Kenya Package Holidays

Visiting the Ruins of Kenya?

2011-02-10T04:35:00.001-08:00

Don’t worry, it’s not quite as bad as it sounds. But when you visit Kenya you may enjoy a visit to the Gedi Ruins, which are located near the town of Melindi. Sometimes also called the Ruins of Gedi, this area is quite unlike anything you may previously have seen or thought about Kenya. Harking back to the 16th century and beyond, this village was once an amazingly busy place. To walk through it today is an amazing experience.

You can expect to see many other people while you are here. This is a tourist attraction and the area surrounding the ruins (and of course including them) has been turned into a National Park. It is quite surprising to see the condition of the ruins – quite a lot is still left from what were obviously buildings and other structures. You can see what is left of a building that was once a Grand Mosque too.

Where there are gaps in the buildings and areas where rubble now sits, your imagination will take charge to fill in the gaps. Think back to the 13th century, as back then the condition of the area was very different. Even though it sees many tourists today, it would have been even busier all those centuries ago.

Steps, doorways, archways and even drainage systems are all still there to be seen. Various artefacts were found in the ruins some years ago, giving some further insight into what life may have been like for the people who lived there. Indeed some of the items were found to have come from far flung places around the globe. Evidently much trading was seen to have taken place in Gedi centuries before the present day.

No one is quite sure why the village was eventually abandoned and left to go to ruin. No doubt your imagination will come up with some ideas and suggestions when you see the ruins for yourself. But whatever you think happened, you will certainly enjoy the experience of seeing the remnants of an ancient village with your own eyes. It may be more complex than you think for those times.

Haller Park in Kenya

2011-01-12T06:35:00.001-08:00

If you want to see a wide range of stunning animals there is no better place to go than Kenya. With the Big Five waiting to be seen on some of the country’s safari trips, this is just the beginning of an amazing journey to Kenya that can give you one of the best experiences of your life.

The Haller Wildlife Park is another area you may want to include on any itinerary you may have in mind. It is something of a phoenix of sorts, because it was once a quarry. But the quarry fell into disuse for some time, only to be rescued by an initiative to bring it back to life again. This initiative has been rewarded by a resounding success, and it is well worth going to see what has happened there if you should be nearby during your holiday to Kenya.

You will find the park in Mombasa, located in Momburi, so if you are heading out there with the specific intent of getting better acquainted with the wildlife, this would be an excellent venue to visit.

Turning the old quarry into the delightful place it is today has been nothing short of a momentous task. You will see the fruits of the initiative’s labours to bring it back to life though, as you take in the various sights and discover the new life that is here. It is certainly an exceptionally popular spot for tourists to visit, although locals also pay it many visits during the year. This should tell you something about how popular the area is.

There is a fish farm here, alongside many different types of animals and plants. All together they join up to make an amazing area where once there was nothing but a business making cement. It seems impossible that such an amazing place could result from a past like this, but as you will see it has not only happened, it has flourished as well.

Haller Park is looking better by the day, and it is wonderful to think that so many animals now call it home.

Kenya Gets The Thumbs Up As A Top Travel Destination

2010-12-13T07:20:00.001-08:00

If you have ever been to Kenya before you probably won’t need much convincing that it is a sensational place to go to on holiday. Many people decide to head there on honeymoon after they have got married, but people of all ages like this country for its safari destinations and attractions.

It should come as no surprise then to discover that ‘Travel and Cuisine’ magazine has seen fit to bestow a top award on Kenya this year. The 2010 Travel and Leisure Awards may not immediately ring a bell but in reality they are major awards to win. With just five categories up for contention and not every one eligible to have a country nominated for the prize, it really says a lot about Kenya that it should win one of the five awards.

It came top in the category of New Desired Destination of 2010. Needless to say this should help to promote tourism in the country even more. With so much to offer to everyone who decides to make Kenya their holiday destination, this award is surely only going to make the country even more popular than it is now.

If you are considering a holiday in the country you should know you have an amazing array of choices to opt for. There are safaris galore and the chance to see the Big Five animals as they roam freely in the countryside. But there are big cities here too that offer just as impressive an experience, so make sure you do your research before booking your own once in a lifetime holiday here.

When it comes to walking on the wild side, surely Kenya must be at the top of the places you could visit. Certainly the people at ‘Travel and Cuisine’ magazine thought so, along with plenty of other experienced travel experts whose word counts for a lot.

If you have never visited Kenya before, take the chance to do just that right now. You certainly won’t regret it and it could be the holiday you remember above all others as well.

Hell’s Gate National Park – Hell Or Heaven?

2010-11-12T00:21:00.001-08:00

When you think of national parks, Kenya is probably one of the first countries that come to mind. But there is more to Kenya than the huge and sprawling national parks. Sometimes you will find something a little more intriguing. Such is the case with the Hell’s Gate National Park.

With a name like this it certainly gets your attention, but it isn’t hell on earth to be sure. Instead it offers a rather unique experience in a Kenyan national park, because you can explore it yourself instead of having to be taken on a guided tour. For those who love cycling it could be the ideal way to explore some of the natural scenery in Kenya.

There is wildlife here too of course, but although lions and leopards will be sharing your time here, you probably won’t see them. The real delights of this park are in the freedom it gives you to explore, and the ability to set up camp here as well.

There are a total of three campsites to choose from while you are staying there. Since the park only covers about twenty six square miles you can spend your whole holiday there and move between the three if you like. It small size is one of the reasons why some people like it so much – it provides a rare breath of fresh air compared to the hugeness of the other main parks in Kenya.

Hell’s Gate could also be an appropriate name due to the volcanic nature of the park. Its scenery was formed as the result of a volcanic eruption from a nearby volcano a century ago. Nowadays there is still plenty to see and appreciate when it comes to the volcanic side of the park; there is a geothermal station here that is popular with visitors as well. It gives you the chance to appreciate that it isn’t just wildlife making the most of the area.

So if you want a respite from the major parks of Kenya, head off to Hell’s Gate for a weekend or so. You might be amazed at the difference it can show you.

Great Reasons to Try Out Malindi

2010-10-13T03:03:00.001-07:00

Think of Kenya and you think of safaris and locations that are firmly inland. But this isn’t all that’s on offer. One key location that is well worth taking a closer look at is Malindi, and you’ll find it on the eastern coast of Kenya.

There is one fact about this town that will give you every reason to want to explore it in more detail. This is the fact that its biggest source of revenue is tourism. People from all over the world come here to see another side of Kenya, and whether you build a safari into your holiday or not, you should definitely make time to see Malindi as well.

One of the biggest attractions (as you’d guess from its position next to the Indian Ocean) is its beach. It lazily meanders along more than four miles of the coastline, giving you no end of spots to set down your beach towel for the day. Indeed if you are looking for some accommodation in Malindi you won’t be short of options near the beach, as this is where all the best hotels are. Not only are they very desirable to stay in, they also mean you won’t have far to travel to reach the sands every day.

The other piece of good news about Malindi is that it is still quite close to many other good destinations to visit in Kenya. If you want to visit Mombasa for example you’re just a couple of hours away from it. The Arabuko Sokoke Forest is also reasonably close, so you could go there and explore for the day as well.

As you can see, Malindi has much to offer as a base for your Kenyan holiday. It is also ideal if you want to get into the water and try out a spot of scuba diving or snorkelling. There is much to see and do here although the best activity by far – arguably anyway – is to sit back and relax and make sure you enjoy the peaceful and simultaneously vibrant surroundings that Malindi offers you.

Exploring Mount Kenya

2010-09-14T05:41:00.001-07:00

Lots of people think the main activity of choice in Kenya is going on safari. This may well be true, but it doesn’t mean it is the only thing you can do there. For a country that is known for its safaris, it also offers exploring in other ways.

There is arguably no better place to go for this than Mount Kenya. The mountain itself can be found in the National Park of the same name, and indeed you may want to base your holiday here if you love walking and want to explore. There are dedicated walking trails in the park that will take you across much of the landscape there. More than fifteen thousand people visit the park on an annual basis, so as you can see there must be plenty to attract them.

Indeed just seeing Mount Kenya is an experience worth having. It is actually a volcano, which should make you look at the area through different eyes. There are glaciers to explore here as well, but since you are most likely to go on a guided tour you will be able to see them safely.

The best idea is to allocate a few days of your holiday at least to the Mount Kenya National Park. This is particularly advisable if you are going to climb part of the mountain. Even if you are an experienced walker you will have high altitudes to bear in mind here. Besides, there is plenty to grab your attention here – meaning you can look forward to enjoying all the park has to offer.

Be sure to check out the various forms of accommodation close to the park as well. There are no hotels or lodgings within the park but there are plenty close by, so make sure you are prepared to travel the distance to get there.

As you can see, if you want to spend part of your Kenyan holiday in this National Park, it pays to put the research in beforehand. Booking a guided tour is often the best way to ensure you get the most of out your trip.

The Many Wonders Of Lake Nakuru

2010-08-13T07:35:00.001-07:00

Think of Kenya and you will doubtless think of safaris and similar activities as well. But while the Masai Mara might be one of the most popular and familiar spots to many people, there are other areas of Kenya that should also be included on any itinerary you plan for your holiday there.

Since we are talking about a lake you can expect to see many different types of wildlife here. This is a soda lake too, and it forms part of the Rift Valley group of lakes. These lakes are extremely old and therefore attract a lot of attention when it comes to preserving the area for the future as well.

But since this is Kenya you can expect a National Park built around the lake as well. If you visit the park you will be able to witness one of the most spectacular sights it has to offer – namely the collection of flamingos that call the lake home. You may have seen a few flamingos at local zoos and such like in the past, but nothing will prepare you for the sight of thousands upon thousands of them at the Lake Nakuru National Park. Some say that you cannot even see the lake at all on occasion, because there are simply so many of them sharing the space.

It isn’t just about flamingos though, although they are certainly among the most famous residents of the park. You can see rhinos here as well, both black and white, and numerous other animals that you would expect to see on a Kenyan safari. Lions, leopards and many other big predators also call this park home, so you will get just as good an experience here as you would at the likes of the Masai Mara et al.

Of course if you have time you’ll visit them both. It is certainly hard to resist the pull of the flamingos here at the Lake Nakuru National Park. There is nothing quite like them and as a protected area the lake itself will be home to them for many long years to come as well.

Peace And Quiet In Meru National Park

2010-07-15T05:56:00.001-07:00

Kenya is the best place on earth to head for if you want to see all kinds of wildlife in its glory. There are several national parks here where you can see animals going about their daily lives, including the so called ‘big five’. One excellent choice to make if you are looking for a national park to visit is the Meru National Park.

Ironically you may never have heard of it because this park is way down on the list of the most popular ones in Kenya. But don’t let this deter you because it has no bearing on the wonderful experience you will have here. It may be less popular among tourists but this is probably largely because the likes of the Masai Mara are much better known. Everyone tends to head for the things they know rather than the ones they don’t.

This gives you the unique advantage of being able to go somewhere that is not over crowded during the peak times of the year. You will also be interested to pay a visit when you learn that Meru National Park was the setting for the book ‘Born Free’, by George and Joy Adamson. Even though the book was published many years ago it still has a resonance and familiarity that is hard to deny. Why not read the book before visiting the place where all the events took place?

Indeed Elsa the lioness, who was featured in the book, is buried at this park. You can even see her grave while you are there, and it is certainly worth doing so as it will give you an idea of just how important this lioness was. Conservation and the lives of the lions here have become better understood and known as a result of the Adamson’s connection with her.

Be prepared to have a quiet holiday if you choose the Meru National Park as your holiday base. You are not likely to come across many people while you are there, and it provides you with an ideal way to get in touch with nature.

The Mysterious Crying Stone Of Kenya

2010-06-15T05:30:00.001-07:00

There cannot be many people who have visited Kenya without at least hearing about the Crying Stone. And if you are visiting the region of Kakamega in Kenya in the near future, you should definitely allocate some time to see the Crying Stone while you are there.

The actual stone itself is not in Kakamega but nearby, in Ilesi. If it makes you think of a stone you could hold in your hand, you had better be prepared for getting a crick in your neck. As you stand at the base of this unusual stone, you will have to look up some eight metres – some twenty six feet – to see the top of it.

But why is it called the Crying Stone in the first place?

The answer lies in the water that is said to constantly run down the side of the stone. Some say that it runs continuously and never dries up, but others say that it depends on the weather! In reality there is a space at the top of the stone that fills with water during rainstorms. After this occurs the rain gradually conforms to gravity and makes its way down the side of the stone, appearing as ‘tears’ as it does so.

Even though the Crying Stone seems to rely more on the weather conditions than any mystical reasons for its tears, the locals love it and it still draws many tourists to the area when they arrive in Kenya. Even though it would appear to be a completely natural phenomenon the stone is still quite something to look at. When viewed from the right angle it looks something like a hooded figure; there is even a separate part of the stone that is very much like a head.

So you can see that even when the Crying Stone’s mystery of the tears has been solved, it is still a worthwhile place to visit. You may well be taken by the mystery and wonder of the stone itself, just as so many other people have been before you. Will it cry while you are there or not?

The Tsavo National Park

2010-05-17T02:34:00.000-07:00

If you are planning a holiday in Kenya you may hear people talking about the Tsavo East National Park and the Tsavo West National Park. These are essentially two halves of a whole, since they are located right next to each other in the Coast Province.

The two halves of the road are separated by two things – a railway and a road called the A109. This road joins Nairobi and Mombasa together and provides good access to the parks. The eastern side of the park is bigger by more than two and a half thousand square kilometres, but there is no doubt you’ll enjoy what there is to see in both halves. You really can’t visit one side without seeing the other as well.

But what can you see here? What delights does this park hold for visitors to Kenya?

Well these aren’t the most popular venues in Kenya, but that shouldn’t put you off. In fact this makes them even more exciting to visit, because they are not spoiled by a huge number of tourists coming through on a daily basis. In addition to this you can camp here as well, and the nightly charge is very reasonable.

While the eastern side of the park is the larger half of the two, there is arguably more to see in the other, smaller half. It is generally thought to be the more beautiful of the two halves, since it offers sensational scenery at every turn. The eastern side of the park is beautiful too, but there is a lot you can see in the western side, including the Mzima Springs.

These are natural springs – four in all – that can be found in Mzima. The streams here also have to be seen to be believed; it is the natural processes at work here that make the water so very clear.

As you can see this is one part of Kenya that should be on everyone’s list of places to visit. Which side of the park will you prefer? How much ground will you cover? And how many nights will you choose to spend here as you enjoy all that the Tsavo National park has to offer?

The Amazing Wildebeest Migration

2010-04-15T09:40:00.001-07:00

If you are thinking of going to Kenya in the near future and you are wondering when and where to go, try coinciding your visit with the annual wildebeest migration. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the safari experience in Kenya, and it is well worth seeing this spectacle of nature if you can.

As you delve into finding out more about the migration you will realise that the wildebeest are actually on the move the whole year round. They perform a clockwise trip around the outer edges of the Masai Mara and the Serengeti National Park. But while you can see the wildebeest for the whole year, regardless of when you visit, your best bet is to opt for the months between June and August.

This is when they approach the border between the Serengeti National Park and the Masai Mara, and they make their famous crossing of the Grumeti River. If you want to see the highlight of their year, this has to be it.

The Masai Mara is a far smaller area of land than the acreage that the Serengeti National Park can boast. But with that said the wildebeest still spend a couple of months in the Masai Mara from around August onwards, before crossing back into the Serengeti National Park in September. They then make their way around the park and arrive once more to re-enter the Masai Mara in August of the following year.

This is undoubtedly a sight to behold, and for many people it provides them with the highlight to their safari and their time in Kenya. If you can arrive in Kenya just as they are about to make their way into the Masai Mara once more, you will certainly get the peak viewing time to see them.

There are lots of safaris and organised trips to see the migration. All you have to do is organise your holiday time and book the appropriate safari for your needs. You will never forget the sights you see and you will be glad you booked it when you did.

Good Reasons Why Mombasa Is A Hot Spot For Kenyan Tourists

2010-03-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

A holiday in Kenya does not have to consist of a safari and nothing else. If you head somewhere like Mombasa you can look forward to all manner of other experiences as well.

The first thing you will notice about Mombasa is its coastal location. This opens up the opportunity to head for the beaches to soak up some sun and enjoy a dip in the Indian Ocean. There are plenty of accommodation choices here too, some of which are right on the coast and so offer a great beachfront location to enjoy.

But what else is there to see and do in Mombasa? Well you should definitely try out a ride in a tuk-tuk, otherwise known as an auto rickshaw which runs on three wheels. Most of them are covered so in the unlikely event it rains you still won’t get wet. It is definitely an experience and provides a good way to get from A to B, no matter what you might be doing.

Fort Jesus is a popular spot for many tourists. You will find it close to the Old Town and it dates back to the 16th century. There is a museum here too so you can find out more about the history of the fort as time has gone by.

Since you are near the Old Town you should make a pact to explore this on the same day you see Fort Jesus as well. You can go on a guided tour of the town if you wish, which is probably the best way to see it and to find out more about its history. You will find plenty of souvenir shops here so if you are looking to take some Kenyan souvenirs home with you this is definitely the place to go.

Mombasa is great for anyone wanting a beach based holiday, but it doesn’t have a huge amount of sightseeing opportunities unless you go further afield during your time there. Exploring the coast by bike is recommended, and so is a visit to the animal sanctuary nearby.

Explore Lamu – An Old Town On An Island In Kenya

2010-02-12T03:36:00.001-08:00

When most people think of visiting Kenya, they automatically go for the nature and wildlife reserves. This is understandable because you get the chance to see wildlife closer than you ever have before.

But Kenya has a lot more to offer as well, and one of the most delightful towns you could hope to visit is Lamu. This is located on Lamu Island, and many people who have been there say it is totally different from the main part of Kenya.

The town itself is charming, and the town square offers a chance to sit down under the shade of the trees and watch the locals wander by. You can see a truly different side of Kenya here, and you will love it.

The seafront at Lamu is one of the biggest draws to the island. Calm, relaxing and laid back, you’ll find it impossible to feel guilty at doing nothing but soaking up the rays of the sun all day. There are plenty of restaurants along the waterfront as well so you won’t go hungry during your time there. You can eat giant prawns and other local fish, while relaxing in unique surroundings and watching the calm waters right by you. What better way could there be to enjoy Kenya at its very best?

But the best thing about Lamu is its ability to fend off tourism. Make no mistake, people love to visit this island but the history and character that it possesses seems to be enough to ward off the commercialism. This is indicative in the fact that there are no cars on the island. The only one which is there is under the control of the mayor, so you won’t be bothered by traffic at all. The island seems to have been created for the enjoyment of human beings and nothing else. For this reason alone it is ideal if you want to get away from it all.

So book a villa or other accommodation in Lamu now, and be prepared for one of the most laid back holidays you will ever have had.

Why Visit Nairobi?

2010-01-14T02:06:00.001-08:00

Nairobi in Kenya probably isn’t the kind of place you would book a two week holiday to stay in. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting for a day or two during a longer holiday when you are planning a visit to one of the nature reserves in Kenya.

To begin with you’ve got the Nairobi National Park to visit. Perhaps the strangest part of this park is that you can view giraffes and other animals and still see the skyscrapers of Nairobi itself in the background. It is truly an odd mixture that can amaze you every time you see it.

One of the other key sights to see while you are in the city is the National Museum of Kenya. It is one of the best ways to find out all you can about the country during your stay. The woman who wrote the famous book “Born Free”, Joy Adamson, has some of her artwork displayed here. And not only can you find exhibits which tell you a great deal about local and national ways of living through the years, you can also see pre-historic exhibits too. These include the skeleton of a boy who lived as long ago as three million years. No one is quite sure of his exact age but it is fascinating to see the remains and think about what his life may have been like.

As you can see Nairobi has plenty to offer you during your short stay here. You can plan to have a couple of days here before heading out on safari elsewhere in the country, and you will certainly learn a lot during that short time.

If you have the stomach for it you can also visit the Snake Park; alternatively if you would prefer to see something that isn’t alive and slithering why not try the Railway Museum? You can see a carriage dating from more than a hundred years ago that was attacked by a lion as the railway was being built.

So why not visit Nairobi for an educational start to your visit to Kenya? It has plenty to tell you.

The Masai Mara – Visit The Top Nature Reserve

2009-11-12T01:49:00.001-08:00

If you are thinking of going to Kenya, the chances are you are thinking of visiting a game reserve. And if that is the case you need to make tracks for the Masai Mara. This is the most famous one of them all, and it has a lot to offer for the whole family to enjoy.

Kenya is a key place for exploring national reserves, and Masai Mara must surely be the jewel in the crown in that respect. You can see lions here, as well as countless wildebeests, cheetahs, leopards, zebras and many more. If you are used to seeing some of these animals in a zoo, be prepared for the experience of seeing them in an altogether different setting. It is something else entirely!

The good news is that a safari like this doesn’t have to cost the earth either. Of course you can book into deluxe accommodation that will be quite expensive. But you can also find plenty of other options that are further down the price list – even camping is a possibility. But as with the animals, the tents you will see here are very unlike the type you would find on any campsite at home!

Wherever you choose to stay though, the actual safaris are what you will go for. The Great Wildebeest Migration is well worth seeing and arguably the highlight of the whole visit. Make sure you plan your holiday to Kenya for some time between July and October if you want to witness this. It is the time when all the wildebeest make their way to Masai Mara and although the journey for them is dangerous it is well worth watching.

And if a standard safari isn’t enough, you can try a balloon safari from some operators as well. Just imagine being right overhead as the wild animals go about their lives beneath you. You might not have the nerve for this particular trip but if you do, you will find it breathtaking.

In fact it might be just what you need to persuade you to book that Kenyan holiday in the first place.

Kenya to host 2010 hockey Olympics

2008-01-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

Kenya will host the Under 17 hockey Olympics in 2010.

According to the Kenya hockey union secretary Peter Kiruma the international hockey federation made the decision this week.

Kiruma also said that the national women's team resumes training this Saturday to continue with their preparations for the world Beijing Olympic qualifiers, which will be held in April in Bakhu, Azerbaijan.

In the meantime, the Kenya hockey union matches and fixtures committee meets this weekend to decide when the premier and national leagues will resume.

The matches have failed to restart due the post elections violence in the country.

The union is also organizing an under 21 boys and girls tournament which will be held in the first week of February.

Kiruma said the event will be used to select Kenya's team to the Africa under 21 cup of nations scheduled for July in Cairo, Egypt.

Winners from the continental championship will represent Africa in the Under 21 hockey world cup to be held next year.

For more information click here

Hoteliers to Cash in On Tourism Boom

2007-07-02T03:48:00.000-07:00

26 June 2007

Hoteliers and tour operators are expecting a boom in tourism as the high season starts next month.

Some tour operators have ordered new vehicles to increase their fleet to cope with anticipated demand.

Travel Africa Safaris sales and marketing manager Salim Ndeka yesterday said the firm will buy 20 new vehicles.

"This will be a very busy season especially from next month when animals start their migrations in the parks. We do not want to be caught unawares," he said.

Mr Ndeka said apart from international tourists, the company has developed special packages including tour circuits targeting the domestic market.

Most hotels have already registered full bookings for the months of July and August, in a trend that is expected to continue until April next year.

The increase in the number of guests has been attributed to the entry of the British tour operator, First Choice, which has now merged with TUI one of the leading operators in the world.

Mombasa's Voyager beach resort deputy general manager Sylvester Mbandi said the business looked promising with the introduction of the Virgin Atlantic fights.

Tempo to increase

"We did not have a low season this year because we have been operating with good numbers of visitors in our hotel but the tempo will increase considerably from next month when guests start going to the parks in large numbers," he said.

Club Temple Point in Watamu, Malindi which has been undergoing refurbishment will be opening next week with the arrival of 130 tourists.

Business at the Moi International Airport is also set to increase as passenger arrivals are set to hit over 100,000 per month.

Tourism Booms in Kenya

2007-05-14T02:15:00.000-07:00

14 May 2007

Lunchtime at an upmarket Kenyan safari lodge in what should be the slow off-season, and the dining room is packed with tourists from all over the world.

Chattering excitedly in many languages as they watch antelope, buffalo and a giraffe grazing just a short distance away across a stone terrace, they are driving an unprecedented boom in a key sector of east Africa's biggest economy.

Kenya made $800 million from tourism in 2006, making the industry its best hard currency earner ahead of horticulture and tea. This year, the tourist board expects revenues to top $1 billion for the first time.

"This is the busiest we have seen it," says Patrick, a barman at the lodge. Behind him, Lake Nakuru reflects the sky like a mirror, lined with an electric pink fringe of about 1 million flamingos.

Kenyan tourism was hit by US travel warnings after bombings in 1998 and 2002 that were blamed on al Qaeda.

But it has rebounded strongly in the past three years, and earlier this month the Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) said March 2007 had been the most profitable month on record.

Perhaps the best news was that - defying the warnings - US arrivals were up by 20.7 per cent in the first quarter to 22,802.

Pre-Election Boost

The figures reflect a broader financial boom in the country and a success for President Mwai Kibaki, who inherited stagnant economic growth of just 0.6 percent from his long-serving predecessor Daniel arap Moi in late 2002.

His administration is staking its reputation on economic recovery ahead of elections due in December, and was boosted by a recent central bank forecast of 8 percent growth by 2008, up from at least 6 percent this year.

Tourism will play a leading role. While growth is constrained by potholed roads, environmental degradation, and fear of crime - particularly in Nairobi - the government still hopes to more than double visitor numbers to 5 million by 2012.

From Beijing to Baltimore, television, print and radio campaigns are selling the attractions of parks like Nakuru: nestled in the Great Rift Valley, ringed by acacia and euphorbia forests and roamed by wildlife including lions and rhinos.

Much of the future growth will be fed by emerging markets in Russia and China, officials say, as well as more tourists from traditional markets like Europe and Japan.

Underlining the booming interest, Virgin Atlantic is launching daily London-Nairobi flights next month, hoping to carry some 100,000 extra passengers to Kenya in the first year.

"If it is successful we hope to go up to two planes a day," Virgin Chairman Richard Branson said during a visit in March.

Re-Branding Drive

Rising before dawn with strong coffee, donuts and fresh fruit in Nakuru, one group of Americans prepared for an early game drive, hoping to spot the park's more reclusive big game.

Numerous forays into Africa by U.S. celebrities in recent months have raised the continent's profile there.

But this year's biggest growth came from Eastern Europe, and particularly Russia, where KTB said economic growth meant aggressive Kenyan adverts were reaching more potential visitors.

To support its bullish vision, the government is reforming operations at home as well as spreading the word overseas.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the body that runs more than 60 parks, reserves and sanctuaries, held its first conference on the science of wildlife preservation last month, drawing hundreds of delegates to the golden ballroom of a Nairobi hotel.

It stressed the importance of the organisation becoming more "science-led", and of a re-branding drive to market each area as a unique destination, from climbing Mount Kenya to lion-trekking in the savannah to lounging on the coast's sandy white beaches.

It is trying to improve facilities and services at its resorts, hotels and lodges, and the infrastructure linking them.

Yellow bulldozers are repairing the notoriously potholed road to the Maasai Mara reserve, famed for its huge wildebeest migration which begins in July.

When tourists reach the park, new technology has been introduced and they will sign in and out using smart cards to instantly build a database that was once compiled by hand.

"Only IN Kenya"

There are, of course, long and short term challenges.

Competition from African safari rivals, notably South Africa and neighbouring Tanzania, has become increasingly fierce in recent years. Weakness in the rand has made South Africa even more attractive for Western tourists in recent months, KTB says.

And in the longer term, Kenya faces a threat from the projected impacts of global warming, which is seen dramatically affecting weather patterns and cutting existing animal ranges.

Even the government's upbeat growth predictions will not be enough to pull the majority of its 35 million population out of penury. Donors say Kenya's economy needs to grow by at least 10 per cent a year to halve the number in poverty by 2015.

But Kenyan tourism players are optimistic, and even the Rift's stunning pink flamingos - once threatened with extinction by erosion and pollution - are making a comeback as locals are encouraged to play a bigger role in conservation.

Kenya - A Hidden Golfers Paradise

2007-02-13T03:28:00.000-08:00

Long considered one of the world's greatest undiscovered golfing destinations, Kenya has 39 courses, 12 of which are used for championship events including the Kenya Open, which takes place each year at the Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi .

Ideal year-round weather and locations as varied as equatorial highlands, beautiful lakeshores, lush forests and tropical beaches allow golfers to visit a diverse range of courses combined with world-class standards and service. Each round of golf is a nature walk in itself as courses have been designed to blend with the surrounding natural landscape.

Another plus for golfers is the elevation. With several courses at more than 1500 metres high, golfers are able to add an additional 10% yardage to strokes - fantastic news for individuals looking to lower their handicap. Although golf carts are rarely available, golfers have the luxury of their own personal caddies, who are often excellent golfers themselves.

It also means that as well as having your own mentor hand to offer great tips for swing improvement and advice on local rules, you will potentially have a partner in crime to help hunt down those rogue balls in the rough.

One of the most appealing features of golfing in Kenya is the variety. From beach courses set amongst palm trees with stunning views of the Indian Ocean, to those dominated by the permanently snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya , there are a vast array of courses sure to suit every taste.

Nairobi , the capital of Kenya , is a thriving modern city located in the midst of green rolling hills, verdant forest and wide savannah plains. With seven 18-hole golf courses located within a 20-mile radius of the city, including the historic Royal Nairobi Golf Club built in 1906, the Windsor Golf and Country Club, Karen Golf and Country Club and Muthaiga Golf Club, businessmen and holidaymakers alike can enjoy a welcome break from the hustle and bustle.

Those who fancy playing against a backdrop of beautiful mountain vistas can choose to play at the Mount Kenya Safari Club, located next to Africa 's second highest peak. Indeed, the course is the only place in the world where golfers can tee-off in the Northern hemisphere and putt-out in the Southern. For more mountain views and the chance to enjoy its own fauna rich wildlife sanctuary, the nearby Aberdare Ranges play host to the spectacular Aberdare Country Club, considered by many to be the most picturesque of Kenya 's courses.

One of the most beautiful regions in Kenya , the Great Rift Valley , offers visitors amazing contrasts, from wide plains and dense rainforest to beautiful lakes and some of the most impressive golf courses - including the Great Rift Valley Golf Club which boasts the newest course in the country.

Those who prefer to tee off with the waves lapping nearby, should head to the Indian Ocean coastline where the beautiful beaches prove the perfect backdrop to relax between games. For the ultimate in luxury, stay at the Leisure Lodge near Mombasa, which boasts its own championship-level golf course - recognised as one of the most exciting in Africa.
Travelling to Kenya has never been easier.

Kenya Airways has recently launched three day-flights a week to Nairobi , increasing its capacity to ten flights per week. And with British Airways also offering daily flights, the call of the Kenyan fairways is easier to experience than you think!

Golf Amigos offer six nights at the Leisure Lodge Beach and Golf Resort from £1,361 per person, based on two people sharing. The price includes return international flights from London Heathrow to Mombasa , with British Airways, accommodation on a half board basis, transfers and four green fees.

For further information on golfing in Kenya or to order your golf brochure, contact the Kenya Tourist Board on 020 7202 6373 or visit www.magicalkenya.com .

Kenya's Tourism Earnings up 15 Percent in 2006

2007-02-01T01:47:00.000-08:00

NAIROBI - Kenya's tourism earnings rose 15 percent in 2006 to 56.2 billion shillings ($799.4 million), boosted by aggressive marketing in traditional markets and new targets in Asia, the tourism authority said on Wednesday.

The Kenya Tourism Board said earnings in 2005 were 48.9 billion shillings.

Kenya, famed for its wildlife safaris and sunny beaches, received 1.8 million visitors in 2006 from 1.6 million in 2005, with the largest numbers arriving from Britain, the United States and Germany.

"The earnings exceeded our projected figure of 53 billion shillings by 5.6 percent," KTB Managing Director Ongong'a Achieng told a news conference.

He attributed the growth to increased flights to the country with the return of charter flights and the introduction of new routes by national carrier Kenya Airways.

Kenya: Tourism to Fund Rural Activities

2007-01-30T07:53:00.000-08:00

A tourism organisation intends to spread the earnings to the communities through promoting cultural and environmental tourism.

Cultural tourism is the fastest growing in the world and Kenya wants to be the first in the region to promote it, Tourism Trust Fund chief executive Dan Kagagi said.

Mr Kagagi was speaking to journalists in Ngong after presenting a vehicle to Kenya Community-Based Tourism Network (Kecobat), an umbrella body for community-based tourism organisations in the country.

The vehicle, worth Sh4.1 million, will be used to coordinate the organisation's activities. "Many tourists are preferring being hosted within the communities, in small groups, away from large towns and have become more interested in environment", Mr Kagagi added.

He said TTF, which is funded by European Union, had so far financed the organisation to the tune of Sh15 million.

Kenya: Seventh Wonder of World

2007-01-19T01:41:00.000-08:00

It was jubilation in the tourism business and Kenya when the Maasai Mara Game Reserve was declared one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

With the increased awareness this newfound fame to the Mara and Kenya would bring, it is important to reflect on its meaning and impact.

It makes the job of selling Kenya relatively easier because we will be preaching largely to a converted audience.

While overseas tour operators and travel agents may have known the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, the tourists may not necessarily have heard of it. Countries such as America, the largest consumer of tourist attractions, largely rely on travel agents' recommendations, which are not always an informed option to tourist destinations.

With the Maasai Mara Game Reserve splashed across world TV screens and featured in broadsheets and tabloids worldwide, it will soon be recognisable and tourists going to travel agents will ask for it. With brand recognition, demand for the Mara and Kenya should increase, meaning that supply has to be matched with demand.

One option is to increase the supply and get more revenue from the volumes of human traffic. While this would be ideal for a Paris, New York and other non-fragile ecosystems, it may choke Maasai Mara's ecosystem.

This leaves us with the alternative of managing increased demand and the issue of price elasticity of demand. How much would the demand curve shift if there were to be a price change?

Mara should serve as bait.

If a producer cannot keep up with the demand, especially of a luxury item such as a tourist's holiday, maximising returns through holding production levels at current levels is an option.

For instance, we could hold the bed capacity as is it is currently or undertake selective increase in the supply of low-density accommodation in the Maasai Mara. Highly perishable natural habitats are not the $60 (Sh4,200) a bed a night place.

The luxury of offering 'budget' packages belongs to cities such as New York and London because they can afford to have more visitors without a direct impact on the environment.

The other consideration is for the Maasai Mara to be used as the nectar that attracts bees, thus serving as a bait to bring more business and conference tourists and more filmmakers. The Mara should provide an opportunity for promoting other tourist attractions.

Kisumu Basking in Air Travel at Reduced Fares

2007-01-15T07:17:00.000-08:00

Air Travellers on the Nairobi-Kisumu route are set to enjoy reduced fares following the launch of a third airline operator on the route.

The Fly 540 made its maiden flight to the lakeside city Friday, charging a return fare of only 5,540 shillings.

Speaking during the launch at Kisumu Airport, the Airlines Director of Operations, Nixon Ooko, said the Airline's decision to start operations on the route had been driven by requests from potential passengers in the western Kenya region.

Kisumu mayor, Priscah Ouma who attended the launch, welcomed the move by the airline, saying it will boost fish transportation from the region.

Deputy Nyanza PC, Joseph Kisagau who represented the PC, Paul Olando, at the function and the Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Achieng Ong'ong'a also praised the move, saying it would boost tourism in the Western Kenya tourism circuit.

Two other airlines operating on the route, Kenya Airways and East African Express Air Safaris, have been charging 7,055 shillings and 6,550 shillings one way respectively but the latter has since reduced the fare to 6,000 shillings return.

Kenya Airways is yet to adjust its fare.

Kenya Awaits Rise in Tourism

2007-01-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

January 2007

About 1.8 million tourists are expected to visit the country this year, preliminary estimates from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) indicate.

The tourists, KTB said will fly into the country through its major airports and by road through border points.

The board’s chairman, Mr Jake Grieves-cook, said on Thursday that 1.7 million tourists visited Kenya last year, adding that the continued growth was impressive.

Most of the visitors, he said will be from UK, U.S.A, Japan and China. He urged the Government to improve on the infrastructure, security and other issues of concern.

"The outlook is quite impressive. The Government should play its role and bring roads and highways to international standards. Security, though not worrying, should also be tackled," he told The Standard.

The official said a transatlantic airline, Virgin Atlantic, will this year introduce daily flights from London’s Heathrow airport to Nairobi, increasing the number of UK and American tourists arrivals further.

He said the Kenya still remained a favourite tourist destination and bed occupancy in most tourists attractions were set to go up.

The KTB chairman added that the recent naming of Maasai Mara as the seventh wonder of the world, because of the annual migration of wildebeests from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park into Kenya through the Crocodile infested Mara River, would be a huge boost.

He said rehabilitation works on the dilapidated 40km to the Ngoswani-Sekenani gate, where tourists have since Christmas Day found it difficult to access the reserve, was on course, and that tourists would in the next five days be able to reach Mara without further delays.

"The bad sections of the road and the two bridges which were badly damaged by the flash floods on new the year eve are being repaired. In the next five days the problem will be a thing of the past," he added.

Grieves-Cook quoted reports from the Metrological Department as saying that the current rains pounding most parts of the country would subside after the coming weekend. "This will also boost the aviation industry," he said.

Meanwhile members of group ranches bordering Maasai Mara Game Reserve said they have incurred heavy losses since the Ngoswani-Sekenani gate road was rendered impassable on Christmas Eve.

"Our collections of tariffs and fees from lodges and camps within our jurisdiction have been dealt a severe blow because of delays and cancellations," a manager with Siana Wildlife Conservation Trust who requested anonymity said.

The ranches umbrella group, Maasai Mara Group Ranches Association, blamed the woes on the Government inability to fix the road despite several pleas since early 1990s.

Kenya's Wildlife Conservation on Track

2006-12-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

The Kenya Wildlife Service is a government agency charged with the conservation of Kenya's wildlife heritage. But it has among many things suffered low government funding leading it to be poorly equipped to fight rampant poaching, hiving off of migratory routes and land declared protected areas. But hope is on the horizon with new and efficient management headed by Dr Julius Kipng'etich.

Wednesday this week, the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) broke with tradition when it launched a 93 fleet of vehicles programme worth Sh239 millions, all of which were raised internally without donor support.

All the vehicles are fitted with a Global Satellite Positioning System (GPS) that would help track their proper usage and not monitor that every place meant to be patrolled is done so as well as easily monitored from the office.

According to Micheal Mwendwa Musyoka, the Chief Vehicle Officer at the KWS, this would be in addition to the 375 fleet of vehicles the organization has against the recommended number of 420.

He says that each of the 375 vehilces, some of which have outlived their live spans, does 6000 km a month which is way above the recommended standards at 3000 km and attributes this to being beaten up by poachers.

The efforts by the KWS are not only laudable and worth emulating by national institutions charged with the management of concerns for the citizens but should help us move away from our colonial legacy---nay a colonial left over of the tendency to be doing nothing unless some foreign nation or organisation came in to assist with conditionalities.

The KWS, a government agency charged with the protection and conservation of the country's biodiversity as presented by its fauna and flora is slowly but surely moving towards its long-cherished dream of being financially able to manage its own affairs with the revenues it generates relying on neither the Treasury nor external donors for survival.

This has been the KWS dream with every new director that has come to that place but none has lived long enough to see this fulfilled.

KWS overseeing about 190 national parks, game reserves and game stations that are both marine and terrestrial under the management of Government, local authority, private and community with most located in very remote and not easily reached areas and occupying 8 percent of Kenya’s land mass.

Upon these areas are lots of infrastructural developments including tourist hotels, restaurants, research centres, staff blocks, shops, boreholes, camping sites, you name it.

It is estimated that between 60 and 70 per cent of Kenya's wildlife is located outside its Protected Areas - on community and private lands. Yet sadly, wildlife populations in Kenya have declined in both protected and non-protected areas since the early 1970s.

The wildlife population today is less than 50 percent of what it was at that time. Kenya's natural resources form an important basis for the country's socio-economic development, and they must be protected.

Abundant and diverse wildlife is the keystone of the country's booming tourism industry, and as importantly, a crucial part of what makes Kenya Kenya.

Kenya's wildlife habitats, migratory corridors and dispersal areas are being fragmented through urbanization, industrial development, and encroachment by human settlements.

But the Kenya Wildlife Service has among many other things, been accused of not having capacity to policy such an array of national resources.

And reasons have been many. Inadequate and poorly trained and under-equipped staff, low pay, lack of vehicles and corruption.

Overall however, some of these limitations go outside the domain of the KWS. To begin with, the country lacks an up-to-date and innovative National Policy to guide wildlife conservation and management.

The current policy fails to offer real incentives for conservation to communities and landowners living with wildlife. Without both education and incentives, many landowners are averse to the presence, let alone the management, of wildlife on their lands.

Trustlands, mainly found in Group Ranches, are being transferred at alarming rates to individual ownership. Unfortunately, this is generally followed by cultivation and fencing - practices that are largely incompatible with the free movement of wildlife.

Communities are rightly concerned about the damages wildlife inflict on crops and lives. There should be compensation when losses occur. The law does provide for it, but current levels are widely perceived as inadequate, and often no compensation is received at all.

At the same time, KWS has yet to find harmony between people and wildlife leading to conflict between people and wildlife at every small opportunity.

And while compensation could assist, resources have been inadewquate and have failed to incorporate education, training and protection measures to communities seeking compensation from wildlife losses.

While environmental reform in Kenya is gathering momentum spearheaded by the civil society who have not only set the stage for a comprehensive wildlife policy, but continue to stimulate broader growth in environmentalism and accountability.

According to the KWS Director, Dr Julius Kipngetich however, rationalization of operations, improved accounting systems and better tarrifs for services have seen an upshot of revenues and hopes that this would be boosted when the organization achieves an International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certification by June 2008, a move he hopes would boost revenue by 15 per cent .

Currently KWS contributes 21 per cent of the country’s total foreign exchange earnings.

Kenya's Tourism Boosts Country Economy

2006-12-18T04:07:00.000-08:00

Tourism is the 2nd largest foreign exchange earner for Kenya, after agriculture and greatly provides employment to thousands of nationals. The country’s tourist attractions include, the Great Rift Valley, sandy beaches, mountains, wild animals, vegetation such as savannah grasslands and woodlands. It has several Marine parks, national parks, game reserves, museums, forests, archeological sites.

In addition, the country boosts of a network of hotels with qualified and hospitable staff, making it an ultimate destination. In 2001, tourism earned Kshs24, 239m, in 2005, tourism earned Kshs25.8b; the figures were expected to increase annually up to over Kshs60b next year. The country’s domestic tourism is also picking up of recent and it actually has significant multiplier effects ranging from employment of nationals to high revenue.

Air Italy Launches Nairobi Flights

2006-12-11T05:32:00.000-08:00

Air Italy will launch direct flights from Rome and Milan to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi on December 23.

The airline has been flying to Mombasa as a charter service in the last two years.

The new, twice weekly scheduled flights to Nairobi will be extended to the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) as well as Greece as soon as ongoing talks between the airline and other partners to serve the routes are finalised.

In an interview with The Standard, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Italy, Captain Dr Giuseppe Gentile, said the move indicates of cooperation between the two countries.

‘’Italians are part and parcel of Kenya, we have houses in Kenya, and our presence in Malindi is a clear indication on this issue," Capt Gentile said.

The Saturday and Tuesday flights will be departing Nairobi at 10.30 and arrive in Rome 15.45hrs, and Milan 18.00hrs at an introductory fare of $449 dollars.

The airline will expand its services to Kenya by Flying Boeing 757s. Currently, the airline has three B 757s and two B 767s, and will soon introduce two more B757s.

The airline is targeting businessmen from both countries, and is targeting seat occupancy of over 70 per cent in the next six months.

Gentile said says the carrier has a distinct Pan African approach, and hopes to finalise interline agreements with Kenya Airways so as to connect to more African destinations. Air Italy is already operating in partnership with another European carrier, Air One, to connect better to more Italian cities.

"We hope this initiative will bring more business to Kenya, expand the Internet Safari tourism sector, and attract Kenyan visitors to Italy’s famous historical sites, fashion and its cuisine," he said.

The airline currently operates flights to the Caribbean, Mauritius, Maldives, Brazil, Venezuela, Egypt and Zanzibar. Air Italy is a privately owned airline, operated by old-timers who are well experienced in the aviation industry, Gentile said.

Ms Jackie Arkle, the sales and marketing manager of Air Italy’s general sales agent in Kenya, Coventry Holidays, said Air Italy fills the vacuum that has existed on the sector over the last few years.

Kenya Airways Soars Above the Rest

2006-12-05T08:39:00.000-08:00

Kenya Airways has once again been voted the Most Respected Company in East Africa.

The carrier, one of the few profitable airlines in Africa, was also voted the Most Respected Company in Kenya in the seventh edition of the East Africa’s Most Respected Companies Survey. MTN took the honours in the country awards for Uganda, while Tanzanian Breweries won the accolade in Tanzania.

The survey, conducted jointly by PWC and the Nation Media Group, involved more than 300 CEOs across East Africa. The number of executives taking part was the highest since the survey was started. This year’s theme was “Winning: What does it take?”

The triumph by Kenya Airways, which also took the 2005 overall award, underlines the fortunes of a company that many now regard to have undergone one of the most successful privatisations in the region.

The divestiture, in 1996, saw the entry of Dutch carrier KLM as the anchor shareholder as well as the sale of a significant government stake to retail investors at the Nairobi Stock Exchange, enabling a struggling government-run corporation to become a world-class airline in less than a decade. Today Kenya Airways is counted alongside South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines as one the three dominant carriers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Apart from Kenya Airways, the only other multiple winner of the Most Respected Company award is East African Breweries, which bagged the prize five times in a row between 2000 and 2004.

In the various business sectors surveyed this year, integrated horticultural business Homegrown led the agricultural sector for the third consecutive year, while Standard Chartered Bank took the honours in the financial services sector for the second year running. In the hotels and tourism sector, Serena Hotels came out on top, while East African Breweries was voted the most respected in the manufacturing sector.

Supermarket chain Nakumatt Holdings won again in the services sector, while Safaricom, the most profitable company in the region, took the honours in the fast growing telecommunications and ICT sector.

Several companies made their debut in the top rankings this year, underlining the growing competitiveness of the Most Respected survey. They include Tanzania’s Precision Air, which took third place in the services sector, and Mumias Sugar, which moved from third place in 2005 to second this year in the agriculture sector. Another entrant was Uganda’s Mukwano Group, which took third place in the manufacturing sector.

“The companies attracting the strongest respect are those that have focused their expansion strategy on new markets or products and services, strong leadership and solid financial performance,” Charles Muchene, the director of the survey and country leader for PwC Kenya, said at the awards dinner hosted at the Safari Park Hotel. “I am very pleased with the continued interest of the business community in these awards, which has made them one of the most prestigious in East Africa,” Mr Muchene said, adding that the information obtained by the survey was available to the business community to support their development.

Besides voting for the companies they respected most, CEOs involved in this year’s survey were asked whether they considered their businesses to be competitive in a global economy, and in what areas they saw this competitiveness, or lack of it. Some 60 per cent of the respondents said that their competitive advantage lay in their superior products and services, while 39 per cent felt employee support was key to competing globally, and 27 per cent cited a strong brand and 23 per cent named strong leadership as the key to being competitive.

Those companies surveyed that felt that they could not compete successfully in the global marketplace identified three major impediments — lack of an appropriate business strategy; unfavourable laws and regulations; and limited access to capital.

East Africa’s Most Respected Companies Survey mirrors the Annual Global CEO Survey, which is carried out jointly by PwC and the Financial Times, one of the world’s most influential business newspapers.

In 2006, the survey made another major change, introducing the Country category, which recognises the most respected company in each of the three current members of the East African Community.