What determines a perfect holiday getaway?

Every-time you think of going on holiday, alot needs to be considered, however the one things that should never miss on that list, should be FUN! The thought of going on holiday is always a thrill considering you will be visiting somewhere different however the planning and nitty-gritty details...not so much!

Tips on choosing the perfect getaway

1. What's your fancy?
You want to go on holiday but to where? Beach or Safari? Mountain climbing  or gorilla trekking? This is one of the main things to think about when planning a holiday. You need to pick a destination that you fancy, activities that you will enjoy as this will hold your key to your main  agenda, FUN!

2. Who are you traveling with?
Even though this question is mostly overlooked, it is important to understand who you are traveling with and what their enjoy! If you are going on holiday as a family with kids and you all love the beach, then you may want to consider resorts at the beach which have children facilities and programmes such as Watamu beach's Turtle Bay Beach club or Diani beach's, Leopard beach or if you plan on going on a safari, there are certain lodges that do not carter for young kids below 8 years!

3. How much time do you have and when do you wish to travel?
To get a good deal on your  travel you need to know how much time you have for traveling so that you can ride on offers hotels have with common ones such as pay for 3 nights and get 4th night for free? You also need to get the seasons right! What do i mean by getting "the season right"? Most off-peak season periods are almost an assured guarantee that you will get your accommodation/ flight ticket at a much lower price, it also means you can visit the normally "very expensive" destinations at a much better price.

4. What is your budget?
I think this is very straight forward. There is nothing as bad as visiting a place where you spend all your money on accommodation and are left with none to use on activities or a place where you will spend what you had not planned for and after the vacation your left battling with your other bills because you spent all your money while on the trip! It is nice to visit a place within your budget, as this will ensure a comfortable stay, that which will not cause you any ulcers later.

5. What’s the purpose of your trip?
Are you looking into learning something new, like skiing or scuba diving or wildlife conservation? Are you looking for some alone time, bonding time with your partner or family? It is important that when your trip comes to an end, you are left feeling that you achieved your goal. There is nothing worse than a trip coming to a halt and instead of wanting it to last another month....you instead can't wait to get home.

A trip is supposed to create a memorable time, one that made you relax, enjoy, have fun doing the NOT ordinary routine of your everyday life. It is thus why I say; when you plan a trip...give it your all! Make sure it will be a moment in your life that you will treasure forever!

Haven't you heard....we are still a great destination!

I used to be one of those people who would visit a blog and wonder why do they take so long before they update it? Now, I realise it’s just that you end up with 1001 things to do and you end up carrying a guilty conscious of not blogging like you are supposed to.

This week, I’ve decided to display some of my fave safari and beach images, just as a reminder that even though Kenya has lately been depicted as an insecure country and has even been slapped with some travel bans by some countries, well we never stop being the number 1 holiday destination. 

 And for those of you who were thinking of coming to Kenya but are now having doubts, take it from me……there’s always two sides to a coin, the security has been tightened and you really need not fear!

Golfing in Kenya: A mine we are yet to deeply explore?

Due to the nature of my work(tourism), I recently got to do some research on golfing in Kenya and this had me in thoughts! And I mean many many thoughts...

Kenya is mostly known for her wildlife and as safari destination, however, did you know that she's home to over 40 golf courses evenly distributed across the country of which 12 of them have been used to celebrate international world tournaments?! In fact in  2009, Kenya was awarded IAGTO's - Best Undiscovered Golf Destination!

In my opinion i feel that we as a country may have not utilised that award very well, considering that Golf is undoubtedly one of the world's best traveling sports!

Golf offers the chance to relax and unwind in a natural environment while participating in a highly competitive and skilled game. For the golfer seeking a diverse range of golf courses, combined with the best wild life safaris in the world and white sandy beaches, world class standards and service, Kenya is the perfect choice.

The question posed to especially our tourism board is can we start selling Kenya as world class golfing destination? If going by the newly developed Vipingo Ridge world class golf course at the coast is our future, should this not be a project if well utilised could aid a change in our tourism?

Lupita Nyongó  has already set the ball rolling with her Oscar win giving the country numerous mentions across the world thus creating great publicity for Kenya, so why not give the world something new (golfing destination) instead of what they already know (wildlife safaris) !

So... #TeamKenya, should we change how this game of marketing our country, or what do you think?

Types of Safaris in Kenya that you may not know exist?

When someone tells you that they are going for a safari to either Uganda or Rwanda, usually the question that follows is “Are you going for a Gorilla trekking safari?”

When most people are told of a safaring in Kenya, what comes to mind is the game parks and wildlife viewing or soaking up the sun on the tropical beaches. However, did you know that Kenya offers these?

Horseback Safaris: 

The main attraction of horse safari is the joy of riding good horses in the wild as you enjoy the landscapes dotted with game. The riding is varied, sometimes quietly walking, stalking big game and admiring the bird life, sometimes cantering through the water-meadows alongside the game! These kinds of safaris are mainly popular in Laikipia and Masai Mara.

Camel Riding Safaris:

As in the Horseback safaris, these are more aligned to being walking safaris aided by camels. These kinds of safaris are usually done in eastern Laikipia, an area north of Mt. Kenya known for its wilderness and wildlife. 

Biking Safaris: 

Biking safaris are mostly done in areas around the lake-parks, that is in Hell’s gate – Lake Naivasha Park and in Lake Nakuru National Park. Most biking safaris are aimed at people who will in the course of the safari do a hike, rock climbing or bird watching, thus you can see where the two “Lake area Parks” come in.  

Spotting the Flamingos

A few years ago when you wanted to view flamingos, it was obvious that all you needed to do was visit Lake Nakuru and you would find thousands of the birds by the shores of the lake. However, as time has gone by, the water levels of Lake Nakuru have gone up submerging the algae which was the main thing that the birds fed on.....

As a result the Flamingo birds have migrated and move to Lake Bogoria. My advise on tourists who are keen on bird life around lakes is that now Lake Bogoria is a host to not only flamingos but other bird species to, so it is slowly making it's way to a birds paradise in Kenya.

My top five game viewing areas in Kenya

Over the years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel to many game parks, game reserves and conservancies across Kenya. Well, the truth is I am a sucker for wildlife and have this crazy obsession, especially with the Big cats. I even feel like I should do a series about the wild cats! (Idea bulb just popped up my head...hahaha) So recently, I stared to rate my top places that I felt I loved the most and this is what I came up with......

5. Samburu Game Reserve 

Situated in the hot and arid fringes of Kenya's vast Northern Frontier District and covers an area of 104 square kms on the northern bank of Ewaso Nyiro river. The area is home to the Samburu tribe, pastoral relatives of the Masai. The landscape is rugged and dramatic - against a backdrop of volcanic mountains, gaunt hills and withered scrub tree punctuate the sparse and dry terrain with clusters of the incredibly hardy desert rose providing the occasional flash of vivid colour.
  
Wow factor: The Ewaso Nyiro river! The river is the lifeline of the area, runs along the southern boundary dividing Samburu from Buffalo Springs Reserve. What makes it amazing is the number of Crocodile and hippo in it and how they share the river with the many small herds of elephant which bathe and frolic in the muddy brown waters during the heat of the day before returning later to graze on the lush vegetation of the riverine forest! Buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and plains game may also be seen but a special feature of this reserve are the various species of game unique to these northern parks - Beisa oryx, the long necked gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe and the blue shanked Somali ostrich.

Places to stay: I recommend Elephant Bedroom, the views from this camp are to die for! Other camps would be Samburu Intrepids and Samburu Lodge. 

4. Amboseli National Park  

Amboseli is famous for its big game and its great scenic beauty - the landscape is dominated by Mt Kilimanjaro, marking the border of nearby Tanzania. The national park embodies five main wildlife habitats (open plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush country, swamps and marshland) and a generally dry lake bed - Lake Amboseli.

Wow factor: The elephants! There are so many, mostly in herds, its just breath taking!

Places to stay: I would recommend Tawi Lodge, rooms very well spaced, run by owner and she is hands on, excellent service! Other places would be Tortilis Camp, Serena Amboseli and Ol Tukai Lodge.

3. Masai Mara National Reserve 

Considered by many to be one of Kenya's finest game reserves, the rolling grasslands offer ideal game viewing and photographic opportunities and the grassy plains are broken by rocky outcrops which are a favourite midday resting places for lion, for which the Mara is famous.The Mara is also famous for the wildebeest  migration.

Wow factor: Though a bit obvious, the migration is just spectacular! Watching hundreds of these animals move across the Mara river is amazing!

Places to stay: The list is enormous, but Entim camp or Karen Blixen Camp (though located outside the park) are good.

2. Ol pejeta Conservancy

Morani - The Rhino; Image credited to http://www.theserenaexperience.com

Ol Pejeta is East Africa’s Largest Black Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees and holds some of the highest predator densities in Kenya.

Wow factor: The black Rhino's - being an endangered species, it is good to interact with places where they care so much about the animals.

Places to stay: Though not very many, Ol Pejeta bush camp, Porini Rhino and Sweetwaters camp are grate. 

1. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Lewa conservancy, once a cattle ranch owned by the Craig/Douglas family, who first came to Lewa Downs in 1922, and managed it as a cattle ranch for over 50 years. As the plight of the black rhino became desperate in Africa, the ranch was converted into the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary. Lewa has rich wildlife and has an assurance of grate game viewing! In late June 2013, the World Heritage Committee extended the boundaries of the Mount Kenya World Heritage Site to include Lewa and Ngare Ndare Forest.

Wow factor: Besides playing host to Royals and celebrities such as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge -Kate Middleton and her husband Duke of Cambridge -Prince William,  Lewa gives an array of luxury holiday, combined with  a lot of wildlife, with a twist of sophistication and class. Its just a big WOW!!

Places to stay: Honestly I have not come across a place to stay in Lewa that was not above average, however Lewa House is breathtaking and so is Lewa Camp! 

This is my simple take on Kenya's finest game viewing places in Kenya, Do you agree? What is your number one? Tell me more! 

Happy Holidays & a Happy Birthday to me!

 When we get to this time of the month I get pretty excited. I know....you must be thinking but you are a grown up, you should not get excited about Christmas?! Hahahaha...

Truth is, besides the festive season, today I also celebrate my birthday! And this means I begin the 3 year countdown to the big 3-0!!! Well , I would like to think of it as though I am only getting wiser....and just like wine, I get better!

The second thing to be excited about is that my homeland Kenya is celebrating her 50 years anniversary of independence! If that is not something to party about then I am not sure what is! 

 
The third thing that makes me get excited is the obvious, the Christmas season. Though not the first Christmas celebrating with my daughter, it is the first that she is conscious  of the holiday, with Christmas carols and decorations, and she really loves the Christmas tree! So yes...I am very excited!

All in all, I wanted to wish you all a lovely festive period and to extend my gratitude and Asante (Thank you) for all the support you have given me this year! I look forward to making the blog even better and hopefully keep you locked to it!

Lot's of Love, Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2014!

Cheers!
xoxo

The Wildebeest Migration is back or are the beeste here for the Kenya at 50 Party?!

Last week, rumors of the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara taking place surfaced!Today, we can now confirm, that they really are back!

In a rare and dramatic shift, the wildebeest and zebra herds are reported to be back from northern Serengeti where they had moved to following some mid-season rains in October. The herds had presumed the time to relocate to the Serengeti had come, but local rains in the Mara ecosystem have changed that. The plains are now greened with fresh grass and luscious shots and it is our assumption that if the weather continues like this, there is a likelihood of wildebeest giving birth in the Mara like it was the case in 1998.

Reports coming from the Mara indicate that the wildebeest are moving north of Mara Intrepids Camp through the Olare Orok Conservancy and across Posse Plain down to Sand River. The wildebeest and zebras are said to be everywhere, with crocodiles and other predators already enjoying their early Christmas feast! 

So...if you had planned to see the migration but somehow you got caught and never got to witness it, nature might just be giving you a second chance this year or perhaps the animals heard Kenya were celebrating their golden jubilee since independence and decided to stay over for the party?! Hahahaha.....

For Masai Mara bookings, contact Uniglobe Let's Go Travel. 

Original post - Uniglobe Let's Go Travel  

Saving our Elephants and Rhinos

Last week I sent out a press release that was posted on blogs that I publish, here and our company blog Lets Go Travel, Kenya. The post spoke of how conservationists were doing their best with the latest campaign to try and save our elephants with the campaign being dubbed, Hands off our elephants!

Truth is, I do not think people understand how serious this is! It is said that if the current trend on Ivory poaching continues, we basically expect all the elephants to be extinct within 10 years! If this is not alarming enough, then let me break it down to you with what Citizen TV news anchor, Johnson Mwakazi would call SENSE....

Tourism is one of the main pillars of economy in Kenya, with it being the 2nd largest source of foreign exchange revenue following agriculture. This means that at least a high population depend on tourism to put food on their tables! Think of it, for this industry to function we need other sectors such as the communication sector, food & poultry, transport etc. But all these other sectors to have business depend on that tourist who is coming to see that Elephant that we are killing for the sake of Ivory trade!

Figures point out that 384 elephants were slain in 2012, expectations are that this year will be even worse: 92 elephants and 17 rhino were poached in the first 10 weeks of this year - 12 of which were killed in one go, in Tsavo East national park!

Of course, Rhino horn / poaching is not exempt with just in the recent past, Lewa wildlife conservancy, a conservancy created in order to protect the rhinos saw two black rhino - one just three days old - gunned down even though the conservancy has an aircraft patrolling the skies and  heavily armed protection unit, poachers still got in and out,in efforts to get the rhino horn!

All I am trying to say is this, if we could create more awareness, more strict penalties such as the raised fines and jail terms... just maybe the "kingpins" who basically contract the middlemen, who in turn contract the ground poachers would be scared to trade!

What do you think we should do to stop this Killing of our Elephants and Rhinos?

The Migration is on!

So very typical, any safari enthusiast or consultant will tell you that this is it! The Wildebeest migration is on!
Reports indicate as from late last week, the sighting of these amazing and unique creatures have been seen both from the Loita Plains and the Serengeti.

About the Migration: 
Each year, round about the same time, thousands of Wildebeest, some Topis and Zebras move across from the Serengeti in Tanzania, across the Mara river into the Masai Mara reserve. The migration is accredited to change of weather patterns across the Serengeti and Masai Mara Eco-system, these animals are said to move in search of their "survival" looking for fresh grazing areas.
 

Even though this is considered one of the most expensive periods to travel to the Masai Mara, it is very possible to get a good travel deal to witness the Migration. Also, you could always consider camping if you are a group or join one of the many camping groups that have set departures across the migration season (July - end October) and be assured to have an adventure of your life time!

For bookings or enquirers to experience the Masai Mara, email me.

Images courtesy of Google.

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.