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.
Showing posts with label kenya safaris. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kenya safaris. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
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
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
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
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Fascinating Interpretations of Different Gestures by Different Cultures
When visiting different countries around the world you have to take caution of the kind of gestures you use. Some have different meanings in different countries so you must be careful not to get into trouble.
While Western culture has become used to the thumbs-up as a positive, informal signal, generally indicating a job well done, there are cultures where a thumbs-up may land you in trouble. In most of Latin America and West Africa, as well as Greece, Russia, Sardinia and the south of Italy, the thumbs-up basically means the same as the middle finger. Also, it’s generally not recommended to use the thumbs-up around the Middle East as an insult out there.
Opening your palm to your target and stretching out your fingers seems harmless enough to most Westerners. Most people would think you’re waving. In Greece, however, the gesture is known as a moutza, and is one of their most traditional manual insults.The gesture is also an insulting one in Pakistan and many parts of Africa. The Japanese use a very similar sign to insult their old enemies, the Koreans roughly translating as ‘animal’.
Curling your index finger towards you in a summoning motion is a gesture used to beckon people to follow you. Beware, however, of using this gesture in the Philippines – it’s a method of
communication considered worthy only to use on dogs, and is actually punishable by arrest. Worst of all, they’ll break your index finger in order to prevent you from committing the same crime again!
While many people assume that maintaining eye contact is a sign of courage and honesty in Zimbabwe it is rude to maintain eye contact. In Lebanon raising a closed fist into the air is making a rude gesture while to nod your head means yes. To signal no, point your head sharply upward and raise your eyebrows.
Impala Hotel
While Western culture has become used to the thumbs-up as a positive, informal signal, generally indicating a job well done, there are cultures where a thumbs-up may land you in trouble. In most of Latin America and West Africa, as well as Greece, Russia, Sardinia and the south of Italy, the thumbs-up basically means the same as the middle finger. Also, it’s generally not recommended to use the thumbs-up around the Middle East as an insult out there.
Opening your palm to your target and stretching out your fingers seems harmless enough to most Westerners. Most people would think you’re waving. In Greece, however, the gesture is known as a moutza, and is one of their most traditional manual insults.The gesture is also an insulting one in Pakistan and many parts of Africa. The Japanese use a very similar sign to insult their old enemies, the Koreans roughly translating as ‘animal’.
Curling your index finger towards you in a summoning motion is a gesture used to beckon people to follow you. Beware, however, of using this gesture in the Philippines – it’s a method of
communication considered worthy only to use on dogs, and is actually punishable by arrest. Worst of all, they’ll break your index finger in order to prevent you from committing the same crime again!
While many people assume that maintaining eye contact is a sign of courage and honesty in Zimbabwe it is rude to maintain eye contact. In Lebanon raising a closed fist into the air is making a rude gesture while to nod your head means yes. To signal no, point your head sharply upward and raise your eyebrows.
Impala Hotel
Monday, March 28, 2011
Ole Sereni Hotel
Tranquility is the word associated with this spectacular hotel that borders the Nairobi National park offering its guests a view of animals in their natural surroundings at the waterhole in the park from the restaurants, bar, swimming pool and other parts of the hotel. The hotel is strategically positioned close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport making airport transfers very easy. It is also very near to the the city center, offering world-class facilities and personalized services to business as well as leisure travelers.
Ole-Sereni Hotel has a total of 134 exquisitely furnished, air-conditioned rooms and suites spread over three floors. Guests will have the opportunity to relax and unwind at the Roof top heated swimming pool that overlooks the park, the Gymnasium and Aerobics Room or the Sports Lounge. One could also enjoy special therapies and treatments at the Massage Centre. The Sauna & Steam Facility and Unisex Salon are other places guests can visit to pamper themselves.
Currency Exchange, Laundry/Dry Cleaning Services, Baby Sittering (available on request), 24 Hours Room Service, fully equipped Business Center, Automatic wake up phone system, Wi - Fi Spots in the public area and a travel desk are some of the services that guest at the hotel get to enjoy during their stay.
Ole Sereni has 5 restaurants and also features a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/café. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning. High-speed wired and wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. Business amenities at this 4.5-star property consist of a 24-hour business center, technology support staff, and audio-visual equipment.
Kenya travel destinations
Ole-Sereni Hotel has a total of 134 exquisitely furnished, air-conditioned rooms and suites spread over three floors. Guests will have the opportunity to relax and unwind at the Roof top heated swimming pool that overlooks the park, the Gymnasium and Aerobics Room or the Sports Lounge. One could also enjoy special therapies and treatments at the Massage Centre. The Sauna & Steam Facility and Unisex Salon are other places guests can visit to pamper themselves.
Currency Exchange, Laundry/Dry Cleaning Services, Baby Sittering (available on request), 24 Hours Room Service, fully equipped Business Center, Automatic wake up phone system, Wi - Fi Spots in the public area and a travel desk are some of the services that guest at the hotel get to enjoy during their stay.
Ole Sereni has 5 restaurants and also features a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/café. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning. High-speed wired and wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. Business amenities at this 4.5-star property consist of a 24-hour business center, technology support staff, and audio-visual equipment.
Kenya travel destinations
Friday, March 18, 2011
Lets Have Some Fun in Kenya!
Apart from wildlife Safaris to see animals found in Africa or mountain climbing that takes you through various Kenyan forests or adventures in Kenyan historical sites there very many other things that a visitor and local as well can do in Kenya. Kenya's entertainment scene is bursting with lots of activities for those interested. In Kenya Nairobi and Mombasa cities are the heart of the countries entertainment.
For instance Mombasa has a lot more to offer than just amazing beaches and beautiful weather. Whether you’re looking for a quiet evening out or a night of wild partying, Mombasa offers a variety of entertainment options. There are many nightclubs in Mombasa on the North Coast in close proximity to major hotels, as well as several on the South Coast. Many of these hotels such as Ngulia safari Lodge, even have their own clubs right on premises. There are also plenty of bars and clubs in the town.
On the other hand Nairobi offers the most choices for entertainment in Kenya, with an assortment of casinos, nightclubs, and movie theaters.There are also a number of theaters where one can watch local productions.
Nairobi and Mombasa both offer a good selection of dance clubs. Some clubs offer live entertainment in Nairobi, otherwise most feature discos with a DJ. Sometimes the two towns also offer live concerts featuring both local and international artistes this is mainly during holidays: April, August and December, though others run during other months.
Many hotels and lodges provide evening entertainment. Often this will include traditional tribal dancing. This is truly entertaining and not to be missed. Hotels with such traditional shows include Sarova Lion Hill in Nakuru and Mara Explorer
For instance Mombasa has a lot more to offer than just amazing beaches and beautiful weather. Whether you’re looking for a quiet evening out or a night of wild partying, Mombasa offers a variety of entertainment options. There are many nightclubs in Mombasa on the North Coast in close proximity to major hotels, as well as several on the South Coast. Many of these hotels such as Ngulia safari Lodge, even have their own clubs right on premises. There are also plenty of bars and clubs in the town.
On the other hand Nairobi offers the most choices for entertainment in Kenya, with an assortment of casinos, nightclubs, and movie theaters.There are also a number of theaters where one can watch local productions.
Nairobi and Mombasa both offer a good selection of dance clubs. Some clubs offer live entertainment in Nairobi, otherwise most feature discos with a DJ. Sometimes the two towns also offer live concerts featuring both local and international artistes this is mainly during holidays: April, August and December, though others run during other months.
Many hotels and lodges provide evening entertainment. Often this will include traditional tribal dancing. This is truly entertaining and not to be missed. Hotels with such traditional shows include Sarova Lion Hill in Nakuru and Mara Explorer
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Kenya News updates on Security and Tourist Activities
I came across this website that addresses the kenya security situation in detail it says Dear Friends & Partners,
It has been a month and a half since we experienced violence in Kenya after the December general elections. Some tours to Kenya were cancelled while some visitors who chose not to let the media scare them off, continued as planned. We also managed to convince some of those who felt uneasy about Kenya to do Tanzania safaris and these were successful. Those who came to Kenya despite all the scary scenes shown on TV were quick to comment that Kenya was still safe for tourists.
to read more go to Africa Safari News
It has been a month and a half since we experienced violence in Kenya after the December general elections. Some tours to Kenya were cancelled while some visitors who chose not to let the media scare them off, continued as planned. We also managed to convince some of those who felt uneasy about Kenya to do Tanzania safaris and these were successful. Those who came to Kenya despite all the scary scenes shown on TV were quick to comment that Kenya was still safe for tourists.
to read more go to Africa Safari News
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Africa Vacation Destination
Emily O. a student at the tours and travel insititute had this to say about Kenya as a destination.
ACCESSIBILITY
Kenya is very much accessible, with so many airlines serving it both to and fro. From East Africa and through the whole of Africa Kenya airways will serve so effectively. It extends its services up to and including America, European countries and parts of Asia. KLM serves transatlantic travels. DH serves all through Africa. SA serving from the UK, SO serving from London, just to mention but a few. So to say that you can always access Kenya from every part of the world.
ATTRACTIONS
Variety of attractions that appeal to everyone can always be found in Kenya. You want to see wildlife? There are so many parks in Kenya to give the greatest variety, like Mount Kenya National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park(find the flamingos), Nairobi National Park, Tsavo National Park and many more. Different Game Reserves for example: Maasai Mara Game Reserve (you will find zebras and gazelles) and Samburu Game Reserve. Enjoy the sandy beaches of the coast, visit the tea plantations on Kenyan ranches and farms, learn about the different religions like the Hindu, Islamic, Buddhism and Christianity. Interact with different African cultures like the Swahili, the Kaya, the Maasai, the kikuyu and many more. See the famous features like the Rift Valley, The Lake Victoria, The Tana River, The crying stone, The Kit Mikayi and many others not mentioned.
AMMENITIES
In Kenya there are so many hospitals with very good facilities and above all they are all accessible from every corner since they have been distributed well in the country. To mention some like The Kenyatta National Hospital, The Nairobi West Hospital, The Agha Khan Hospital, Marries topes Hospital. Kenya have different institutions offering variety of syllabuses, you can always choose one that fits your life style. Talking about transport, we have well maintained roads, internal air transport, railway transport and water transport.
ACCOMMODATIONS IN KENYA
Many hotels in Kenya offer wonderful services with a lot more that you may want like shopping arcades, communication centers, restaurants serving both international and local cuisine, pubs with live entertainments and with professional smiling service providers. Examples of Hotels includes: Nairobi Hilton Hotel, Fare View Hotel, Nairobi Serena Hotel, Grand Regency Hotel, Utalii Hotel, Silver Springs Hotel, Nairobi Safari Club, Bamburi Beach Hotel,Hotel Boulevard, Sun n Sand Hotel in the coast, Imperial Hotel in Kisumu, Sweetwaters Tented Camp and Sweetel Hotel in Bondo.
Are you troubled about where to hold your important meetings? In Kenya we have the Kenya International Conference Center which accommodates up to 4000 people.
ACTIVITIES
So much to do in Kenya, variety of sports like football, running, volleyball, swimming and even indoor games like tennis. Choose to visit Kenya and enjoy balloon safaris in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. You love deep sea fishing, don’t you? Find it in the Indian Ocean of the Kenyan coast. Mountain climbers have so much to smile about, visit the Mount Longonot, Ngong’ hills, Mau Ranges and Mount Kenya all in Kenya.
Kenya is very secure and politically stable. Kenyans are so hospital. Choose Kenya for all year round destination and enjoy the adventure, good weather that is neither cold nor hot. Come to Kenya and you can never regret but will hope to come back or even stay forever!!!!!
ACCESSIBILITY
Kenya is very much accessible, with so many airlines serving it both to and fro. From East Africa and through the whole of Africa Kenya airways will serve so effectively. It extends its services up to and including America, European countries and parts of Asia. KLM serves transatlantic travels. DH serves all through Africa. SA serving from the UK, SO serving from London, just to mention but a few. So to say that you can always access Kenya from every part of the world.
ATTRACTIONS
Variety of attractions that appeal to everyone can always be found in Kenya. You want to see wildlife? There are so many parks in Kenya to give the greatest variety, like Mount Kenya National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park(find the flamingos), Nairobi National Park, Tsavo National Park and many more. Different Game Reserves for example: Maasai Mara Game Reserve (you will find zebras and gazelles) and Samburu Game Reserve. Enjoy the sandy beaches of the coast, visit the tea plantations on Kenyan ranches and farms, learn about the different religions like the Hindu, Islamic, Buddhism and Christianity. Interact with different African cultures like the Swahili, the Kaya, the Maasai, the kikuyu and many more. See the famous features like the Rift Valley, The Lake Victoria, The Tana River, The crying stone, The Kit Mikayi and many others not mentioned.
AMMENITIES
In Kenya there are so many hospitals with very good facilities and above all they are all accessible from every corner since they have been distributed well in the country. To mention some like The Kenyatta National Hospital, The Nairobi West Hospital, The Agha Khan Hospital, Marries topes Hospital. Kenya have different institutions offering variety of syllabuses, you can always choose one that fits your life style. Talking about transport, we have well maintained roads, internal air transport, railway transport and water transport.
ACCOMMODATIONS IN KENYA
Many hotels in Kenya offer wonderful services with a lot more that you may want like shopping arcades, communication centers, restaurants serving both international and local cuisine, pubs with live entertainments and with professional smiling service providers. Examples of Hotels includes: Nairobi Hilton Hotel, Fare View Hotel, Nairobi Serena Hotel, Grand Regency Hotel, Utalii Hotel, Silver Springs Hotel, Nairobi Safari Club, Bamburi Beach Hotel,Hotel Boulevard, Sun n Sand Hotel in the coast, Imperial Hotel in Kisumu, Sweetwaters Tented Camp and Sweetel Hotel in Bondo.
Are you troubled about where to hold your important meetings? In Kenya we have the Kenya International Conference Center which accommodates up to 4000 people.
ACTIVITIES
So much to do in Kenya, variety of sports like football, running, volleyball, swimming and even indoor games like tennis. Choose to visit Kenya and enjoy balloon safaris in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. You love deep sea fishing, don’t you? Find it in the Indian Ocean of the Kenyan coast. Mountain climbers have so much to smile about, visit the Mount Longonot, Ngong’ hills, Mau Ranges and Mount Kenya all in Kenya.
Kenya is very secure and politically stable. Kenyans are so hospital. Choose Kenya for all year round destination and enjoy the adventure, good weather that is neither cold nor hot. Come to Kenya and you can never regret but will hope to come back or even stay forever!!!!!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Peace in Kenya still Elusive
As a travel blogger i rarely like to deviate from the topic but the political situation in Kenya cannot allow me to continue on the normal topic. After the arrival of Koffi Annan and the two opponents in Kenya President Kibaki and Mr. Raila Odinga there would be peace but it seams it is very elusive fresh skirmishes have erupted once again this time word has it that it is a revenge mission for those who were attacked during the initial post election violence. This is only on certain areas and as i see the pictures on TV i do not believe i still live in the same country. In the capital city where i live things have more or less settled but nothing is the same anymore. The travel industry has gone to the dogs. I had never imagined that in such a short span of time our hotels, game parks , and other tourist attractions would be empty. If only people would realize that there are looming longterm problems to all this, such as shortage of food. Please Kenya stop the fighting, how long can we go on like this?
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