MONDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Who knew . . . they’re even reporting about 2AFRIKA in France!
Un tour opérateur américain - opportuniste- n’a pas perdu de temps en jouant la carte des origines africaines du nouveau président américain. Moins de 24 heures après l’élection l’agence new-yorkaise 2Afrika proposait un safari de 11 jours au Kenya pour 3,000 dollars au départ des Etats-Unis.
Les étapes : combinaisons des « incontournables» kenyans (forêt du mont Kenya, parc national Lake Nakuru et Mara région des Masai) et de lieux de références de la famille paternelle de Barack Obama (Kisumu- où naquit son père - et Kogelo - où vit encore une partie de sa famille).
If you’d like to learn more about 2AFRIKA’s PRESIDENTIAL HERITAGE SAFARI, simply click on the name!
For further information on this Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Experience, visit us online at 2afrika.com or contact 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber on (212) 385-9770 (EST)
2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism
Monday, January 19, 2009
VISIT BARACK H. OBAMA’S ANCESTRAL HOMELAND – a message from 2AFRIKA’s Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber
MONDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2AFRIKA, INC.’s Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber announced today in New York City that his company’s passengers may now take advantage of adding a 3-Day/2-Night extension to ALL of 2AFRIKA's Kenya and Tanzania Safaris to visit Kisumu and Kogelo to experience first-hand the ancestral homeland of president elect Barack H. Obama.
“Kenya needs you,” said Hieber as he made the announcement, “and what better timing as we stand at the threshold of a ‘new beginning’ to plan a Safari which includes a visit to the ancestral homeland of the first African-American President of the United States of America, Barack H. Obama!” he said.
Hieber plans to encourage visitors to East Africa to add the extension not only to imbibe the essence of the moment but to also uplift the rural communities of Kogelo and its surrounding areas. Soon, a stand-alone 3-Day/2-Night PRESIDENTIAL HERITAGE extension will be launched on 2AFRIKA, INC.’s website.
For further information on this Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Experience, visit us online at 2afrika.com or contact 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber on (212) 385-9770 (EST)
2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2AFRIKA, INC.’s Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber announced today in New York City that his company’s passengers may now take advantage of adding a 3-Day/2-Night extension to ALL of 2AFRIKA's Kenya and Tanzania Safaris to visit Kisumu and Kogelo to experience first-hand the ancestral homeland of president elect Barack H. Obama.
“Kenya needs you,” said Hieber as he made the announcement, “and what better timing as we stand at the threshold of a ‘new beginning’ to plan a Safari which includes a visit to the ancestral homeland of the first African-American President of the United States of America, Barack H. Obama!” he said.
Hieber plans to encourage visitors to East Africa to add the extension not only to imbibe the essence of the moment but to also uplift the rural communities of Kogelo and its surrounding areas. Soon, a stand-alone 3-Day/2-Night PRESIDENTIAL HERITAGE extension will be launched on 2AFRIKA, INC.’s website.
For further information on this Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Experience, visit us online at 2afrika.com or contact 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber on (212) 385-9770 (EST)
2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism
2AFRIKA, INC. PAYS RESPECT TO MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. – a message from 2AFRIKA’s Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber
MONDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“There can be no denying the fact that today is an extremely emotional day for me” said 2AFRIKA’s Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber in his ONE VOICE FROM AFRICA podcast. “In my lifetime, I have witnessed several life-altering historical events. From being huddled around the wireless back in Africa and hearing ‘The Eagle Has Landed’ in 1969 to fleeing from the horror of 9/11 in 2001, nothing has touched me more significantly than witnessing the inauguration of President Nelson R. Mandela as the first black President of my country, South Africa and as I eagerly await tomorrow when Barack H. Obama becomes the first Africa-American President of the United States of America, I feel a sense of pride at being a part of this great nation. And so today, as all of us here in the United States of America pay our respect to Martin Luther King Jr. who would have turned 80 years old today, I remind myself of the well known I HAVE A DREAM speech and wonder, just for a moment, how Dr. King might have felt about tomorrow’s historic inauguration were it not that his life was stolen from him at such a young age.”
As a global audience awaits the inauguration of president elect Barack H. Obama, let us remind ourselves of the events of August 28th, 1963 and the words of wisdom as delivered by the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."
And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!
But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
For further information on this Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Experience, visit us online at 2afrika.com or contact 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber on (212) 385-9770 (EST)
2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“There can be no denying the fact that today is an extremely emotional day for me” said 2AFRIKA’s Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber in his ONE VOICE FROM AFRICA podcast. “In my lifetime, I have witnessed several life-altering historical events. From being huddled around the wireless back in Africa and hearing ‘The Eagle Has Landed’ in 1969 to fleeing from the horror of 9/11 in 2001, nothing has touched me more significantly than witnessing the inauguration of President Nelson R. Mandela as the first black President of my country, South Africa and as I eagerly await tomorrow when Barack H. Obama becomes the first Africa-American President of the United States of America, I feel a sense of pride at being a part of this great nation. And so today, as all of us here in the United States of America pay our respect to Martin Luther King Jr. who would have turned 80 years old today, I remind myself of the well known I HAVE A DREAM speech and wonder, just for a moment, how Dr. King might have felt about tomorrow’s historic inauguration were it not that his life was stolen from him at such a young age.”
As a global audience awaits the inauguration of president elect Barack H. Obama, let us remind ourselves of the events of August 28th, 1963 and the words of wisdom as delivered by the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."
And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!
But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
For further information on this Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Experience, visit us online at 2afrika.com or contact 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber on (212) 385-9770 (EST)
2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism
IN THEIR OWN WORDS – Just back from Kenya & Tanzania – a report back from 2AFRIKA’s valued passengers
MONDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jambo! Mr. Hieber,
I too am missing the warm days we enjoyed under the African sun. It is below zero tonight here at Notre Dame. We had a truly wonderful beach vacation and Safari. The people, places and amazing experience of the game we viewed on our safari will long be remembered.
You can imagine our surprise in Mombasa at the airport when we were identified by a big sign saying, "Ken's Group." We immediately renamed ourselves "Ken's Girls" much to the delight of all the meeters/greeters we met along the way.
The ticket issues resolved nicely and I have already applied for a refund on the extra flight I had purchased in case we would have to fly to Mombasa to begin our trip home. (I see what you mean about the Nairobi Airport...it was an experience! We would never have made a forty minute connection).
We really enjoyed the Whitesands at Mombasa! We had room facing the Indian Ocean with a swell porch, and we were only steps from the "Quiet Zone," a pool and garden with no children or loud music. Just super! And what a grand New Years Eve we celebrated with an outdoor banquet, a band, and spectacular fireworks at midnight!
Our game guide, Shaba, knocked himself out to help us enjoy a fantastic safari. He was both knowledgeable and very personable. We really appreciated him. The warmth of the African people delighted us over and over again especially with the service personnel at both the Sopa and Serena Lodges.
We couldn't give the Manyara Hotel much...hot rooms with no fans, even the dining room was so hot we couldn't enjoy dinner. The management was rude to Shaba and refused to give him ice for the cooler. I spoke to him as a guest and told him that we wanted to be able to recommend his hotel, but would find that impossible if he weren't more helpful to his guests and their drivers. We got the ice eventually, but noted that even the wait staff there did not seem to exhibit that characteristic African charm we had experienced everywhere else. In all fairness, though, the Manyara did have many excellent baboons!!!!
Thomas and Dominic helped us confirm the tickets and show us around Nairobi. We enjoyed our day of sightseeing with them; you were so right about attempting to get around the city alone. It's not a very safe place so we were glad for the guide and driver. What a wonderful lunch and afternoon we enjoyed at the Macushla House! Because we had a late lunch (and it was so good), we knew that we could not eat another morsel so we asked Thomas to skip the Carnivore Restaurant. Perhaps the next time!
Our flights home were uneventful (the very best way to fly, don't you agree?) Thomas stayed with us until we completed the slowest check in since aviation began.
Thank you so much for some wonderful days under the African sun. Your arrangements were just what we wanted, and we were grateful for your help with the luggage fiasco. Yes, I have the Precision Air report and the receipt for the $200.00 luggage delivery charge. The trip was put on a MasterCard Elite Level which I checked for lost luggage coverage. Yes, it does include that protection so I'll call Customer Service tomorrow for details hopefully to get a reimbursement. Thanks for that suggestion. If I get a hassle, I may need to draw on your expertise one more time.
I noted that the Nairobi charges were put on my card 1060.00 USD. Which is what we agreed upon; however, I wonder if there might be an adjustment since we did not dine at the Carnivore. Otherwise, everything seems in order. Please advise!
Again, many thanks for your kind attention to our every dilemma. My friends and I are grateful. We are already talking about starting to save for a trip to the Seychelles, Madagascar, and Mauritius in the next two or three years. We hope to be working with you again. Meanwhile, we will endure a bitter winter in the Midwest while our hearts are still in sunny Africa!
All the best,
Sr. CE
For further information on this Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Experience, visit us online at 2afrika.com or contact 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber on (212) 385-9770 (EST)
2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jambo! Mr. Hieber,
I too am missing the warm days we enjoyed under the African sun. It is below zero tonight here at Notre Dame. We had a truly wonderful beach vacation and Safari. The people, places and amazing experience of the game we viewed on our safari will long be remembered.
You can imagine our surprise in Mombasa at the airport when we were identified by a big sign saying, "Ken's Group." We immediately renamed ourselves "Ken's Girls" much to the delight of all the meeters/greeters we met along the way.
The ticket issues resolved nicely and I have already applied for a refund on the extra flight I had purchased in case we would have to fly to Mombasa to begin our trip home. (I see what you mean about the Nairobi Airport...it was an experience! We would never have made a forty minute connection).
We really enjoyed the Whitesands at Mombasa! We had room facing the Indian Ocean with a swell porch, and we were only steps from the "Quiet Zone," a pool and garden with no children or loud music. Just super! And what a grand New Years Eve we celebrated with an outdoor banquet, a band, and spectacular fireworks at midnight!
Our game guide, Shaba, knocked himself out to help us enjoy a fantastic safari. He was both knowledgeable and very personable. We really appreciated him. The warmth of the African people delighted us over and over again especially with the service personnel at both the Sopa and Serena Lodges.
We couldn't give the Manyara Hotel much...hot rooms with no fans, even the dining room was so hot we couldn't enjoy dinner. The management was rude to Shaba and refused to give him ice for the cooler. I spoke to him as a guest and told him that we wanted to be able to recommend his hotel, but would find that impossible if he weren't more helpful to his guests and their drivers. We got the ice eventually, but noted that even the wait staff there did not seem to exhibit that characteristic African charm we had experienced everywhere else. In all fairness, though, the Manyara did have many excellent baboons!!!!
Thomas and Dominic helped us confirm the tickets and show us around Nairobi. We enjoyed our day of sightseeing with them; you were so right about attempting to get around the city alone. It's not a very safe place so we were glad for the guide and driver. What a wonderful lunch and afternoon we enjoyed at the Macushla House! Because we had a late lunch (and it was so good), we knew that we could not eat another morsel so we asked Thomas to skip the Carnivore Restaurant. Perhaps the next time!
Our flights home were uneventful (the very best way to fly, don't you agree?) Thomas stayed with us until we completed the slowest check in since aviation began.
Thank you so much for some wonderful days under the African sun. Your arrangements were just what we wanted, and we were grateful for your help with the luggage fiasco. Yes, I have the Precision Air report and the receipt for the $200.00 luggage delivery charge. The trip was put on a MasterCard Elite Level which I checked for lost luggage coverage. Yes, it does include that protection so I'll call Customer Service tomorrow for details hopefully to get a reimbursement. Thanks for that suggestion. If I get a hassle, I may need to draw on your expertise one more time.
I noted that the Nairobi charges were put on my card 1060.00 USD. Which is what we agreed upon; however, I wonder if there might be an adjustment since we did not dine at the Carnivore. Otherwise, everything seems in order. Please advise!
Again, many thanks for your kind attention to our every dilemma. My friends and I are grateful. We are already talking about starting to save for a trip to the Seychelles, Madagascar, and Mauritius in the next two or three years. We hope to be working with you again. Meanwhile, we will endure a bitter winter in the Midwest while our hearts are still in sunny Africa!
All the best,
Sr. CE
For further information on this Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Experience, visit us online at 2afrika.com or contact 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber on (212) 385-9770 (EST)
2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism
Friday, January 2, 2009
KIFARU - an information bulletin from 2AFRIKA’s Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber
FRIDAY, JANUARY 02ND, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In preparation for upcoming editorial coverage Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel 40 BEST DEALS, 2AFRIKA, INC. has revised the ‘blue-print’ for KIFARU, a scheduled 9-Day escorted Safari in Tanzania.
Effective immediately, the NEW Itinerary-At-A-Glance is available for viewing online.
With a lead in price starting from only $2,999 per person, KIFARU is slated to become the company’s next ‘best seller’ to East Africa. During certain seasons, this air-inclusive Safari offers single travelers the opportunity of traveling without paying a single supplement.
As a Value Added item to KIFARU, 2AFRIKA is giving a $100 coupon to anyone who reserves online using the code AFBT09 to be redeemed toward the purchase of a Balloon Flight over the Serengeti Plains thus reducing the cost of a memorable experience to $399 per person! (this exclusive offer is only valid for new reservations originating on or after Friday, January 02nd, 2009 and may not be redeemed for cash or for part payment of the air or land arrangements for KIFARU).
2009 has been declared the Year of the Gorilla (YoG) and 2AFRIKA recommends an enhancing extension to nearby Rwanda for passengers wishing to view these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Additionally, the ever popular Doors of Zanzibar is currently undergoing repricing and will soon be relaunched in its new format with lower prices. Passengers wishing to take a Safari to Tanzania in 2009 are encouraged to consider KIFARU as their preferred Safari and enhance their experience with a variety of extensions E.G. a full day Mt. Kilimanjaro Hike, a gorilla track in Rwanda, a visit to the Spice Islands and of course, to take full advantage of a balloon flight over the Serengeti for only $399 per person.
Mt. Kilimanjaro is featured in Frommer’s 500 places to see before they disappear #9 and Tanzania is featured in Frommer’s 10 Places to Sight Big Game.
For further details and information, view KIFARU online now!
Got questions? Call, email or visit us at One Eleven John. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience Africa!
For further information on this Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Experience, visit us online at 2afrika.com or contact 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber on (212) 385-9770 (EST)
2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In preparation for upcoming editorial coverage Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel 40 BEST DEALS, 2AFRIKA, INC. has revised the ‘blue-print’ for KIFARU, a scheduled 9-Day escorted Safari in Tanzania.
Effective immediately, the NEW Itinerary-At-A-Glance is available for viewing online.
With a lead in price starting from only $2,999 per person, KIFARU is slated to become the company’s next ‘best seller’ to East Africa. During certain seasons, this air-inclusive Safari offers single travelers the opportunity of traveling without paying a single supplement.
As a Value Added item to KIFARU, 2AFRIKA is giving a $100 coupon to anyone who reserves online using the code AFBT09 to be redeemed toward the purchase of a Balloon Flight over the Serengeti Plains thus reducing the cost of a memorable experience to $399 per person! (this exclusive offer is only valid for new reservations originating on or after Friday, January 02nd, 2009 and may not be redeemed for cash or for part payment of the air or land arrangements for KIFARU).
2009 has been declared the Year of the Gorilla (YoG) and 2AFRIKA recommends an enhancing extension to nearby Rwanda for passengers wishing to view these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Additionally, the ever popular Doors of Zanzibar is currently undergoing repricing and will soon be relaunched in its new format with lower prices. Passengers wishing to take a Safari to Tanzania in 2009 are encouraged to consider KIFARU as their preferred Safari and enhance their experience with a variety of extensions E.G. a full day Mt. Kilimanjaro Hike, a gorilla track in Rwanda, a visit to the Spice Islands and of course, to take full advantage of a balloon flight over the Serengeti for only $399 per person.
Mt. Kilimanjaro is featured in Frommer’s 500 places to see before they disappear #9 and Tanzania is featured in Frommer’s 10 Places to Sight Big Game.
For further details and information, view KIFARU online now!
Got questions? Call, email or visit us at One Eleven John. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience Africa!
For further information on this Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Experience, visit us online at 2afrika.com or contact 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber on (212) 385-9770 (EST)
2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism
2009: Year of the Gorilla . . . as reported by Petz Scholtus, Barcelona, Spain on January 01, 2009
FRIDAY, JANUARY 02ND, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2009 has been declared the Year of the Gorilla (YoG) in order to avoid the extinction of the largest living primate, by the UNEP Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the UNEP/UNESCO Great Ape Survival Partnership (GRASP) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). After similar schemes for dolphins and turtles, "the Year of the Gorilla 2009 will place gorillas on a higher pedestal," says John Mshelbwala, U.N. Convention of Migratory Species expert. Gorillas, whose DNA is almost 100% identical to that of humans, are one of the most endangered species on the planet.
UNEP warns that gorillas will become extinct in the next few decades if no action is taken. In the last decade, the number of Lowland Gorillas in The Republic of Congo for example, dropped from 17,000 to 5,000, with only 700 Mountain Gorillas left, according to UNEP. Worldwide, optimists believe there are some 200,000 gorillas left, while pessimists say there are only 6,000 left. The reasons are illegal hunting for ‘bushmeat’, deforestation, slash-and-burn agriculture, diseases like the Ebola virus and armed conflict.
The UN hopes to improve the situation of these apes by celebrating 2009 as the Year of the Gorilla. Action will be taken to better their habitat and to bring on peace in the areas where gorillas live. One such a solution is to create eco-tourism programs in order to develop sustainable habitats and avoid armed conflicts and illegal hunting. Convention executive secretary Robert Hepworth says that the initiative hopes to attract at least $630,000 dollars in donations.
The world-renowned great ape conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall is the official campaign patron. In the UK, the Year of the Gorilla 2009 Campaign will be launched at the Ice Rink of the Natural History Museum in London on Thursday January 15th between 10:00AM and 12:00PM. YoG2009.org explains that a small troupe of ice skating "gorillas" will put on a display for the international media in a bid to draw attention to the dwindling number of gorillas living in the wild and the multitude of threats they are facing. The real gorillas, like those performing at the Natural History Museum, are skating on very thin ice!
For further details and information, visit Yog2009.org online now!
Featured in Frommer's 500 places to see before they disappear in position #157, shouldn't you act now?
For further information on this Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Experience, visit us online at 2afrika.com or contact 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber on (212) 385-9770 (EST)
2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2009 has been declared the Year of the Gorilla (YoG) in order to avoid the extinction of the largest living primate, by the UNEP Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the UNEP/UNESCO Great Ape Survival Partnership (GRASP) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). After similar schemes for dolphins and turtles, "the Year of the Gorilla 2009 will place gorillas on a higher pedestal," says John Mshelbwala, U.N. Convention of Migratory Species expert. Gorillas, whose DNA is almost 100% identical to that of humans, are one of the most endangered species on the planet.
UNEP warns that gorillas will become extinct in the next few decades if no action is taken. In the last decade, the number of Lowland Gorillas in The Republic of Congo for example, dropped from 17,000 to 5,000, with only 700 Mountain Gorillas left, according to UNEP. Worldwide, optimists believe there are some 200,000 gorillas left, while pessimists say there are only 6,000 left. The reasons are illegal hunting for ‘bushmeat’, deforestation, slash-and-burn agriculture, diseases like the Ebola virus and armed conflict.
The UN hopes to improve the situation of these apes by celebrating 2009 as the Year of the Gorilla. Action will be taken to better their habitat and to bring on peace in the areas where gorillas live. One such a solution is to create eco-tourism programs in order to develop sustainable habitats and avoid armed conflicts and illegal hunting. Convention executive secretary Robert Hepworth says that the initiative hopes to attract at least $630,000 dollars in donations.
The world-renowned great ape conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall is the official campaign patron. In the UK, the Year of the Gorilla 2009 Campaign will be launched at the Ice Rink of the Natural History Museum in London on Thursday January 15th between 10:00AM and 12:00PM. YoG2009.org explains that a small troupe of ice skating "gorillas" will put on a display for the international media in a bid to draw attention to the dwindling number of gorillas living in the wild and the multitude of threats they are facing. The real gorillas, like those performing at the Natural History Museum, are skating on very thin ice!
For further details and information, visit Yog2009.org online now!
Featured in Frommer's 500 places to see before they disappear in position #157, shouldn't you act now?
For further information on this Blog post or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Experience, visit us online at 2afrika.com or contact 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber on (212) 385-9770 (EST)
2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism
QINISELA – a 2009 wish from 2AFRIKA’s Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber
THURSDAY, JANUARY 01ST, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Greetings – and Happy New Year!
What a celebration of life 2008 was! Learning, adapting, losing, winning, unstable times, losing again, HOPE for the future, winning again – but this January 01st, we’re here to tell the story and that unto itself is winning!
To all of my very valued passengers, wherever you find yourselves this January 01st, I extend my warmest African wishes for a very Happy New Year. There can be no doubt that there are many mountains to climb this year but I have every faith that we all can and we all will.
HAPPY NEW YEAR – put another way, my message for each and every one of you is one simple word!
QINISELA!
In the Zulu Language this means PERSEVERE – no matter where you find yourself in 2009, no matter what challenges you face, no matter how bleak times may appear, no matter how tough times may get, QINISELA! PERSEVERE!
For it is in perseverance that we win. Each and every one of us! From my U.S. team, my African team and me may you and yours be richly blessed with health, wealth and happiness but above all, PEACE for all mankind in the year that lies ahead.
As always, my warmest African wishes to you.
Kenneth R. Hieber
Founder & President
2AFRIKA, INC.
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Greetings – and Happy New Year!
What a celebration of life 2008 was! Learning, adapting, losing, winning, unstable times, losing again, HOPE for the future, winning again – but this January 01st, we’re here to tell the story and that unto itself is winning!
To all of my very valued passengers, wherever you find yourselves this January 01st, I extend my warmest African wishes for a very Happy New Year. There can be no doubt that there are many mountains to climb this year but I have every faith that we all can and we all will.
HAPPY NEW YEAR – put another way, my message for each and every one of you is one simple word!
QINISELA!
In the Zulu Language this means PERSEVERE – no matter where you find yourself in 2009, no matter what challenges you face, no matter how bleak times may appear, no matter how tough times may get, QINISELA! PERSEVERE!
For it is in perseverance that we win. Each and every one of us! From my U.S. team, my African team and me may you and yours be richly blessed with health, wealth and happiness but above all, PEACE for all mankind in the year that lies ahead.
As always, my warmest African wishes to you.
Kenneth R. Hieber
Founder & President
2AFRIKA, INC.
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