HER GADGETS: Pickpocket Alarm

Ever visited a place and while you were walking on the streets, you felt like a walking target of those hands that just seem to like your pockets more than the hand's owner's pockets? The sly pickpockets of the world and especially Nairobi, have met their match: Doberman Security’s tiny watchdog holds cell phones and wallets securely in place. Thanks to the pull pin trigger, if anyone tries to lift them from your pocket, they—and you and even the auditory-impaired people around you—will hear a 95-decibel alarm (louder than the average lawnmower).

Isn't this just beyond cool? !!!!

Budget Travel Tips

 In Kenya, it's currently the low season period, which means the hotel/lodge rates are mostly cheaper than they usually are! It also means that if you have been planning for a trip and are tight on budget, this is the best time for you to pack up and head for that much awaited getaway!Although we are half way off the season, here are some tips that can guide you while planning for a budget trip.

1. Travel off- season.
Unlike most countries who base their travel seasons on their weather seasons, In Kenya our travel seasons are built around periods where we receive high numbers of tourists, due to the attractions such as the Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration or Public holidays. 2nd January - 31st March is termed as green season, 1st April - 30th June termed as Low season, 1st July - 31st October is High season, 1st November - 20th December is Green season and 21st December -1st January is High season. This would therefore serve as a guide as to which travel dates would be most suitable to fit your budget.

2. Travel on double occupancy.
This basically means, sharing a room with someone is generally bound to be cheaper.

3. When flying to the destination, plan well in advance.
This is how it works with a majority of the airlines, if you book and have your ticket issued as early as possible, you are more likely to buy it way cheaper than the person who buys it one week to the travel date. With airlines it's the earlier you buy, the cheaper it will be.

4. Buy package deals.
Package deals usually consist of everything including transport, and most times, they are negotiated rates meaning if you buy each part of your travel separate, it will probably cost much more!

5. Brown bag healthy snacks and meals to avoid pricey airport or train food. Book a hotel room with a kitchenette, to save on meals.

6. Consult with your travel agent to preplan trips; surf the Internet for immediate deals. Basically, do a bit of research to make sure that you are getting the best out of you money's worth!

7. Ask your travel agent where to change your money to get the best exchange rate, if you are a non resident.

8. Be flexible with your travel dates. At time weekdays are much cheaper than the weekend rates.

9. When going by car, use the most fuel-efficient model on hand (subcompact, compact and hybrids are best). To save even more gas, use cruise control, keep to the speed limit, run the air conditioning as little as possible and pack the trunk before loading down the roof.

Lake Turkana Festival - This May!

I am usually not a very big fan of festivals because it means loads of people in one place at once!It is almost like carnivals, people in costumes, loud music...you get the picture. However, when i first heard of the Lake Turkana Festival i must admit i was fascinated, because naturally you do not expect to hear of something like that! Not that it's strange but, if you are Kenyan and especially if you rescide in Nairobi you would know that we have never had of Turkana night at the Carnivore! Yet here is a full planned festival! And what's more...it not the first time it's being held in Kenya but the 6th!

About the Festival:

The Lake Turkana Festival will take place for the 6^th consecutive year in Loyangalani town; on the shores of the awe-inspiring Jade Sea this May 2013 from 22nd -28th. It is here where the 10 ethnic groups of the Lake Turkana region; El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Turkana, Dassanach, Ghabra, Borana, Konso, Wata and Burji demonstrate through song and dance their unique differences and traditions. In this remote and forgotten region; we are also made aware of the challenges faced by these minority tribes which include drought, environmental challenges, poor infrastructure and wrangling amongst each other. Thus whilst we awe at their impressive dress and ornaments and study their artifacts and way of life in the dramatic landscape that makes up the north of Kenya; the underlying goal remains and continues to be the promotion of peace and furthermore the appreciation of these fascinating tribes.


Uniglobe Let's Go Travel have a special package to attend the festival and included in the package are tours to Samburu Game Park.

Top ways not to irritate your fellow passengers when flying

The other day I was reading one of my all-time favourite travel blog – A luxury travel blog, and I came across this article that I just had to share with you. I am certain that in one occasion, you must have experienced at least one of the irritants, if not all.
 
1. Rules are rules
Watch and listen to the safety announcements, regardless of whether you’re a frequent flyer. Take note of any instructions and don’t think that rules apply to everyone except you. Switch off your phone if you’re supposed to, don’t get up if the seat belt light is still lit… and so on and so forth. The rules exist for your own safety as well as the safety of others.

2. Your seat
If there’s one thing that’s sure to annoy your fellow passengers, it’s got to be suddenly reclining your seat into the face of the person behind you, no doubt spilling the said person’s drink that was delicately balanced on the seat’s precarious make-shift table. If you feel the urge to recline it a little, do so slowly and be sympathetic to whoever is sitting behind you.

3. Their seat
Don’t pull on the seat of the person in front of you when get up – push off from your own seat.

4. Your / their arm-rest
Nobody wants to feel cramped by whoever they’re sitting next to. If you’re wider than you are tall, book two seats. Better still, do some exercise and go on a diet. But if you’re of normal build, remember not to hog the arm-rests. Those occupying middle seats ought really to get use of at least one.

5. Incessant talking
It might just be that your neighbour was looking forward to reading a book or maybe a rest on his/her flight. Don’t talk incessantly and bear in mind that if they’re engaging in conversation, it might just be that they’re being polite.

6. Babies and children
If you have them, try to keep them under control. Don’t let them incessantly kick the seat in front of them. Come prepared with things that will entertain them for the duration. If your child ‘kicks off’, at least make an effort to calm the disturbance – there’s nothing more annoying than an unruly child and parents who seemingly don’t care.
If you don’t have them, understand that sometimes babies (in particular) and children have their moments. They could be suffering from a change in air pressure or just having a bad day. Remember, you were their age once.

7. Don’t get drunk
For your own personal health and comfort, you should be looking to keep well hydrated during a flight. Alcohol is dehydrating and its effects are magnified at high altitude. If you’re going to have alcohol, then do so in moderation.

Climbing Mount Longonot

Hello lovers! I'm back.......!! How i have missed being on this space...but as you may know i recently got a baby girl thus why i had taken the long break from blogging, seriously you just never have the time to do anything! This however does not mean i forgot to adventure and have fun.!

My office workmates put a trip to climb Mt. Longonot and decided that it would be a great challenge for all of us as a team. It was a bit of a risk for me considering this was barely under 3 months after having a baby!

The journey to Longonot from Nairobi is approximately one and a half hours, then another two hours climbing the mountain and another 3 hours circumnavigating the crater, plus another two hours coming down!

All set for the hike...

Here we go....

The group had to slow down so that i can catch my breath and drink some water and energy booster...

The peak of Mt. Longonot ....

Views from the top...

Safari Requires:

• Good pair of walking boots (broken-in)

•   A Hat

• Walking stick. An adjustable sprung loaded stick is best

• Camera, sun cream, plus your sweater that will be removed during the climb

• All of this hike is over rough ground and has all the hazards of hiking up steep inclines

• Don't under estimate dehydration. Drink water at the end of each section, and as required.

• Rucksack. Large enough to carry 2 x ½ litter of water plus few sandwiches to eat at the top

• The ranger's advice on all matters including your rate of progress should always be listened to.