Nyamera

I just read the Daily Nation online and there’s an article saying that, due to serious soil erosion, the KWS will restrict entrance to Amboseli, not allowing vehicles carrying less than 6 passengers. And it looks like the Mara Conservancy and Narok County Council will apply the same rules.

As you have to register I don’t know how to provide a link to this. I’ll see if I can find the article on some other website.

PredatorBiologist

Wow, very resonsible ecologically but I would think that is going to be a killer for high end tourism to the area.

LyndaS

I'm such a sit on the fence kind of make no waves person usually, but for this one I just had to jump in and say that I applaud the KWS for doing this, and, once people get used to it, I don't think it would kill the high end tourism. I'm sure that most people would not want to cut the Mara out of their itinerary as it is such an incredible place.

When we were on safari last year, I kept noticing the tons and tons of vehicles that only one or two people at the most in them - huge 8 passenger 4 x 4's sometimes. It made me think of all the wear and tear, to say nothing of vehicle congestion that could be cut down if each camp had their own guides and drivers, and combined the passengers for game drives. A little more inconvenient, yes, as 6 people would have to be ready to go at the same time, but it could be done with just a little bit of sacrifice on most people's parts.

If Tanzania did the same thing, it would solve the problem of the multitudes of cars in the crater. But, it wouldn't work though for the Serengeti as many of the private safaris would still need to drive between camps.

Nyamera

Here’s a link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_fool

Nyamera

I took a while until I got anything on the bait, but when it happens it’s big game fish like a real predator biologist and a real creator of an East Africa Trip Report Index!

Unfortunately the KWS has not made this decision – yet. I’ve been thinking a lot about it myself. The irrational use of safari vehicles by people who, most of them, care about wildlife and the environment is like an elephant dropping instead of chocolate cake that everyone is eating because we’re too “polite” to mention it. Also, I’m quite malicious and wanted to frighten the zillionaires that, almost rightfully, scold people like myself who scream with horror at park fee rises. It’s easy to do when it doesn’t affect yourself, or when it even gives you promises of more exclusive safaris. Though they would still be able to go on safari with rational vehicle use.

nyama

FANTASTIC! LOL!

That was the best since years. I really believed it.

I hadn't been on the Nation's website for some time now. Although I didn't find that "special" article, it was a good update on Kenyan affairs.

Nyamera

Instead of “elephant dropping” I should have written something about “delicious illegal bushmeat”.

matnikstym

Good one Nyamera!

LyndaS

Oh that was a good one Nyamera - and I fell for it hook, line, and sinker!!! You should have let us go on though, I'll bet you would have caught a few more!!!

atravelynn

This is the only April Fool on me so far this year. Nyamera, your horns are showing and not the topi ones.

I wish something like this were true. Maybe you are on to something through your foolishness.

PredatorBiologist

Nabbed! Well done Nyamera, I'm easily fooled, especially when cruising the board at a quick glance. Seemed reasonable and controversial enough to be true -- and you are one of my best sources for this area!