Eclipse fever alive and well

Shades of the eclipse

by the BBC's Julia Peet

A year ago everyone in the South West of England was gearing up for the "once in a lifetime" opportunity to see a total eclipse of the sun.

Or at least that is how it was billed.

It had been more than 70 years since Britain had witnessed such a solar spectacle and the novelty of it all was much hyped.

Now though, it appears many of those who saw it last August - with or without cloud, have decided they want to see another one

And they are prepared to travel thousands of miles to see it, chasing its shadow all the way to southern Africa.

Eclipse travel

The next total eclipse of the sun anywhere in the world passes over the African continent from Angola to Madagascar on 21 June next year.

The top spot to see it is reckoned to be Zambia.

There, hotels, camps and game lodges have been fully booked for more than a year, although efforts are now being made to increase capacity.

Among those who are making the journey are Mike and Joan Johnstone from Salcombe in South Devon.

"We booked it straight after the eclipse here, almost two years ahead," says Joan.

"Our friends are used to us booking a long way ahead, even so, that was a bit much for us, but it was the only way to make sure we'd be on it".

Clouded view of the eclipse

Of last year, her husband Mike adds,

"Unfortunately the weather was fine the day before and the day after but not on the day. We saw it partially here, we want to see one properly this time."

And tour operators say they are not the only ones.

Chris McIntyre, the Managing Director of Sunvil Discovery, which specialises in African safaris says he was surprised at the level of interest.

"Within a day or two of the eclipse we realised the inquiry level was phenomenal, it hit us a bit like a tidal wave. The interest has been tremendous."

That is partly because June is in the middle of the dry season in this part of Africa. Clear blue skies are common place and the chances of seeing the full show are exceptionally good.

In Zambia preparations for an unknown number of visitors are under way.

Hotels and lodges are being spruced up, temporary campsites are planned and there is even talk of festivals springing up within the zone of totality.

Kids watch the total eclipse with protective glasses

The authorities are grappling with many of the same issues that faced Devon and Cornwall last year, the difference being that tourism in Zambia is far less developed and the country's infrastructure and road network more restrictive.

UK eclipse expert Professor John Parkinson has just returned from Lusaka where he has been offering advice to the authorities.

He is an eclipse chaser and has seen eight total eclipses so far. In Zambia, he believes the view will be excellent.

"The corona will be really spectacular because the atmosphere is so clear. It is going to be one of the best eclipses we have ever seen," he says.

It is the chance to combine the eclipse with a safari which for many is proving so appealing. Professor Parkinson is looking forward to seeing how big game reacts as day turns to night for three and a half minutes in the middle of the afternoon.

Zambia prepares

The chief executive of the Zambia National Tourist Board Agnes Seenka agrees there has been "overwhelming interest".

"We are all very very excited. It's a very very good opportunity for us to show what Zambia has", she says.

Peter Kalebwe, the chairman of Zambia's Eclipse Coordination Committee says this really is a big opportunity.

" We have to make these people feel at home. We want these people to feel secure, we want them to come back to Zambia.

This is a great chance for people to know about this country. It really is a gift from God if you like," he added.

Double challenge

In an interview with BBC South West the Vice President of Zambia Christon Tembo said they are somewhat surprised at the interest.

"To have all the hotels fully booked is something that rarely happens here. As a country we are not only surprised but happy that people from abroad are interested in coming here to witness this event.

We want to show them that they are quite welcome, quite safe, we are looking forward to seeing them."

But the vice president admitted the authorities face a double challenge.

As well as making sure the infrastructure can cope with however many visitors turn up, they must spread the message among their own people about the eclipse.

At the moment many, particularly in more remote communities, remain in the dark and unless the information gets through, they could very well be frightened by the eclipse.