DUBAI, July 14 (Reuters) – Standard Chartered (STAN.L) said on Friday it has reached an agreement to sell its subsidiaries in five sub-Saharan African countries to Nigeria’s Access Bank, putting into motion a plan announced last year to divest those businesses.

Standard Chartered will sell its shareholding in its subsidiaries in Angola, Cameroon, Gambia and Sierra Leone to Access. It will also sell its consumer, private & business banking business in Tanzania to Access Bank, a subsidiary of Access Holdings (ACCESSCORP.LG).

Standard Chartered said in April last year that it would exit seven countries in Africa and the Middle East (AME) as it seeks to improve profits by focusing on faster-growing markets in the region.

“Access Bank will provide a full range of banking services and continuity for key stakeholders including employees and clients of Standard Chartered’s businesses across the five aforementioned countries,” Standard Chartered said in a statement.

The agreement is in line with Standard Chartered’s global strategy “aimed at achieving operational efficiencies, reducing complexity, and driving scale,” it said.

A value for the deal, which is expected to be completed in the next year, was not disclosed. The deals are subject to regulatory approvals in each of the countries as well as in Nigeria.

“This strategic decision allows us to redirect resources within the AME region to other areas with significant growth potential,” Sunil Kaushal, Standard Chartered’s regional CEO for AME, said in the statement.

The statement said the deal would help Access “build a strong global franchise focused on serving as a gateway for payments, investment, and trade within Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world”.

“With our recent European expansion and our deepened presence in key trading corridors across Africa, we will bridge the gap between cross-border and domestic transfers across all business segments,” Access Group Managing Director Roosevelt Ogbonna said in the statement.

(This story has been officially corrected to say that StanChart is not exiting its sub-Saharan African business entirely).

When renting a car while on vacation, your first thought might be how many passengers you will have or if you will share the driving with someone else. Then, you might take into account the refueling options and the return times to avoid penalty fees. However, you should also consider other factors like weather, safety, insurance, and how the car fits you as a driver. These factors will directly impact your driving experience and, if ignored, can make your vacation unnecessarily stressful. So, as you plan your next travel or vacation, follow the steps below before you drive off in your rental car in Tanzania:

1. Consult Your Insurance Agent

Many car rental companies provide insurance packages. In turn, many insurance companies include rental cars in their packages. Prior to booking your rental car, check with your auto insurance agent to see if your policy includes coverage when driving a rental car. Additionally, be sure to list all possible drivers on the rental agreement.

2. Review Basic State Driving Laws

Driving activities legal in your state might not be legal in the state to which you are traveling.

In Tanzania, foreign visitors are permitted to drive with their valid International driving permits for six months. Residents of the foreign countries may also use in Tanzania their domestic valid driver licenses for six months after their validation by local traffic authorities. Everybody who is going to stay in Tanzania for more than six months is required to obtain a Tanzanian driver license. Foreign registered vehicles are admitted into Tanzania for 14 days. The term may be lasted up to three months.

The main Tanzanian road traffic rules:

• Driving is on the left hand side.
• The minimum driving age is 18 years.
• Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and passengers in the front seat.
• Motorcycle helmets are required for all riders.
• The third-party liability insurance is required.
• The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.08 %.
• The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h (31 mph), outside urban areas – 80km/h (50 mph).
• The police phone numbers are 112 and 999.

3. Rent a Car You Know You Can Drive

Double check that the company has the vehicle you want. Rental companies often offer small vehicles, such as compact sedans, at lower rates. Many of these vehicles might not include four-wheel drive or navigation systems, car features to which many drivers are accustomed. You will need to make the decision if the bargain price is worth the reduced features, especially when it comes to safety. For example; Land cruiser Prado, Toyota Rav4, Safari land cruiser, Safari Van, Coaster Bus, and Nissan Patrol among others.

Manual Gearbox

Manual transmissions are for those drivers who like to be hands-on with their cars. The gearbox is located in the middle of the front seats or right next to the steering wheel in some cars. Driving a manual car requires plenty of skill because you have to switch between three controls; the clutch, stick shift, and the gas pedal.

Automatic Gearbox

Cars on automatic transmission follow the same mechanism as manual cars. The only difference is that everything is done automatically hence, the driver has less work to do. Shifting of gears is done for you so you only have to think about the gas pedal and braking.

4. Consider the Weather

Are you traveling to a city known for its rainy conditions or early nightfall? Don’t be too enticed by the cheapest rental model. Think less of style and more of practicality if you have a choice of color. Recall, cars that are brighter and lighter in color, such as white or gold, are easier to spot in the dark and during heavy rainfall.

5. Check Your Rental Vehicle before You Drive

Before you drive off the lot, do a 360-degree inspection of the vehicle. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the vehicle before your first trip. Make note of any preexisting dents, scratches, or issues with the vehicle and share this with your rental agent to include in the paperwork. If you notice significant damage, it might be best to request a different vehicle.

6. Fit the Car to the Driver

Just as you adjust your own vehicle for maximum comfort and visibility, you must do the same for your rental car. Even just a few inches in seat-height difference can make a significant change in your visibility. There are three important aspects of how your car “fits” that you should check every time you get behind the wheel. First, properly adjust your side and rearview mirrors to minimize blind spots. Secondly, adjust your seat for good foot positioning on your brake and gas pedals. You never want to have to reach for the pedals with your toes, as this can result in leg fatigue and slowed reaction times. Finally, position your seat so that you have at least 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel. This space cushion reduces the risk of serious injury in the event of a collision or airbag deployment.

In conclusion, for more steps on how to stay safe on the road consult Carrentaltanzania.com. Traveling to a new destination means you’re likely going to a place where you don’t typically drive or may not be familiar with all state-specific driving laws. If you took a flight to this destination, it also means you’ll have to rent a car, so you’ll be driving a car that is not your own.

Hundreds of international tourists flock every year to Uganda as one of the most beautiful travel destination in Africa. Uganda continues to be a favorite gorilla trekking safari spot in many aspects for both budget and luxury travelers. With the amazing mountain gorillas, Lakes, Rivers, food, natural scenery, beautiful islands, Chimpanzees, Wildlife, cities, as well as the friendly happy people, there are plenty of reasons to travel to Uganda.

Spectacular Beauty

Where in Africa can you find   stunning rain forest , warm weather, birds, mountains, wildlife ,primates, lakes, Rivers, mountains, volcanoes and much more its only Uganda the Pearl of Africa a perfect destination for all kinds of Africa safari tours. Are you looking for the best travel destination in Africa? look no further other than Uganda. A trip to Uganda is like a beautiful dream where you have pinch yourself to believe what your eyes are seeing. Just explore the country on a budget Uganda safari, luxury or rent a car and discover the wonderful country beauty on your own with the help of a map.

Multi Culture Country

Uganda has long been a cultural melting pot evidenced by the existence of 30-plus different indigenous languages belonging to five different linguistic groups. The most ancient is still seen in the Batwa (pygmies) the famous known forest hunters that occupied much of East Africa living behind a living legacy in Bwindi forest national Park, Mgahinga National Park and Nyero rocks. Don’t miss to enjoy the traditional music and dances from Uganda trips and different ways of worship on of the main reasons you will definitely visit Uganda again or recommend it to friends and family.

Gorilla Haven

Uganda is a top known gorilla trekking safari country that is affordable and amazing for any kind of traveler. With the two mountain gorilla national parks; Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forest, the country owns half of the living mountain gorillas in the world. It’s only in Uganda where you can track gorillas and hike the volcanoes, track gorillas and golden monkeys and also explore the other nearby tourist attractions like the Lake Mutanda and Bunyonyi island at a cost friendly rate. If you not a high end traveler or you want to track gorillas on a midrange budget Uganda in the finest destination we would recommend.

Ecotourism Experience

Beyond doubt Uganda is another special eco tourism paradise destination. If you want to enjoy your vacation holiday in an eco friendly destination, then visit Uganda and get experience firsthand nature, wildlife, landscape etc. Green vegetation is everywhere a colour that reigns year round. All you need is a day or two or three to get lost in nature tourism and relax.

Most Hospitable Country

Though Uganda has a thousand reasons to be visited, can’t forget the hospitality of the people-travel agents, national park rangers, lodge and hotel staff to mention but a few. Once you fly to Uganda comfort starts immediately as you land feeling as if you have just visited your old friends. Those on long stays find it amazing to walk around and even explore some areas on their own. The country is very safe no matter when you chose to visit.

Earlier this year the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa were named at a ceremony in Arusha, Tanzania considered with tourism destination in Africa. Here are these fabulous tourism wonders;

Red Sea Reef

This stretches over 1,240 miles along the coast of Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea. There are more than 1,100 species of fish that call it home and nearly 10% of these are only seen in this region. The reef features include abundant aquatic life, platforms, lagoons, and cylinders.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the largest strata volcanoes in the world reaching 19,340 feet (5,895 m) into the air. As the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro is also the tallest free standing mountain in the world. Kilimanjaro is a composite volcano that includes layers of lava, tephra and volcanic ash. The volcano is currently inactive with no known history of eruptions.

Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world and the largest desert following Antarctica and the Artic. This covers over 3,600,000 square miles (9,400,00- sq km). In comparison, this is approximately the size of the United States or China. This makes the Sahara the largest sandy or hot desert in the world.

The boundaries of the Sahara Desert stretch from the Red Sea on the east, the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the valley of the Niger river on the south, to the Mediterranean Sea on the north. The desert encompasses, at least in part, the countries of Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Western Sahara, Sudan, and Tunisia. The Nile river runs through the Sahara Desert throughout the year, but all other rivers only exist seasonally.

Nile River

The Nile River is located in northern Africa spanning across 10 countries that include Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and ending in Egypt as it feeds into the Mediterranean Sea.

The Nile River is the longest river in the world beating out the Amazon by 155 Feet. The Nile is considered to have two sources of which one originates in Uganda and the other in Ethiopia. Upon receiving the official recognition as a natural wonder, Uganda Minister of Tourism declared the source as a protected area.

Serengeti Migration

The Serengeti migration is the longest and largest over land migration in the world. The Serengeti plains account for over 18,641 square miles and the migration itself travels 500 miles on the path from Tanzania to the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya. Approximately 80% of the Seregeti plains are protected by the Tanzanian and Kenyan governments.

The Serengeti is home to over 70 larger mammals and approximately 500 different types of birds. Probably the most impressive part of the migration is the herds of wildebeests that blanket the plains. The migration will kill off around 250,000 wildebeests each year.

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unbroken caldera. Often referred to as “Africa’s Garden of Eden,” the crater is home to over 30,000 animals including elephants, lions, cheetahs, wildebeests, buffaloes, and the rare black rhinos. It was created from a volcano that exploded creating the caldera wilderness haven. The crater is 12 miles (19 km) across and consumes 102 square miles (264 sq km) of wilderness. The rim of the crater rises just over 2,000 feet (610 m) above the caldera floor reaching an elevation of 7,500 feet (2,286 m).

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is argued as the world’s largest inland delta. The delta is created from the rains that fill the Okavango River which is delivered to the basin of the Kalahari Desert. This is caused by the rainy season that occurs between January and February. The waters begin filling the delta in March and rising to the peak months of July and August. The majority of water is lost to evaporation and transpiration. Plants and transpiration account for 60% of the water lost followed by evaporation with 36%. The delta is extremely flat with 7 feet (2 meters) of elevation change. Every year the delta features 11 cubic kilometers, or 11,000,000,000,000 liters, of water flow.

• On a recent visit to Rwanda, I went on a trek to find the country’s most famous animal inhabitant – the mountain gorilla, the world’s largest primate.
• The adventure took place in the thickly vegetated Volcanoes National Park Rwanda and we finally came face to face with a family of gorillas after 30 minutes or so.

We knew we were getting close when we began hearing excitable grunts, howls and screeches. It was difficult, though, to pinpoint where they were coming from given the density of weed-strewn trees and clumps of bamboo.

My heart was pounding.

Then, as we turned a corner, our guide Jolie warned us to slow down and be quiet as a family of gorillas came into view. There was a mother rolling around with a tiny one-month-old, a car-sized silverback munching on leaves and several more of his hareem scattered around.

It was like being in a scene from a David Attenborough documentary and our gorilla trekking group sat there in silence for around an hour, in awe of the gorillas’ beauty and their mesmerisingly human-like traits.

Before setting off, one elderly lady in our group explained that visiting Rwanda’s gorillas was one of her bucket-list items, but like many, she had to put her dreams on hold due to the pandemic.

Now the country has reopened – with rapid Covid-19 tests being the only requirement – and tourists are steadily returning to feast on its offerings.

It was magical being so close to the gorillas but at the same time, I felt slightly guilty about venturing into their habitat with cameras clicking away.

Veronica Vecellio, a conservation expert I spoke to from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (a non-profit founded by the late American primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey), admitted that the gorillas had probably had a ‘party’ while the tourists were away but at the same time, ‘tourism helps with the Rwandan economy and to educate people about habitat loss, poaching and the importance of protecting our environment’.

She added: ‘There have been studies around the proximity of humans to gorillas, with cortisol levels monitored, and it was found that there was no stress caused by interactions.

‘Gorillas are extremely smart and know that we are there but they are not alarmed. This is the sign of a well-managed habituation project whereby the gorillas are exposed to humans. Our work is helping to keep the species alive.

‘In the 2016 census there were around 600 gorillas in the Virunga Massif [a chain of volcanoes spanning the northern border of Rwanda, the DR Congo, and Uganda], but now we expect there to be lots more.’

My gorilla trekking encounter had taken place on my third day in Rwanda, and before that, I’d decided to explore a lesser-visited spot – dormant volcano Mount Karisimbi.