CYCLING in Africa is breathtaking. The trails, the people, the culture. But sadly the recent troubles have meant that even the simple of pleasure or riding through this mysterious land has been disrupted.
Several mountain bike companies operate holidays and tours in Africa, with specific treks that take in not only the game parks but back streets and mountains.
Escape Adventures is one such company that specialises in intimate treks - with particular sensitivity to the local people, economy and culture. Their tours have been set up specifically to help generate income in the poorest areas, and were awarded the status of a Responsible Travel company.
But the troubles in Kenya have disrupted their work.
This year, treks which normally travel from Dar Es Salaam and Nairobi have had to be cut short.
Mandy, owner of Escape Adventures, said: 'The situation in Kenya this year has been a real bummer. The power struggle between two politicians has effected the lives of many and set the country's economy back years. And if things weren't tough enough, the media exacerbated things by exaggerating reports, generalising localised events and replaying old news when they had no new news.'
For anyone who has witnessed life in Kenya first hand, they will appreciate that getting to the heart of the story has not been easy.
The coverage by the BBC is thorough, Riots have been a major problem. Getting a true picture of the situation is not easy but there are a few blogs out there worth reading.
tourism failures
Many adds: 'Over a period of a couple of weeks Kenya went from one of the most reliable economies in Africa, to zero tourism. In Mombassa 120 000 people working in tourism lost their jobs.'
Hope now lies with the presidents.
Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki has announced a new cabinet to cement a power-sharing deal designed to end the country's political crisis following controversial 27 December presidential elections.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who said he had been robbed of victory in the poll, has become prime minister under the power-sharing agreement.
Mandy adds: 'Finally with an agreement for two leaders to share power - the situation has calmed although life in some areas must be tough with homes and schools destroyed and the tourism industry ruined. Smiley and the rest of our friends in Nairobi and surrounds are OK although business is much skinnier than before. Unfortunately no one is booking to travel to Kenya this year - so we are leading our trip in Tanzania only this year. It was a hard decision to make (especially at a time when Kenya needs our support more than ever), but with no one travelling to Kenya it was that or nothing for us. We are looking forward to returning to our normal Kenya and Tanzania itinerary again in 2009.'
For more on Escape Adventures see http://escapeadventures.co.nz/
Comments