Monday, May 30, 2011

Online Hotel Bookings, Kenya Travel, Africa Travel, Africa Hotels and Lodge, Wildlife Lodges, Camping Hotels and Lodges

One of the limitations of traveling to Africa is the slow pace with which its travel industry has in embracing the use of technology. Many would be travelers today are more comfortable on making a payment by use of a credit card for the following reasons

1. At the top of the list is the fact that i can pay for it now look for the money and 30 days later refund the credit card company.
2. It is less cumbersome as traditional methods of payment require one to go the bank and transfer the money while a credit card payment can be done from my home or desk-top
3.It is thus much easier and faster to finalize the transaction.
4. I can then say it cost less in terms of time and money as opposed to traditional ways since you do not have to queue at the bank, burn fuel to get there and then make phone call follow-ups.
5. Credit card payment is today a much safer way of transacting since a third party 'the merchant’s involved. It is for this reason that a number of African organizations are quickly taking up this idea of enabling credit card processing on their website and acquire a competitive edge against those who have not yet done the same.
A few websites in Kenya, Egypt and South Africa such as www.intokenya.com are already offering holiday makers an easier way of booking their accommodation and saving time spent calling hotels and agents to get bookings.

Stone House Hotel

Friday, May 27, 2011

Three Ways to Save Money While on a Kenyan Safari

There are numerous ways in which you can save on your trip to Kenya.

Flights:

To get cheap flights to Kenya, you need to travel in the low season. You could save over $200 as compared to traveling in the high season. Kenya's high tourist season is between January and February and June to September. Additionally, taking direct flights could also save you on airfare.

Accommodation:

It's quite easy to save on accommodations in Kenya. Rather than book your stay in a hotel, you could stay in a hostel or choose a home stay. Home stays have come to be the best option in Kenya budget travel. Here, you get to stay with real Kenyan families and you will experience Kenya from a Kenyan's perspective. Home Stays usually cost about $14 per night inclusive of all meals and usually laundry. For the adventurous ones, camping is a good option too. If you have your camping equipment, it will only cost you $5 a night. Some campsites will rent a mattress and bedding at about $3 per night.

Kenyan Food:

Food in Kenya is generally cheap! You can choose to eat at local fast foods or restaurants. These will be much cheaper than eating out at exotic restaurants or hotels. When going out on a safari, it may be well worth it to visit the supermarket at the start of your journey and buy some things. This may include fresh fruits, juice, bottled water, sandwich items, crisps and the like.

If you get these three areas right, you are likely to save over $500 on your trip to Kenya.

Blue Bay Village

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Airport Tips- Traveling to Kenya

Air transport is the most commonly used mode of travel all around the globe when going for long distances. It's a safer and an efficient way to move around various tourist destinations.
For more comfort and less inconveniences here are a few tips on Air travel:

*Before traveling, determine the baggage your airline allows per person so as to reduce your travel costs.
*Prepare a checklist of items to carry and tick them as you pack your bag and then lastly put your name tags on each bag.
*Pack only the items allowed by airport authorities to avoid any confrontations at the security screening rooms.
*Incase you are carrying medical prescriptions, use medical records with your name to support them to the screening authorities.
*Confirm and plan to arrive early at the airport for checking in, this varies from one airline to the other.
*Never carry sharp or metallic objects on your hand bags instead try packing them on a separate luggage
*Have your valid identity and travel documents at hand when going for check in or boarding the plane
*Always carry your own luggage around the airport or in the plane, Don’t help strangers carry their own. You never know what’s inside!
*Be prepared for any form of check up when going through an airport security check.
*Be attentive to the crew members and know where safety exits and oxygen masks are, also ensure that your seat belts are working before take off.
*Follow instructions and respect each others rights in the plane at all times. this brings satisfaction and enjoyment on your trip.
*Be courteous and consult the air crew incase of a problem.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Things To Do And See During Your Kenya Travel

Kenya is one of the best adventure spots of the world with its well-managed system of national parks, which are amongst the finest of Africa. The Masai Mara and the Amboseli National Park are some of the famous wildlife resorts, not to forget, the diving in the Indian Ocean and the hot air balloon trips.

All these have made Kenya the top safari destination in the world and they draw in the tourists in high seasons. However, there are many of other hidden gems that you may enjoy during your Kenya travel. Here are some of them.

Get a taste of the tribal life-style

While in Kenya, you will get to know the living habits of some of the fascinating tribes of Africa, namely the Masai, the Samburu and the Turkana. A traveler can enjoy a tea drinking ceremony or watch traditional tribal dances in these villages. However, it will be beneficial to take the help of a Kenya Travel guide to direct you to get the best of visiting the wonderful tribal-dominated areas of Kenya.

Catch a glimpse of the Wildebeest Migration—one of the largest migrations in the animal world

The wildebeest migration is perhaps the most fascinating sights that a traveler will witness during his holidays in Africa. Every year, during September-October, between half to one million Wildebeests suddenly gather on the Serengeti plains in Tanzania. Thereafter, they trek in a big circle through the south of Kenya and back again. The Wildebeest Migration is, in fact one of the biggest wildlife shows on earth. Some lodges are strategically placed so you can comfortably enjoy this amazing natural view.

Take a tour along the Swahili coast region

The Swahili region is a marvelous mix of myriad cultures- African, Arab and Indian cultures primarily. This coastal region, located within Kenya has a charm of its own. It has been like that since the 9th century. Arabs have frequented this part along the Indian Ocean, which has led to the rise of the famous Swahili culture. A majority of the population is Muslim, although of a liberal type.

Some of the unique attractions that you can enjoy in your Kenya travel are -- watch a Taarab performance, treat yourself to the seductive African-Arab-Indian music played at weddings and other festivals, not to miss out on the 500 kilometers of white sand beaches with excellent and affordable beach resorts. It is here that you can dine and sip Martinis right at your private beach.

Go on a balloon trip

The Masai Mara Wildlife Resort in Kenya is known for the short hot air balloon trips which a traveler can enjoy in this country. If animal watching is the primary aim of your travel to Kenya then Masai Mara is a must-visit with its huge reservoir of animals. They typically leave very early in the morning, so you'll spend the first hours after sunrise gliding over the Kenyan plains, which is the best time for animal watching.

These are only a few of the things that you can enjoy if you travel to Kenya. There is indeed more to it that you can enjoy during your Kenya safari. You may visit us for more information on Kenya safaris, Tanzania Safaris, and other holiday packages available for an African safari tour.

Black Merlin Resort

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Tips to Help you Cut Cost While on an African Safari

The holiday season is beckoning and now there are lots of vacation packages up for grabs from beach holidays, wildlife adventures, eco-tours just name a few of them. Although those offering the packages sometimes help one to identify a package that best fits their budget it is important that you the traveler also take some action in order to cut on your costs.
1. The first thing you require is information. Most important yet little appreciated facts is that is actually costs less to book holidays and travel through a registered tried and tested operator since they get highly discounted rates from hotels than what a traveler would pay when booking direct. This is because the supply the hotels with huge numbers of guests.
2. Secondly it is to ensure that your tour operator can handle your logistics and structure a trip that will give you’re the experience you want. It is less cumbersome to use a tour operator.
3. Plan early this cannot be overemphasized. Hotels and many travel resources usually give discounts when you book early or during the low season. You will also be able to pay for your package in installments. I usually take a yearly holiday and I can thus save for it on a regular basis.
4. Take advantage of low season rates are drastically reduced the places are less crowded and one can enjoy most of the facilities and good service during such times. During peak season resources are usually constrained and waiters overstretched that the service that are otherwise superior become standard.
5. Finally small is fine. A holiday need not be a grand trip to a five star hotel or lodge but even a camping adventure for 5 days or less is still a holiday. It gives one the much-needed break for you and your family.

Royal Reserve Beach Hotel

Monday, May 16, 2011

Precautions While on Kenya Holidays

An African safari is the most exciting adventurous destination for all wanderers. Africa, the land of mystery, has a lot to offer for tourists who come from different parts of the world. However, it is quite useful to take care of certain precautions for maintaining your safety and security while taking the pleasure of Kenya holidays. One of the most important things while visiting a foreign country is to avoid walking to the bushes alone. Always seek guidance of a local person to explore the country on foot. Not to forget, stay away from animals as they can be excited by any of your act and cause a dangerous act. Therefore, it is advised to maintain some distance while feeding the animals.

Besides, above mentioned casual precautions, it is important to take care of other important precautions that can help you to enjoy the best time in the African land. A traveler must keep a close eye on his or her holiday insurance, medical preparations, food & drinks, and money to avoid any unpleasant circumstances. In this article, we’ll talk about these points in brief:

Kenya Holiday Insurance

A traveler must ensure he has a good quality medical or travel insurance before visiting any African destination. Holiday insurance also includes coverage for baggage loss, third party liability, cancellation and curtailment, etc.

Money Tips

In Kenya, travelers' cheques and major credit cards are readily accepted. A traveler is suggested to carry a small amount of cash otherwise he or she can be a target for thieves. One should always change currency through the authorized dealers and banks.

Security Measures

One should keep a track of his or her passport number, airline tickets and travelers' cheques while visiting any African country. Make sure, you keep these original documents in a safe place, separately from the usual luggage bag.

Medical Precautions

African countries are prone to various kinds of diseases and infections. That is why, it is better to go through a thorough medical check-up of your body. Consult a good doctor and take adequate antibiotics. You can keep good quality of mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito bites.

Food & Drink in Kenya

Try to use mineral or bottled water while on a trip to Africa. In hard & soft drinks, you can get a wide range of local beers, as well as imported wines, beers. Choose your drink carefully to remain healthy.

Kenya holidays can be a blessing for any wildlife lover and explorer. However, a bit of precaution can enhance your happiness further.

Leleshwa Camp

Where to Stay When in Mombasa this Summer

Mombasa is well known for its white sandy beaches, and therefore you will be spoilt for choice on where to stay. The town has various types of accommodation along the North Coast and South Coast. You can either stay in a hotel, guest and beach house, apartment, lodging, villa, summer cottage or a bed and breakfast. All these are available at different rates. When choosing where to stay consider your budget, preference, hobbies and the number of people you are traveling with if you are not alone. These factors will help you choose the right type of accommodation and save you money. To help you decide let us explore features of the different types of accommodation in Mombasa.

Each hotel in the Coastal town has a unique theme and distinct services, to help you find exactly what you are looking for. Hotels in Kenya are of international standard with high quality service. In most hotels, visitors can choose from a range of fun activities for all age groups. These include safaris, deep sea fishing, diving and other water sports. The town also has many villas. This kind of accommodation features a number of bedrooms, bathrooms, large dining and sitting areas plus TV and internet access. Some villas come with their own cook and housekeeper to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Villas provide endless opportunities for people of all ages and interests.

If you are interested in a more private kind of accommodation you can stay in an apartment. The bedroom is usually en-suite, fully furnished and serviced. Beach houses are also a common type of accommodation in Mombasa. They are much similar to apartments but different in that they come with a private compound. You feel like you are in your own backyard. This type of accommodation is also best for large traveling groups. Another similar place to stay is in a cottage. All these give you the opportunity to do your own catering meaning that you cook your own food. However laundry and cleaning services are provided.

If you are backpacking and moving from one town to another or in Mombasa only for a short stay, then you should go for the bed and breakfast type of accommodation. Here you only get to spend the night and you are provided with the next day’s breakfast. With the variations in accommodation in Mombasa, as a visitor at the Kenyan Coast you are guaranteed of finding every modern convenience you could wish for. So go on make a reservation for this summer and enjoy your holiday in Mombasa. For more information on accommodation in Kenya visit http://www.intokenya.com

Dream of Africa Hotel

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Making Local Travel Arrangements While on a Kenyan Safari

Traveling as good and fun as it is can be quite hectic at times but the ride can be smooth if you make both international and local travel arrangements well before hand. Contrary to what many tourists believe, travel arrangements do not end once you have arrived in Kenya. Of most importance is your mode of transport. Make sure that you decide how you will move from one area or another once you are in Kenya. Kenya has many modes of transportation at your exposure. There is the public service, the railway as well as air transport. Many tour destinations in Kenya have charter flights from Nairobi which is the capital city. When you get to Nairobi book a flight or buy a railway ticket earlier on and confirm departure time.

The other local travel arrangements you need to make is on your money. Ensure that you make any money transfer earlier on. Find out about the forex bureaus available in the area near you, compare their exchange rates and go for the best. For safety you may want to stick to using credit cards which are now acceptable in most places. However have a few loose change for minor shopping such as in shops owned by locals inside or near parks and major tourist attraction areas

During your local travel arrangements ensure to find out important information about every location that you want to visit. Say you want to tour the Masai mara find out how people get there and make the necessary arrangements. Also inquire about the terrain and the weather in that park. This will enable you to know what type of clothing and shoes to carry. You will also know if you need to bring any medicines such as anti malarial tablets. Knowing about a location will enable you to know how many different areas you will be able to visit during your holiday.

Major local travel arrangements that you should never forget is your local accommodation. This is especially important if you are planning to tour different areas in Kenya. There are different types of accommodation in different areas. Choose what type of accommodation you want and include it in your local travel arrangements. Make sure that you make all the necessary bookings before you get there. Confirm arrival time to avoid penalties. Remember to make any prior payments that will be required to avoid cancellation. Now that you know what to do during your Safari in Kenya you will definitely have a lovely time!

Island Camp Baringo

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Learn About Kenya's Four Animal Sanctuaries

Animal lovers who want to spend their holiday with animals can depend on Kenya’s four main animal sanctuaries. The Garissa Community Giraffe sanctuary is located in Garissa Town in North Eastern Province of Kenya bordering the dry dusty Bour-Algi village. The sanctuary was started after a surprising influx of giraffes from the border areas. The giraffes move freely within human settlement, or stoop to drink from close to where the local women are drawing water. The animal sanctuary is a community-based conservation and natural resource management initiative. Its name stems from the large presence of giraffes attracted by the abundant acacia trees. The sanctuary has an estimated 1000 giraffes. Other animals sighted in the area are Kirk’s dik-dik, Lesser Kudu, warthog and waterbuck.

Lumo Wildlife Sanctuary is a migration corridor for elephants and other game between Tsavo East and West Community. This animal sanctuary has a very beautiful landscape characterized of woody rolling savannah. The animal sanctuary covers an area of 46,000 hectares in Tsavo in Taita Taveta district in southern Kenya. It is a significant dispersal area for elephants that use the migration corridor. The area has a rich variety of flora and fauna. Other than the elephant, there is the buffalo, giraffe, aardvark and lion, eland, oryx, dikdik and kongoni. It is also home to numerous birds. You can make a stop over to the Tsavo West National Park which borders this animal sanctuary.

Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary is located in East Africa, in the Kwale District of Kenya's Coastal Province. The animal sanctuary has an area of 36 km², borders the Shimba Hills National Reserve. The sanctuary is characterized by rolling hills, steep ridges, cliffs and winding water shades. Elephants are the main attraction at the animal sanctuary with about 150 of them at the sanctuary. The area is the most densely populated natural breeding ground for elephants in the world. If you are lucky you can witness their ‘reunion’ this summer. You can camp at the animal sanctuary and spend the night with the elephants in the middle of the sanctuary.

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a privately owned animal sanctuary established by Hilton International. It is located in Taita Taveta district within the coast province and covers an area of 280,000 acres. While at the animal sanctuary you can either stay at the Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge or at the magnificent Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge. The animal sanctuary is home to elephant, lion, oryx and lesser kudu.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Games to Enjoy at the Kenyan Beaches this Summer

Many people visit the Kenyan Coast every year to see the famous historical sites such as Vasco Dagama and Fort Jesus. The beaches at the Coast are also a favorite to many tourists who tour the area. A lot of visitors however go back without enjoying the numerous beach activitLinkies that have become quite an attraction. When visiting the Kenyan Coast this summer try something new by engaging in the new sports that have hit the Kenyan beaches. You will certainly be assured of a good and relaxing time. You do not have to spend all your vacation time in a hotel go out and have some fun!

Activities at the Coast include scuba diving and snorkeling. Though these are new sports they are gaining quite a momentum and have been rated highly even by professionals in the two sports. Te Kenya Wildlife Service Marine has stepped in to popularize summer games at the beaches by guiding tourists in the protective reef where they can go diving. Diving is more popular at Watamu National Park along the Kenyan Coast. After diving you can sit back and enjoy watching the fish swim around through the glass panels. The reef has extremely exotic fish, in every shape and colour. You can also be able to see harmless whale sharks.

Diving amongst the coral in Mombasa is an amazing experience and any one either a beginner or an expert can try it out. The north coast also has a great deal of variety to offer in terms of under the sea entertainment. There are several qualified diving schools along the beaches that can take you through a diving course for those who have no experience but cannot help themselves to jump into the beautiful Indian Ocean. The lessons are very few and only take a few hours all you need is courage to stand the fast waves.

Other activities at the beaches include windsurfing and kite surfing which are loved the world over as well as at the Kenyan beaches. Kite surfing is considered one of the fastest growing water based sports today including in Kenya. Anyone looking for an adrenaline rush should try kite surfing. At Kenya you can go surfing at Manda Bay and enjoy its calm waters. If you are interested you can participate in a competition just for fun and charity. Kenya hosts a kite surfing festival in February and March each year to raise money for a local health charity. Do not have a boring vacation when you visit the Kenyan beaches this summer as you are spoilt for choice with the many summer games.

Mombasa Beach Hotel

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Finding Hotels in Kenya

Everyone loves to travel to different cities and countries, to visit new places, explore the world and all its beauty. To make your travel more cozy you must plan your next vacation in advance. Booking a Hotel where you will fully enjoy the high quality leisure time is a necessity and should be done well.

One of the most attractive tourist country is Kenya. All hotels in Kenya offer an excellent service, as well as tools for active sports. The country has many hotels, however, you better to book hotel rooms in advance, so as to rest lived in this magical country myriad. If you are going to rest in Kenya, you will need to stock up enough cash, as some hotels do not accept credit cards.
All Hotels in Kenya have their level of service, which depends on the category and each category in turn meets certain requirements. 5-star hotels should have a reception (served around the clock), having several rooms, as well as room for lunch. All rooms are soundproof, furniture and equipment meet the highest standards. At least 10% of rooms must be apartments. Service and rooms available 24 hours a day. Also available is a porter. In one room rates they have one person staff. The 4-star hotel reception service operates only during the day, furniture is cheaper than 5-star hotels. In the rooms there are telephone, TV and radio. In two rooms they have one person staff, and the food is offered 16 hours a day. In the 3-star hotel only half of the rooms have toilets and showers. 1 person staff accounted for 6 rooms. 2-star Hotels offer only the basic service, and bathroom.

Mombasa is one of the most attractive destination for a vacation is Kenya. In terms of hotels in mombasa is one of the leading places in the world, but the cost of rooms in hotels is much higher. The level of hotel services in vary with the costs.

Kilili Baharini Resort and Spa

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The Kenyan Giraffe

Also known scientifically as Giraffa camelopardalis, the Kenyan giraffe is the tallest living animal with a long neck adapted to reach vegetation far above that is inaccessible to other herbivores except the elephant.There are eight sub-species of Giraffes in Africa. Kenya has the rarest Rothschild Giraffe, the commonly seen Maasai Giraffe of Southern Kenya and the Reticulated Giraffe of Northern Kenya.The giraffes have a unique walking gait moving both right legs forward then both left with a top speed of about 55km an hour. Unlike other wild animals, giraffes have good eyesight. Giraffe horns are actually knobs covered with skin and hair above the eyes which protect the head from injury.

Giraffes inhabit mostly in the arid and dry-savanna zones south of the Sahara and therefore can be found wherever trees occur in Kenya. They are very common in many of the Kenya National Game Reserves. They feed mainly on broad leafed deciduous foliage and on other evergreen species. It's menu includes Acacia and Combretum trees that are always available in most areas such as the Amboseli national park.This animal can feed on 134 kg of leaves per day and drinks water every 2 to 3 days.Since it feeds on green leaves it can leave with no water where its not available.

The Kenyan Giraffe can be commonly sighted even outside wildlife conversational areas.They are social, non-territorial with no coordinated herd movements or leadership. Males test their strength by swinging necks on each other to establish who is dominant. They reproduce throughout the year but usually peek during rainy seasons. A female can conceive at age four while the male starts mating at age seven. The cow takes 16 months between two pregnancies.

The young animals are left together while their mothers graze within.They can survive weaning at two months since they they already can start eating leaves. Young giraffes are most likely to be preyed on by other predators since they cant attack in return though they are never left alone. Bulls often use their horns to combat its competitors whe mating and powerful kicks for its enemies. The fiercest known enemy to adult Kenyan giraffe's is man who usually kill it for wild meat and skin.

Swara Plains Accra

Monday, May 2, 2011

Discover Kenya's Best Kept Secrets

How would like adventure travel to Kenya, to learn some of Kenya's best kept secrets? How about checking into Hemingway's Resort, a luxury hotel on the Indian Ocean, or spending some time in the same area that Elsa was released into the wild by Joy Adamson? You can enjoy these, and more, with luxury adventure travel to Kenya, land of the Luo, Kalenjin, Turkana and the famous Maasai warrior race, as the name is correctly spelled although we shall use the more popular western spelling of Masai.

The capital is Nairobi, and that would be a good place to start. There are many types of hotels in Nairobi, but if you can, try to book into one of the few boutique hotels that accommodate only a few guests, twelve being a good number. For that you will have to book yourself a luxury adventure vacation, with personal service offering vacation planning from just yourself and your partner.

However, it is the game reserves that most people visit Kenya to see, and that adventure travelers to Kenya are particularly interested in. Why not spend some time in the park and check out the elephants, leopards and cheetahs, and of course the lions. Although most people prefer to go on guided safaris, others prefer fishing and nature walks, or even just to lie by the pool. It's your vacation so indulge yourself.

You must then visit the Masai Mara Nature Reserve, where the big game animals are less under threat from human activity. Try to head for the Cottar 1920 Mari Safari Camp, where the 22,000 acre private concession houses only 12 guests, but it's well worth it, and no luxury adventure travel to Kenya should miss a visit to Cottars. Calvin Cottar is one of the best guides in the country, and will take you on a game drive in a 4WD or even a more traditional ox cart. It is an advantage that the camp is not part of the reserve, because you can go on night drives and guided walking tours, which would not otherwise be permitted.

Dream of Africa Hotel