A three year-old Eastern black rhino, Eliska, has successfully been transported from its birthplace in the Czech Republic to a natural habitat in a Tanzanian sanctuary as part of conservation project by the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust.
The Trust, committed to helping endangered animal populations grow in their natural habitats teamed up with global transport experts, DHL, to achieve the successful transfer of the 900kg mammal.
According to Tony Fitzjohn OBE, Field Director, of the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust, “Having the support of an experienced team of international transport specialists allowed us to focus without any distraction on the comfort and well-being of Eliska and to ensure that she had the best possible introduction to her new life in Africa.”
As facilitators of global trade, it’s fantastic that we can use our logistics expertise for such an important conservation project, and we trust that Eliska will flourish in her new home in Africa.
“We were delighted that DHL was able to support us with this project, as we were only prepared to entrust Eliska to partners who could absolutely guarantee a safe and seamless move,” he added.
The journey of Eliska to Africa started from her birthplace in the Czech ZOO Dvur Kralove, she was sent to DHL’s main European Hub in Germany, before she was loaded on to a dedicated 28-ton Boeing 757-200 freighter, specially modified for animal transport.
She was subsequently flown over 6,500 kilometers directly to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, from where she was transferred by truck to her new home.
“We were delighted that DHL was able to support us with this project, as we were only prepared to entrust Eliska to partners who could absolutely guarantee a safe and seamless move,” he added.
The journey of Eliska to Africa started from her birthplace in the Czech ZOO Dvur Kralove, she was sent to DHL’s main European Hub in Germany, before she was loaded on to a dedicated 28-ton Boeing 757-200 freighter, specially modified for animal transport.
She was subsequently flown over 6,500 kilometers directly to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, from where she was transferred by truck to her new home.
Our next passenger weighs 900kg & is flying from #CZ to #Tanzania with DHL. Follow Eliska´s story #DHLRhino pic.twitter.com/E3Ktj5yKB8
Facts about Eastern black Rhinos
Eastern black rhinos are one of the most endangered mammal groups
Their population drastically declined with large-scale poaching in the late 20th century
The poaching led to a significant decline in black rhino populations in Africa.
Globally, there are estimated to be about 800 today.
ZOO Dvur Kralove, where Eliska was born, has a strong record of breeding Eastern black rhinos, with 43 calves of the species born to date.
Přemysl Rabas, Statutory Director of ZOO Dvur Kralove (Eliska’s former home) said they were going to miss her sourly but they also took consolation in the fact that she gets to grow in an ambience that is better for her development.
“Eliska’s departure is a bitter-sweet moment for ZOO Dvur Kralove. We are sorry to say goodbye to one of our much-loved animals, but at the same time, we are extremely gratified to have played a part in this important conservation project and excited to see how she adapts to her natural habitat,” he said
DHL and transportation of wildlife species across the world
DHL, global giants in freights and commercial transport have in the recent past upped their efforts in the area of transporting, with safety and security, endangered species across the world.
The company has supported a number of major conservation projects in recent years, among others:
- 2012: The delivery of three black rhinos from the U.K. to Tanzania
- 2012: The delivery of two rare Sumatran tigers from Australia and the U.S. to London Zoo, as part of a breeding program.
- 2013: A successful transfer of two giant pandas from China to a Belgian sanctuary
- In June 2016, the female gave birth to a panda cub.
- 2016: Successful transfer of Eastern black rhino Eliska from Czech Republic to Tanzania
As facilitators of global trade, it’s fantastic that we can use our logistics expertise for such an important conservation project, and we trust that Eliska will flourish in her new home in Africa,” the words of Hennie Heymans, CEO, DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa.
Tourism, Travel, Hospitality, Conservation: News,Stories And Experiences From Allover The World
Monday, 4 July 2016
EGYPT: Private Zoo Keeper Hosting Wild Animals
On the outskirts of Egypt’s capital Cairo, Salah Tolba operates a small zoo.
The zoo is home to several wild animals ranging from monkeys to wild cats and reptiles.
Opened to the public four years ago, the Africano Tolba was born out of a family tradition of collecting wild animals.
“I created this small zoo of 1,500 metres to try to show the Egyptian people and some Arab and European people that we know how to respect animals. We raise animals, we breed them here,” Tolba said.
“We are showing people that we are the number one caretakers of animals around the world and not the third as we were voted,” he added.
At the zoo, children often have the chance to feed and handle the exotic animals.
“There are 36 types of snakes in Egypt. Seven are poisonous and 29 are non-poisonous. The poisonous snakes do not go into homes. If someone ever finds a snake in their home then they should know that it is not poisonous,” said Tolba.
Since its inception, Tolba says the zoo attracts hundreds of visitors each month.
A ticket to this private zoo costs 5 Egyptian pounds which is less than a dollar.
The zoo is home to several wild animals ranging from monkeys to wild cats and reptiles.
Opened to the public four years ago, the Africano Tolba was born out of a family tradition of collecting wild animals.
“I created this small zoo of 1,500 metres to try to show the Egyptian people and some Arab and European people that we know how to respect animals. We raise animals, we breed them here,” Tolba said.
“We are showing people that we are the number one caretakers of animals around the world and not the third as we were voted,” he added.
At the zoo, children often have the chance to feed and handle the exotic animals.
“There are 36 types of snakes in Egypt. Seven are poisonous and 29 are non-poisonous. The poisonous snakes do not go into homes. If someone ever finds a snake in their home then they should know that it is not poisonous,” said Tolba.
Since its inception, Tolba says the zoo attracts hundreds of visitors each month.
A ticket to this private zoo costs 5 Egyptian pounds which is less than a dollar.
KENYA: Continious Smuggled Ivory
The event was formed to fight the poaching crisis through leaders.
Kenya has now decided to do another demonstration of our absolute opposition to the market. We are going to burn every single piece of ivory that we can in our stocks, there will be some left because of court cases, but we will burn this ivory and it will be seen by the whole world,” said Leakey.
The stockpile destroyed is worth an estimated 30 million US dollars on the black market.
The country banned ivory trade 25 years ago. Since then , the government has set fire to tonnes of ivory to discourage poaching and ivory trade. In 1989, Kenya symbolically burnt its ivory stockpile
According to wildlife conservationist group, Save the Elephants, 100,000 elephants were killed in Africa from 2010 to 2012.
Furthermore, over 30,000 elephants are poached in Africa annually due to high demand from Asia where they are sold for around 1,000 euros per kilogram.
IVORY COAST: Ivory Coast Boosts Tourism Amid Insecurity Fears
But owner of a hotel, Ocean et Lagune close to the place where the March attack took place said hotel owners in the area are struggling.
The fifty nine-year-old hotel owner, Losseni Bora returned to Ivory Coast in 2012 to invest in a hotel after many years of travelling abroad.
His hotel, Ocean et Lagune has only eight operational rooms with four more under renovation.
Bora says they have hardly had any guests since the six shooters targeted hotels on the beach but he is determined to make the business work.
“I have returned so that I can work. As for the jihadist problem, I cannot allow these people to take over. It’s true, I’ve lost 95 percent of my customers, but I think I will make it. I will not give up, I will keep trying to work, and I will stay to show Ivorians and everyone else that jihadists cannot destroy our businesses,” Bora said.
Officials say Ivory Coast has invested 151 billion CFA (about $266,000) in hotels over the past three years as part of efforts to improve the service industry and boost tourism.
The government is targeting 1 million tourists in 2016, which is almost double the number from last year as the West African country tries to turn around an economy held back by several years of unrest.
His hotel, Ocean et Lagune has only eight operational rooms with four more under renovation.
Bora says they have hardly had any guests since the six shooters targeted hotels on the beach but he is determined to make the business work.
“I have returned so that I can work. As for the jihadist problem, I cannot allow these people to take over. It’s true, I’ve lost 95 percent of my customers, but I think I will make it. I will not give up, I will keep trying to work, and I will stay to show Ivorians and everyone else that jihadists cannot destroy our businesses,” Bora said.
Officials say Ivory Coast has invested 151 billion CFA (about $266,000) in hotels over the past three years as part of efforts to improve the service industry and boost tourism.
The government is targeting 1 million tourists in 2016, which is almost double the number from last year as the West African country tries to turn around an economy held back by several years of unrest.
TUNISIA: Tunisia Tourism In Difficulty After Terrorist Attack A Year Ago
Surveillance cameras and security checks have become the norm in all holiday hotspots; and hotels are anxious to show tourists, Tunisia is a safe destination.
Tourism accounts for 7 percent of Tunisia’s gross domestic product and provides thousands of jobs, making it a key source of foreign currency.
But tourist arrivals fell to 5 million last year, the lowest in decades, after mostly British tourists were gunned down in Sousse.
The attack came just months after 21 tourists were killed in a jihadist attack at the Bardo National Museum in Tunis.
As the high season kicks off, authorities and tourism firms are hoping to boost confidence and encourage bookings with increased security checks.
Mohammed Bujdaria, regional director in charge of tourism in Yasmine-Hammamet said “Ahead of the summer tourist season, we’ve focused on security. Tourist attractions, restaurants, historical sites and hotels are inspected almost daily. We ensure that the new rules imposed by the government are respected.”
Authorities are now giving their all to restore the country’s image as a top holiday destination.
Speaking on the matter, Anis Suissy, director of Yasmine-Hammamet’s Royal Resort hotel said “We used to attract tourists with sun and beaches. It was a selling point. We are spending a lot on security. And we try to put forward the efforts that our establishment and the State are doing in this regard.”
European markets has also declined by 65 percent since 2010, the year before a revolution toppled dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
So Tunisia is turning to Eastern Europe to boost its struggling tourism industry.
Abdellatif Hamam, General director of the Tunisian National Tourism Board said “We hope that this year, the Russians will give us their trust. It’s a market we’ve been working on for the past decade, and we are trying to revitalize it.”
Government hopes to welcome 300,000 Russian tourists this year, six times the number in 2015.
But authorities are leaving nothing to chance by making moves to deploy additional 1,500 security agents to further boost security in the country.
NEW ZEALAND: Christchurch Taxi Drivers Protest
With those words, more than 100 taxi drivers and shareholders protested ride-sharing giant Uber in Christchurch on Monday.
Gathering outside National MP Nicky Wagner's Salisbury St offices, they chanted, held placards and called for a "safe fair and sustainable industry".
He asked the Government to crackdown on Christchurch's Uber drivers, who were operating illegally without passenger (P) endorsements, and without security cameras, commercial insurance and Certificates of Fitness (COF).
"Uber are illegally driving all over New Zealand and we just need a level playing field."
Nearly 60 Uber drivers had been identified by the NZ Transport Authority (NZTA) as operating illegally in Christchurch.
An Uber spokesperson said the company was "overwhelmed" by the positive response to its ride-sharing service since it launched in Christchurch several months ago.
"Christchurch has become our fastest growing city in New Zealand, with thousands of applications to become an Uber driver-partner, and tens of thousands of people downloading the Uber app to request a ride.
"This is an incredible reflection of the way in which Cantabrians have embraced flexible work opportunities, and a new safe, affordable and reliable way to get from A to B."
In a statement, Uber said drivers in Christchurch were required to pass a "stringent" criminal history check through the Ministry of Justice and a driving history check through the NZTA.
Singh said taxi drivers had suffered a loss since Uber arrived in Christchurch, but their concerns were not about the increased competition.
"If I drive Uber, it's cheaper, but it's not safer for the women or the girls," Singh said.
Mary Bishay had been a Blue Star taxi driver for the last two years. Her husband drove taxis.
"This is my business. This is my family. I fight for my family," she said.
Bishay called for equality in the profession.
"They either be like us or we be like them."
Nicky Wagner cancelled commitments in Wellington to address the crowd gathered outside her office.
"This is illegal and we have made this clear to the public and potential Uber drivers," Wagner said of those operating without P endorsements.
"We are reviewing the small passengers service system for all companies, not just for Uber, for everyone.
"The idea of the review is to make sure that the legislation fits the purpose," she said.
Under a new framework, rules that imposed costs on operators would be removed, and changes would "provide more scope for small passenger service businesses to make their own decisions about what their services should include, depending on their customers' needs".
A P endorsement and vehicle COF would continue to be required by all, including Uber. In-vehicle cameras would be required for those operating within New Zealand's 18 main urban areas, unless they had an exemption.
AUSTRALIA: GPS Tracking Plan, Regular Uber, GoCatch Drivers 'will pay more'
Drivers for ride-booking services such as Uber and GoCatch will have their insurance premiums calculated using their GPS data, under changes announced by the NSW Government.
Minister for Innovation Victor Dominello said the "user pays" model would result in regular drivers paying higher green slip costs, depending on how often they used the apps to pick up passengers.
"If ride-share drivers are driving more, yes they will pay more," he said.
"But if you're a ride-share driver who only drives on the weekends you won't pay as much."
Ride-booking services will be required to share their drivers' data with insurers and the insurance regulator, to determine individual premiums.
That data will include the frequency, timing and routes of trips.
Drivers will pay an initial green slip cost, followed by incremental "top-up" payments, depending on how often they drive.
"This is a very fair system for ride-share operators because it means if you're driving a lot and you're making a lot of money, you're going to be paying a premium set on that," Mr Dominello said.
Ride-booking drivers currently pay class one compulsory third party (CTP) premiums, ranging from $537 to $886.
It is expected an Uber driver who works 40 hours a week will pay about three times that amount, bringing them closer to the premiums paid by taxi owners.
Uber's General Manager David Rohrsheim said the changes seemed fair.
"This is people in their own personal car, some doing a few hours here and there and others doing 20, 30, 40 hours a week and each of them are going to be paying their fair share," he said.
However he said the company was still waiting to see the Government's pricing structure for the usage-based insurance premiums.
"Only once we know that can we start the discussion about how that's going to be recovered, whether it's going to be from the drivers or from the passengers," Mr Rohrsheim said.
GoCatch CEO David Holmes said the changes would make the CTP process simpler.
Taxi owners will also have their CTP premiums determined by their level of usage.
Sydney taxi owners pay an average of $7,800 per year, but the Government said the changes would result in premium reductions of about 40 per cent.
Taxi Council CEO Roy Wakelin-King said the changes were urgently needed to create a fairer system.
"We're paying in excess of $8,500 while Uber drivers are paying less than $800," he said.
"That's just not a level playing field.
"Ride-share drivers are doing very similar work to what a taxi driver does, often at the same time in the high-risk areas.
"The risks are the same so the pricing needs to be the same," he said.
"If ride-share drivers are driving more, yes they will pay more," he said.
"But if you're a ride-share driver who only drives on the weekends you won't pay as much."
Ride-booking services will be required to share their drivers' data with insurers and the insurance regulator, to determine individual premiums.
That data will include the frequency, timing and routes of trips.
Drivers will pay an initial green slip cost, followed by incremental "top-up" payments, depending on how often they drive.
"This is a very fair system for ride-share operators because it means if you're driving a lot and you're making a lot of money, you're going to be paying a premium set on that," Mr Dominello said.
Ride-booking drivers currently pay class one compulsory third party (CTP) premiums, ranging from $537 to $886.
It is expected an Uber driver who works 40 hours a week will pay about three times that amount, bringing them closer to the premiums paid by taxi owners.
Uber's General Manager David Rohrsheim said the changes seemed fair.
"This is people in their own personal car, some doing a few hours here and there and others doing 20, 30, 40 hours a week and each of them are going to be paying their fair share," he said.
However he said the company was still waiting to see the Government's pricing structure for the usage-based insurance premiums.
"Only once we know that can we start the discussion about how that's going to be recovered, whether it's going to be from the drivers or from the passengers," Mr Rohrsheim said.
GoCatch CEO David Holmes said the changes would make the CTP process simpler.
Taxi owners will also have their CTP premiums determined by their level of usage.
Sydney taxi owners pay an average of $7,800 per year, but the Government said the changes would result in premium reductions of about 40 per cent.
Taxi Council CEO Roy Wakelin-King said the changes were urgently needed to create a fairer system.
"We're paying in excess of $8,500 while Uber drivers are paying less than $800," he said.
"That's just not a level playing field.
"Ride-share drivers are doing very similar work to what a taxi driver does, often at the same time in the high-risk areas.
"The risks are the same so the pricing needs to be the same," he said.
Taxify, UBER, Little Cab Compete For Kenya Market
UBER in Kenya will feel the competion wind in its face as the first of two more App based taxi hailing services, 'Taxify' has now launched services with some 400 drivers, just days ahead before Safaricom supported 'Little Cab' will launch next week.
Taxify intends to rapidly roll out into Mombasa too, UBER's second Kenyan destination but has already announced that more towns across Kenya will be added rapidly like Kisumu, Nakuru and intends to have as many as 7.000 drives on call when fully operational.
Taxify has announced fares of 50 Kenya Shillings per kilometre and 5 Kenya Shillings per hour, the latter - given the notorious traffic jams in Kenya's capital, no doubt a form of charging reflecting the time one stands on the city's roads rather than moving on them.
This is seen as a direct challenge to UBER which, when demand outstrips supply of cabs, applies a 1.5 factor on fares.
Plenty of choices now how to move around Nairobi though hotel limousines remain another convenient option as they are charged directly on to a guest's room account eliminating the need to carry too much cash.
Taxify intends to rapidly roll out into Mombasa too, UBER's second Kenyan destination but has already announced that more towns across Kenya will be added rapidly like Kisumu, Nakuru and intends to have as many as 7.000 drives on call when fully operational.
Taxify has announced fares of 50 Kenya Shillings per kilometre and 5 Kenya Shillings per hour, the latter - given the notorious traffic jams in Kenya's capital, no doubt a form of charging reflecting the time one stands on the city's roads rather than moving on them.
This is seen as a direct challenge to UBER which, when demand outstrips supply of cabs, applies a 1.5 factor on fares.
Plenty of choices now how to move around Nairobi though hotel limousines remain another convenient option as they are charged directly on to a guest's room account eliminating the need to carry too much cash.
TURKEY: Istanbul Airport Attack
Days after the Istanbul airport massacre, reports emerged about the identities of the suicide bombers as well as the organizer a man who a U.S. official says is a top soldier in the ISIS.
Two of the three assailants in the terror attack that killed 44 people at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport have been identified as Rakim Bulgarov and Vadim Osmanov, according to Turkey's state news agency Anadolu, citing an anonymous prosecution source.
The Friday report did not identify the third attacker.The report did not reveal their nationalities.
But officials have said they believe the three attackers are from Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, and entered Turkey a month ago from Syria's ISIS stronghold of Raqqa.
The report came a day after U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said the man who directed the attackers is Akhmed Chatayev, a terrorist from Russia's North Caucasus region.
Turkish media reported that a man nicknamed "Akhmed One-Arm" organized the attack.
While his whereabouts are unclear, Chatayev's ties to jihadist activities are well-documented, McCaul said.He's traveled to Syria on many occasions and became one of the top lieutenants for the minister of war for ISIS operations he said.
At least 230 others were injured when the trio stormed the airport and opened fire with rifles before detonating bombs. Two of the men targeted the international terminal building, and the third one gunned down people at the parking lot.Of the hundreds wounded, 80 are still hospitalized, Istanbul officials said.
Chatayev coordinated with the three suicide bombers in Istanbul to conduct this attack during the season of Ramadan.
Last year, the U.S. Treasury added Chatayev to its list of terrorists, saying he was planning attacks against U.S. and Turkish facilities. The United Nations said he directly commands 130 militants.
Officials believe the attackers brought suicide vests, bombs and a deadly plan from ISIS leadership.
Anadolu said Osmanov was identified through a passport photocopy that was given to a property agent in Istanbul's Fatih district, where officials said the three attackers rented an apartment.
Information on Chatayev came from Turkish intelligence. Turkish officials have not confirmed Chatayev's involvemen.
The allegation reflects a growing trend of battle-hardened fighters from Russia and former Soviet republics joining ISIS in recent years.
"Russian citizens many of whom are Chechens or Dagestanis from the largely Muslim North Caucasus region of Russia are the largest group of foot soldiers in ISIS from a non-Muslim majority country.
Chechnya produced many fighters following the 1990s wars that pitted Russian forces against Chechen separatists.
Russians deployed brutal tactics in Chechnya, which radicalized the insurgents and moved them in an Islamist and militant direction.
In October, Russian President Vladimir Putin said between 5,000 to 7,000 fighters from Russia and the former Soviet republics are in Syria.
Ask anybody inside ISIS or who's fought ISIS. People from the former Soviet Union tend to be the most willing to die.
Turkish officials have strong evidence that ISIS leadership was involved in the planning of the Istanbul terrorist attack.
And the attacks appear to have been well-organized. The three terrorists rented an apartment in the Fatih district of Istanbul after they arrived from Syria a month ago, officials said.
After the airport attack, authorities discovered one of the terrorists left behind his passport in the apartment, according to a Turkish government source.
Turkish police visited the Fatih area and showed neighbors airport surveillance video and photographs of the three men, residents said.
One man who owns a real estate agency said one of the men in the picture had lived in his apartment. He said he was shocked the man was a suspect in the attacks.
While no one has claimed responsibility for the airport assault, Weiss said the nationalities of the terrorists point to ISIS involvement.
One of the toughest battalions in ISIS is called the Uzbek battalion. These were the guys who were essentially on the front lines guarding Falluja, the city they just lost in Iraq.
The tactic used in the airport attack shooting, and then detonating explosives is called "inghimasi," and it's being used more frequently by terrorists.
The 'inghimasi,' their way of operating on the ground in Syria and Iraq, is to shoot up checkpoints and then they actually some of these guys actually run up to the enemy and hug them before detonating the bomb to take them out with themselves. So in a sense, the ultimate Kamikaze warrior.
ISIS also has a history of airport attacks. It claimed responsibility for dual suicide bombings at the main airport in Brussels in March. At least 10 people died in those blasts.
Those killed came from all over the world, but most were Turkish, including 10 airport employees, TAV Airports CEO Sani Sener said.
Other fatalities included nationals from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Tunisia, China, Iran, Ukraine, Jordan and Uzbekistan. At least two Palestinians were also killed.
One U.S. citizen suffered minor injuries, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said.
Authorities have detained 24 people in connection with the attack investigation, including 15 foreign nationals, state media reported.
Two of the three assailants in the terror attack that killed 44 people at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport have been identified as Rakim Bulgarov and Vadim Osmanov, according to Turkey's state news agency Anadolu, citing an anonymous prosecution source.
The Friday report did not identify the third attacker.The report did not reveal their nationalities.
But officials have said they believe the three attackers are from Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, and entered Turkey a month ago from Syria's ISIS stronghold of Raqqa.
The report came a day after U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said the man who directed the attackers is Akhmed Chatayev, a terrorist from Russia's North Caucasus region.
Turkish media reported that a man nicknamed "Akhmed One-Arm" organized the attack.
While his whereabouts are unclear, Chatayev's ties to jihadist activities are well-documented, McCaul said.He's traveled to Syria on many occasions and became one of the top lieutenants for the minister of war for ISIS operations he said.
At least 230 others were injured when the trio stormed the airport and opened fire with rifles before detonating bombs. Two of the men targeted the international terminal building, and the third one gunned down people at the parking lot.Of the hundreds wounded, 80 are still hospitalized, Istanbul officials said.
Chatayev coordinated with the three suicide bombers in Istanbul to conduct this attack during the season of Ramadan.
Last year, the U.S. Treasury added Chatayev to its list of terrorists, saying he was planning attacks against U.S. and Turkish facilities. The United Nations said he directly commands 130 militants.
Officials believe the attackers brought suicide vests, bombs and a deadly plan from ISIS leadership.
Anadolu said Osmanov was identified through a passport photocopy that was given to a property agent in Istanbul's Fatih district, where officials said the three attackers rented an apartment.
Information on Chatayev came from Turkish intelligence. Turkish officials have not confirmed Chatayev's involvemen.
The allegation reflects a growing trend of battle-hardened fighters from Russia and former Soviet republics joining ISIS in recent years.
"Russian citizens many of whom are Chechens or Dagestanis from the largely Muslim North Caucasus region of Russia are the largest group of foot soldiers in ISIS from a non-Muslim majority country.
Chechnya produced many fighters following the 1990s wars that pitted Russian forces against Chechen separatists.
Russians deployed brutal tactics in Chechnya, which radicalized the insurgents and moved them in an Islamist and militant direction.
In October, Russian President Vladimir Putin said between 5,000 to 7,000 fighters from Russia and the former Soviet republics are in Syria.
Ask anybody inside ISIS or who's fought ISIS. People from the former Soviet Union tend to be the most willing to die.
Turkish officials have strong evidence that ISIS leadership was involved in the planning of the Istanbul terrorist attack.
And the attacks appear to have been well-organized. The three terrorists rented an apartment in the Fatih district of Istanbul after they arrived from Syria a month ago, officials said.
After the airport attack, authorities discovered one of the terrorists left behind his passport in the apartment, according to a Turkish government source.
Turkish police visited the Fatih area and showed neighbors airport surveillance video and photographs of the three men, residents said.
One man who owns a real estate agency said one of the men in the picture had lived in his apartment. He said he was shocked the man was a suspect in the attacks.
While no one has claimed responsibility for the airport assault, Weiss said the nationalities of the terrorists point to ISIS involvement.
One of the toughest battalions in ISIS is called the Uzbek battalion. These were the guys who were essentially on the front lines guarding Falluja, the city they just lost in Iraq.
The tactic used in the airport attack shooting, and then detonating explosives is called "inghimasi," and it's being used more frequently by terrorists.
The 'inghimasi,' their way of operating on the ground in Syria and Iraq, is to shoot up checkpoints and then they actually some of these guys actually run up to the enemy and hug them before detonating the bomb to take them out with themselves. So in a sense, the ultimate Kamikaze warrior.
ISIS also has a history of airport attacks. It claimed responsibility for dual suicide bombings at the main airport in Brussels in March. At least 10 people died in those blasts.
Those killed came from all over the world, but most were Turkish, including 10 airport employees, TAV Airports CEO Sani Sener said.
Other fatalities included nationals from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Tunisia, China, Iran, Ukraine, Jordan and Uzbekistan. At least two Palestinians were also killed.
One U.S. citizen suffered minor injuries, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said.
Authorities have detained 24 people in connection with the attack investigation, including 15 foreign nationals, state media reported.
TURKEY: Istanbul Airport Attack,Chechen Was Mastermind
Thirteen suspects, including 10 Turks, have been formally charged over the Istanbul airport suicide bombings, the deadliest of several attacks to strike Turkey's biggest city this year, the Dogan news agency reported.
Turkish officials have pointed blame at the Islamic State jihadist group (IS) for Tuesday's gun and bomb spree at Ataturk airport which left 45 people dead including 19 foreigners.
The suspects, who are in police custody, were charged with belonging to a terror group, homicide and endangering the unity of the state, Dogan reported, without providing the foreign suspects' nationalities.
Turkish media have identified the attack's organiser as Akhmed Chatayev, the Chechen leader of an IS cell in Istanbul who reportedly found accommodation for the bombers.
Chatayev allegedly organised two deadly bombings this year in the heart of the city's Sultanahmet tourist district and the busy Istiklal shopping street.
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has provided further details on the probe, saying police had arrested a total of 29 suspects over the attacks, including more foreigners.
Officials had previously said the three bombers were a Russian, an Uzbek and a Kyrgyz national.
"Everything will be unveiled in due time," Mr Yildirim said. "We are carrying out a vast inquiry in this case."
Istanbul authorities said Sunday that 49 people injured in the attack were still being treated, with 17 in intensive care.
Turkey has been rocked by a series of attacks in the past year blamed on either IS jihadists or Kurdish rebels.
These have taken a heavy hit on tourism, and on Friday Germany warned its citizens to exercise particular caution if they travel to Turkey.
Turkish officials have pointed blame at the Islamic State jihadist group (IS) for Tuesday's gun and bomb spree at Ataturk airport which left 45 people dead including 19 foreigners.
The suspects, who are in police custody, were charged with belonging to a terror group, homicide and endangering the unity of the state, Dogan reported, without providing the foreign suspects' nationalities.
Turkish media have identified the attack's organiser as Akhmed Chatayev, the Chechen leader of an IS cell in Istanbul who reportedly found accommodation for the bombers.
Chatayev allegedly organised two deadly bombings this year in the heart of the city's Sultanahmet tourist district and the busy Istiklal shopping street.
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has provided further details on the probe, saying police had arrested a total of 29 suspects over the attacks, including more foreigners.
Officials had previously said the three bombers were a Russian, an Uzbek and a Kyrgyz national.
"Everything will be unveiled in due time," Mr Yildirim said. "We are carrying out a vast inquiry in this case."
Istanbul authorities said Sunday that 49 people injured in the attack were still being treated, with 17 in intensive care.
Turkey has been rocked by a series of attacks in the past year blamed on either IS jihadists or Kurdish rebels.
These have taken a heavy hit on tourism, and on Friday Germany warned its citizens to exercise particular caution if they travel to Turkey.
Friday, 1 July 2016
MOZAMBIQUE: Mozambique Tourism & Adventure
Welcome to Mozambique Tourism, where we specialize in this magnificent country offering you different types of Mozambique accommodation , we tailor make Mozambique holiday packages to suit your requirements and budget.
We offer a variety of Mozambique accommodation options throughout all areas of the country, including ;Maputo,Machangulo Peninsula, Ponta De Ouro, Ponta Malongane, Bilene, Xai-Xai, Inhambane, Vilanculos, Bazaruto Island, Benguerra Island, Magaruque Island , Pemba, Ibo Island , Vamizi Island and Quilalea Island.
With over 15 years of experience in providing incredible travel holidays for all who wish to bask in the Mozambican sun, at Mozambique Tourism thrive on delivering the best holiday package possible to each of our valued clients. Whether you are the adventurous type or a person who is after pure relaxation, we have your interests at heart and will endeavour to build the perfect holiday based on your wants and needs.We offer the following types of accommodation: Self-catering, Catered, Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfast, 3, 4 and 5 star hotels, Lodges and Resorts.
Guaranteed to leave you with stunning memories of the beautiful surroundings and friendly locals, your Mozambique holiday will have you enjoying mouth-watering cuisine and experiencing the lush white beaches that are characteristic of this inviting paradise.
This exotic country is the ideal holiday destination, with activities such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and scuba diving all set to keep even the most hyper holidaymaker occupied.
Popular areas in Mozambique:
Ponta de Ouro: This location captures the very essence of Mozambican holiday luxury. Swimming with the Dolphins is a must, while scuba diving is very popular.
Maputo: The capital of Mozambique is a hub of culture, where wonderful fresh cuisine is served and retail therapy at countless shops will ensure the capture of a treasure or two.
Gaza: An ideal spot for the adventurous traveller: Sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, paragliding and kite-surfing are typical pursuits where the Xai-Xai and Limpopo River meet in Bilene.
Inhambane: When Vasco Da Gama rounded Africa in the late 15th century, he immediately fell in love with this beautiful place and named it ‘Terra de Boa Gente’ or Land of Good People. The name says it all, and the tropical reef areas will astonish you.
Vilanculos: This gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago consists of six Islands, and is a place of incomparable beauty. Over the years, surfing has become one of the most popular watersports in Vilanculos, as the area provides a temperate climate, unpredictable waters and plentiful wind – a dream for any passionate surfer.
Benguerra Island: Home to a variety of animal, bird and plant life, the lush forests and exquisite landscape is incredible to behold. Famous for its unspoiled beaches, excellent fishing and remarkable scuba diving sites, Benguerra Island will not soon be forgotten. Whales and dolphins are often seen here, and sunset beach walks or a guided tour of the island is a must.
Bazaruto Island: An unexplored destination of great beauty, surrounded by turquoise water and fringed by idyllic beaches, the bewitching coral reefs and rare tropical fish make this the ultimate destination for the ocean-lover.
Magaruque Island: Relaxation, seclusion and natural beauty are words that describe this well-known marlin and sail fishing hotspot where ocean safaris and sunset cruises make the perfect afternoon.
Sofala: In Sofala, famous attractions include the beautiful Beira Cathedral and the Gorongosa National Park, where game drives at dusk or dawn and hikes to the pristine waterfalls will not disappoint.
Nampula: Ilha de Mozambique is well worth a visit, as it is a historic town dating back to the early 17th century. Nampula is known for its unique atmosphere and culture. Architecture buffs will love the Cathedral, and nature-lovers will appreciate the volcanic rock formation that lines Nampula’s vast horizon.
Quirimbas Arquipelago: Those looking for complete exclusivity and natural beauty will adore this completely untouched Mozambique Islands in a forgotten corner of the Quirimbas Archipelago.
Niassa: Visitors to the Niassa reserve will find the Lugenda Wilderness Camp: Africa’s largest conservation area. With luxury tented accommodation that leads out onto a private veranda overlooking breath-taking scenery.
Enjoy the perfect holiday experience in this exquisite paradise.
We offer a variety of Mozambique accommodation options throughout all areas of the country, including ;Maputo,Machangulo Peninsula, Ponta De Ouro, Ponta Malongane, Bilene, Xai-Xai, Inhambane, Vilanculos, Bazaruto Island, Benguerra Island, Magaruque Island , Pemba, Ibo Island , Vamizi Island and Quilalea Island.
With over 15 years of experience in providing incredible travel holidays for all who wish to bask in the Mozambican sun, at Mozambique Tourism thrive on delivering the best holiday package possible to each of our valued clients. Whether you are the adventurous type or a person who is after pure relaxation, we have your interests at heart and will endeavour to build the perfect holiday based on your wants and needs.We offer the following types of accommodation: Self-catering, Catered, Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfast, 3, 4 and 5 star hotels, Lodges and Resorts.
Guaranteed to leave you with stunning memories of the beautiful surroundings and friendly locals, your Mozambique holiday will have you enjoying mouth-watering cuisine and experiencing the lush white beaches that are characteristic of this inviting paradise.
This exotic country is the ideal holiday destination, with activities such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and scuba diving all set to keep even the most hyper holidaymaker occupied.
Popular areas in Mozambique:
Ponta de Ouro: This location captures the very essence of Mozambican holiday luxury. Swimming with the Dolphins is a must, while scuba diving is very popular.
Maputo: The capital of Mozambique is a hub of culture, where wonderful fresh cuisine is served and retail therapy at countless shops will ensure the capture of a treasure or two.
Gaza: An ideal spot for the adventurous traveller: Sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, paragliding and kite-surfing are typical pursuits where the Xai-Xai and Limpopo River meet in Bilene.
Inhambane: When Vasco Da Gama rounded Africa in the late 15th century, he immediately fell in love with this beautiful place and named it ‘Terra de Boa Gente’ or Land of Good People. The name says it all, and the tropical reef areas will astonish you.
Vilanculos: This gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago consists of six Islands, and is a place of incomparable beauty. Over the years, surfing has become one of the most popular watersports in Vilanculos, as the area provides a temperate climate, unpredictable waters and plentiful wind – a dream for any passionate surfer.
Benguerra Island: Home to a variety of animal, bird and plant life, the lush forests and exquisite landscape is incredible to behold. Famous for its unspoiled beaches, excellent fishing and remarkable scuba diving sites, Benguerra Island will not soon be forgotten. Whales and dolphins are often seen here, and sunset beach walks or a guided tour of the island is a must.
Bazaruto Island: An unexplored destination of great beauty, surrounded by turquoise water and fringed by idyllic beaches, the bewitching coral reefs and rare tropical fish make this the ultimate destination for the ocean-lover.
Magaruque Island: Relaxation, seclusion and natural beauty are words that describe this well-known marlin and sail fishing hotspot where ocean safaris and sunset cruises make the perfect afternoon.
Sofala: In Sofala, famous attractions include the beautiful Beira Cathedral and the Gorongosa National Park, where game drives at dusk or dawn and hikes to the pristine waterfalls will not disappoint.
Nampula: Ilha de Mozambique is well worth a visit, as it is a historic town dating back to the early 17th century. Nampula is known for its unique atmosphere and culture. Architecture buffs will love the Cathedral, and nature-lovers will appreciate the volcanic rock formation that lines Nampula’s vast horizon.
Quirimbas Arquipelago: Those looking for complete exclusivity and natural beauty will adore this completely untouched Mozambique Islands in a forgotten corner of the Quirimbas Archipelago.
Niassa: Visitors to the Niassa reserve will find the Lugenda Wilderness Camp: Africa’s largest conservation area. With luxury tented accommodation that leads out onto a private veranda overlooking breath-taking scenery.
Enjoy the perfect holiday experience in this exquisite paradise.
Thursday, 30 June 2016
NIGERIA: Abuja City
Abuja is the capital of Nigeria. Since most Nigerian government agencies are now headquartered in Abuja and most other countries' embassies have been relocated from Lagos to Abuja, it is a surprisingly expensive city.
In the aftermath of the Nigerian-Biafra War, the Nigerian government sought to locate its capital in a location not predominated by any one ethnic group.
The site of Abuja was chosen for the Federal Capital Territory as it was centrally located and had few existing residents. Plans for Abuja were first announced by decree in 1976. Most of the construction for city began in the 1980's. Today, it is Africa's only purpose-built capital city.
It has an excellent road network, beautiful rolling terrain and modern Nigerian architecture, however this focus on the car means it is a difficult city for pedestrians. As in the rest of Nigeria, electric power is erratic.
Plane
International flights to the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport are offered by several airlines, notably, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, and British Airways. There are no direct flights to Abuja from the United States.
Although it is possible to fly directly from the U.S. or other locations to Lagos, and take a domestic flight to Abuja, this is not recommended.
The international and domestic terminals in Lagos are not connected and transferring between terminals is a hassle. Furthermore, domestic Nigerian airlines will allow only one bag to be checked on without charge, even if your international arriving flight had a larger baggage allowance.
The airport is located approximately 40 kilometers from the city center. Although construction has begun on a light-rail system to the city center, for now cars are the only realistic way to get to the city.
If your hotel or employer is sending someone to pick you up, get the name of that person and the license plate number of the vehicle in advance. If you do not have a vehicle pre-arranged, take an official (green-colored) taxi.
Bus
You can travel to Abuja by bus from major cities like Lagos, Benin, Kano and Port Harcourt. Reliable services include: ABC Transport (with air conditioned luxurious bus rides), Ekene Dili Chukwu, Chisco Transport (CTN) and Young Shall Grow. The preferred bus service would be ABC transport.
However, you are advised to take only day trip buses from Lagos or Kano. You must be conscious that bus trips are not the safest as in rare situations buses have been attacked by robbers. If you're unfamiliar with the country, do not take a bus without an escort.
Buses allow you to appreciate the terrain, the towns and cities and the subtle changes in these and culture as you drive towards the capital either from the south or the north. The building is 150 meters wide and 150 meters long and 50 meters high.
Car
Abuja was a city planned for cars, with loop highway around the city and broad avenues.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to get around without a car, and the strict zoning laws mean that residences are usually far for commercial areas. Abuja does not have the problem of enormous traffic jams or "go slows" as in Lagos. However, the higher speed that cars travel at presents a higher risk of dangerous accidents.
Compounding this are the traffic signals which will stop working during the frequent power outages and the tendency of drivers to ignore lanes and drive dangerously close to other vehicles. Traffic accidents are frequent,so drive defensively. For safety's sake, keep your doors locked and windows rolled up at all times.
Abuja has a few strict driving laws that are enforced. Seat belts are required of both the driver and front seat passenger. Failure to obey this law leads to significant inconveniences as the vehicle is impounded and not released until the fine is paid.
Taxi
Fortunately, for the visitor, taxis are plentiful and cheap. Most are green and some very beaten up, but they get you there. Fares around town (eg a 5km trip) are N300-N400 depending on the mood of the driver and your bargaining skills.
Always agree the fare in advance and try to have exact change. Having a GPS app on your phone and a rough idea of where you should be heading also a good idea. Private taxi companies are also available - offering phone dispatch and better cars, fares for these companies are about N1,500 - N2,000 for a trip across town.
Abuja is a beautiful city. The tourist attractions would be:
5 Abuja Parks
- The Abuja Millennium Park
- The National Mosque
- The Ecumenical Center
- National Assembly Complex
- Aso Rock
Currency Museum of the Central Bank of Nigeria.This small museum, located inside the modern Central Bank of Nigeria building, shows the history of currency used in modern Nigeria as well as ancient mediums of exchange used in west Africa.
The Abuja Millennium Park is being expanded in an ambitious tourist project to include the Millennium Tower and a Cultural Center and Museum that would boast of some of the most expansive collections of African Art. As of February 2009, the Millenium tower is several years from completion.
Other upcoming projects include the Heritage City Theme Park that would be the largest theme park of African civilizations.
Shopping
- Go shopping at Wuse Market, the main market in Abuja. Everything is available, from fresh food to clothes, music, and electronics. And as markets go, not expensive.
Art & Craft village (across the road from Sheraton Hotel)
Abuja has two cinemas
- Silverbird Cinema, Silverbird / Shoprite mall (near Sheraton hotel). Multiscreen googolplex showing recent Hollywood offerings. N1,000 to N2,000 depending on showtime.
- Ceddi Plaza, 7th Street, CBD. Three screen cinema also run by the Silverbird group.
There is some interesting artwork all over Abuja. Wood carvings, paintings and leatherwork. Everything is available in surrounding countries quite a bit cheaper, but if you are here you might as well buy it here.
Food prices in Abuja are high, especially for Western food. There are, however, many good restaurants in Abuja that are arguably worth the money. The Wuse II area is arguably the restaurant hub for Abuja, with new places opening and closing frequently.
Of course, whether you live in Abuja or are just visiting, there are times when you are willing to pay a little extra for the simple fact that there are few to no alternatives.
Exclusive Supermarket 1202 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II. A cafe/coffeesho p at the back of the supermarket sells good salads, a few Lebanese dishes, icecream, coffee and standard pizza and grilled food. Cheap (Nicoise Salad takeout for N1000).
Mr. Biggs. All over. Burgers.
Mid-range
Rockview Classic Hotel Bar - Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II. Low key bar/ restaurant overlooking the swimming pool in this mid-range hotel (not the indoor restaurant). Worth mentioning as the price/ quality ratio is good by Abuja standards. Tenderloin steak and chips N1,900, Malaysian-style chicken Satay N1,900, Chinese style chicken wings and chips N1,400.
Love Pizza, The Gourmet Pizza People. Freshly baked Italian Pizza made with the finest ingredients. Pizza, wings, salads. Pizzeria, Take out & Delivery; 2 Bouar close, Bangui street, off Ademola Adetokuno Crescent, Wuse 2. (beside Jevenik)
First Turkish Cuisine, 33B Gana Street, Maitama (quite near the Hilton hotel). lunch & dinner. Abuja's only Turkish restaurant? Offers a range of grilled meats, kebabs and lamb chops. The chef is from Turkey and the portions large and tasty by Abuja standards. Mains N2,000 - N2,500.
Schwarma Shop, adjacent to Amigos Supermarket, Wuse II. 700 Naira for Schwarmas and they offer pizzas for somewhere from 1500 Naira.
Southern Fried Chicken. A local knockoff of KFC, but ask them to go easy on the mayo.
Woks & Koi, Silverbird / Shoprite Mall (2nd floor) (near Sheraton hotel), lunch & dinner. Standard shopping mall Chinese restaurant serving moderately unexciting east Asian cuisine, such as beef in oyster sauce. Prices don't include 15% in service & tax, but serving sizes are large, meaning you could share 2 dishes between 3. Mains around N3,000.
Schwarma Shop, adjacent to 212 Supermarket, Usuma St., Maitama. These Schwarmas have cabbage on them. About same price as the one by Amigos
City View, Cape Town Street, Off IBB Way, Wuse Zone 4. Perhaps the best Lebanese food in Abuja, excellent prices, they also host large groups, indoor or outdoor sitting.
Ceddi Plaza has a fast food Chicken restaurant on Second Floor - and Ice Cream
Drumstix, Aminu Kano Crescent. Fast food, Nigerian dishes, Grill, Shawarma and Ice cream.
Tantalizers Burgers. All over.
Cafe at Grand Square, Mohammadu Buhari Way.
Treehouse Grill, 66 Ademola Adetokubo cresent,Beside Mikano Generators, They offer delicious continental dishes with Steaks, Grilled Fish,smoothies, Chicken Kebab with wings and their Milk shake is the best in Abuja.
Cafe at Dunes, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, one on the main floor and one upstairs. Yeah!
MrPickup.biz, Delivery service. Picks up your orders and brings to you for a small fee!
Spice Food In front of Sahad Store, across from Bolton White Hotels, Ahmadu Bellu Road. 07031111005, 08034500653. Delicious Indian food and snacks at very reasonable prices. Main course N1000-N1500, snacks N300-N600. Su-F buffet 12PM-3PM N2000. Dinner 6PM-10PM
AJ's Pizza, adjacent to the Park and Shop in Wuse II, Aminu Kano Crescent, call your order in before you get there 0803 314 0469 or 0804 410 4567, if your order 5 pizzas, ask for free juice.
Splurge
Ciao, Jitau Plaza, Plot 1173, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, After AP plaza, Wuse II. A good Italian restaurant with the usual Italian dishes. Expect to pay around 2000 Naira for a dinner with wine. Good Pizzas, but AJ's have more to them.
Chopsticks, Plot 66 Mississippi St, Maitama. Good Chinese food, a couple should share one order of a main dish and either rice or noodles. 2000-about 5000 Naira for main dishes. Has cocktail bar.
Sitar, 46 Usuma St, Maitama. Indian food.
Wakkis, Like Sitar but more reasonable prices, this might be considered moderate instead of Splurge. Amino Kano Crescent, follow signs, Wuse II. 1500-2500 main dishes, good seafood. Amazing King Prawns!
Blakes, Fish bar, add unknown, Garki District.
Ubudu Grill Steakhouse at the Sheraton You won't spend less than $50 USD here, but the steaks are excellent.
Chez Victor Reasonably high quality French food and some francophone African dishes such as yassa poulet. Sandwiches with lunchtime specials. Nice house converted into comfortable restaurant. Nigerian owned. 2000+ Naira for main dishes. Ganges Street off Alvan Ikoku Way, Maitama. Next to NEPAD Nigeria offices.
Al Basha Palace Good Mediterranean & Continental food and Pizzas, Shisha. Outdoor, indoor events & parties... 11 Cassandra Street, off Usuma St, Maitama.
LaZeez Place Recently Opened, Usuma Street, Maitama.
Golf Course Has a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, would be a good place to have large group gathering, not called Golf Course, but that is where it is.
Drink
Drinks are available all over Abuja and are very overpriced. Average $20 US for some mixed drinks. 5-9 dollars for a local beer. Buy beer from the Market and you will save a lot of money. The major hotels have bars and restaurants - watch out for the call girls, if you ignore them, they get really offended. If you are not interested, just say so and have a short conversation, then they will leave you alone.
Smoothies Parlor
Ceddi Plaza Has a bar on the basement level.
Blakes Has live music or a DJ and drinks as well as the fish bar
British Village Requires a membership to enter and is popular during different sporting events, especially during soccer games and rugby.
Amber Lounge is in Silverbird Galleria, Central Business District
Orchard Garden. Local outdoor place near Millenium Park, set in a grove. Beer around 250N, small BBQ serving e.g. whole grilled fish for 2000N.
saffron, 1,iyaraclose,off misau crescent,off ahmadu bello way,garki 2,abuja. lunch and dinner. saffron,the rooftop restaurant and bar serves INDIAN and CHINESE cuisine together,best place to have the fusion cuisine at one place,open ambience on rooftop makes the evening beautiful as you can see complete view of Abuja city....... 2000 naira to 5000 naira.
City view Resturant. Labnese food.But Awesome best in Abuja.
911 Black, Verdict Plaza, 35 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent. 8PM - 5AM. A more local crowd and more reasonably priced drinks than some of its Abuja nightlife counterparts, most lively on Fridays (obviously), ladies' night on Wednesdays. Beer - 500 Naira, liquor/champagne 7000+ per bottle.
Emeka's Beer Garden, Wuye (Across from the Peace Haven Hotel, follow the road past the local Water Board. 5PM-3AM. Charming beer garden in a relatively undeveloped part of the city, near Finance Quarters and Family Worship (use these landmarks to guide your cab driver). Owned by the friendly Emeka, recently repatriated from Japan, where he lived for 20 years. Fluent English, Japanese spoken. Food and drink both available, soccer matches screened regularly. Cheap.
Accomodation
Hotels in Abuja do not score well on the price/ service/ quality ratio.
Many hotels offer large discounts for Friday and Saturday nights. Be sure to confirm if your agreed rate includes tax (typically 10%) service charges, breakfast, internet, parking fees, if there is any early departure fee (i.e if you check out a few days early) even if the bottle of water in your room is complementary etc. and have this written down at check-in.
Most hotels expect payment up front, with the more established ones having credit card machines who are happy to block out some money on your card to cover the bill. Typically it is better to pay in cash if you can, as the black market rate is about 10% better than the official rate (March 2015).
The beacon suites, Garki 2, 1,Iyara close off Misau Crescent, off Ahmadu Bello way, Garki 2.
The Nordic Villa A brand new 4 bedroom boutique hotel furnished in a modern Scandinavian style. The villa is located in a peaceful and safe environment suited for both business and leisure travelers. No. 52, Mike Akhigbe Way, Jabi, Abuja,
Rockview Classic A little dreary but decent. Has gym, tennis courts, pool. The pool bar menu has some better offerings than the bar or restaurant. The 'Classic Hotel is better, and cheaper, than the Rockview Royale/ Annex next door.
King's Inn Hotel, Lobito Crescent Wuse 2, Abuja, Abuja Capital Territory, Nigeria (opposite from UK visa application centre). checkin: sep 4; checkout: sep 5. 10000.
Hotel De Bently N. Okonjo Iweala Way, Utako Abuja. Best Architectural design in Abuja. Its a decent place to stay.
Reiz Continental Hotel Plot 779, Cadastral zone AO, Central Area. Similar to Rockview in terms of standard, but with better service. Has pool too and free minibar (non alcoholic)
Immaculate Plot 111 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II opposite Cubana Bar, near Diamond Bank. Modern hotel with nice-size rooms and suites. Noisy on weekends because of night club next door, and rooms above kitchen are noisy all the time. Lacks social space like bar/terrace but this is good because there are less prostitutes than in larger hotels. Basic gym and small pool area. Restaurant ok. Reasonable prices and well-located.
Splurge
Decent hotels in Abuja tend to cost well above $200 US per night, despite mediocre.
Hawthorn Suites Abuja - the service is good and the Hotel is beautiful. Part of the Wyndham Group. Five Star. Food is very good. Located at 1 Balanga Street off Ahmadu Bello Way, Garki, Abuja. First left before Sahad. Good Alternative to Hilton and Cheaper - Rates from about N43,000
Transcorp-Hilton - Part of the Hilton Group, this hotel sits on a huge lot and its convention facilities make it something of a social hub in the town. Rooms are small, in serious need of renovation, and terribly overpriced. Located at 1 Aguiyi Ironsi, Maitama Abuja. Rates from About N50,000. Good for weekend lounging by the pool (N2000 entry for non-residents of the hotel) at least.
Sheraton - free wifi for guests over the whole hotel area, rooms are being renovated. The tennis, squash courts are excellent. There is now a new gym overlooking the pool. The old gym is a bit cramped but a big plus for the steam sauna. Hotel rooms are in process of renovation and everything in the hotel (eg. food, laundry) is unreasonably expensive. Although they have a nice breakfast buffet (costs extra). Service has worsened over time but the outdoor food and steakhouse are still good.
Dunes This is a well-known Lebanese-run supermarket with imported goods. Above are hotel rooms. Well run, convenient, restaurant on site.
Protea Hotels All over the city. Clean and nice.
Staying safe
Abuja tends to be a sharp contrast against the background of the rest of Nigeria. While car hijackings and armed robbery are high in Lagos, and kidnapping of foreign oil workers is prevalent in the Niger delta, Abuja in sharp contrast, is one of the safest metropolitan cites in Nigeria.
General security measures like elsewhere in the world should be observed. Like anywhere else in the world, it's always a good idea to have company when exploring unfamiliar places. If you're driving, observe simple measures like keeping your car door locked when parked to avoid opportunistic crime. Armed robbery at gun point is the most prevalent form of crime. A calm disposition and full cooperation with robbers is the best line of action in the unlikely event that you are the victim of a robbery.
Robbers tend to become violent when victims try to pull tricks. Contact your embassy in Abuja and the police if you are robbed. Occasional pick pockets target mobile phones and wallets as well. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Usually, $250 US cash (or N30,000) would more than suffice for impulsive purchases and other daily costs.
Use only the official Green Cabs. Drivers of regular cars frequently cruise around seeking paying passengers; accepting such a ride is dangerous and passengers have been robbed in this manner. Stick with licensed green cabs. Cab fares would be around N500 ($4) for trips within the city. Cab rides to the airport are significantly higher. Negotiate a fare before you enter a cab.
There have been many reports of fraudulent use of credit card details almost immediately after people have used their cards to pay hotel deposits, even in the very top hotels.
Embassies and High Commissions
Australia,Belgium,Canada,Egypt,Czech Republic,Finland,France,Hungary,Germany,Greece,India,Ireland,Israel,Italy,Malaysia,The Netherlands, Norway,Turkey,Romania,Russia,Serbia,Switzerland,Trinidad and Tobago,United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,Ukraine,United States of America,Venezuela,Zambia.
Wednesday, 29 June 2016
Jambojet To Fly Into East African Region
Jambojet, Kenya Airways' low cost subsidiary, has been flying on domesti routes for some time now but was last year also given the designation to fly into the Eastern African region.
Out of Nairobi does the airline serve the coastal destinations of Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa and Ukunda while also operating flights to Eldoret and Kisumu.
Comments attributed to the airline's CEO Willem Hondius however now suggest that the airline could turn its attention to widening its network and begin flights into the Eastern African region, which if correct will no doubt intensify the battle for the skies with airlines like Fastjet, also a low cost carrier presently operating out of Dar es Salaam to Nairobi and Entebbe, while serving Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza and Mbeya on domestic routes.
Lusaka, Harare, Lilongwe and Johannesburg are additional destinations FN flies to out of Dar.
Jambojet's air service license allows them, subject to landing rights from the respective countries' civil aviation and transport authorities, to target Entebbe, Juba and Dar es Salaam, among other overall 9 regional destinations.
For East Africa's aviation pundits it is of particular interest that Entebbe is a likely early target, as Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni last week laid into airlines of EAC member states and NCIP countries, short for Northern Corridor Integration Projects, otherwise also known as the coalition of the willing in the EAC to fast track various developments.
President Museveni declared that the country felt let down over the high level of airfares when he told his new cabinet that the formation of a national airline therefore should be a priority, no doubt rattling the cages of the leading regional carriers from Addis to Nairobi.
Should indeed Jambojet opt to begin operations from Nairobi to Entebbe - Kenya Airways presently flies five times a day and serves both point to point traffic but most notably connecting traffic into the wider region and the rest of Africa - it could indeed lead to lower fare levels, taking the wind out of plans to relaunch a Ugandan national carrier.
'When you look at traffic numbers between Nairobi and Entebbe, remember that Air Uganda, before the Ugandan CAA killed that airline off, flew three times on working days and twice over the weekend alongside Kenya Airways' five daily frequencies.
Now there are some smaller airlines from Kenya on the route but their passenger numbers are relatively low as they only offer point to point to Nairobi, no frequent flyer bonuses, less desirable departure times and most important, they operate oldish aircraft.
Now were Jambojet to come to Entebbe they would probably start off with one flight a day before expanding to twice a day but the main challenge for them will be the aircraft they use. Their B737's are probably too large with over 140 seats to make economic sense and their two leased Bombardier Q400, with less than 80 seats more suitable, are fully occupied with flights in Kenya.
They would need to source additional aircraft and when that happens it will give us a better idea how they intend to roll out into the region.
Air Uganda's initial success was based on their use of CRJ200's with just 50 seats and break even on such an aircraft is much easier to accomplish than on a relatively larger Boeing. Turboprops are also planes of choice because they too operate at lower cost than a jet and breakeven is accomplished with more ease than when using larger jets.
If Entebbe becomes their first destination, they will clearly lay down a challenge to any new upstart from Uganda because the more crowded the skies are, the bigger will be the challenge to a start up airline to capture that vital traffic share.
Air Uganda took several years and those fundamentals have not changed much' offered a regular source as his opinion when discussing Jambojet's apparent expansion plans.
The speculation over Jambojet's regional plans was further fueled when news broke over the weekend that the airline employed a fully fledged CFO amid rumours that Kenya's main LCC had gone active in the market to source additional aircraft.
Out of Entebbe does RwandAir presently also fly twice a day to and from Nairobi under fifth freedom rights and is said to be eying a third daily flight, made more viable through the triangular routing which always includes one leg either to or from Kigali.
Watch this space for breaking and regular aviation news from across the entire Eastern African region and Indian Ocean islands.
Out of Nairobi does the airline serve the coastal destinations of Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa and Ukunda while also operating flights to Eldoret and Kisumu.
Comments attributed to the airline's CEO Willem Hondius however now suggest that the airline could turn its attention to widening its network and begin flights into the Eastern African region, which if correct will no doubt intensify the battle for the skies with airlines like Fastjet, also a low cost carrier presently operating out of Dar es Salaam to Nairobi and Entebbe, while serving Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza and Mbeya on domestic routes.
Lusaka, Harare, Lilongwe and Johannesburg are additional destinations FN flies to out of Dar.
Jambojet's air service license allows them, subject to landing rights from the respective countries' civil aviation and transport authorities, to target Entebbe, Juba and Dar es Salaam, among other overall 9 regional destinations.
For East Africa's aviation pundits it is of particular interest that Entebbe is a likely early target, as Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni last week laid into airlines of EAC member states and NCIP countries, short for Northern Corridor Integration Projects, otherwise also known as the coalition of the willing in the EAC to fast track various developments.
President Museveni declared that the country felt let down over the high level of airfares when he told his new cabinet that the formation of a national airline therefore should be a priority, no doubt rattling the cages of the leading regional carriers from Addis to Nairobi.
Should indeed Jambojet opt to begin operations from Nairobi to Entebbe - Kenya Airways presently flies five times a day and serves both point to point traffic but most notably connecting traffic into the wider region and the rest of Africa - it could indeed lead to lower fare levels, taking the wind out of plans to relaunch a Ugandan national carrier.
'When you look at traffic numbers between Nairobi and Entebbe, remember that Air Uganda, before the Ugandan CAA killed that airline off, flew three times on working days and twice over the weekend alongside Kenya Airways' five daily frequencies.
Now there are some smaller airlines from Kenya on the route but their passenger numbers are relatively low as they only offer point to point to Nairobi, no frequent flyer bonuses, less desirable departure times and most important, they operate oldish aircraft.
Now were Jambojet to come to Entebbe they would probably start off with one flight a day before expanding to twice a day but the main challenge for them will be the aircraft they use. Their B737's are probably too large with over 140 seats to make economic sense and their two leased Bombardier Q400, with less than 80 seats more suitable, are fully occupied with flights in Kenya.
They would need to source additional aircraft and when that happens it will give us a better idea how they intend to roll out into the region.
Air Uganda's initial success was based on their use of CRJ200's with just 50 seats and break even on such an aircraft is much easier to accomplish than on a relatively larger Boeing. Turboprops are also planes of choice because they too operate at lower cost than a jet and breakeven is accomplished with more ease than when using larger jets.
If Entebbe becomes their first destination, they will clearly lay down a challenge to any new upstart from Uganda because the more crowded the skies are, the bigger will be the challenge to a start up airline to capture that vital traffic share.
Air Uganda took several years and those fundamentals have not changed much' offered a regular source as his opinion when discussing Jambojet's apparent expansion plans.
The speculation over Jambojet's regional plans was further fueled when news broke over the weekend that the airline employed a fully fledged CFO amid rumours that Kenya's main LCC had gone active in the market to source additional aircraft.
Out of Entebbe does RwandAir presently also fly twice a day to and from Nairobi under fifth freedom rights and is said to be eying a third daily flight, made more viable through the triangular routing which always includes one leg either to or from Kigali.
Watch this space for breaking and regular aviation news from across the entire Eastern African region and Indian Ocean islands.
ZAMBIA: Tourism Expo Opens
Venue is the sprawling complex of the Mulungushi International Conference Centre where nearly 50 exhibitors from Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, the Seychelles, Mozambique, Botswana but notably also from as far as Indonesia are showcasing their companies and attractions.
RETOSA, the Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa, which brings together 15 member countries, was also represented at the expo.
65 hosted buyers had come to Zambia to meet the local tourism industry, as well as regional tourism authorities like Zimbabwe, airlines present like RwandAir - one of the key sponsors of ZATEX 2016 - Air Namibia or local carrier ProFlight, to talk business and the 'speed dating' set up in the afternoon turned out to be a beehive of activities as buyers and sellers met face to face though working on the clock. This was later followed at an easier pace when the Radisson Blu Lusaka hosted all participants, invited guests from Lusaka's business community and the media for a social evening which turned out to be more of a second networking event then a mere cocktail party.
Main host, Zambia Tourism Agency's CEO Mr. Felix Chaila, welcomed his guests, who came from as far as Japan, India, Germany, France and the UK while African participants traveled to Lusaka from South Africa, neighbouring Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania including Zanzibar, Uganda but also Ghana.
While, in comparison to last week's Sanganai 2016 - Zimbabwe's 15th edition of their tourism trade show, ZATEX was more compact, it is a valiant effort to showcase Zambia's tourism attractions, given that this is only the second edition of the event and that the dates, due to circumstances beyond ZTA's control had to be shifted. Nevertheless has the exhibition literally doubled in size compared to the inaugural event in 2015, a sign that Zambia may at last become the 'en vogue' destination the local tourism marketers were long hoping for.
Twelve travel trade journalists too attended the show on invitation of Zambia Tourism, aiming to make an impact in their home countries like India, South Africa, Germany, France but also Angola, Zimbabwe and Uganda, where global market leader's eTurboNews Africa Correspondent is based.
Today's proceedings will be marked by the official opening of ZATEX 2016. Zambia's Minister for Tourism and Art, the Hon. Jean Kapata will tour the exhibition in the morning to meet hosted buyers, exhibitors and the media. She will then, later in the afternoon, invite the Guest of Honour who is none other than President Edgar Lunga to officially open the event.
CURACAO: Best Hotels In Curaçao
But it’s so much more than that — from dozens of world-class dive sites to a burgeoning foodie culture, Curaçao is increasingly on the radar of travelers, particularly in the United States.
And with several non-stop flights from the US, there’s no better time than now to plan a visit than right now. If you’re headed to the Dutch-Caribbean isle, take our tips for some of the best places to stay
Baoase Luxury Resort With just 23 suites and villas, this south-side boutique is perfect for vacationers in search of high-end tranquility.
Elegant Bali-inspired rooms (some with outdoor tubs and showers); a beach complete with it’s own tiny island; and a superb restaurant make Baoase a standout. This is the best hotel in Curaçao, bar none.
JAMAICA: Jamaica Tourism Arrivals Increase By 2.2%
Stayover tourist arrivals in Jamaica this year are up 2.2 percent, according to the country’s Director of Tourism, Paul Pennicook.
That number covered the winter tourist season from Dec. 15 to April 30.
That is roughly in line with the average results of the Caribbean (excepting Cuba) in the last year, and represented a total of 773, 110.
While tourism arrivals from the United States have shown strong growth of 5.9 percent, Canadian stopover arrivals are down by 11.6 percent.
“The Jamaica Tourist Board will be doing a lot of work in Canada,” Pennicook said at the recent JHTA annual general meeting in Ocho Rios.
Stayover arrivals lagged cruise visits, however; the country reported 745,220 cruise passenger arrivals in the winter tourist season.
Pennicook said the country’s tourism officials had been looking to new markets, particularly the developing world.
“We have identified three regions in terms of emerging markets which will help us to meet our targets. They are Latin America, Northern and Eastern Europe, and Asia,” he said.
That number covered the winter tourist season from Dec. 15 to April 30.
That is roughly in line with the average results of the Caribbean (excepting Cuba) in the last year, and represented a total of 773, 110.
While tourism arrivals from the United States have shown strong growth of 5.9 percent, Canadian stopover arrivals are down by 11.6 percent.
“The Jamaica Tourist Board will be doing a lot of work in Canada,” Pennicook said at the recent JHTA annual general meeting in Ocho Rios.
Stayover arrivals lagged cruise visits, however; the country reported 745,220 cruise passenger arrivals in the winter tourist season.
Pennicook said the country’s tourism officials had been looking to new markets, particularly the developing world.
“We have identified three regions in terms of emerging markets which will help us to meet our targets. They are Latin America, Northern and Eastern Europe, and Asia,” he said.
JAMAICA: New Luxury Resort For Jamaica
Royalton Luxury Resorts’ newest property on the island, Royalton Blue Waters, is slated to debut on the shores of White Bay near Montego Bay in November.
The 228-room all-inclusive hotel will include unlimited, reservation-free dining, 11 restaurants and bars and a choice of balconies with either ocean views or private swim-out pools.
The property will also include free unlimited long-distance calls to North America and parts of Europe and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi for all devices.
The hotel will additionally include the option to upgrade to Royalton Blue Waters Diamond Club, which offers guests access to an exclusive lounge with premium drinks and canapés, exclusive a la carte restaurants and bar areas, a private beach area with waiter service and rooms with dedicated butler service, among other amenities.
Royalton Blue Waters will feature a Royal Spa and the company’s signature C/X Culinary Experience focused on molecular gastronomy.
For families, the hotel will also offer a Kids Adventure Program that features a supervised Clubhouse Kids Club and a Hangout Teens Club.
BAHAMAS: Hilton Opens New Hotel
Hilton at Resorts World Bimini held its grand opening this weekend, a highly-anticipated debut that brings a cutting-edge hotel to the 700-island chain.
Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie, who was on hand for the junkanoo-style opening ceremony, said the hotel’s debut was a “defining experience” for the Bahamas.
The property, which joins what was already one of the region’s top casinos, has a total of 305 rooms including 18 suites.
It immediately becomes one of the most modern hotels in the country and the wider region.
The opening marks the completion of the hotel’s second phase, which included meeting rooms, restaurants including a sushi bar in the lobby, rooftop amenities, a spa with five treatment rooms and a new connection to the casino.
That’s all in addition to what is the largest combined marina in the Bahamas.
Also on hand are suites for high rollers and Diamond members.
One of the highlights is a rooftop infinity pool with a dramatic wraparound walkaway, along with the hotel’s signature swim-up suites.
“This is an example of how public-private partnership can work with development and service-oriented business,” said Bahamas Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe. “It will ensure that when we say it’s better in the Bahamas. we mean it.”
The wider Resorts World Bimini project has already catapulted Bimini into the second-most visited Out Island of the Bahamas, Christie said.
That’s been boosted, too, by the recent launch of daily seaplane flights from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini on Cape Air. The flights, which began operating earlier this year, mean the trip takes about 30 minutes. More crucially, passengers return to Fort Lauderdale though the private aviation terminal, meaning a far less crowded customs and immigration experience.
The resort should stabilize at around 720 employees, a significant boost on an island with a population of about 2,000 people.
The hotel becomes the second Hilton-branded property in the Bahamas, joining Hilton British Colonial in Nassau.
BAHAMAS: Major Airport Overhaul
The first phase of the program involves infrastructural projects geared toward increased capacity at thirteen of the country’s airports.
“Over the last four years we have undertook a number of infrastructural projects and improvements including the Mayaguana runway improvement project, the reconstruction and extension and increase of capacity of the Staniel Cay, Exuma runway inclusive of solar lighting and perimeter fencing, and the refurbishment and reconstruction of San Salvador airport,” said Bahamian Minister of Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin.
She noted that the redevelopment of the Bimini Airport includes an enlarged terminal building and a runway, which has been extended 5,400 feet to 6,400 feet and outfitted to facilitate night flights.
The project also includes the completion of the Marsh Harbour International Airport, which will be renamed next month as the Leonard M. Thompson International Airport, as part of the country’s official independence celebrations.
Other improvements include the completion of phases two and three of the Lynden Pindling International Airport.
The government is also working on development projects for the Exuma International Airport, the North Eleuthera Airport, the Moores Island Airport, the Great Harbour Cay Airport and the Mayaguana terminal.
Hanna-Martin said the government has responsibility for 29 airports, which requires capital investment from the public treasury.
“To this end, my Ministry has obtained grant funding from the Inter-American Development Bank for the conduct of study (technical and financial) to determine the feasibility of attracting private investment through a Public-Private Partnerships scheme for Family Island airports, and to develop a financial model of selected airports and concession alternatives,” she said.
She added that the first phase involved a preliminary outlook of potential opportunities for PPPs, a study that featured areas including: a market assessment, preliminary demand projection, review of infrastructure development plans, and a selection of most feasible options for airports.
Several elements were reviewed including: capital expenditure required, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return.
The second phase will involve a detailed market assessment and traffic forecast, independent capital expenditure verification, environmental assessment and the concession financial model.
“The intention is to seek public private partnerships, which will attract the capital for infrastructural redevelopment of select airports while at the same time maintaining government ownership, oversight and controls. It is hoped for a ‘win-win’ situation for the Bahamian people,” she said.
The minister also said that the government is preparing for the acquisition of a number of crash fire rescue trucks for Exuma, Marsh Harbour, North Eleuthera and Rock Sound airports.
“The last four years have seen great strides in the aviation sector, and I believe the platform is being created for great economic growth and development throughout our country.”
BAHAMAS: Sunwing’s New Bahamas Flight
Travel giant Sunwing has officially made its newest flight to Grand Bahama.
The new flight from Houston, Texas arrived with 189 visitors last week.
It was welcomed by a delegation including Bahamas Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe and Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville.
Tourism officials said they anticipated that the new route would bring tourists to the island from as many as eight US cities.
Texas is apparently a growing market for Bahamian tourism, officials said.
The new flight from Houston, Texas arrived with 189 visitors last week.
It was welcomed by a delegation including Bahamas Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe and Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville.
Tourism officials said they anticipated that the new route would bring tourists to the island from as many as eight US cities.
Texas is apparently a growing market for Bahamian tourism, officials said.
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