to the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya.