Friday, February 28, 2014

The snows of Kilimanjaro



Eternal symbol of Africa, Kilimanjaro has one fifth of all the ice in Africa in its permanent ice fields, which rise to an altitude of 5 895 metres above sea level. It is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free standing summit in the world. Kilimanjaro was known by reputation to the ancient Greeks, Chinese chroniclers, Arab slavers and Portuguese transoceanic sailors, but it was not until 1848 that Western man saw snow at the equator for the first time. The first recorded conquest was in 1889.

Kilimanjaro consists of three extinct volcanic cones: the highest, Kibo is the familiar wedding cake pinnacle locked in ice cornices, with the lower peaks, Mawenzi and Shira positioned on either side. The permanent ice reached down to 3,000 metres above sea level in ancient times; today it starts at 5,000 metres. At this height the only signs of life are tenacious flaky lichens and the occasional weather beaten spider.










Saturday, January 18, 2014

A guide to responsible travel in Kenya



ON SAFARI



Keep to designated roads or tracks: Encourage your driver to stay on roads or designated tracks when visiting national parks or reserves. Off road drive can cause extensive damage to grass and woodland habitats.

Minimize disturbance to animals: Wild animals become distressed when they are surrounded by several vehicles, or when vehicles come too close to them. Please keep noise to minimum and never try to attract the attention on an animal.

Stay inside your vehicle at all times: Do not stand on the roof or hang out of the windows, and only leave your vehicle in designated areas. Remember that wild animals can be dangerous.

Keep to the speed limit: Most wildlife areas have a speed limit of 40 kph. Remember that animals have right of way.

Support eco friendly accommodation facilities: Try to stay in accommodation that looks after their surrounding environment and supports local conservation initiatives.

Never feed the animals: Feeding wild animals can upset their diet and lead to an unnatural dependence on human beings.

Do not disturb the ecological balance: Do not purchase, collect or remove any animal products, rocks, plants, seeds or birds’ nests from the wild, or alter the natural environment in any way.

Take all your litter with you: Litter and garbage is very dangerous to wild animals. Please keep all your litter with you and be extremely careful with cigarettes and matches which can cause major bush fires.

AT THE KENYAN COAST

Travel with reputable operators and qualified safari guides: Insist that your company uses only trained and certified professional safari guides.

Respect local cultures and promote community benefits: Support projects and properties that benefit local people through employment, social development, and the preservation of traditional livelihoods.

Support eco friendly accommodation facilities: Try to stay in accommodation that looks after their surrounding environment and supports local conservation initiatives.

Protect the local marine environment: Do not touch or stand on coral reefs, and never dispose of litter on the beach or in the ocean.

Never buy or remove animals or shells from the sea: Avoid buying starfish, shells or any products that derive from turtles, whales or other endangered species.

Support traditional coastal livelihoods: Try to support designated market areas, where traders are making an effort to keep their business off beaches. Do not give money or gifts to children – it encourages them to stay out of school.

Respect local cultures and customs: Always dress in a respectful way when visiting towns and villages and never bathe topless on the beach.

As a visitor, you have the power to influence the behaviour of others. Help us protect Kenya’s natural heritage.