News from East Africa

June 2008

Dear Reader,

You are receiving now the newsletter for Juni 2008. Enjoy reading and if you have comments and suggestions please write to me: straus@kenyaonetours.com
Greetings from East Africa

Karl-Heinz Straus

Direct flights between USA and Kenya to start

Travel between Kenya and the US is expected to become easier and shorter as direct flights between the two countries are realized following the signing of the Open Skies agreement recently. The comprehensive agreement allows for the expansion and liberalization of the bilateral civil aviation relations between the two countries, with the tourism sector being one of the major winners. The number of tourists from the US is expected to increase with the introduction of direct flights due to the ease of travel and increased competition on the route. Kenya would be more accessible to Americans thus helping increase the number of Americans traveling to the country. Currently, the US is the second biggest source market for Kenya after the UK, having toppled Germany two years ago. Delta Airlines, a partner of Kenya Airways through their mutual Sky Team membership will start their flight in 2009.

A ten-to-four cycle marathon by Mount Kenya Trust

This year’s 10 to 4 Cycle Marathon is to be held on 11th October. The map, programme and other information are all available on request. This year there is no entry fee but one has to raise a minimum sponsorship amount. Also there will be a special discount for school groups or companies with over 10 entrants. For more contact Susie Weeks, Executive Officer, Bill Woodley Mount Kenya Trust, PO Box 20139 - 00200 Nairobi, email susie@mountkenyatrust.org

KWS seeks to raise the number of Black Rhinos by 2011 in Kenya

Kenya has unveiled a new national strategy to increase the number of the endangered rhino in the next five years from the current 540 to 700 by 2011. The strategy is part of a bigger plan to raise the number of rhinos in Kenya to 2000 in the next 25 years after they were nearly wiped out by poachers in the 1970s and 80s. KWS also recognizes the role that southern white rhino imported from South Africa play in Kenya's wildlife tourism and education and its importance to the conservation of the indigenous eastern black rhino. White rhinos would be introduced in community areas to boost tourism because they are easier to see than the black rhino.

Nairobi National Museum reopens

After two years of extensive reconstruction work, the Nairobi National Museum will reopen to the public in July 2008. First established 77years ago this is the first time the Museum has been modernized. The Nairobi Museum is the flagship of the National Museums of Kenya, and it showcases Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage and history.

Uganda’s Rhino Sanctuary

Uganda’s only rhino sanctuary, which is located on Ziwa Ranch, is now officially on the tourist map, with a number of prominent tour operators now including a visit to the Ranch enroute to Murchison Falls National Park. One of the sanctuary’s key sponsors, Disney Animal Kingdom, has sent two rhinos from one of their parks in Florida, and is providing on-going support and funding. To find out more about this new facility, which is run by the Rhino Fund of Uganda visit website: www.rhinofund.org

Serena, Kenya plans expansions to boost its safari business

Tourism Promotional Services of East Africa is set to roll out an expansion plan that will see it open new units in Kenya and Tanzania. TPS, which runs Serena Hotels, will open the top end units near Lake Nakuru and Laikipia as well as two luxury units in southern Tanzania. Plans are under way to put up a tented camp at Soysambu Conservancy, which lies between Lake Elementaita and Lake Nakuru, as well as a luxury tented camp in Ol Pajeta in Laikipia. At the same time TPS is in talks with the Tanzanian authorities to finalise leases to put up two lodges of 20 units each, in Southern Tanzania. The two lodges are expected to further strengthen Serena’s presence in the country where it has eight hotels and lodges in the Northern region and Zanzibar.

Gorilla Monument revealed in Kigali, Rwanda

As part of the Kwita Izina festival activities, ORTPN, the Rwanda Office for Tourism and National Parks has unveiled a statue of two gorillas in the centre of Kigali near the City Council offices. Gorilla tracking is a key activity in Rwanda's tourism industry and the monument will be a permanent reminder for visitors and residents alike of what natural treasures Rwanda's mountain forests hold. Since the inauguration of the festival four years ago 85 young and new born gorillas were 'named' and attracted major contributions towards wildlife conservation in general and gorilla protection in particular. Details of the 2009 Kwita Izina festival will be available from ORTPN in due course for potential participants and sponsors.

Kutazama Lodge, Shimba Hills, Kenya

Kutazama is a lodge in an absolutely gorgeous location in Shimba Hills National Reserve on the edge of an escarpment overlooking the Mwalugange Elephant Sanctuary. Built to extremely high standards Kutazama is a luxury retreat which offers full use of the main house areas (lounges and dining area), and guest accommodation in private suites with verandahs, decking and huge beds. One of the most breathtaking features of the property is the huge double-tiered pool, set under a 30ft high cliff, which runs the entire length of the pool area facing the dramatic sunsets plus an infinity edge overlooking the sanctuary. The property extends to 31 acres, of which 7 acres are electrically fenced both for guest security and to keep the elephants out of the garden areas.

Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

The lodge takes its name from the Aruba Dam, an oasis of limpid brown water that forms an irresistible attraction to both man and beast in this otherwise dry dusty and desert country of the Tsavo East National Park. The new Aruba Lodge sits at a watering site overlooking the Aruba dam constructed on Voi river in 1952. The lodge, set amongst landscaped gardens, offers a swimming pool and children’s pool, a fine restaurant, a bar, a cultural centre, a souvenir shop and of course, wonderful viewing platforms.

African Elephant Coalition in Strategic Ivory Trade Meeting

19 African elephant range states have held a consultative meeting - the third in two years - in Kenya's coastal town of Mombasa to re-affirm the anti-ivory trade Bamako Declaration signed in February 2007 in Mali. They will also attempt to find consensus on issues that are considered critical for the survival of the African elephant.

Kenya’s Hotels to be rated again by independent agency

The hotel industry in Kenya will have to undergo new ratings and all star-rated hotels will be classified afresh. Hotels are classified on a ratings scale of one to five stars, based on their social amenities and facilities. This is an important component that hoteliers use when marketing their products. Hotel will be given time to improve their establishments, before classification is done.

The annual Wildebeest Migration - Greatest Show on Earth’ is back in Kenya

Once again, the stage is set for what has often been referred to as ‘the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth’; the annual wildebeest migration which takes place in the fascinating Mara/ Serengeti ecosystem is eagerly anticipated. Currently the animals are on the north of Serengeti National park near Grumeti river heading north. It is expected that the animals shall be crossing over to Kenya in the second week of July towards the Mara Triangle where Mara Serena Lodge is located. The Mara River crossing is truly a sight to behold for this great show.

A visit to Lake Turkana in Kenya

Kenya’s North is desert country - hot, parched and broken by volcanic activity, where endless thorn trees stretch from horizon to horizon. Life here is limited to the hardiest species of wildlife, and the seldom seen human culture follows well worn paths beaten by the tracks of nomadic camel trains. Fossil evidence found in the earth around Turkana suggests that humans have survived these conditions for a very long time- and that Turkana may be the true “Cradle Of Mankind”. With its inaccessibility, harsh conditions, spectacular scenery, wildlife, remarkable cultures and archaeological treasures, Turkana has become a favourite destination with adventure travellers. The first permanent tented camp in Turkana, Lobolo is nestled among 100 acres of lush forest, watered by a series of fresh water springs. The camp has 6 spacious, spotless tents with spring water showers and specially raised beds to take advantage of cool breezes, and provide views of the sunset over the Lake. Lobolo is used as a base camp for journeys around the Lake.

Futher Information

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