Naivasha is a little known Kenyan town in the expansive Rift Valley region that is famous for having a number of wonderful sites but hardly known by international tourist with many preferring to explore the western region. The town lies North West of Nairobi city and it is about a one and a half hour journey from the city centre and about a two hour journey form the Jomo Kenyatta airport. This not being a hindrance to marketing the region, many local tour operators offer tourists great vacation packages for the local tourists who have exploited these opportunities. But why do local tourists enjoy the views of this small township?
Naivasha is part of the expansive Nakuru District with the town enjoying an urban population of 20,000 people as per the 2009 census that took place in the country. Most of these inhabitants rely on agriculture and horticulture for their livelihoods and with the recent expansion of infrastructure (roads) in the region it has opened doors to trading as another means to their livelihoods. This in turn has improved the lives of these people by far allowing for expansion of educational facilities as well as social amenities. Naivasha is known to produce world-class fruit, vegetables and flowers for export to Europe, Asia the Americas and of course other African countries in the African region.
Hell's Gate National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country alongside Longonot National Park and Mount Longonot is nearby attractions in the Naivasha area. Tours also have included Lake Naivasha, for tourists to observe birdlife and hippopotamus behavior, as well as other wild animals. Among the hotels and lodges found in the area are the Lake Naivasha Country club, Kiangazi house, Loldia House and the Naivasha hotel (which was previously known as Lake Hotel) among other popular hotels. Also near the region is the Crescent Island that is a hub for fishing with the Tilapias, Bass and Cat fish breeding in plenty.
Among the lakes in this region are: the fresh water Lake Naivasha known for its vast numbers of pink flamingoes at the shores of the lake and also Lake Bogoria. The Menengai Crater which is a dormant mountain is also a great attraction to this region. This Crater is a great team building sight and its ascent is pretty exciting and fairly easy with the reward of the ascent being a lush, green view of the area.
During the peak season for flower exportations, the flower farms are laden with magnificent variety of flowers from which the sight is just enchanting for anybody. These flowers include daffodils, marigolds, lilies, tulips, all kinds of roses and violets among many other flower varieties in the market.
The Town also has very friendly people who are only too willing to help you if you do get lost in the region trying to look for your favorite relaxing destination. Those who have sampled the hotels and restaurants say that their services are up to speed with them only too willing to please the customer.
Masai Mara Honeymoon Stays
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
The Squirrel
If you are in any part of a Kenyan wildlife park, you are likely to come across these cheeky animals that are quite small in size but can turn out to be very dangerous when it comes to burrowing and spoiling food crops in farms/ shamba. They have been known to spoil acreages of farm land when they mange to stray away from the inclines of the park areas. But what are these creature all about and do they have any benefits to man?
First and foremost, Squirrels belong to a large family of small or medium-sized rodents called the Sciuridae. The family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots (including woodchucks), flying squirrels, the gray squirrels, the prairie dogs and more than two hundred other species. Squirrels are indigenous to the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa and have been introduced to Australia therefore they are not rare species at all.
These tiny animals that belong to the Sciuridae family, range in size from 5 to 36 inches (13-92 cm) long including their very long and bushy tails. The biggest squirrel is the Indian Giant Squirrel with the smallest species of squirrels being the Gray species that range from 5 to 10 inches and are found in the southern Americas. Baby squirrels are born in nests of about six at a time but only a couple surviving until adult hood. They are blind and hairless at birth like birds for period of two or three months. Females may have several litters in a year, so most squirrel populations are robust and they are certainly not an endangered species.
Squirrels are omnivores in by nature which means that they eat both plants and meat. They eat seeds, nuts, leaves, bulbs, roots, mushrooms, insects, worms, eggs, small birds, and other small animals. Ground squirrels have pouches in their cheeks in which they carry food to their burrow to store hence they are known for burrowing in between food crops and sometimes damaging the roots of tender vegetable shoots and roots. The other kinds of squirrels are the tree and flying squirrels. Flying squirrels don’t fly instead they glide form tree to tree as they extend their furry for limbs to either side.
The most interesting fact about them in which I feel that the squirrel must be respected and appreciated for, is its abilities, especially its grace and acrobatics in the trees. Perhaps no other animal is as quick to disappear as a fleeing squirrel. Once he sees you, nine out of ten times you'll never see the likes of him again. One wonders what is so terribly wrong with them just having to stay in one position for at least five minutes at a time. The advantage of these is the fact that they eat away insects that love eating onto newly sprouted plants; thus farmers may use them in chasing away unwanted parasitic insects.
The next time you come across one throw some nuts towards its directions; these are their favorite dishes especially for gestating females.
Safaris Africa
First and foremost, Squirrels belong to a large family of small or medium-sized rodents called the Sciuridae. The family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots (including woodchucks), flying squirrels, the gray squirrels, the prairie dogs and more than two hundred other species. Squirrels are indigenous to the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa and have been introduced to Australia therefore they are not rare species at all.
These tiny animals that belong to the Sciuridae family, range in size from 5 to 36 inches (13-92 cm) long including their very long and bushy tails. The biggest squirrel is the Indian Giant Squirrel with the smallest species of squirrels being the Gray species that range from 5 to 10 inches and are found in the southern Americas. Baby squirrels are born in nests of about six at a time but only a couple surviving until adult hood. They are blind and hairless at birth like birds for period of two or three months. Females may have several litters in a year, so most squirrel populations are robust and they are certainly not an endangered species.
Squirrels are omnivores in by nature which means that they eat both plants and meat. They eat seeds, nuts, leaves, bulbs, roots, mushrooms, insects, worms, eggs, small birds, and other small animals. Ground squirrels have pouches in their cheeks in which they carry food to their burrow to store hence they are known for burrowing in between food crops and sometimes damaging the roots of tender vegetable shoots and roots. The other kinds of squirrels are the tree and flying squirrels. Flying squirrels don’t fly instead they glide form tree to tree as they extend their furry for limbs to either side.
The most interesting fact about them in which I feel that the squirrel must be respected and appreciated for, is its abilities, especially its grace and acrobatics in the trees. Perhaps no other animal is as quick to disappear as a fleeing squirrel. Once he sees you, nine out of ten times you'll never see the likes of him again. One wonders what is so terribly wrong with them just having to stay in one position for at least five minutes at a time. The advantage of these is the fact that they eat away insects that love eating onto newly sprouted plants; thus farmers may use them in chasing away unwanted parasitic insects.
The next time you come across one throw some nuts towards its directions; these are their favorite dishes especially for gestating females.
Safaris Africa
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Hot Air Balloon
When coming to the Kenyan beaches one will find that there are some tour firms that offer the hot air balloon as part of the holiday feast for them to enjoy. This is all quite good since the hot air balloon gives one a taste of the land from a birds eye view. Having time to go on this ride is good but it does not come cheap and for those afraid of heights, it does not go to helping them relax from all this. Here are a few facts on the hot air balloon and why it is becoming a popular event when at the coast of Kenya.
The hot air balloons were discovered in France in 1783 by two brothers Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier who had earlier tried it by having one made out of polythene bags and putting a chicken, duck and sheep for a five minute ride which they survived. On seeing this they went ahead to improve the model and in that same year, they made the hot air balloon taking a twenty minute ride across Paris made out of thick tent like material and a wicker basket .
It is written that back in 1783, local farmers were very suspicious of the 'fiery dragon' descending from the sky into their vineyards. To placate them and celebrate the first flight, the pilots offered champagne to both the passengers and observers.
The propane gas is stored in compressed liquid form, in lightweight cylinders. When the burner is started, the propane flows out quickly through hoses to a heating coil around the burner, and is ignited by a pilot light. As the flame burns, the metal in the tubing heats up. This heats up the propane flowing through it and changes it to a gas. Helium gas propelled balloons have also been introduced with time.
A typical commercial pleasure balloon flight reaches anywhere from about 500 feet to as much as 3,000 feet altitude above ground level, although flights up to 10,000 feet are possible. Helium balloons using very specialized equipment, including fully enclosed, pressurized cabins, have exceeded 100,000 feet in altitude. The altitude record in the Guinness Book of Records, for hot air balloons is 65,000 feet.
One disadvantage of hot air balloons is that Hot air balloons don't fly in the rain because balloon heat can cause water to boil atop the balloon, and boiling water destroys the fabric. As a traveler it is thus important to make sure that one picks out a bright sunny day for safety purposes.
It should be emphasized that when going hot air ballooning, you will go with a trained pilot. Like any other aviation activity there are strict rules and regulations that need to be applied. Just like captains of planes, hot balloon pilots undergo medicals and balloons are inspected every 100 hours to ensure that they are airworthy and completely safe. Make sure you inform the pilot about any health issues that may emerge during the ride so as to prepare her for any eventualities.
Lastly go with a friend and enjoy the view of the beautiful country Kenya and take lots of pictures for sweet memories later on.
Hot Air Baloon Safaris
The hot air balloons were discovered in France in 1783 by two brothers Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier who had earlier tried it by having one made out of polythene bags and putting a chicken, duck and sheep for a five minute ride which they survived. On seeing this they went ahead to improve the model and in that same year, they made the hot air balloon taking a twenty minute ride across Paris made out of thick tent like material and a wicker basket .
It is written that back in 1783, local farmers were very suspicious of the 'fiery dragon' descending from the sky into their vineyards. To placate them and celebrate the first flight, the pilots offered champagne to both the passengers and observers.
The propane gas is stored in compressed liquid form, in lightweight cylinders. When the burner is started, the propane flows out quickly through hoses to a heating coil around the burner, and is ignited by a pilot light. As the flame burns, the metal in the tubing heats up. This heats up the propane flowing through it and changes it to a gas. Helium gas propelled balloons have also been introduced with time.
A typical commercial pleasure balloon flight reaches anywhere from about 500 feet to as much as 3,000 feet altitude above ground level, although flights up to 10,000 feet are possible. Helium balloons using very specialized equipment, including fully enclosed, pressurized cabins, have exceeded 100,000 feet in altitude. The altitude record in the Guinness Book of Records, for hot air balloons is 65,000 feet.
One disadvantage of hot air balloons is that Hot air balloons don't fly in the rain because balloon heat can cause water to boil atop the balloon, and boiling water destroys the fabric. As a traveler it is thus important to make sure that one picks out a bright sunny day for safety purposes.
It should be emphasized that when going hot air ballooning, you will go with a trained pilot. Like any other aviation activity there are strict rules and regulations that need to be applied. Just like captains of planes, hot balloon pilots undergo medicals and balloons are inspected every 100 hours to ensure that they are airworthy and completely safe. Make sure you inform the pilot about any health issues that may emerge during the ride so as to prepare her for any eventualities.
Lastly go with a friend and enjoy the view of the beautiful country Kenya and take lots of pictures for sweet memories later on.
Hot Air Baloon Safaris
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Zebra
If one is a tourist in any Kenyan park, one can not miss to have a glimpse of the Zebra with locals suggesting in jest that it is the African version of the horse. I do not know how this can be so considering that the horse is the strongest animal living. So what are the traits of a zebra, particularly a Kenyan Zebra (if there is anything like an African horse?).
Zebras were the second lineage to diverge from the earliest proto-horses, after the asses, around 4 million years ago. Grevy's zebra (a species of the zebras) is believed to have been the first zebra species to emerge. The ancestors of the Equus horses are believed to have been striped, and zebras must have retained the stripes of their ancestors due to their advantage for social animals in tropical environments. Extensive stripes would be of little use to equids that live in low densities in deserts (like asses and some horses) or ones that live in colder climates with shaggy coats and annual shading (like some horses).
There are three species of zebra that still occur in Africa, two of which are found in East Africa. The most numerous and widespread species in the east is Burchell's, also known as the common or plains zebra. The other is Grevy's zebra (The long-legged Grevy's zebra, the biggest of the wild equids, is taller and heavier than the Burchell's, with a massive head and large ears.), named for Jules Grevy, a president of France in the 1880s who received one from Abyssinia as a gift, and now found mostly in northern Kenya. (The third species, Equids zebra, is the mountain zebra, found in southern and southwestern Africa.)
Zebras are important prey for lions and hyenas, and to a lesser extent, for hunting dogs, leopards and cheetahs. When a family group is attacked, the members form a semicircle, face the predator and watch it, ready to bite or strike should the attack continue. If one of the family is injured, the rest will often encircle it to protect it from further attack. Like many species of East Africa’s grazing animals, the Burchell's zebra is most in danger of habitat loss and competition for water with livestock.
As a way of protecting itself, zebras have a camouflaging mechanism. This is accomplished in several ways. First, the vertical striping helps the zebra hide in grass, while seeming absurd at first glance, considering that grass is neither white nor black, it is supposed to be effective against the zebra's main predator, the lion, which is color blind. Theoretically, a zebra standing still in tall grass may not be noticed at all by a lion. Additionally, since zebras are herd animals, the stripes may help to confuse predators - a number of zebras standing or moving close together may appear as one large animal, making it more difficult for the lion to pick out any single zebra to attack
Lastly to protect the young ones, are protected by the mother keeps all other zebras (even the members of her family) away from the foal for 2 or 3 days, until it learns to recognize her by sight, voice and smell. It would be advisable as a human to keep off young foals as the mother fiercely protects it.
Masai Mara Adventures
Zebras were the second lineage to diverge from the earliest proto-horses, after the asses, around 4 million years ago. Grevy's zebra (a species of the zebras) is believed to have been the first zebra species to emerge. The ancestors of the Equus horses are believed to have been striped, and zebras must have retained the stripes of their ancestors due to their advantage for social animals in tropical environments. Extensive stripes would be of little use to equids that live in low densities in deserts (like asses and some horses) or ones that live in colder climates with shaggy coats and annual shading (like some horses).
There are three species of zebra that still occur in Africa, two of which are found in East Africa. The most numerous and widespread species in the east is Burchell's, also known as the common or plains zebra. The other is Grevy's zebra (The long-legged Grevy's zebra, the biggest of the wild equids, is taller and heavier than the Burchell's, with a massive head and large ears.), named for Jules Grevy, a president of France in the 1880s who received one from Abyssinia as a gift, and now found mostly in northern Kenya. (The third species, Equids zebra, is the mountain zebra, found in southern and southwestern Africa.)
Zebras are important prey for lions and hyenas, and to a lesser extent, for hunting dogs, leopards and cheetahs. When a family group is attacked, the members form a semicircle, face the predator and watch it, ready to bite or strike should the attack continue. If one of the family is injured, the rest will often encircle it to protect it from further attack. Like many species of East Africa’s grazing animals, the Burchell's zebra is most in danger of habitat loss and competition for water with livestock.
As a way of protecting itself, zebras have a camouflaging mechanism. This is accomplished in several ways. First, the vertical striping helps the zebra hide in grass, while seeming absurd at first glance, considering that grass is neither white nor black, it is supposed to be effective against the zebra's main predator, the lion, which is color blind. Theoretically, a zebra standing still in tall grass may not be noticed at all by a lion. Additionally, since zebras are herd animals, the stripes may help to confuse predators - a number of zebras standing or moving close together may appear as one large animal, making it more difficult for the lion to pick out any single zebra to attack
Lastly to protect the young ones, are protected by the mother keeps all other zebras (even the members of her family) away from the foal for 2 or 3 days, until it learns to recognize her by sight, voice and smell. It would be advisable as a human to keep off young foals as the mother fiercely protects it.
Masai Mara Adventures
Bird Safari
We are at Mara Siria and part of their package includes a bird watching safari or a birding safari. It includes the aspect of trying to watch the various magnificent species of birds available in the country and identifying their various traits as they are in that environment. you might ask yourself what this safari has in store and what it entails considering that you are not among the devout bird watchers in the country. Perhaps you even wonder how to go about it since you have lived in the city and the only bird species that you have come across is the Marabou Stork that loves to nest around trees in the city centre. What species are found?
In the morning a trip is organized to various spots of the extensive Mara grasslands that are a strong hold to the threatened, migratory Corncrake and the near threatened Jackson's widowbird. The bush and woodlands around the reserve for example around the cooler eastern region, also holds some unique bird species, with more than 450 bird species that have been recorded in the last few years. It also includes twelve species of Cisticola and birds of prey. Large numbers of Palaerctic migrants brood in the area alongside Caspian plovers and white storks. Other local and unusual birds in the Mara include Rock Cisticola, Rufous Bellied Heron, Denham's Bustard, Black Coucal, Red Tailed chat, Pale Wren Warbler, Tabora Cisticola, Yellow Bellied Hyliota, Green-capped Eremomela and Magpie Shrike. Yes these species are indeed bird species which are found in the Mara.
Further more one is also likely to see, the Common Ostrich, the small but still conspicuous Cardinal Quelea, Sooty Chat, Ground Hornbill, Open-billed Stork, Temminck's Courser, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse and Denham's Bustard. Lilac-breasted Rollers are common. If we find a kill or rotten carcass, we could also expect to see six species of vultures all scavenging around the area.
There are some species of birds that have the habit of migrating to Kenya during the cold season with common species to be such as the Egyptian Hooded Griffon, Nubian White-backed and White-headed storks that are a sight to behold. Pictures are taken in great quantity to be used as cover photos to postcards and calendars as memoirs of a fun filled trip. In addition we will encounter numerous raptors such as Bateleur, Martial and Tawny Eagles, as well as Pale Chanting Goshawk, Augur Buzzards and Black-chested Snake Eagles.
If the Eastern side is not enough we can go along the Masai Mara River and we could watch out for the African Finfoot, Schalow's and Ross' Turaco, Woodland Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Barbet, Black-billed Weaver, Violet-backed Starling, and perhaps with luck, Pel's Fishing Owl. Any tapping noise on the trees may be indicative of the relatively uncommon Woodpeckers who have species such as the Golden-tailed, Green-backed and Fine-banded woodpeckers.
Am sure after the trip with our very informative guide your knowledge of bird species should have grown tenfold and so many postcards will be in line for those back home.
Lodges in the Masai Mara
In the morning a trip is organized to various spots of the extensive Mara grasslands that are a strong hold to the threatened, migratory Corncrake and the near threatened Jackson's widowbird. The bush and woodlands around the reserve for example around the cooler eastern region, also holds some unique bird species, with more than 450 bird species that have been recorded in the last few years. It also includes twelve species of Cisticola and birds of prey. Large numbers of Palaerctic migrants brood in the area alongside Caspian plovers and white storks. Other local and unusual birds in the Mara include Rock Cisticola, Rufous Bellied Heron, Denham's Bustard, Black Coucal, Red Tailed chat, Pale Wren Warbler, Tabora Cisticola, Yellow Bellied Hyliota, Green-capped Eremomela and Magpie Shrike. Yes these species are indeed bird species which are found in the Mara.
Further more one is also likely to see, the Common Ostrich, the small but still conspicuous Cardinal Quelea, Sooty Chat, Ground Hornbill, Open-billed Stork, Temminck's Courser, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse and Denham's Bustard. Lilac-breasted Rollers are common. If we find a kill or rotten carcass, we could also expect to see six species of vultures all scavenging around the area.
There are some species of birds that have the habit of migrating to Kenya during the cold season with common species to be such as the Egyptian Hooded Griffon, Nubian White-backed and White-headed storks that are a sight to behold. Pictures are taken in great quantity to be used as cover photos to postcards and calendars as memoirs of a fun filled trip. In addition we will encounter numerous raptors such as Bateleur, Martial and Tawny Eagles, as well as Pale Chanting Goshawk, Augur Buzzards and Black-chested Snake Eagles.
If the Eastern side is not enough we can go along the Masai Mara River and we could watch out for the African Finfoot, Schalow's and Ross' Turaco, Woodland Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Barbet, Black-billed Weaver, Violet-backed Starling, and perhaps with luck, Pel's Fishing Owl. Any tapping noise on the trees may be indicative of the relatively uncommon Woodpeckers who have species such as the Golden-tailed, Green-backed and Fine-banded woodpeckers.
Am sure after the trip with our very informative guide your knowledge of bird species should have grown tenfold and so many postcards will be in line for those back home.
Lodges in the Masai Mara
Mara Siria Camp
Dear reader perhaps you are wondering as to whether all these places are in the Mara, I say yes. The Mara is so large with a whole load of flora and fauna for travelers to relish that it is not possible to talk about the park in just one day unless…well there is no unless; it is virtually impossible to talk about the wonders of the Mara in just a day. Even just talking about the lodges alone by themselves needs more than a day to explain the expert services of the lodges.
Take for example the Mara Siria Camp; it is found in the Siria escarpment which is part of the Great Rift Valley phenomena. It is known to be a luxury tented camp situated on the top of the Siria Escarpment with unique and breathtaking views onto the plains of the Masai Mara Triangle and Mara River all at the same time. In order to reach there one needs to take a four hour road trip from the city centre towards the Mara national park. Better still one can take a direct flight from the Wilson airport and land smack into the Siria camp since it has its own airstrip inside the lodge.
On reaching there, one is greeted by several packages among them eight tents with double beds, two family tents and two luxury Masai style Bandas. The tents of course are all en-suite and with a private veranda that enable the holiday lover to experience great views over the Masai Mara including the hundreds of animal species present in the great park. Solar panels provide electricity to the tents; after all, the Mara is in an area that experiences hot days with the sun shining fiercely all day long. Also with the world going green it is a good venture to prevent further environmental degradation and de-forestation.
The restaurant offers stylish cuisine such as breakfast rolls that are made to a traditional Bavarian recipe. It is a very delicious dish with this dish being the camps trademark in the region. At night, the restaurant offers bonfires with story telling sessions concerning the culture of the people of Kenya and the different bird species in the region. This is part of the parks vision of offering world class services and promoting ‘Edutainment’ to foreign tourists who want to learn about Kenya. Also barbeques are organized for tourists for them to at least sample the tasty roast meat in the country that is popularly referred to as “Nyama Choma”
This restaurant is unique in its own way as it provides the clients with a variety of activities such as archery, hot air ballooning, biking along the park zones, exclusive and very entertaining game drives and of course the ever so relished bird watching.
As the sun sets, one can enjoy the beautiful sunset while sipping a cool, crisp, clean fermented, frothy drink that is known to calm the nerves and help in digestion. These drinks are found in the pub that is part of the Hotel.
Karibu Sana dear tourist, you will not be disappointed.
Maasai Mara Safaris
Take for example the Mara Siria Camp; it is found in the Siria escarpment which is part of the Great Rift Valley phenomena. It is known to be a luxury tented camp situated on the top of the Siria Escarpment with unique and breathtaking views onto the plains of the Masai Mara Triangle and Mara River all at the same time. In order to reach there one needs to take a four hour road trip from the city centre towards the Mara national park. Better still one can take a direct flight from the Wilson airport and land smack into the Siria camp since it has its own airstrip inside the lodge.
On reaching there, one is greeted by several packages among them eight tents with double beds, two family tents and two luxury Masai style Bandas. The tents of course are all en-suite and with a private veranda that enable the holiday lover to experience great views over the Masai Mara including the hundreds of animal species present in the great park. Solar panels provide electricity to the tents; after all, the Mara is in an area that experiences hot days with the sun shining fiercely all day long. Also with the world going green it is a good venture to prevent further environmental degradation and de-forestation.
The restaurant offers stylish cuisine such as breakfast rolls that are made to a traditional Bavarian recipe. It is a very delicious dish with this dish being the camps trademark in the region. At night, the restaurant offers bonfires with story telling sessions concerning the culture of the people of Kenya and the different bird species in the region. This is part of the parks vision of offering world class services and promoting ‘Edutainment’ to foreign tourists who want to learn about Kenya. Also barbeques are organized for tourists for them to at least sample the tasty roast meat in the country that is popularly referred to as “Nyama Choma”
This restaurant is unique in its own way as it provides the clients with a variety of activities such as archery, hot air ballooning, biking along the park zones, exclusive and very entertaining game drives and of course the ever so relished bird watching.
As the sun sets, one can enjoy the beautiful sunset while sipping a cool, crisp, clean fermented, frothy drink that is known to calm the nerves and help in digestion. These drinks are found in the pub that is part of the Hotel.
Karibu Sana dear tourist, you will not be disappointed.
Maasai Mara Safaris
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Wildebeest
Since we are talking about the Mara, it’s hotels and lodges, we might as well talk about the wildebeest as we are most likely to meet up with it at the Mare. Perhaps it was your biggest reason for visiting the park.
A few facts about the wildebeest
Its Swahili name is Nyumbu ya monte and its scientific name is Connochetes Taurinus
Believe it or not it is actually a sub- species of the antelopes though it resembles a buffalo. A keen eye would observe that its body looks as if body parts were removed from the air and assembled together; the mane and tail area look like they are from a horse, the fore quarters from an ox and the hindquarters from an antelope.
They are the species that form the largest herds in the Mara.
When young, a calf that has lost its mother will imprint itself on something like a person, car or worse still a predator (read leopard) and follow it.
It is one of the species of animals whose numbers have increased significantly over the years. This could be explained by the fact that they defend one another and also females usually calf during the same time increasing their chances of survival. (There is security in number).
They can’t live without water for more than three straight days.
Their main predators are lions, cheetahs, man and hyenas.
See the eight wonder of the world: The Wildebeest Migration at Ngerende Island lodge
A few facts about the wildebeest
Its Swahili name is Nyumbu ya monte and its scientific name is Connochetes Taurinus
Believe it or not it is actually a sub- species of the antelopes though it resembles a buffalo. A keen eye would observe that its body looks as if body parts were removed from the air and assembled together; the mane and tail area look like they are from a horse, the fore quarters from an ox and the hindquarters from an antelope.
They are the species that form the largest herds in the Mara.
When young, a calf that has lost its mother will imprint itself on something like a person, car or worse still a predator (read leopard) and follow it.
It is one of the species of animals whose numbers have increased significantly over the years. This could be explained by the fact that they defend one another and also females usually calf during the same time increasing their chances of survival. (There is security in number).
They can’t live without water for more than three straight days.
Their main predators are lions, cheetahs, man and hyenas.
See the eight wonder of the world: The Wildebeest Migration at Ngerende Island lodge
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Mara Serena
The Serena group of hotels is practically everywhere. In fact on would wonder aloud, if it was not present in the Mara.
As is characteristic of the Serena hotels, this on is just as elegant as any other. It works in collaboration with other Serena hotels in the country thus providing air- lift travels between the hotels in the East African region.
It fully caters to the tours and travel appetites of the clientele thus avoiding the inconveniences of unscrupulous tour operators. Its air conditioned rooms offers a sweet relief to anyone against the hot Mara climate.
Masai Mara Holiday packages are available to the client whether it is in groups, as a family, as a couple or even solo journeys. Rooms, seventy in total are artistically furnished with individualized room service, butler service and transport arrangements to and from the airport.
It over looks the park from the Serengeti side just close to the great migration area near the leopards den as they await ready made, easily available wildebeest ‘funga’.
Of course as a client, with all these options, one must be ready to dig deep and when I say deep I mean really deep into their pockets.
Kenya Safaris
As is characteristic of the Serena hotels, this on is just as elegant as any other. It works in collaboration with other Serena hotels in the country thus providing air- lift travels between the hotels in the East African region.
It fully caters to the tours and travel appetites of the clientele thus avoiding the inconveniences of unscrupulous tour operators. Its air conditioned rooms offers a sweet relief to anyone against the hot Mara climate.
Masai Mara Holiday packages are available to the client whether it is in groups, as a family, as a couple or even solo journeys. Rooms, seventy in total are artistically furnished with individualized room service, butler service and transport arrangements to and from the airport.
It over looks the park from the Serengeti side just close to the great migration area near the leopards den as they await ready made, easily available wildebeest ‘funga’.
Of course as a client, with all these options, one must be ready to dig deep and when I say deep I mean really deep into their pockets.
Kenya Safaris
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Facts about the leopard
Leopards are not social butterflies, infact they are loners and it is not unusual to see several leopards lying lazily on separate trees around the park as they await their prey. They belong to the larger cat family.Their life span is twenty one years with their only predators being man who hunt them for their fur to make mink coats. Some hunt them because of their superstitious inclinations for their whiskers believing that they have healing powers.
It is capable of killing its prey that is even twice as large as their body mass because of its strength.
When not hunting, the leopard moves through herds of antelopes and gazelles without disturbing them and flips its tail over its back to reveal the white side as a sign that it is not seeking prey.
When food is scarce, the hide their kill on trees away form hyenas who scavenge for their prey.
They are the most cunning of predators when hunting. (Perhaps the saying should be changed to as cunning as a leopard)
Weird as it sounds, a leopards tail is just as long as its body as this helps it to balance and to make sudden sharp turns when sprinting for prey.
wild Safaris Africa See the Leopard here
It is capable of killing its prey that is even twice as large as their body mass because of its strength.
When not hunting, the leopard moves through herds of antelopes and gazelles without disturbing them and flips its tail over its back to reveal the white side as a sign that it is not seeking prey.
When food is scarce, the hide their kill on trees away form hyenas who scavenge for their prey.
They are the most cunning of predators when hunting. (Perhaps the saying should be changed to as cunning as a leopard)
Weird as it sounds, a leopards tail is just as long as its body as this helps it to balance and to make sudden sharp turns when sprinting for prey.
wild Safaris Africa See the Leopard here
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Honey Moon Destinations for the Mara
The holiday season is here once more and there seems to be a mad rush for holiday destinations especially in the touring honeymoon industry. Now the wedding industry is all grown up with a number of companies coming up so as to cater for the newly weds on their first destination as a couple. More than ever, people are busy with many not having time to even plan for this lifetime event, yet every couple will tell you that they want a colorful ceremony that will leave all the guests talking about it their whole life to come. This time of the year, many venues that are famous for hosting weddings are fully booked with some offering professional services while others providing services that desire so much more.
Many couples are also willing to spend a bit more when it comes to their honeymoon, as long as they are offered an experience of a lifetime that shall never be forgotten. And what is the million dollar question that is in the minds of newly weds; what honeymoon packages are available to the love birds?
There is the rift valley tour for the couples who want to explore the entire rift in a span of one week, from Lake Naivasha to the ever so magnificent Maasai Mara Park. The package is provided by Kenya safari holidays. It includes a list of the following; (assuming that the departure will be from the city of Nairobi.)
DAY 1: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha:
After breakfast the couple is driven westwards with a short stopover at the viewpoint on the great rift valley then towards lake Naivasha that is seen to sparkle though it is thousands of feet below. Lake Naivasha the highest lake in the rift valley and was famous in the 1930's as a staging post for imperial airways flying boast services from Durban to London. Night time and breakfast bookings are done at kiangasi house.
After lunch a visit to the hell's gate national park is made since it is famous for its natural steaming geysers and haven for bird watchers.
DAY 2: Lake Naivasha:
The first option: After breakfast couples have a boat ride to the crescent island that is known to be one of the few places in all of Africa where you can wander on foot among herds of zebra, wildebeest gazelle and giraffe, because of the absence of predators.
The second option will be a day trip to Lake Nakuru national park that is famous being the home to millions of pink flamingoes and the black / white rhino.
DAY 3: Lake Naivasha to the Maasai Mara:
This includes a one hour air trip to the lodge with eating and feasting being the main agenda.
DAY 5: Maasai Mara:
Couples get to enjoy a full day in the Mara with two game drives included. The Maasai Mara offers wonderful scenery and abundance as existed a century ago.
Overnight one has the option of staying in one of these camp, Sarova Mara camp, Keekorok lodge, Mara Simba lodge, Mara Sopa lodge and Kichwa Tembo camp.
DAY 5: Maasai Mara to Nairobi:
After a delicious lunch, the couple is airlifted to the Serena hotel in Nairobi through Wilson airport for the night, which includes a cool, elegant atmosphere to unwind before resuming ones day to day activities.
Honeymoon Rooms Africa
Many couples are also willing to spend a bit more when it comes to their honeymoon, as long as they are offered an experience of a lifetime that shall never be forgotten. And what is the million dollar question that is in the minds of newly weds; what honeymoon packages are available to the love birds?
There is the rift valley tour for the couples who want to explore the entire rift in a span of one week, from Lake Naivasha to the ever so magnificent Maasai Mara Park. The package is provided by Kenya safari holidays. It includes a list of the following; (assuming that the departure will be from the city of Nairobi.)
DAY 1: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha:
After breakfast the couple is driven westwards with a short stopover at the viewpoint on the great rift valley then towards lake Naivasha that is seen to sparkle though it is thousands of feet below. Lake Naivasha the highest lake in the rift valley and was famous in the 1930's as a staging post for imperial airways flying boast services from Durban to London. Night time and breakfast bookings are done at kiangasi house.
After lunch a visit to the hell's gate national park is made since it is famous for its natural steaming geysers and haven for bird watchers.
DAY 2: Lake Naivasha:
The first option: After breakfast couples have a boat ride to the crescent island that is known to be one of the few places in all of Africa where you can wander on foot among herds of zebra, wildebeest gazelle and giraffe, because of the absence of predators.
The second option will be a day trip to Lake Nakuru national park that is famous being the home to millions of pink flamingoes and the black / white rhino.
DAY 3: Lake Naivasha to the Maasai Mara:
This includes a one hour air trip to the lodge with eating and feasting being the main agenda.
DAY 5: Maasai Mara:
Couples get to enjoy a full day in the Mara with two game drives included. The Maasai Mara offers wonderful scenery and abundance as existed a century ago.
Overnight one has the option of staying in one of these camp, Sarova Mara camp, Keekorok lodge, Mara Simba lodge, Mara Sopa lodge and Kichwa Tembo camp.
DAY 5: Maasai Mara to Nairobi:
After a delicious lunch, the couple is airlifted to the Serena hotel in Nairobi through Wilson airport for the night, which includes a cool, elegant atmosphere to unwind before resuming ones day to day activities.
Honeymoon Rooms Africa
Honeymoon Destinations for the love birds
Yesterday we went into the honey moon industry as we outlined destination packages for newly weds that are on offer thanks to Kenya safari holidays who saw it fit to entertain these ‘tourists’. In today’s article we shall look at another package that is on offer however it is restricted to the coastal region. Customers should also be aware that these packages can be customized on demand depending on the customer’s pockets or needs at that particular moment.
Day 1: Nairobi to Tsavo/Chyulu hills
After lunch you will be met and transferred to Wilson airport for a flight to Tsavo West National Park preceding to the magnificent Chyulu Hills on the southern border of Tsavo West national Park. For the next three nights couple stays at Campi ya Kanzi, a small and luxurious permanent tented camp. The area offers incredible views of Kilimanjaro accompanied by game drives into Tsavo West national Park
Day 2/3: Tsavo to Chyulu Hills
Couple stays for two full days to explore the area and view wildlife in game drives or walking. For the bird lovers, there are over 600 bird species to watch.
Day 4/6: Borana Game Sanctuary
After breakfast and a morning game drive or walk, couples proceed by private charter to Borana Ranch. Game viewing on the ranch and beyond is excellent. Day and night viewing is by 4WD vehicles. For the next three days on safari you will have the opportunity, to enjoy horseback riding amongst the wildlife, take a guided walking safari and swim in the beautiful pool. Stay will be at the Borana National Park.
Day 7: Maasai Mara
This reserve is the home of the “big fives”…elephants, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino, as well as cheetah, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, hippo, impala, gazelle and numerous other wildlife; including hundreds of species of birds. For the next three nights couples will be hosted at Moran Camp, one of the Mara’s newest luxury bush camps. Hidden under ancient trees on the banks of the Mara River, each of the 10 enormous luxury tents is furnished with king-sized beds and furniture, homemade from wild olive trees, huge en suite bathrooms with flush toilets and double showers with plenty of hot water. The tent includes a large verandah where you can enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner. During the day meals are served under a canopy of trees and their cordon-bleu dinners by candlelit are unforgettable experience.
At dusk sundowners around a bonfire are organized with a scrumptious dinner being served.
As the holiday ends, the firm organizes a return trip via air or road depending on the customers wish with confidence that the couple has thoroughly enjoyed themselves with many sweet memories of the holiday. We do hope that it will also turn to be an experience to be remembered and as a couple you get to consider it as one of your tour partners for all the holidays you get to have as a family.
Happy Holidays Folks!
Honeymoon Destinations Africa
Day 1: Nairobi to Tsavo/Chyulu hills
After lunch you will be met and transferred to Wilson airport for a flight to Tsavo West National Park preceding to the magnificent Chyulu Hills on the southern border of Tsavo West national Park. For the next three nights couple stays at Campi ya Kanzi, a small and luxurious permanent tented camp. The area offers incredible views of Kilimanjaro accompanied by game drives into Tsavo West national Park
Day 2/3: Tsavo to Chyulu Hills
Couple stays for two full days to explore the area and view wildlife in game drives or walking. For the bird lovers, there are over 600 bird species to watch.
Day 4/6: Borana Game Sanctuary
After breakfast and a morning game drive or walk, couples proceed by private charter to Borana Ranch. Game viewing on the ranch and beyond is excellent. Day and night viewing is by 4WD vehicles. For the next three days on safari you will have the opportunity, to enjoy horseback riding amongst the wildlife, take a guided walking safari and swim in the beautiful pool. Stay will be at the Borana National Park.
Day 7: Maasai Mara
This reserve is the home of the “big fives”…elephants, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino, as well as cheetah, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, hippo, impala, gazelle and numerous other wildlife; including hundreds of species of birds. For the next three nights couples will be hosted at Moran Camp, one of the Mara’s newest luxury bush camps. Hidden under ancient trees on the banks of the Mara River, each of the 10 enormous luxury tents is furnished with king-sized beds and furniture, homemade from wild olive trees, huge en suite bathrooms with flush toilets and double showers with plenty of hot water. The tent includes a large verandah where you can enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner. During the day meals are served under a canopy of trees and their cordon-bleu dinners by candlelit are unforgettable experience.
At dusk sundowners around a bonfire are organized with a scrumptious dinner being served.
As the holiday ends, the firm organizes a return trip via air or road depending on the customers wish with confidence that the couple has thoroughly enjoyed themselves with many sweet memories of the holiday. We do hope that it will also turn to be an experience to be remembered and as a couple you get to consider it as one of your tour partners for all the holidays you get to have as a family.
Happy Holidays Folks!
Honeymoon Destinations Africa
Honeymoons with an Eco-tourism touch to it:
So maybe you are environmentally friendly and you feel that it is your duty to keep the environment clean at least to protect the environment. This time the holiday revolves round the western province of Kenya (with short stop overs in Naivasha.) that is not very well known but has a vast population of natural sites for nature lovers. SO what does this involve?
Day 1: Sinya Omelok, the base camp is the first destination from the city with is hub of all activities to its name. For two days it will cover walks around the camp, landscape viewing, catching panoramic and unique views from the escarpment, or participating in local activities such as bull fighting which the locals enjoy to watch.
Day 2: A short staff-guided nature trail is provided to the visitors with an opportunity to see unique caves, sacred sites, wildlife….and a great variety of bio diversity that is found in the region. The best part is that Sinya Omelok is only a 90 minutes drive from Nairobi. The sub-humid ecosystem offers a diverse range of bio diversity for the enjoyment of the nature lovers. The main objective of this people driven program is to establish systems for sustainable resource management to generate income and support food security strategies in the region while at the same time generating revenue for development of the camp.
Day 3: The next destination is the Tree Hotel in the Aberdare which is in the Mt Kenya National Park. The Tree Hotel is located in indigenous forest in the foothills of Mount Kenya National Park.
Day 4: Finally the couple departs for Kakamega via the Rift Valley. Forest in Western Kenya is a superb slab of virgin tropical rainforest in the heart of an intensively cultivated agricultural area. It is home to a huge variety of birds and animals. Only in this forest can you find the rare De Brazza monkey. The overnight stay will be at Rondo Retreat Centre that is operated by the Trinity Fellowship. It is set in beautiful gardens in the middle of the Kakamega forest. Guided walks for bird watching as several exotic species of birds found in the Kakamega Forest that are not seen anywhere else in Kenya.
Day 5: Saiwa Swamp
The couple departs from the Kakamega forest to Saiwa camp that is a rich haven for all kinds of birds. It is famous for hosting all kinds of reptiles among them the crocodile and lizards, the tortoise family and also the snails which are a delicacy to some of the communities around the region.
Of course there are many other sites that can be included in the safari package depending on your appetite for nature. The couple can always customize their holiday package. The honeymoon package is also offered by Kenya safari holidays with very attractive prices attached to each package. They are a reputable firm and customers always call for more.
Honeymoon Safari Rooms
Day 1: Sinya Omelok, the base camp is the first destination from the city with is hub of all activities to its name. For two days it will cover walks around the camp, landscape viewing, catching panoramic and unique views from the escarpment, or participating in local activities such as bull fighting which the locals enjoy to watch.
Day 2: A short staff-guided nature trail is provided to the visitors with an opportunity to see unique caves, sacred sites, wildlife….and a great variety of bio diversity that is found in the region. The best part is that Sinya Omelok is only a 90 minutes drive from Nairobi. The sub-humid ecosystem offers a diverse range of bio diversity for the enjoyment of the nature lovers. The main objective of this people driven program is to establish systems for sustainable resource management to generate income and support food security strategies in the region while at the same time generating revenue for development of the camp.
Day 3: The next destination is the Tree Hotel in the Aberdare which is in the Mt Kenya National Park. The Tree Hotel is located in indigenous forest in the foothills of Mount Kenya National Park.
Day 4: Finally the couple departs for Kakamega via the Rift Valley. Forest in Western Kenya is a superb slab of virgin tropical rainforest in the heart of an intensively cultivated agricultural area. It is home to a huge variety of birds and animals. Only in this forest can you find the rare De Brazza monkey. The overnight stay will be at Rondo Retreat Centre that is operated by the Trinity Fellowship. It is set in beautiful gardens in the middle of the Kakamega forest. Guided walks for bird watching as several exotic species of birds found in the Kakamega Forest that are not seen anywhere else in Kenya.
Day 5: Saiwa Swamp
The couple departs from the Kakamega forest to Saiwa camp that is a rich haven for all kinds of birds. It is famous for hosting all kinds of reptiles among them the crocodile and lizards, the tortoise family and also the snails which are a delicacy to some of the communities around the region.
Of course there are many other sites that can be included in the safari package depending on your appetite for nature. The couple can always customize their holiday package. The honeymoon package is also offered by Kenya safari holidays with very attractive prices attached to each package. They are a reputable firm and customers always call for more.
Honeymoon Safari Rooms
The Rhino
Since we are on a week long journey to the destination of our dreams where we save the best for last on our final day, we might as well talk about the Rhino. The Rhino is one of the animals in Kenya that is considered to be among the big five. Their population is widely spread and is found on every park in the country. One might wonder why there is all this talk about the Rhino and why the authorities consider it a ‘must have’ in every park in the country.
Rhinos are herbivores, so they eat only grass, tender shoots, leaves, buds and other vegetation but no meat. These Kenyan animals live in scrubby savannahs but also near water and wallows. The black and white rhino species derive their names, not from the colors of their coats but from the shape of mouths.
Rhinos can grow to a height of about 152 cm (60 in) at the shoulder with an adult rhino's weight ranges from about 1,600 kg (3,527 lb) for the black species to about 2,550 kg (5,622 lb) for the white species; As such, it is the second largest land-based mammal after the African elephants Rhinos are extremely bad-tempered and it is not unusual for them to charge at human being or even cars for no apparent reason, however they do have a pretty poor eyesight compounding to their bad temper.
It is said that even a thief has honor thus the rhino is best friends with the red-billed and yellow-billed oxpeckers, one of the ubiquitous Kenya birds whose relationship is a symbiotic one with the oxpeckers devouring the ticks they find on the rhino coat and they alert rhinos to impending danger by chirping ceaselessly and in turn the rhino offering warm shelter on their backs. Rhinos have a well-developed sense of smell and hearing. The rhino can attain a speed of 48 km (30 mile) per hour, which when one considers their weight it is quite fast. In addition, contrary to a commonly held myth, a rhino is able to make a sharp turn in a remarkably small space almost a turn of 90 degrees.
Gestation lasts 16 months and culminates in the birth of a single calf. The mother nurses its calf for 2 to 4 years or until the next calf is born. These calves eventually wander off and live on their own when they mature. Typically, a healthy rhino has a lifespan of about 40 years in the wild but some are known to have lived to up to half a century. Both rhino species have 2 horns, with the longer one sitting at the base of the nose. These horns are primarily a weapon which the rhinos use to gore or strike their hapless victims who are mostly humans since they are their only predators
Luxury African Safaris
Rhinos are herbivores, so they eat only grass, tender shoots, leaves, buds and other vegetation but no meat. These Kenyan animals live in scrubby savannahs but also near water and wallows. The black and white rhino species derive their names, not from the colors of their coats but from the shape of mouths.
Rhinos can grow to a height of about 152 cm (60 in) at the shoulder with an adult rhino's weight ranges from about 1,600 kg (3,527 lb) for the black species to about 2,550 kg (5,622 lb) for the white species; As such, it is the second largest land-based mammal after the African elephants Rhinos are extremely bad-tempered and it is not unusual for them to charge at human being or even cars for no apparent reason, however they do have a pretty poor eyesight compounding to their bad temper.
It is said that even a thief has honor thus the rhino is best friends with the red-billed and yellow-billed oxpeckers, one of the ubiquitous Kenya birds whose relationship is a symbiotic one with the oxpeckers devouring the ticks they find on the rhino coat and they alert rhinos to impending danger by chirping ceaselessly and in turn the rhino offering warm shelter on their backs. Rhinos have a well-developed sense of smell and hearing. The rhino can attain a speed of 48 km (30 mile) per hour, which when one considers their weight it is quite fast. In addition, contrary to a commonly held myth, a rhino is able to make a sharp turn in a remarkably small space almost a turn of 90 degrees.
Gestation lasts 16 months and culminates in the birth of a single calf. The mother nurses its calf for 2 to 4 years or until the next calf is born. These calves eventually wander off and live on their own when they mature. Typically, a healthy rhino has a lifespan of about 40 years in the wild but some are known to have lived to up to half a century. Both rhino species have 2 horns, with the longer one sitting at the base of the nose. These horns are primarily a weapon which the rhinos use to gore or strike their hapless victims who are mostly humans since they are their only predators
Luxury African Safaris
The Ostrich
The ostrich belongs to the Ratite family of birds with the male ostrich being called a rooster while the female ostrich is called a hen. One of the most well known ostrich facts is that an ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain! The eye measures almost two inches across, which makes it the largest eye of any land animal and further more it is the largest and heaviest living bird in the world. This bird is a flightless bird for many reasons. Firstly, it has small and loose feathers and does not have a keeled sternum (breastbone) which is common to most birds. The main use of these feathers is to help them maintain their balance when they run, which specially comes in handy if they suddenly change direction. They also use them during the mating season by displaying the wings proudly to potential mates alongside their tail feathers. To show dominance, an ostrich holds its head up high and lifts its wings and its tail feathers (For male). To show submission, the head, wings and tail droop down (For the females).
Ostriches live in small herds that typically contain less than a dozen birds with the Alpha males maintaining these herds, and mate with the group's dominant hen (It is a patriarchal society). The male sometimes mates with others in the group, and wandering males may also mate with lesser hens. Interestingly all of the group's hens place their eggs in the dominant hen's nest—though her own are given the prominent center place The dominant hen and male take turns incubating the giant eggs, each one of which weighs as much as two dozen chicken eggs. When they hatch the females take turns to take care of the young chicks especially the ‘alpha female’s eggs’.
Ostrich meat resembles beef in its appearance and is cooked in almost the same way. Ostrich meat is a red meat and is very low in cholesterol, calories and is almost fat free, the best part is that the ostrich is not anywhere near being an endangered species so perhaps we could introduce it onto our menus for purpose of having variety. Ostriches produce the strongest commercially available leather in the world and also some of the most beautiful feathers around. Ostrich’s skeletons and fossils have been found to date back to over 120 million years with some archeologists saying that they could be part of the family of the extinct dinosaurs. There are 3 main species of ostriches of which only one, (the Struthio Camelus Domesticus (the African Black)), that is found in captivity.
Contrary to popular belief, ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand. The old saying probably originates with one of the bird's defensive behaviors. At the approach of trouble, ostriches will lie low and press their long necks to the ground in an attempt to become less visible. Their plumage blends well with sandy soil and, from a distance, gives the appearance that they have buried their heads in the sand.
Masai Mara Special offers
Ostriches live in small herds that typically contain less than a dozen birds with the Alpha males maintaining these herds, and mate with the group's dominant hen (It is a patriarchal society). The male sometimes mates with others in the group, and wandering males may also mate with lesser hens. Interestingly all of the group's hens place their eggs in the dominant hen's nest—though her own are given the prominent center place The dominant hen and male take turns incubating the giant eggs, each one of which weighs as much as two dozen chicken eggs. When they hatch the females take turns to take care of the young chicks especially the ‘alpha female’s eggs’.
Ostrich meat resembles beef in its appearance and is cooked in almost the same way. Ostrich meat is a red meat and is very low in cholesterol, calories and is almost fat free, the best part is that the ostrich is not anywhere near being an endangered species so perhaps we could introduce it onto our menus for purpose of having variety. Ostriches produce the strongest commercially available leather in the world and also some of the most beautiful feathers around. Ostrich’s skeletons and fossils have been found to date back to over 120 million years with some archeologists saying that they could be part of the family of the extinct dinosaurs. There are 3 main species of ostriches of which only one, (the Struthio Camelus Domesticus (the African Black)), that is found in captivity.
Contrary to popular belief, ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand. The old saying probably originates with one of the bird's defensive behaviors. At the approach of trouble, ostriches will lie low and press their long necks to the ground in an attempt to become less visible. Their plumage blends well with sandy soil and, from a distance, gives the appearance that they have buried their heads in the sand.
Masai Mara Special offers
Mara Sopa
So you have that wonderful honeymoon package and you are curious to find out what Mara sopa hotel is all about since the tour company has suggested it. You want to know what it I all about and whether it will cater towards all your needs. Look no further!
The Mara Sopa is located on the slopes of the Oloongama Hills with it being one of the first lodges to be built in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It is about 240 kilometers from Nairobi, approximately 5 hours on tarmac or on an all weather murram road.
Guests are drawn to this lodge built in an ethnic design, surrounded by a rich landscape, covered in fauna, from huge desert cacti to sweet smelling jasmine flowers, all within the fabled Masai Mara game reserve. The theme of the hotel is a deep red and brown color that resembles the red soils of the Mara game park. The luxurious furnishings are a sight to behold with cool Makuti leaves as the room offering a cool and relaxing atmosphere to relax in after a hot day.
It has a wonderful swimming pool, lounge, car park, laundry services, bar and most of all, 90 rooms both single and double room capacities. Each room includes shower, balcony/terrace bathroom and room service with a phone also available in the room. Everything the hotel does is centered on the guest' experience, ensuring comfort and relaxation.
The Honeymoon Suite is situated right at the top of the property with an uninterrupted view of the Oloongama hills, this very spacious suite that has a king size bed set on a platform. The bathroom has a sunken in bath and shower. A spacious verandah is in the front to watch the sunset or have privately served meals or maybe to just sit and feel the evening breeze as it caresses ones cheeks.
The Mara as we all know is there for the purpose of catching a glimpse of some of the most exotic variety of wildlife. Te Mara Sopa would not be a honeymoon destination without this package; thus part of its wildlife adventures, it offers a variety of activities to be done such as; Guided Nature Walks Visits to nearby Maasai Villages in the vicinity of the park and also nightly wildlife feeding to the wildlife that visits the hotel at night. Some of these animals are the rhinos, giraffes and naughty gazelles. Have fun!
Luxury Masai Mara Stays
The Mara Sopa is located on the slopes of the Oloongama Hills with it being one of the first lodges to be built in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It is about 240 kilometers from Nairobi, approximately 5 hours on tarmac or on an all weather murram road.
Guests are drawn to this lodge built in an ethnic design, surrounded by a rich landscape, covered in fauna, from huge desert cacti to sweet smelling jasmine flowers, all within the fabled Masai Mara game reserve. The theme of the hotel is a deep red and brown color that resembles the red soils of the Mara game park. The luxurious furnishings are a sight to behold with cool Makuti leaves as the room offering a cool and relaxing atmosphere to relax in after a hot day.
It has a wonderful swimming pool, lounge, car park, laundry services, bar and most of all, 90 rooms both single and double room capacities. Each room includes shower, balcony/terrace bathroom and room service with a phone also available in the room. Everything the hotel does is centered on the guest' experience, ensuring comfort and relaxation.
The Honeymoon Suite is situated right at the top of the property with an uninterrupted view of the Oloongama hills, this very spacious suite that has a king size bed set on a platform. The bathroom has a sunken in bath and shower. A spacious verandah is in the front to watch the sunset or have privately served meals or maybe to just sit and feel the evening breeze as it caresses ones cheeks.
The Mara as we all know is there for the purpose of catching a glimpse of some of the most exotic variety of wildlife. Te Mara Sopa would not be a honeymoon destination without this package; thus part of its wildlife adventures, it offers a variety of activities to be done such as; Guided Nature Walks Visits to nearby Maasai Villages in the vicinity of the park and also nightly wildlife feeding to the wildlife that visits the hotel at night. Some of these animals are the rhinos, giraffes and naughty gazelles. Have fun!
Luxury Masai Mara Stays
Friday, November 12, 2010
The Maasai People
Just as the name suggests, Maasai Mara is close to the Maasai ethnic group natural habitat in both Kenya and Tanzania.
Their story of origin says that they came up from heaven ( a man and woman) together with their herd of cattle that was their livelihood. (Though this does not entirely explain their fixation on cattle keeping even in the busy Nairobi city) Over time they were responsible for the death of many wildlife species as they defend their cattle but efforts have been made to enlighten them on wildlife conservation.
As part of their rites of passage of a boy being initiated into adult hood (moran) from childhood, they were required to go into the bush and kill a lion each to prove their bravery. This practice has thankfully been replaced by other rites.
In collaboration, the Kenyan and Tanzanian government have come up with measures to ensure that the Maasai and wildlife live symbiotically in one environment. Now they are employed as tour guides in the park since they know the depths of the park and survival tactics in the wild. With employment it ensures that they have other avenues for making a living.
Their women make beautiful bangles and memorabilia that tourists are attracted to.
Since it is originally their land, they are entrusted to protect the park land from further human encroachment, thus protecting the wildlife.
Lastly, The Maasai are Kenya's tourist attraction; how many people do you come across in a red shuka, a long stick, standing on one foot for hours on end?
Their story of origin says that they came up from heaven ( a man and woman) together with their herd of cattle that was their livelihood. (Though this does not entirely explain their fixation on cattle keeping even in the busy Nairobi city) Over time they were responsible for the death of many wildlife species as they defend their cattle but efforts have been made to enlighten them on wildlife conservation.
As part of their rites of passage of a boy being initiated into adult hood (moran) from childhood, they were required to go into the bush and kill a lion each to prove their bravery. This practice has thankfully been replaced by other rites.
In collaboration, the Kenyan and Tanzanian government have come up with measures to ensure that the Maasai and wildlife live symbiotically in one environment. Now they are employed as tour guides in the park since they know the depths of the park and survival tactics in the wild. With employment it ensures that they have other avenues for making a living.
Their women make beautiful bangles and memorabilia that tourists are attracted to.
Since it is originally their land, they are entrusted to protect the park land from further human encroachment, thus protecting the wildlife.
Lastly, The Maasai are Kenya's tourist attraction; how many people do you come across in a red shuka, a long stick, standing on one foot for hours on end?
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Keekorock lodge
Keekorock lodge is found in the Maasai game reserve and was the first lodge to be built in Game Park. It is built with cedar and stone buildings that provide luxurious experience to accommodation for guests. It is suited for those weekend getaways especially those who are interested in seeing a large variety of game in a short period of time since the wildlife tends to roam around within a very short distance of the lodge.
Early morning and afternoon game drives offer animal encounters unparalleled in the world all round the year. Imagine being greeted by ninety five species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles (notorious crocodiles along the Mara River), plus over four hundred bird species. My guess is that Nowhere in Africa is wildlife more abundant and alive than at the most elegant, amazing and spectacular Keekorock lodge.
The most fascinating thing about Keekorok Lodge is that it is situated in the direct path of the famous wildebeest migration that was recently named as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. At the height of the migration, the area around Keekorok is surrounded by animals which you can be viewed from the lodge itself especially from the walkway leading out into the open area near the lodge. Also the lodge is very near Nairobi thereby attracting the residents of this town. Travel time from the city centre is approximately three to four hours.
Being the oldest lodge, the ancient British designs of the lodge are a magnificent sight to behold since it was initially built almost like a castle as a home for one of the colonial generals. The compound furthermore comprises of green lawns with colorful bougainvillea along the walls of the lodge. Security is ample, mostly shielding holiday spenders from stray wild animals.
The eighty nine standard rooms, which includes eight superior rooms and four suites rooms are well constructed to suite the needs and pockets of all their clients. What’s more the rooms are well ventilated and air conditioned to shelter clients from the harsh African sun that tends to really shine on this land in the Maasai Mara.
The cuisine menus range from open breakfast Buffets to specially prepared African food like Matoke, Mukimo and Nyama choma that is roasted to perfection. The list is endless but the staff never tires from offering quality services to their beloved guest.
This is one place that truly lives to the adage that say, Old is Gold as it lives to this up until today.
Masai Mara Vacations
Early morning and afternoon game drives offer animal encounters unparalleled in the world all round the year. Imagine being greeted by ninety five species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles (notorious crocodiles along the Mara River), plus over four hundred bird species. My guess is that Nowhere in Africa is wildlife more abundant and alive than at the most elegant, amazing and spectacular Keekorock lodge.
The most fascinating thing about Keekorok Lodge is that it is situated in the direct path of the famous wildebeest migration that was recently named as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. At the height of the migration, the area around Keekorok is surrounded by animals which you can be viewed from the lodge itself especially from the walkway leading out into the open area near the lodge. Also the lodge is very near Nairobi thereby attracting the residents of this town. Travel time from the city centre is approximately three to four hours.
Being the oldest lodge, the ancient British designs of the lodge are a magnificent sight to behold since it was initially built almost like a castle as a home for one of the colonial generals. The compound furthermore comprises of green lawns with colorful bougainvillea along the walls of the lodge. Security is ample, mostly shielding holiday spenders from stray wild animals.
The eighty nine standard rooms, which includes eight superior rooms and four suites rooms are well constructed to suite the needs and pockets of all their clients. What’s more the rooms are well ventilated and air conditioned to shelter clients from the harsh African sun that tends to really shine on this land in the Maasai Mara.
The cuisine menus range from open breakfast Buffets to specially prepared African food like Matoke, Mukimo and Nyama choma that is roasted to perfection. The list is endless but the staff never tires from offering quality services to their beloved guest.
This is one place that truly lives to the adage that say, Old is Gold as it lives to this up until today.
Masai Mara Vacations
Royal Mara Safari Lodge
This lodge as the name suggests is situated in the Maasai Mara national park in Kenya. When one has just arrived into the camp, you are swept off your feet by the elegant furniture that is made from red cedar, olive and white podo logs gathered locally from private Maasai forest land. This natural African jungle atmosphere compounded by the rich brown color theme, followed by professional staff personnel who are hired to cater to all the needs of the client, is an experience not likely to be forgotten by anyone.
It is situated along the Leopard gorge just near the wildebeest migration in the park. The tented lodge and camp is located on the popular Hippo Bend Lagoon of the Mara River.
Guests are in the best location to most readily discover the Big Five mammals, amongst several elephant, buffalo and giraffe herds, several lion prides, including the "Maternity", Musiara Marsh, "Aitong", and Ridge prides, since the camp lies in close proximity to these wild animals.
Royal Mara Safari lodge is found in the richest game section of the Masai Mara which is the Western Masai (Maasai Mara has the Eastern and western section, with the East bordering towards the North Eastern Province thus being drier).
Guest suite facilities include: Double vanity sinks, carved desks, dining sets, en suite bathrooms with flush toilets, bidets, and showers, fully stocked mini-bars, private safe deposit boxes and lounge areas and most importantly, super size king or double beds that are hand curved by the local people. Being near such a variety of animals means that part of you midnight lullaby will be animal sounds like purring leopards, laughing hyenas, marching rhinos and the one or two straying galloping gazelles. All facilities have telephone access with the reception office and enjoy electric and hot water service.
Part of the holiday package, tourists are spoiled for choice as they can sunbathe in the open veranda chaises lounges, dine along the river frontage of the camp as hippos wallow in the nearby river, or experience nature walks along the huge lush compound of the hotel.
For all those whose taste buds are sensitive to good food you will not be disappointed; the food / cuisine / finger liking food is up to standard offering a wide variety of dishes for the tourists during every meal. The food is cooked by professionals who are only to willing to offer the best to the holiday lovers with the management believing and upholding to the fact that quality food begins with a quality kitchen. This place offers such a wide variety at top quality, whose main theme is to provide a home away from home experience while at the same time enjoying the holiday to the maximum. With such variety of professional services, clients keep going back for more.
This is one place to try out, further more their prices are very pocket friendly.
Honey Moon Vacations
It is situated along the Leopard gorge just near the wildebeest migration in the park. The tented lodge and camp is located on the popular Hippo Bend Lagoon of the Mara River.
Guests are in the best location to most readily discover the Big Five mammals, amongst several elephant, buffalo and giraffe herds, several lion prides, including the "Maternity", Musiara Marsh, "Aitong", and Ridge prides, since the camp lies in close proximity to these wild animals.
Royal Mara Safari lodge is found in the richest game section of the Masai Mara which is the Western Masai (Maasai Mara has the Eastern and western section, with the East bordering towards the North Eastern Province thus being drier).
Guest suite facilities include: Double vanity sinks, carved desks, dining sets, en suite bathrooms with flush toilets, bidets, and showers, fully stocked mini-bars, private safe deposit boxes and lounge areas and most importantly, super size king or double beds that are hand curved by the local people. Being near such a variety of animals means that part of you midnight lullaby will be animal sounds like purring leopards, laughing hyenas, marching rhinos and the one or two straying galloping gazelles. All facilities have telephone access with the reception office and enjoy electric and hot water service.
Part of the holiday package, tourists are spoiled for choice as they can sunbathe in the open veranda chaises lounges, dine along the river frontage of the camp as hippos wallow in the nearby river, or experience nature walks along the huge lush compound of the hotel.
For all those whose taste buds are sensitive to good food you will not be disappointed; the food / cuisine / finger liking food is up to standard offering a wide variety of dishes for the tourists during every meal. The food is cooked by professionals who are only to willing to offer the best to the holiday lovers with the management believing and upholding to the fact that quality food begins with a quality kitchen. This place offers such a wide variety at top quality, whose main theme is to provide a home away from home experience while at the same time enjoying the holiday to the maximum. With such variety of professional services, clients keep going back for more.
This is one place to try out, further more their prices are very pocket friendly.
Honey Moon Vacations
The Elephant
It is part of the big five animals in the Kenyan wildlife scene with quite a number of interesting facts to its name.
Elephants are large land mammals the largest living land animals currently. Recent DNA testing has split the African elephant species in two - African Bush (who is much smaller in size after attaining adult age) and the African Forest. African elephant species are generally larger than the Asian elephants, with scientists lacking a good explanation for it. Their gestation period is twenty two months or roughly 670 days (wow!), with new born calves weighing about 120 kilograms. Their society is matriarchal in nature with matriarchs being the bigger of the females in the pack.
Tusks grow for most of an elephant's lifetime and are an indicator of age, with the Asian female elephant lacking tusks. Because they tend to live in hot savanna climate, their bodies have adapted to this environment. One cooling mechanism of their bodies is to the ears on hot days, and in return, the blood circulates in the ear's numerous veins. The blood then returns to the head and body about 9 F cooler.
About 16 hours of an elephant's day is spent eating, drinking, bathing, dusting, wallowing, playing and resting. As an elephant only digests some 40 percent of what it eats, but this does not necessarily mean that its intake of food is little, actually, it needs tremendous amounts of vegetation; approximately 5 percent of its body weight per day and about 30 to 50 gallons of water to survive properly.
They are very alike to man in behavior. For example they recognize death and when one of their own dies the lie silently by the carcass as if giving their last respect to a fallen hero. Also In the same way that humans are left or right-handed, elephants are left or right-tusked. The dominant tusk is known as the major tusk, and is usually shorter than the other tusk due to wear and tear. Interestingly, they begin mating around the age of 20 living to a life expectancy of around 70 years. Comparable to man, the elephant is distinguished by its high level of intelligence, interesting behavior, methods of communication and complex social structure. In the social arena, Elephants are very social, frequently touching and caressing one another and entwining their trunks. Elephants also demonstrate concern for members of their families they take care of weak or injured members by protesting them from predators who may want to attack them. The Young calves are put in the middle of the herd with each member responsible for its general well being.
The sad part is that elephant numbers significantly dwindle each year despite the fact that their only living predator is man. Maybe we should try to protect this amazing creature whom we could be free to call “distant cousin”, “brother” or even “comrade”. Maybe we could take drastic measures by ensuring we are not part of the problem and refuse to buy anything made form ivory.
Visit: Masai Mara Lodges
Elephants are large land mammals the largest living land animals currently. Recent DNA testing has split the African elephant species in two - African Bush (who is much smaller in size after attaining adult age) and the African Forest. African elephant species are generally larger than the Asian elephants, with scientists lacking a good explanation for it. Their gestation period is twenty two months or roughly 670 days (wow!), with new born calves weighing about 120 kilograms. Their society is matriarchal in nature with matriarchs being the bigger of the females in the pack.
Tusks grow for most of an elephant's lifetime and are an indicator of age, with the Asian female elephant lacking tusks. Because they tend to live in hot savanna climate, their bodies have adapted to this environment. One cooling mechanism of their bodies is to the ears on hot days, and in return, the blood circulates in the ear's numerous veins. The blood then returns to the head and body about 9 F cooler.
About 16 hours of an elephant's day is spent eating, drinking, bathing, dusting, wallowing, playing and resting. As an elephant only digests some 40 percent of what it eats, but this does not necessarily mean that its intake of food is little, actually, it needs tremendous amounts of vegetation; approximately 5 percent of its body weight per day and about 30 to 50 gallons of water to survive properly.
They are very alike to man in behavior. For example they recognize death and when one of their own dies the lie silently by the carcass as if giving their last respect to a fallen hero. Also In the same way that humans are left or right-handed, elephants are left or right-tusked. The dominant tusk is known as the major tusk, and is usually shorter than the other tusk due to wear and tear. Interestingly, they begin mating around the age of 20 living to a life expectancy of around 70 years. Comparable to man, the elephant is distinguished by its high level of intelligence, interesting behavior, methods of communication and complex social structure. In the social arena, Elephants are very social, frequently touching and caressing one another and entwining their trunks. Elephants also demonstrate concern for members of their families they take care of weak or injured members by protesting them from predators who may want to attack them. The Young calves are put in the middle of the herd with each member responsible for its general well being.
The sad part is that elephant numbers significantly dwindle each year despite the fact that their only living predator is man. Maybe we should try to protect this amazing creature whom we could be free to call “distant cousin”, “brother” or even “comrade”. Maybe we could take drastic measures by ensuring we are not part of the problem and refuse to buy anything made form ivory.
Visit: Masai Mara Lodges
Tour companies that operate in Kenya’ Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara is one of the largest tourist destination in the Kenya offering a wide of activities for holiday lovers to engage in, among them being sight seeing, nature expeditions to learn about the different species of wildlife and plants available or even lazy days lying in comfortable holiday spots with only the fresh air beating onto ones face. Among the large animal show room a number of tour firms operate to accommodate the large number of toursist that frequent the area all through the year. Some of these firms are such as:
African Safaris Kenya: Is known operate all year round throughout the Eastern African region, from the Amboseli to Samburu, to the Ark, to even South Africa and Egypt. Its core business is to offer holiday packages in the Mara for all sorts of tourists around.
Ngerende Island Lodge: Cant put it words
Maasai Mara Tours: This is a good firm because it is credited to one of the major tourist destinations in the country. They offer incredible services regarding the Mara that are definitely irresistible. They have been in operation for more than ten years therefore very reliable. They specialize in very many services among them being air travels from one destination to another and the spectacular wildebeest migration to the Serengeti. The best part is that they are part of the Mara and are therefore able to have the best expertise regarding travel queries and concerns to do with the Mara.
Kenya Wildlife Trails: It is a Kenyan travel company that’s offers organized tours to Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Uganda and South Africa. This one is especially convenient for the travelers who want to experience the Mara from both the Kenyan and Tanzanian side. This will require one to cross regional borders that have different laws regarding migration, emigration and immigration of tourists.
Pollmans Tours and Safaris: This tour company is one of the oldest in Kenya that has managed to survive in the unpredictable sector since the nineteen fifty’s. It has managed to improve its services by establishing branches in Nairobi and Mombasa and practically the entire country. The reason why you should choose this firm is that it offers its services anytime of the year for you to choose from. You can’t go wrong with the firm since it has grown in leaps and bounds offering quality services to its esteemed clientele.
Amicabre: Is another tour firm that has cut a niche for itself in the tourism sector. Its green colored trade mark whose logo is the picture of the Thorny Acacia tree says a lot about them. They offer many good holiday packages for the holiday lovers especially in the Mara however they specialize in game drives and bush walks. Most of their packages are for small private groups who are treated to quality services that is a lifetime of an experience.
Of course this doest not mean that there are not any other tour firms in the locality for one to savor, there are many more however these are the firms that have proved to be worth their salt.
Happy holidays dear traveler! Maasia Mara Safaris
African Safaris Kenya: Is known operate all year round throughout the Eastern African region, from the Amboseli to Samburu, to the Ark, to even South Africa and Egypt. Its core business is to offer holiday packages in the Mara for all sorts of tourists around.
Ngerende Island Lodge: Cant put it words
Maasai Mara Tours: This is a good firm because it is credited to one of the major tourist destinations in the country. They offer incredible services regarding the Mara that are definitely irresistible. They have been in operation for more than ten years therefore very reliable. They specialize in very many services among them being air travels from one destination to another and the spectacular wildebeest migration to the Serengeti. The best part is that they are part of the Mara and are therefore able to have the best expertise regarding travel queries and concerns to do with the Mara.
Kenya Wildlife Trails: It is a Kenyan travel company that’s offers organized tours to Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Uganda and South Africa. This one is especially convenient for the travelers who want to experience the Mara from both the Kenyan and Tanzanian side. This will require one to cross regional borders that have different laws regarding migration, emigration and immigration of tourists.
Pollmans Tours and Safaris: This tour company is one of the oldest in Kenya that has managed to survive in the unpredictable sector since the nineteen fifty’s. It has managed to improve its services by establishing branches in Nairobi and Mombasa and practically the entire country. The reason why you should choose this firm is that it offers its services anytime of the year for you to choose from. You can’t go wrong with the firm since it has grown in leaps and bounds offering quality services to its esteemed clientele.
Amicabre: Is another tour firm that has cut a niche for itself in the tourism sector. Its green colored trade mark whose logo is the picture of the Thorny Acacia tree says a lot about them. They offer many good holiday packages for the holiday lovers especially in the Mara however they specialize in game drives and bush walks. Most of their packages are for small private groups who are treated to quality services that is a lifetime of an experience.
Of course this doest not mean that there are not any other tour firms in the locality for one to savor, there are many more however these are the firms that have proved to be worth their salt.
Happy holidays dear traveler! Maasia Mara Safaris
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Maasai Mara National Park
The Maasai Mara National Park is about 1,600 square kilometers in size. Rumor has it that it is the richest of Kenya’s game parks in terms of the flora and fauna found in the park. There is the grass land, dense bush, thickets forests and not to forget the ever permanent Mara river. As is common with many game reserves in the country, animals have no respect for boundaries with many cris – crossing the Mara and Serengeti at pleasure. Many tourists both local and foreign confess that they that it is while in the Mara that they feel that they are really in the country.
It is a fine country for the big five and the lions as well. Amongst the animals in the park that live with the big five is the ‘Topi’ whose population is around 6,000 animals, a wide variety of birds who form a symbiotic relationship with the big animals. The birds eat the parasitic insects on the backs of buffaloes and elephants that in turn provide shelter to them against wild creatures who consider the birds a delicacy. Also found are gazelles, zebras, giraffes and snakes that complete on gigantic food chain in the Mara – Serengeti ecosystem. The Mara River that runs across the park is a permanent river that is relied upon heavily by the animals in the dry season when the other streams have dried up. Today the park is a great tourist destination especially since the year 2008 when a prominent person in the world suggested that the wildebeest migration should be considered the eighth wonder of the modern world.
The Mara has more than 200 lodges and restaurants with more springing up conveniently during the migration and hundreds of tour operators in the region. The sight is comparable to Biashara street in Nairobi where after every baby shop there is a baby shop but this time round, it is after every lodge in the Mara there is another lodge.
Other than wildlife there are other sights such as the numerous trees species for the biologists and agriculturists. It is a sight to be hold and one should definitely make it a point to visit the park at least once in their life time.
It is a fine country for the big five and the lions as well. Amongst the animals in the park that live with the big five is the ‘Topi’ whose population is around 6,000 animals, a wide variety of birds who form a symbiotic relationship with the big animals. The birds eat the parasitic insects on the backs of buffaloes and elephants that in turn provide shelter to them against wild creatures who consider the birds a delicacy. Also found are gazelles, zebras, giraffes and snakes that complete on gigantic food chain in the Mara – Serengeti ecosystem. The Mara River that runs across the park is a permanent river that is relied upon heavily by the animals in the dry season when the other streams have dried up. Today the park is a great tourist destination especially since the year 2008 when a prominent person in the world suggested that the wildebeest migration should be considered the eighth wonder of the modern world.
The Mara has more than 200 lodges and restaurants with more springing up conveniently during the migration and hundreds of tour operators in the region. The sight is comparable to Biashara street in Nairobi where after every baby shop there is a baby shop but this time round, it is after every lodge in the Mara there is another lodge.
Other than wildlife there are other sights such as the numerous trees species for the biologists and agriculturists. It is a sight to be hold and one should definitely make it a point to visit the park at least once in their life time.
Pros and Cons of choosing a travel agent
Of course we all know that everything in life has good points and bad points as well. Nothing is perfect in this life but we must all strive to deliver quality goods and services to customers ads business people so that the customer comes back again and again. As business people it is also important to ensure that one does not skin the customer dry. So you ask yourself, what is the basic level of expectations one should look out for in a travel agent? I say:
A good business person uses their clout and bargaining power to obtain the best possible arrangements in seemingly impossible and demanding situations that the client presents. This should not exclude tour operators. This allows them to offer quality goods at competitive prices from that of their competitors.
A good travel agent distills product information these products are holiday packages that the customer wants. They also investigate and supply competitive information regarding hot spots of Kenya instead of cutting costs and taking them to poor areas for sight seeing. A good travel agent also stays abreast of the most current and timely promotions clarifying the fine details of travel such as cancellation of events, penalties and change of budgetary allocations due to uncontrollable circumstances. I also suggest that a good travel agent makes recommendations on travel-related options after all they are supposed to be the experts not the tourist.
To say the least they must simplifies the research and subsequent transaction not too much un necessary red tape should be laid in bookings and payments that eventually exhaust the client to despair. After all has been said and done, it would be good for a travel agent worth its salt to enhances the trip with value-added benefits and amenities such as follow up telephone calls to find out whether the client reached home fine. If a customer has come back they should offer a few discounts and reward heavily loyal customers.
Lastly, a good travel agent is registered with KATA whose main business is to ensure that they maintain and produce good services. KATA is responsible for the control of travel affairs through management reporting, maintaining consistency of service packages among registered firms and reliable since it is owned by the government who are unlikely to close shop suddenly escaping with clients cash.
Cash is a very sensitive issue and one must question what amount is too cheap to be true, too expensive or one that is okay? Fees structure will depend on the tour firm as the good ones also sell their good will along with the holiday package. One must be willing to pay for good quality services to ensure that they continue to operate. Ensure that the travel agent is known, Old is Gold is true in this case especially. However, nothing is perfect and sometimes due to un-avoidable reasons such as miss -communication, mishaps occur, don’t despair; things will be quickly sorted out for you to continue enjoying the holiday.
Karibu Kenya, Karibu Maasai Mara!
A good business person uses their clout and bargaining power to obtain the best possible arrangements in seemingly impossible and demanding situations that the client presents. This should not exclude tour operators. This allows them to offer quality goods at competitive prices from that of their competitors.
A good travel agent distills product information these products are holiday packages that the customer wants. They also investigate and supply competitive information regarding hot spots of Kenya instead of cutting costs and taking them to poor areas for sight seeing. A good travel agent also stays abreast of the most current and timely promotions clarifying the fine details of travel such as cancellation of events, penalties and change of budgetary allocations due to uncontrollable circumstances. I also suggest that a good travel agent makes recommendations on travel-related options after all they are supposed to be the experts not the tourist.
To say the least they must simplifies the research and subsequent transaction not too much un necessary red tape should be laid in bookings and payments that eventually exhaust the client to despair. After all has been said and done, it would be good for a travel agent worth its salt to enhances the trip with value-added benefits and amenities such as follow up telephone calls to find out whether the client reached home fine. If a customer has come back they should offer a few discounts and reward heavily loyal customers.
Lastly, a good travel agent is registered with KATA whose main business is to ensure that they maintain and produce good services. KATA is responsible for the control of travel affairs through management reporting, maintaining consistency of service packages among registered firms and reliable since it is owned by the government who are unlikely to close shop suddenly escaping with clients cash.
Cash is a very sensitive issue and one must question what amount is too cheap to be true, too expensive or one that is okay? Fees structure will depend on the tour firm as the good ones also sell their good will along with the holiday package. One must be willing to pay for good quality services to ensure that they continue to operate. Ensure that the travel agent is known, Old is Gold is true in this case especially. However, nothing is perfect and sometimes due to un-avoidable reasons such as miss -communication, mishaps occur, don’t despair; things will be quickly sorted out for you to continue enjoying the holiday.
Karibu Kenya, Karibu Maasai Mara!
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