The tourism industry in the East African region is growing very fast and is being appreciated by the communities and the whole world of tourists. One of the aspects that is changing the tourism platform is that of eco-tourism. The eco-tourism setting in East Africa is in a way that the ecotourism clients are attracted by nature and the environment and they benefit from seeing the sights in the unspoilt wilderness. With the help of the local tour guides who are normally the natives of the area, the tourists can augment their appreciation and understanding of the traditional elements. Also tourists who wish to understand the local cultures can benefit a lot in the eco-tourism arrangement and will take all the time to find out about the cultures, history and the peoples’ way of life. The countries of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi have got a lot offer to the world of tourists and all those who love to study their ways of life.

Ecotourism offers the community great sources of revenue through guiding tourists and also by the locals selling their locally made products and food to the tourists. In Uganda for example, Bwindi impenetrable national park in the south west end provides ecotourism services by taking tourists around the sorrounding areas and this is enjyable for both the tourists and the locals who benefit a great deal.  Tanzania has got a lot to offer especially on the slopes of Mt.Kilimanjaro, among the Chagga people and parts of Central Tanzania. It is indeed a true Africa travel experience to mingle with the local communities. This is the Africa travel safari at its best.

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Zakumi, simply stands for two words: ZA which is South Africa and KUMI which means ten in most African languages. ZAKUMI thereofore simply means South Africa 2010. The World cup’s long history is full of fun, adventure, entertainment and many other twists including drama. All this is focused on Africa come June 2010 and particularly South Africa. With all arrangements and preparations done, what is remaining now are the travel arrangements, bookings and all the other plans of how you will spend your time while in South Africa.
Locally known as Madibaland, South Africa is ready to welcome the world and here we bring you some of the highlights that will spice up your arrangements for the World Cup down south.
Travel: Managing the cost of travel is paramount for everyone who intends to travel, especially if you are travelling for your first time. South Africa will receive an estimated 500,000 guests and so a delay in booking an air ticket; the most viable and quickest of all transport means, might leave so many fans gasping for breath in a queue at a travel agency if one were to make arrangements in the days preceding the event. South Africa being ahead of many other African countries economically, it has got a number of direct flights from many parts of the world. If South African Airways operates in your country, then life is that easy for, but only when you book in time. Remember you are not alone!

Emirates airlines, which happens to be the official FIFA partner for this tournament operates in the major cities in South Africa and connects to Dubai. This is rather and exciting journey via Dubai. Please note also that these flights may not go to the World Cup cities but once in South Africa, a number of travel and tour experts are all waiting to take you within the mainland. Africa Safaris and travels…

Attractions down South: South Africa has got a number of natural attractions that can give you an extra flavor of your stay in South Africa. The Drakensberg Mountains that stretch along the part of the Polokwane province will surely give a dramatic view of the rugged gorges, clear streams and nature forests. You may pack a picnic and spend a day in the shade of a cool tree in the forest as you wait for the next match.
The Polokwane Game Reserve is probably one of the finest attractions where you can cut your teeth if you are to maximize your fun and tourism in South Africa. The frequent sightings of the white rhino and other game animals will surely give you and exciting view that you will live to remember.
For train fanatics there is no better way to see the breathtaking vastness of South Africa’s landscape then by train. You can even go on a genuine steam train tour. Budget and luxury options are available, South Africa is ready for the world.

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A drive in the early hours of the morning can easily take up to three hours, but all depending on what you come across during that trip. By then you will surely have taken in so much that it is time to return to your bush lodge and to a lavish and energetic breakfast.
You then get ready from mid afternoon it starts all over again, with an afternoon drive that usually ends just about sundown. Please note that many game parks and lodges recommend game drives at night, because this gives the chance to watch the king lion, the fierce leopard and the hyena do what they do best for their survival and that is hunting for prey. This is an incredible experience to have.
After the jungle experience, you then have to return to the camp, take a great hot shower, have an ice cold drink at the camp fire and enjoy an outdoor Africa barbeque night and a bush dinner in the camp site. This, you may call a black night, stars all blazing, nocturnal wildlife sounds with the roaring of lion unmistakably discernible and this is an absolute entire bliss that creates an incredible experience.
The most popular destinations for an absolutely thrilling African Safari experience are Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda in East Africa, and of course South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia in the Southern part of Africa.
A true African Safari may be taken in very many ways, from the low budget backpacking, then a self driving and then accommodation in an organized lodge or tent. On the other hand, you may prefer a fly-in safari and a stay in a very luxury private lodge where you will be treated like a true princess.
Africa Safaris are surely numerous, for example honeymoon safaris, the canoeing safaris, the elephant back safaris, mountaineering safaris and general adventure safaris.
The choice of your journey into Africa will surely continue to be one of life’s greatest adventures that you will live to remember.
Feel the life in the jungle
Experience the sunrise over the African green bush land with the shadows of the ever thorny acacia trees against the blue lightening sky, it is a rather fantastic scenery, the superior rim of the sun glance over the clear skyline in the distance. At this time it is all there; that fantastic sight that gives a whole clear picture and makes you feel that you are not just looking at it, but rather you are fully in it. This is undeniably, the sunrise experience over the African bush land that you will surely never fail to remember.    The majority of the animals take it easy during the heat of the day and are not very active until the day cools down again in the afternoon time. If then you wish, you may track their pattern and spend the entire middle section of the day relaxing by the pool side, alternatively you may decide to use this time to meet and visit  the native people within a local village. This will also make you feel the African people and their culture.
Unhurriedly the gigantic body strolls by the vehicle and a big mass with curls of hair around its muscular neck stretches down its back as it walks like it owns the place, moving each massive paw slowly, calculatingly, decisively. All of a sudden the tracker whispers alerting everyone as he points ahead and a bit to the sides. And then you’ll see him, appearing from behind a bush, His Majesty, the king of animals,…a massive male lion. At this time everybody is just holding their breath, and the ranger will keep the engine idling and quietly shifting into gear, just in case. Yes, it surely walks like a king demonstrating truly the king of animals. Just one last look shows a slow swing of its tail before it then turns and disappears into the jungle. Take a flight to Africa…

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REGIONAL NEWS

Rich nations pledge $20bn in three year period.
The rich nations under their umbrella, G8, have pledged financial support amounting to USD 20billion over a period of three years, in farm aid to poor nations, Reuters reported. According to the US, a move to farm aid is much more important instead of food aid, but over 1.02bn people need food help this year, the UN said and food aid is necessary until they can produce their own.

The leaders of the African countries of Ethiopia, Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa discussed food security and farming with their G8 counterparts and pushed for climate-change compensation. On the other hand, the European Union and Japan urged a code of conduct for responsible investment in the developing nations where farmland acquisition is on increase.

East African governors disagree on dollar reserves.
East African central bank governors have failed to agree over how much dollar reserves is to be held by each country ahead of the introduction of a single regional currency in the year 2012. This disagreement stemmed from different interpretations of the necessities that each country is supposed to hold enough dollars to cover six months of imports. The countries that form the East African Community, that is, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi are planning to have a common legal tender by the year 2012 and this is expected to reduce the cost of currency conversions across the regions and will also eliminate the risk of volatile interest rates for cross-border investments within the region.

‘SADC not effective at coordinating power projects’
The South Africa’s energy minister Dipuo Peters has commented that Southern African Development Community (SADC) is not effectively coordinating power projects in the region. According to the minister, unprecedented growth in region has put a strain on electricity power supply and joint efforts between SADC member states is seen as the best way to balance supply of and demand for the electricity. SADC has several viable projects waiting to be developed, and the more cost effective tariffs should see renewed private investment in energy projects within the region.

Africa’s hard knock from global crisis
The finance minister of South Africa revealed that African countries have taken a severe knock from the global economic crisis and some of the financial obligations to help the continent have not been realized. Minister Gordhan told a conference to discuss the World Development Report 2009 that only about 10 to 15 countries in Africa had the capacity to be able to implement counter-cyclical responses to help them overcome the financial / economic crisis. He said economic growth in some African countries has “gone into the deep negative figures” and that their fiscal deficits ranged from 10-15%, making the situation constraining to most countries’ ability to respond significantly to the global economic crisis.

RWANDA
Remittances to Rwanda rise despite the global hiccup
Remittances sent home by Rwandans working abroad have increased by 26% y/y for the first five months of 2009 up to USD 71.4M from USD 56.8M previously despite the global economic downturn. According to the central bank of Rwanda, remittances for 2009 are now forecast at between USD 160M and USD 200M making it the country’s second largest foreign exchange earner after tourism which is said to have brought in USD 218M in 2008. The African Development Bank said that remittances and the aid inflows to Rwanda had increased bucking the expected trend as a result of reforms as well as improved economic conditions in the country.

Meanwhile Fitch has affirmed Rwanda’s long-term foreign and local currency rating IDR at B- with a more positive outlook and also confirmed a short-term foreign currency IDR of B and a country ceiling of B-. The ratings agency said it continued to be impressed with Rwanda’s obligation and dedication to reform and also the continued country’s growth performance, but notes that although per the country’s capita income has doubled over the last four years, it still remains below the B median. Fitch also forecasts that the economic growth in Rwanda will continue in the 6% to 7% range on the back of government efforts to enhance the business environment and address the infrastructure deficit in the country.

KENYA
Kenya tax body feels the pinch of the global economic downturn.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) fell short of its revenue target by KES 12bn on the back of the global economic downturn, only gathering KES 481bn out of KES 493bn the body had budgeted. The KRA’s target for the current 2009/10 financial year is KES 545bn but meeting the new targets will be quite difficult as severe drought is badly affecting agricultural production and high inflation is upsetting the profitability of businesses and the affordability of goods for the Kenyan wananchi, thereby affecting the country’s tax revenues. This elevates the question of how Kenya hopes to finance its planned budget expenditure.

Meanwhile, Kenya central bank is expected to retain its key rate at 8%, according to most market players, although more cuts are anticipated later this year. As the country struggles on the back of weaker exports, the Central Bank of Kenya has adopted a monetary easing stance to boost growth. At its last meeting in May, the
MPC cut the rate by 25bps, ending speculation of most analysts who had expected a decision to hold it at 8.25%. According to Reuters, the government expects the growth of 3% this year after expansion of 1.7% last year.

ANGOLA
Angolan central bank to contain drop in forex reserves
The Angolan central bank has announced its plans to implement measures to contain the drop in foreign exchange reserves in Angola, as a result of the lower oil-tax revenues following the drop in crude oil prices. The Central bank governor Abraao Gourgel said that the average monthly income from oil taxes fell from USD 1.33bn in Q1 of 2008 to USD 283mn for the first five months of 2009. Reuters reported that Angola’s foreign exchange reserves are down 30% this year to USD 12.2bn.

Meanwhile, Angola’s inflation rose to 13.95% in June, up from 13.83% in May on the back of rising food prices and that of non-alcoholic beverages; this is according to the national statistics institute. Month-on-month inflation for June stood at a figure of 1.11% up from 0.95% in May. The current 2009 government budget allows for an inflation rate of 12.5% which has been upwardly adjusted from 10% previously.

BOTSWANA
Botswana’s GDP drop by 20.3%
Botswana’s GDP has contracted by 20.3% in Q1 of 2009 on the back of reduced diamond mining output. As a result of the global economic slowdown, the global demand for diamonds has suffered a decrease and the economy is anticipated to face a deep contraction over the next two years.

According to the central statistics office, mining and quarrying contributed 68.6% to the decline in the country’s GDP. Water and electricity did also record a fall of 4% y/y in Q1as a result of a fall in consumption from the mining industry.

Meanwhile, the country’s inflation has slowed to three-year low of 7% in June. According to the Central Statistics Office, Botswana’s consumer price inflation rate slowed to a near three-year low of 7.0% y/y in June from 8.4% in May. Lowing inflation could lead to open the way for more interest rate cuts to boost such a weak economy. However, as inflation remains above the 3-6% target band, reports emerged that the Central bank governor Linah Mohohlo said last month that Botswana had room for further rate cuts, and later in June he announced a 150bps cut in the bank rate to 11.5%, bringing total cuts since December to
400bps, the agency said.

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You can’t figure out a cluster of islands amidst the Indian Ocean, dazzling landscapes, beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. All this can be wholly explained as “Experiencing comfort and tranquillity at its very best”. This is what it means to be part of the Seychelles Honeymoon!
In case you are getting married soon or you have just gotten married, this is the place you must spend your honey moon for a splendid experience. It’s just for you, the newly married couples looking to indulge in a truly superb honeymoon destination. Please note that the Seychelles is considered one of the ten most beautiful places in the world, answers the call.
For every type of travellers, there is a great deal of over 100 islands that make up the Seychelles archipelago, and there is something special for just about every type of traveller. If you want your honeymoon to be more than just stretch out on white sand beaches and swimming in spotless waters, then a Seychelles honeymoon has it all and will surely exceed all your wildest expectations.

Special points to consider
The Sainte Anne Marine National Park is a ‘must’ visit during your Seychelles honeymoon, as it features an incredible level of beauty and is one of the most serene destinations you will ever experience.
You can’ afford to miss the deep sea diving, scuba diving and many other water based activities that are ideal in the Seychelles. With exceedingly warm, pure waters, the Ocean surrounding the islands is very perfect for any water adventures! Mild temperatures all year round signify that this destination is ideal regardless of the time of the year you wish to wed. Remember that many of the islands are sanctuaries with rare and wonderful plants and birds, giving you extra pleasure. You will definitely watch wonderful plants, fauna and birding sights that you just won’t be able to find in any other corner of the world.

So now that you know about some of the many interesting features of this unique area of the world, you can rest easy knowing that no matter which of the Seychelles islands you choose for your Seychelles honeymoon, you are assured of a warm welcome and one of the most amazing experiences in your life.

Here are some of the islands to consider for your own Seychelles honeymoon: 
Mahe is the largest island with a quiet and a rather relaxed nature and is considered the economic and political centre of the Seychelles. It is blessed with a natural appeal and beauty and it has got huge mountains, thriving tropical vegetation and numerous idyllic beaches spread all around the island.
Praslin has incredibly verdant vegetation; it’s because of this that it fits almost everyone’s image of the perfect tropical island. Everyone going for honeymoon will absolutely want to start their marriage surrounded by tropical paradise, the epitome of nature’s beauty! Take pleasure in the miraculous landscape, astounding coral life, awfully shaped rocks and quite a number of the world’s rarest birds. This island is perfectly suited for visiting many of the neighbouring islands.
La Digue present that chance to step back in time, you experience transport by mainly by oxcart or bicycle. Here all honeymooners truly appreciate the wide deserted beaches ideal for long walks, lazy swimming, snorkelling as well as fishing. Discover an exceptional tranquil and kindliness that cannot be compared with any other elsewhere.
Bird Island is best known, as the name suggests, because of the one and a half million grimy terns that nest, breed and hatch their eggs on this luxuriant island. In case you are a fun of big game fishing, this is your ideal place for that hobby. Just in case birding or fishing is not your thing, then this is amazing for any type of honeymooners because it is such a private island completely surrounded by a sparkling white sand beach. You surely must be here if you have’t!

If these island descriptions have caught your interest, be sure to get in touch with a safari expert for the experienced and friendly professionals to help you experience a Seychelles honeymoon in one of the most beautiful places in the world. See you there!

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South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique have signed an agreement to share the tourism spin-offs of the 2010 Fifa World Cup through “border-free” tourism packages. This means more cheaper opportunities for the Fifa World Cup fans come 2010.
South Africa’s provincial Limpopo Tourism Parks Board, the Zambia National Tourist Board, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Mozambique struck the deal creating the Limpopo-Zambezi Destination at the Tourism Indaba conference and exhibition in Durban.
These agreements will see the creation of new package tours between and within the four countries and this will result in the easing of border formalities to smoothen the route of travellers through border posts, and joint marketing and branding in support of all the package tours.
The Victoria waterfalls, located at the border between Zambia to the north and Zimbabwe to the south, is one of the natural wonders of the world. It is 1 708 metres wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. Remember that South Africa is not only an important emerging economy in its own right but rather, it is also a key gateway to sub-Saharan Africa.

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Get your international insurance policy to cover your health as you travel. Remember an international insurance coverage also covers global health care benefits including your home country. This policy is suitable for international travellers, sailors, tourists and expatriates working abroad. Your international insurance policy will cover you for short term trip insurance, medical coverage, trip cancellation, terrorism coverage and evacuation protection. In the event where you seek to protect your trip investment, that is, airline ticket, resort costs, cruise then you have to consider contacting a reliable company for the best International Travel Insurance quote. You may please just click on any links on this page for your bookings and best rates now. Be safe always!

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Who needs Travel Insurance? This is a question that most of us always ask. Just to let you know that anyone planning to travel needs the protection of Travel Insurance.  Travel Insurance covers comprehensive travel protection for today’s Holiday, Business, Winter sports, Backpackers and Frequent Travellers.  Travelling to Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, bordering Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south, has been made more easy and very safe for all tourists worldwide. This is because of the fact that Travel Insurance services are there for any one who needs short-term travel insurance coverage. Tanzania contains many large and ecologically significant wildlife parks, considerable land area of wildlife habitat, including much of the Serengeti plain, where Blue Wildebeest and other animals participate in a large scale annual migration.   We are very confident that when it comes to top quality insurance cover, value for money, and excellent customer service you won’t fail to find a better travel insurance specialist in Tanzania. If you have any queries regarding travel insurance packages, please do not hesitate to contact any company to help you. Choose any insurance company for your trip insurance, remember when you are on your holiday in East Africa, you will have complete peace of mind for an unexpected emergency.  Let’s travel together with a safe mind and a health stay in this wonderful East African country. Get your insurance cover now!    Who needs Travel Insurance? This is a question that most of us always ask. Just to let you know that anyone planning to travel needs the protection of Travel Insurance.  Travel Insurance covers comprehensive travel protection for today’s Holiday, Business, Winter sports, Backpackers and Frequent Travellers.  Travelling to Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, bordering Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south, has been made much easier and very safe for all tourists worldwide. This is because of the fact that Travel Insurance services are there for any one who needs short-term travel insurance coverage.Tanzania contains many large and ecologically significant wildlife parks, considerable land area of wildlife habitat, including much of the Serengeti plain, where Blue Wildebeest and other animals participate in a large scale annual migration.  We are very confident that when it comes to top quality insurance cover, value for money, and excellent customer service you won’t fail to find a better travel insurance specialist in Tanzania. If you have any queries regarding travel insurance packages, please do not hesitate to contact any company to help you. Choose any insurance company for your trip insurance, remember when you are on your holiday in East Africa, you will have complete peace of mind for an unexpected emergency.  Let’s travel together with a safe mind and a health stay in this wonderful East African country. Get your insurance cover now!Idiana Jone Slot Machine

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Ras Nungui Beach hotel is situated in a magnificent natural paradise, and our vision is for nature and the hotel to coexist amicably, with guests getting pleasure from the beauty of the natural surroundings in luxurious lodge and cottage rooms. You can’t forget the stunning Ocean Suite.

The hotel is just on the northernmost peninsula of Zanzibar Island, and overlooks a sparkling expanse of iridescent Indian Ocean. The adjacent reefs form one of the most exhilarating areas to dive and snorkel, and these are also domicile to thriving populace of dolphin, turtles, and a myriad of other marine species. An eco-sensitive approach has ensured that the delicate balance of land and sea, flora and fauna is preserved for every one to enjoy in the future. The verdant grounds drop down onto one of the finest and most beautiful beaches on the island. You experience the exotic and ultimately natural spirit of Zanzibar in this place where you relax and enjoy all that this amazing part of the world has got to offer. The fully equipped on-site PADI Gold Palm 5 Star dive centre and adventures are available for all experience levels, that is, beginners, who can be trained to full PADI certification by our resident instructors who are always there to attend to you. Also available is a wide range of other water ports. You can’t miss out!

Blackjack Tournament

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Zanzibar is still the best-kept secret in the Indian Ocean, with its fascinating historical stone town and magnificent beaches. We aim to reveal more of what’s on offer, and contains lots of useful, accurate and up-to-date information for visitors, including accommodation, maps and information on our fine weather.

You can learn more about this island paradise, and plan an unforgettable holiday online. Quality hotels and tour operators are represented in the relevant sections, and with Zanzibar still an un-spoilt paradise, this is the best place to see what you’re missing out on!

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