When Obama won the elections i could not feel a sense of joy that rushed through my heart. There was jubilation everywhere. We in Kenya were proud to have some sort of connection the President Elect Obama. In fact i remember on the date of the announcement most of my friends were debating over weather to rush drop their kids in school and come back home to watch the elections or just forget about the school and work and just watch the election results. Well some chose to watch while others went to work but you can be sure many were connected to online news sites awaiting the first announcement. I am indeed very proud to be Kenya. Interestingly that night it rained all over not just a light shower but a heavy down power that caught many unwares and it has been raining since then could it have been a blessing or what.
Also out of interest i came across this Kogelo Safaris just incase you might consider taking a tour.
just a thought.
Related Links Mombasa Hotels
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
A Safari Medical Kit
Ever gone on holiday,or safari and found that all you had carried was irrelevant. That was my predicament last year when i made a tour of the Coastal Beach hotels in Kenya, boy oh boy i had bags of useless things and that inspired me to write this so that those who come across it will not sink into the same predicament.
1. Some anti-malaria is necessary.
2. Aspirin is also a good bet just in case of fever.
3. An antihistamanin will help especially due to insect stings and bits
4. Lozenges are also good to have at times there is lot of wind or cold air that may cause slight irritation of the throat.
5. Oral dehydration new food can cause your stomach to run for a couple of hours of days.
6. Water purification tablets. This is important in-case you get caught up in th bush
7. Insect Repelant, sunscreen and lip balm if nothing else on this list finds its way to your bag these are a must have.
Usefull links
Kenya Hotels, Africa Tours
1. Some anti-malaria is necessary.
2. Aspirin is also a good bet just in case of fever.
3. An antihistamanin will help especially due to insect stings and bits
4. Lozenges are also good to have at times there is lot of wind or cold air that may cause slight irritation of the throat.
5. Oral dehydration new food can cause your stomach to run for a couple of hours of days.
6. Water purification tablets. This is important in-case you get caught up in th bush
7. Insect Repelant, sunscreen and lip balm if nothing else on this list finds its way to your bag these are a must have.
Usefull links
Kenya Hotels, Africa Tours
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Naivasha Homes
One of our long time family friends had recommended we spend a holiday together with 3 other family fiends known to us and him at Naivasha. I told us to make the payment at the Holiday Homes office at Lavington Green shopping center for a home called Karuru Tu. On the D-day we gathered up together and drove up to the lake Naivasha and just beyond the Rift Valley Lodge i looked a great place to stay in but we headed to Karuru tu. A large family home on the shores of Lake Naivasha. The house was cosy very African and the bed-rooms though small were clean and comfortable. When going to such a home you normally have to carry your food for the whole stay. There were 3 workers to take care of cooking, cleaning and generally were at our disposal. The home is set on a farm hence one can buy milk and home made ice-cream from the farm. The holiday was not disappointing we were well taken care of and the food was exceptional. We later learnt that there are plenty of other similar homes scattered around Kenya. Our next holiday will definitely be to the home in Mombasa.
Useful links
Kenya Cultural Safari, Kenya Family Safari, Kenya Bird Watching Safari
Useful links
Kenya Cultural Safari, Kenya Family Safari, Kenya Bird Watching Safari
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Mombasa your tropical holiday destination
Mombasa at the beginning of twentieth century, Mombasa was seat of the government and capital of Kenya, mainly because there was no other town the railway was built. Mombasa is an island linked to the mainland by a causeway, a bridge and a ferry. It is the main port and railway terminal. The conglomeration of buildings above the deep blue sea make up old Mombasa and include the old docks where some dhows still berth after arriving from middle east early in the year
-A drive down Moi Avenue towards the docks and the administrative offices, takes you under two huge pairs of tasks. This is a well-known and remembered landmark of
Mombasa Island .The information bureau is nearby.
-stalls containing a large variety of wood carvings bracelets, drums, stools, beaded necklaces, batiks and other Africans crafts. These are places for goods hearted bargaining.
Prices may come down to less than half the original demand and you will certainly get a
fair deal as there as there is so much competition.
- A walk round old Mombasa takes you into another world. Cars are allowed, but in some places cannot pass each other because the streets are narrow. You are welcomed inside ancient building. You can pick up goods and bargain, everything look old and genuine At certain times Ivory rooms are open you may have to get permission to get inside. You will see Arab selling their very strong coffee from old copper pots.
- There are many mosques which you can enter after removing you shoes. Fort
- Jesus was built by Portuguese mariners route to India from Turk and Dutch
A wide moat round three sides made the fort almost impregnable heavy guns were placed outside facing the sea Between 1696 and 1698,there was a siege by Arabs of Oman and the fort was captured. Arab occupation to fort Jesus continued until 1895, when it was bombarded by the Swaminarayan All are welcome inside as long as you remove your shoes.
- This is fine example of Mombasa’ many Hindu temples; their most important festival is diwali, which is cerebration of the return of the God, Rama, and his wife after 14 years of exile in the forest this is Hindu new year it might be October or November according to Indian calendar. The Jains are most prosperous Hindu community in Mombasa. They are strict vegetarians
--A visit to the Kenya coast is a tropical dream and a wonderful way to begin or end your holiday coconut palms fridge the sea shores and give shade to the gardens of most beach hotels. Africans cut steps up the trunks of palm trees and shin up in no time at all. Coconut juice makes a refreshing drink and can be extracted when the nut is green.
The glory of a tropical sunset on a palm – fringed shore is a memory you will treasure forever.
Mombasa Hotels
-A drive down Moi Avenue towards the docks and the administrative offices, takes you under two huge pairs of tasks. This is a well-known and remembered landmark of
Mombasa Island .The information bureau is nearby.
-stalls containing a large variety of wood carvings bracelets, drums, stools, beaded necklaces, batiks and other Africans crafts. These are places for goods hearted bargaining.
Prices may come down to less than half the original demand and you will certainly get a
fair deal as there as there is so much competition.
- A walk round old Mombasa takes you into another world. Cars are allowed, but in some places cannot pass each other because the streets are narrow. You are welcomed inside ancient building. You can pick up goods and bargain, everything look old and genuine At certain times Ivory rooms are open you may have to get permission to get inside. You will see Arab selling their very strong coffee from old copper pots.
- There are many mosques which you can enter after removing you shoes. Fort
- Jesus was built by Portuguese mariners route to India from Turk and Dutch
A wide moat round three sides made the fort almost impregnable heavy guns were placed outside facing the sea Between 1696 and 1698,there was a siege by Arabs of Oman and the fort was captured. Arab occupation to fort Jesus continued until 1895, when it was bombarded by the Swaminarayan All are welcome inside as long as you remove your shoes.
- This is fine example of Mombasa’ many Hindu temples; their most important festival is diwali, which is cerebration of the return of the God, Rama, and his wife after 14 years of exile in the forest this is Hindu new year it might be October or November according to Indian calendar. The Jains are most prosperous Hindu community in Mombasa. They are strict vegetarians
--A visit to the Kenya coast is a tropical dream and a wonderful way to begin or end your holiday coconut palms fridge the sea shores and give shade to the gardens of most beach hotels. Africans cut steps up the trunks of palm trees and shin up in no time at all. Coconut juice makes a refreshing drink and can be extracted when the nut is green.
The glory of a tropical sunset on a palm – fringed shore is a memory you will treasure forever.
Mombasa Hotels
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Nairobi Hotels
Nairobi a maasai word "Nairob" which means cool waters never ceases to amaze me. Many times i awake at dawn especially during the unbearable warm nights of September, October and November just to take an early morning walk to drop off my son near the bus-stop this gives me chance to waken and appreciate the beauty of the sun with a mixture of a cool breeze in the air and the sounds of birds chirping everywhere. No wonder people love Nairobi so much. Even when i leave the place on assignment or for leisure i always want to come back in a short while. The surburb towns and estates are excitingly green with lots of fresh air a far cry from where i stay near the industrial area. I promise myself that one day i shall leave and go to live in this places but again it is dream that may take a life time to fulfill but then again we can always dream. Many times while in the city i look at some of the towering hotels in Nairobi the magnificent Grand Regency hotel that has been the center of controversy for many years yet it stands beautiful, the Norfolk Hotel the paradise for many former colonial masters and their progeny, it over looks the university of Nairobi what a stark contrast between the two,the Stanley Hotel which for the last thirty years was always known as the New Stanley Hotel and it kept me wondering why it was always net yet i had seen it from child hood and could never help wishing that i was the one how would be setting on the other side of the thorn tree restaurant and someone else was the passer-by. The sweet smell of Coffee on Kimathi street reminds me of the Java another hot spot.
Labels: Nairobi Hotels, Mombasa Hotels, Naivasha Hotels
Labels: Nairobi Hotels, Mombasa Hotels, Naivasha Hotels
Monday, July 28, 2008
The African Fish Eagle
The haunting cry of an African fish eagle will remain with many a traveler long after they have left Africa. Dramatic and regal the African fish eagle which has a black and white raptor is often to be found perched a top a water side tree, throwing its head back to utter it's loud eeried cry. The African fish eagle will then suddenly swoop down over the water, talons out stretched, spear a wriggling fish and ascend again to its perch to eat it.
Places in Africa where the African fish Eagle can be seen
Governor's Mfangano Island Lodge | Rusinga Island Lodge
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara national reserve is about 1600 square kilometers in extent. Many people consider The Maasai Mara to be the richest of the Kenya Game area. The Maasai Mara has grasslands, dense bush, thickets and forests and The Mara a permanent river. At The Maasai Mara animals have no respect for bounderies and hundreds of buffalo and wildebeeste can be seen at certain times of the year as part of The Maasai Mara lies across their migration route form the The Serengeti in Tanzania. In The Maasai Mara one real feels that they are at the heart of Africa. The Maasai Mara is a fine country for wildlife such as lions and can hardly fail to see the big five, lion, elephant, buffalo and Rhino, as well as nearly every other kind of animal found in all other parks in Kenya. The Maasai Mara as established as a reserve after the Maasia tribe agreed not to graze their cattle in certain areas. Hundreds of buffalo, topi, large herds of elephants and wildebeeste roam around The Maasai mara.
Hotels and Lodges at The Maasai Mara
Cottars-Camp | Ilmoran-Camp | Karen Blixen-Camp
Mara Explorer-Camp | Mara Intrepids-Camp | Mara Serena Lodge | Mara Simba lodge
Olonana-Camp |Porini Mara Camp |Richards Camp | Saruni Camp
Tilipkwani Camp
Hotels and Lodges at The Maasai Mara
Cottars-Camp | Ilmoran-Camp | Karen Blixen-Camp
Mara Explorer-Camp | Mara Intrepids-Camp | Mara Serena Lodge | Mara Simba lodge
Olonana-Camp |Porini Mara Camp |Richards Camp | Saruni Camp
Tilipkwani Camp
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Maweni Beach Cottages
Maweni Beach Cottages are situated 20 kilometers south of Mombasa along Tiwi beach. Maweni has 30 cottages which have one to three bedrooms. Some overlook the sea, while others are situated amidst attractive gardens of exotic flowering trees and shrubs . The secluded beach lagoon guarantees privacy and undisturbed sun bathing. Swimming and goggling is safe at all tides and during the low tide one is able walk along the reef. The cottages are spacious each with its own verandah, sitting room and dining room, shower and toilet. Each cottage has a well furnished kitchen equipped with a water heater, cooker, fridge, crockery and cutlery. Fresh sea food is readily available from local fishermen, a wide selection of fruits and vegetables are also available every morning. There are also cooks available at a small fee though should one not feel like cooking.
Other lodges and hotels in Kenya,s Coast include:
Alfajiri | Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel | Sarova Whitesands | The Funzi Keys
Other lodges and hotels in Kenya,s Coast include:
Alfajiri | Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel | Sarova Whitesands | The Funzi Keys
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Sarova Taita Hills Game lodge
The Sarova Taita Hills Game lodge was built like a German forte this can be seen from the architecture. The Sarova Taita Hills Game lodge was built in the 1970s and is constructed around an inner garden full of bougainvilleas scaling th e high walls and creating a profusion of colours. During the First World War the Taita area was a busy place with German and British soldiers fighting during world war 1. Instead of the usual stone brick, the walls are sand bags of cement, reminiscent of the war times. Heavy wooden doors open into the foyer where an enormous marble stone fireplace creates a meeting hub in the high-ceiling lounge bringing in a light of Space. After being closed for five years, Sarova hotels took it up and spruced it up. The marble walls, which were coated in a thick layer of dust are now showing their lustrous gleam. African spears and masks adorn the walls with the intricate makonde carving a speciality of the Makonde people of Tanzania.
Useful Links
Nairobi Hotel Bookings, Animals in Africa, Africa Adventures
Useful Links
Nairobi Hotel Bookings, Animals in Africa, Africa Adventures
Friday, April 25, 2008
Self Catering Accommodation Ideas While in Kenya
To fully appreciate the unique range of natural beauty, wilderness and wildlife on offer in Kenya's National Parks and reserves, why not stay over and see more? Choose from a wide range of scenically located, attractively presented and ecnomically priced self catering accommodation. These include
Bandas: Simple cabins usually of stone or timber construction offered at economical rates and ideal for families or group holidays.
Houses: Scenically located, spacius and homely, many of the houses are former residence s of park wardens.
To ensure that you do not miss on the wildlife at you place o choice hire a ranger to escort you around and brief you on the various animal and plant species around the park. A small fee is what you will part with for this valuable service.
other accommodation facilities around various towns in Kenya include:
Mombasa Beach Hotel, Voi Safari Lodge , Lake Baringo Country Club, Outspan Lodge , Shimba Tree lodge, Lake Elementaita Lodge, Ngulia Safari Lodge, Treetops Lodge
Finally should you completely lost in self catering then you can contact Kenya Safari Agent to help
Bandas: Simple cabins usually of stone or timber construction offered at economical rates and ideal for families or group holidays.
Houses: Scenically located, spacius and homely, many of the houses are former residence s of park wardens.
To ensure that you do not miss on the wildlife at you place o choice hire a ranger to escort you around and brief you on the various animal and plant species around the park. A small fee is what you will part with for this valuable service.
other accommodation facilities around various towns in Kenya include:
Mombasa Beach Hotel, Voi Safari Lodge , Lake Baringo Country Club, Outspan Lodge , Shimba Tree lodge, Lake Elementaita Lodge, Ngulia Safari Lodge, Treetops Lodge
Finally should you completely lost in self catering then you can contact Kenya Safari Agent to help
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Lake Nakuru National Park: A Bird Watching Haven
Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru is situated in Nakuru town .It is famously known for bird sanctuary mainly lesser flamingo and a very shallow strongly alkaline lake surrounded with woodland and grassland. The landscape includes grasslands and marsh alternating with rocky cliffs and outcrops, stretches of acacia woodland and rocky hillsides covered with forest
The lake catchment is bounded by Menengai crater to the north, the Bahati hills to the north east, the Lion hill ranges to the east, Eburu crater to the south and the Mau escarpment to the west. Three major rivers are Njoro, Makalia and Enderit which drains water into the Lake . The park has a well servicesed roads network that makes most of the park more accessible .Also it has one airstrip (Naishi airstrip )
Climate:
Ranges from Hot and Dry, Cold, Hot and Humid with Annual rainfall
ATTRACTIONS
Flamingo (Lesser and Greater) and other water birds including a variety of terrestrial birds
Mammals are of different species including white rhinos. elephants,.zebras
View points include Lion hill and Baboon cliff
Hills - Oneymoon, Lion hill ridge ,Enasoit etc.
Makalia Waterfalls
Unique vegetation -Different plant species euphorbia forest with yellow acacia woodlands.
Lodges:
Lake Nakuru lodge & Sarova Lion Hill Lodge.
Including special composites: Naishi, Chui, Rhino, Soysambu, Nyati, Nyuki and reedbuck.
ACTIVITIES
The park’s main activities include Game viewing, and bird watching
Labels : Lake Naivasha Country Club, Lake Baringo Country Club, Lake Elementaita Country Lodge,
Lake Nakuru is situated in Nakuru town .It is famously known for bird sanctuary mainly lesser flamingo and a very shallow strongly alkaline lake surrounded with woodland and grassland. The landscape includes grasslands and marsh alternating with rocky cliffs and outcrops, stretches of acacia woodland and rocky hillsides covered with forest
The lake catchment is bounded by Menengai crater to the north, the Bahati hills to the north east, the Lion hill ranges to the east, Eburu crater to the south and the Mau escarpment to the west. Three major rivers are Njoro, Makalia and Enderit which drains water into the Lake . The park has a well servicesed roads network that makes most of the park more accessible .Also it has one airstrip (Naishi airstrip )
Climate:
Ranges from Hot and Dry, Cold, Hot and Humid with Annual rainfall
ATTRACTIONS
Flamingo (Lesser and Greater) and other water birds including a variety of terrestrial birds
Mammals are of different species including white rhinos. elephants,.zebras
View points include Lion hill and Baboon cliff
Hills - Oneymoon, Lion hill ridge ,Enasoit etc.
Makalia Waterfalls
Unique vegetation -Different plant species euphorbia forest with yellow acacia woodlands.
Lodges:
Lake Nakuru lodge & Sarova Lion Hill Lodge.
Including special composites: Naishi, Chui, Rhino, Soysambu, Nyati, Nyuki and reedbuck.
ACTIVITIES
The park’s main activities include Game viewing, and bird watching
Labels : Lake Naivasha Country Club, Lake Baringo Country Club, Lake Elementaita Country Lodge,
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Mt Kenya: Climbing A Mountain Adventure
Mountain Climbing
Mt. Kenya is the second highest peak mountain in Africa. Mountain Kenya is an inspiring site to be at,the ragged series of peaks are crowned with snow and its slopes are covered with thick forest. The mountain is better seen at dawn during the sunset as the light gets through over the surrounding forest.
While the 5199-metre summit is a difficult technical climb, the lesser peak of Point Lenana (4985m) can be easily reached by any fit trekker. This trek takes between 3 and 5 days, through a fascinating world of forests, wildlife, unique vegetation including and finally one of the
For those who don’t want to climb the Mountain, the cool highlands that surround its base are well worth a visit. The forests are ideal for game viewing, and there are crystal clear mountain streams that abound with Trout....
Main road access to Mt Kenya is via Nanyuki or Naro Moru, both easily accessed from Nairobi by bus or private transport. Some trekkers and Climbers access the Mountain from the small village of Chogoria.
The mountain peak has more snow and it is desired that guests who climb the mountain have mountain climbing equipment.
Enjoy climbing Mt. Kenya and Stay at enroute there or on your journey back Simba Tree Lodge
Labels
Africa Tours
Mt. Kenya is the second highest peak mountain in Africa. Mountain Kenya is an inspiring site to be at,the ragged series of peaks are crowned with snow and its slopes are covered with thick forest. The mountain is better seen at dawn during the sunset as the light gets through over the surrounding forest.
While the 5199-metre summit is a difficult technical climb, the lesser peak of Point Lenana (4985m) can be easily reached by any fit trekker. This trek takes between 3 and 5 days, through a fascinating world of forests, wildlife, unique vegetation including and finally one of the
For those who don’t want to climb the Mountain, the cool highlands that surround its base are well worth a visit. The forests are ideal for game viewing, and there are crystal clear mountain streams that abound with Trout....
Main road access to Mt Kenya is via Nanyuki or Naro Moru, both easily accessed from Nairobi by bus or private transport. Some trekkers and Climbers access the Mountain from the small village of Chogoria.
The mountain peak has more snow and it is desired that guests who climb the mountain have mountain climbing equipment.
Enjoy climbing Mt. Kenya and Stay at enroute there or on your journey back Simba Tree Lodge
Labels
Africa Tours
Monday, April 7, 2008
A New Hotel Reservations Bureau in Kenya
The Central Reservations Bureau (CRB), Kenya launches a reservation system on its website, www.intokenya.com, a reservation system that offers competitive rates for hotels and an overall convenience for travels within and to Kenya. CRB promises deliver world-class easy in the way people will book for Kenya Hotels,and gives people another reason to book with them online. Getting the best rates is just one of the benefits CRB's new hotels booking system offers. The system, which uses state-of-the-art technology, gives guests the chance to view real-time room availability. Once they have booked their preferred room types on the dates of their vacation, they get to secure a reservation guarantee by making an affordable deposit payment The payment will ensure that the chosen room type is ready and available upon the guest’s arrival to the hotel. Reservations are then confirmed instantly via e-mail.
Travelers will also be glad to know that all information and transactions made using the online real-time reservation system are safe. The system is protected by encryption technology.
Get ready for some fun in the sun or business in Kenya. Book now! Using its new reservation system. The company, with its innovative technology, empowers accommodation providers to deliver best rates and instant confirmations through their websites.
Africa Tours, Africa Safari Holidays, Cultural Adventures
Travelers will also be glad to know that all information and transactions made using the online real-time reservation system are safe. The system is protected by encryption technology.
Get ready for some fun in the sun or business in Kenya. Book now! Using its new reservation system. The company, with its innovative technology, empowers accommodation providers to deliver best rates and instant confirmations through their websites.
Africa Tours, Africa Safari Holidays, Cultural Adventures
Friday, April 4, 2008
Good Places to Have a Conference in Kenya
Kenya is a small African country but from time to time conferences are held in various towns in Kenya and at times it is difficult to find an ideal conference facility due lack on information of the same here below are some ideas.
Nairobi Hilton;
This hotel is centraly located in the heart of Nairobi's Central Business District. It is easily accessible by public transport or privat vehicles but parking is could be a problem. It also has a shuttle service from the Jomo Kenya Intenational Airport.
It has a business center complete with internet facilities, fitness centre, meeting rooms and a swimming pool.
Nairobi Serena Hotel;
This is hotel is considered as one of Nairobi's finest hotels, it is locatd on the busy Kenyatta Avenue, away from the croweded streets of Nairobi but close enough to walk to the city centre to catch a bus.It is complete with boardroom
Outspan
This is a country side hotel, set in a well tended tropical garden with views of the Aberdare Ranges. It has 42 rooms that are wood-paneled, with fire place, satellite TV, minibar and garden access.Rest of the rooms have garden access, large bathrooms, all in the colonial-days style.
Shimba;
Shimba Tree Lodge is located in Shimba National Reserve, and is 48km from Mombasa town. It was built in 1986 has 30 rooms and conference facilities. One can also enjoy the wildlife around the place.
Sarova Panafric;
This hotel is on one of the busiest highways of Nairobi it has a range of facilities including a business center that offers faxing, internet, secretarial, lamination and scanning services. The accomidation ranges from serviced apartments one-bedroomed and two bedroomed at very resonable monthly rates and rooms which have satelite T. V., direct telephone dial with voice mail, wireless internet services and a mini bar it you book a club room or suite.
Labels: Hotel Reservations, Safari Packages, Cultural Safaris.
Nairobi Hilton;
This hotel is centraly located in the heart of Nairobi's Central Business District. It is easily accessible by public transport or privat vehicles but parking is could be a problem. It also has a shuttle service from the Jomo Kenya Intenational Airport.
It has a business center complete with internet facilities, fitness centre, meeting rooms and a swimming pool.
Nairobi Serena Hotel;
This is hotel is considered as one of Nairobi's finest hotels, it is locatd on the busy Kenyatta Avenue, away from the croweded streets of Nairobi but close enough to walk to the city centre to catch a bus.It is complete with boardroom
Outspan
This is a country side hotel, set in a well tended tropical garden with views of the Aberdare Ranges. It has 42 rooms that are wood-paneled, with fire place, satellite TV, minibar and garden access.Rest of the rooms have garden access, large bathrooms, all in the colonial-days style.
Shimba;
Shimba Tree Lodge is located in Shimba National Reserve, and is 48km from Mombasa town. It was built in 1986 has 30 rooms and conference facilities. One can also enjoy the wildlife around the place.
Sarova Panafric;
This hotel is on one of the busiest highways of Nairobi it has a range of facilities including a business center that offers faxing, internet, secretarial, lamination and scanning services. The accomidation ranges from serviced apartments one-bedroomed and two bedroomed at very resonable monthly rates and rooms which have satelite T. V., direct telephone dial with voice mail, wireless internet services and a mini bar it you book a club room or suite.
Labels: Hotel Reservations, Safari Packages, Cultural Safaris.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
What you need to check when booking a hotel especially for a Conference
Location:
* How far from public transportation and the conference place if it is not being held in the same hotel?
* Is it located in a "safe" area?
* Does the hotel provide transportation to and from the airport?
* Is the hotel located in the city center near shopping malls or downtown?
Rooms:
* Are guest rooms well furnished and well maintained?
* What social amenities are available such as swimming pools, gym, garden,
* How many guest rooms are available?
* What are the check-in times and check-out times?
* Are some rooms set aside for the physically challenged?
Dining Room/Food and Beverage:
* What are the dining room sizes and how many people can be seated at once?
* Does the hotel have ample restaurants or are there some in the area?
* Will the hotel set up special morning coffee areas for guests?
* Is the restaurant well-staffed?
* Is room service available and what are the hours and does cost extra?
Conference Rooms:
* How many meeting rooms does the hotel have?
* How large/small are the rooms?
* What is the capacity of each room for different sets
* Are the meeting rooms wired for sound?
* Is there an in-house A/V company?
* Where are the restrooms, phones, etc.?
Security:
* Does the hotel have an emergency plan?
* Are the fire exits well-marked?
Labels: Hotel Reservations, Tours and Safaris
* How far from public transportation and the conference place if it is not being held in the same hotel?
* Is it located in a "safe" area?
* Does the hotel provide transportation to and from the airport?
* Is the hotel located in the city center near shopping malls or downtown?
Rooms:
* Are guest rooms well furnished and well maintained?
* What social amenities are available such as swimming pools, gym, garden,
* How many guest rooms are available?
* What are the check-in times and check-out times?
* Are some rooms set aside for the physically challenged?
Dining Room/Food and Beverage:
* What are the dining room sizes and how many people can be seated at once?
* Does the hotel have ample restaurants or are there some in the area?
* Will the hotel set up special morning coffee areas for guests?
* Is the restaurant well-staffed?
* Is room service available and what are the hours and does cost extra?
Conference Rooms:
* How many meeting rooms does the hotel have?
* How large/small are the rooms?
* What is the capacity of each room for different sets
* Are the meeting rooms wired for sound?
* Is there an in-house A/V company?
* Where are the restrooms, phones, etc.?
Security:
* Does the hotel have an emergency plan?
* Are the fire exits well-marked?
Labels: Hotel Reservations, Tours and Safaris
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Plane Etiquette
Flying is stressful enough without having to put with impolite or inconsiderate fellow passengers. Here’s how you can become a model air traveler.
1.Accommodate split parties: Give your seat up if you can help friends or families to stay together. You will appreciate the same considerations some day.
2.Air rage: When a flight is delayed or baggage is lost there is little anyone can do even the flight attendants. Address the staff politely.
3.Armrests: Taking up both rests can be construed as an invasion of personal space. Don’t hog more than your share.
4.Baggage: It is nice to make use of the compartments that have been put for baggage and leave the sitting space for just that yes sitting.
5.Don’t block screens: Some airlines have only central screens for their in-flight movie. Don’t stand in the way of other passenger’s viewing pleasure.
6.Chatterboxes: Under any circumstances, it’s impolite to be intrusive, but there are those who just can’t help themselves and start chatting away. It is okay to tell someone something along the lines of you’d prefer to read, but its nice to meet you.
7.Elderly passengers: Do the right thing – get up and help the older person to lift their baggage in to the lockers or exchange seats if they’d be more comfortable in yours.
8.Fat Neighbours: Compassion is truly in the etiquette stakes! Either discreetly ask a flight attendant to move you if possible, or learn to live with it.
9.In and out: You need to stretch your legs or make a bathroom call. Be polite and never grab a seat the table shake if it is down and may cause a spill.
10.Obnoxious Kids: although parent should be able to control their children, sometimes during flights it is impossible to keep them settled. Don’t blame the parents or glare at them, and you will get credit for being understanding.
11.Reclining Seats: Finally you are ready to relax and want to recline your seat. Stop! The person behind you might have a full glass on his table and a sudden jolt will send it flying. Lean back slowly and let him know what you are about to do- he’ll appreciate your sensitivity.
Tags: Nairobi Hotels, Maasai Mara Excursions, Africa Travel Deals
1.Accommodate split parties: Give your seat up if you can help friends or families to stay together. You will appreciate the same considerations some day.
2.Air rage: When a flight is delayed or baggage is lost there is little anyone can do even the flight attendants. Address the staff politely.
3.Armrests: Taking up both rests can be construed as an invasion of personal space. Don’t hog more than your share.
4.Baggage: It is nice to make use of the compartments that have been put for baggage and leave the sitting space for just that yes sitting.
5.Don’t block screens: Some airlines have only central screens for their in-flight movie. Don’t stand in the way of other passenger’s viewing pleasure.
6.Chatterboxes: Under any circumstances, it’s impolite to be intrusive, but there are those who just can’t help themselves and start chatting away. It is okay to tell someone something along the lines of you’d prefer to read, but its nice to meet you.
7.Elderly passengers: Do the right thing – get up and help the older person to lift their baggage in to the lockers or exchange seats if they’d be more comfortable in yours.
8.Fat Neighbours: Compassion is truly in the etiquette stakes! Either discreetly ask a flight attendant to move you if possible, or learn to live with it.
9.In and out: You need to stretch your legs or make a bathroom call. Be polite and never grab a seat the table shake if it is down and may cause a spill.
10.Obnoxious Kids: although parent should be able to control their children, sometimes during flights it is impossible to keep them settled. Don’t blame the parents or glare at them, and you will get credit for being understanding.
11.Reclining Seats: Finally you are ready to relax and want to recline your seat. Stop! The person behind you might have a full glass on his table and a sudden jolt will send it flying. Lean back slowly and let him know what you are about to do- he’ll appreciate your sensitivity.
Tags: Nairobi Hotels, Maasai Mara Excursions, Africa Travel Deals
Friday, March 21, 2008
Tamarind group of Hotels
The Tamrind Group that owns a number of entertainment and hotel facilities in Kenya namely the Carnivore restaurant, Simba Saloon, Tamarind restaurant Nairobi,Tamarind Mombasa,Tamarind Village, Tamarind Dhow and Tamambo restaurant has seen numerous awards having been able to experience the restaurants dishes, first hand it can be summarized as follows.
Tamarind restaurant Mombasa:
this restaurant offers delectable seafood dishes that have earned it a reputation as the best restaurant in the East African Coast. It was a truly memorable experience.
Tamarind Dhow:
This was the ultimate dining experience, while sailing on the serene creeks surrounding Mombasa, we were offered the finest cuisine in a truly magical setting with the local swahili music in the air.
Tamarind Village:
this is luxurious setting in the peace of your private apartment. An ideal haven for business visitors and holiday-makers alike. It offers modern communication facilities, residential conference center and proximity to the city center.
The Golden Key:
This casino offers roulette, blackjack, poker, pontoon and state of the are slot machines. its plush cool atmosphere makes it the ideal spot for a golden evening.
Labels : Hotels in Kenya, Kenya Food, Africa Safaris, Hotel Reservations
Tamarind restaurant Mombasa:
this restaurant offers delectable seafood dishes that have earned it a reputation as the best restaurant in the East African Coast. It was a truly memorable experience.
Tamarind Dhow:
This was the ultimate dining experience, while sailing on the serene creeks surrounding Mombasa, we were offered the finest cuisine in a truly magical setting with the local swahili music in the air.
Tamarind Village:
this is luxurious setting in the peace of your private apartment. An ideal haven for business visitors and holiday-makers alike. It offers modern communication facilities, residential conference center and proximity to the city center.
The Golden Key:
This casino offers roulette, blackjack, poker, pontoon and state of the are slot machines. its plush cool atmosphere makes it the ideal spot for a golden evening.
Labels : Hotels in Kenya, Kenya Food, Africa Safaris, Hotel Reservations
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Convenience of Booking a Hotel Online
I am rather excited as a Kenyan firm opens it's doors to online payments and now anyone need not go through dozens of websites and emails. But is it always that easy? Well for 1. Most online booking sites have a range of hotels that you can choose from with their prices known unlike other site where you must first make an email inquiry.
2. The rates offered may be either the same or slightly lower than the rack rates displayed by respective hotels since they sell in bulk for each of the hotels they enjoy huge discount which they can then pass-over to their customers.
on the other hand they could be a few down sides to online booking as well.
1. Well if your are planning a safari or adventure you still have to contact tour operator unless you know where you are really going.
2. it might be a good idea to ask for a confirmation vie email to show you are booked in from the hotel itself.
3. It is necessary to at least do your research even if a range of hotels are listed there is nothing that can compare to a good bargain realised out of thorough research.
Labels: Kenya online | Africa holidays | Kenya safaris | Animals in Kenya |
2. The rates offered may be either the same or slightly lower than the rack rates displayed by respective hotels since they sell in bulk for each of the hotels they enjoy huge discount which they can then pass-over to their customers.
on the other hand they could be a few down sides to online booking as well.
1. Well if your are planning a safari or adventure you still have to contact tour operator unless you know where you are really going.
2. it might be a good idea to ask for a confirmation vie email to show you are booked in from the hotel itself.
3. It is necessary to at least do your research even if a range of hotels are listed there is nothing that can compare to a good bargain realised out of thorough research.
Labels: Kenya online | Africa holidays | Kenya safaris | Animals in Kenya |
Monday, March 10, 2008
Advantages of Booking a Kenya Hotel Online
Since there are few places where you can make hotel reservations online in Kenya, you will not have to many choices other than Into Kenya an Online Hotel Reservations Protal
When you book a hotel online you will thus enjoy:
• The Best Possible Rates considereing no phone calls, faxes or emails to write and follow up.
• No penalties: no additional fees to book, modify or cancel most reservations.
• No hidden costs: see all charges for your room, including taxes, up front.
• Complete choices: all available hotels, room types and rates are shown — unlike on some other sites.
• receive an email with your reservation details.
• It is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year unlike other sites where you send an email enquiry and you have to wait at least 24 hours due to time differences.
Into Kenya uses state-of-the-art technology designed to protect your credit card data and other personally identifiable information.
In short it is convenient, safe and you can enjoy a peace of mind after a few clicks on the website.
Make your booking now
When you book a hotel online you will thus enjoy:
• The Best Possible Rates considereing no phone calls, faxes or emails to write and follow up.
• No penalties: no additional fees to book, modify or cancel most reservations.
• No hidden costs: see all charges for your room, including taxes, up front.
• Complete choices: all available hotels, room types and rates are shown — unlike on some other sites.
• receive an email with your reservation details.
• It is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year unlike other sites where you send an email enquiry and you have to wait at least 24 hours due to time differences.
Into Kenya uses state-of-the-art technology designed to protect your credit card data and other personally identifiable information.
In short it is convenient, safe and you can enjoy a peace of mind after a few clicks on the website.
Make your booking now
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
More good News on Kenyas Safety 'Your Vacations Can Resume'
I found more good news from the Kenya Toursim Board on this site;
POLITICAL UPDATE:
Today was a momentous occasion in Kenya’s history as the news flashed around the world that an agreement had been signed between the two Kenyan political leaders, President Kibaki and Hon Odinga, to end the political impasse following the disputed elections two months ago and to restore peace and harmony to the country.
The agreement was the result of a five-hour meeting today attended by President Kikwete of Tanzania who is the current Chairman of the African Union, and Mr Kofi Annan who has performed the role of mediator, with the participation of both President Kibaki and Hon Raila Odinga.
At a press conference called this afternoon in Nairobi following the successful conclusion of the meeting, Kofi Annan announced that a power-sharing agreement had been achieved. The political settlement agreed upon by both party leaders has created the new post of Prime Minister, to be held by Raila Odinga, with a coalition government of the two main parties in which cabinet posts would be shared between them. Parliament will convene next Thursday to pass a constitutional amendment to approve the changes agreed upon.
Read More...
Labels: Online Kenya Hotel Bookings, Kenya Safaris, Africa adventures
POLITICAL UPDATE:
Today was a momentous occasion in Kenya’s history as the news flashed around the world that an agreement had been signed between the two Kenyan political leaders, President Kibaki and Hon Odinga, to end the political impasse following the disputed elections two months ago and to restore peace and harmony to the country.
The agreement was the result of a five-hour meeting today attended by President Kikwete of Tanzania who is the current Chairman of the African Union, and Mr Kofi Annan who has performed the role of mediator, with the participation of both President Kibaki and Hon Raila Odinga.
At a press conference called this afternoon in Nairobi following the successful conclusion of the meeting, Kofi Annan announced that a power-sharing agreement had been achieved. The political settlement agreed upon by both party leaders has created the new post of Prime Minister, to be held by Raila Odinga, with a coalition government of the two main parties in which cabinet posts would be shared between them. Parliament will convene next Thursday to pass a constitutional amendment to approve the changes agreed upon.
Read More...
Labels: Online Kenya Hotel Bookings, Kenya Safaris, Africa adventures
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Kenya News updates on Security and Tourist Activities
I came across this website that addresses the kenya security situation in detail it says Dear Friends & Partners,
It has been a month and a half since we experienced violence in Kenya after the December general elections. Some tours to Kenya were cancelled while some visitors who chose not to let the media scare them off, continued as planned. We also managed to convince some of those who felt uneasy about Kenya to do Tanzania safaris and these were successful. Those who came to Kenya despite all the scary scenes shown on TV were quick to comment that Kenya was still safe for tourists.
to read more go to Africa Safari News
It has been a month and a half since we experienced violence in Kenya after the December general elections. Some tours to Kenya were cancelled while some visitors who chose not to let the media scare them off, continued as planned. We also managed to convince some of those who felt uneasy about Kenya to do Tanzania safaris and these were successful. Those who came to Kenya despite all the scary scenes shown on TV were quick to comment that Kenya was still safe for tourists.
to read more go to Africa Safari News
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Tanzania
Culture
Tanzania is home to over 120 culturally diverse tribes but shares a common official language of Swahili. Apart from this linguistic bond, each tribe is unique. Their manners of worship, local government, and rituals—even their systems of trade and wealth—vary greatly from tribe to tribe.
One of Tanzania’s major tribes, the Masai, dominates the northern portion of Tanzania. Residing in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, tribe members constantly seek new grazing areas for their cattle. Cattle are of great importance to the Masai, providing not only a source of food, but also serving as a symbol of wealth and prestige for their owners. The Masai wear a single toga-like piece of clothing, usually a bright red or blue color, and cover their bodies in ochre.
Geography and Climate
“In the midst of a great wilderness, full of wild beasts…I fancied I saw a summit…covered with a dazzlingly white cloud (qtd. in Cole 56). This is how Johann Krapf, the first outsider to witness the splendor of Africa’s highest mountain, described Kilimanjaro. The peak was real, though the white clouds he “fancied” he saw were the dense layer of snow that coats the mountain.
Tanzania is primarily a plateau that slopes gently downward into the country’s five hundred miles of Indian Ocean coastline. Nearly three-quarters of Tanzania is dry savannah, so much so that the Swahili word for the central plateau is nyika, meaning “wasteland.” Winding through these flatlands is the Great Rift Valley, which forms narrow and shallow lakes in its long path. Several of these great lakes form a belt-like oasis of green vegetation. Contrasting with the severity of the plains are the coastal areas, which are lush with ample rainfall. In the north the plateau slopes dramatically into Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Some of Tanzania’s most distinguishing geographical features are found in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The park is composed of many craters and gorges, as well as lakes, forest, and plains. Among these features is the area’s namesake, the Ngorongoro Crater. The Crater is a huge expanse, covering more than one hundred square miles. On the Crater’s floor, grasslands blend into swamps, lakes, rivers, and woodland. Also within the Conservation Area’s perimeter is the Olduvai Gorge, commonly referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind,” where in 1931 the stone tools of prehistoric man were found. This find subsequently led to the discovery of the remains of humans who lived 1.75 million years ago.
Serengeti Plain
Adjacent to the western edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the Serengeti Plain. Its area is approximately 5,700 square miles, and its central savanna supports many grazing animals with plentiful water and lush grasses. Its southern portion is dry, receiving an average of only twenty inches of rainfall annually. The north is wooded grassland with watercourses and tributaries to larger rivers. Only two seasons occur on the Serengeti: dry and wet. The dry season occurs between June and October and the wet season between November to May.
Animal Life
Africa is well known for its native wildlife, and there are few places it is more robust than in the great grass plains of the Tanzanian wilderness. Here you will find herds of zebra, wildebeest and gazelle, cheetahs, lions, leopards, elephants and ostriches. With such variety, Tanzania is indeed an “inventory from the ark” (Camerapix 252).
The Ngorongoro Crater is rich with wildlife, including the densest predator population in Africa. The crater is home to up to 25,000 large mammals, mainly grazers - gazelle, buffalo, eland, hartebeest, and warthog. Many of the world’s flamingos live in the alkaline lakes of the Crater’s floor.
The Serengeti contains an estimated 3 million large animals, making it one of the last great wildlife preserves in the world. These animals take part in a phenomenal seasonal migration, an incredible concentration of moving animals. As the dry season approaches, the herbivores—mainly wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle—gather and move together to seek out new grazing lands and water. Following closely are the animals of prey. The cycle of migration repeats endlessly each year as the wet season gives way to dry.
retrieved from: CIS research
Tags: Africa Safari Tours | Hotels in Kenya | Kenya Safaris | Africa Safaris
Culture
Tanzania is home to over 120 culturally diverse tribes but shares a common official language of Swahili. Apart from this linguistic bond, each tribe is unique. Their manners of worship, local government, and rituals—even their systems of trade and wealth—vary greatly from tribe to tribe.
One of Tanzania’s major tribes, the Masai, dominates the northern portion of Tanzania. Residing in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, tribe members constantly seek new grazing areas for their cattle. Cattle are of great importance to the Masai, providing not only a source of food, but also serving as a symbol of wealth and prestige for their owners. The Masai wear a single toga-like piece of clothing, usually a bright red or blue color, and cover their bodies in ochre.
Geography and Climate
“In the midst of a great wilderness, full of wild beasts…I fancied I saw a summit…covered with a dazzlingly white cloud (qtd. in Cole 56). This is how Johann Krapf, the first outsider to witness the splendor of Africa’s highest mountain, described Kilimanjaro. The peak was real, though the white clouds he “fancied” he saw were the dense layer of snow that coats the mountain.
Tanzania is primarily a plateau that slopes gently downward into the country’s five hundred miles of Indian Ocean coastline. Nearly three-quarters of Tanzania is dry savannah, so much so that the Swahili word for the central plateau is nyika, meaning “wasteland.” Winding through these flatlands is the Great Rift Valley, which forms narrow and shallow lakes in its long path. Several of these great lakes form a belt-like oasis of green vegetation. Contrasting with the severity of the plains are the coastal areas, which are lush with ample rainfall. In the north the plateau slopes dramatically into Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Some of Tanzania’s most distinguishing geographical features are found in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The park is composed of many craters and gorges, as well as lakes, forest, and plains. Among these features is the area’s namesake, the Ngorongoro Crater. The Crater is a huge expanse, covering more than one hundred square miles. On the Crater’s floor, grasslands blend into swamps, lakes, rivers, and woodland. Also within the Conservation Area’s perimeter is the Olduvai Gorge, commonly referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind,” where in 1931 the stone tools of prehistoric man were found. This find subsequently led to the discovery of the remains of humans who lived 1.75 million years ago.
Serengeti Plain
Adjacent to the western edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the Serengeti Plain. Its area is approximately 5,700 square miles, and its central savanna supports many grazing animals with plentiful water and lush grasses. Its southern portion is dry, receiving an average of only twenty inches of rainfall annually. The north is wooded grassland with watercourses and tributaries to larger rivers. Only two seasons occur on the Serengeti: dry and wet. The dry season occurs between June and October and the wet season between November to May.
Animal Life
Africa is well known for its native wildlife, and there are few places it is more robust than in the great grass plains of the Tanzanian wilderness. Here you will find herds of zebra, wildebeest and gazelle, cheetahs, lions, leopards, elephants and ostriches. With such variety, Tanzania is indeed an “inventory from the ark” (Camerapix 252).
The Ngorongoro Crater is rich with wildlife, including the densest predator population in Africa. The crater is home to up to 25,000 large mammals, mainly grazers - gazelle, buffalo, eland, hartebeest, and warthog. Many of the world’s flamingos live in the alkaline lakes of the Crater’s floor.
The Serengeti contains an estimated 3 million large animals, making it one of the last great wildlife preserves in the world. These animals take part in a phenomenal seasonal migration, an incredible concentration of moving animals. As the dry season approaches, the herbivores—mainly wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle—gather and move together to seek out new grazing lands and water. Following closely are the animals of prey. The cycle of migration repeats endlessly each year as the wet season gives way to dry.
retrieved from: CIS research
Tags: Africa Safari Tours | Hotels in Kenya | Kenya Safaris | Africa Safaris
Friday, February 22, 2008
Ruma National Park
This park is not very popular and it is for this reason i have decided to feature it here. Established in 1966 and initially named Lambwe Valley Game Reserve. It is located in Suba district Nyanza and is 425 kilometers from Nairobi and about 10 kilometers east of Lake Victoria . The park is relatively humid due to its close proximity to the lake. It is mainly covered by savanna grassland and woodland mainly acacia trees. Some of the wild-game that can be spotted there include buffaloes, giraffes (Rothschild's), hyena, monkeys, impalas, antelopes and numerous birds. Some of the lodges and local hotels that surround it include Oribi Guest house- located at the top of the escarpment overlooking the park, Lake Victoria Safari Lodge at the shores of the magnificent Lake Victoria the largest fresh water lake in the East African Region, Sunset Hotel a large hotel near Kisumu town, and the Imperial Hotel. Next time you consider a Kenya Safari Ruma national park might be an option.
Tags: Africa Safaris
Tags: Africa Safaris
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Book a Kenya Hotel online
Online hotel booking is quickly becoming a necessity for hotels in Africa and few have embraced this opportunity many are still dragging their feet crying security or the lack of it, lack of customisable solutions and all sorts of reasons.
One of the limitations of travelling to Africa is the slow pace with which its travel industry has in embracing the use of technology. Many would be travels today are more comfortable on making a payment by use of a credit card for the following reasons
1. At the top of the list is the fact that i can pay for it now look for the money and 30 days later refund the credit card company.
2. It is less cumbersome as traditional methods of payment require one to go the bank and transfer the money while a credit card payment can be done from my home or desk-top
3.It is thus much easier and faster to finalise the transaction.
4. I can then say it cost less in terms of time and money as opposed to traditional ways since you do not have to queue at the bank, burn fuel to get there and then make phone call follow-ups.
5. Credit card payment is today a much safer way of transacting since a third party 'the merchant’s involved. It is for this reason that a number of African organisations are quickly taking up this idea of enabling credit card processing on their website and acquire a competitive edge against those who have not yet done the same.
A few websites in Kenya, Egypt and South Africa are already offering holiday makers an easier way of booking their accommodation and saving time spend calling hotels and agents to get bookings.
One of the limitations of travelling to Africa is the slow pace with which its travel industry has in embracing the use of technology. Many would be travels today are more comfortable on making a payment by use of a credit card for the following reasons
1. At the top of the list is the fact that i can pay for it now look for the money and 30 days later refund the credit card company.
2. It is less cumbersome as traditional methods of payment require one to go the bank and transfer the money while a credit card payment can be done from my home or desk-top
3.It is thus much easier and faster to finalise the transaction.
4. I can then say it cost less in terms of time and money as opposed to traditional ways since you do not have to queue at the bank, burn fuel to get there and then make phone call follow-ups.
5. Credit card payment is today a much safer way of transacting since a third party 'the merchant’s involved. It is for this reason that a number of African organisations are quickly taking up this idea of enabling credit card processing on their website and acquire a competitive edge against those who have not yet done the same.
A few websites in Kenya, Egypt and South Africa are already offering holiday makers an easier way of booking their accommodation and saving time spend calling hotels and agents to get bookings.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Hotel bookings online
An online hotel booking firm in Kenya has launched a new interactive website to promote Kenya’s tourism establishments. The firm, Central Reservations Bureau East Africa Limited (CRB) announced it had installed a technology platform to generate real-time hotel bookings and provide a payment gateway.
CRB director, Mr Barongo Rukara, said the Into Kenya website is expected to play a major role in the generation of hotel bookings for the hospitality industry.
Tourism minister, Mr Morris Dzoro, said globalisation and the great strides in the ICT, websites are becoming the first point of contact between a hotel and a customer.
"As far as ICT is concerned, we have no choice but to embrace it in order to harness the benefits of sustainable economic and social development that it always brings," he said in a speech read by Tourism assistant minister, Mr Raphael Muriungi during the launch of the website in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Dzoro said Internet is now the premier source of information and bookings for tourists and generates revenue of over $50 billion annually globally.
Retrevied from the East African Standard 27/4/07
CRB director, Mr Barongo Rukara, said the Into Kenya website is expected to play a major role in the generation of hotel bookings for the hospitality industry.
Tourism minister, Mr Morris Dzoro, said globalisation and the great strides in the ICT, websites are becoming the first point of contact between a hotel and a customer.
"As far as ICT is concerned, we have no choice but to embrace it in order to harness the benefits of sustainable economic and social development that it always brings," he said in a speech read by Tourism assistant minister, Mr Raphael Muriungi during the launch of the website in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Dzoro said Internet is now the premier source of information and bookings for tourists and generates revenue of over $50 billion annually globally.
Retrevied from the East African Standard 27/4/07
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Maasai Ostrich Resort
I recently was able to visit the Maasai Ostrich Resort populary know as the ostrich farm. I usually like going there coz of the tasty ostrich game meat that is served there. It has a swimming pool for the children to play in and the farm is open to all to see how these magnificent birds are reared of course for a small fee. The ostrich farm is located 45 kilometers from Nairobi on the thi River/ kitengela plains about thirty minutes drive from the Jomo Kenyatta International airport in Nairobi and about 1 and half hours drive from the tanzania border.
It also has some accomodation facilities although i have never used it. Initially it was a ranch house, the resort offers luxury accomodation whith spacious ensuite double rooms, taste fully furnished and private. The large american styled ranch house is surrounded by beautiful gardens of mixed wild and exotic plants and a green manicured lawn. over time the resort has become a haven of eace to trad a popular and ideal spot for family outings. At the farm there are guides who offer educational tours on the aspect of rearing ostriches. finally there is a shop that specializes on ostrich souvenighers ranging from leather belts and bags, wallets, egg shells, feather dusters and key holders. From my visits there i have learned ostrich farmers never throw anything away as waste. The skin makes wonderful leather products, the feathers are used to make head regalia for African traditional dancers, the eggs are eaten and are indeed large and the shells painted to make household decoration and the meat makes tasty nyama choma a swhali word for rasted meat
It also has some accomodation facilities although i have never used it. Initially it was a ranch house, the resort offers luxury accomodation whith spacious ensuite double rooms, taste fully furnished and private. The large american styled ranch house is surrounded by beautiful gardens of mixed wild and exotic plants and a green manicured lawn. over time the resort has become a haven of eace to trad a popular and ideal spot for family outings. At the farm there are guides who offer educational tours on the aspect of rearing ostriches. finally there is a shop that specializes on ostrich souvenighers ranging from leather belts and bags, wallets, egg shells, feather dusters and key holders. From my visits there i have learned ostrich farmers never throw anything away as waste. The skin makes wonderful leather products, the feathers are used to make head regalia for African traditional dancers, the eggs are eaten and are indeed large and the shells painted to make household decoration and the meat makes tasty nyama choma a swhali word for rasted meat
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Africa Vacation Destination
Emily O. a student at the tours and travel insititute had this to say about Kenya as a destination.
ACCESSIBILITY
Kenya is very much accessible, with so many airlines serving it both to and fro. From East Africa and through the whole of Africa Kenya airways will serve so effectively. It extends its services up to and including America, European countries and parts of Asia. KLM serves transatlantic travels. DH serves all through Africa. SA serving from the UK, SO serving from London, just to mention but a few. So to say that you can always access Kenya from every part of the world.
ATTRACTIONS
Variety of attractions that appeal to everyone can always be found in Kenya. You want to see wildlife? There are so many parks in Kenya to give the greatest variety, like Mount Kenya National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park(find the flamingos), Nairobi National Park, Tsavo National Park and many more. Different Game Reserves for example: Maasai Mara Game Reserve (you will find zebras and gazelles) and Samburu Game Reserve. Enjoy the sandy beaches of the coast, visit the tea plantations on Kenyan ranches and farms, learn about the different religions like the Hindu, Islamic, Buddhism and Christianity. Interact with different African cultures like the Swahili, the Kaya, the Maasai, the kikuyu and many more. See the famous features like the Rift Valley, The Lake Victoria, The Tana River, The crying stone, The Kit Mikayi and many others not mentioned.
AMMENITIES
In Kenya there are so many hospitals with very good facilities and above all they are all accessible from every corner since they have been distributed well in the country. To mention some like The Kenyatta National Hospital, The Nairobi West Hospital, The Agha Khan Hospital, Marries topes Hospital. Kenya have different institutions offering variety of syllabuses, you can always choose one that fits your life style. Talking about transport, we have well maintained roads, internal air transport, railway transport and water transport.
ACCOMMODATIONS IN KENYA
Many hotels in Kenya offer wonderful services with a lot more that you may want like shopping arcades, communication centers, restaurants serving both international and local cuisine, pubs with live entertainments and with professional smiling service providers. Examples of Hotels includes: Nairobi Hilton Hotel, Fare View Hotel, Nairobi Serena Hotel, Grand Regency Hotel, Utalii Hotel, Silver Springs Hotel, Nairobi Safari Club, Bamburi Beach Hotel,Hotel Boulevard, Sun n Sand Hotel in the coast, Imperial Hotel in Kisumu, Sweetwaters Tented Camp and Sweetel Hotel in Bondo.
Are you troubled about where to hold your important meetings? In Kenya we have the Kenya International Conference Center which accommodates up to 4000 people.
ACTIVITIES
So much to do in Kenya, variety of sports like football, running, volleyball, swimming and even indoor games like tennis. Choose to visit Kenya and enjoy balloon safaris in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. You love deep sea fishing, don’t you? Find it in the Indian Ocean of the Kenyan coast. Mountain climbers have so much to smile about, visit the Mount Longonot, Ngong’ hills, Mau Ranges and Mount Kenya all in Kenya.
Kenya is very secure and politically stable. Kenyans are so hospital. Choose Kenya for all year round destination and enjoy the adventure, good weather that is neither cold nor hot. Come to Kenya and you can never regret but will hope to come back or even stay forever!!!!!
ACCESSIBILITY
Kenya is very much accessible, with so many airlines serving it both to and fro. From East Africa and through the whole of Africa Kenya airways will serve so effectively. It extends its services up to and including America, European countries and parts of Asia. KLM serves transatlantic travels. DH serves all through Africa. SA serving from the UK, SO serving from London, just to mention but a few. So to say that you can always access Kenya from every part of the world.
ATTRACTIONS
Variety of attractions that appeal to everyone can always be found in Kenya. You want to see wildlife? There are so many parks in Kenya to give the greatest variety, like Mount Kenya National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park(find the flamingos), Nairobi National Park, Tsavo National Park and many more. Different Game Reserves for example: Maasai Mara Game Reserve (you will find zebras and gazelles) and Samburu Game Reserve. Enjoy the sandy beaches of the coast, visit the tea plantations on Kenyan ranches and farms, learn about the different religions like the Hindu, Islamic, Buddhism and Christianity. Interact with different African cultures like the Swahili, the Kaya, the Maasai, the kikuyu and many more. See the famous features like the Rift Valley, The Lake Victoria, The Tana River, The crying stone, The Kit Mikayi and many others not mentioned.
AMMENITIES
In Kenya there are so many hospitals with very good facilities and above all they are all accessible from every corner since they have been distributed well in the country. To mention some like The Kenyatta National Hospital, The Nairobi West Hospital, The Agha Khan Hospital, Marries topes Hospital. Kenya have different institutions offering variety of syllabuses, you can always choose one that fits your life style. Talking about transport, we have well maintained roads, internal air transport, railway transport and water transport.
ACCOMMODATIONS IN KENYA
Many hotels in Kenya offer wonderful services with a lot more that you may want like shopping arcades, communication centers, restaurants serving both international and local cuisine, pubs with live entertainments and with professional smiling service providers. Examples of Hotels includes: Nairobi Hilton Hotel, Fare View Hotel, Nairobi Serena Hotel, Grand Regency Hotel, Utalii Hotel, Silver Springs Hotel, Nairobi Safari Club, Bamburi Beach Hotel,Hotel Boulevard, Sun n Sand Hotel in the coast, Imperial Hotel in Kisumu, Sweetwaters Tented Camp and Sweetel Hotel in Bondo.
Are you troubled about where to hold your important meetings? In Kenya we have the Kenya International Conference Center which accommodates up to 4000 people.
ACTIVITIES
So much to do in Kenya, variety of sports like football, running, volleyball, swimming and even indoor games like tennis. Choose to visit Kenya and enjoy balloon safaris in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. You love deep sea fishing, don’t you? Find it in the Indian Ocean of the Kenyan coast. Mountain climbers have so much to smile about, visit the Mount Longonot, Ngong’ hills, Mau Ranges and Mount Kenya all in Kenya.
Kenya is very secure and politically stable. Kenyans are so hospital. Choose Kenya for all year round destination and enjoy the adventure, good weather that is neither cold nor hot. Come to Kenya and you can never regret but will hope to come back or even stay forever!!!!!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Peace in Kenya still Elusive
As a travel blogger i rarely like to deviate from the topic but the political situation in Kenya cannot allow me to continue on the normal topic. After the arrival of Koffi Annan and the two opponents in Kenya President Kibaki and Mr. Raila Odinga there would be peace but it seams it is very elusive fresh skirmishes have erupted once again this time word has it that it is a revenge mission for those who were attacked during the initial post election violence. This is only on certain areas and as i see the pictures on TV i do not believe i still live in the same country. In the capital city where i live things have more or less settled but nothing is the same anymore. The travel industry has gone to the dogs. I had never imagined that in such a short span of time our hotels, game parks , and other tourist attractions would be empty. If only people would realize that there are looming longterm problems to all this, such as shortage of food. Please Kenya stop the fighting, how long can we go on like this?
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Kenya: A Nation of Peace and Adventure
Kenya went to the polls on December 27th it was a peaceful event. Voter turn out was said to be exceptionally high and the stakes were high too. however during the vote tally mayhem broke out in various sections of the country and there was a lot of anxiety as people awaited to the results however as the electoral commission chairman was about to announce the final results of some constituencies a number off people were wanted to delay the announcement of the results citing all sorts of problems in the process. A winner was eventually announced and the losing party was not happy. It it is at this point that looters took to the streets and started all sorts of fire and breaking in into shops and houses. A number of innocent people have lost their lives and most of the country has settled. However the tourism industry has been hurt badly with plenty of cancellations and plenty of diversions to other East African Countries. Hence for those who already planned there vacations it may be much wiser to divert to Tanzania and Uganda which are very peaceful at this time.
Labels: Real Africa Safaris, Africa Travels,
Labels: Real Africa Safaris, Africa Travels,
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara is the northernmost extremity of the great Serengeti Ecosystem. It is the most breathtaking of all country’s game reserves. Mara covers some 1,672 Square Kilometers.
The Mara is boarded by Loita hills in the South, Soit Ololol Escarpment in the West and the Talek River in the North, which is the highest Peak in the Reserve. There are also two large streams, the Nyangores and the Amala draining off the Central Mau range and merge downstream as the Mara River. The Mara River bisects the reserve from North to South.
The Reserve holds large herbivores together with small species, Wildbeests, gazelles, Zebras, Buffalos, Impalas, Elephants, Elands and many Antelopes. There are also predators like Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Wild dogs, jackals and many small mammals, birds Reptiles, Amphibians and insects.
During the annual migration, which is a new phenomenon, these creatures crowd into Mara grasslands usually from November to January when the rains bring the first green flush to the short grass, then as the dry weather setsin, they pull back North and westwards into the woodlands and longer grasses. Mara is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles ever seen.
Maasai Mara is accessible by road sung the new Nairobi- nakuru road, making a left turn beyond Rironi which akes you onto the Old Rift Escarpment Road to Narok, or Charters or private planes, which operate from the Wilson Airport and daily 45 minute, scheduled services.
There are three kinds of Accommodation at the Maasai Mara, Lodges, Luxury tented camps and Self –Service camping. Among the best lodges are; Keekorok, Mara Sopa Lodge, Mara Serena (a 5- star Manyatta), Kichwa Tembo, Governors camp, little governors and Governors’ paradise camp, Siana Springs, Mara River, Fig Tree, Mara Intrepids and Mara Sarova camps are all comfortable Tented Camps.
The Mara is boarded by Loita hills in the South, Soit Ololol Escarpment in the West and the Talek River in the North, which is the highest Peak in the Reserve. There are also two large streams, the Nyangores and the Amala draining off the Central Mau range and merge downstream as the Mara River. The Mara River bisects the reserve from North to South.
Watch giraffes browsing on whistling thorn, the Mara thickets and forest patches contain many other species of tree and shrub. Along watercourses several varieties of wild fig attract fruit-eating birds, baboons, monkeys and at night, fruit bats.
The Park is well developed and well served with rough game viewing tracks.
Maasai Mara is never the same.
Labels: Maasai Mara Excursions: Kenya Wildlife Safaris: Kenya Safaris
The Mara is boarded by Loita hills in the South, Soit Ololol Escarpment in the West and the Talek River in the North, which is the highest Peak in the Reserve. There are also two large streams, the Nyangores and the Amala draining off the Central Mau range and merge downstream as the Mara River. The Mara River bisects the reserve from North to South.
The Reserve holds large herbivores together with small species, Wildbeests, gazelles, Zebras, Buffalos, Impalas, Elephants, Elands and many Antelopes. There are also predators like Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Wild dogs, jackals and many small mammals, birds Reptiles, Amphibians and insects.
During the annual migration, which is a new phenomenon, these creatures crowd into Mara grasslands usually from November to January when the rains bring the first green flush to the short grass, then as the dry weather setsin, they pull back North and westwards into the woodlands and longer grasses. Mara is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles ever seen.
Maasai Mara is accessible by road sung the new Nairobi- nakuru road, making a left turn beyond Rironi which akes you onto the Old Rift Escarpment Road to Narok, or Charters or private planes, which operate from the Wilson Airport and daily 45 minute, scheduled services.
There are three kinds of Accommodation at the Maasai Mara, Lodges, Luxury tented camps and Self –Service camping. Among the best lodges are; Keekorok, Mara Sopa Lodge, Mara Serena (a 5- star Manyatta), Kichwa Tembo, Governors camp, little governors and Governors’ paradise camp, Siana Springs, Mara River, Fig Tree, Mara Intrepids and Mara Sarova camps are all comfortable Tented Camps.
The Mara is boarded by Loita hills in the South, Soit Ololol Escarpment in the West and the Talek River in the North, which is the highest Peak in the Reserve. There are also two large streams, the Nyangores and the Amala draining off the Central Mau range and merge downstream as the Mara River. The Mara River bisects the reserve from North to South.
Watch giraffes browsing on whistling thorn, the Mara thickets and forest patches contain many other species of tree and shrub. Along watercourses several varieties of wild fig attract fruit-eating birds, baboons, monkeys and at night, fruit bats.
The Park is well developed and well served with rough game viewing tracks.
Maasai Mara is never the same.
Labels: Maasai Mara Excursions: Kenya Wildlife Safaris: Kenya Safaris
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