Monday, September 9, 2013

KWS successfully moves black rhinos to a newly established sanctuary - Borana Rhino Sanctuary


The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has successfully translocated a number of rhinos from Lake Nakuru National Park and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to the newly established Borana Rhino sanctuary in Laikipia.
The rhinos were moved from Lake Nakuru National Park while the others were translocated from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The composition was so designed to avoid in-breeding. The week-long exercise (August 26-31, 2013) was funded by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Zurich Zoo and US F&W in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service.

The translocation is aimed at establishing a new rhino population and keep the established populations in Lake Nakuru National Park and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy productive by maintaining their numbers below their ecological carrying capacity levels.

The rhino conservation policy since 1989 has centered on the creation of intensively protected fenced sanctuaries. Black rhino has steadily increased within the sanctuaries necessitating removals to avoid negative density dependent effects. However, many established sanctuaries still remain overstocked hence new secure habitats are required.

The current Conservation and Management Strategy for the Black Rhino in Kenya 2012-2016 sets targets on restocking former free ranging areas which can support large populations, as well as the creation of intensive Protection Zones (IPZ) and secure sanctuaries in order to achieve its strategic objective of population expansion to reach a confirmed total of 750 black rhinos by end of 2016.

 Focus is placed on promoting creation of more government, private and community rhino sanctuaries to achieve the vision of a metapopulation of 2,000 black rhinos in Kenya managed in their natural habitat in the long term. Borana rhino sanctuary which is privately owned was one of the new areas targeted in the strategic plan for rhino population expansion. 

WWF species manager, Robert Ndetei witnessed the translocation and pledged continued support to KWS in its quest to conserve the last great species and places on earth for humanity. He said the international body has had a long standing relationship with KWS and cited among others collaborations in the establishment of rhino sanctuaries among them Lake Nakuru, Tsavo West and the creation of Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) in Tsavo West National park.


 Mr Patrick Omondi, the KWS Deputy Director of Wildlife Conservation, thanked all partners who made the exercise successful. He said KWS will continue to partner with private land owners in the conservation of wildlife and commended the management of Borana Rhino Sanctuary for meeting the prerequisites for rhino conservation. He encouraged communities to set aside more land for wildlife conservation.

The original post is credited to KWS .

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Lets Go Skiing in Austria in 2014


Ski Zurs
About the ski trip:
 
Zürs is a small village situated on a high valley in the mountains of the Arlberg, in the west of Austria, at an altitude of 1,720m. Zürs has a reputation for good late season snow, and over the years that we have been skiing there we have not been disappointed.
The Arlberg ski pass includes Zürs, Lech and all of the resorts in the St. Anton area. It boasts 260 kilometers of groomed slopes, serviced by 85 modern ski lifts and cable-cars, which open up a tremendous variety of skiing.  We have found that there is plenty to keep skiers of all abilities happy and occupied. And there is a wonderful range of off-piste skiing available in fresh snow.

Hotel Erzberg 

Hotel ErzbergHotel Erzberg is a traditional, comfortable and stylish hotel, owned and run by Barbara Schneider and her daughter Sabrina. It has a great location, with the village centre and the closest lift only 50 meters away. When there is good snow you are able to ski right back to the ski room door! All 25 rooms have private bath /shower, WC, hairdryer, satellite TV and safe. Most have a balcony. There are five rooms that take a family of four. The bar and lounge make for fun "après ski", and the sauna, steam room and relaxation area, with infra red therapy cabin, and a possible massage, are wonderful to help ease away your aches and pains. Skis and boots are stored in a heated boot room.


The larger resort of Lech, with greater choice of shopping, restaurants, ice rink and tobogganrun, is only 4 kilometers away, serviced by a frequent bus, which is included in your ski pass. The town of St. Anton, for shopping and a different scene for "après ski", is easily reached by bus or taxi. 

When & How:

The group will fly from Nairobi on the evening of Friday 28th March. On arrival in Zurich there will be a coach transfer direct to Zürs (about 2½ to 3 hours drive). Stay at the Hotel Erzberg for 9 nights, returning to Zurich very early on Monday 7th April, for the return, daylight, flight to Nairobi. This means almost 9 days skiing.

Your holiday can be extended either by staying on in Zürs, or with a flight extension to London or other European destination. The cost of any extension flight will be calculated at time of booking.

Bookings

Please do contact us if you are interested in joining. Bookings will be made when 
accompanied by a non-refundable 30% deposit, with a completed and signed booking form.  A further 50% will be due by end of November. 

Kindly email us to request our Booking Form with the Terms and Conditions

Tour Cost in EUROS .

Costs Include - Return flights with Swiss from Nairobi to Zurich, coach transfers to Zürs, 9 nights accommodation on half board, 9 days ski pass.

These rates are per person sharing a double room, (adult or child). 
Child/youth rates apply only when sharing with 2 full paying guests.
                                   

Per person           € 2476            
Youth 17-20 yrs  € 2432              
Child 13-16yrs    € 2330             
Child 9-12 yrs     € 1761              
Child 6-8 yrs       € 1537              
Child 0-5 yrs       €  987             




Ski/board hire and ski instruction are not included.