SLUM TOURISM’S MIXED MESSAGE
Tour operators in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi are stirring up plenty of controversy by taking tourists through Kibera – one of the largest slums in Africa
WHILE tens of thousands of foreign visitors flock to Kenya’s safari parks and the endless sandy beaches, others opt for so-called “slum tourism”.
For $33 per person, tour operators reveal one of Africa’s largest slums – the Kibera slum in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.
The tour operators claim such tours raise awareness about poverty and bring much-needed income to the slum dwellers.
Many residents of Kibera, however, say they do not gain anything as the tourists merely take photos of their plight. And yet, some tourists see it from another perspective.
“We are blessed to be here,” said Bahare Bahrampoor, 29, a public health worker from Denmark who is visiting the slum with her friend Laure Willemen, of Belgium.
“We are amazed to see how people help and support each other to tackle their everyday problems,” she said.
Willemen said they had a discussion about how to behave and what to do in the slum, to ensure they did not treat it “like a safari”.
To this end, the pair decided not to take photographs during their visit.
She said they chose to go on the tour because they wanted to see how people helped each other with various projects, and because their money would help with some causes.
Asked how they would respond to criticism of the tour being “poverty voyeurism”, Willemen said it was “very serious criticism and we should continue to take it seriously”. MAURITIUS FEELING romantic? Renew your marriage vows at sunset in a spiritual beach ceremony in Mauritius when staying at the Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort.
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There is no charge for the ceremony, which takes place on Fridays at sunset.
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NORTHERN TERRITORY GET 25 per cent off Adventure Tours Australia’s October 19 departure of their five-day Top End Adventure in the Northern Territory.
Beginning in Darwin, travel by 4WD to discover the hidden corners and tumbling waterfalls of Kakadu National Park, take a billabong cruise on Mary River to get up close to saltwater crocodiles, cool off at the rock pools and waterholes of Nitmiluk National Park, learn about ancient Aboriginal culture and enjoy bush tucker, didgeridoo demonstrations and see stunning Aboriginal rock art dating back 20,000 years.
The trip costs $957 per person in a multi-share room, a saving of $324, and includes accommodation, transport, some meals and activities and an expert local leader.
adventuretours.com.au
AIRFARES MALAYSIA Airlines has released its early bird specials to London from Australia.
Fly to London from Sydney in economy from $1277, and in business from $5482.
The fares are on sale until October 31 for travel between April 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017.
The airline flies to its Kuala Lumpur base from Sydney twice daily. It also offers a twice-daily A380 operation to London Heathrow Terminal 4 from KL.
malaysiaairlines.com
MELBOURNE MELBOURNE’S Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens is celebrating being named winner of the 2016 HM Award for Best Upscale Hotel in Australia with the Exclusive Celebration Package offering guests one night’s accommodation for $249.
The package includes a complimentary upgrade to Business Class, a complimentary bottle of wine, unlimited in-house movies plus a late check-out of 12pm. This offer is available until December 31, 2016.
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