Update on Loisaba Ranch Fire

On 31^st October 2013, we woke up to the news that Loisaba Lodge and Loisaba Private House had been destroyed by a bush fire; luckily no one was injured and personal belongings and artefacts were saved.

The fire is said to have started mid-morning, probably by pastoralists making tea on the north eastern boundary of the conservancy, and due to the dry bush, thick grass and very high winds being experienced that day, the fire travelled fast, often leaping 30 feet, and burned nearly 25,000 acres of grassland, as well as the Lodge and Private House, before it was put under control.

Even though precaution measures are in place in these lodges, bush fires happen occasionally, especially in the dry months. The Loisaba fire was particularly large and aggressive, but thanks to their teams, no-one was injured, and Loisaba Cottage, Kiboko Starbeds, conservancy headquarters and staff village were saved.

Loisaba community have passed their gratitude to their neighbours, the local community, the County Government and friends who committed time, men and resources to helping them fight the fire.

Due to the integrated nature of the Loisaba tourism operation, with the loss of the Lodge and the Private House the Loisaba management has had to take the tough decision to close down its tourism operations until further notice. Cheli & Peacock which are the lodge booking and marketing unit, released a brief on 5^th November stating that it was in their firm belief that Loisaba would rise like the mythical Pheonix from the ashes of that tragedy to shine like the seven stars from which it takes its name.

We send our heartfelt apologies to the Loisaba Team and look forward to the reconstruction of the Lodge and private house.

NEW LOOK MARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE & SWEETWATERS SERENA CAMP

Serena Hotels, Resorts, Safari Lodges and Camps earlier on in the week, unveiled the new-look refurbished Mara Serena Safari Lodge and Sweetwaters Serena Camp.

The group has over the past year embarked on an extensive refurbishment of these properties while ensuring minimal disruption of normal guest services and comfort.

In Mara Serena Safari Lodge, refurbishment took place in two separate phases; an arrival lobby, reception, gift shop, bar lounge, terrace and the Maisha Spa & Gym which commenced February last year. The dining room was reconfigured to create a new buffet and active cooking areas. All these were completed and have been fully operational since July this year.

In the second phase of the refurbishment, the dining area has now been expanded to incorporate the former bar lounge, and a new coffee station and lounge, new public area washrooms; an internal fireplace, terrace and a court yard were created. These areas are now operational as from 1st October, 2013.

Over the period, the works at the restaurant saw their guests enjoy meals under canvas temporary facilities which continually attracted positive feedback from them.

The final phase of the Mara Serena Safari Lodge refurbishment will involve creation of more terraces by the dining room, and is expected to be complete in December 2013.

Meanwhile at Sweetwaters Serena, the camp has enjoyed a 5-star upgrade whereby in July last year, the camp unveiled 11 new tents that now make up the superior Morani Wing. The new building includes the reception, restaurant, guest lounge, bar lounge, gift shop and kitchen of which, all are now fully operational as of this week.

We at Uniglobe Let’s go travel welcome the Serena upgrades as it gives us the “heart” knowing that our clients will be comfortable and enjoy their safaris with their stay at the Serena properties.