Upsetting news this morning learning that Rafiki, a 25-year-old silverback mountain gorilla in Uganda has been killed by poachers.
Rafiki was the only mature male in a group of 17 gorillas so the future will be uncertain for a subspecies that in recent years has been brought back from the brink of extinction.
Authorities in Uganda have arrested four suspected poachers in western Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The last time a mountain gorilla died at the hands of humans was in 2011.
Rafiki went missing on the 1st of June and rangers found his mutilated body the following day. They tracked a suspect to a nearby village, where they found bushmeat as well as snares, a spear, and bells to be strapped to the collars of hunting dogs. The poacher admitted that he and three others had been hunting antelope in the park and that he killed Rafiki in self-defence after the animal attacked.
Under Uganda’s laws, the four men face life imprisonment or a fine of $5.4 million if found guilty of killing an endangered species.
There have been many warnings of late from conservationists and government officials that the coronavirus pandemic and various lockdowns could force people to poach out of desperation. A nationwide curfew has closed national parks and suspended ecotourism expeditions to see the gorillas in their natural habitat, and with this, the main source of revenue for gorilla conservation was gone.
Gorilla Population Increases
Following decades of civil war and poaching, mountain gorillas have undergone an incredible revival in recent years. The population dropped to around 350 animals in the 1980s but now number more than a thousand individuals. These are split between two main populations in Bwindi and a network of parks in the Virunga range of extinct volcanoes. In 2018, the International Union for Conservation of Nature upgraded their status from critically endangered to endangered
It is possible that another silverback mountain gorilla not used to people as Rafiki was, could take over the group, driving the animals away from tourists and therefore disrupting the region’s economy.
When silverbacks have died in the past, the remaining members often divide into other groups where infants can be killed by other silverbacks.
Despite the challenges, conservationists are determined not to lose the gains made by decades of work to protect this incredible species.
Such sad news will ultimately only impact negatively on the community which could potentially see a loss in tourist income. Â
Everyone you speak to about visiting India describes how this Asia powerhouse is an assault on the senses and how never in their wildest dreams did they prepare themselves for the incredible experience that India delivers.
With spectacular cities, the white beaches of the Indian Ocean, the history and culture at every turn, the temples, the marble palaces, and the wonderful people who are so friendly and welcoming – India truly is for everyone.
The Taste of Asia and the region’s incredible cuisine are detailed in a guest blog from the Asia tour operator specialist Transindus. Or how about discovering another guest travel article highlighting the hidden gem in our Pachmarhi Travel Guide? Maybe wildlife is your thing then how about taking a trip to the Kaziranga National Park in North East India where Rhinos and Tigers roam!
Manufacturing is both good quality and value. So much so we have partnered with Fair Trade Hammock Manufacturer Tropilex who use sustainable weavers in India. Check out my holiday shop if you are interested in viewing these products.
In the main cities and towns, the most common and easiest form of transportation is an automated rickshaw, taxi, or private car.
For taxis always get a price before departing as meters are rarely switched on.
There are motorways in the north of India making travel there slightly more comfortable and quicker.
The domestic flight network is pretty comprehensive allowing you to travel greater distances quicker.
Buses are an option in some locations but these can be of varying levels of comfort and regularity.
For travellers keen on the railway experience then most major towns are connected by the daily Shatabdi trains.
Top Things To See & Do
Explore the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and marvel at its stunning white marble architecture.
Visit the historic Red Fort in Delhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its magnificent palaces, gardens, and museums.
Experience the vibrant culture and bustling streets of Mumbai, India’s financial capital, and visit landmarks like the Gateway of India and Marine Drive.
Take a boat ride on the serene backwaters of Kerala and admire the lush green landscapes, traditional houseboats, and serene villages.
Explore the ancient temples of Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges River.
Discover the majestic forts and palaces of Rajasthan, including the Amber Fort in Jaipur, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, and City Palace in Udaipur.
Go on a wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park or Bandhavgarh National Park and spot elusive Bengal tigers, leopards, and other exotic animals.
Visit the spiritual town of Haridwar and participate in the sacred ritual of Ganga Snan (holy bath) on the banks of the Ganges River.
Trek to the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes of Ladakh and explore monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, and Diskit.
Discover the architectural wonders of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its ancient temples, ruins, and boulder-strewn landscapes.
Experience the vibrant colours and cultural heritage of Rajasthan during the Pushkar Camel Fair, one of India’s most famous festivals.
Explore the bustling bazaars and narrow lanes of Old Delhi and sample delicious street food like chaat, samosas, and jalebis.
Take a scenic train journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Relax on the pristine beaches of Goa, known for their golden sands, turquoise waters, and vibrant beach shacks.
Witness the grandeur of the Mysore Palace in Karnataka, one of the most magnificent royal residences in India, and attend the colourful Dasara festival.
Visit the serene hill station of Munnar in Kerala and explore its lush tea plantations, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints.
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and visit temples like the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.
Explore the picturesque hill station of Ooty in Tamil Nadu and enjoy activities like boating on Ooty Lake, trekking in the Nilgiri Hills, and visiting the botanical gardens.
Discover the spiritual town of Bodh Gaya in Bihar, where Buddha attained enlightenment, and visit the Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree.
The Ranthambore National Park is famous for being home to the Tiger as well as a wide range of other wildlife such as sloth bears, birds and leopards.
Pre Bookable Excursions in India
More Information
The India Tourist Board provides a wide choice of useful information including places to go, things to do and what you can expect from the weather.
The effects of Covid 19 on business are everywhere so its difficult to single out any specific case however the plight of Chester Zoo came onto my radar this week.
With all Zoos closed, the devastating impact it is having on them is pretty stark – support them or close them. As an example, Chester Zoo, the UK’s largest charity-funded Zoo and known for its efforts in animal conversation is heading towards debt of more than £24m by the end of 2020 – financially crippling the business.
Chester Zoo welcomed two million people in 2019 and normally receives 97% of its income from visitors to cover the cost of its staff, 128-acre site, conservation and breeding projects not to mention the 35,000 animals. They alone need to raise £1.6m each month to keep going so this week put out a plea for help via their social media channels.
As always the Great British public has responded. As I post this £820,000+ from 43,000 donations has been raised which is just incredible.
During this COVID-19 crisis, the Zoo has developed its learning resources for children at home or at school with a range of subjects and topics for all ages. Even in the face of such a challenging time, it’s refreshing to see that their efforts remain focused on teaching the young about the importance of conservation and sustainability.
Let’s hope they get through this situation and get back to what they do so well.
Last week, like many others during this Covid crisis, I have been appalled at the sight of revellers in their thousands enjoying the sunshine at many of our stunning coastal resorts. This was highlighted tenfold with the images that came from Durdle Door in Dorset. Emergency services were called to rescue injured “Tombstoners” who along with a baying crowd on the beach thought it clever to jump off this famous site to the sea below. What made it even worse to stomach was the images of the beach litter subsequently left behind.
Why would anyone go to this iconic British site only to leave it looking like a refuse tip? If it was left like that would these idiots return the next day and bask amongst soiled nappies, tampons and rotten food? Would they want their children playing amongst this trash? There are just so many questions I would love to put directly to every member of public leaving that site to truly understand their thinking.
Volunteers Support
As always though I like to try and focus on the good people are doing often in the wake of such madness. One facebook post in particular caught my attention from Oliver Rush who witnessed the sheer volume of litter at this Jurassic Coast beauty spot.
I spoke to Oliver today and learned he is part of a wonderful volunteer team. These guys all offered their services free of charge to clean up the mess that was left behind. Incredibly a team of five including, amongst others, Oliver, Roy and Erin, managed thirteen clean ups over the weekend. Can you believe that, thirteen ! We are not just talking about a few culprits we are talking hundreds all with this mindset that ruining our coast and destroying our natural world is OK. That makes me sad and angry.
So what can we do to try and address these issues. We need to educate our children and those responsible and impose heavier fines. In a perfect world there should be increased surveillance however resources and costs will of course be an issue. We need to support these volunteers who put in the effort to clear up the mess and ensure those who do come to the coast with good intentions have a great time.
Without these volunteers our country would be in a pretty grim, foul and vile state.
Follow these guys groups on the links below. If you are local then why not get in contact and support them. If you are not nearby why not follow their lead in your locality. Its the least we can all do to try and re educate these people.

Contacts
Project Planet Oliver Rush alerted me to the efforts undertaken by this army of volunteers. In 2018, Oly was a plasterer and who on a day off, to go surfing, realised that fighting plastic pollution was to be his future.
@cleanjurassiccoast Roy Beal is a Jurassic Coast ambassador and looks to keep this World Heritage site free from litter.
So where do I start with Macau? How can I explain a 30 square kilometre territory of China that is as charming as it is nuts?
I had not planned to visit Macau but with a sporting event cancelled in Japan due to typhoon weather conditions, I had a couple of days to waste. Having “done” Hong Kong it was an adventure I craved and the opportunity to jump on a short ferry from Kowloon harbour in Hong Kong across to Macau was too good to resist!
Had I ever known anyone who had visited I would certainly have called upon them for advice. However, before I knew it, we were strapped into a ferry and in under an hour we were arriving in Macau – the Las Vegas of the East… oh and by the way I hate casinos!
Arriving at the port I soon discovered that the people were incredibly welcoming if a little robotic. Being told precisely where to stand in line for the shuttle to our hotel was a snapshot of what was to come. The many young school kids in the old town were so well turned out; some were collecting money for a local charity. They loved a small donation from a curious, if somewhat weird tourist such as me.
Macau’s skyline is dominated by the hideously gorgeous Grand Lisboa Hotel which is supposed to represent a golden lotus flower. In my world, it resembles a toy robot I had from the seventies. I loved my robot and I love this! Other incredible buildings are everywhere. A gentle afternoon stroll will bring you to various amazing sites such as the MGM, the Wynne, the bridge across to Hong Kong, the Macau Tower, and the Morpheus.
Macau is a city of two halves. The gaudy, the brash, the over-the-top strip of hotels and casinos. Then, in contrast, the charming if a little odd old town with a history to burn.
Getting Around
Macau does have an international airport which is mainly a transfer point for those travelling between Macau and Taiwan as well as a passenger hub for destinations in mainland China and South East Asia.
It is really handy to know that there is a ferry company called Turbojet that took us from Macau directly to Hong Kong airport with international air links to the UK or in our case onwards to Japan. The ferry operates about 14 times a week and is an hour however do check in advance for the latest timetable. The one-hour service from Hong Kong to Macau on the Cotai Water Jet ferry service goes 32 times a day and costs about £15 one way. Sadly there is no outside decking area on these ships so we were herded downstairs, told to strap in, and away we went for a journey into the unknown. The Bus system we did not use however from what we saw of the network there were many stops around town and well used by the locals. Rickshaws are available for hire but always get a price in advance before setting off.Â
Our Taxi experience was mixed. We were greeted on our daytime arrival at the ferry terminal by taxis who were on hand to whisk us off to our hotel in central Macau at a reasonable cost just 20 minutes away.
Places To Stay in Macau
The Macau Peninsula is the main where you will find the most densely populated parts of the city.
Cotai is a great place to stay for the nightlife. Cotai is a small strip of reclaimed land that connects the Taipa and Coloane islands.
Coloane is the southernmost island in Macau. It offers lush landscapes and mountainous terrain. The Taipa District is located between the Macau Peninsula and Cotai and is largely a residential neighbourhood At short notice, I managed to get a room at the beautifully appointed Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 Hotel in Old Macau where you will find a whole host of heritage attractions and iconic landmarks.Â
On arrival at Macau port, we headed across the walkway bridge to a shuttle bus pick-up area hosted by a team of ladies in what can only be described as “Thunderbirds” style hostess outfits. Simply marvellous and they were so friendly too.
The staff at the Sofitel throughout the stay were excellent and always keen to help. Not the cheapest hotel but with great food, staff, and location I think it was worth the expense considering we were arriving into the unknown given our last-minute plan to visit!
Macau By Day
In the Historic Centre, you will find the ruins of the Church of St. Paul. Built-in 1580, the building has suffered many fires throughout the centuries and today, you can only see the front of the church together with the 66 stone steps that lead up to it.
Senado Square is also in the historical centre – a picturesque area with colourful Victorian architectural facades reminiscent of a European city. Here the city is teaming with people out duty-free shopping, buying street food or taking selfies.
The back streets around the Church of St Paul are fascinating and full of character, life and unlimited opportunities for photographers to capture the real Macau. I particularly enjoyed witnessing a gentleman sitting alone in his front room singing Karaoke.
Macau At Night
At night this area became a street market full of souvenirs and children’s fete-type stalls like apple bobbing. In the main square was a display by traditional sword dancers.
Then there were the bright lights of Macau’s Casino strip. An ugly or a beautiful area of glitzy hotels with vast floors packed with people gambling 24/7. Bars and restaurants in this area were modern yet lacking in character and soul. Whilst not for me, it seemed that for many, this was their life, praying on the turn of a card.
The Macau Tower was an interesting excursion, worth it alone for the incredible views. To add to the enjoyment there were numerous restaurants, shops, and stalls selling everything from bling to custard tarts!
Macau is different – but I like that!
Top 20 Things To See & Do In Macau
Explore the historic ruins of St. Paul’s, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Macau’s most iconic landmarks.
Visit the Monte Fort, an ancient military fortification offering panoramic views of Macau’s skyline and the South China Sea.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Senado Square, the historic heart of Macau, with its charming Portuguese-style architecture and bustling shops and cafes.
Take a stroll through the picturesque streets of Taipa Village, known for its traditional Chinese houses, narrow lanes, and delicious street food.
Try your luck at the world-famous casinos of Macau, including the iconic Venetian Macao, MGM Grand, and Wynn Macau.
Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Macau Tower, one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world, and enjoy breathtaking views from its observation deck.
Explore the beautiful gardens and tranquil ponds of Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Macau.
Discover the rich maritime history of Macau at the Maritime Museum, which showcases exhibits on naval exploration, trade routes, and shipbuilding.
Experience the unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures at the A-Ma Temple, one of the oldest and most revered temples in Macau.
Take a leisurely walk along the scenic waterfront of Nam Van Lake, with its stunning views of the city skyline and modern skyscrapers.
Sample the delicious street food at Red Market, one of Macau’s oldest and most vibrant markets, known for its fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Visit the Macau Museum, housed in the historic Monte Fort, and learn about the fascinating history and culture of Macau through interactive exhibits and artefacts.
Explore the charming Coloane Village, known for its colourful colonial houses, quaint streets, and laid-back atmosphere.
Take a day trip to the beautiful beaches of Hac Sa and Cheoc Van, where you can relax on the golden sands, swim in the clear waters, and enjoy water sports.
Discover the unique fusion of East and West at the Mandarin’s House, a beautifully preserved traditional Chinese residence with Portuguese architectural influences.
Enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal at one of the many authentic restaurants in Macau, serving up delicious dishes like bacalhau, caldo verde, and pasteis de nata.
Take a scenic drive along the Guia Circuit, a historic racing track that winds its way through the hills of Macau, offering stunning views of the city below.
Explore Macau’s vibrant street art scene, with colourful murals and graffiti adorning the walls of buildings throughout the city.
Experience the excitement of Macau’s annual International Fireworks Display Contest, one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks competitions in the world.
Visit the iconic Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, a themed entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, and attractions inspired by different world cultures.
Pre Bookable Excursions in Macau
More Information
The Macao Government Tourist Office provides a wide choice of useful information including places to go, things to do and what you can expect from the weather.
