_Africa: January 2008 Archives

When traveling to environmentally fragile places, one can't help but feel a bit conflicted. But here are some Africa tours that will give you a lot to see, without leaving a big footprint (or giving you a headache).

Terra Incognita Ecotours provides direct financial benefits for conservation and empowerment for local people. For every participant traveling on the “Gorillas in the Mist” tour in Rwanda, Terra Incognita donates to the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project. They are also partners with the African Conservation Foundation and the Jane Goodall Institute. Other Terra Incognita tours include Costa Rica (in partnership with the Costa Rican Conservation Foundation), Nicaragua, and Borneo (with Red Ape Encounters and Adventures).

The 61,800-acre (25,000 hectare) Shamwari Game Reserve has its own wildlife department, breeding center, and anti-poaching unit, and its wildlife director (Johan Joubert) was voted one of South Africa’s Top Ten Conservationists by the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Since 1991, Shamwari has bred more than 5,000 head of game, rehabilitated and reseeded overgrazed land, and created 14 separate farms. Check out Ker & Downey for information about tours to Shamwari.

Image: Terra Incognita Ecotours

Those who have safaris to Kenya booked in the near future are no doubt watching with dismay at the recent violence that broke out there in the aftermath of the disputed elections. So, what’s a traveler to do? Resident tour expert and senior editor Norie Quintos offers some advice.

Don’t cancel just yet. At this writing, the unrest has been focused mostly in the outskirts of Nairobi and tourist venues and tourists have not been targeted. According to the Kenya Tourism Board, “scheduled international carriers continue to operate daily services,” and regional airlines have had few changes in schedule. Tour operators in the country have reported little disruption in their itineraries and only minor changes. Last week, Micato Safaris provided additional security and reduced travelers’ time in Nairobi as a precaution, though interestingly, "several travelers felt Nairobi was safe and insisted on continuing with their city tour," noted spokeswoman Emily Baldwin. Some travelers with East Africa itineraries are choosing to extend their time in Tanzania and reduce or eliminate time in Kenya.

Contact your outfitter, if it hasn’t already contacted you. Most operators, including African Travel, Inc., will happily work with any clients who decide to cancel or reschedule bookings this month. Ask detailed questions such as: At what point will you cancel a trip? Are you providing additional security? Do you have contingency plans if I am in the bush and the situation worsens in Nairobi? Will you waive change fees?

Keep abreast of the situation. Log on to the State Department website. Check also the travel advisories of other countries such as the U.K. and Australia for a more complete perspective on the situation.

Check into the fine print of your trip insurance regarding cancellation, rescheduling, and other unexpected events. Some policies may restrict payouts in places with civil unrest. If you don’t have travel insurance, consider getting a policy and make sure it offers the kind of coverage you need. A good place to start is www.insuremytrip.com.

And finally, don't worry too much, particularly if your trip is scheduled for a month or more from now. As unfortunate as the bloodshed has been, Kenya has been considered one of the more stable countries in the region and its tourism infrastructure solid. Experts predict the current unrest will be short-lived.

Image: Micato Safaris