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Posts Tagged ‘Kenya’

Kenya Camps -The Amazing Mara Timbo

February 12th, 2009 No comments

The camp is german run, located belowe the oloololo escarpment bordering the Mara River and sitting on the edge of the Masai Mara Game reserve. The region between the Mara River and the Esoit Oloolo form expansive rolling plains and provide a great sight to view animals in their natural habitat.

The Mara Timbo camp consists of seven luxuriously made tents which are en-suite with bathrooms. Lavish yet simple African dcor is the hallmark of each tent interior. It is thatched with grass to ensure that even in hot weather the interior will remain cool. Each tent is equipped with a private veranda, an outdoor bathtub and a sitting area. This is a 5 star establishment.

Each individual tent is a work of art which houses a king size bed, a safe deposit, a bathroom, double sinks, hot and cold shower, flush toilet, 220/240 volt power supply plus host of other amenities used by visitors. The tents are lauded for their privacy and space that gives ine room to move around easily. At the beck and call of each tent is a well trained, professional female butler who provides room service, and gives informative titbits about the camp, Masai Mara and nature.

The camp has a restaurant that provides sumptuous meals. Visitors have a choice of three menus that have three course meals to choose from with one of them being vegetarian. Candle lit dinner is organized under the open skies next to a roaring campfire. The restaurant has a bar and lounge which are artfully decorated with cosy chairs that make you want to laze away the evening. There is a well stocked reference library for the avid readers.

The Mara Timbo camp has a Message Tree- house that ensures visitors are provided with refreshing and professional body message with aromatherapy based oils. The message tree house has a stunning view of the Mara River where one can see the hippos milling around.

Sightings are guaranteed being at the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Your stay at the camp you will see plenty of animals; two big Hippo families inhabit the Mara River directly in front of the camps lounge. Taking a nature walk around the camp you will see large resident populations of herbivores including giraffes, elephants, buffalos, monkeys, Rhinos and zebras. Predators most notably lions and hyenas can be spotted. The leopard being elusive is rarer but can also be sighted in this area. Night game drives, bird watching and Cultural visits can also be organized.

The camp has within its vicinity a curio shop. This shop is well stocked with t-shirts, souvenirs, beadwork done by Masai, and hats plus a host of other items which form ideal gift items for loved ones back at home. Suppliers to the curio shop include Kenya kanga, Marula studios, and Kenya beads.

The Masai Mara isa 40 minute flight away from Nairobi Wilson airport. The Mara Timbo is located near the Oloololo gate of Masai National Reserve and the kichwa Tembo Tembi airstrip. Guests have the option of being picked up at the Kichwa Tembo airstrip and transferred to the camp. The drive to the camp is a first hand experience of the Mara, you get not only to ogle at the scenery but the animals also.

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Kenya Safari -Awesome Top 6 Coastal Attractions

January 17th, 2009 No comments

A traveler visiting the Kenyan coast has a range of options for sites to visit and activities. Watamu and Malindi are found in the coast of Kenya and they offer exciting activities like water sports, excursions on the pristine beaches, bird watching, game safaris and snake safaris among many others.

The traditional tourist safaris can be organized from Malindi or Mombasa. The closest wildlife parks are a mere 2 hours drive from Malindi. Kenyas parks offers the most rewarding and beautiful safaris that will leave you with memories of a lifetime. Other activities are-

Kitesurfing

Kite surfing is coordinated from the Che Shale, in Watamu. The pristine beach provides very conducive conditions for kite surfing both professional riders and beginners alike. The Che Shale hotel provides an array of courses taught by professional instructors, state of the art equipment, rescue boats and everything else needed to learn safely.

Indian Ocean Surfing

The number one spot on the Kenyan coast for surfing is Malindi. The outer reefs experience huge swell continually, but the swells become even larger especially during the months of June through August due to seasonal monsoon winds. Surfers are advised to bring along their boards and wax.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

There are several world-class dive sites on the North Coast. Diving is good all year round, although visibility lessens during July and August due to silting and high seas. One of the best sites are in the Watamu Marine National Park. These range from shallow coral gardens ideal for learners to spectacular outer reef walls. Sea life is always consistently abundant. Sightings of Whale, Sharks on outer reef dives along the Kenyan Coast in February-March each year are almost guaranteed.

The Ruins at Gede

The Gede Ruins date back to the late 13th century and was abandoned in the early 17th century. The exact reason as to why the town was abandoned is not actually known though it is assumed that the town was plundered and destroyed by unknown invaders in the 17th century. A Nature Trail of deciduous forests dominates the inner and outer walls of the ruins and a small museum has been set up to exhibit ancient Arab, Chinese and Phoenician porcelain excavated from the ruins.

Mida Creek

Its spans 32 square kilometers and is located on the Malindi ” Mombasa road. The creek is composed of mangrove forests and mudflats which attract a large selection of flora and fauna. Several species of mangroves can be seen along the estuaries and sheltered creeks, among them Rhizophora mucronata, Avicenia Marina and Ceriops tagal among others. Along the borders of the mangrove forests on the island of Sudi you will find the Osprey, the little egret, the pied Kingfisher and many others living there. The mudflats are breeding grounds for birds like the black headed herons, yellow billed Storks and the wooly necked storks. One can come across a wide range along the sandy regions.

Snakes Safaris

In December 2007, the world largest spitting cobra Naja ashei was found, and named after the late James Ashe, a prominent herpetologist and founder of Bio-ken. The Bio-ken Snake Farm is located about 2 kilometers north of Watamu and is internationally known for having the biggest collection of snakes in Africa, and almost half of the total number of species in Kenya.

The Large Brown Spitting Cobra Naja ashei is reasonably common in the Kenya lowlands but the area around Galana and South of Tsavo East is where they are most abundant and that makes this area a particular hot spot in Kenya.

You may also visit the African Snake Farm off Mombasa-Malindi road just after Malindi Airport. Other snake farms worth visiting include the snake and crocodile farm near Malindi Marine Park and the Francis Ngombo Snake Farm near Gede.

The Undiscovered Arabuko-Sokoke Forest

This forest is located near Watamu and is a reserve. It is home to an array of rare species of birds and animals including the Sokoke Owl, the Sokoke Cat and Golden Elephant Shrew. This is the ultimate bird watchers haven.

There is a lot more in the offing at Malindi and Watamu, I just hope that this article arouse your interest for this travel destination.

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How To Make Your Wildlife Africa Photography Stand Out

January 14th, 2009 1 comment

You’ve dreamed of a wildlife Africa safari for years ” and now its finally going to happen. You see yourself taking National Geographic camera shots. You wonder how to get a close-up of a lion, the way the professionals do. But did you know that if you visit a game reserve such as Amboseli or Kenya Mara, you most likely wont even get the chance? Its strictly the rule in such places nowadays that no vehicle shall stray from the beaten track.

Now is the time to take a second look at that dinky little camera you’ve been using for every family vacation. Get that wildlife Africa close-up you’ve dreamed about without sticking your head in a lions maw or getting trampled by the annual wildebeest migration. A telephoto lens is the perfect answer. (The ideal range for safely shooting wildlife is between 300 mm. to 600 mm.)

Before You Leave For Your Trip

Carrying out a few simple photography exercises and making some modifications before you ever step on the plane can improve your wildlife Africa photography results 100%.

# Practice snapping wildlife in your own neighborhood ” and especially from your car window (providing you’re not the person who is driving!) It doesn’t matter if your subject is just a ground squirrel or a seagull. You’ll soon find yourself seeing opportunities for unique shots you’d have never noticed before.

* Practice so much that you could find your controls in the dark. It would be heartbreaking to miss a once-in-a-lifetime shot, all because you cant find your power button.

# Make a note of any camera task noises (such as zoom or auto focus) that are likely to disturb your subjects. Decide how you are going to get around that before your trip to wildlife Africa.

* Invest in research ahead of time. Read up on your subjects and their habits. Photograph a lion in the safety of your neighborhood zoo.

The Big Day: Tricks Of The Trade

# Buy a bean bag. They do a wonderful job of cushioning your camera when you’re trying to shoot from a bouncing jeep.

# Don’t forget to consider including scenery. Natural objects will make your photographs seem extra special. There’s nothing more haunting than the mood of a place. Including a unique bit of flora will bring wildlife Africa home as nothing else can.

* Remember that malaria is still something to be cautious about. Use repellent, and long, tight clothing buttoned at wrists or ankles.

You may feel silly chasing squirrels through your local park, but persevere. The results of a little foresight and practice and the application of a few simple tricks and techniques will make sure your camera captures your wildlife Africa dream, as well as your subjects.

And don’t forget to bring a good supply of memory cards!

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Luxury Safaris- The Experience of a Lifetime

January 8th, 2009 No comments

If you have ever dreamed of going on a safari trip you may think that it involves camping out under the stars next to a roaring fire, with the sounds of the wildlife echoing through the night. This vision fills some people with doubt however it is now possible to enjoy a luxurious safari, should you have the cash to purchase the experience.

These trips are designed so that you can enjoy the best of both worlds; get up close and personal with the wildlife but spend your free time in the lap of luxury.

There are many benefits to this as you can immerse yourself in the call of the wild whilst still being able to relax in pleasant and agreeable surroundings for the whole journey. Not only this but you can have a guide and a vehicle exclusively for your own use. Whether you are a large group or just a couple you will have the chance to take time out to view the wildlife and the magnificent views from your very own viewing hatch. There is no need to share with others when you are on a luxury safari. All of your wishes are fulfilled to the very best of the staff’s abilities. They can answer any questions you may have regarding the accommodation, animals or the geography of the area.

Should you choose one of the luxury Kenya safaris you will be treated to a lodge or en-suite tent which will be decked out with the most fabulous decoration and opulent fabrics. It will be the height of decadence whether your safari is a family holiday or a romantic honeymoon

Whatever your needs your luxurious Kenyan safari will be tailor made to suit you. There are a variety of lodgings to choose from but you can rest assured that you will have as much privacy as needed. Many of the sites that you lodge at will provide a personal cook who will make your meals to your specifications.

Should you pick one of the luxury Tanzania safaris it will be one of the greatest and noteworthy adventures of your whole life. All of the assistants will make sure that all of your wishes are fulfilled to the best of their ability; their goal is to assure that your trip is as memorable as possible.

Other safaris will let you get up close and personal with nature by riding the trails on horseback instead of in a vehicle. This is an awesome experience which is led by the experienced guides who will make sure that you are kept safe at all times.

So whether you are a newlywed couple looking for a breathtaking memory or a large family wishing to experience an adventure together, a luxury safari is one of the best ways to enjoy life to the full without having to compromise on comfort and contentment.

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Discover Kenya Great Places: The Amazing Gedi Ruins

January 3rd, 2009 No comments

The Kenyan Coast is indisputably one of the top tourism and travel destinations in Kenya, providing a great variety of tourist attractions. Among the popular coastal destinations are the Gedi ruins, the mysterious remains of an ancient Kenya coastal town, which lie about 100km North of Mombasa and 15km South of Malindi. Found deep in the Arabuko Sokoke forest, these 15th century ruins are among Kenya’s great unexploited treasures.

Apart from the common belief that the town was abandoned in the early 17th century, little else is known about this ancient coastal town that still puzzles both archaeologists and historians. The reason why the town was abandoned is not documented but one school of thought believes that unknown invaders destroyed the town in the 17th century. Many researchers dispute this theory because there is no evidence of any disturbance or battle in this ancient Swahili settlement whose population was estimated at 2500 people.

Another school of thought argues that the inhabitants of the town abandoned it after receding ocean waters depleted the available water from their wells. It is also alleged that the Portuguese brought the deadly Black Plague, with no known cure, wiping out the population.

A recent theory has it that the town was threatened by the approach of the Galla, an inland tribe known to be outwardly hostile at that time, and that the townspeople fled ahead of their arrival. Yet once again, local recorded history fails to mention any such large scale evacuation at this time.

In 1927, Gedi ruins were declared a historic monument. Since then, there have been many excavation and preservation works in the ruins. Many large areas of this ancient town have been revealed, including the palace, a great mosque, and the pillar tombs. Despite all this research work however, nobody knows with certainty what happened to Gedi and its inhabitants.

Excavations of the Gedi Ruins that were carried out between 1948 and 1958 uncovered porcelain from China, an Indian lamp, Venetian beads, Spanish scissors, and other interesting vestiges that show that some of Gedi?s past citizens were engaged some form of international trade.

The Gedi Ruins were declared a national park in 1948 and the area has since become one of the top tourist attractions along the Kenyan coastal region. Gedi remains a mysterious place to visit, especially with pillars and stone walls, ruined mosques and tombs lying among stands of trees.

Today, modern day villages surround Gedi, which, overgrown with plants and flowers, still remains an oasis tranquility. You can get to Gedi from Malindi, Mombasa, and Watamu. There is a small museum that exhibits ancient items retrieved through excavation work, including Arab wares, Chinese porcelain, and Phoenician artifacts. More artifacts from Gede ruins are also available at the Fort Jesus museum in Mombasa.

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