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11 Annoying Things About Salary Week

Hey there, fellow Kenyans and payday warriors! Gather ’round as we dive into the rollercoaster ride that is “Salary Week” in Kenya. You know that bittersweet feeling when you see those magical digits pop up in your bank account, signaling the arrival of your hard-earned cash. It’s like a breath of fresh air after holding it in for way too long. But hold on tight, because this journey is not all…

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Two dead as planes collide mid-air in Nairobi, Kenya

Mid-Air Tragedy: Safarilink Plane Collides with 99 Flying Club Aircraft in Nairobi, 2 Dead  courtesy  image A student pilot and trainer have been killed after their aircraft collided with a passenger plane over Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, police say. The aircraft, belonging to a flying school, then crashed in Nairobi National Park, killing the two people. The Safarilink passenger plane returned…

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Surf Air Mobility Signs Aircraft Electrification Deals with 2 Kenyan Operators - FLYING Magazine

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A Comprehensive Guide to Securing Your Dream Job

Introduction:

Kenya's aviation sector is dynamic and rapidly growing, offering exciting career opportunities for individuals passionate about the skies. Whether you're an experienced professional or a recent graduate, this article provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate Airways Jobs in Kenya.

Understanding the Kenyan Airways Landscape:

Kenya boasts a vibrant aviation industry with key players such as Kenya Airways, Jambojet, Fly540, and Safarilink Aviation. Before diving into job hunting, it's crucial to understand the landscape, the different types of roles available, and the specific requirements of each airline.

Exploring Job Portals:

Start your job search on popular Kenyan job portals like BrighterMonday Kenya, MyJobMag Kenya, and Career Point Kenya. These platforms regularly update their listings with diverse opportunities across various industries, including aviation.

Airline Career:

For specific opportunities within airlines, visit their official career pages. Kenya Airways, as the flag carrier, often posts a range of positions from pilots and cabin crew to ground operations and administrative roles. Jambojet, Fly540, and Safarilink Aviation also feature job openings on their websites.

Leveraging LinkedIn:

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking and job hunting. Create a compelling profile, follow aviation companies in Kenya, and join relevant groups. Actively engage with industry professionals and keep an eye on job postings on the platform.

Networking Strategies:

Networking plays a pivotal role in the aviation industry. Attend industry events, conferences, and seminars to connect with professionals. Joining online forums and communities dedicated to aviation in Kenya can also provide valuable insights and job leads.

Government and Regulatory Opportunities:

Check the official website of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) for positions related to aviation regulations and oversight. Government job portals may also feature openings within aviation-related departments.

Recruitment Agencies:

Consider reaching out to recruitment agencies specializing in aviation. They often have insights into the industry's job market and can assist with the application process, helping you stand out to potential employers.

Training Institutions:

Connect with aviation training institutions in Kenya, as they may have information about job placements or partnerships with airlines. These institutions can offer valuable advice on building the necessary skills and qualifications for specific roles.

Conclusion:

Securing a job in Kenya's airways industry requires a strategic approach. By utilizing job portals, networking, and exploring various avenues, you can increase your chances of finding the perfect opportunity that aligns with your skills and aspirations. Stay persistent, continuously update your skills, and embark on a fulfilling career in Kenya's dynamic aviation sector. Please visit here Airways Jobs in Kenya for more information.

[nchacko]

Mara-velous!  Field notes from an almost perfect Spring Break Trip

Jambo!

Always on a quest for that perfect Spring Break trip, we elected to try East Africa in the off season to see how that would stack up with previous visits.  As a veteran of the travel industry and a former CEO of one of the largest luxury travel agencies globally, I have had the privilege of many delightful experiences in sub-Saharan Africa and it remains a favorite.

We took advantage of Kenya Airways’ nonstop from New York on April 5th and left JFK at 1:45pm and arrived a relatively quick 14+ hours later in Nairobi at 10:30am the next day.  Kenya Airways’ Dreamliner service was efficient, on-time and simply the best and most convenient way to get to East Africa.  

We were met at Jomo Kenyatta International airport by our driver Sam Gicho, recommended by an acquaintance in Nairobi, and Sam sped us to our Marriott Bonvoy award stay at the Four Points in Hurlingham.  A bucolic lunch in the gardens of Amani Garden Café, brought home the pleasures of a languorous lunch in the midst of traffic-choked Nairobi.

The afternoon’s post-prandial excursion to the Giraffe Centre, (feeding Rothschild giraffes with their marvelously long tongues) was followed by an obligatory visit to Utamaduni Craft Centre on Langata S Rd in Karen and Langata Link Shops to pick some gifts.  Of Nairobi’s international dining offerings ranging from local BBQ to Asian, we chose Cultiva for its Ecuadorian chef, Ariel Moscardi’s reputation, and its organic farm-to-table, outdoor setting.  Its proximity in Karen was a plus.  Cultiva didn’t disappoint and notwithstanding the culinary mezcla and the non sequitur of eating ceviche and tiradito in Nairobi, this experiment in a culinary global commons was delightful.

On Friday morning, April 7th, Sam sped us to Wilson Airport for our 10am Safarilink flight to Mara Kichwa Tembo airstrip in the heart of the Mara triangle.  One downside of the off season is that there aren’t as many frequencies operated to the various safari camps and lodges. So our pro tip, to save on the higher room rates for a partial day at a safari lodge by spending the first night in Nairobi, were only partially realized with a 10am departure rather than an earlier flight.

50 minutes later, Safarilink’s Cessna Caravan deposited us safely and professionally into the hands of our guide Jeremy Macharia, who met us in an Angama Mara, spotless Toyota Landcruiser.  Walking into the open air lobby in Angama Mara’s South Camp, perched on an escarpment overlooking the Rift Valley, was one of those joyously analog “oh wow” sharp intake of breath experiences, better-than-any-photoshopped-instagrammable-vistas.  Angama’s modern and open design makes the best of the lovely light and the incomparable view, creating this wonderful sense of having a privileged perch overlooking this pristine and perfect spot on Mother Earth, sun dappled plains dotted with trees and tiny animal stick figures.  Simply put, the best safari lodge view I have experienced.  

Our butler Diana, guided us through the sybaritic pleasures of Angama’s multicourse dining options and with the benefit of several glasses of an excellent South African Chenin Blanc, we proceeded to inspect our interconnected tented rooms, 14 & 15.  The glass-fronted rooms with full balconies were a perfect complement to the open air lobby views, with their own take on the plains below, alongside the “Out Of Africa” hillock.  On cue, a tower of giraffes loped past our balcony to complete the perfect moment.  While we weren’t there to spend time in the rooms, their elegant and modern design, luxurious furnishings and tasteful appointments (heated blankets, indulgent showers, included daily laundry, homemade cookies, etc) certainly made a compelling case to do so.  We did change rooms (5 & 7) to the North Camp on our last day and my sense is the lobby views are even better from the North Camp lobby with the added benefit of rock hyrax roommates sunning themselves on the room balconies.

Jeremy took us on our first game drive that afternoon and the over the next 4 days, the Mara Triangle slowly and wondrously unfolded, revealing its stunning beauty, both small and large.  Four days was about the right amount of time to slow down, adapt to the natural rhythms of the Mara, to abandon any anxiety at seeing everything “on the list”, to learn to inhale and exhale with the shifting light and the patterns of behavior, to watch and observe patiently and be amazed that we don’t stop often enough to appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature.  The off season graciously delivered a very low density of other vehicles and my concern at not being in a private concession (where only that safari lodges’ vehicles are permitted to traverse), around restrictions with off-roading in the reserve, were unfounded.  Whether a function of the season, we were also treated to sightings of newborn cubs, impalas, warthogs, elephants, giraffes etc.

I am now a convert to the Mara in the offseason and would highly recommend it, with the caveat that the weather can be a factor, even though it cooperated splendidly and the rains didn’t intrude.  The broader experience does feel akin to the notion of Shinrin-yoku or Waldbaden and this form of communing with nature is thoroughly enlivening and will likely convert you to a conservationist.  

Our time at Angama was punctuated by picnics in the bush (whilst keeping a side eye for imagined predators), sunrise breakfasts and dinners in the open air lobby, outdoor dinners under the stars, cocktails and Maasai performances by the firepit in the boma, visits to the gift shop to see the gorgeous Maasai women beading, dips in the infinity pool and even a walking safari with our Maasai guide Alfred (triggering a delicious frisson to unearth your inner Livingstone) and an armed guard.

One particular standout experience was the dawn balloon ride with Little Governor’s Camp that we took over the Mara river with our acerbic, dry but witty Aussie balloon pilot, Brian Garth.  That feeling of gently rising and crisscrossing the Mara River, skimming the treetops, traversing terrain that is inaccessible by vehicle, seeing the surprise on the animals below at this sight of a balloon silently overhead, gaining perspective rising up, and expertly floating just above ground level while finding the right thermals to land safely, was just incomparable.  The pilot said this was his favorite balloon journey, over the Mara river in the offseason, in all his years of ballooning.

With our Angama adventure at a close on Tuesday, our reluctance to bid goodbye to camp manager Josephat Mwateri, our butler Diana, and the rest of the team, was only tempered by the arrival of a thunderstorm.  

A quick Safarilink flight back to Wilson in Nairobi on April 11th afternoon, deposited us in Sam’s hands.  Sam was kind enough to pick up some pre-purchased whole coffee beans from Kenya’s premier roastery, Spring Valley to take home.  Our perambulations in the Hub shopping mall, facilitated a serendipitous encounter with an entrepreneur selling beaded bracelets in the Mall and playing some wicked tunes, but more importantly a recommendation for trending cool jams from Kenya.  Dinner at Tamarind Brasserie in Nairobi was a splendid introduction to Kenyan oysters, but the ambiance didn’t compare to Cultiva.  

Our midnight flight to Zanzibar on April 12th brought us to a modern but deserted airport and a swift exit through formalities (courtesy of a prearranged eVisa) into the hands of our driver.  80 minutes later we were in the air conditioned comfort of our Prestige Ocean Pool Villa at the Residence.

With the benefit of post-Angama lowered expectations, the slightly faded beauty of the Residence, its infinity pool, individual villa pool, long beach and multi-hued ocean, with Dar es Salaam on the horizon, was a perfect bookend to the safari.  The midday low tide offered a unique walking excursion (with reef shoes!) on the seabed, gingerly avoiding sea cucumbers, sea urchins and all other delightfully weird forms of marine life.  The dining was an unexpected plus and the Swahili preparations of lobster and prawns, delicious, especially in the Pavilion, in the expert hands of chef Lugano Mwasimba and server Ismail Ibrahim.  

On Thursday we took a Safari Blue excursion to Kwale island and its nearby sandbank.  The snorkeling was spectacular and the coral relatively healthy, a beneficiary of a colder current off the Zanzibar coast, according to Richard Walz, the resident chair of the SIT coastal ecology program in Zanzibar, who we met on the excursion.  The turquoise waters were a riot of brilliantly colored tropical fish, amidst a profusion of healthy coral in clear warm Indian Ocean waters.  A beach shack lunch on Kwale island, followed by mangoes, rambutans, and other tropical fruit was fitting.  The final stop was at a sandbank which was movie-picture perfect, white sand, mesmerizing ocean shades and gentle waves.  

Giddy from this marine experience we embarked on a snorkeling redux the next day, directly from the Residence in their boat, with Capt. Abdul Mubarak Suleiman and his deckhand Ahmedi Vuai.  This was a far better and quicker way to get to the sites and impossibly the snorkeling was even better off Pungume Island, and its associated Pungume sandbank was the stuff of fantasy.  

Deliriously happy with our snorkeling and sandbank adventures, we checked-out and left Kizimkazi on Saturday morning for the obligatory trip to a spice farm and then a tour of Stone Town.  Stone Town’s pleasant architecture, spice shops and winding alleyways belie its true origins as one of the world’s main slave-trading ports.  Its wretched and cruel history is worth immersing yourself in.

Our final stop was the at the Park Hyatt in Zanzibar, where lunch offered an air-conditioned respite from the midday heat.  Our flight that evening from Zanzibar to Nairobi seamlessly connected us to our nonstop back to New York, sated and enjoying the 14+ hours to happily reminisce about a wondrous experience and preserve that feeling of Hakuna Matata!

And a final thank you to my expert source of all travel advice and arrangements for Africa, Maggie Maranga of ProAfrika Safaris.

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Domestic airline in Kenya, Safarilink.

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This Festive Season Travel with class & Comfort with @flysafarilink . . . . #travel #dianibeach #safarilink #flysafarilink #flysafarilinktozanzibar #safarilinkjourney #wildspringsadventures #wildspringske #ngangakamau #beautifuldestinations #igmombasa #ignairobi #igkenya💯 #igkenya #travelafrica #africa #mombasa #swahilibeachresort #instagood #instatravel #tembeakenya #whyilovekenya #beach #beachlife #sea #ocean #vipingoridge #travelphotography #blogger #love (at Swahili Beach Resort) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5oKKGJl7ml/?igshid=14b53v7teftzb

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Kisumo pacho

#NEWPOST Kisumo pacho @flysafarilink

You know, there is this small jealousy that used to choke us people of the lake especially with regards to people of the mountain. And I would feel it the most back when we were in campo. Friday comes and everybody goes out with his clan to spoil the city as campus custom requires. The earliest we get back to campo is like 5.30am; properly irrigated and with an inexplicable urge to sing. Our…

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Safarilink to Launch Direct Flights to Zanzibar

Safarilink to Launch Direct Flights to Zanzibar

Regional carrier, Safarilink is set to commence weekly direct flights to Zanzibar from July as demand for trips to the tourist destination soars.

“We thought it wise to provide a new solution and supplement what we already have due to demand the service from our agents and clients,” Safarilink head of sales and marketing Hamisi Mwanundu told Business Daily Africa.

“Our first direct flight on July…

[fararinette]

#tbt of our faces once we touched down #MasaiMara #reserve 😂 #planeselfie #airstripselfie #airstrip #selfie #smile #familledebigleuses On est quand même plus rassurées au sol ... Isn't it @shayrazad ? Thanks for the trip #Safarilink 🛩 #souvenir #Kenya #Africa #visitAfrica #discoverAfrica #Masai #Mara #river #nature #wildlife (à Masai Mara National Reserve)

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Vipingo Ridge Kilifi – Where Local & International Millionaires Hide, Wine and Dine

Vipingo Ridge Kilifi – Where Local & International Millionaires Hide, Wine and Dine

The Kenyan coast real estate industry is often associated with prime beachfront homes, posh gated community cottages and luxury villas and hotels. One such establishment is a multi-million 2,500-acre golf development  property commonly referred to as Vipingo Ridge. Vipingo ridge is Located just 36 km north of Mombasa and can be accessed daily on a flight operated by Safarilink from Nairobi’s…

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Cheap Masai Mara Safari Tour

Looking for less expensive Masai Mara safari offers that won’t set holes in your wallet? Definitely there exists a number of components that impact the money will be paying for your program to this game reserve in Kenya. We will go over these things in this particular piece of writing. (Such excludes one’s own trip total price fares should you be traveling in to Kenya).

Masai Mara is considered the most reputable wildlife park in Kenya not to mention undoubtedly certainly one of the renowned reserves in Africa and even internationally. It has been shown numerous times in serious documentaries just like the ones from the BBC also Nat Geo Wild.

Almost all the big game is to be found right here inclusive of the lions, buffaloes, wildebeests, cheetahs, leopards as well as other wild animals.

The Maasai Mara game protected area acts as host to the globally famous wildebeest migration wherein over a million wildebeests and also zebras relocate from the Serengeti to Masai Mara hoping to find pasture.

The best marvelous aspect of this migration is in the event that the animals go over the crocodile ridden Mara water to the second end of the plains. This site is properly reported in documentaries and additionally visitors ordinarily look for several hours to see this going across and even ????seize plenty of ????beautiful photos not to mention movies.

Masai Mara Safari Deals Pricing: 5 various Factors Having an effect on Your Trip

a. Number of Folks Travelling

Unquestionably, the more individual persons going in the same grouping the much less expensive it truly is for everybody. As long as you get some individuals moving jointly, you get to share the charges which in turn will make it cheaper for all compared to 2 folks taking a trip.

Our Past Customer -Tip: The higher the multitude the individuals in the party less costly this is transport wise

Moreover, dependent upon the age of the children who happen to be on the visit, it will certainly have an effect on the price tag. Offspring under the age of twelve are going to pay a lower charge as compared with just what exactly grownups will be paying.

b. The Time of the year You Will End Up Travelling

The very high season usually is in the course of the wildebeest migration for the reason that more and more people go to the protected area that makes it pricier to secure space . When you want to ????pay a smaller amount, avoid the high season.

-          The high season months are July to November, January and February

-          The low season months are March to May

-          The best weather months are June to October (Little to no rainfall)

-          The “worst” weather months are March, April and May (Peak of wet season)

c. Method of travel

Certain explorers would rather use Masai Mara safari packages that is included in the choice of air travel to Masai Mara yet others would like to travel by road. Obviously flying to Masai Mara would be pricier vs journeying by road.

1. Road Travel

Road transport is one among the widely used medium of transportation for people to Maasai Mara. In Kenya, one can find generally 2 types of motor vehicles which are used in safaris i.e. Toyota Land cruisers or safari vans that hold 6-8 persons (more popular).

Safari van with popup top. Most frequently used

Land cruisers are considerably higher end as compared to the tour vans but nonetheless are incredibly much more comfortable. You seldom experience the wild road when you explore.

Make of land cruiser handled by camps as well as holiday lodges throughout Mara

Journeying by vehicle from Nairobi to Masai Mara can take up to almost 5 to 6 hrs. The hours taken is subjected to the vehicle traffic along the highway from Nairobi to Mai-Mahiu as well as varying weather conditions after Narok Town.

The ultimate stopover from Nairobi is Narok Town where one can stop as well as buy a number of drinks, fuel and take a breather just a bit before proceeding with your current experience.

The access road from Nairobi to Narok is enjoyable and additionally easy all the way up. The same simply cannot be thought of the Narok-Maasai Mara road.

The time it will require to allow you to get to the area is determined by the gate you will end up entering thru at the Mara. The mileage from Narok to Sekenani Entrance takes nearly two to three ½ hrs.

Additional gates of access are consist of Ololamutiek, Oloololo , Musiara, Sand River as well as Talek . Oloololo is the farthest gate from Nairobi; because of that, it bears substantially less traffic coming into the reserve.

You have to remember the location your actual base camp is situated so you are able to make use of the adjacent gate to gain access to this protected area.

2. Flying

To gain entry Masai Mara by flight you will would need to use a flight from Wilson airport terminal found along Langata road. There are various of timetabled planes from Nairobi Wilson to Ol Kiombo. The providers that have these kind of routine plane journeys include SafariLink not to mention AirKenya.

There are a number of airstrips in the Mara exactly where the aircraft alight. They are Ol-Kiombo airstrip, Keekorok, Mara Serena, Kichwa Tembo, Musiara and even Siana airstrip.

The adjacent safari camps next to Ol-Kiombo airstrip includeMara Bush Camp (0 .54 KM) , Mara Intrepids Camp (0 .74 KM) , Mara Explorer Camp (1 .34 KM) , Nalepo Mara Camp (1 .69 KM) , Rekero Camp (3 .28 KM)

The most adjacent masai mara safari lodges near to Siana airstrip consist of: Mara Bushtops (4 .07 KM), Leleshwa Camp (6 .95 KM), Sekenani Camp (7 .27 KM), Oltome Mara Magic (7 .36 KM)

Traveling by air from Nairobi to Masai Mara requires ????close to forty-five minutes four.

d. Style of Places to stay

Midrange Tented Camp

Depending on your own desire, you might have the alternative of going to sleep either in holiday lodges or possibly tented camps. There are actually distinctive classes of places to stay from the incredibly plain to midrange to the more comfy based on what you want.

Some of the cost effective tented camps in Masai Mara consist of: - Mara Manyatta camp, Lenchada tourist camp, Acacia camp, Oldarpoi camp, Rhino tented camp and others.

Very affordable Resort: Mara Manyatta Camp

Midrange lodges as well as camps in Masai Mara comprise of: – Keekorok lodge, Mara Sarova camp, Mara Simba lodge, Mara Sopa lodge and the like

Midrange Hotels: Keekorok Lodge

High class camps in Masai Mara consist of: Governors Camp, Mara Bush Tops, Kicheche camps and others.

Top End Hotels: Mara Bush Tops

Advice: Booking any resort via the safari operator may get you low priced fees. If you reserve all alone by making contact with the camp and also resort directly you can be presented something referred to as a “rack rate” that is extremely high to just what exactly a tour operator is given.

Consult us right now. Click the tab below and an inquiry form will drop down which you can fill in your travel details and contact us.

e. No of Days on Masai Mara Trip

The cost of Masai Mara safari deals likewise is dependent upon the number of days you are going to remain on safari in Kenya. The increased days you remain, the additional you make payment for. In my humble opinion, I don’t find me personally lodging more than two nights in Masai Mara. That is because whenever you witness the wild animals 1 - 2 times it gets quite repetitive (never the less that’s me)

To help make your vacation even more exciting try 2 nights in Masai Mara in addition to one night in lake Nakuru National park.

Add-ons  

Balloon Flight over Masai Mara

If you have got a little bit more cash to spend I recommend a hot air balloon ride over Maasai Mara game protected area. This will likely cost close to $400 per individual nevertheless it is exceptionally memorable. There is usually a particular location exactly where you can congregate for the hot-air balloon trip.

The trip is normally performed at around 6am in the morning time while the sun is merely intending to surge. You have to be picked up from your own lodge or even camp ????and thus guided in to the place where ????the balloon takes off.

After the hot-air balloon trip you can take pleasure in a wild your morning meal that is certainly ????prepared for you in the protected area. For honeymooners this is an amazing flight for them to cherish would finance allow.

When you find yourself interested in a hot-air balloon outing, it can be crucial you ask the safari operator to book the hot-air balloon ride in advance by reason of constrained spot.

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Safaris are expensive and clients often ask if it makes sense to plan a Kenya / Tanzania safari during the long rains (low season) to save some monies. We are expert at extracting value but we draw the line when it impacts the safari experience in a negative way.

  Safari camps and lodges don’t like to sit empty and during low season they will entice travelers with the benefits of low season travel:

  Savings of up to 50% on luxury properties Often times private drives at no extra cost Far more personal attention and management / guides more relaxed The bush is lush and green and there is little dust Lots of new born babies and flowers Animals are more relaxed as they have lots of food and water

  Those are great points… if you are able to get where you are supposed to be and you actually see animals!

  A few considerations…

  Wildlife viewing is, to a large degree, predicated by rainfall. Rain not only provides drinking water for animals but food as plants / grasses need water to grow (animals also get moisture from plants / grasses). During dry periods animals are often congregated around limited water supplies making for very easy viewing. During the rains animals are often scattered far and wide.

  Some places in Africa get a LOT more rain than others.

  Botswana, in southern Africa, averages 12 days of rain during their 5 month rainy season. Rain is so precious in Botswana they named their currency the Pula, or rain. With little rainfall wildlife viewing in Botswana is stellar year round. If the height of dry season is an A+ I would give the rainy season, late November through March a B+. That is pretty good considering low season prices in Botswana are often 50% lower than high season.

  On the other hand Kenya and Tanzania get a LOT of rain… the short rains from mid October through December often don’t materialize however the long rains mid March through May can be heavy – so much so that many lodges and camps close during this time of year.

  The more rain that falls, and the later into the rains you get, the taller the savannah grass gets… with the exception of giraffe and elephant it is very difficult to spot animals when the grass grows taller than a LandRover. There is a Masai saying that the “grass grows to the heavens”. Add to this most bushes and trees are lush and full during this time.

  Getting around as a tourist is also less comfortable / more difficult during the rains… light aircraft transfer flights can be quite bumpy and are often cancelled. Airstrips flood out… roads become impassable. The fine volcanic soils of the Serengeti are like butter when wet. I remember my first visit to the area in March 1990… we stepped out of our LandRover and watched as the wheels slowly spun in 4 wheel drive low – the vehicle was stationary.

  This headline from April 2018 says it all:

  “Tanzania National Parks announced on April 17, 2018 that due to ongoing heavy rainfall, tourist attractions in Lake Manyara National Park are not accessible.”

  In early March this same year I was at Cottar’s 1920s camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara. It rained heavily the night of March 13. This same night Mara Plains had their gorgeous camp extensively damaged by flood waters… so much so that their guests had to be reacomodated elsewhere. Fortunately being low season that was not hard to do.

  A week later I was stranded 3 hours in the Mara Triangle as my plane could not depart to Nairobi due to heavy rains. When we finally departed we had to stop and pickup other travelers at the Serena Lodge… however we could not land as their airstrip was flooded. We therefore had to fly just below the low clouds, swerving to avoid downpours a few hundred feet over the Mara, to another strip where we landed and waited 2 more hours in the chilling midday rains… late afternoon we attempted to land at the Serena strip and just made it with a bit of slipply and sliding… with muddy shoes we finally took off 6 hours late to Nairobi. My whole trip almost fell apart as a I had a connection to the Laikipia plateau.

  A month later things had not improved. SafariLink, who handle many of the air transfers for our clients in Kenya noted: “Due to the ongoing rains, Safarilink regrets to notify you that some of the airstrips they service in the Masai Mara are becoming operationally unserviceable. Therefore, with immediate effect, they are suspending their service into Kichwa Tembo Airstrip until further notice.”

  Here are a few photos from chilly, wet days on safari… the 3rd photo is not of a river – it is a ROAD!

      In our opinion East Africa is not worth it during the rains (excepting for gorilla trekking in Rwanda where it can rain anytime).

  People say well I will go in June then… book me for June 1!

  In 2018 rains lasted much longer than usual and went far into June… and even when the rain stops it takes many weeks for things to dry up… and much longer for grasses to be eaten, beaten, and burnt down so animals can be seen.

  Oh did I mention there are far more insects (mosquitoes, flies, tsetse flies) and higher risk of diseases (malaria being the most well known) during the rains?

  Kenya and Tanzania are best late July through mid October and again mid January through mid March… there are some good values to be had early March and early October.

  And not to pick on Kenya and Tanzania… safari destionations Zambia and Zimbabwe get heavy rains as well. Whereas Botswana is great year round the safari season just East in Zambia and Zimbabwe doesn’t really start until May and then ends with the rains in November when many camps close.

  Namibia is dry almost year round but it is not really a great wildlife destination.

  Kruger / Sabi Sands in South Africa does very well throughout the year but they too get loads of rain November through April / May… just turn on the TV news for stories of massive cyclones hitting the Mozambiquan coast and dumping rains in eastern South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Malawi over the past 6 weeks…

  For many travelers a wildlife viewing safari to Africa is a once in a lifetime trip.�� It is a long way to travel and it is not cheap… you don’t want to make a mess of it.

  If you are looking for value by traveling during the offseason we would suggest Botswana November through March for big time wildlife viewing and savings. Botswana combines well with Cape Town which experiences lovely summer weather November through March and Victoria Falls – the world’s largest waterfall. Rwanda is great for gorilla trekking anytime.

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The best beach 🏖🏝 in Africa as voted in 2018 Featuring @swahilibeach . . . . #beach #beachlife #travel #instagood #kenya #dianibeach #diani #wildspringske #ngangakamau #photography #travelphoto #travelvideos #sea #swahilibeachresort #safarilink #beautifuldestinations #shutterstockcontributor #travelafrica #igkenya #igkenya💯 #igafrica #tembeakenya🇰🇪 #tembeakenya #whyilovekenya #travelpen #expatlife #expatliving #expatsinkenya #kenya #igmombasa #traveltuesday (at Swahili Beach Resort) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5lSq0SF3XG/?igshid=5v3m2u20w71v

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5 Things You Need to Know Before a Safari to Lewa Conservancy and Lewa house

To travel into the Lewa Conservancy is to journey into the heart of nature in all its raw beauty.

Lewa house offers elegant accommodations, an unbelievable safari experience, and delicious food. But above all, by staying there, you will be contributing to the local conservation efforts to protect endangered species. Read on for my review of Lewa house.

1. Lewa is easy to access from Nairobi

Lewa Conservancy is located in the center of Kenya, in Isiolo. It is about a 5-hour drive from Nairobi.

The easiest way to reach Lewa is to fly directly from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, with SafariLink or Air Kenya, which offer daily scheduled flights to the Conservancy. There are also occasional flights from the Masai Mara. Lewa is also near Ol Malo Lodge, which can be accessed with a small private plane, so it’s easy to combine a trip to Lewa and Ol Malo. For my review of Ol Malo, read here

Lewa Conservancy has its own airstrip for small planes, and the drive from the Lewa airstrip to Lewa House is about 20 minutes. It took us a bit longer, as our guide merged the trip with a short game drive. Within 30 minutes of landing, we had already seen a herd of elephants, Grevy zebras, reticulated giraffes, and three rhinoceros!

2. The accommodation at Lewa house is simply elegant

Lewa House is the best option for your stay in the Lewa Conservancy. It is the oldest accommodation in the Conservancy. It exudes charm and sophistication. The boutique lodge is surrounded by beautiful savannahs opposite Mount Kenya. The lodge has the most beautiful views. All in all, Lewa house provides a fantastic wildlife experience to its guests.

The main house at Lewa House

Lewa House is composed of the main house, which includes the restaurant, a relaxing lounge, and a pretty garden with a pool.

There is a massive fireplace in the main house that was a lovely spot to enjoy drinks before dinner. It is surprisingly chilly at night, so congregating by the fire was a special moment and an enjoyable place to meet the other guests staying at Lewa House.

Review of the bedrooms at Lewa house

The rooms are scattered around the property, in cute little cottages. The cottages are built using traditional Lewa architecture techniques, with rough stone walls and thatched roofs.

We stayed in one of the family cottages. It was perfect for two people traveling together but would also be ideal for family of four. Our Cottage had a double and twin room, each with an en-suite bathroom.

The beds were comfortable and had mosquito nets. The furniture was homely and made of natural materials like wood and stones. The attention to detail was incredible, and everything was beautifully made.

Free laundry was provided during our stay. It took less than 24 hours for our clothes to be returned.

In front of the two bedrooms, we had a large verandah where we could relax after the day’s activities. It was a peaceful spot, with a great view.

Lewa House is surrounded by an electric fence to keep the animals at bay. They also recommend getting an escort from the main house to your room at night, as some animals sometimes manage to find a way into the compound. It happened when we were there: an elephant found its way in and was happily eating in Lewa House’s organic garden!

Sustainability at Lewa House

Lewa House cares deeply about sustainability. That is apparent in the way the house is run. From their buildings using mostly local material, to the harvesting of rainwater, and solar panels for hot water and electricity, they have made sustainable design choices wherever possible.

Lewa House also composts food waste and reduces plastic use. You won’t find plastic bottles here. We received reusable metal water bottles during our game drives.

Internet access at Lewa House

There is good internet access in the main lounge, but not in the bedrooms.

3. The food is fresh and locally produced

Lewa house is surrounded by a great vegetable and herb garden. Most of the food is local and is very fresh and tasty. The chefs prepared sophisticated meals combining European, Kenyan, and Asian cuisine. It was truly delicious.

The dining room has a distinctly British feel, and food was served family-style, with all the guests gathering around a large table. We felt like guests of the family, and dinner gave everyone the opportunity to hear local stories from Sophie, Francine and Callums, our hosts, and also to share our day’s adventures with other guests.

The meals for both lunch and dinner included an appetizer, a main course, and dessert. The chef was very responsive to my dietary requirements and adjusted my meal as needed.

Breakfast was served buffet-style in the pretty garden, offering a stunning view of the water holes, with elephants and zebras passing by.

4. Game drives are uncrowded and spectacular

Lewa House is located in a private conservancy. Being in a conservancy usually means fewer cars and tourists, and it also gives guests the opportunity to do game drives at night.

We did a game drive every morning and every evening, as this is the time when the animals are most active. The game drives here were exhilarating. Our driver, David, was highly professional and qualified. The conservancy has a great variety of wildlife, including rhinos, zebras, big cats, and more.

Lewa House uses a Land Rover with 3 rows of seats for its drives. We were sharing the car with another couple from England. It was my first time in a safari car with 3 rows, and I found it uncomfortable. If you are tall,  the space between rows is just not big enough for your legs. That didn’t prevent us from having an excellent safari drive, but I was happy that the car was not loaded up to its full capacity of 6 people.

TIP: Most cars in the Masai Mara now pack 3 rows of seats (even the luxury camps), so check that when you book your camp. You will spend hours in that car, so you might as well make sure it is comfortable. In Masai Mara, we stayed at the Tangulia Mara camp, and they had comfortable 2-row cars.

The landscape is stunning. With the salt marsh, cliffs, and small rivers crossing the conservancy, the scenery is mesmerizing.

We saw so many rhinos that we actually stopped getting excited about seeing them. We even saw a baby rhino that seemed to be talking to a baby elephant. Our group watched their interaction for over 20 minutes. It was clear that the babies wanted to play together, but the parents didn’t seem convinced. The big male elephant was watching the situation closely!

Chasing Lions and Leopards

On our last drive, we went looking for a lion family. We tracked them, following their dung and tracks.  It was almost sunset, and we were close to giving up when our guide David got a call from one of the rangers who said that they’d seen a leopard.

We set off on a mad and exhilarating drive on the dirt road to reach the leopard. It was very close to the road. It came so close to our car that we could have touched it (and the vehicles at Lewa House are totally open, so we actually could have, if we wanted to risk losing a hand). He stayed nearby, posing for photos for a short moment, and then went off stalking into the nearby woods.  The alert noise made by the impalas was loud and scary: imagine listening to a broken radio with the volume way up. A hyena showed up as well, sensing an upcoming kill. What a thrilling moment!

After all that excitement, we had a quick sundowner drink (in the car, since the Leopard was still hunting nearby). Our group made it back happily to Lewa House for dinner, where we had great stories to share.

Another highlight of staying at Lewa House is the archaeological tour offered by Callum. The archaeological remains found in Lewa Conservancy are some of Kenya’s best archaeological sites outside the Rift Valley. We visited the tool factory, and Callum gave us a passionate introduction to early human history.

5. You contribute to the financing of the Lewa Conservancy and preserving endangered species

Lewa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has some of the best game viewings in the whole of East Africa. By choosing to visit Lewa, you’re contributing to the conservation effort. The park fee included in the cost of your stay goes to the conservancy. Lewa House is working to keep the endangered species safe. The local community immensely supports animal conservancy. While we were there, we saw more patrol cars than tourist cars.

The Lewa Conservancy is showing excellent results in protecting endangered species:

14% of Kenya’s rhinos live in Lewa Conservancy. They had 14 newborn rhinos in 2017, and no-poaching since 2013.

12% of the world’s Grevy’s zebra population lives in Lewa. In the late 1970s, over 15,000 Grevy’s zebra roamed in the wild. Hunting and poaching drastically reduced the population over the years, and the 2016 Great Grevy’s census results indicated that Kenya is now home to 2,350 Grevy’s zebras, 90% of the world’s population.

Conclusion

Lewa conservancy might be the best place in Kenya to see rhinos. Lewa House is an enchanted location, offering mouthwatering food and beautiful cottages. Sophie, Francine, and Collum are incredible hosts that have created a gem of a place that you will find hard to leave.

For more amazing lodges to plan your trip in Kenya, check my reviews of Ol Malo lodge, the Emakoko in Nairobi and Tangulia Mara in the Masai Mara.

Happy safari!

The post 5 Things You Need to Know Before a Safari to Lewa Conservancy and Lewa house appeared first on Luxury travel Inspiration.

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Safarilink plane skids off runway at Wilson Airport

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