Happy Holidays!

We take this opportunity in wishing you a very Happy Christmas and all the very best for the festive season.

Please be careful in your travels particularly on the roads as they will be busy and for flights, be at the airports in good time.

This last Saturday Royal Jordanian Airlines just started a service to Nairobi from Amman (4 times a week) and have a wide network via Europe and to the East.  Jordan has some great history and a visit to Petra or float in the Dead Sea are well worth the experience.  Make a plan for next year.  

Call us for more details.

With best wishes at this time and may 2012 be a better year for all of us and hopefully throughout the world!

Emergency Numbers and when our offices are closed

Should you need to contact us during this holiday period, please remember we are on call 24/7 and it will be best to try any of the Managers listed below.

Dennis 0722753095, Roda 0721206166 or 0733753452 of ABC Head Office, and Angelica 0722370681 of Karen branch office. If calling from overseas please add country code 254 without the first 0 ! 

These numbers and the regular office numbers are on your air ticket documents.

We are closed from Saturday 24th December midday through to Tuesday 27th December inclusive. Again from Saturday 31st December midday through to Monday 2nd January, inclusive.

Tourism a threat to the Watamu endangered Turtles

For those of you who have ever had the chance to enjoy a holiday at Kenya’s Watamu – Malindi beach,you  know how much of heaven these sandy, white, lovely beaches have to offer. This week I happened to stumble upon a very interesting and educative article written by Jessica Aldred of the online portal of the guardian magazine. I had always known that Turtles were among the many species on the IUCN list of endangered species but it is only after thoroughly reading this article did I realise the level of seriousness about this matter. In the article, she brought to light the fact that as much us we are embracing tourism at the coast, Irresponsible tourism could result in destroying one of the main reasons as to why we have tourists at our beaches!

A baby green sea turtle – one of the five turtle species that can be found in Kenya. Photograph: Michele Westmorland/Getty Images

Facts:

•   Eight tourists at the beach equal to one job created in the tourism sector.
•  Female Turtles nest their eggs on the beach shores.
•   Five of the world’s seven species are found in Kenya, green, hawksbill, olive ridleys, loggerheads and leatherbacks.
•   All  turtle species are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. In the past 50 years the population has declined by 80% and the WWF say if the trend continues, there will be no marine turtles in existence in eastern Africa.
• Of the turtles admitted in Turtle help centres such as the Local Ocean Trust’s Watamu TurtleWatch, 62% of the turtles are brought to the clinics because of human related causes many associated with tourism. 

As I read these facts moving from one point to the next, I reminisced on what would happen if marine life was extinct and how the sea would no –longer be appealing or be one of the main attractions that undoubtedly bring in so many tourists at our local beaches. This also led me to thinking about the root of the no tourists’ consequence that we would face as a country! So the ultimate question that needed to be answered was, how was tourism taking turtles from Kenya’s blue waters?

Photograph by Nick Caloyianis - National Geographic

•  Disposing of litter in the sea is one of the hazards. This is dangerous to Marine life as turtles may mistake the clear plastic waste for jellyfish and can die if they eat it.
• Buying products that have been made from sea turtle parts or any marine life. This will only make those who sell to you these items go back in the sea for more of the animals so they can sell more!
• Stay at beach resorts that do not have responsible beachfront management practices, for example banning bright lights that face the beach and can confuse nesting turtles.
• Driving motorised vehicles on the beach and as a result compacted sand from vehicles makes it difficult for turtles to dig nests.
•  Restaurants that serve undersized crabs and lobsters as this contributes to the species’ demise.
• Snorkeling and diving are encouraged but under the supervision of KWS wardens who work closely with local tour operators and hoteliers to ensure strict adherence   to marine wildlife code.
•  Removing, damaging or touching corals. They are living organisms that take years to grow and support the many species.

These are just but a few things that if observed could save our marine life. It may all not be 100% possible at present but we can meet at least 99.99% if we keep our conscious awake and practice responsible tourism, and as KWS say, “Leave only footprints in the sand and air bubbles in the water.”

NB: Some resorts at Kenya's Watamu Coast that have good beachfront mahagement are Hemingways Resort, Turtle Bay Beach Resort, Ocean Sports.

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!!*

Lamu Cultural Festival

This week Lamu, one of the islands on our Kenyan coast, will be celebrating the 11th Lamu Cultural Festival since it was declared a World Heritage Site in 2001. The festival has and continues to celebrate the unique and rich Swahili heritage of the Lamu Archipelago. The festival gives an opportunity to experience the islands sandy white beaches, the historical old town, friendly and warm people just to name but a few!

The festival runs from 24th November till the 27th November, and is organised by the Lamu Cultural Promotion Group. A number of activities take place such as a showcase of   showcase of traditional dances, displays of handicraft and competitions on water and land (Swahili poetry, donkey races, dhow races, henna painting), Swahili bridal ceremony and musical performances. 

Please see the cultural itinerary below:

11th Annual Lamu Cultural Festival Programme 23 – 27 November 2011

Wed. 23rd - Sun. 27th 

Exhibition: ‘Memory and Identity’ Tracing Asisan Muslims of Lamu, Lamu Fort

Wed. 23rd 

19:00 – 21:00

Film/discussion ‘Sauti Muhimu: Kuongeza kuhusika kwa jamii katika maendeleo’, - Mkunguni square

Thurs. 24th

09:00 – 11.00

School Parade and Students Performance - From Mkunguni Square along the Seafront

16:30 – 18:00

Finals of the Football tournament - Pamba roho Ground

20:00 – 23:00

Madrasa tul madina from Mombasa - Mkunguni square Kasida 

Fri. 25th 

09:00 – 16:00 

Traditional displays, next to DC’s office

13:00 – 16:00

Jahazi Race - Swimming preliminaries, Seafront 

16:00 – 18:00

Dances: Shabwani, Kirumbuzi, Mdurenge dances - Seafront & Mkunguni square

20:00 – 22:30

Dances: Chama cha Matondoni (Matondoni Village), Goma la Siyu (Siyu village), Uta Dance (Lamu Town), Goma la Barani, Tari la Ndia (Pate village) - Seafront & Mkunguni square 

Sat. 26th 

09:00 – 16:00 

Traditional displays - next to DC’s office

10:00 – 11:00

Donkey race - in front of Lamu Museum

10:00 – 12:00

Book Launch (RISSEA /NMK) - Mkunguni square

1. ‘Jawabu la Mwana Kupona’ by Ali A. A. El-Maawy

2. “Kiswahili Research and Development in Eastern Africa” Editors: Rocha Chimera, Mohamed Karama, Ahmed Hussein and Khalid Omar 

3. “Kioo cha Nafsi” By: Jamil S Al –Jabry

4. “Mapisi ya Waswahili na Lugha yao Ya Kiswahili By: Prof. Sheikh Ahmed Nabahany

11:00 – 12:00

Canoe Race - Seafront

14:00 – 16:00

Mashua Race final, Swimming final - Seafront

16:00 – 18:00

Prize giving - Mkunguni square

19:00 - 22:00 

Food Bazaar (traditional Swahili cuisine)  - Sunsail Hotel

20:00 – 21:00

Swahili bridal display, Vugo dance/Traditional outfits show Dances - Lamu Fort  

Giriama dance, Pokomo dance, Orma dance, Chama cha Matondoni - Mkunguni square and Sea front

21:00 - Dawn

Live performances - Mkunguni square

- Spotlight on Kenyan Music concert, Focus on music of the pastoralists

- Praful Kumar and party, Bollywood music

Sun. 27th

09:00 – 12:00

Traditional displays - next to DC’s office

16:00 – 18:00

Dances Seafront/Goma la Barani, Mdurenge, Kirumbuzi,Uta Dance, Giriama, Orma - Mkunguni square

19:00 – 20:00

Documentary screening on the Lamu Cultural Festival - Mkunguni square 

20:00 – 23h00

Open Concert. Mohamed Shalli, Sani & Party, Lamu Local artists Lelele Africa By Mbarak and party - Mkunguni square 

Image and Itinerary courtesy of magicalkenya.com

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