Avia Flu Outbreak In Uganda Is Bad News For Travel, Tourism And Safaris

An Avia Flu outbreak in Uganda is bad news, also for the travel and tourism industry. However, tourists heading to Uganda have been reassured that they are most unlikely to come into contact with infected birds and need not fear or resort to canceling their safari vacations in Uganda or anywhere else in East Africa for that matter.

Tests carried out on dead birds found on the shores of Lake Victoria between the capital Kampala and Entebbe, the location of the international airport, but also in Masaka District, have proved positive of avian flu, government officials confirmed late yesterday and earlier today.

A formal press conference is taking place right now at the Uganda Media Centre where Minister of State of Agriculture, Hon. Kibazanga, has confirmed the presence of the disease in East Africa.

Neighboring countries also bordering Lake Victoria are said to have instituted prompt measures to raise surveillance and monitoring on local and migratory bird populations to determine if the disease has also spread to their own shores.

Lutembe Bay, a major migratory bird route waypoint into and out of Africa, is one of the locations where dead birds were found.

Global organizations are also said to be preparing emergency support measures for Uganda to contain the outbreak and fight the further spread of the disease.

Uganda is among the countries in sub-Saharan Africa that face a high risk of a bird flu outbreak because it is crisscrossed by several routes for migratory birds, which are carriers of the virus.

Bird flu or avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus, according to World Health Organization.

The infection can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms in birds, ranging from mild illness, which may pass unnoticed, to a rapidly fatal disease that can cause severe epidemics.

According to the global health body, avian influenza viruses do not normally infect humans but there have been instances of certain highly pathogenic strains causing severe respiratory disease in humans.

Sources close to government are concerned,  it is the type of avian flu not known to spread to humans but, nevertheless, have officials called to be careful not to handle domestic chicken and other poultry and in particular not to touch any birds found dead to avoid any possibility of the virus crossing over to humans.

Alerts have been raised before in Uganda mainly because the country is part of the migratory bird corridor into Africa and past training will come in handy now to tackle the outbreak here in Uganda.

Marriott Rewards Now Available Across Africa At All 100 Protea Hotels

Protea Joins Over 4,000 Marriott International Hotels Where Members Can Earn And Redeem

 Points For Global Travel

 Marriott Rewards, the award winning

 global hotel loyalty program, is being expanded to all Protea Hotels and African Pride Hotels 

across Sub-Saharan Africa, giving its 53 million members 100 more hotels where they can earn

 and redeem points.  Today's expansion follows an initial rollout of Marriott Rewards to 25 properties

 in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban and expands the program to Protea and African Pride

 hotels in Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria and Malawi.

"Marriott Rewards members--our most loyal guests--are seeking travel experiences that empower 

them to pursue their passions. Marriott Rewards' expansion to include all Protea Hotels allows

 members to enjoy the benefits of loyalty when traveling to Africa, whether for business or leisure,"

 explains Mark Satterfield, Chief Operating Officer for Marriott International, Middle East & Africa and

 Marriott International's Business Leader for Protea Hotels. 

For individuals who travel around Africa, this is the first time an African hotel brand has offered

 loyalty points for domestic stays that can be redeemed for travel internationally. Protea Hotels

 is positioned in the moderate and upper moderate tier categories, with properties situated in

 key business centers and sought-after leisure destinations. Protea Hotels offers accommodation

 ideal for both business and leisure travelers, with modern design and a unique blend of local style

 and personal service.

Marriott Rewards points can be redeemed for hotel stays, as well as for a range of other benefits, 

such as air travel, frequent flyer miles, cruises, car rentals, and merchandise. In addition to earning 

points for their stays, Marriott Rewards members enjoy exclusive benefits, such as free Wi-Fi and

 mobile check-in and check-out through the Marriott Mobile app, as well as special  offers only

 available when booking direct on Marriott.com.

To learn more about Marriott Rewards, which is free to join, please visit: www.MarriottRewards.com.

About Marriott Rewards

Marriott Rewards is Marriott International's award-winning loyalty program spanning 16 brands and

 over 4,000 properties worldwide. Marriott Rewards is free to join and has no blackout dates and

 members can earn and redeem points at Marriott International properties around the world and at

 Marriott Rewards exclusive luxury partner The Ritz-Carlton®.  Members can also redeem points

 for frequent flyer miles, cruises, car rentals, merchandise and more. By making rewards accessible

 with a modern, easy approach, Marriott Rewards continues to be a leader in the industry. Marriott

 Rewards has won the Freddie Award for "Best Hotel Rewards Program in the Americas" eight years

 in a row and the 2011 and 2010 Frequent Travel Award for "Best Hotel Rewards Program." In

 addition, the program has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of U.S. News

 & World Report, About.com, Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Executive Travel and

 BusinessWeek magazines. To enroll and for more information about Marriott Rewards, guests

 can visit MarriottRewards.com.

About Protea Hotels

Protea Hotels is Africa's leading hotel brand and has a footprint of more than 100 properties

 throughout South Africa and seven other African countries, including Zambia, Nigeria, Namibia,

 Ghana and Uganda amongst others. Each hotel is uniquely different in character and the

 collection ranges from urban accommodation to country retreats, all in the 3 and 4-star markets.

 Protea Hotels is the winner of 2 World Travel Awards for Best Hotel Group in Africa, winner of 3

 Sunday Times Markinor Top Hotel Brand Awards, the winner of 6 Coolest Hotel Group awards

 in the Sunday Times Generation Next surveys and the winner of the Ask Africa South African

 Customer Service Award 2013 and Icon Brand 2015. The hotel group was bought by Marriott

 International in April 2014 and forms part of Marriott's global brand portfolio made up of 19

 brands that operate more than 4 300 hotels in 81 countries. Follow us on twitter @ProteaHotels

About Marriott International:

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based

 in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,300 properties in 85 countries and territories. 

 Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company

 operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands,

 including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® 

Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive 

Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®,

 Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea

 Hotels® and Moxy Hotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and

 for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty

 program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass

 54 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com

Uganda Becomes A Bargain For Tourists If Paying In US- Dollars

When the Uganda Shilling crashed through the psychologically important 3.400 barrier of one US Dollar versus the Ugandan currency and at the same time the Kenyan Shilling for the first time since a major speculative down drive three years ago fell below the equally important 100 mark, were tourists counting their fortunes as their local expenses for drink, food, souvenirs, art and gifts suddenly became cheaper while in turn the locals are staring in disbelief at rising prices.

All imports from outside the region, which need to be paid in US Dollars, suddenly need a lot more local Shillings to pay for the bills. Fuel, food items, machinery, cars, spare parts and a lot more will at the next import cycle all reflect the lower value of local currencies and the result of the price increases will manifest itself in higher inflation and lower spending power, a lethal combination for the poor but also for the region’s middle class which still remains on a fragile foundation.

As safari quotations are largely based in US Dollars or Euros will the cost of prebooked packages not likely rise though the local expenses incurred by tourists will be less in their own currency, making them no doubt smile whereas the faces of the locals will become somewhat grimmer when reality strikes home.

Central Banks in the region are expected to offer a coordinated countermove to sell hard currency into the market but how much that is going to be, and for how long it lasts before the green buck injection is absorbed and the downward trend continues, is a question which answer is almost obvious.

Upcoming elections across much of the region and the regular jitters this causes abroad, the ongoing Burundi turmoil and lesser incomes from tourism have all combined for a near perfect storm and while coffee and tea farmers will no doubt celebrate higher incomes, they too will think again when they get their next bill for imported fertilizers.

Intending visitors to the region should monitor foreign exchange listings and, considering the latest increase in cost for a Visa to Uganda, ask straight away for a Common East African Tourist Visa, which now costs the same, i.e. 100 US Dollars but allows to visit Rwanda and Kenya too.

6 Top Luxury African River Cruises

Luxury boat cruises on peaceful rivers are not what many would imagine for an African holiday, this is one of Africa’s hidden luxury experiences. Africa is blessed with amazing and powerful perennial rivers, and although not exactly the sight one envisions when they think of Africa, several large and luxurious cruise liners are offering world class river cruise holidays with a magical blend between world class luxury and African hospitality.

African Queen

Every inch of this 70 feet, triple-deck catamaran speaks of African luxury. With its Rhodesian teak finishes, you cannot mistake this catamaran as a product of Africa. And if you look out over the Zambezi River with the soothing sounds of a Marimba band playing in the background, you will be moved to a place where time passes slowly, and where days are spent in luxury. Choose between sunrise, lunch or sunset cruises – each accompanied by a menu offering a feast for a king. And if you want to escape the 120 guests on board, the captain’s cabin on the top deck is the ultimate luxury experience on board the African Queen. The African Queen travels on the Chobe River through Botswana and Namibia.

Oberoi Zahra Nile River

The Nile River, with all its majesty and grandeur, needs little introduction. We when talk about river cruising in Africa, the Nile has to take central place. On the Nile, you will find some of Africa’s most sought-after river cruises. Now, imagine yourself on board one of the world’s most luxurious cruises, overlooking Egypt. The Oberoi Zahra cruises between Aswan and Luxor and offers legendary service, including spa treatments, top-class restaurant menus and cabins that will have you wishing you could stay on board forever!

Zambezi Queen

With the Chobe National Park setting the scene, the Zambezi Queen offers overnight cruises, allowing you to enjoy the magic of a sunrise and sunset on the Zambezi River. On this cruise, enjoy some of the best of Africa’s river luxury and wildlife. The Zambezi River is an activity of wildlife and birdlife – the wildlife and bird song will hardly let you forget your African location. The Zambezi Queen cruise starts on the Botswana side of the Chobe River. On board, 14 luxury suites are offered, each enjoying views across the Chobe River with small private decks. Do not be concerned about Africa’s relentless heat – the suites are fully protected against Africa’s summers. And to end yet another sunny day on the Chobe River, watch the sun set from the luxury lounge and bar on board. The Zambezi Queen visits Botswana, Namibia, Zambia & Zimbabwe.

Pride of the Zambezi

Enjoy a very intimate river cruise on the northern Namibian side of the Chobe River – on board the Pride of the Zambezi houseboat. The keywords here are cruises tailored to your desires, privacy and flexibility. Each guest is offered the dedicated services of a guide and tender boat, meaning you can explore the Chobe River as you please. The Pride of Zambezi has not excluded any luxury. Its six cabins are all luxury en-suite cabins, with large sliding windows opening up to the sights and surrounds of the Chobe River. The Pride of the Zambezi visits Botswana, Namibia, Zambia & Zimbabwe.

Rivers of West Africa

The selection of Mega Harmony cruises offer stylish cruise trips and follow the river routes of epic African explorers. These modern cruise ships are equipped with high-tech, comfortable cabins and luxury cruise spaces for all guests to enjoy. The sunbathing deck is a highlight with views over small African villages. The cruise also offers optional day cruises as well as time available to spend at local fishermen villages and markets. West Africa remains undiscovered by many tourists visiting the African continent, and the Mega Harmony cruises are equipped to show you West Africa from the safety of a cruise liner. With only 25 cabins available, you are assured of small group privacy, away from noisy crowds that can so easily spoil a luxury cruise. On there typical eight-day cruise, the cruise departs from Dakar, Senegal, and set sail for Gambia River.

The Luxury Cruise Company from Cairo

One cannot otherwise but be charmed by the world’s longest river, and the pure luxury offered by the Luxury Cruise Company, and their ultimate river cruise launching from Cairo, Egypt. On this cruise, visit several Egyptian historical sites – something every individual should experience! Cruise the banks of the Nile in luxury while the crew serve you with their bespoke service and entertainment on board. The Luxury Cruise Company has a number of Nile cruise liners, including the Nile Goddess. Their Nile cruises are popular – so be sure to book well in advance!

An African river cruise, whether you opt for the South, North or West, the Chobe, Zambezi or Nile – all will offer an entirely unique experience. There are few things in this world as pleasant as river cruises, and if you add African warmth, charm and hospitality, you are in for some of the world’s best luxury experiences, with the adventure of the African continent at your feet.

Contributed byJavier Luque, Co-Founder and Director of Your African Safari. www.aluxuryblog.com

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