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Transcript of Auric Air – Explorer – Issue 3
lorer
A Brush with AfricaThe accidental artist
Serengeti's Small FiveSize isn't everything
ISSUE 3
ExpInflight magazine I www.auricair.com
Mafia IslandMARINE PARK PARADISE
auricair.com 1
CONTENTS
14
11 20 28
FEATURES
8 Serengeti’s Small Five Size isn’t everything
11 Mafia Island The isle less travelled…
14 A brush with Africa The accidental artist
16 Solar Power Is solar energy a dim idea?
18 Judo in Tanzania Ki o tsuke!
20 Rubondo Island Magical green island is a ‘must visit’
22 Tilapia Big idea from a small pond
24 Five reasons to visit Zanzibar Beaches and spice and all things nice…
REGULARS
3 INSIDE: Great island, great lake, great eating and more
5 Foreword From Deepesh Gupta
7 Explorer News
26 STAY: African Tulip Hotel
28 DRIVE: Hyundai Tucson
30 EAT: La Véranda
31 Travel information
32 Pilot’s eye view
33 Auric Air route map
ExplorerInflight magazine
auricair.com 3
Great island, great lake, great eating and more
W elcome to the latest issue of ‘Explorer’, the in-flight magazine of Auric Air. In this issue,
for our cover story, we travel to the delightfully unspoilt island of Mafia (to which Auric Air operates three times weekly) and find out what’s to see and do. We also find reasons to visit its larger sister, Zanzibar (or, more strictly speaking, Unguja).
Auric Air is renowned for flying its guests to some of Tanzania’s best game-rich wildlife reserves. So, as a change, we thought we would take a look at the Serengeti’s ‘small five’ – something to look for once you have ticked off the better-known big quintet.
We visit the water wonderland of Rubondo Island National Park in the south-west corner of Lake Victoria (a destination served three times a day by Auric Air). Home to the rare and semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope, the national park also contains a plentiful and tasty supply of tilapia fish – supplying the diet of the frisky yellow-spotted otters. And while on the subject of tilapia, ‘Explorer’ investigates the farming of this popular fish.
Meanwhile, we highlight the merits of solar power and its apparent advantages for East Africa. And for those interested in self-defence, we look at the growing popularity of judo – Japan’s gift to the world of sport.
We stay at the highly recommended African Tulip in Arusha. And if you like tapas, then we dine out at La Véranda in Dar.
The subject of our car review is the fabulous new Hyundai Tuscan – small sibling to the marque’s Santa Fe – providing off-road capability at an affordable price.
We hope you enjoy reading ‘Explorer’. Please write to me if you have any comments about the magazine.
Gary Gimson Publisher, Land & Marine Publications Ltd
BY GARY GIMSON, PUBLISHER
Email: [email protected] ■
IN THIS ISSUE:
CoverMafia Island
Solar powerIs solar energy a dim idea?
The small fiveSize isn't everything in the Serengeti
ZanzibarBeaches and spice and all things nice…
ExplorerInflight magazine
Auric Air Services Ltd Mwanza Office PO Box 336, Mwanza Cell: +255 783 233 334; 255 736 200 849 Email: [email protected] Website: [email protected]
Explorer is published on behalf of Auric Air Services by:
Land & Marine Publications Ltd
1 Kings Court, Newcomen Way Severalls Business Park, Colchester Essex CO4 9RA, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Email: [email protected] www.landmarine.com
No part of the contents of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers.
The publisher has made every effort to arrange copyright in accordance with existing legislation.
All advertisements and non-commissioned text are taken in good faith.
The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, or any other organisation associated with this publication.
No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions.
Printed by Jamana Printers Ltd.
©2016 Land & Marine Publications Ltd.
INSIDE
auricair.com 5
Welcome to the third issue of Explorer
FOREWORD
I t gives me great pleasure to welcome passengers to the third issue of our regular
in-flight magazine, ‘Explorer’. I hope that you find our magazine of interest and that it makes your flight with Auric Air more enjoyable.
Auric Air continues to develop as an airline as we buy additional aircraft, launch new routes and increase the frequencies of others.
In fact, we now fly to over 30 destinations across Tanzania and beyond, utilising our fleet of 12 Cessna Grand Caravans.
BY DEEPESH GUPTA, COMMERCIAL MANAGER, AURIC AIR
Email: [email protected] ■
In addition, earlier this year we were honoured to receive the award for Tanzania’s Leading Domestic Safari Carrier at the pres-tigious World Travel Awards. This wouldn’t be possible without the excellent Auric Air team and each and every one of our passengers.
I hope you enjoy your flight with Auric Air. If you have any comments to make about our in-flight magazine or our service, please write to me at the email address right.
Deepesh Gupta Commercial Manager Auric Air Services Ltd
AURIC AIR CONTACT DETAILS
MWANZA OFFICEAuric Air Services Ltd PO Box 336, Mwanza Cell: +255 783 233 334; 255 736 200 849 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
DAR ES SALAAM OFFICEAuric Air Services Ltd Office 17, 2nd Floor, Viva Towers 294/295 Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road, Dar es Salaam Tel: (Dar Airport) +255 (0)688 937 165 Tel: (Town Office) +255 (0)688 937 166 Cell: +255 (0)784 749 769 Email: [email protected]
ARUSHA OFFICEAuric Air Services Ltd TFA Arusha Shopping Centre (Nakumatt) Opposite Kilombero Market Office No 19, West Wing, Arusha Cell: +255 (0)688 723 274 Email: [email protected]
auricair.com 7
AURIC AIR NEWS
AURIC AIR WIN AT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS Auric Air was crowned Tanzania’s Leading Domestic Safari Carrier at the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar in April, beating off stiff compe-tition from four other airlines. Accepting the award, Deepesh Gupta, the airline’s business development manager, said: “We want to be the best safari and corporate airline and this is a huge stand-up of our approach to transform our product and services. I’d like to thank every member of the Auric Air team and each of our passengers. You have had a huge part to play in winning this award.” The World Travel Awards are annual ceremonies held to celebrate the best in travel and tourism across the world.
News
GET CONNECTED
You can keep in contact with Auric Air online at:
www.auricair.com
www.facebook.com/auricair
www.instagram.com/auricair
www.twitter.com/auricair
Tanzania's Leading Domestic Safari Carrier
WATCH VIDEO
Spotting the Big Five on a game drive is a thrill for any safari enthusiast and
Serengeti National Park is the perfect place to see all five – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo.
In addition, though, the national
park is home to a lesser-known
collection: the Small Five. They may
be harder to spot than their larger
namesakes, but it’s definitely worth
taking a closer look at these small
(and in some cases tiny) inhabitants
of the Serengeti.
8
SERENGETI'S SMALL FIVE
Size isn’t everything
Serengeti’s Small Five
Elephant shrew
The elephant shrew and the African
elephant have little in common except,
perhaps their distinguishing facial
feature. Elephants have a trunk and the
elephant shrew has a long nose, which
is presumably where it got its name.
Interestingly, though, research has
shown that elephant shrews are actu-
ally more closely related to elephants
than ordinary shrews, despite seeming
to have little in common.
These tiny inhabitants of the
Serengeti are only about 150 mm long,
but can run at speeds of up to 29 km
per hour, making them one of the
fastest small mammals on the planet.
Elephant shrews tend to hide in under-
growth, making them hard to spot, but
all the more rewarding when you find
one. They eat mainly insects, spiders
and worms, using their noses to find
food in their local surroundings.
AntlionNot quite as majestic or pretty as its
larger namesake, the antlion is a small
brown-grey insect that inhabits the
Serengeti. The name is said to refer
to the antlion’s predatory nature, as it
preys on ants. It is also known as the
doodlebug because of the patterns it
makes in the sand while looking for a
suitable place to dig a pit. Before they
reach adulthood, the antlion larvae
are small creatures with oversized
heads. When mature, they resem-
ble dragonflies. Adult antlions tend
to be active in the evenings, while
the younger ones are easier to spot
during the day.
The type of antlions found in the
Serengeti (genus Palpares) are larger
than their American counterparts, with
the adult wingspan reaching up to
16 cm. Antlion larvae use their pits to
catch prey by creating a sloped pit in
which passing creatures will fall when
the sand is disturbed. They fall into
the pit and are soon devoured by the
antlions.
Rhinoceros beetleThe rhinoceros beetle shares one obvi-
ous feature with its namesake: a horn.
The male rhino beetle has a horn on
its head that it uses to fight off other
males and also for digging. There are
various types of rhinoceros (or horned)
beetle, including the Hercules and
Atlas. Both male and female rhino
beetles are protected by tough body
armour to deter predators as well as
having thick wings that allow them to
fly with relative ease.
The beetles are herbivorous, living
on fruit, nectar and sap. They make
their home among fallen leaves
and in logs to protect them-
selves from predators.
Rhino beetles have
become popular as pets
because they are
small and easy
to care for.
Leopard tortoiseThe largest of our Small Five is the
leopard tortoise, so-called because
of the leopard-like spots on its shell.
Leopard turtles are the world’s fourth-
largest species of tortoise, measuring
up to 460 mm in length and weigh-
ing about 18 kg. There have been
reports of leopard tortoises measuring
as much as 700 mm in length. They
can live up to 100 years and they
are commonly found in eastern and
southern Africa, including Serengeti
National Park.
Leopard tortoises are herbivorous,
feeding on grass and scrub as well as
fallen fruit from the trees high above.
Their domed shells offer protection
from predators and environmental
threats. These tortoises can move
relatively quickly on their trunk-like
legs and even navigate tricky terrain as
well as climbing vertically and moving
underwater. While leopard tortoises
are also bred in captivity, they tend
to survive well in the wild, with large
populations reported across eastern
and southern Africa.
■
Buffalo weaverThe last of our Small Five is, in fact, a
bird – the buffalo weaver. There are
two main types, the white-headed
and the red-billed, both of which can
be seen in the Serengeti. The white-
headed buffalo weaver appears to be
more common, however, and much
easier to spot because of its striking
white face and body and black wings.
It also has an orange-red rump and a
conical black beak. These birds follow
buffalo around, picking up the insects
disturbed by them, which is presuma-
bly where the bird’s name comes from.
Buffalo weavers forage for insects,
fruit and seeds in the undergrowth of
the Serengeti, usually in small
groups with other weavers or
starlings. Male and female buffalo
weavers build nests together
when mating by pushing
materials together to form
a large oval nest where the
chicks are born. Another
giveaway characteristic of the
buffalo weaver is its parrot-like
call, often loud and repetitive.
They may be harder to spot than their
larger namesakes, but it’s definitely worth taking a closer look
auricair.com 9
MAFIA ISLAND
I n the Zanzibar archipelago, off the
coast of Tanzania, lies Mafia Island.
Before images of gun-toting,
cigar-smoking gangsters come to mind,
Mafia Island has nothing to do with
the actual Mafia; its name is said to be
derived from either a Swahili phrase
meaning ‘healthy dwelling place’ or
the Arabic word for ‘archipelago’. Mafia
is an island idyll with one of the best
marine parks in Africa.Get away from it all with a trip to Mafia Island ›
The isle less travelled…Mafia Island
auricair.com 11
12
MAFIA ISLAND
Just a boat or plane ride away from
mainland Tanzania, the island is set in its
own archipelago of islands, some of which
are inhabited and some not. Mafia is the
biggest of these islands, 49 km long and
17 km wide. It is known for its outstanding
marine life, while its landward features are
equally exotic, with tropical mango and
cashew trees as well as monkeys, lemurs,
dwarf hippos and wild pigs.
Unlike neighbouring Zanzibar – and,
to an extent, Pemba Island –Mafia sees a
relatively low number of tourists. Many
people, local residents and visitors alike,
see this as a positive thing. The island is
still rather unknown, yet offers so much
to those who do visit. The low number
of tourists ensures that Mafia remains as
unchanged as possible, offering a true
piece of paradise for visitors and leaving
residents happy that their island is not
being spoilt by tourism.
Marine parkMafia Island Marine Park is Tanzania’s first
marine park, embracing the Rufiji River
Delta and Mafia Channel and covering a
total area of about 1,500 sq km. The park’s
marine ecosystem is exceptional, with
prime examples of estuarine, mangrove
and coral reef. The park is home to two
endangered species: the dugong and
the sea turtle. Whale sharks are common
in the waters off Kilindoni, in the west of
KILINDONI
The island capital, Kilindoni, is more bustling than the laid-back beach resorts. A key feature of the town is the market, where local people sell their produce, including fresh fish, spices and vegetables. The island’s airstrip and harbour are located at Kilindoni as well as a handful of small hotels and cafés.
ISLAND LIFEFrom baby turtles to bright blue waters to endless beaches
auricair.com 13
the island between October and March,
and visitors can experience swimming
with these, the world’s largest fish, or just
observe them from a boat. Visitors will
find an abundance of fish, including blue,
black and striped marlin, barracuda, red
snapper and kingfish.
DivingThe large reef system of the marine park
has made it a paradise for diving and snor-
kelling enthusiasts. The Chole Bay area
takes centre stage, with over 50 sq km of
marine life. Thanks to its location, Chole
Bay avoids the annual monsoon winds,
so diving can take place all year round, in
contrast with equivalent destinations in
Kenya and Zanzibar.
The shallow waters allow beginners to
practise diving or snorkelling before head-
ing out further into the deeper waters,
where octopus, dolphin, shark and other
species can be found.
Island activities If you don’t like getting your feet wet,
Mafia Island also caters for those who
prefer to stay put. The island is great for
walking or cycling or for ‘road safaris’ to
other parts of the island. Many of the
island’s lodges and camps offer day trips
in the local area, including nearby villages,
with opportunities to view the magnifi-
cent bird and animal life.
Excursions to other islands in the archi-
pelago are worthwhile, too, with Chole
Island a popular choice. Visitors can enjoy
a secluded picnic or barbecue at various
places on Mafia and the surrounding
islands, including Mange Island, a pristine
sandbank surrounded by wonderful coral
reefs.
WHERE TO STAY
Kinasi LodgeLocated at Chole Bay in the south of the island, Kinasi Lodge is the place to stay for those looking to explore the marine park. It has 14 en-suite rooms and a range of amenities and facilities including spa services, a pool, child care services and a business centre. Each room is distinctive, offering either beautiful sea views or a view over the lush gardens.
Lua CheiaIn the north of the island is Lua Cheia, an eco-friendly beach camp on a large stretch of private beach. Its six large tents can accommodate up to 12 people, adding to the intimate feel of the camp. A 3 km stretch of beautiful beach lies in front of the camp, with crystal-clear waters suitable for swimming all year round.
Chole Mjini LodgeOver on Chole Island is the renowned Chole Mjini Lodge, built by Anne and Jean de Villiers and consisting of seven tree houses. Guests can relax in rustic luxury and experience barefoot bliss. Suitable for divers and non-divers alike, it offers plenty of activities and excursions. Hosts Anne and Jean are on hand to ensure an unforgettable time for guests.
Pole PoleOften considered one of the world’s most exclusive eco-resorts, Pole Pole has seven bungalows in a serene environment. The resort prides itself on its low environmental impact, without compromising on luxury, comfort and style. An excellent choice for those looking to explore the nearby marine life.
■
14
A BRUSH WITH AFRICA
B orn near Moshi, on
the slopes of Mount
Kilimanjaro, Simon
Stevenson had an idyllic child-
hood, waking up to views of the
mountain each morning.
His interest in the landscape and
wildlife of Africa began as a child.
“From the age of four I would look
beyond the boundaries of the
garden at the bush animals from a
large mango tree,” he says. “Here, at
the age of six, I spotted my first leop-
ard, which had come to drink at the
river boundary. Little did I know at
that stage that I was actually sitting
in its larder.”
Simon began exploring the
national reserves close to his home
in Tanzania and these subjects later
became the basis of his pictures.
He moved to England in 1979 but
it wasn’t until many years later that
his childhood nostalgia began to
manifest itself on paper – although
he had never formally trained as an
artist. “I am totally self-taught,” says
Simon. “In 2000 I decided to take a
sabbatical and bought a book on
how to paint. That was the start of a
new career. I am still learning.”
Stylistically, Simon began using
a combination of tea and dry ochre
to evoke the colours of Africa in his
work. He found that a wide range of
warm hues could be achieved using
the two materials, creating depth
and nostalgia. This unusual combina-
tion has proved highly successful for
Simon, leading to some outstand-
ing works of art. He first uses tea
to ‘wash’ the canvas and build a
background, then layers on ochre
paste to add detail and create the
desired effect.
This unusual method came about
completely by accident, says Simon.
“Using tea as a medium was the
result of an overbalanced mug of tea
that spilt on my first picture. From
that ‘accident’ I experimented with
tea mixed with ochre and charcoal.
The colour of the stain on the paper,
mixed with ochre, was to me the
colour of Africa.”
Recently, however, Simon began
to experiment with style and
introduced the medium of chalk and
charcoal – a contrast to his earlier
works, but dealing with the same
subject, the African landscape and
its wildlife. In a similar way to his
The accidentalartistBY KIRSTEN ALEXANDER
Wildlife painter discovered a new style when he spilt his tea
Tanzanian-born artist Simon Stevenson is known for his beautiful depiction of some of Africa’s most iconic creatures, from magnificent elephants to curious gorillas to sleek cheetahs. Simon spoke to ‘Explorer’ about growing up on the slopes of Kilimanjaro,
teaching himself to draw and evolving as an artist.
DRAGON'S TAILSimon perfecting one of his chalk and charcoal works
auricair.com 15
tea-and-ochre work, the chalk and
charcoal technique was not exactly
planned, says Simon.
Chalk and charcoal“The development in 2012 of my chalk
and charcoal images came from my
impatience one day whilst waiting for
a painting to dry. I started to sketch
using chalk on black paper to play
with back light on an animal sketch
and found that I liked the effect.”
This change in technique and
materials created a whole new style
for Simon, enabling him to portray
the same animals in a different way
from his tea-and-ochre pictures.
The result is a collection of simple
but thoughtful images that capture
a moment of beauty. One of his
most recent chalk and charcoal
images, ‘The Dragon’s Tail’, shows a
cheetah looking down tenderly at a
dragonfly.
Simon’s work is so popular
that many lodges across Tanzania
and even in Rwanda have begun
displaying his finished pieces. They
include Sanctuary Saadani Safari
Lodge and Sanctuary Swala Lodge
in Tanzania, and Sabyinyo Silverback
Lodge in Rwanda.
Even if you have not been
lucky enough
to visit one of
these excellent
lodges, you can
always view and
purchase examples
of Simon’s work at his
website, above right.
AFRICAThe main influence for Simon's works of art
www.abrushwithafrica.com ■
16
SOLAR POWER
excess energy into their respective
national grids. At these northern lati-
tudes, the pure economics of these
panels is often open to question.
But certain areas of Africa have
three times the sunshine of northern
Europe. In fact, parts of Tanzania
have some of the world’s highest
levels of solar irradiance, with over
2,400 kilowatt-hours per square
metre per year compared with
cloudy northern Europe, where 700
to 800 kWh per square metre is more
usual.
For the time being, the African
solar energy market is consumer-led
rather than being driven by national
T here is something
of a mystery about the
near-absence of solar
power in Africa. Apart from a
few fancy camps that trade on
their eco-credentials, a smat-
tering of green-tinged consum-
ers and some NGO-funded
micro schemes, it has yet to be
harnessed on a continent-wide
basis. Instead, its use is small-
scale and nearly always off-grid.
By contrast, in many parts of not-
so-sunny northern Europe there is
a proliferation of often ugly – and
subsidy-hungry – rooftop solar
panels, all (in theory) feeding back
policy-makers. The only exception
is South Africa. The 96 megawatt
Jasper solar farm near Kimberley is
Africa’s largest solar power project to
date. It is claimed to provide enough
power (only when the sun shines, of
course) for some 80,000 homes.
Future needsBy contrast, East African govern-
ments have been slow to encour-
age solar power and Kenya has
tentatively backed wind energy. It
is argued that state-owned energy
companies tend to favour big
power projects with big solutions
You would think that with lots of sunshine, intermittent electrical supplies and high energy charges, East Africa would be clamouring for solar energy. But you would be wrong. So why is there a reluctance across the region to use solar energy on any meaningful scale? Gary Gimson reports.
Is solar energy a dim idea
auricair.com 17
for a nation’s future needs. And up
until now solar has been too small,
too individual and seen as a purely
consumer-driven, off-grid option.
It’s something more than
this, though. Solar power is also
supported by business. Companies,
often in the agricultural sector, are
investing in solar power for reasons
of self-interest and to improve conti-
nuity of supply. For example, William-
son Tea, a family-owned business
for over 140 years, has built its own
1 MW solar farm in Tinderet, western
Kenya. The company believed its
solar panels would cut its electricity
bills while reducing its heavy reliance
on polluting diesel generators.
Solar panels can be expensive to
install and interest rates on any loans
to buy panels can be eye-wateringly
high. Both can reduce any cost
advantages associated with ‘free’
solar energy.
But the Williamson Tea scheme,
and others like it, are not on-grid
projects that will benefit mwananchi.
In Tanzania, for example, only about
10 per cent of the population has
access to mains electricity, so finding
a cost-effective method of provid-
ing energy to the masses is vital; and
solar power may, indeed, provide an
answer.
Some solar developers are looking
to set up large solar photovoltaics
(PV) projects in East Africa; but so far,
according to a recent report, it is not
clear whether this can be a cost-
efficient solution.
As in the case of wind energy, the
sun doesn’t always shine and is obvi-
ously not available at night, so these
renewables adopters require back-up
by more conventional generator
systems: a duplication that can prove
too costly for many.
RenewableWhat’s more, not everyone thinks
that solar power – and renewable
energy in general – is such a great
idea. “Why is renewable energy
such a total fail?” asks the UK-based
super-sceptic writer James Deling-
pole. “Because,” he goes on “it’s so
ludicrously inefficient and impossibly
expensive that if ever we were so
foolish as to try rolling it out on a
scale beyond its current boutique
levels, it would necessitate bankrupt-
ing the global economy.”
In Africa, however, there are differ-
ent arguments for and against. It’s
not just about cost. It’s more about
regularity of supply; and in remote
rural areas it is also about gaining at
least some access to electrical power.
It sure beats sitting in the dark.
‘…parts of Tanzania have over 2,400 kilowatt-hours per square metre per year’
BRIGHT IDEACould solar energy be an option for Africa?
■
18
JUDO IN TANZANIA
“JATA is the main organisation
for judo in Tanzania. Since 1995
we have strived to promote the sport
in this country and lead the national team
to compete and win in international tourna-
ments. It’s through providing adequate
training environments, developing teaching
systems and improving the quality of train-
ing that we hope judo will continue to grow
in Tanzania.”
By using local trainers and coaches,
JATA has helped integrate judo
into schools, regional youth
centres and district clubs
nationwide. This has
developed young
skill that had arguably the biggest impact.
Judoka found employment with the military
and this, in turn, attracted many young men
to the sport. As soldiers began to practise
judo in the army clubs, others followed and
the nation as a whole was eager to take up
judo.
The Judo Association of Tanzania (JATA)
has played a key role in the sport’s popular-
ity, as general secretary Innocent J. Mallya
explains:
A fter an erratic history, judo has
secured its place as a major
Tanzanian sport. So what has
changed to make Tanzanians ‘judo mad’?
As one of the first sports established
after independence in the early 1960s, judo
went from strength to strength and judoka
(practisers of judo) began to enter interna-
tional tournaments. The national team won
medals, leading to ever more publicity and
media support.
International teachersAs a major sport, judo drew senior Black
Belt trainers and international teachers to
Tanzania. Their knowledge encouraged
many to try something new, leading to an
upsurge of new judoka.
But it was the introduction of judo
to the Tanzanian army as a self-defence
Everyone knows that soccer is the world’s most popular sport. But which sport is ranked number two globally? Well, in terms of the sheer number of participants, the answer is – perhaps surprisingly – judo. And one of the nations where the sport has made huge strides in recent years is Tanzania. Kate Wingar reports.
Tanzania’s judo fans go to the mat
Ki o tsuke!
auricair.com 19
athletes with a talent into
national judo champions,
winning medals at international
games such as the All-Africa Games, the
Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.
At the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth
Games, Tanzania had a record seven
athletes competing for the title of judo
champion.
It’s not all roses, however. A lack of fund-
ing for judo in Tanzania has made it hard to
develop talent and organise events.
With just eight active clubs
and 58 tatami (judo
mats) throughout the country, there is a
desperate need for more permanent dojo
(judo halls) and financial support. Tanzanian
athletes still have a long way to go before
they can truly make a mark on the world of
judo.
So what next?Despite a lack of financial stability, one
thing is certain – interest in the sport is
keener than ever. As long as the passion
is there, Tanzania will go on producing
talented home-grown judo athletes.
So if you have a secret yearning to
become a Black Belt, why not register at
your local club, find your nearest dojo,
pick up a judogi (uniform) and
tatami, and start practising.
The first organised venture was in 1970 when a judo club
inspired by a German businessman was opened at the Kilimanjaro Hotel in Dar es Salaam. In 1980 a new club was launched in Dar’s Mnazi Mmoja by a Japanese visitor.
In 1990 the nation’s first Black Belt, Dudley Mawala, opened a judo and karate club at the YMCA in Dar. Teachers from all over the world joined the club and encour-aged new judokas.
The Kariakoo Judo Club was founded in Zanzibar by Japanese
enthusiast Shimaoka Tsuyoshi in 1993. That same year, a silver and two bronze medals were won by Tanzanian judoka at the Eastern and Southern Judo Championship in Harare.
A milestone was reached in 1995 with the setting up of the Judo Association of Tanzania.
Over subsequent years, Tanzanian judoka have competed in major competitions in Africa and around the world and won several gold, silver and bronze medals.
How it began
JUDO PHRASES
Atemi waza: Striking techniques
Dan: Black Belt ranking
Goshin jutsu: Art of self-defence
Hajime: Begin
Hiza: Knee
Judogi: Judo practice uniform
Judoka: One who studies judo
Ki o tsuke: Attention
Kyoshi: Instructor
Mate: Stop, wait
Nage: Throw
Obi: Judo belt
Sensei: Teacher, instructor
Shiai: Contest
Sore made: Finished, time up
Tatami: Mat
■
Ki o tsuke!
Hajime!Judo is one of the world's top sports
20
RUBONDO ISLAND
ing area for travellers. Otherwise,
it is more or less untouched, with
about 80 per cent of the island
covered in thick forest. Its shores
are fringed by beaches, swamps
and rocky areas, providing a diver-
sity of habitats for wildlife. While
the beaches look lovely, visitors
are not allowed to swim in the lake
because of the danger from croco-
diles and hippos.
FamousRubondo Island is famous for
its population of chimpanzees,
which were introduced to the
island between 1966 and 1969 by
Prof Bernhard Grzimek, a German
zoologist. Originally, 16 chimps
were introduced to four areas of
the island and were studied over
to explore the green island of Lake
Victoria?
Largely uninhabited by people –
apart from researchers, wardens and
staff and guests at the island’s only
lodge – the national park is a haven
of untouched forest dominated by
its wildlife and birdlife. In the course
of the year, few visitors set foot on
the island compared with other
wildlife hot spots across Tanzania.
So the national park remains largely
how nature intended – all the more
exciting for those who make the
effort to explore one of Tanzania’s
best-kept secrets.
The island is about 28 km long
and 10 km across at its widest
point. It is Tanzania’s only national
park in the 67,000 sq km lake. The
island has a small airstrip, served
daily by Auric Air, and a small wait-
T ucked away in the south-west corner
of Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest lake, Rubondo Island National Park is a hidden gem featuring dense forest, wildlife, birdlife and more.
Auric Air is the only airline to
offer daily scheduled flights from
Mwanza to the Rubondo airstrip.
So why not take the opportunity
Magical green island is a ‘must visit’
auricair.com 21
birdlife is particularly impressive, too,
with hundreds of species including
the African grey parrot and African
fish eagle.
BeautifulThe island’s only lodge is the Asilia
Africa Rubondo Island Camp, which
opened in June 2013. This, however,
is a camp like no other, with a beauti-
ful lakeside location, eco-friendly
design and, of course, the only
accommodation for miles around.
There are just eight rooms on site,
helping to keep the island in as much
of a natural state as possible. From
here, guests can embark on forest
walks, game drives, fishing (includ-
ing for Nile Perch) and boat trips – or
simply enjoy the peace and quiet of
this intimate location.
time to see how they adapted from
their previous lives in captivity
to their new environment. The
project was a success and numbers
have increased to about 40 wild
chimps across the island. The
chimps are still getting used to
human encounters, however, so
the chances of seeing them while
visiting is low until they get used
to human company and can be
integrated better into the island’s
forests.
Other inhabitants of interest
are the spotted-neck otters that
laze around the shores as well as
bushbuck, vervet monkey, giraffe,
hippo, elephant and more. The
rare swamp-dwelling sitatunga is
an exciting sight on the shoreline,
while many types of butterfly
inhabit the forest. The island’s
AURIC AIR SCHEDULE
MWANZA TO RUBONDO
Depart 08.45 and arrive 09.15
Depart 13.00 and arrive 13.30
Depart 17.30 and arrive 18.00
RUBONDO TO MWANZA
Depart 10.20 and arrive 10.50
Depart 14.15 and arrive 14.45
■
In the course of the year, few visitors set foot on the island compared with other wildlife hot spots
Imag
es c
ourt
esy
of A
silia
Afr
ica
22
TILAPIA
T he aquaculture industry
is dominated by freshwater
fish farming. And Tanzania
– according to the United Nations
Food and Agriculture Organiza-
tion (FAO) – has a vast but as yet
untapped potential in this sector.
Typically, it involves small-scale
farmers working fish ponds with an
average size of 150 square metres.
The fish farming is integrated with
other agricultural activities such
as gardening and animal and bird
production on small pieces of land.
Tanzania is currently estimated to
have a total of 14,100 freshwater fish
ponds scattered across the mainland.
In addition, there is a large rainbow
trout farm in Arusha.
The distribution of fish ponds is
determined by availability of water,
suitable land for fish farming and
awareness and motivation within the
community of the economic poten-
tial of fish farming.
Shrimp farming – which has
proved very profitable in other parts
of the world – is still in the experi-
mental phase in Tanzania. It has the
potential to be a profitable activity
in Tanzania, says the FAO, but there
are widespread concerns about its
potential environmental and socio-
economic impact.
In recent years seaweed farming
has become popular in some coastal
areas as a source of income. Small-
scale seaweed farms –some of them
run by groups of women and young
people – can be found all along the
coast of Tanzania. Seaweed is now
a serious cash crop in Tanga and
Zanzibar, generating enough income
to cover household costs.
The government’s Fisheries
Division has studied the viability of
expanding aquaculture by diversify-
ing production into other species
and developing the export market.
TILAPIAFarming fish in Tanzania
Big idea from a small pondThousands of farmers across Tanzania are involved in small-scale farming of tilapia fish. It benefits not only farmers but also local communities, as in the Babati project in northern Tanzania. But aquaculture has a long way to go before it can impact the national economy.
IMPORTANT FISH
Tilapia is the common name for nearly 100 species of cichlid fish.
This mainly freshwater species has become the third most important fish in aquaculture after carp and salmon worldwide.
Tilapia has been farmed in Tanzania since 1949.
Exports of seaweed are on an
upward trend, but the vast potential
for mariculture is largely untapped,
according to the FAO. There has
not yet been any move to integrate
aquaculture with other sectors such
as the environment because the
industry is still at subsistence level.
Project on a mountainA project run by the Livingstone
Tanzania Trust (LTT) in the Babati
District in the north of the country is
a good example of how tilapia farm-
ing can benefit a local community.
auricair.com 23
GRASSROOTS CHARITY
The Livingstone Tanzania Trust is a grassroots charity that supports community and education-focused projects. It works with communities in the Babati District of the Manyara Region of northern Tanzania.
LTT helps members of the local community by sponsoring their enterprise initiatives, providing skills training and resources.
The charity works closely with schools development committees and other stakeholders to target the specific needs of each school.
LTT has fish ponds at three
locations. Two of the ponds are at
Waangwaray Primary School, on the
slopes of Mount Kwaraa, and now
provide the school with an income.
Sustainable fish farming on the
side of a mountain? Yet, for those
with access to local springs, it has
proved a viable source of income. In
fact, one young man is supporting
himself through college from the
sale of fish.
Early experimental designs proved
that brick and cement ponds are the
most cost-effective because they
retain the water and last longer than
plastic sheeting.
Once built, the ponds fill with
algae, which keep the water cool,
inject oxygen into the water and hide
the fish from the watchful eyes of
passing birds of prey. The algae are
good for the fish’s diet and increase
their levels of fatty acid, which is
good for us when we eat them.
People in the community rarely
get to eat meat and this source of
protein is in great demand.
At the end of each year, the
ponds can be emptied and the
mud, fish waste, dead baby fish and
rich water are used to enrich the
local soil, which has proved ideal for
growing tomatoes.
24
VISIT ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar has it all: an exciting
culture, miles of beautiful
beaches, fabulous food and
stunning scenery.
This enchanting island, known
locally as Unguja, is a favourite desti-
nation for many. And with Auric Air
operating regular flights to Zanzibar,
why wouldn’t you want to visit East
Africa’s spice island?
In case you need any more persua-
sion, here are our top five reasons for
visiting Zanzibar.
1 Brilliant beachesZanzibar is lined with great beaches,
and you won’t have to travel far to
find one to suit you. Starting from
the north, there is Nungwi, one of
the most popular beaches on the
island, and it’s not hard to see why.
Although it is a popular tourist spot,
with a number of hotels nearby, the
beach remains in excellent condi-
tion, while the calm waters of the
azure-coloured ocean are irresistibly
enticing. A little way down the east
coast is Matemwe. Until recently
it was virtually unpopulated, but
people are starting to discover the
potential of this beautiful spot.
Further south there is Pongwe,
where the popular Pongwe Beach
Hotel offers good accommodation
next to the beach. In the south of
the island, the sleepy fishing village
of Kizimkazi is one of the best places
if you’re looking for a secluded,
untouched stretch of beach.
2 Superb Stone TownFor a real taste of Zanzibar’s herit-
age, navigate your way through the
labyrinthine streets of Stone Town,
the old part of Zanzibar City, which
gives an insight into the lives of local
people. You may well get lost (in a
good way) among the narrow alleys
with their fascinating architecture
and intricately carved doors like
no other. Guides are available for
a small fee if you prefer. There are
lots of things to see in Stone Town,
including the Old Fort and the Palace
Museum. The Anglican Cathedral,
on the site of the old slave market, is
a poignant reminder of an impor-
tant part of the island’s history. The
Darajani Bazaar is a large market
Beaches and spice and all things nice…
SPICE UP YOUR LIFENo trip to Zanzibar is complete without visiting the markets
Five reasons to visit Zanzibar
auricair.com 25
frequented by local people and
tourists alike, where you can find
everything from fresh meat to cloth-
ing to fruit and vegetables. Our top
tip is to buy some spices while you’re
here, because they are often cheaper
and of better quality than elsewhere
on the island.
3 Good foodIt’s no surprise that an island with
such a name for spice production
should have a reputation for excel-
lent food. The combination of Zanzi-
bar’s heritage and with the avail-
ability of excellent fresh ingredients
has let to an exciting local cuisine.
A firm favourite here is octopus,
which you will find served in a curry,
a salad or with cassava. The Zanzibar
pizza is legendary, although not your
typical pizza. You will find vendors
at Forodhani Gardens offering this
delicacy, made from fried dough and
filled with basically anything you like
– meat, vegetables, fish etc – then
folded into a rectangle and served.
Naturally, spices play a big part in
Zanzibari cuisine. Dishes such as
biryani and pilau are a ‘must try’ with
authentic Indian-influenced flavours.
For more formal dining, the famous
Rock Restaurant has a unique loca-
tion with unforgettable views.
4 Great hotelsFrom high-end splendour to back-
packer retreats, Zanzibar offers an
impressively wide range of accom-
modation. As a popular place for
luxury getaways, it naturally offers
a whole range of five-star beach
resorts including the Zanzi Resort,
The Palms and The Z Hotel. Many of
the best resorts are on the coast, but
there is also an impressive selection
of lodgings in Stone Town. Check in
at the Emerson Spice for a magical
night in a boutique setting, or try the
Jafferji House and Spa for elegant
luxury and a fascinating heritage. For
the more cash-conscious, Pumzika
Beach Resort is a low-cost but highly
praised lodging in Makunduchi,
while the Warere Town House in
Stone Town is a central hotel with
budget-friendly prices.
5 Centre of cultureAs an East African centre of culture,
Zanzibar is home to one of the
region’s largest cultural events, the
Zanzibar International Film Festival.
Attended by thousands of people
from all over the world, this hugely
popular event features screenings
of the best local and international
films as well as musical concerts,
workshops and more. Now in its
19th year, the festival is expand-
ing year on year to bring more and
more people together to celebrate
the arts. Zanzibar is also home to
the Sauti za Busara music festival,
which unfortunately did not go
ahead in 2015 due to a shortage of
funding. The festival is looking set
to return in 2017 however, which will
be welcomed by music fans across
Africa and the world.
‘…the narrow alleys with their fascinating architecture and intricately carved doors like no other’
STONE TOWNGet lost in the labyrinthine streets of Zanzibar's capital
■
Old-world comfort in an ideal city locationI t’s rare to find a boutique hotel
that offers a genuine and authentic
African experience. Combine this
with passionate staff, a quiet location
and a relaxed atmosphere and you have
the African Tulip hotel.
Located in the calm suburbs of Arusha,
yet just five minutes’ drive from the city
centre with its shops and restaurants, the
African Tulip opened in 2008. Since then,
the word has spread about its comfort-
able rooms, (extremely) large beds and
courtyard pool. Despite the hype, it doesn’t
disappoint.
RusticA sense of ‘old Africa’ merged with modern
personal touches makes this hotel an
Arusha favourite. With its dark beams, old
wood and rustic shades of orange and
brown, the African Tulip is wonderfully
decorated to create a home away from
home. Guests can choose from a variety
of Indian food in the hotel restaurant, or
unwind with a drink (or two) in the Zanzibar
Lounge.
With just a few rooms, travellers really
do gain a personal experience. Each room
comes with modern en-suite facilities and a
beautiful bay window, so there’s no excuse
for not finishing that book that has now
gathered dust. However, the most striking
aspect of the rooms are the beds; for such
a small hotel, they are incredibly large. It’s
a wonder they fit through the door. But at
least you can’t argue about who takes up
the most space or who wanders over to the
other’s side.
The African Tulip is the perfect base for
those brave enough to take on the mighty
BY KATE WINGAR
STAY: AFRICAN TULIP HOTEL
26
auricair.com 27
Mount Kilimanjaro. But it’s also an excellent
retreat for business guests who want to put
their feet up in a cosy environment after a
long day of meetings. Whether you’re by
the pool or in the bar, you’re guaranteed a
peaceful stay with top-notch service while
surrounded by African culture.
STAY: AFRICAN TULIP
www.theafricantulip.com ■
INFORMATION
For more information about African Tulip Hotel and a full list of the accommodation and tours that they offer, head to their website:
AFRICAN TULIPPersonal touches make this boutique hotel a winner
A sense of ‘old Africa’ merged with modern
personal touches
28
Classy new SUV will broaden your horizons
expensive Premium SE.
So if you are already driving a
Toyota RAV4, Nissan Qashqai or
Honda CR-V then you might like
to broaden your horizons when it
comes to replacing your existing
wheels. And the classy Hyundai
Tucson might just catch your eye
in the same way it
caught mine.
three different diesels form part of
the line-up. The car comes in both
2x4 and 4x4 variants, with Hyundai
expecting to shift many more two-
wheel-drive vehicles locally than
the more expensive all-wheel-drive
examples.
Trim levelsThe Tucson is offered in no less
than five trim levels and even the
entry-level cabin generally looks
and feels reassuringly expensive
and is carefully screwed together.
Elsewhere there is a choice of gear-
boxes: manual six-speed, automatic
six-speed and automatic seven-
speed dual clutch transmission
(DCT). Only the six-speed auto will
be available in East Africa.
Twin LED lights, eight-inch
touchscreen satnav, a panoramic
sunroof, rear-view camera, elec-
tronic tailgate release and heated/
ventilated seats are all options
on less expensive models and
progressively standard across the
trim levels all the way up to the
T
here are any number of sub-compact SUVs on the
market and many of them, while worthy, are much of a muchness. But this one really caught my eye.
It went on sale in East Africa in
January and it’s a welcome replace-
ment for an existing model while
neatly recycling an old name. This,
then, is the Tucson – and I believe
the South Korean automaker Hyun-
dai has come up with an absolute
cracker.
Hyundai’s new Tucson super-
sedes the manufacturer’s old ix35
crossover model – a nice enough
car, I suppose, but not exactly a
head-turner. Like the ix35, the
Tucson is still a crossover, but it
has everything the old model
seemed to lack: razor-sharp styling,
fiendishly clever engineering and a
commodious 513 litres of space in
the rear (and that’s before the seats
are even folded).
Hyundai in Dar es Salaam told
Explorer magazine that only 2.0
litre petrol versions will be sold
locally; although in other markets
BY GARY GIMSON
DRIVE: HYUNDAI TUCSON
auricair.com 29
■
DRIVE: HYUNDAI TUCSON
‘Even the entry-level cabin generally looks and feels
reassuringly expensive’
CLASSYBroaden your horizons with the Hyundai Tucson
Sharing is caring at La Véranda
La Véranda is not just a
tapas restaurant; it is Dar es
Salaam’s first and only tapas
restaurant, serving up an exciting
menu of small dishes designed to
be enjoyed by a group of people.
The idea of tapas is to share and
socialize; and where better to enjoy
the experience than at La Véranda,
with its excellent location and
friendly, attentive staff.
Located at the Alliance Française
in Kivukoni, the restaurant is ideally
situated between the city centre and
the peninsula, just a stone’s throw
from the coast. The restaurant itself
has a lovely open feel, with excellent
views over the golf course and a rest-
ful, Mediterranean-inspired decor.
The menu contains a huge variety
of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes,
including both traditional Spanish
tapas and dishes with a global influ-
ence, which means you can enjoy
Chinese, Indian and Spanish cuisine
side by side, creating a wonder-
ful fusion of flavours. As the dishes
are meant to be shared among a
group, you can try as many as you
like without feeling guilty. Trust me,
it would be hard to stick to just one
dish anyway.
There truly is something for every
taste at La Véranda. Vegetarians
are well catered for with a selec-
tion of tasty vegetable and cheese
dishes, including falafel and mint
yoghurt and paprika paneer. For the
more carnivorous, the beef tacos
are wonderful, as are the sesame
soy chicken and lamb souvlaki. The
seafood at La Véranda also shines,
with Asian flavours found in the Thai
ginger fish and tempura calamari.
There are side dishes, too, and tempt-
ing desserts to complete your meal.
To accompany the delicious tapas,
La Véranda offers a good selection
of drinks, from champagne to soft
drinks and truly excellent Long Island
iced tea.
The flavoursome food, views over
the golf course and homely ambi-
ence make for an excellent lunch or
dinner in Dar es Salaam. The only
problem is resisting the temptation
to order everything…
BY KIRSTEN ALEXANDER
30
EAT: LA VÉRANDA
www.veranda-tz.com ■
OUR VERDICT
Atmosphere: Service: Food: La Véranda RestaurantAlliance FrançaiseKivukoniDar es SalaamReservations: +255 763 491 212Email: [email protected]
The dishes are meant to be shared among a group, try as many as you like…
FUSIONLa Véranda brings together flavours from around the world
LOCATION INFORMATION
La Véranda will soon be relocating to the Peninsula, so check out their website for up-to-date information
TRAVEL INFORMATION
■
auricair.com 31
BAGGAGE
Every passenger travelling with Auric Air gets a free baggage allowance as follows:
› Adults and children: Checked baggage of 15 kg, hand baggage of 5 kg
› Infants: Combined checked baggage and hand baggage of 3 kg.
Excess baggage will be charged per kilogram. Owing to the size and weight restrictions of the aircraft, we cannot guarantee to transport excess baggage on the same flight.
Because of the nature of the aircraft, your baggage must consist of small, soft bags. Metal suitcases with sharp, pointed edges are prohibited.
CHILDREN
Children are welcome on board Auric Air after their 11th birthday. Unfortunately, before this age, we cannot accept unaccompanied minors. Infants under the age of two weeks will also not be accepted for travel.
ANIMALS
Animals and pets may travel on our aircraft, subject to criteria such as size and quantity. For more information, please contact our call centre on +255 783 233334.
Auric Air’s Call Centre is open 09:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00 daily.
VISA INFORMATION
Most people will require a visa to enter Tanzania. Usually a tourist visa is issued, unless you are travelling on business, in which case you require a different visa.
Any traveller into Tanzania who is from a non-Commonwealth country – unless there is an agreement between the traveller’s country and Tanzania, in which case the visa is waived – will require a valid visa to gain entry. Citizens from the following Commonwealth countries will, however, require a visa to enter Tanzania: United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia.
Tanzania visas can be obtained from the following:
› Entry points into the United Republic of Tanzania such as Dar es Salaam International Airport and Zanzibar Airport.
› The office of the Director of Immigration Services, Dar es Salaam, and the office of the Principal Immigration Officer, Zanzibar.
› Tanzania High Commissions or embassies abroad.
KENYAN VISAS
All visitors entering Kenya – except those who are citizens of Ethiopia, San Marino, Turkey and Uruguay – require a visa.
From September 1st 2015, all visas must be purchased online in advance of travel to Kenya from evisa.go.ke/evisa. E-visas are valid for 90 days.
A single entry visa costs US$ 51, which includes a US$ 1 service charge.
MORE INFORMATION
Head to www.auricair.com/General/terms for more information on travelling with Auric Air.
TRAVEL TIPS
To ensure you have the smoothest possible flight, here are some of our top tips for a top trip.
Make sure you arrive in good time, as the check-in desks close 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Passengers arriving after this time may not be accepted for travel, and liable for a no-show fee.
Auric Air does not provide alcohol on its aircraft, and passengers are not allowed to bring their own – or any food items – on board. Please bear this in mind before boarding. All flights are also non-smoking.
Electronic equipment is allowed on board, including mobile telephones, laptops, radios, CD players and handheld games consoles, however for safety reasons, the use of these items may be limited, or forbidden during flying.
32
PILOT’S EYE VIEW
NGORONGORO WILDLIFEView down inside the Ngorongoro Caldera, Tanzania
T A N Z A N I A
N
Kigoma
Sumbawanga
Songea
Ma�aIringa
Morogoro
Tanga
Dodoma
Ruaha
Tabora
Zanzibar
Pemba
DAR ES SALAAM
Kahama
Rubondo
Arusha
Mwanza
Buboka
Lake Manyara
Serengeti
Masai Mara
Katavi
MahaleMpanda
Scheduled Airstrips Inducement Airstrips
AURIC AIR ROUTE MAP
auricair.com
RESERVATIONS
+255 783 [email protected]
TANZANIAArushaBubokaDar es SalaamDodomaIringaKahamaKataviKigomaLake ManyaraMahaleMorogoroMpandaMwanzaRuahaRubondoSerengetiShinyangaSongeaSumbawangaTaboraTanga
UGANDAEntebbe
KENYAMasai Mara
SPICE ISLANDSPembaMafiaZanzibar
A-Z, from Arusha to Zanzibar