A new super project is underway in Nairobi, with Pinnacle Towers set to become the tallest building in Africa when completed in 2020.
In the smaller of two towers will be a 255-guest room and suite Hilton hotel, spread out over 45 floors. A taller 330-metre, 67-storey tower will house offices, a shopping mall and entertainment complex.
The project, a co-development by Hass Petroleum and Dubai-based White Lotus Projects, is expected to cost Ksh20 billion ($190 million).
There’s still some catching up to do with Dubai, however, which is building the world’s tallest tower (again), dwarfing the Burj Khalifa, which currently holds that title at 154 storeys, or 830 metres high.
Rwanda’s gorilla tracking fees double
Meanwhile, Rwanda last month doubled its gorilla permit fees from $750 to $1500, prompting an outcry from many in the tourism industry, who condemned it as as a measure that would put it out of reach of most visitors.
Rwanda’s chief tourism officer, Belise Kariza, justified the measure, saying: “The percentage of the permit fee that is returned to local communities, contributing towards the funding of schools, hospitals and libraries, has also doubled to ensure that tourism in Rwanda remains sustainable and gives something back to communities across the country.”
Go Chimp tracking in Uganda
For those unwilling to fork out the higher price tag, there’s always Uganda, where it costs $600, or Democratic Republic of Congo, a more affordable $400. East African residents currently qualify for a discount on Rwandan and Ugandan rates.
If the gorillas seems too pricey, then what about a spot of chimp tracking? One & Only’s latest Rwandan property, Nyungwe House, is making its debut this autumn after coming under new management and undergoing an extensive refurbishment.
The property is situated in a tea plantation on the on the edge of the huge but little-visited Nyungwe National Park. More than 13 primate species reside in the forest, and guests will be able to take excursions to view habituated, rare species of chimpanzees living there. www.oneandonlyresorts.com
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