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I remember the drive was long, dusty and bumpy. At first the smooth highway from Nairobi (capital city of Kenya) led northwards into lush, green highlands, whose slopes were squared off into maize fields, cow paddocks and coffee plantations. From the cool shoulders of Mt. Kenya, the road branched eastwards and veered downwards into the vast savannahs and scrublands of Meru National Park.
Driving along, the tarmacked freeway gave way to an all-weather, murram (earth) road that guaranteed a rutted, dusty drive to the untouched wilds of the eastern frontiers. It is a vast terrain of flat, tawny earth and olive-green trees bathed in the brilliant sunrays of equatorial Africa; a land of unspoiled rugged beauty that stills the mind and stirs the soul.
The first sightings of grazing gazelles, antelope and zebras were greeted with delighted âoohs’ and finger pointing by my siblings and me. But after countless kilometres and (seemingly) a hundred hours on the road, the excitement inevitably fizzled into the sweltering mid-afternoon.
“I’m hungryâ¦Are we almost there…Mum, he’s sitting on me!”
Cries of three tired children and a toddler crammed into the backseat of a saloon car without air conditioning. With vast relief we finally arrived at the safari lodge in the park. Tumbling out of the car with stiff knees, the khaki-uniformed staff received us with wide smiles and warm greetings. We ran about the cool interiors of the reception with its flagstone floors and thick, wooden beams that held up a tall, thatched roof. Â In the luxurious lodge bedrooms we explored every inch, even onto the porches that overlooked the yellow-bark acacia trees along the river. It’s such a sense of adventure for city children arriving at a new game park and a new safari lodge. Even now, a safari holiday still fills me with a child-like thrill.
Having investigated everything down to the toilet-paper brand and hastily staked claim to the various beds, we decided to mosey about the lodge grounds. Permission granted by the parents, with strict instructions to stay within the lodge boundaries, I scooped up my year-old brother and off we went.
After some time of wandering around we found ourselves in the car park area, with the gated entrance about 100 yards off and the staff quarters close by it.  It was getting to early evening now and we took it into our heads to go and check out the staff quarters. What novelties we expected to find there I’m not certain anymore, but what found us was far beyond our expectation.
I remember it like it was yesterday. He suddenly emerged from behind the staff lodgings, walking in a slow and stately manner; a solitary bull elephant sauntering silently towards us. I remember thinking, âOh, here comes an elephant’, much the same way you’d blithely dismiss a cat or dog that crossed your driveway. After all, what else would you expect to come strolling through safari lodge.
Ah, the blissful ignorance of the young. It never occurred to us that the situation might be dangerous, what with a wild, six tonne giant coming our way. Plus there wasn’t a single adult in the vicinity to knock some sense into our heads. So we continued walking towards him and him towards us. Finally, about ten yards ahead, the bull elephant halted. That must have been when he finally saw us — or smelled us.
Elephants, alas, have notoriously weak eyesight and the wind must have been blowing away from him. We too stopped in our tracks and for a few idyllic moments, in the golden-orange light of dusk, we just stared at each other quietly.  A lone elephant and four children: me, the eldest at 11 years, my 9 year-old sister and my two brothers, 5 and 1 year respectively. The âtusker’ was massive and magnificent with brownish-gray creased skin, broad ears and a long, wrinkled trunk. Only a gentle flap of the ears broke his statuesque stance.  After a while, convinced that we meant no harm or perhaps his curiosity satiated, he turned round and trod quietly off, disappearing into the twilight of the bush.
Many years on and mother still breaks into a sweat, thinking of how she could have lost all her four children in a day. I, on the other hand, will forever treasure that wonderful encounter with an elephant at the gate.
Copyright © 2010 GeminiWrites.com. All Rights Reserved.
Kari Mutu, P O Box 25310-00603, Nairobi, Kenya.
A hotelier of many years international experience, Kari is also an online Article Writer and amateur author children’s fiction. For Article Writing Services, please go to the website: http://www.geminiwrites.com
The regional heads workshop cum retreat was slated for Kenya this time round. This prestigious annual affair is a meticulously planned, highly stressful, cannot-afford-to-blunder event, that is the pride and bane of whichever country director is playing host. After years of being organized in great cities in Europe and the Middle East, the show was coming to Kenya.
Working at the East African branch of a multinational company there’s always a sense that our colleagues across the oceans are covertly questioning our ability to perform and deliver to their level. Well one of the best way to outdo the grand hotels, cutting-edge conference rooms and splendid dinner settings of more progressive countries is to leverage on the unique and captivating qualities of ‘Destination Kenya’.
“We’ll take it out of the city and put in the bush!” It was during the tenth or fifteenth meeting to review possible venues for the workshop that our Director hit upon this idea. Very ingenious fellow, our boss is; ingenious to the point of lunacy. He had that all too familiar look in his eye that we all knew meant there was no turning back. On and on he went about canvas tents and campfires and zebra steak dinners. Eventually the leadership committee struck middle ground with him. A luxury, tented safari camp in the Maasai Mara national reserve, complete with electricity, hot showers and fluffy, white duvets; where meals were served indoors and the zebras grazed outdoors – as opposed to embellishing the bone china dinner plates.
Thereafter followed several hectic weeks of planning the finer details; selecting an exclusive safari camp, flight bookings, dinner menus, the workshop programme, AV and IT set ups, executive gifts, spouses’ names and their food allergies, etc. All too soon the workshop was virtually upon us.
The regional heads and their fashionably attired wives spent the first night at a five-star hotel in the city of Nairobi followed by a morning excursion around the city and the not-to-be-missed craft market. They then took the afternoon, hour long flight to the Mara. By this time business suites and couture blouses had been exchanged for khakis and bush hats – fashionable ones, of course. Several Toyota Land Cruisers, specially outfitted for bush driving and game view, lined the airstrip awaiting the guests. At the safari camp, smiling-faced staff proffered warm handshakes and cool beverages to the new arrivals.
Thereafter came three days of intense meetings and deliberations in the midst of attentive camp service and surrounded by spectacular, natural wilderness. There were sumptuous breakfast spreads, tailored lunches, and divine dinners around a bonfire facing the star-speckled African night. For the very early risers, a warming cup of hot chocolate prefaced the chilly morning game drive. This is the best time to view the wildlife in plenty, when herds of antelopes, buffalo and gazelle are nibbling on the dew covered grasses and it’s still cool enough for the cats (lion, leopard and cheetah) to contemplate hunting.
The afternoon sessions were the hardest ones, particularly after a lavish lunch and if the presenter happened to be that mono-toned fellow out of Dubai… or was he from the London office? His voice matched the incessant buzzing of cicadas outside. These bugs are about the only creatures that relish the hot mid-afternoon when the cats are hiding away in the bush, panting for dear life, and the antelopes stand motionless under shady trees. The workshop delegates cast sleepy eyes upon the yellow-green savannas, wishing they could join their wives whiling the time away at the poolside or sneaking an afternoon siesta on cool, linen sheets.
Evening time and everyone came to life again. After refreshing hot showers and sun-downer cocktails by the nearby river, all sat down to grand, multiple course meal perfectly paired with excellent wines.
The third evening brought about the ‘detention at the dinner table’ delivered by the residents (wildlife, of course) as only they can manage. From the candle-light dining area, the guests observed huge, hulking figures ambling across the dark lawn of the camp. One of the creatures blew a trumpet-like snort. “Hippos!” declared the camp manager. These massive, semi-aquatic herbivores emerge daily from the river and graze mostly at night. Occasionally they take a liking to the lawns of the safari camp.
Well anybody who had any plans for an early night was sorely disappointed. There was no crossing back to bedrooms, even escorted by an armed camp guard, as long as river horses were munching outside. Hippos kill more people in Africa than does any other animal. Consequently, the post-dinner drinks and tales stretched long into night. At one point it was hard to tell who was laughing louder — the company executives or the cackling hyenas in the dark night beyond.
Copyright © 2010 GeminiWrites.com. All Rights Reserved.
A hotelier of many years international experience, Kari also works as an online professional Article Writer offering ghostwriting services. For article writing services, please visit the website, http://www.geminiwrites.com.
SERENA BEACH HOTEL & SPA KENYA
Fringed by white beaches, and shaded by coconut palms, the silver ribbon of the Swahili coastline offers the ultimate tropical paradise. Bright white against the blue sky, set in extensive tropical gardens, the architecture of the Serena Beach Hotel and Spa replicates the winding lanes and colourful market places of a traditional 13th century Swahili town. At its heart lies the coral-built âFortress of Tranquillity’ of the exquisite âMaisha’ Mind, Body and Spirit Spa.
GETTING THERE
The resort is situated on Shanzu Beach 30 kilometres from Mombasa.
By road: transfers by road from Mombasa take approximately one hour.
By air: a âmeet and greet’ service for guests arriving from Moi International Airport Mombasa, is provided.
FACILITIES
Wide selection of rooms and suites: all with AC, satellite TV, WiFi and voice-mail
Extensive gardens, grounds and nature trails.
Palm tree lawns and beach front.
Central restaurant, Pizza
Jahazi Grill Seafood Restaurant on the beach.
Selection of bars and Arabic Coffee Terrace
Ice-cream Parlour.
Live music nightly.
Free form pool and swim-up bar.
âMaisha’ Spa and Health Club
Extensive water sports and PADI Dive School.
Animation programme
Butterfly Centre and Turtle Watch Programme
Dedicated world-class event and conference centre
Business Centre, travel desk, taxi and limousine service.
Wedding planning service
Unisex hair salon.
Gift Shop, news-stand and travel requisites kiosk.
Baby-sitting, family rooms, children’s dining/menu
highlights
- Situated on one of the most beautiful of the Indian Ocean Beaches
– Adjacent to the Mombasa Marine National Park
– Within easy reach of The Shimba Hills National Reserve, Exclusive Maisha Mind – Body and Spirit Spa
– Free water sports, animation programme and eco trails
– Within easy reach of a wide selection of historic and cultural centres
- Butterfly Centre and Turtle Watch Programme
– Dedicated Conference and Social Events Centre
Our rooms and suites
Our luxury ensuite rooms are accommodated in two single-storey dedicated buildings, which lie to the right and left of the main reception and dining areas. Each tastefully-appointed room features a Maasai-inspired, hand-painted, wall fresco, king-sized bed or luxurious twins, lavish all-encompassing mosquito-curtaining, bathroom (with walk-in shower), writing/vanity unit, and private veranda. Triple rooms can be made available.
Our 66 Village Rooms are presented in the style of a 13th century Swahili village, with winding lanes, squares and market places. Presented in twin-level modules, the ground floor rooms have external seating terraces, while the upstairs rooms have their own private balconies.
Located in the garden wing of the hotel, the 48 Garden Rooms are surrounded by lawns and palm trees, and look down across the grounds to the sea.
Presented in cool sea blue and white, each spacious ensuite room has either twins or a queen-sized bed with luxurious mosquito nets. Double doors openâ¦
Our 32 newly completed and exceptionally spacious Prime Rooms are presented in traditional Swahili style featuring traditional niches, fretwork cabinets and brightly coloured coastal cotton soft furnishings in either red white and yellow or cool blue.
Each room has its own spacious balcony with view.
Each family suite has a twin-bedded children’s room with digital multi-channel TV, mini bar (which can be emptied on request), direct dial telephone, Internet connectivity, 24-hour room service and a private bathroom.Accessed by a short corridor, the adult’s room is luxurious.
Equally viable as a presidential/CEO, honeymoon or VIP venue, our selection of luxuriously-appointed suites comprises:
The Zanzibar Suites
The new Zanzibar Suites offer a spacious bedroom with king-sized bed and a separate sitting room and terrace.
What to do and see at the Serena Beach Hotel and Spa
Located on Shanzu Beach, one of the finest and pristine beaches of the northern Kenya coast, the Serena Beach Hotel offers endless opportunities for sightseeing, sport, wilderness exploration and more. Listed below are just some of the many options.
Enjoy a private âbubbly breakfast’ for two on the beach.
Participate in our daily activity programme.
Visit the Butterfly Centre.
Take part in the hotel’s Turtle Protection Project.
Visit one of the many tourist attractions of the area
Take a champagne dhow cruise.
Visit Mombasa
Visit the ruins of an ancient Swahili town â Gedi.
Visit Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park.
Visit the Mombasa Marine National Park.
Visit the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, one of the last remaining coastal rainforests.
Visit the Shimba Hills National Reserve Swahili banquets under the stars.
A kaleidoscope of nightly entertainment to include: live bands, discos, traditional dancing, acrobatic and gymnastic displays, magicians and fashion shows.
Informative talks by our resident naturalist on â butterflies, coral, turtles, dolphins and much moreâ¦
Afternoon cultural displays of dance, craft and music.
Sports and action
Extensive complimentary water sports to include: windsurfing, catamaran sailing, introductory scuba diving lessons and snorkelling.
PADI International Dive School
Glass-bottom-boat rides to the coral gardens of the reef.
Deep-sea fishing for marlin, tuna, wahoo and more.
Floodlit tennis courts and air-conditioned squash courts.
Shuffle board and crazy golf.
Aerobics workouts and Aqua Aerobics.
A fully equipped gymnasium with instructor.
Beach walks and nature trails with our resident naturalist.
Jogging trails around the nearby Bamburi Nature Trail.
Swimming in the pool or in the sea.
Volleyball, table tennis, darts and pool.
The facilities of a nearby golf course.
Serena Maisha Mind Body and Spirit Spa
Alphaxad is Tours and Travel Consultant with LetsGokenya, an online hotel reservations company that allows guests to book and pay for hotels, lodges and camps in kenya, Uganda and Tanzania online and in real time. Find us on www.letsgokenya.com
Lakes are situated in different regions in Kenya and they are very much accessible. They are well supplied with adequate water since Kenya receives adequate amounts of rainfall throughout the year. The largest lake is Lake Victoria which contains fresh water unlike the others whose waters are very salty due to accumulation of silt on the western part of the country. Some other lakes are also salty because they have no spillways leading to water stagnation.
Lakes are a great attraction and two of them situated along the Great Rift are L. Naivasha and L. Nakuru. The latter is inside a national park and wild animals quench their thirst here. L. Naivasha is a spectacular for the famous flamingos that color it pink. The lakes along the Great Rift have led to the development of hot geysers due to volcanic movements. Another great lake is L. Turkana on the northern part of the country. This lake is well visited by those who love interacting and observing lives of communities living around lakes.
Lakes are great inspiration to researchers and students who are out to discover or ascertain several facts. Another beautiful lake is Lake Bogoria, this is a fresh water lake situated still on the great rift. It contains amazing Mother Nature wonders like the hot geysers. Geysers are holes on the ground which hot water and steam spring out. These features are quite in plenty at the place. The place is hot and dry and it’s good for group trips or those who really love outdoor trips and adventuring..
Dickson is the Chief Tour Guide and one of the Directors of Adventure Africa Expedition, he has traveled in many countries in Africa where he built the spirit of adventure and discovered nature hidden wonders in especially tailored walking trails like in Kisoro in Rwanda and Bwindi in Uganda both for Gorilla tracking. For more information on his work please visit http://advenafrica.com/index.htm
Are Italians Raping Our Children in Luxury Villas & Hotels in Malindi Kenya
If you come across a tourist whose passport reveals multiple entries to Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Singapore, it is most likely that when you continue flipping the pages, you will come across a couple of entries to Kenya.
If you forcefully examine his luggage, you may find old chattered airline tickets or taxi receipts evidencing frequent tours to Malindi, on more investigation will confirm short stays in a range of Malindi Beach Resorts and exclusive Malindi private beach villas (primarily owned by Italians). At this stage, a man of average intelligence acting prudently will not want to view the tourists’ picture album….especially if it is resting on a box of assorted candies, lollipops and bubble gum. Guys we are at the advent of the most profitable child sex tourism industry in Africa.
Pictures of lions hunting impalas at Tsavo National Park are slowly being replaced with those of white pony-tailed sandal wearing Italian tourists preying on beautiful black young Kenyan girls. Elephant tusks, leopard skins and rhino horns are no longer the much sort out trophies; Instead, local virgin boys and girls define the holy grail, guys the child sex pest has arrived and his/her mighty thirst will not be quenched by the award winning kenya Tusker beer. This particular beast will only drink the juice of innocence spewing from the undeveloped private parts of our most treasured assets i.e. our children or in other words, our future.
The debate on how Kenya finds itself depicted in child pornographic videos is endless. We all agree that poverty has been known to skew perceptions of morality. The story of the thief stealing the bread to feed his starving family conveniently comes into play. You see, the parents who choose to turn the other way as their own children bring home a couple of sleazy dollars after spending nights in Italian villas and beach resorts, are quick to accept that the ‘end justifies the means’.
The society have chosen to ignore the awkward walking style of these toddlers, after all, how are they supposed to feed themselves. We all know what happens to our young girls when they get married to old German men and are shipped to the land of the third Reich…so long as they send back some Deutschmarks (now Euros), we are all set.
Oh, by the way, some of our very own grown Kenyans gleefully indulge in this rape. My point here is that we are all complacent to this evil that is slowly tainting the image of our country. So what next? How do you stop a buibui clad girl from succumbing to the scourge from Italians with huge resources and Mafia connections? Education? How do you explain the ruinous behavior to parents whose only means of survival is the sleazy dollar? What about disease?
To what extend is personal responsibility the only answer? Are some of us just born sexually deviant? What would happen if lets say, the government used the police to consistently swoop the villas, discos and prominent hotels that are conduits to this evil? How about billboards of caution at every corner? Maybe deportation of perpetrators and repossession of filthy villas? How about genuine tourists blacklisting hotels, resorts lodges and private villas known to practice child prostitution?
It would be unfortunate if we allow our country to be listed in the yellow pages of sleaze holiday vacation destinations.
Edwin is a specialist in African Safaris and a tour operator. The tour company he co-owns, African Safaris & Adventures, has presence in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Egypt, Madascar, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Seychelles.
With hundreds of beautiful, captivating holiday destinations around the world to choose from, the question that comes to mind is, âWhat makes Mombasa, Kenya one of the worldâs most popular tourist destinations?â
Kenyaâs second largest city, Mombasa is an island on the countryâs Eastern coastline that borders the azure Indian Ocean and is home to idyllic palm fringed beaches with soft brilliant white sands. With relatively warm weather all year round, it is the ideal destination for the holiday maker looking for a memorable getaway.
Mombasa is a picturesque culmination of intriguing history and tradition combined with modernity. The cityâs rich cultures that are still remnant today are as a result of the Portuguese, Arab, African, Persian and British influences over the decades. Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in the late sixteenth century in order to guard the Old Port of Mombasa is today one of the areaâs most popular tourist attractions. Mombasaâs history relics are apparent today especially in exotic Old Town Mombasa with its narrow winding streets, intricately carved Swahili doors and women clad in traditional âbui-buiâ. Many of the hotels that dot the coast of Mombasa have been constructed to resemble Swahili villages or have buildings that are infused with Arab inspiration.
However, Mombasa isnât just an island that is steeped in its own culture and history. Modern Western influences are evident in the city where nightclubs are pulsating with music that is both local and cosmopolitan, and eateries that offer cuisines ranging from Italian and Chinese to Indian and traditional Swahili gastronomy. The majority of the natives speak English and the local Swahili language, making travel to this area less daunting for tourists.
The North Coast of Mombasa is a hub of activity, with numerous large commercial beach hotels and resorts offering water sports and beach activities, as well as nightclubs and casinos. There are animal sanctuaries and nature trails, plenty of shopping opportunities for locally made handicrafts and fabrics and much to sightsee in this area. The South Coast also has a few large hotels along Diani beach, but offers more secluded private beaches such as Tiwi that has quieter accommodation away from the crowds and is ideal for a coupleâs retreat. The South Coast is also known for its diving and snorkelling and, in particular, the dolphin dhow safari excursion to Wasini Island.
Whether visitors to Mombasa are young or old, couples or groups, families with children or business travellers, there are options for both activity-filled scenes as well as quiet, secluded beaches to suit their preferences and it isnât difficult to see why this island pulls in the number of tourists it does each year.
Lamu is Kenya’s oldest living town and it is well preserved Swahili settlement built of coral stone and mangrove timber, features that includes inner courtyards, verandas and elaborately carved wooden doors. Most of the dwelling in Lamu is date from 19th century. The architecture demonstrates many of the influences that have come together from Europe, Arabia and India.
Lamu House Rental, one of the most excellent property rental providers in Lamu, Shela, Manda and Kiwayu Islands. Lamu House Rental provides luxury holiday houses, sea front beach houses, beach villas and Swahili properties in Lamu, Shela, Manda and Kiwayu Islands. The houses are restored, decorated and stylish with modern culture. The following top luxury houses,
Alice House (Luxury Rent house in Lamu Stone Town)
Alice House is a newly restored traditional Swahili stone house situated in front of harbour in Lamu stone town.
Features:
Offers 2 double bedrooms with en-suite 4 bathrooms, library, dining room and coffee lounge
Jacuzzi spa added for refreshing and soothing
Shaded rooftop with panoramic views
Boat trips to Manda island for bird watching and snorkeling
Apendalo House (Private houses in Lamu, Kenya)
Apendalo house is a private house in Lamu Town, built in 2006/2007 with local style from traditional material and carefully adjusted to modern needs.
Features:
1 bedroom with 2 double-beds and a single; Additional lounge with traditional Queen Size day bed, dining room and kitchen
Roof terrace makes an ideal area for relaxing and romantics
Sports facilities includes: Diving, fishing, hiking, sailing, surfing, swimming and canoeing
Baobab House (Manda Beach House)
Baobab house is the private house in on an acre of beachfront property with five large ancient baobab trees. The baobab tree is indigenous; some of them more than 500 years old, with many beautiful stories and it give a peaceful atmosphere throughout the whole property.
Features:
3 double bedrooms with en-suite 3 bathrooms
2 house staff including excellent cook
All beds having mosquito netting
The house is decorated with Swahili chairs, local kikoi’s are used for pillow covers and the whole house breathes a simple, elegant and beach atmosphere.
Palm Beach House – Baytulkher House
Palm Beach house, Baytulkher house is designed around an open courtyard.
Features:
Stunning Penthouse/Honeymoon thatched rooftop with 360 degree island views
4 double rooms with 5 bathrooms and plunge pool
Solar paneled hot water
Beautiful private sitting rooms on each floor
Private Dhow (sailing dhow lamu) cruises full day to the outlying Lamu Archipelago
Champali Camp
Champali camp is a beautiful, eco-friednly bush home on Kiwaiyu Island, situated on tranquil mangrove creeks. The camp is built from mangrove poles and palm-thatch using local skills, consists of one spacious mess-Banda and three large bedrooms Bandas all nestled under three wonderful creek views.
Features:
3 family bungalows, with suitable for 10 people can stay
Hot water, Self catering, fully furnished kitchen with gas stove & oven, fridge and drinks cooler
Cicada House (Shela Beach House)
Cicada house is ideally located on the beachfront of Shela, nested in a tropical garden. Two double rooms self contained, and the living room can accommodate an extra couple.
Features:
Enjoy the sea views from bed or living area, fishermen at sunrise and peaceable Dhows at sunset
Perfect for small families or friends who want to appreciate every single minute of a peaceful life.
Makubwa House
The Stately Patrician Home, the classic house in Lamu Stone Town. Two separate bedrooms, air conditioning unit fit at master bedroom and surrounded. King size bed added for comfort.
Features:
2 doubles and 4 bathrooms
Self catering with well house attendant cook
Electric backup
Additional beds arranged if you require
Mwenye Amin
Old luxurious house in Lamu, enriched carved wooden doors and ornamental niches makes the house cool, light and airy. Two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, massive coral walls, high ceilings, inner courtyards and large open galleries make the house more memorable.
Features:
Rooftop on kitchen and terrace overlooking the Lamu Town
Roof terrace becomes the favorite place for candle lit dinners and star gazing over the night.
Fully equipped kitchen, prepare lunch and dinner on request.
Penny House (Rent house in Old Stone Town)
A 400 years old house in old stone town, part of Lamu, naturally restored with beautiful courtyards and tiny plunge pool. It has 3 large bedrooms decorated with hand chosen antiques from India, Zanzibar and Lamu.
Pool House (a Private Lamu Home in Lamu)
One of the most beautiful private homes on the Island; named “The Pool House” because of few private homes in Lamu town with a full size swimming pool. The Pool home can comfortably accommodate groups of 6 people and is ideal for two couples or family with children. It also gained a reputation as a romantic honeymoon retreat.
Features:
The house is covered with mosquito netting, queen size beds, bathrooms with hot and cold water, and sun terraces.
Backup power generator, fresh bottled water is available at all times.
Salama House (Lamu beach house)
Salama House is a wing of the boutique hotel Lamu House, ideally located in MKomani area, the old stone town of Lamu facing the ocean. The 300 year old Swahili mansion skillfully renovated. Salama house featured 5 self contained bedrooms, meticulously restored and tastefully decorated. The architecture reflects of Sultan’s ancient palace. The guests staying in Salama are ensured of their own privacy in their house and also benefit of the multiple services offered by Lamu House
Samaki House (Swahili Mansion in Lamu Stone Town)
Samaki House is a lovingly restored 300 years Arab Merchants Mansion, beautiful and excellent in nature. The property overlooks the waterfront with its coming and goings of sailing dhows, and other watercrafts. The houses is featured with multiple roof terraces makes panoramic sea view and overlooking the daily pedestrian activities. This classic mansion offers perfect spacious accommodation on 4 floor levels for a family group, or an ideal retreat for a honeymoon stay.
Siani Farm (Luxury farm house in Lamu)
Siani farm, one of the luxury farm houses in Lamu situated in a 12 acre plantation of centenary mango and coconut trees. The property is bordered by 300 mtrs shore line with little beach, ideal for swimming. The farm house is featured with 2 double and 2 single bed rooms with en-suite bathrooms, it’s tastefully decorated by a famous interior designer. Boats are available for guests use.
The Fort
The Fort was built 9 years ago as a private house which is still today. The building is constructed with local materials and is enclosed by an imposing 50 feet high sandstone wall. The Fort has very high ceilings, a large open interior courtyard. The omen style heavy wooded entrance door decorated with studs of brass open into the main floor of the house where large arches surround the courtyards into the living area, lounging area and a dining area. Well en-suite 10 bedrooms with a balcony overlooking the inside courtyards, tropical garden and pool.
Umma House
Umma house is a tasteful fusion of the new and the old typical Swahili architecture us combined with modern addition. The carved wooden entrance door opens into an interior courtyard where there is a dining area and swimming pool with bar, framed by a wall of traditional zidakas. 2 double, 1 twin and en-suite 4 bathrooms. The house benefits from a fully equipped kitchen, solar hot water and power back-up systems.
Discover the history and the unique Swahili culture staying in one of Lamu House Rental houses in Kenya. Lamu House Rental offers you a large choice of Private house, Beach villas and Traditionnal Swahili Properties, all with incredible views. You will have the opportunity to discover sea on a dhow exploring the magnificence of Lamu archipelago and the marine reserves. You will have also the possibility to practice windsurfing, deep sea fishing and snorkeling. Rent your dream house on Lamu beach, Manda beach and your hdholidays in Kenya will be perfect.
Denis Delcroix
Lamu House Rental
http://www.lamu-house-rental.com
Kenya Airways (KQ), Kenya’s premier airline, has just launched flights to Juba, South Sudan on 7th June 2010. The airline will operate direct flights on the 72-seater Embraer jet daily from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 1140hrs, departing from Juba International Airport at 1420hrs.
KQ will offer its seamless connection to anticipated passengers travelling from Juba to Europe and Far East as well as to the other 39 destinations across Africa. The launch of the daily flights linking Nairobi to Juba is seen as being instrumental in ferrying passengers to the city that is already considered one of the fastest growing in the world as traders and investors flock to take advantage of the existing opportunities.
The launch would would complement other ongoing plans by Southern Sudan to construct an oil pipeline from Lamu to Juba and a railway line connecting to Uganda which would help stimulate growth in the East African region. Since the opening of a Consulate in Juba in February 2006, there has been an increase in the number of individuals and organisations that have settled in the regional capital and other regions to do business.
Kenya Airways already flies to over 30 African destinations, some of which enabled it to regain its profitability in 2009 (about Kshs. 2.67 billion). In its financial results released last week, passenger traffic in Southern Africa grew by seven percent driven largely by the launch of operations to Maputo, Ndola and Gaborone. Increased frequencies in Johannesburg, Lusaka and Harare were also instrumental in growing the traffic.
KQ joins other airlines that are already operating on the Juba route, a move which is expected to intensify competition. This also means that it now joins other local firms such as UAP, Equity and Kenya Commercial Bank Group that have invested in South Sudan.
To read more articles like this, visit www.enchanted-landscapes.com
Henry Kimathi began writing poetry at the age of 15 alongside other literary works. He holds a BSc. in Agricultural Economics and is currently finalising his MBA thesis in Management Information Systems. Besides Economics, Henry is also a Web Design Specialist, Computer Programmer and a DeskTop Publishing Specialist. Henry currently works as a Regional Communications Officer with an international not-for-profit organisation and is in charge of systems administration, creative art design and press management. He has written two unpublished novelletes and is working on an African horror novel. He has penned a series of short stories and articles on a variety of topics published in journals and magazines. Henry realises little is known about his country Kenya and has thus developed a passion to right this through a website he has put together which can be accessed at www.enchanted-landscapes.com
In Kenya, communication styles vary according to age, class and gender. Generally when starting a conversation, one foremost asks about the health, family and business of the other person. Communication is supposed to leave the other person’s spirit up. To drive a hard point home without being too direct, Kenyans use metaphors, analogies and stories. This is in order to protect the other person’s face. Diplomacy is used in more formal relationships or a new relationship.
A message is always put forth in a sensitive way. Frankness and directness is not the usual way to handle things in Kenya. It is up to the person receiving the message to read between the lines and come up with the true and intended message. Criticism is always done in private, so is rebuke. It is very rude to shame someone in public. Showing controlling an ugly situation is expected of every person. Showing off anger is considered like being mentally ill.
Before beginning a business discussion, the parties must inquire about the other person’s family and health. Most Kenyans go to great length not to bring shame to family members and friends. Even in communication, one only gives the expected message not the intended one. People go to great length to not bring shame and dishonor to the other person’s life. Even taking blame on behalf of another person is considered alright. Low tones are normally used though in rural areas, high pitched voices are the norm. If you are a visitor to this country, you must know how to really communicate with the people around to avoid conflicts.
Dickson is the Chief Tour Guide and one of the Directors of Adventure Africa Expedition, he has traveled in many countries in Africa where he built the spirit of adventure and discovered nature hidden wonders in especially tailored walking trails like in Kisoro in Rwanda and Bwindi in Uganda both for Gorilla tracking. For more information on his work please visit http://advenafrica.com/index.htm
Dickson is a professional tour guide located in Kenya. For more info on his work please visit his website at http://www.advenafrica.com. You can also contact him at http://www.advenafrica.com/gettingus.htm if you are interested in touring Kenya and Africa as a whole.
NAIROBI
Nairobi, Kenya ‘s mile-high capital is only 90 min/138 km south of the equator. The name “Nairobi” comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, which translates to “the place of cool waters”. However, it is popularly known as the “Green City in the Sun” and is surrounded by several expanding villa suburbs. The people of Nairobi are popularly nicknamed ‘Nairobians’.
Founded by the British little more than a 100 years ago, the city now has a population of more than 2 000 000. It’s a modern commercial center with some interesting high-rises and lots of bustle. Visitors can find things not so common in other parts of Africa, such as nice theatres showing the latest films, expensive restaurants serving every type of food, as well as E-mail facilities, faxes and any other sort of modern technology you may want to use. The city is constantly alive, especially at night. Unfortunately, Nairobi has acquired a reputation of being a dangerous city and petty crime is rampant.
Besides being a convenient place to take care of administrative matters and contact people back home, Nairobi has much to offer to travellers. If you want to hang out, there is a wide array of restaurants, clubs, pubs and discos to choose from. While in Nairobi, be sure to visit the City Market, the National Museum, the Arboretum (excellent collection of East African flora) and the superb Kenya Railway Museum. Exhibits about the period leading to independence can be seen at the Kenya National Archives. There are casinos at the Safari Park Hotel and the Inter-Continental Hotel and there’s also Sunday-afternoon horse racing.
For those who can’t wait to see animals (or who are only visiting Nairobi), the nearby Nairobi National Park has lions, giraffes, impalas and more wild animals in addition to an animal orphanage. Or you can take a rather pricey taxi ride to the Giraffe Center in the suburb of Langata where the Rothschild giraffe was saved from extinction. At the facility, you can feed the giraffes and the gift shop has some of the best prices we found in Nairobi. However, the Giraffe Manor (the manor house turned into a hotel) elsewhere on the grounds has some of the steepest daily rates in the city—but then it’s the only place where giraffes may join you for meals.
This excursion to Langata is often combined with a visit to the former home of Karen Blixen (who wrote under the pseudonym Isak Dinesen), author of Out of Africa. Blixen’s farmhouse, which was presented to the Kenyan government by Denmark, is now a museum —it’s located nextdoor to the Karen College. Langatta also has The Bomas of Kenya which is a terrific cultural center that regularly hosts traditional song and dance performances.
A day trip (a two-hour drive each way) can be made to Lake Magadi to visit Olorgesailie in The Rift Valley for its prehistoric campsite. The scenic region inhabited by Masai farmers has a wide variety of birds.
Alphaxad is Tours and Travel Consultant with LetsGokenya, an online hotel reservations company that allows guests to book and pay for hotels, lodges and camps in kenya, Uganda and Tanzania online and in real time. Find us on www.letsgokenya.com
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