Safari Notes

Join the World Wildlife Fund to stop oil sands from Canada blowing into Europe: The European Union (EU) is about to make a decision that could define if we move towards a better, cleaner world or a short-sighted, dirty energy future. We need the politicians who are deciding on this legislation to hear our voice and make the right choice! Take action by signing the Petition !

What a year? Within just the last few weeks, the face of Africa has been dramatically changing so fast, it is as if we are hallucinating. First: Tunisia, the events there and the rapid developments, at that time, seemed utterly incredible. Then came Egypt: what happened and the eventual result, were the most mind boggling events of this century and will continue to stun and be discussed for years to come. And now: Libya. Where is it heading to? Map of Libya - click to enlarge Whatever happens in and of Libya, Africa will very much be affected. Not only because of its immense oil reserves and wealth; but, because too, Muammar Al Qaddafi, the man at the center of all what has been and is happening in Libya, has for a long time been playing a leading and major role in Africa. Very unfortunately and deplorably, in Libya, the uprising there, is turning into a very bloody and deadly process. Many have died or are badly injured, including children ; and the violence and slaughter is stil

Do you like carnivals? What is a carnival? A carnival can mean many things . Most of us know of the spectacular, yearly, Brazilian carnivals. We very rarely hear of African carnivals. Well, a few days from now, 4th to the 6th of March, the very beautiful island nation of the Seychelles is holding the Carnaval International de Victoria and the islands will turn into a place for celebration and entertainment. And, it is attracting many from other parts of Africa . The 1972 Carnival was a great success, with Seychellois from all the islands assembling in Victoria for the celebrations alongside the visitors to the country. The 2011 Carnival will take place on a bigger scale and with an international flavor as Carnival Floats will this time be welcomed to Seychelles from the four corners of the world. Experience Seychelles Many other countries from around the world have been invited; and many, will attend. Seychelles, is renowned for its stunning beauty and very welcoming people. It is als

For years now, environmentalists have been calling for more efforts to protect the argun palm; which is a rare desert tree prized by the ancient Egyptians that is on the verge of extinction. It is now being reported that less than fifty of the trees remain in Egypt and a few hundred in Sudan. Due to its association with ancient Egyptians, the seeds health benefits and how - before, when they were many, the palms helped in keeping the desert green, many people have been very fascinated by the argun palm also known as the medemia argun. More on the palm tree: IUCN Red List , Kew , Free Republic , IPS ,  Wired New York , Rare Palm Seeds , Right Health , Alert Net , Plant A Palm , Palm Society , Facts , Images

Sudan's Oil Fields Map In about 6 months, South Sudan will become a country. Many say that the new country is very lucky starting off with so much oil, especially with oil prices as high as they are now. It is not oil that should be the country's main attention; South Sudan, will be much better off, if it uses its oil earnings wisely and focuses on developing its other very promising sectors: tourism and agriculture. Read this very interesting and insightful article on South Sudan's wonderful wildlife. Excerpts: ....with new nationhood comes tough decisions and new pressures. Multinational companies seeking to exploit the nation's vast natural resources are expected to arrive in South Sudan, tempting them with promises of development and economic growth, promises that have proven uneven at best across Africa. Dubbed the resource curse, many poor nations have seen their rich, natural resources plundered for the world market, but instead of reaping the financial r

While, it was most pleasing and uplifting that a few days ago, Uganda Wildlife Authority and Posta Uganda used the World Post Day to launch a series of stamps dedicated to the mountain gorillas in the country - mainly found in Bwindi and Mahinga; in the last few weeks, there have been some very disturbing and disheartening news on Ugandan wildlife. Hundreds of gray African parrots have been seized while being smuggled out of the country; while in Luweero, tens of baboons were mercilessly slaughtered.  A team of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials and the Police have seized 140 African Gray parrots from Wakiso district. This brings the number of parrots seized to 272 in just a fortnight. New Vision An Uganda Wildlife Authority official says more than 270 African grey parrots have been seized from smugglers in the past month, which suggests there is a syndicate illegally exporting Ugandan wildlife. The Canadian Press .....a week after Luweero District authorities launched a

With reports now stating that the oil wealth, that the island nation had for long hoped for as a stepping stone - to prosperity, will not be a reality for now. The tiny African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe in West Africa is unlikely to realise soon its long held dream that crude oil hidden beneath the waves offshore will lift its people out of poverty and into wealth.This is because big explorers that once jostled for drilling rights in the country of 163,000 people, nestled at the heart of a promising oil region, have backed off after a slew of dry wells, raising questions over how soon the dream will come true . With its stunning beauty , its many agricultural and fish products and its small population of less than 200,000 people - the Island country does not really need oil to develop and lift its people out of poverty. If it focuses and properly manages its tourist potential, which has excellent attractions; if it improves and modernizes its agricultural and fishing sy