Thursday 29 September 2011

City Guide - Nairobi

Nairobi has much more to offer for than the crowded and jammed streets. What makes Nairobi a must see city? Well first it used to be called the City in the sun before lack of planning and environmental degradation  took place. That was back in the 80s. The uniqueness of Nairobi makes it a must see why? It has a National Park. Which other city in Africa has a National park within its capital city? Nairobi.


The best way to explore Nairobi is definitely by using a reliable tour guide. A tour guide who will give you an itinerary of where to go and what to see.

What to see: There is definitely lots to see; at the Nairobi National park you can have a game drive here, Nairobi Safari walk at the Nairobi National park where you can take a nature walk, the Giraffe center in Karen, snake park which is at the National Museums and the National Archives the best place to come and learn about Kenya's history.

Where to shop: There are lots of places to shop depending on your budget and what you are looking for. There are four major shopping malls within the city which are all inclusive and they cover some of the major highways: The Galleria at Langata Road, The Junction at Ngong Road, The Mall and Sarit Center in Westlands, Westgate Shopping Mall in Westlands and Capital Center on Mombasa road.

Where to eat: The best solution to all your eating problems actually in terms of finding locations is Eat Out Kenya an online eat out directory with all the major eateries in  Kenya,  in addition the site offers reviews about these places so you get to choose where you prefer to go.


The nightlife in Nairobi is diverse and you can choose to go out at the many clubs located at the central business district or slightly outside the town to areas like Westlands, Mombasa Rd, Jogoo Rd and Langata Rd.


Where to stay: From the Serena Hotel , Heritage Hotel, Safari  Park, Ole Sereni, Panari Hotel  and many others you have a lot to choose from depending on your budget, luxury and your preferred location.

That about sums it up on a sneak peek tour of Nairobi.

Tuesday 27 September 2011

10 Must dos while visiting Kenya

They say when in Rome do what the Romans do.When in Kenya these adventure activities are a must try. We begin with a series of blogs on 'Know your country'and here we shall be writing some of the great treasures we have in Kenya both hidden and known treasures.

1. Kite Surfing


Kitesurfing in Diani
Photo courtesy of www.mydestination.com

Kite surfing is an emerging extreme sport in Kenya. You can have a go at this from Diani Beach Hotel in Mombasa. For those who want to go into advance in the sport there is a school called H2O extreme located at the Diani Beach. H2O Extreme offer the equipment on hire.

2. Camel Trek 
At the Northern part of Kenya experience, camel trek with local Samburu people as your tour guides, as trekking is part of their lives. You can take the option of walking or riding the camels as you trek.


Photo courtesy of goway.com

3. Chartered Flights 


In need of some luxury in your adventure? then chartered flights is one of your options. Kenya has some of these services offered by Safari-link and Air Kenya for those travelers who want to go to their destinations of choice that are not included in the flight schedule.

4. Cycling through the open Savannah


You can take a cycle ride through the country side and get a chance to see the wild and people's cultures.

5. Diving 


Diving the Crab
Photo courtesy of www.destination.com


Diving excursions are a fun activity for adventure seekers. There is so much to do from swimming, island walks to mangrove tours. Dolphin watching trips are also popular with many local and international tourists.
6. Climbing Mt. Kenya
 Photo courtesy of wikipedia.com
Mt. Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the 2nd highest in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro. The mountain has climbing routes and locating a specialist in climbing this mountain will be invaluable in your excursion. There are also walking routes that lead to the main peaks. Accommodation is also available should you want to spend the night and they range from luxury accommodation to basic accommodation. Every one that suits your budget and lifestyle.
7. The Great Migration
wildebeest migration
Photo courtesy of www.kenyatravelideas.com
This is considered one of the wonders of the world. To see the great migration one has to go to the Masaai Mara Game reserve. The migration happens every year from July to October (in Kenya). The migration starts in February in Ngorongoro in Tanzania.
8. Bunje Jumping 
The most favorite place to do this extreme sport is at Tana River near Sagana. You need to sign a 'release assumption of risk' form.
Photo courtesy of whenwegetthere.com

9. Bull Fighting 
photo courtesy of rnw.nl
Bull fighting is an aspect of the Luhya culture, the events are held from time to time in the town. Bull fighting events happen in Sigagala and the winning bull takes home the prize money.
10. Tour in Nairobi City 
There's lots to see in Nairobi from the Uhuru Park, The Ostrich Park, Nairobi Safari Walk at the Nairobi Narional park, you can take a game drive to the Nairobi National Park, The National Museum are just some of the places a visitor would want to check out once they reach Nairobi City .

Saturday 24 September 2011

Air Travel Advice

Article courtesy of professional insurance brokers J W Seagon (Kenya), Bupa International (UK) and http://www.eadestination.com
Whether you are going on a business trip or off on holiday, there are a number of potential health problems to look out for when flying. Even before you step on a plane your health may be put to the test.  Packing, travelling to the airport, long queues at the check-in desk and delays can raise your heart rate and stress levels.
So how can you have a stress-free flight?
Allow plenty of time to get to the airport and plan your trip in advance. Plus, keep the following tips in mind for a healthy flight and you should feel fresh and ready to go when you reach your destination!
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).  Deep vein thrombosis is when a blood clot forms in one of your veins, usually in your leg.  Flying may increase your risk of DVT by slowing blood flow and causing it to collect in your legs. However, it’s not limited to flying - anyone who sits in the same position for a long period of time can develop DVT.  You can reduce your risk by wearing compression stockings (flight socks) on the plane, which help by applying gentle pressure to your legs and improving blood flow.  They can help if you are traveling for at least six hours and are over 40, very overweight, pregnant or have previously had a blood clot.  Walking around the cabin may also help.
  • Cabin air quality.   It may surprise you to know that you’re no more likely to catch an infection when flying compared with any other environment.  The air in the cabin passes through filters that trap bacteria and viruses - similar to the filters used in operating theatres to keep the air clean.  If you’re feeling under the weather after your flight, the air in the cabin isn’t to blame.  It’s probably because you have caught a virus or infection from sitting close to people who are ill.  And if you are feeling unwell, the best way to prevent infections from spreading is to delay your journey until you have recovered.
  • Ear problems.  As the plane climbs the pressure in the cabin decreases causing air to escape from your middle ear and sinuses.  When the plane descends, air must flow back into your ear to equalise the pressure differences - if it does not you will feel pain! Often the best ways to avoid this are simply chewing gum or yawning!
  • Dry skin and eyes.  Low humidity in the aircraft cabin can lead to dry skin and eyes. Applying moisturiser and wearing glasses instead of contact lenses should help to prevent dryness. Also, try to limit tea, coffee and alcohol on board as these can lead to dehydration too.
  • Jetlag.  Flying across several different time zones, your body’s normal circadian rhythms can become out of sync.  It can take your body several days to adjust to the new rhythm of daylight and darkness - known as jet lag.  To try and ease this, if you are flying east, sleep on the plane if it’s nighttime at your destination and don’t sleep during the day when you arrive.  If you’re going west, try to stay awake for as long as possible.
  • Flying with children.  It is fine to take babies on flights when they are one or two weeks old.  Although flying shouldn’t pose any particular health risks to youngsters, the baby may have difficulty equalising pressure.  Breast or bottle feeding your baby, or giving your child a drink during take off and landing, can help.
  • Travel and motion sickness.  Travel sickness isn’t only restricted to car and sea travel, you can also get it on train journeys and air travel as well as on fairground rides and swings.  Symptoms include: feeling nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, sweating, looking pale, rapid breathing and drowsiness.  The symptoms get better as the motion stops or as you adapt to it on long flights and gradually recover.


Coast Fishing competitions in 2011


If you love fishing then this should be in your diary 
21 October - Churchill Light Tackle - Malindi
22 & 23 October - Herbie Paul Fishing Festival - Malindi
20 November - Eye-Go Fishing - Mtwapa
18 December - Christmas Hamper/Open Boat - Mtwapa
26 December - Ocean Sports Kids Christmas Competition - Watamu
27 December – Christmas Hamper Competition - Kilifi
28 & 29 December - Watamu Sea Fishing Club Christmas Competition - Watamu
31 December – Mida Creek Kids Fishing Competition - Watamu

Thursday 22 September 2011

Uganda Trip


Driven by the urge to be Up & About, we are once again fine-tuning
Our 4 by 4’s and our camping gear in readiness for the Kenya versus Uganda football derby.  (7th-9th October 2011)
                     
ITINERARY
Friday 7th
07:00HRS - Pick-up point @ Nakumatt Lifestyle, Nairobi (Moktar Dadda St, off Koinange St.).
09:30HRS - Depart for Kampala Uganda.
                   - Great sightseeing of the spectacular RIFT VALLEY escarpment.
                   - Stop-over for Snacks and refreshments at Nakuru
12:00HRS - A 15 min stopover at Kericho
14:15HRS - Stop over for lunch at Kisumu and thereafter proceed to border.
17:45HRS - Arrive at Busia border for document processing
18:45HRS - Leave busia for Kampala
21:45HRS - Arrive at campsite, set up tent and have dinner.
                   - Fun and games / bonfire.

Saturday, 8th

08:00HRS - Breakfast served.
09:30HRS – The entourage proceeds for a “Mock” football match
                   -  Lunch served @ the campsite @ 1300HRS.
14:30HRS - Proceed to the stadium for the main game.
18:30HRS - Return to camp rest and prepare for dinner.
21:00HRS - Dinner will be served
22:00HRS - Kenyan night
 Guest musician “The God father Nonini” and Harambee stars team photo sessions.

Sunday, 9th

08:00HRS - Breakfast served.
09:00HRS - Shopping
10:00HRS - Proceed to Entebbe’s Lido beach for beach football/ water sports.
13:00HRS - Lunch is served at the beach
14: 30HRS - Proceed for Nairobi

MENU

Friday 7th

The Picnic Lunch:

·        Assorted sandwiches; Ham, beef salami, cheese and vegetable
              Samosas and hotdogs.
·        Vegetable Salad with Mayonnaise served with fruit juice and assorted fruits.

Dinner
·        Mushroom soup served with bread rolls.
·        Spaghetti bolognaises.
·        Fruit salad.
·        Coffee and Tea.

Saturday 8th

Breakfast:
·        Eggs, sausages, bacon and toast.
·        Weetabix/cornflakes.
·        fruit palate with fresh juice
·        Coffee / tea/milk.

Lunch:
·        Tomato Soup with bread rolls
·        Pan fried chicken masala served with lemon rice
·        Fruit palate fresh fruit juice, ice cream.

Dinner:
·        Soup with served with bread rolls.
·        Pan fried liver served with sautéed mashed potatoes.
·        Accompanied with ratatouille vegeatables

Sunday 9th

Breakfast:

·        Same as day 1.

Lunch:
·        Beef biriani and chicken biriani.
·        Ice cream.

EQUIPMENT
As it is our culture, we always travel in style, and at all times maintain the highest
Standards of hospitality, catering and fun.....!

· Roll with 26–Seater out-back Expedition OUTLANDERS.
· Dome-shaped, two-man, tents, safari mattresses provided.
· Safari cook, driver, tour-guide & camp-aides services.
· PS1- Bring along necessary camping gadgets (cameras, camcorders, torches, batteries, iPods, blowing whistles, vuvuzelas.)
· PS2- Bring along your sleeping bag/blanket, personal effects, alcoholic drinks, sun screens, toiletries, hats/caps, practical attire, etc.(in short, jipange..!)
· PS3 – More so, bring along a contagious camping spirit.

TO INDULGE
* KSHS 10,000/= PER PERSON
*(Rates cover transport, food, water, accommodation , campsite fee , Kenya night fee and the game Entry Fee)
Pick-up @ Nakumatt Lifestyle (Moktar Dadda St, off Koinange St.), @ 7am Friday 7th October 2011

Plan B

Besides the modes of transport, other activity programmes will be similar to the activities highlighted above on the 8th and 9th.



Item
cost
Air fare (return) Kenya airways
30,000
Transport around Kampala 2 days
2,000
Game tickets
2,000
Kenyan night Party tickets(performance by Nonini
1,000
Food (2days)
2,000
Accommodation
3,000

Agent fee
2000
Total
42,0000

           
Menu

 Saturday 8th

Breakfast:
·        Eggs, sausages, bacon and toast.
·        Weetabix/cornflakes.
·        Fruit palate with fresh juice
·        Coffee / tea/milk.


Lunch:
·        Tomato Soup with bread rolls
·        Pan fried chicken masala served with lemon rice
·        Fruit palate fresh fruit juice, ice cream.

Dinner:
·        Soup with served with bread rolls.
·        Pan fried liver served with sautéed mashed potatoes.
·        Accompanied with ratatouille vegeatables

Sunday 9th

Breakfast:

Same as day 1.

Lunch:
·        Beef biriani and chicken biriani.
·        Ice cream.


RESERVATIONS
(BOOKINGS / PAYMENTS by 4th October 2011)

Cell No. 0726 072 990 Contact Person:    Lucky Amisi.
E- MAIL: laomondi@yahoo.co.uk.

                                         

Tuesday 20 September 2011

The Little secret called Jipe

Did you know that there is a Lake called Jipe in Kenya? Well now you know. Lake Jipe is located on the south west of Tsavo West National Park and spans along the Kenya- Tanzania border. The lake is frequented by a few visitors because people dont know much about it.

photo courtesy of Anatoly Kotlobay

The area is rich with wildlife from the Lions, Elephants, Buffallos, Girraffes, Warthogs, Impala and  Wilder beasts.


The lake is one of Kenya's important wetlands and receives its main inflow from Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania via River Lumi passing through Kenya.

Kenya wildlife service has three units of bandas if one is interseted in spending a few nights here. They have showers toilets which are communal and 2 single beds each.

Lake Jipe is a beautiful undiscovered place suitable for a Safari Holiday.

Monday 19 September 2011

Safety Tips while visiting Lake Bogoria

Lake Bogoria is located on the Northern part of Kenya. The soda waters of the lake attract a large number of Flamingos. The lake is surrounded by arid landscape and surrounded by the Siracho Range. The lake is volcanically active and the western side of the shores of the lake have geysers, hot steams and geothermal pools.




The lake is home to the largest population of lazer flamingos. The lake also harbours fish Eagles which prey on the flamingos.A lot of information on the lake has been written, however both the local and international tourist are not always informed on taking caution while at the lake.


Tourists need to be cautious while walking on the shores of the lake. There are normally loose grounds and one can slide and hurt themselves in the geysers and hot steams. If God forbid you happen to get hurt the closest dispensary is at Marigat; Marigat Dispensary. Here the best they can do for you is give you a tetanus injection and advise you to go to War Memorial Hospital, the closest hospital in Nakuru which is 145km away.

As a tourist travelling down those sides and you plan to spend a few nights there it would be wise to call and find out if the hotel provides for transport incase of emergencies. Also one should find out whether the hotel hosting has the simplest first aid kit.

Many accidents have happened here and have gone unreported; the victims are normally children on school going trips, some local and international tourists lured into boling eggs and to see how hot the water is.