The Camel Derby

When we think of Samburu Game Reserve, our minds tend to think of the hot and arid fringes of Kenya's vast Northern Frontier District that covers an area of 104 square kms on the northern bank of Ewaso Nyiro River. An area that is home to the Samburu tribe, pastoral relatives of the Maasai people. A landscape that 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. We tend to imagine ourselves on game drives or relaxing in the amazing safari lodges that are present in the Samburu. What we do not tend to think is......  A Camel Derby!

Samburu Maralal International Camel Derby:

The Samburu Maralal International Camel Derby (SMICD) is an annual event held in August of every year at Yare Camel Camp in Maralal town, Samburu County.  Yare Camel Camp is in the northern region Kenya at the heart of the nomadic pastoralist Samburu people who are related to the Maasai. 

The event has been on-going for 23 years and was initiated by the late Malcom Gascoigne who was the proprietor of Yare Camel Camp. It draws participants from all over the world- Australia, New Zealand, America, Canada, England, France, Spain, Japan, China, Mexico, Sweden, Holland, Italy,  South Africa  and many other countries. 

Creating the perfect blend of culture, adventure and action, the finest camels of Kenya are gathered in a display of competition and sportsmanship.

The event details:

The dates for this year’s event are 21^st August – 26^th August, 2012. Entrants register for participation. Camels are available for hire and come with saddles and handlers. All camels are given a vet-check by the official vet officers. The camels are rendered tick free 4 days prior to the event.  The prizes consist of Cash, Trophies and Certificates. Sponsors are also recognized and appreciated for sponsoring various events.

For event details courtesy of :  http://www.yarecamelcamp.co.ke/Programme.php

For lodge and camp bookings contact us: info@letsgosafari.com 

Embracing December

December is a month highly associated with festivities, the main reason being because of Christmas and also the New Year! As Christmas hymns dictate, it is a season to be jolly!

One year ago, we posted our first blog, writing about Christmas, posing the question whether or not you had booked your Christmas getaways early enough to secure your dream holiday? I remember advising that to avoid the sound of our ever charming consultants saying to you  "I am sorry sir, all places are fully booked!" Well, let's just say that the advice may have gone out through the window, but hey, do not despair, there are still a few places here and there that still have availability, all you have to do is give us a shout, your budget and we will be quick to match your holiday desires.

With December, this not only means  holidays, chocolate cakes, parties, gifts and all the fabulous treats, but it also means that next year is only four weeks away! This means, new year resolutions,plans, budgeting, purchases, targets, the list is endless! With this running through our minds we started to question, which places did we visit this year that we thought were awesome or thought were exaggerated and were not as good as said? We also started wondering which places would be great for 2012 in terms of location and attractions? Where would we and our clients love to explore? The questions just kept on moving from this to that.... we even got the point where our thoughts were asking, who do you think would make the top10 must visit destination in 2012, if we were to create our own list? Lonely planet already have their top 10 cities,countries and best value for 2012?! What and who would our list contain?

The Pelican Lodge Elementaita

In 2011, we saw hotels such us The Emakoko emerge as an amazing attraction in the world's safari capital Nairobi, Serena Hotels Lake Elementaita Camp and even The pelican Lodge still in Elementaita, a place we once nicknamed, the undiscovered gem in the Rift Valley! Many high - end, sophisticated and unique places that could take up at least five separate blogs with us just naming them! This means that there are so many new places that we are yet to enjoy and have a taste of. The more we think of this, the more we look forward to 2011, bearing in mind that alot of speculation about 2012 being the year that the world supposedly will come to an end! Reports even suggesting this could be our last ever Christmas to celebrate?!

All said, there are many properties and destinations that remain untapped and would serve as great adventure and treats for our holidays. The best 2012 resolution we would suggest is for you, is to contact us so that you can start finding out more about these raw and fresh destinations and properties. This will help you budget and plan in advance, that way making sure you do not strain your budget when the vacation time comes. This will also give you an added advantage and a reason to brag and show off your travel skills and knowledge infront of your family, friends or spouse by showing them how well your knowledge in the new travel products are, and yes... we will not ruin your moment when it comes,by saying you got all that information from us!

*Happy Holidays!!*

King of the Jungle Endangered

Known for its majesty and prestige, the lion, nicknamed "the king of the jungle" is an animal know of it's strength and beauty. For centuries, the lion has been one of the main attractions in any game park or reserve across the globe. Lions have fascinated people from all walks of life with documentaries and  movies such as the Lion King keenly emphasising on the lion and their families.

Lions vary in colour but commonly are those that sport a light yellow-brown coat. Mature male lions are unique among big cats due the thick brown or black manes that encircle their necks and protect them while fighting, whereas the mature female lions are the pride's primary hunters, often working together to prey upon antelopes, Zebras, wildebeest and other animals in the naked wild.

The Lion population in Africa has rapidly reduced since the early 1950's and today fewer than 21,000 remain in all of Africa. As a fact lions are facing an indirect threat from climate change called co-infection and periodically face outbreaks of the disease distemper though this causes few death with an exemption of the period 1994 - 2001 which caused massive die-offs with researchers saying the epidemic was due to the occurrence of a server drought. This would then factor in the issue of deforestation by humans which causes weather change and as a result drought is experienced. It is warned that droughts such as the ones that bring about co-infection in lions are predicted to become more as the climate warms which we can rightfully say,  indirectly humans are the cause of the weather change.

Lions are also facing many more human threats such as population growth and agricultural expansion, resulting in loss of natural habitat, hunting, poisoning and poaching just to name but a few.

Facts about the Lion:

• Lions are about 4 feet (1.2m) (males) in height and approximately 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4m) (males), length. 
• They weigh 330-500 lbs (150-227 kg) (males) in general, female lions are smaller than males. 
• Their lifespan is placed at 10-14 years in the wild, however if in captivity can last for over 20 years!
• Lions top speed is rated at 50 mph (81 km/hr), for short distances . 

Defenders of wildlife and conservation groups are continually advocating for the life of lions, with campaigns being put across, blogs, news papers and magazine articles being written among many other channels including Social Media. We however feel that we can do more by educating people on the topic using simple viral methods or simply, planting a tree to help sustain the environment. 

"Visit one of Kenya's parks today and see a lion and the other big five. http://www.uniglobeletsgotravel.com "

Who says a holiday has to be the beach or the wild?

As our title above questions, who said that a holiday has only got to be spending time in the wild or spending time soaking up the sun by the beach?

Last week over a conversation on the social networks we came to the realisation that more and more people are no longer interested in just the same old holiday getaways where you visit a destination and just go for sight seeing! Not that there is anything wrong with that, but people have come to embrace the kind of safaris that we term as "activity" trips.

Eve D'Souza, Sagana

Over the past thirty years that we have been in the travel business we have noticed a pattern indicating that these trips are seemingly of preference to people now as compared to five years ago. It is a good  indication that people have developed interest in holidaying while per taking an activity. This trend may be because people are keen on not just having fun but building their state of well being, mentally, spiritually and physically.

Activity Safaris

• Bungee Jumping
• White Water Rafting 
• Snorkeling 
• Deep Sea Fishing 
• Scuba Diving 
• Mountain Climbing or Trekking 
• Gorilla or Chimp Tracking 
• Boating 
• Sky diving 
• Biking

One of our newest "activity" safari is a health retreat meant to build you emotionally and physically, a yoga treat at Laikipia's latest addition;The Suyian Soul. This safari is a 3 days yoga and botanical adventure, created to for the sole purpose of healing broken relationships..finding out about avoidance and allowing trust to return into our lives! This treat consists of Bowen therapy, Bach flower remedies - healing Gestalt therapy with Ammet and transformational yoga with Anne, where you learn the process of awakening supreme consciousness by cleansing our body of toxins and generating lasting energy!

Another latest addition is  bungee jumping at Kenya's Sagana - Tana river, where our twitter followers suggested a trip specially created for them under the #TembeaKenya ! A great initiative credited to our Kenyan Tourism Board - Magical Kenya.

Short Itinerary:

The tweeps affair - Bungee Jumping in Sagana

10th December 2011 (Nairobi - Sagana) 
12:30pm - Meet at ABC Place, Waiyaki Way Westlands where our offices are located. Depart for Sagana.
03:00pm - Arrive at Sagana, settle in and relax. Those willing to take the Bungee Jump on that day get to do it.
06.00pm - Freshen up for Dinner
08.00pm till late - Barbecue dinner by a bonfire plus fun activities.

11th December 2011( Sagana - Nairobi) 
08.30am - Breakfast  at the camping ground
10.00am - Bungee Jump (Those who did not jump the previous night)
12.00pm - Lunch at the camping ground
02.00pm - Depart for Nairobi

Rates:
KES 5,000 - Transport, food and accommodation.
KES 4,800 - Cost per Bungee Jump

For details contact Samuel or Angela;
 Email: Samuel@letsgosafari.com / Anjehia@letsgosafari.com
Tel: 0722331899 / 0733873625 / 4441030 / 4447151 
Skype: samuellgt or angelalgt1 
Twitter: @LetsGoTravelKE

Taking advantage of November

Time and time again, travelling and touring has been viewed as one of the most popular hobbies yet one of the most expensive. The pleasure we get in visiting unknown destinations or relaxing by the beach and soaking up the sun has always seemed to appeal to just about anybody so long us they are willing to spend.

Touring and travelling can become quite expensive especially if you are not at per with your preferred tour destination price seasonality. With the current harsh economic times, it is difficult to just decide on taking up a trip especially if it is unplanned. It is important to know which season the price goes up and which season the price is likely to be lesser than the usual price. This will help you plan and spend within the means of your budget which in turn will assure you of still having your much desired trip at a fairly priced package.

In Kenya, the season are as follows however always confirm when booking as different hotels and lodges may have their own categorised seasons:

• 15th December - 05th January (Peak Season) 
• 06th January - 31st March ( Mid / Low Season) 
• 01st April - 30th June (Mid Season ) excluding Easter period which is termed as peak season 
• 01st July - 31st October (Peak Season)
• 01st November - 14th December (Mid/ Low Season)

As for local tourists the low season periods are actually most advisable because the prices are usually really, really good! With fantastic discounts flying high. This is why we insist that with the beginning of November, if you feel your family or friends should take up a holiday or if you want a romantic getaway and think it is a bit too expensive, then this is the time to have it! Take advantage of November and enjoy your holiday but spend less!

Nb: Visit our website and check out amazing specials for both residents and non residents.

Image courtesy of google images from http://www.lifecoachwannabe.com

The Masai Mara Migration

The wildebeest migration is still in the Masai Mara in huge numbers. Last weekend the herds were concentrated between Observation Hill and the junction of the Mara and Talek rivers, moving westwards. There is good opportunity to see the predators, and the huge crocodile as well. 

It is a great time to take the opportunity of flying down for a couple of nights. There are lodges that have space, right in the heart of the action.Just ask us!

Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley

I was recently reading some of Yahoo Travel's articles and one in particular caught my eye. The heading read; 10 new Earthly wonders and among the wonders number three (3) was a stunner! The Kenyan Lake system in the Great Rift Valley!

"Set in Kenya's Great Rift Valley region, the area around three inter-connected shallow lakes—Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita is home to a stunning arena of bird and mammal life. The Great Rift Valley is considered the most important foraging site in the world for the lesser flamingo (the smallest species of flamingo at 3 feet tall)—countless of which can be spotted there—and it's also a top nesting and breeding ground for great white pelicans. Black rhino, lions, Rothschild's giraffe, greater kudu and cheetahs quench their thirst at the lakes." written by Sandra Ramani  

The facts:

About 20 million years ago, the earth's crust weakened and tore itself apart creating a jagged rift, thousands of kilometres long, across the African continent. The land on either side erupted creating great volcanic mountains, while the valley floor gradually sank into a low flat plain. This geologic phenomena, dubbed the Great Rift Valley by the Scottish explorer John Walter Gregory, divides Kenya neatly down the length of the country essentially separating east from west. Subterranean movement is common today as the Rift Valley is home to thirty active and semi-active volcanoes and countless hot springs along its length. 

This string of alkaline lakes and boiling springs northwest of Nairobi includes Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, Lake Elementaita, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Magadi in the south. These lakes are unique because their water is highly concentrated sodium carbonate

. 

This is caused by the high alkalinity from the surrounding volcanic rocks coupled with poor drainage outlets due to the steep sides of the valley. The high evaporation of the surface lake water results in sodium carbonate which creates an ideal breeding ground for algae that serves as an attraction for several species of fish, in particular tilapia. In turn millions of birds flock to the soda lakes to feast on the abundant food supply of algae and fish.

Library: yahoo travel & jambokenya.com

Ruma National Park ; The Antelope's Den

Initially known as the Lambwe Valley Game Reserve,but renamed as Ruma National Park following a request by the local community. The park was gazetted in 1966 and was established as a National Park in 1983 to protect its indeginous population of rare roan antelope,which exists nowhere else in Kenya.

The park lies in western Kenya,close to the shores of Lake Victoria and is situated in Lambwe Valley in South Nyanza, 140 km from Kisumu, 10 km east of Lake Victoria and South West of Homa Bay and 425 km west of Nairobi.The park has a captivating history that suggests that area had been so named by one of Kenya’s most powerful wizard, the much feared Gor Mahia who lived around the park. The park is largely of black cotton soil with surrounding area settled with a mix of small scale cultivation and grassy pasture land with compliments of  mosaic of landscapes ranging from revirine woodland and rolling savannah to magnificent escarpments and towering cliffs, Ruma National park promisies undiscovered wildlife treasures and undisturbed peace.

  

What to see and do?
1. The vivid and varied Landscapes.
2. The Refuge of the endangered Roan antelope also knonw as Korongo in swahili
3. The Orini Antelope
4. Realm of rare birds
5. Wildlife such as the Hyena, Impala,Vervet monkey, Leopard, Buffalo etc
6. Reptiles; the park is rich in reptiles such African spitting cobra,forest cobra,puff adder etc 

 

Where to stay?
There are no lodges within the park however there are two campsites Kamato and Nyati, plusa self catering guesthouse named after the Oribi Antelope, Oribi guesthouse.







 Courtesy of KWS

Ndere Island National Park; Nyanza Province's Secret Heaven

Ndere Island National Park is a small island of about 2.4km2 in Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, in Kenya's Nyanza Province. A nature's heaven approximately 425km west of Nairobi and 35km west of Kisumu city. Interestingly is that Ndere Island was established in 1986 to particularly provide refuge for a small population of Impala that were translocated from Kisumu''s Impala Sanctuary,which now acts as an incentive for people to visit the island.

Locals know the island as Chula Rabour, Chula  meaning island and Rabour meaning red, thus Red Island. The logic behind the naming is because the island is virtually covered with Themeda grass species, whose mature flowers are reddish in colour.The vegetation is predominantly grassland interspersed with trees and shrubs. Papyrus reeds are common along the shoreline. The island is rich in animals such us crocodiles, monitor lizards, hippos and a variety of fish species on the shores while on land, impalas, baboons, vervet monkeys , sitatunga antelope, reptiles, birds with over 70 recorded species and butterflies.

What to see and do?
1. The rolling Homa Hill and Beyond
2. Realm for Bird Watchers
3. Boat Rides

4. Sport fishing and game viewing

Where to stay?
There is one camp site at Ndere mainland (KWS) overlooking the island with modern amenities to compliment the campsite, however there are no lodges within the parks.
Best time to visit?
All year round!

Here comes the Wildebeest Migration!

Masai Mara is arguably the world's most known game reserve, with numerous implausible wildlife documentaries filmed there, such as the Big Cat Diary or movies such as the most recently filmed Disney African Cats. Masai Mara is also known as a top choice holiday destination for anyone wanting to spend their holidays in Kenya, especially after the game reserve was named a world wonder due to its astonishing annual Wildebeest Migration!

Each year thousands and thousands of Wildebeest cross the Mara river into the Mara game reserve, from Tanzania's Serengeti park. This makes for a spectacular experience, nicknamed the "greatest show on earth" and is a must see for anyone on an east Africa safari.  The herds enter the Mara from the west and gather on the plains for a few months until the rains break on the southern plains of the Serengeti in December, when they return south.

The exceptional game viewing, the short grass, the huge lion population are all among the many contributory factors that make the Masai Mara in Kenya such a popular East Africa safari destination that entices people from all over the world to visit Kenya and witness this astounding "show"!  

Each year the migration creates a buzz with lodges and camps all located in the park keeping everyone abreast of where the wildebeest are and where they are moving. This creates excitement that undoubtedly reminds me of a wedding scenario, where the wildebeest replace the bride and all we hear is people echoing; Here comes the migration! 

Strange and Unusual Tour: The Island of Dolls

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to going on holiday. People enjoy hiking, camping, going for game drives or soaking on the sun by the beach. However, following a blog on Nomadic Matt's Site people are now enjoying what we would call "visits to horror islands!"

Known as “La Isla de la Munecas” in Spanish, the ‘Island of the Dolls’ is perhaps one of the creepiest tourist attractions in the world.

The story of this Island in South of Mexico City began when a hermit named Don Julian Santana moved to the island after reportedly leaving his wife for some unknown reason and decided to spend the last 50 years of his life living alone.

The tours to this creepy island came about after the death of Don Julian Santana who was found dead in 2001 by his nephew, in a canal where a little girl drowned with the “haunted” aspect of this story supposedly began when three girls once visited the island and while playing in the water, one of the girls drowned. As a result of her death, her restless spirit haunted the island. Yes, it does kind of sound like a scene from a movie but this is real. Julian, initially put up one doll to ward off this paranormal peril and help put the girls soul to rest so she could pass on to the next life. However, the “activity “of the girl’s ghost only increased with  more and more dolls being placed in the trees in an endeavor to placate the said girl’s spirit. Apparently, Julian only left the island when he was going to get more dolls. It is said that he even used to trade food for dolls. It is also said that each doll holds a portion of the girl’s spirit.

The island was on the Syfy Channel show “Destination Truth”, where a paranormal investigation team spent the night. They apparently saw apparitions and heard voices!

Now, would you like to visit this Island in Mexico?