Tourism sector loses Sh5bn in travel cancellations

Stakeholders are now urging the government to intervene as the ongoing travel advisories will destroy the tourism industry/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 16 – The tourism sector has lost Sh5 billion so far following cancellations that have been made between now and October 2014 owing to the travel advisory issued by four western nations.

Stakeholders are now urging the government to intervene as the ongoing travel advisories will destroy the tourism industry.

Speaking to Capital FM Business, the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers Chief Executive Officer Mike Macharia says now about 900 tourists have left the country and there is need to salvage other bookings for the peak season in November.

He has urged the government to engage the British foreign office in bid to lift the ban.

“If nothing happens we can kiss tourism goodbye and we can go back to the drawing board, Britain, Australia, France and their United States source markets form part of the core tourism suppliers, if any of these is affected it has such a huge impact on tourism revenue ,” he said.

The UK this week issued a travel advisory to its citizens against unnecessary travel to Mombasa following recent attacks and the continuing terrorist threats in the area.

The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) said the advisory includes Mombasa island and within five kilometres of the coast from Mtwapa creek in the north to Tiwi in the south excluding Diani or Moi international airport.

UK citizens have been urged to leave the area unless they have an essential reason to remain.

“What they are calling an advisory is not really an advisory if you land in Mombasa International Airport where they say it’s safe, then you can’t move out of the airport that is like imposing a ban, because they are saying Diani is safe… so do you expect people to get to the Mombasa International Airport then jump over to Diani. It’s not possible it’s a cheeky way of wording a travel advisory but in fact what they mean is a ban,” he said.

Kenya Union of Domestic Hotels Secretary General Robert Njeru told Capital FM Business that more than 30 hotels have already been closed in Mombasa affecting about 100,000 employees.

“If the visitors are not coming to Kenya we are going to get mass unemployment, as more hotels will be closed. It’s a high time the government takes action about this insecurity,” he said.

According to Moi International Airport manager Yatich Kagongo 236 tourist who were on holiday were evacuated on Thursday night while the remaining 256 left on Friday for the UK.

Insecurity caused tourist arrivals to decline marginally in 2013 according to the tourism sector performance as international arrivals by air and sea dropped by 11.7 percent to close at 1.09 million arrivals down from 1.23 million arrivals recorded in 2012 while Jomo Kenyatta International Airport arrivals dropped by 14 percent to 900,000 from 1.047 million recorded in 2012.

Tourism revenue in 2013 declined by 2.13 percent to close at Sh93.97 billion from Sh96 billion.

Accommodation in and around Uganda national parks

Murchison Falls National Park

Found at the northern end of the Albertine rift valley is Uganda’s oldest and largest conservation area famous for its Murchison falls only other park in Uganda with the Rothschild giraffe apart from Kidepo has hosted notable aristocrats like Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway. The park boasts of numerous accommodation options both within and around it catering for all categories of visitors.

The most popular safari lodges include;

Paraa safari lodge established in 1954 is located on the northern bank of the Victoria Nile. The lodge rooms include 42 standard rooms, 10 deluxe rooms with air conditioning, 2 suites, a Queen’s cottage and the latest addition of3 safari tents all these have balconies and bath rooms. The safari décor is reminiscent of the early explorer days of big Names such as Sir Samuel Baker and wife Florence with present day modern amenities such as swimming pool, massage palour, gift shop, and business center with Wi-Fi

Chobe safari lodge located in the north east of the park is Uganda‘s first five star safari lodge with its breath taking panoramic views, coupled with the sound of the river Nile rapids. Built in 1950 but due to decades of instability and insecurity in the region was abandoned to ruins, the  now restored and refurbished lodge  has 36 guest rooms,21 luxury tents, 4 suites and a presidential cottage. Other star attractions is the 3-tier swimming pool, spa and gym, facilities for conferences, gift shop and business center with Wi-Fi

Red chili rest camp located on the southern bank of the Victoria Nile is the best and low cost  budget option for those on budget or shoe-string travel the Rest camp has 3 twin rooms, 2 family cottages these with own toilet and shower,7 rooms with shared toilet and bathroom, safari tents and camp ground. With its location you have less than five minute drive to the ferry point and boats, great food and fully stocked bar.

Other lodges in and round the Murchison falls national park include:

Fort Murchison Lodge, BwanaTembo Lodge, Pakuba Lodge ,Murchison River lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Budongo Eco-Lodge, Nile Safari Camp, Kabalega Lodge, Baker Lodge, Yebo camp.

Kidepo valley National park

The true African wilderness located in the karamoja region of northern Uganda is the most isolated wilderness of all national parks however boosts of big numbers of game. The park has limited accommodation options.

The most popular safari lodges include;

Apoka lodge run under the brand wild places Africa is the only lodge in the park, with ten wood and canvas suites, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, with balconies is open year round. The Apoka lodge overlooks the Narus river valley in the southern part of the park with an amazing view of the water holes letting you enjoy game viewing from the comfort of your room, in addition to the large main lodge  with sitting room, bar and dining area, and a rock swimming  pool.

Apoka rest camp and Bush camps, popular  budget and shoe string places which are run by the Uganda wildlife authority, the other only alternative in the park , the rest camp has rooms with toilet and shower and those without ,furthermore one has to carry along food and other supplies for the accommodation is self catering.

Other lodges round the Kidepo national park include:

Nga moru 'the place of rocks' wilderness camp

Mt.Elgon national park;

The largest volcanic base in the world located on the Uganda-Kenya boarder is also the oldest and largest solitary volcanic mountain in east Africa. The extinct volcano is one of Uganda’s oldest physical features, first erupting around 20 million years ago. With various activities to do here, Sipi falls hike is most popular. Accommodation in the park is in the forest cottage/Bandas in the Kapkwai forest exploration center. The forest cottages and four wooden Bandas have warm and cold showers and fitted with light.

In the Suamand Kapkwata sector you have guest houses available

The most popular safari lodges include;

Sipi river lodge located close to one of the fall and a river flowing on the property bring one closer to nature, the lodge offers a fully furnished luxury cottage, double bandas and bunkhouse for accommodation, there is also a library for the resident guest to relax in, the food from the farmhouse restaurant is worth a mention and drinks range from it well stocked bar just adds on to the much desired visitor comfort.

Sipi falls resort is set in lush green surroundings, provides a perfect back drop to Uganda most romantic and beautiful waterfalls. The lodge with thatched cottages overlooking the mesmerizing falls and karamoja plains has five grass thatched bandas in additional to camping ground, a bar and restaurant, for those on a day visit to the falls picnic facilities are available.

Lacam lodge is located on the slopes of Mount Elgon, perched on a cliff adjacent to the Sipi falls is also well known for the best abseiling, rock climbing. The lodge has accommodation for all budgets that includes en-suite double rooms and bunk rooms, a restaurant serving three course menu and well stocked bar.   

Other lodgesround the Mount Elgon national park include

Rose’s last chance, Crow’s nest camp, Moses campsite, Twilight campsite

Lake Mburo national park;

It is the smallest Savannah national park close to Kampala, conveniently close to the highway connecting the capital city to the western side of the country, The Park has a varied choice of accommodation both within and around it catering for all categories of visitors.

The most popular safari lodges include

Mihingo lodge set overlooking Lake Mburo national park and on top of large kopje, this peaceful luxury retreat features 10 individual rooms built on wooden platforms. These luxury tented rooms are equipped with en-suite bathrooms, with the most amazing views, in additions to this the lodge has a fully stocked bar, restaurant, swimming pool and massage service, for whatever  deficiencies the rooms and hill top view compensates for this.     

Eagle nest located a short distance from the park gate the pitched on top of one of the Sanga gate hill is the latest addition to the nature lodges properties, accommodation at the lodge consists of 12 safari tents with verandas overlooking Lake Mburo National Park. Each room has two separate beds, with bathroom and toilet, the bathrooms offer the real African bush experience.

Rwonyo rest camp located at Rwonyo park headquarters is the cheapest budget option for those on budget or shoe-string travel, consisting of double and single bandas, a 4 bed family banda all serviced by and prepared for visitors, the toilets and showers are shared, meals are available on order another option is the lake side restaurant with full time service.

Other lodges in and round the Lake Mburo national park include:

Mantana tented camp, Arcadia cottages, Rwakobo rock, and Lake Mburo safari lodge

Mgahinga gorilla national park;

Found on most southerly tip of Uganda along the Uganda boarder with Congo and Rwanda, at an altitude 2,227 meters and 4127 meters high, the park was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas and the endangered golden monkeys in its dense forests.  Due to the ecology of the park the accommodation is located outside the park.

The most popular lodges include;

Mount Gahinga lodge located on the slopes of the Mghinga volcano one of the series of Virunga volcanoes is a good base from which to see the gorillas and hike. The main building features a rustic living space with a warm central fire that offers the ideal environment for relaxing at the end of the day, with the terrace outside and a spacious sun room adjoining the living area completing the peaceful and open style. Each of the bandas has been thoroughly renovated to offer unparalleled luxury in the region. Each room has a fireplace and an en-suite bathroom with showers and flush toilet. 9 stone guest bandas with papyrus roofs, 2 doubles, 6 twins, 1 single, Rooms have 240v lighting and a private veranda and Wi-Fi available in the main lodge building.

Amjamberelwacu camp located adjacent to the park boundary is the cheapest budget option for those on budget or shoe-string travel, the camp has 2 simple banda, 2 dormitory rooms with bunk beds and camping ground. The camp site has a gazebo dining area combining both bar and restaurant, the camp is a good base from which to start tracking gorillas and hiking the volcanoes.  

Other lodges round the Mgahinga NATIONAL PARK include:

Kisoro Travelers’ Rest hotel, Kisoro tourist hotel, Bam rest house, Virunga guest house and camp site

Bwindi impenetrable national park;                                        

Home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas and a UNESCO designated world heritage site found in south western Uganda on the edge of the rift valley. The gorilla tracking locations of Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija are all well serviced by all ranges of accommodation options.

The most popular safari lodges include;

BUHOMA-Sanctuary gorilla forest camp located in the Bwindi national park, it’s 8 large tents with en suites bath rooms with bathtub that look straight out into the jungle canopy and indoor shower, the only concessionaire luxury camp within the park makes’ it a perfect base to begin gorilla tracking and also due to its location in the rain forest it’s unusual for the gorillas to come in the camp.

Buhoma lodge the lodge is located on the edge of Bwindi forest, has 8 comfortable chalets with en suite bathrooms with own private veranda and enormous windows, giving one a spectacular view of the forest canopy, redone and refurbished from the old lodge an elevated lounge area is complete with cosy bar and dining facility, In addition to these there is a gift shop and massage therapy.   

Buhoma community rest camp right at the entrance of the park is where you find the rest camp this community based enterprise fully run by the Bwindi community. The camp site offers 6 well furnished and self contained safari tents,2 self contained cottages,5 non self contained twin cottage bandas, 6 dormitory beds and a camp site, the cheapest budget option for those on budget or shoe-string travel, is less than five minute drive to the starting point, has  great food and fully stocked bar.

 Other lodges round the Buhoma include:

Lake Kitandara Bwindi lodge, Silverback safari lodge, Volcanoes safaris Bwindi lodge, Engage lodge, Gorilla resort, Mahogany springs camp, Bwindi guest house and Bwindi view banda

Nkuringo-Clouds mountain Gorilla lodge set on the Nteko ridge in a walking distance from the park office from where the tracking starts on the edge of the Bwindi impenetrable forest, from the lodge you can enjoy the view of the three Virunga volcanoes. Clouds lodge has private, stone cottages with fire places; library and sheltered verandas to allow one enjoy a nice view of the forest canopy and the volcanoes. The lodge was built with the aim of protecting the mountain gorilla habitat and as a direct benefit to the Nkuringo community.

Nkuringo gorilla camp located close to the home of the Nkuringo group of mountain gorillas on the Nteko ridge, overlooking forest and the kashasha river valley below, the camp has 2 cottages with en suite bathrooms with a new one nearing completion, 5 budget rooms with shared toilet and bathroom facilities and camping ground, bar and restaurant, they also run the Nkuringo walking safari.

Other lodges round the Nkuringo include:

Wagtaileco-safari camp, Bwindi backpackers, Chameleonhill lodge, Lake Mutanda gorilla resort

Rushaga-Gorilla safari lodge an ideal location for those tracking the Nshongi gorilla group, the lodge has 8 en-suite spacious luxurious units with individual verandas allowing a nice view of the forest, the main lodge has a restaurant ,bar, lounge and campfire.

Gorilla valley lodge the Lodge consists of 12 en-suite rooms, built on a steep slope, ensuring the best views on Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. All rooms have a private terrace from where to experience the splendor of the forest. Tastefully decorated and equipped with solar water heaters and comfortable beds, bar and restaurant.

Other lodges around Rushaga include:

Nshongi gorilla camp

Ruhija-Ruhija gorilla safari lodge located in the heart of the jungle of Bwindi, the lodge has carefully designed rooms to blend the natural environment which provides luxury and hospitality. the Lodge offers superb chalet accommodation, fine dining, an abundance of indoor and outdoor activities, a well stocked bar, Wine Cellar, Free Wi-Fi Internet Connection, DSTV, Hair dryer, Gift Shop with the Best Unique Gifts, Tea and Coffee making Facilities, traditional entertainment, a mini library with magazines and books about the beautiful continent of Africa. This lodge is a unique luxury hotel and the finest choice for both upper class and medium class.
Rihija gorilla mist camp the lodge is a five minute drive to the park office where gorilla trekking starts, home to the Oruzogo, Bitukura and Kyaguliro gorilla, privately operated and locally owned Accommodation includes tents and room, The tents are well equipped with comfortable beds and furniture, bathrooms are fitted with hot/cold showers and bath tubs, available is a bar and restaurant.
Other lodges round the Ruhija include:

Broadbill gorilla camp, Ruhija gorilla friends resort campsite, Gift of Nature lodge, Cuckooland gorilla lodge, Bakiga lodge, Trekker stavern cottages.

Queen Elizabeth National Park;

A medley of wonders, the park is arguably the most popular tourist destination in the country and the Ishasha plains whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob. The park accommodation options exceed any other park in country both within and around it, catering for all categories of visitors.

The most popular safari lodges include;

Mweya safari lodge, located on the Mweya peninsula is one of the most luxurious lodge in the queen Elizabeth national park. Accommodation comprises of various cottages, suites and deluxe rooms .the lodge is famed for its fine dining in the kazinga restaurant, has an swimming pool overlooking the kazinga channel, health club, business center and gift shop.

Bush lodge The lodge consists of 12 self contained units, spaciously placed between the indigenous bushes. The rooms are built on a raised wooden platform and made from a fine combination of canvas and local materials. Huge mosquito netted windows allow a 180 degree view and ensures a close to nature experience. Each room has a private terrace overlooking the seasonal Kamera River. The rooms contain an eco toilet and an outside shower where 2 shower heads allow couples to take their starlit shower together. Bush Lodges offers a budget friendly option in the form of non-self-contained tents. Our lazy camping consists of a basic camping tent furnished with 2 single beds and a solar lantern. The tents are placed under a grass thatched roof and are spread over our campsite. As the tents share a communal ablution block and as the site is often frequented by wildlife our security staff will escort you to and from your tent and Restaurant and bar in the main lodge.

Katara lodge is located just outside the eastern side of the queen Elizabeth National Park, set on the edge of the hills overlooking the open Savannah. Katara Lodge accommodates guests in 5 spacious thatched cottages.

Ishasha wilderness camp “this is one of the best real Africa camps in Uganda’’ the camp is reputed as an exclusive tented camp in a remote location. The camp is set on the banks of the Ntungwe river, with 10 large tented rooms with own toilet and shower, a veranda, a large open air lounge and dining area with a full view of the river and the surrounding area

Other lodges in and round the queen Elizabeth falls national park include:

 Ihamba safari lodge, Samba safari camp, Buffalo safari lodge,  Mweya hostel, Kyamburagame lodge, Kyamburagorge lodge, Kingfisher safari lodge, Jacana safari lodge and  At the river camp.

Rwenzori mountains national park

The legendary mountains of the moon found in western Uganda, with its six distinct mountain peaks all bear permanent snow and glacier, these surprisingly lies along the equator line and are a world class hiking hiking and mountaineering destination. A park from the different camp on the hiking route it has accommodation around it catering for all categories of visitors.

The most popular safari lodges include;

Equator snow lodge at the foothills of the Mountains of the Moon Lodge is the newest lodge in the Geo Lodges Uganda portfolio which opened in December 2012. Set at the Gateway to the Rwenzori Mountain National Park, the lodge is built using the roundest stones from the river Mubuku.

 Ruboni community camp “a refreshing retreat to nature that makes you feel more like a member of the community than a tourist’’. This community camp is located adjacent to the park gate making it ideal for anyone destined for a hiking expedition. For those on budget or shoes string travel it is the most ideal option, the accommodation includes bandas with a bathroom, furnished safari tents and camp ground  in addition to the bar and restaurant. The camp helps in supporting environmental conservation and rural community development around the Rwenzori.

Other lodges around the Rwenzori mountains national park include:

Trekker’s hostel, Rwenzori mountains safari lodge, Ruboni turaco view camp and Kasese town offers varied choice for all categories of travelers.  

Semuliki national park:

Just 90km from Fort portal town is the Semuliki national park dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri forest of the Congo basin one of Africa’s most ancient and bio-diverse forests and Home to the popular Sempaya hot springs. The park however has limited accommodation options both within and around it, although the few available caters for all categories of visitors.

The most popular safari lodges include;

Semliki safari lodge found in the Semuliki valley has 8 en-suite tents, library, living room and dining, swimming pool with a thatched lounge, serves exquisite cuisines, a selection of world class wines and whiskeys, has masseuse service for the much deserved toning. Guests to the lodge have the whole valley to themselves to a maximum of 16 guests keeping it intimate and private. Open years round guests can enjoy guided walks, hikes,game drives night or day, track or habituate chimpanzees, visit the Batwa pygmy tribe, visit waterfalls, fish or enjoy a boat ride on Lake Albert.

Other lodges around and with in Semuliki national park include:

Kirimia guest house, National Park Bandas and campsite, Sempaya rest camp

Kibale National Park

The primate capital of the world with 13 primate species including the chimpanzee its major star attraction, surrounded by a network of crater lakes which are prime location for a number of lodges.

The most popular safari lodges include;

Primate Lodge kibale the lodge is located at kanyanchu the tourism office of the park, with 8 luxury safari tents and 7 forest cottages all en-suite with private verandas overlooking the forest. There is also a sky tree house for the most adventurous and camp site with facilities a well stocked bar and restaurant serving both local and international dishes. It location is an ideal base for those doing any forest activity such as chimpanzee tracking.  

Kibale forest camp consists of 10 African safari style tents, comfortably furnished with twin or double beds. Each unit has its own private en suite bathroom with an eco friendly toilet, a dressing room and a bush shower, in addition to the main accommodation there a more budget option in the form of non-self-contained tents, the lazy camping consists of a basic camping tent furnished with 2 single beds and a solar lantern. No need to bring your own linen as all bedding and towels are provided. The tents share a communal ablution blocks with hot showers and flushing toilet and campsite is also serviced by 2 hot showers and 2 flushing toilets.

Chimpanzee forest guest house is located on park boundaries perched on top of the hill overlooking the forest surrounded by well manicured tea estate this serenity is very refreshing to a weary traveler, the extensive grass lawn in the fore ground of the lodge is beautifully done. The lodge has 4 double cottages with en suite bathrooms, 3 room in the main house with share facilities, a well facilitated camp site, bar and restaurant.

Other lodges around and within Kibale National Park include:

Chimps nest camp, Crater Valley Kibale, Nyinabulitwa resort and Safari Camp, Kyaninga lodge

PHOTOGRAPHY ON SAFARI

Cameras are a top priority on what to pack list for any safari/travel, however in addition to these it’s good to carry along a note book; journal entries will greatly augment the pictorial records and provide an account of the trip that can be enjoyed for many years. Digital cameras are now the centuries must have however for one still using the reel film camera don’t discard them as yet as these a very practical and give one the best image lessons. For best result from the two kinds while on safari these should have in built telephoto lenses, because wildlife photography involves a lot of telescopic shooting due to the distance usually observed, animals being so agile and therefore it is best to bring a standard 35mm SLR camera and good telephoto lenses. For professional wildlife photographers lenses in the 500mm to 800mm range give the results and quality desired but are impractical for causal visitors; however a 28mm to 100mm and 100mm to 300mm can also do the trick.

Camera positioning is important for one to get those memorable holiday pictures whether shooting from a hide, motor vehicle or on foot you should try to brace the camera with whatever support available, especially if you are using a long lens. A tripod is best, but very inconvenient when using a vehicle. A monopod is a practical compromise whereas a door frame, tree or rocks are the other alternatives.

As it is that most safari picture are taken from roof hatches of safari vehicles it is a good idea to avoid camera shakes with a bean bag filled with beans, sand or rice, rest on the roof of the vehicle and mold the lens into it while photographing from a safari vehicle. Whereas shooting from the roof hatch can create a stereotyped imagery, shooting from a lower angle out of a side window frequently results into more striking and dramatic pictures.

Time of the while greatly impact on the light necessary thus having an effect on picture quality, the best times recommended to take pictures in the bush are before 9am and 4pm when the sun is low and not too fierce. In the middle of the day unless it is over cast, the light is simply too bright, bleached out colors and shadows are impenetrably black. For the one using non digital camera, faster film from 200 to 400 ISO is best in low light situations at dawn and dusk when using telephoto lens. For the best landscape or relief feature the wet season offers the most clarity and color mix as there is low precipitation due to low temperatures.

In order to enhance and have light control lens filters are very handy for example when the sun is high a polarizing filter can help to diffuse the worst of rays, a warm amber filter such as an 81A is useful to correct the bleaching out of color. At the very least an ultraviolet filter fitted because it does correct the blue blur you sometimes see on the distant horizon, but also protects your lens. Video cameras are nice for they have telephoto lenses, are easy to use and perform well in low light. In most instances only the most expensive digital cameras allow the use of filters, however as a matter of precaution if you are using camcorders or digital cameras, carry along plenty of rechargeable batteries because for their quality functionality heavily relies on power.

With the increasing advancement in technology the trend in many safari camps lodges and even innovations in vehicle design has compiled them to have recharging facilities, very often you find areas designated for this purpose though you may have to wait your turn in a queue. During the dry/hot season of the year dust can be a hazard to photographic equipment so it is important to protect your camera from wind blown dust when you are loading or unloading film and it is a good idea to always keep your equipment in sealed polythene bags to store when not in use, have lens cleaning brushes or soft cotton cloth to clean.