TANZANIA: Burundi And Tanzania Prefer To Sell Tourist Attractions Individually, Not As East African Community

Tanzania and Burundi have received the green light to market some of their tourist attractions individually rather than under the joint initiative of the East African Community.

The Eighth Sectoral Ministerial Meeting held in Arusha last week agreed to amend the EAC Tourism and Wildlife Protocol, in favour of the two countries.

Under the protocol, ratified seven years ago, partner states agreed to sell the region as a single tourist destination while ensuring sustainable use of wildlife and other tourist attractions.

However, it was not implemented as Tanzania kept pushing for the changes.

At the Arusha meeting, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda maintained their positions that the protocol should not be changed.

The meeting was attended by Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Dr Hamisi Kigwangala, Uganda’s Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Ephraim Kamuntu and representatives from Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi.

Dr Kigwangala said that Tanzania is seeking changes in the protocol in order to safeguard its tourist attractions.

At 32 per cent, Tanzania has set aside a large portion of its land for wildlife conservation and nature tourism, while Kenya has set aside only seven per cent, said Dr Kigwangala.

About 300,000 square kilometres of Tanzania’s total land area of 945,000 square kilometres has been set aside for game reserves, open wildlife areas and forests.

The country has 16 national parks covering 50,000 sq km, while the Selous Game Reserve alone covers 52,000 sq. km.

Sections 115 (1-3) and 116 of the EAC Treaty state that the bloc can establish policies, strategies and other ways to promote tourism while each country remains the key custodian and administrator of all wildlife and tourism activities within its borders.

The executive secretary of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators, Siril Akko, said that members support the government’s position on changes to the EAC protocol.

We agree that Tanzania should market some of its tourist attractions under its own banner, but, we still look forward to regional marketing strategies under the East African banner, said Mr Akko.

Kenya and Tanzania have been tourism business rivals for decades.

It is estimated that about 40 per cent of the 1.3 million tourists visiting Tanzania each year pass through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi before crossing into Tanzania to visit national parks on the northern circuit.

Last year, tourists injected $2.2 billion into the Tanzanian economy.

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and the mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda are unique tourist attractions in East Africa.


Tourism Observer

TANZANIA: Arusha Hotel Taken Over By Marriot International Hotels

Marriot International has acquired Arusha Hotel, the oldest tourist establishment in northern Tanzania.

The hotel chain said the 106-room Arusha Hotel will be operated under the Four Points name by Sheraton management.

A growing middle class and demand for travel and high quality lodging has given us a significant opportunity to enhance our footprint and play our part in supporting emerging markets across the continent, Marriot International Hotels president Alex Kyriakidis said.

The acquisition is part of Marriot’s goal to own 200 hotels comprising more than 37,000 rooms by 2022. The group seeks to generate a $8.5 billion capital investment and create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs through this development process, Mr Kyriakidis’s statement added.

Marriot’s expansion is a boost to the Tanzania government’s drive to attract more investors and other service providers.

Tanzania reportedly attracts 1.2 million tourists every year. About 80 per cent of them, nearly 900,000 end up in the Northern Circuit, the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Already, the government is drafting a new tourism policy targeting the development of new tourist attractions, hotels and other investments in the sector.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has held several meetings with tourist stakeholders from the Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar, seeking to draft a new policy to replace the Tourism Policy of 1999.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Aloyce Nzuki, said the new policy will consider diverse attractions and services including conference tourism, historical and cultural heritage sites, eco-tourism and beach.

The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators chairman Wilbard Chambullo said that the policy would bring together private sector players to work with the government in developing tourism.

A tourism and hotel consultant in Arusha, Leopold Kabendera, said global marketers and hotel chains patronise Tanzania, mostly from the US, South Africa and Europe.

We are looking for a better policy that would create public and private partnerships in tourism. This would attract more investors to inject capital through hotels and other business services,” he said.

Marriott International a global Hotel chain has announced that it will open a hotel in Zanzibar to tap into the isle’s tourism business.

The planned $330 million hotel will be part of the Amber Resort complex, and the largest accommodation facility occupying 1,750 hectares of Indian Ocean coastline in the northeast of the island.

It is expected to be operational in four years.

Marriot Middle East and Africa president Alex Kyriakidis said the hotel design will combine modern architecture and a touch of Zanzibar culture to bring a unique feeling of Tanzanian hospitality.

This development will be a catalyst for premium tourism to Zanzibar and Tanzania in general, and will also feature East Africa’s first signature golf course, he said.

The Zanzibar Amber Resort, a mixed-use project, will offer a retail souk, a tropical aqua park, a marina, an equestrian centre and international polo club, Mr Kyriakidis added.

Anantara Hotels and Resorts, another leading hotel chain, has also announced the development of Anantara Zanzibar Resort, expected to open in three years, featuring 100 guestrooms.

Minor Hotels chain CEO Dillip Rajakarier said the new accommodation and tourist service facility will be their first property in the region.

The development of Anantara Zanzibar Resort marks a key strategic move that provides synergy and diversifies Minor Hotels’ well-established presence in East Africa, complementing the Elewana collection of luxury safari camps, lodges and beach resorts in Tanzania and Kenya, Mr Rajakarier said.

Verde Hotels from South Africa is a new entrant in Zanzibar, developing and managing the Mtoni Marine Hotel.

The company has entered into a joint venture with Bakhresa Group, a local Tanzanian company.

The Cape Town-based hotel group will run the 142 room facility.

Bakhresa Group chairman Said Bakhresa said they will run Mtoni Hotel under the name Hotel Verde Zanzibar.

Verde Hotels director Samantha Annandale said they chose Zanzibar for its strong position in regional tourism.

Meanwhile, reluctance by local hotel developers to work with international brands has left the Africa with a huge deficit of branded hotel rooms, limiting the continents ability to tap into the global hospitality trade.

Experts say that indigenous developers often find the additional cost of bringing their properties to the standards demanded by international chains a major barrier.

The growth of local markets that are not keen on international brands is another incentive to stay local, they add.

According to results of research unveiled by the W Hospitality Group at the African Hotel Investment Forum in Kigali this past week, despite having some of the highest investment rates on the continent, East and West Africa are the regions most affected by a deficit in branded hotel rooms.

The research shows that nine countries in Africa do not have a single branded hotel, eight have only one, while almost half the continent (25 countries) have two or fewer brands present.

Only ten countries have 10 or more brands present, while just 28 countries (53 per cent) have branded hotels located outside the national capital or in the main commercial city.

Experts have attributed this status quo to the fact that local hotel developers have been slow at working with international hotel brands hence settling for their local hotel brands which are largely operating without branded rooms.

A large number of local property developers in many African countries are reluctant to work with international brands, hence operating hotels with unbranded hotel rooms.

It’s easier to get these brands if the hotel is an international brand said Karl de Lacy, the International Development Director for Best Western hotels and resorts.

Cost has been a big factor, the additional investments required to upgrade a property to fit a global brand has also been an issue with local developers, he said.

When asked to explain form an industry perspective how branded hotel rooms can be low at the time the continent is registering a commendable value in hotel investments, he said the biggest opportunity in Africa is now in mid-scale hotels because of the mass market the segment has.

Experts have observed that in Africa local developers don’t care much about branded rooms provided they have local customers coming to the hotels, that many of these clients are also not keen to look room brands

The biggest opportunity is in mid-scale, the international brands cater for a certain level of customers, but the more local hotel owners understand the opportunities they have if they work with international brands the better, said De Lacy.

On investments he said the growth in property has been commendable but many have not transitioned into operating as international brands which explains why many operate with un-branded hotel rooms.

We want hoteliers to be successful, a happy hotelier is one that is engaged with a brand, he noted.

Hotel industry analysts have said that this shortfall in supply shows that there are still huge opportunities to develop hotels in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Africa currently has 301 hotel projects in the pipeline, accounting for 57,011 rooms, or 11.0percent of the continents existing room supply.

Demand has been growing in many markets and that with careful planning, and good advice there can be an opportunity to generate substantial returns on investment in the hotel industry.

The majority of upcoming new supply this year are in sub-Saharan Africa, with 59 per cent of rooms in the development pipeline, North Africa is the largest single region with 41 per cent followed by West Africa 33 per cent and East Africa 11 per cent.

Nigeria has up to 6,100 branded bedrooms across 41 hotels, with 21 brands and 14 hotel companies represented in 9 cities and 61 more hotel projects and more branded bedrooms 10,313 in the pipeline, however a country with a population of almost 192 million, a lot needs to be done.

Despite having a number of big properties, Uganda has less than five hotels managed by international brands.

Disagreement between developers and international brands has seen two international brands – Carlson Rezidor and the Hilton, eschew the management of Uganda’s grandest property, the 296 room Pearl of Africa than opened doors this month under the One & Only brand.

Simba Corporation, a family-owned Kenyan firm with interests in automotive and hospitality sectors, has expanded its hotel portfolio after signing an agreement to buy a 35 per cent stake in Hemingways Holdings Ltd.

Simba Corp said Monday the deal, whose value remains undisclosed, would enable it strengthen its position in the hotel industry, while Hemingways said the proceeds of the share sale would be used to finance its growth and expansion programmes.

The auto dealer, Simba, made its first foray into hospitality sector in 2010 aiming to provide luxury hotels for travellers. It currently owns Acacia Premier hotel in Kisumu and holds significant stakes in Olare Mara Kempinski (Masai Mara) and Villa Rosa Kempinski (Nairobi).

Through our partnership with Hemingways we intend to continue to build on this strategy. This investment is therefore aligned to Simba’s goal of creating a substantial hospitality business platform with the intention to expand national and within the region said Adil Popat, Simba Corp’s chief executive.

The acquisition comes barely a month after Mr Popat announced a freeze of plans to set up a chain of mid-priced hotels across Kenya, citing a glut in the market.

It also comes at a time when a wave of mergers and acquisitions are sweeping across the Kenyan investment landscape.

Last week, regional oil marketer Hass Petroleum sold a 40 per cent stake to Gulf’s Oman Trading International in search for capital to strengthen its operations.

The Kenyan-based Hass is facing stiff competition in its oil business, controlling a paltry 1.9 per cent the market share in the fuel sales.

Global oil marketer Shell is also gearing up to sell its 20 per cent stake in Vivo Energy for $250 million to Vitol subject to regulatory approvals.

After the transaction, Vitol would control a 60 per cent majority stake in Vivo, while private equity fund Helios Investment Partners retains 40 per cent.

Vitol and Helios jointly operate 1,600 stations across 16 African countries through Vivo Energy.



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: flydubai To Commence Flights To Kilimanjaro From October 29th 2017

Dubai-based flydubai will start flights to Kilimanjaro from 29 October with six flights a week, three of which are via a stop in the capital, Dar es Salaam.

The relaunched service to the carrier’s third point in Tanzania, along with Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, will see flydubai’s network in Africa expand to 12 destinations.

Flydubai began operations to Tanzania in 2014. The carrier will also increase direct flights to Zanzibar from three to eight flights a week.

Commenting on the launch of flights, flydubai chief executive officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said in a statement: "With the addition of the service to Kilimanjaro and more direct flights to Zanzibar, flydubai will operate 14 flights a week, marking a 133% increase in capacity to the market compared to the previous year."

Kilimanjaro International Airport is located between the regions of Kilimanjaro and Arusha in Northern Tanzania.

The airport is the major gateway to the Kilimanjaro region, a main international tourism destination that includes Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park.

Flydubai has seen a 3.5% increase in passengers numbers travelling between the UAE and Africa in 2016 compared to 2015, according to a company statement.

The airline has built up a wide network in Africa with flights to Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Khartoum, and Port Sudan, as well as Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar.

The 12 points will be served with more than 80 weekly flights for the summer period.

TANZANIA: Passenger Demand Attracts Increase In flydubai’s Frequency To Tanzania

flydubai has seen a 3.5% increase in passengers numbers travelling between the UAE and Africa in 2016 compared to 2015, a positive record for this emerging market.

Kilimanjaro becomes 3rd point in Tanzania and the 12th point on the flydubai African network
The new service increases the total number of flights to Tanzania to 14 flights a week
Direct flights to Zanzibar to more than double from 29 October 2017
Dubai-based flydubai announced the start of flights to Kilimanjaro from 29 October. The relaunched service to the carrier’s third point in Tanzania, along with Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, will see flydubai’s network in Africa expand to 12 destinations.

flydubai began operations to Tanzania in 2014 and has seen a steady growth in passenger numbers. Kilimanjaro will be served with six flights a week three of which are via a stop in the capital, Dar es Salaam. In addition, the carrier will increase direct flights to Zanzibar from three to eight flights a week.

Commenting on the launch of flights, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, said: “With the addition of the service to Kilimanjaro and more direct flights to Zanzibar, flydubai will operate 14 flights a week, marking a 133% increase in capacity to the market compared to the previous year.

This is a healthy indication of the rising popularity of Tanzania as a preferred tourist destination and we are happy to be connecting the market to Dubai.”

Kilimanjaro International Airport is located between the regions of Kilimanjaro and Arusha in Northern Tanzania. The airport is the major gateway to the Kilimanjaro region, a main international tourism destination that includes Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.

Only a few international carriers operate to Kilimanjaro and flydubai will be the first airline to provide direct air links from the UAE.

“We are committed to opening up underserved markets and flydubai’s service to Kilimanjaro will introduce more options for travel with a Business and Economy Class service, together with added cargo capacity available through our Cargo Division. We expect to see healthy flows of trade and tourism on this route from the GCC and Eastern Europe via our hub in Dubai,” said Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President Commercial (GCC, Subcontinent and Africa).

flydubai has seen a 3.5% increase in passengers numbers travelling between the UAE and Africa in 2016 compared to 2015, a positive record for this emerging market.

flydubai has built up a comprehensive network in Africa with flights to Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Khartoum and Port Sudan, as well as Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. The 12 points will be served with more than 80 weekly flights for the summer period.

About flydubai:
flyDubai strives to remove barriers to travel and enhance connectivity between different cultures across its ever-expanding network. Since launching its operations in 2009, flydubai has:
• Created a network of 94 destinations in 44 countries.
• Operates a single fleet type of 58 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft and will take delivery of more than 100 aircraft by the end of 2023.
• Opened up 63 new routes that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE national carrier from Dubai.
In addition, flydubai’s agility and flexibility as a young airline has enhanced Dubai’s economic development, in line with the Government of Dubai’s vision, by creating trade and tourism flows in previously underserved markets.

TANZANIA: Support On Tourist Promotion

Tanzania, mother of tourism attractions some discovered and some yet to be discovered, continues to receive a number of tourists each year.

Regardless of the number of tourists who visit the country every season, it is estimated that the number could be doubled in favour of attractions that the country is blessed with. Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) has so far made remarkable efforts on promoting our tourism attractions both inside and outside the country.

It is high time now Tanzanias celebrities and ordinary citizens supported the Tourism Board on promoting what we have been blessed with in terms of tourist attractions. With the advantage of social media, Tanzanians can support TTB efforts in order to increase the number of tourists' visiting the country.

The move will develop the sector and increase our national income that will lead to boost our economy, plus providing more employment opportunities to youths. Recently, TTB has started to use Tanzanian celebrities including sports personalities and artists to promote our tourist attractions.

"We would like to urge our celebrities and well known youths to use their social media accounts to promote tourist attractions available in our country," said TTB Managing Director, Ms Devota Mdachi, when she held separate meetings with different iconic youth, who live inside and outside the country.

One of them being national soccer team, Taifa Stars skipper, Mbwana Samatta, who plays for the Belgium top division side RFC Genk, Miss Tanzania USA 2015/2016, Aeesha Kamara and Bongo Flavor artiste Vanessa Mdee, popularly known as V-money.

"The board would like to encourage youths, especially the iconic ones to use their positions to promote what we have been blessed with, mainly through their social media accounts as we are all aware of the impact of social media," Mdachi noted.

Expounding further, she said everyone should be an ambassador in promoting the country's tourist attractions. To that effect, she said, the move would put Tanzania on the world map, hence encourage more tourists to visit the country.

She added by doing so the sector would grow and earn more revenues for the country as well as create employment opportunities. The TTB boss also called upon other renowned sportsmen and artists to support the board's initiatives to promote Tanzania tourism attractions inside and outside the country.

Twenty-year old Miss Kamara, who pursues her bachelor degree in Mass Communication in Towson University, Maryland, USA, promised to be a good ambassador, saying she would work tirelessly to promote the country's tourism attractions to other Tanzanians who live in USA and other people.

Excited by what Tanzania has in tourism more than what they usually hear and read, Miss Kamara vowed to show others what the country is blessed with.

"I took pictures of places I visited and promised to continue uploading them in my social network accounts and planned a trip to New York City to showcase the food, dance and all the attractions in Tanzania," said Miss Tanzania USA.

As the ambassador, Miss Kamara was given Tanzania's map with all the attractions, national flag, DVD's of documented tourist attractions, fliers and books with extra information on tourist attraction areas.

In another development, TTB has embarked on global e-marketing campaign by developing a modern destination online tourism portal and Application to go in the same direction with the world of science and technology.

The online services will help much on promoting the tourism attractions existing in the Tanzania, home of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mikumi National Park and Zanzibar Island.

"Due to the growth of technology globally, especially internet, many tourists prefer using online systems to access tourism information and it is the reason why we decide to come up with the application and the website," said TTB Acting Marketing Director, Mr Philip Chitaunga, Following the introduced online portal, many tourism firms especially Small and Medium-sized Entrepreneurs (SMEs) will be supported to increase their earnings and conduct their business more easily.

Moreover, the portal will serve as tool for directly accessing tourist markets as well as online payment, a move that will allow tourists to directly pay for the service providers in the country and enable government pocket its equitable revenue as well as tourism agents.

"The Tanzania Tourism App, contains detailed information on various tourist destinations in Tanzania, among other things the App gives, an overview of what Tanzania can offer as a unique tourist destination in Africa, things to do, hospitality services and how to plan their trips just to mention a few," he noted.

By his account, the introduction of e-marketing campaign is expected to bolster the country's tourism industry, as well as, making it more of a foreign exchange spinner.

He, however, urged Tanzanians to use both products when scheduling their local tourism visits during their holidays, as the products were not designed for foreigners alone.

TANZANIA: Landscape Tourism To Grow

Landscape tourism has the potential to diversify Tanzania's travel industry which is currently centred to mainly wildlife, beaches and mount climbing, visitors have said.

A group of 54 tourists from Europe who are exploring the country's landscape say that visitors who look beyond wildlife, mountain climbing and beach products often overlook Tanzania.

"A big number of tourists in Europe scout for landscape tourism to discover the beauty of the world. Tanzania stands a better chance to tap on them as it has picturesque landscapes" says Mr Le Gouil Jean Yves, a tourist from France.

A local tour firm, Congema safaris is marketing Tanzania's landscape tourism, a move that attracted them to discover the country's unexplored sceneries.

"I came to discover the beauty of Tanzania, meet people, enjoy sun and come closer to the nature more people in Europe seek for this kind of products," chipped in his colleague Ms Corinne Siron.

After two years of painstaking experiments, sheer hard working and considerable private funding, the landscape tourism product is now ready for Tanzania's bound tourists with less interest on mainstream game drive, says Congema CEO Mr Constantine Ngelengi Malembela.

He says that the current tourists group is the second after the one he successfully managed to handle last year.

The new tourism item will add to other Congema safaris' key to do list such as mountain climbing and bush safaris in the country and across the East Africa region.

"Stunning landscape is a great new frontier in tourism, promising a better future to the tourists who look beyond wildlife, mountain and beach," Mr malembela says as he flagged off the 54 tourists to test the new product. The 125 km trip would take the tourists through King'ori village under the splendid Mount Meru in Arusha to legendary Momella Lake straddles in the border of picturesque Arusha national park.

After Momella Lake they would go through Mukuru savannah land, where on the east side the visitors would be able to see iconic Mount Kilimanjaro - the most famous mountain in Africa and the world's tallest freestanding peak.

Mr Malembela says that the heroic safari will also take the tourists through Longido wildlife management area, Lake Natron and Olpopong'i cultural village.

"Much of this route is a green and lush with vegetation and memorable landscapes," he explains.

KENYA: Kenya,Magical Destination With Experiences

The invitation of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) to attend the "Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2015", an annual high profile international tourism exhibition organized by KTB that attracts participation from local, regional and international trade partners as well as Kenyan public was never thought will be so enticing, educating and revealing having thought my previous trip to Kenya in 2013 had actually exposed me to all the tourism potentials of the country.

My recent trip to Kenya confirmed that the country is "A Must Visit Destination in Africa", as a result of her friendly people, natural beauty, peaceful environment, incredible scenery and abundance of amazing wildlife.

Travelled on-board of Ethiopian Airlines en-route Addis Ababa to Nairobi and landed safely at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

I was amazed, thrilled and dazed with the small but mighty Jomo Kenyata Airport with the level of the technological advancement noticed on our arrival compared to the same old airport I passed through about 2 years ago.

During my short stay at the airport for my 'visa-on-arrival', the immigration officials are noticed to be calmed and very courteous in attending to all the incoming visitors and tourists.

No string attached, no sentiment and no racism, tourists and visitors simply filled the visa on arrival application form and on presentation to the Immigration officer with the $50 visa fee. Just a question, "How many days are you staying in Kenya? The immigration officer asked and I responded with enthusiasm, "10 days". In less than 2 minutes, my visa was affixed on my passport.

'KARIBU', the Swahili language came out of the Immigration officer with a smile, what a great way to welcome me into KENYA, the "agical tourism destination".

Arrived into the warm reception of the Kenya Tourism Board officials at the airport and straight to the prestigious SAROVA STANLEY HOTEL in the eyebrow area of Nairobi.

I flashed back quickly to my first experience at the hotel two years ago and was astonished that instead of noticing some little defect or depreciation, I was stunned with the adoring available facilities now on ground telling the story of high standard of maintenance culture and quality upgrading.

The 25minutes drive from airport to the hotel reveals Nairobi as a charming, cosmopolitan and prominent city with a National Park in its precincts.

Had an early breakfast in the restaurant as there was a scheduled flight with my colleagues from Canada, China, UAE, Uganda, South Korea and India to Amboselli for safari. The flight from the Wilson Airport, Nairobi operated by Safarilink on about an hour flight was indeed a smooth journey shading away my fear and tension of flying on smaller aircraft and landing in the safari airstrip.

A pleasant experience on the Safarilink aircraft, no turbulent, no cause for any technical itches or complains by the experienced pilot and co-pilot who was applauded on excellent way the aircraft landed on Amboseli Airstrip.

At the Amboselli Airstrip are the two safari SUV vehicles with two friendly drivers and tour guides, Hashim and Peter who conveyed us for our onward transfer to Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge on safari exploration of Amboseli National Park.

AMBOSELI SERENA SAFARI LODGE/ AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

Our arrival and stay at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge which is located just out of the Amboseli National Park, with stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Amboseli Serena safari Lodge offers nature lovers a front-row view of elephants, hippos, buffalo, and other wildlife as they wallow in the nearby swamps, their only source of water in this legendary national park.

The architectural design of the building and the luxury en-suite rooms are accommodated in two-single stoned dedicated buildings which lie to the right and to the left. All the buildings are master piece to see, quite appealing and highly fascinating.

Shortly after the sumptuous lunch at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, I had the priviledge of meeting with some of the hosted buyers from various countries across the globe. I was surprised and glad to met Fifi Rurangwa, the former Country Manager - Nigeria of RwandAir among the hosted buyers also accommodated at same lodge.

The joy and excitement of the reunion generated a discussion on the game drive to the Amboseli National Park and the famous Elephant Conservation later in the evening.

The game drive to the Amboseli National Park that covers about 39,206 hectares in size at the core of 8,000 square kilometres ecosystem that spreads across the Kenya - Tanzania border is a camp to behold.

The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close free-ranging elephants among other wildlife species as we moved with ease within the camp savouring the real nature and wildlife experience of various animals.

At Amboseli, it is not all about the wildlife animals alone, it is also a place to meet and interact with the Masai people and catch the spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Amboseli has an endless underground water supply through thousands of feet volcanic rock from Kilimanjaro's ice cap, which funnel into two clear water springs in the heart of the park.

The visit to Amboseli will not be complete without a visit to the Elephant Conservation Project within the camp. Cynthia Moss is the director of the Amboseli Elephant Conservation project, she has studied elephants in Kenya's national park for over 40 years in the longest-running elephant research project in Africa.

Moss as the founder of the Amboseli Elephant Research project and like many others recognizes that dealing with ivory demand is crucial in the battle to save elephants. Amboseli Elephant's population is around 1,600. The Amboseli Elephant research project has established that it consists of 55 families.

GALDESSA CAMP LODGE/TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK

It was an adventurous 5 hours road trip from Amboseli to Tsavo East National Park for another exciting safari experience.

The driver and tour guide, Peter said, "Tsavo East National Park is fascinating and real. It is a place you reside with the animals".

Curious about the information from Peter, we arrived Tsavo East National Park and we were welcomed with cups of chilled watermelon fruit drink at "Galdessa", the camp we are to lodge for a night within the park.

Galdessa is an Italian-owned makuti-roofed lodge of 15 bandas, nestling under the doum palms in an isolated corner of Tsavo East National park. The magic of Galdessa is tangible.

The Galana River flows by, refreshing in the middle of Tsavo's heat and breeze ruffles the doum palms over the bandas. Galdessa camp is a remote place, off the beaten track, where peace wraps around you like a blanket.

The camp is divided into two separate entities, each with its own private lounge and dinning which can be reserved on exclusive use. Galdessa is overwhelming with spacious bandas offer accommodation, with ensuite bathrooms, solar electricity and running water.

Each bandas facing the river built on timber floor under a thatched roof, with a canvas front that opens into veranda during the day and zipped closed at night.

The peaceful setting, the beautiful riverine landscape and the serene contentment that accompanied a stay here is an experience to remember for life.

Tsavo East National Park is home to over 500 recorded species of bird life as well as most of the larger mammals, including Elephants, Lions, Rhino,Buffalo, Hippo and Crocodile.

The park is where Tsavo and Athi River confluence to form the 'Galana River'. Also, there is Lugard falls on Galana River where we are able to walk to the river to view the rapids.

At the Lugard falls, the Masai tribesmen demonstrated how they make fire by rotating a wood stick in a hole in a board with the aid of dried elephants dungs and grasses. It was simply amazing.


'CIAO' ITALIAN SAFARI ROUTE

Travelling from Tsavo East National Park to Watamu along the Mombasa route is a journey of about 6 hours.

The trip was so interesting, enduring and full of fun. There was a heavy downfall of rain as we embarked on the journey that make the road to be muddy and slippery. Thanks to our 4 wheel drive SUV with the auxiliary gear to surpass all the odds of getting stocked on the road.

What literally makes the journey to me more interesting is the way the inhabitants on the routes, both the old and especially the children despite the slight shower lines up on the road sides with joy written all over their faces beaming with smiles, waiving at us and shouting "Ciao".

Peter, our driver and tour guide hinted, "Ciao" is an Italian word meaning "hello" or "goodbye". He disclosed that the routes are commonly plied by the Italians on their way to Malindi, a favourite destination in Kenya to the Italians.

The inhabitants on the routes are so familiar with all the tourists and thought the only language understood by all tourists is the Italian language, irrespective of the colours".

MEDINA PALMS WATAMU/GEDI NATIONAL MONUMENTS FOREST

The 6 hours journey from Tsavo East National Park to Watamu could be energy sapping but the thrills, funs and roadside excitements did not give room to have any wrong feeling about the long trip.

Watamu is a small town located approximately 105km north of Mombasa and about 15km south of Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya.

Watamu is an eco-tourist's dream, lined with sandy white beaches and various appealing hotels as one drive round the small town.

Set on one of the world"s top 10 beaches, Watamu has long been favoured as an exclusive holiday destination.

Finally, we checked into Medina Palms Hotel in Watamu, the stunning accommodation sets a new benchmark for luxury and I can easily say Medina Palms is a place to have a "taste of paradise".

Medina Palms is designed to re-define the holiday experience with an all ensuite hospitality destination inspired by the architecture of the ancient seafarers who visited this coastline.

Medina Palms offers a personalized holiday experience with all suite accommodation within luxury penthouses and villas. Set within tropical gardens with mature indigenous trees, Medina Palms has four swimming pools with interconnecting water channels, cascades and waterfalls.

As we set out of the prestigious Medina Palms the following morning, the beauty and memory of my luxurious apartment was clearly on my mind as we proceeded on the journey from Watamu to our final destination, Diani which is the venue of the 5th Magical Kenya Travel Expo holding outside Nairobi for the first time.

As we are about driving out of Watamu, we branched at Gedi National Monuments Forest and popularly known as Gedi Snakes Park under the auspices of National Museums of Kenya. The museum have its slogan as "Where heritage age lives on".

Gedi is a 12th century town which was established by the Swahili people. During its high peak time of occupation, it had a population of about 3000 people.

This was disclosed by our host and museum guide, Mr. Alphas Randu while conducting us round the forest and the museum.The name Gedi is a Galla or ormo word meaning 'precious' and is also used as a personal name.

Gedi National Monument's forest is very rich in flora and fauna. The natural forest at gedi consists of over 100 indigenous trees. "Gedi's forest is also an important environment for different animals", Randu added.

The relic of the "Great Mosque" believed to have been built in 1550AD and The Great Palace was showed to us.

Randu hinted, "the town was surrounded by two protective walls, the inner wall which had a height of seven feet and outer one with a height of nine feet. The inhabitants of Gedi are known to be involved in various trading activities both locally and internationally".

This factor was supported by archeological finds which are displayed and showed to us in the museum.

Our last point of call, the Gedi Reptiles Rescue Park, an integrated entity of the National Museums of Kenya, targeting at providing awareness and education to the public and in particular the young generation with the phobia of snakes and amphibians was an avenue for us to be educated on various type of snakes.

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.

TANZANIA: Etihad To Fly From Dar Es Salaam To Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, yesterday widened its presence in East Africa with the launch of new services between Dar es Salaam, the Tanzanian commercial capital and Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

On touching down at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, the inaugural flight was welcomed with a traditional water-cannon salute and guets, when disembarking were greeted by a troupe of traditional Tanzanian dancers.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the auspicious occasion, which was attended by:

- Dr Shaaban Mwinjaka, Permanent Secretary, Tanzanian Ministry of Transport,

- Dr Adelhelm James Meru, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources,

- H.E. Mbarouk Nassor Mbarouk, Tanzanian Ambassador to the UAE,

- H.E. Abdullah Ibrahim Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Tanzania, and

- Daniel Barranger, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President - Global Sales,

- Engineer Thomas Haule, Director, ‎Julius Nyerere International Airport

Dar es Salaam is Etihad Airways’ third destination in East Africa, along with Nairobi and Entebbe, and its ninth destination overall on the African continent.

The daily service will be operated by a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft with 16 Business Class and 120 Economy Class seats, designed to provide business and leisure travellers with a direct daily connection between Dar es Salaam and Abu Dhabi. From there will travelers have convenient onward connections to key destinations in the GCC region, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, North Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia but also to North America.

Mr Barranger said when addressing guests: 't'.The launch of Etihad Airways’ flights to Dar es Salaam is consistent with our strategy of targeting areas of strong growth in emerging markets. Dar es Salaam is a wonderful destination for tourists seeking to experience the great culture and history of Tanzania, and provides the gateway to numerous national and international tourist attractions, including Mount Kilimanjaro, the wildlife-rich national parks of the Serengeti, and the spice island of Zanzibar.

The UAE is also a major trading partner with Tanzania and our new point-to-point services strengthen the two-way flow of trade and commerce between the two countries. The flight scheduling offers guests convenient onward connections, and caters for the strong traffic flows between Tanzania and key destinations across our global network, such as Ahmedabad and Mumbai in India or Beijing and Shanghai in China. Not only does this service provide our guests with direct access to an exciting new business and tourism destination, it also further strengthens our presence in East Africa and across the African continent'.

Etihad Airways has steadily grown its presence on the continent since the launch of its first service to Cairo in November 2004. Since then the airline has introduced services to Casablanca, Entebbe, Johannesburg, Khartoum, Lagos, Nairobi in codeshare with Kenya Airways, and Mahé in the Seychelles, and plans to launch to Rabat in Morocco, mid-January 2016.

TANZANIA: Udzungwa Mountains

Safari Itineraries with Mount Kilimanjaro and MountMeru Climb, Oldoinyo Lengai, Usambara and Pare Walking Tours...

Forest wonderland
The park is in iringa and Morogoro regions in south-central Tanzania. It is bordered by Great Ruaha River to the north and the Mikumi-Ifakara road to the East. It covers an area of 1900 square kilometers; its headquarters are at Mang’ula, 60 kilometers from Mikumi.

The major attraction is its biologically diverse and unique forest that harbors plant species found nowhere else in the world, from tiny African violets to giant trees 30 metres and more tall.

Apart from about six species of primates, its plateaus contains populations of Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards, Hunting Dogs, and several hundred forest bird species.

Facilities;
There are two modest but comfortable lodges with en-suite rooms near the park entrance. Some camping areas have been established inside the park.

TANZANIA: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don't even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa.

Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet).

Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman's Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates.
And their memories.

But there is so much more to Kili than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic.
Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m contour), the cultivated footslopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias.

Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.

About Kilimanjaro National Park
Size: 1668 sq km 641 sq miles).
Location: Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi.

Getting there
128 km (80 miles) from Arusha.
About one hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro airport.

What to do
Six usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes.
Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches.
Trout fishing.
Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain’s southeastern slopes.

When to go
Clearest and warmest conditions from December to February, but also dry (and colder) from July-September.

Accommodation
Huts and campsites on the mountain.
Several hotels and campsites outside the park in the village of Marangu and town of Moshi.

More info on accomodation

NOTE:
Climb slowly to increase your acclimatisation time and maximise your chances of reaching the summit.
To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of five nights, preferably even more for the climb. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.

NOTE 2:
NEW RATES FOR PORTERS AND GUIDES
(JUNE '08)

Porters
USD 10 per day
Cooks
USD 15 per day
Guides
USD 20 per day

TANZANIA: Monte Vista High Graduate Killed During Mt. Kilimanjaro Ascent

The Alamo native, 33, was close to reaching the summit of the mountain when boulders came streaming down the mountain and killed him.

Scott Dinsmore, an Alamo native known for creating an online community advocating seeking one’s passions, was killed Saturday by falling rocks while he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. Dinsmore, 33, was close to reaching the summit of the mountain, which his family said was a lifelong goal, when boulders came streaming down the mountain and killed him.

Dinsmore was hiking with his wife, Chelsea, who was not harmed. The hike was part of a world-traveling trip the husband and wife pair embarked on. In January, the San Francisco residents sold their belongings and left the U.S. to visit countries abroad.

The couple entered Tanzania after traveling through 20 other countries, where they decided to scale Mount Kilimanjaro. Dinsmore, a Monte Vista High School graduate, was featured on a widely viewed TED Talk in 2012, discussing the topic of “How To Find And Do Work You Love.”

That subject was also the vision behind the Web-based company he founded, Live Your Legend. The company’s website, http://liveyourlegend.net, guides people to books, articles and resources that relate to passion-driven job selection. On Tuesday, it featured an entry from the Live Your Legend staff that addressed Dinsmore’s death and celebrated his accomplishments.

“He didn’t just talk about living a life of passion and purpose, he was actually out there doing it. Being the change he wanted to see in the world,” the entry said.

A Facebook group was also created at https://www.facebook.com/groups/scottdinsmore/ to show support for the Dinsmore family. It had more than 4,000 members as of this afternoon. On the Facebook page, a close friend of Dinsmore said an official announcement would be coming from the family in the coming days with further information and steps to “continue Scott’s legacy.”

TANZANIA: Conservation Of Forest Reserve To Protect L. Duluti

Lake Duluti Forest Reserve in Arumeru District,

TOURISM plays a very important role both in the economy and people’s welfare. Available data show that the sector contributes more than 17 percent of the nation’s income.

Reports state that tourism sector leads in earning the country’s foreign exchange 25 per cent; creating a total of 500,000 direct employments while 2,000,000 individuals continue to benefit from tourism business in one way or another.

Lake Duluti Forest Reserve in Arumeru District, Arusha region is one of great tourist attractions in the country.

The 154 acres Crater Lake was formed as a result of volcanic activities that caused breaking of earth crust and sinking part of the formerly volcanic hill below water table, resulting in the lake.

It has the deepest point of 700 metres, with its water appearing green in colour due to the reflection of trees and other vegetation which surround it.

There are no streams which bring water into the lake; instead it receives water from underground flows. The lake is surrounded by 19 hectares of a beautiful, rich sub mountain forest which hosts about 53 species of trees.

It rims around the lake hence acting as a protective shield against erosion and siltation, offering a more eye catching scenery.

Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) has been implementing conservation projects to protect the lake and the forest which surrounds it.

TFS Northern Zone Manager Mr Cuthbert Mafupa says that his office has been concentrating on conserving the Forest and at the same time improving environment for tourism.

“TFS has been directing efforts in implementing conservation projects in this area and at the same time working to improve tourism activities while maintaining good relationship with the surrounding communities,” he says.

Ms Dinah Omondi, Principal Forest Assistant for Arusha and Arumeru districts points out that awareness on environment conservation has been carried out to the villagers, in collaborations with the District Council.

“We have been working with the District Council and other stakeholders in educating the villagers on the importance of taking care of this area which is very important in a number of ways,” she says.

She points out that before serious awareness programmes started, incidences of the villagers entering the forest to cut trees for firewood and grass for their animals were very common, but have now been reduced into a large extent.

On the other hand, she says, villagers from Patandi, which is one of the three villages which surround the reserve, are being involved in participatory patrolling.

As a way of motivation, the villagers get 2 US out of 10 dollars for each tourist who visits the place. The other 10 dollars remain to the government.

However, she admits that involving the villagers has not been easy since some of them have great expectations from the project, that they would be receiving big amounts.

A villager from Patandi Mr Nathanael Kaaya too admits that in the past, villagers used to graze their animals in the forest, but after receiving awareness education they have stopped.

“In those days it was common to see people grazing around the forest but these acts have stopped after TFS conducted sessions of awareness programmes to us,” he said.

He says that the lake is useful to the villagers in many ways one being supplying them with water especially during water scarcity, and in that case, the villagers must take part in conserving it.

The villagers are also being involved in participatory patrolling. As a way of motivation, the villagers get 2 US dollars for each tourist who visits the place. Each tourist is charged 12 US dollars to get into the forest.

The other 10 dollars remain to the government. The area is real rich with amazing floating island of Cyprus papyrus plants, which keep moving around the lake from time to time.

There are several types of animals like Colobus monkeys, Blue Monkeys and other small animals like Mountain galagos and dik dik and about 50 different types of birds like Crossed Beak Weaver, Bishop Weaver, Grey African Fish Eagle and others. At the Lake, among other things one can also learn more on habits of migrating birds like White Chest Cormorant.

“These birds leave here in April each year for breeding purposes and come back after four months (in August) with their young ones,” he says.

Flamingos in large number from Lake Natron and Lake Momela pay visit to the Lake from August to March every year for swimming and relaxing.

“The reason why those birds come here is that they are seeking to relax in fresh water since the water in those lakes is saline,” he says adding that in other months they appear at the lake but not in small number.

The place is also good for canoeing activities and fishing sports since the water has low currents. There are also good viewing points where one can see Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro.

According to TFS Northern Zone Manager Mr Cuthbert Mafupa plans are underway to improve tourism activities at Reserve. “The reserve is one of the areas where TFS Task Force is working to improve tourism activities by using Investment Policy. We are sure that, number of tourists will increase even more when the place is improved,” he says.

Mr Mafupa goes on to mention that at the time being, the villagers from three villages surrounding the reserve which are Patandi, Nambala and Nguruma have been allowed to bring their cultural items to sell to the tourists, as another way of benefitting from the presence of the reserve.