Kenya Safaris with Kairi Tours

AFTER ALL, WE ALL NEED TO GET AWAY AND HAVE SOME FUN!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:58:00 +0000

The (almost) hum-drum rhythm of the City life is pretty much the same in whatever city you are in around the world. The Latitude and Longitude configurations aside, chances are you and the person a continent or two over pretty much go through the same routine every single day. This is especially so for work routines.

Careers vary, places of employment vary, heights of our bosses and their cultural backgrounds vary, but the core issues are the same. Every morning you wake up, leave the comfort of your home in search of that which appears elusive our entire lives. Whether you are trying to beat deadlines in respect to financial reports, bagging that oh-so-important client or even beating the start of the rainy season by ensuring you have planted in good time, we are all trying to beat deadlines of some sort at our places of employment.

Have you stopped, then, to ask yourself when the fast life comes to an end? When your hours of hard work and toil deserve to be rewarded?

How about we give you an answer?

There will never be the opportune moment or perfect timing for a holiday. You simply have to realize that you deserve the break for all your hard work; that everyone needs to "reboot" so to speak. A chance to seek inspiration for that which we work so hard for and an opportunity to reflect on ways to be better at it. Even more importantly it is a chance to allow yourself to appreciate your effort as , being human, we are folly to become resentful of even the things we were most fond of.

Where do we come in you ask?

We are offering you the chance to enjoy this time away without breaking bank. Yes, we said it! You can enjoy the fruits of your hard work without having to worry about tomorrow. We are offering you the chance to enjoy affordable Kenyan holidays.

You can visit Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu or take a trip to the beautiful Coastal province without a thought that you are spending too much or the worry that you may have to work double hour shifts to make up for what you spent, or the fear that you may have to work two jobs or give up some of the elements of your every day life so as to afford the holiday.

Masai Mara 3 Days Getaway offer.

We are offering you your dream getaway... on a silver platter!

Need we say more? Visit our page http://www.facebook.com/groups/kenyaholidays and learn more!

'TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:39:00 +0000

When I think of Christmas, I think of old Christmas movies like 'Home Alone' and the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree, a new outfit and a 'mbuzi' that would have to sacrifice it's own life to serve (no pun intended) as our main delicacy (without a roast 'mbuzi' and 'chapati' Christmas was found terribly wanting!). I think of a trip upcountry to celebrate with my grandparents and, usually, entire extended family. It was the one day that family members set their differences aside and dined together.

Beaded African Christmas tree!

Fast forward a couple of years (quite a number actually!) and while 'Chapati' and 'Mbuzi' are not as special as they once were (from being available only once a year), Christmas is still a very special time of year! It is a time of great love and togetherness among friends and families, a time when all is forgotten and we celebrate the most important gift of all, the gift of love; that for God so loved the world he gave us, sinners, His only begotten son.

The Holidays are that time of year when offers and sales are abound and we at Kairi Tours are no different! With special discounted prices beginning on Christmas Eve for guests traveling to Masai Mara (for an adventure in the wild) or a beach holiday along Kenya's beautiful coastal city and extending to the New Year holiday we assure you that Christmas with us will be an affair to remember! Our aim? To spread great cheer during this period. In a society slowly but steadily becoming more and more modernized, with families opting for holidays at various destinations around Kenya as opposed to the traditional upcountry trips, we bring back the spirit of family at Christmas with great family offers and discounts.

A Bush Christmas adventure!!

Whether you have crossed oceans to enjoy your Christmas in Kenya or are a Kenyan looking to try something different this year, let us bring the spirit of Christmas to you and your loved ones!!!

THINGS FALLING APART WITH TALES OF A WHALE AND A MOCKINGBIRD PLUS THE MUST-HAVE BOOK FOR EVERY AVID TRAVELER!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:34:00 +0000

Chinua Achebe wrote a tale of a leader and a local wrestling champion in his book 'Things Fall apart.' A book that did not only receive global critical acclaim, but that was also ranked on the prestigious Newsweek's 'Top 100 books' list. It paints a picture of the rich culture of the African society as was in the early days. 'Moby Dick' and 'To Kill a Mockingbird' are also widely acclaimed literally pieces; so much so in fact that we were curious as to why these books are mentioned in just about every great movie there is. We discovered tales of Ishmael and Captain Ahab and learned about one Atticus Finch who is without a doubt a moral hero. Literature is an aspect of life that no person that prides themselves as being widely conversant with the ways of the world can do without. Whether you are reading the local daily, a fashion or gossip magazine or tales from the world over that give insight on a people's culture, it all remains a piece of literature.

As a traveler, there are several books that one lives by. These are books that shed insight on new places with knowledge that would take years to acquire compressed into easily accessible pages. Petit Fute, the French man's guide on Safari, is one such book and Kairi Tours boasts a listing on this book. Lonely Planet is another fantastic guide to travel in East Africa with insight into everything from tribal culture, beaches and wildlife and everything else that Kenya has to offer. It is important to read widely and be conversant with a place before one visits and we advocate for as much knowledge as possible so grab your guide to East Africa and visit us. We will be sure to tell you tales that the books have not covered as we show you all the wonderful places that the books speak of.

Karibu Kenya!

Poaching ,for those who lack empathy and character

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Why do people choose to poach wild animals?The act of poaching is very disturbing and it puzzles to think that a person enjoys taking away the life of an animal for material gain.Some do it so that they have a trophy to show off, well in my opinion, a live animal out in the wild is the best trophy there is.

Empathy is what these poachers lack.As the human race, we were entrusted as the custodians of this earth, to take care of the fauna and flora, sad to say man has injured both of these and even himself to say the least.It's interesting to note that scientists are working hard and are optimistic that life exists on other planets.Even if life does exist ,you know what that means?Go over there and dominate until injury comes to these life forms.

One may argue that this is human nature.This cannot be so because not all humans are inclined to this destructive tendencies.This can be seen in the worldwide conservation efforts aimed at saving what we have left.

Recent activities indicate that poaching is on the rise and the poachers are getting more and more aggressive.The governments aren't doing enough to help the issue, this would require reaching out to the hearts of the people and give them some empathy.

http://www.frequency.com/video/big-game-and-sa/5027484

(KFC)Kentucky Fried Chicken opens in Nairobi

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 07:50:00 +0000

One of the world's most popular food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken just opened shop this month in Nairobi.

Popular in the US and in many places around the world for its fried chicken, KFC has now ventured into kenya and is set to expand even further.

So how will the local kenyans take it.Judging from the facebook fan page, many bleeding with excitement and are ready to queue in order to have some of that chicken."But i thought ken-chic was enough?" one would ask.Well, local fast food restaurants have not reached the standards of KFC and the likes of MacDonalds,BurgerKing and Starbucks.For one they are not consistent as their counterparts in US.

It is going to be rather interesting considering what many are predicting to be the outcome of this venture.High levels of obesity is one of them.This has been seen in the United States where many fast food empires exist, kids becoming obese due to overeating of food which has little nutritional value.Never the less,people are responsible for their own eating habits.What about our kids who need to learn to appreciate good food.Offered a meal many would choose to go to kfc setting aside their local healthy diet.

Ironically, there is an ongoing famine in kenya right now.It would be rather striking to witness obesity and famine in the same land.

Anyway we welcome KFC to Kenya and it's kind of cool to speak of kfc in Nairobi.

Top Online Travel Resources

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:48:00 +0000

Many travelers find themselves in need of helpful information about a destination they are about to visit. This may be information regarding money issued, transportation, security, and general traveler experience. Usually, local companies dealing in travel will try to give the traveler good reports about a location in order to get the traveler to make a visit.

Ultimately the best advice a traveler can get is from a fellow traveler who has visited the same destination. An honest opinion from a person who has experience travelling can be enough to assure anybody to go ahead with a trip.

There is also the need to have this information delivered on time.Since making travel arrangements requires careful planning, it is good to have timely information about a destination.Many prefer having their questions answered promptly without delay. The Internet is the perfect tool for the job.Since it spans the entire globe, anybody can get access to it, and it can also deliver content. Hence it is fit to have knowledge of the most useful resource locations on the internet so as to save time and make wise decisions on your next trip.

The following is a list of the top online travel resource sites.

1.Trip Advisor

Having the largest community of travelers,this is the place to go when looking for any information about a destination.The forums are rich with tips and great advise.The best thing with TA(Trip Advisor) is that the community is always ready to help and you can get a reply to a question within minutes.Their reviews are excellent.

2.Lonely Planet

They have excellent reviews and very good insyder knowledge about things.Their writers are very qualified.The Thorn tree forum is very useful if you have any queries.

3.Virtual Tourist

If you want to get it from the horses mouth, then here is the place to go.Real travellers who have been there and done it.Great pictures to get a glimpse of the destination.

4.Travellers Point

5.Frommers

6.BootsnAll

Give A Helping Hand

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 06:05:00 +0000

If you are visiting an area , it is always good to help the local people as a show of gratitude.

Some do this by giving gifts to the local residents.

A good way to express your gratitude is to visit an orphanage and spend some time with the kids and perhaps sponsor one of them.

During this trying time, Kenya is experiencing food problems with the prices increasing by almost threefold.

In our orphanages the kids have not been spared.The price of maize has gone up to the extent that it has become difficult to get this valuable commodity.

It is therefore appreciated if the next time you made a visit to pass by with a bag of maize for the kids.Sending money is also welcomed.

Lets be our brothers keeper.

TELL A BROTHER, A FRIEND, EVEN A STRANGER...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:47:00 +0000

It's no secret that getting a good review, no matter what business you are in, not only provides the motivation to keep doing what you are doing but is also a powerful selling point for your business. Word of mouth advertising they call it. Kairi Tours and Safaris enjoys this priviledge. The priviledge of being so good at what we do (our motto rings true;we make a good safari better) our clients want to share their experiences with their friends and sometimes even with the world.

We constantly receive referrals via email or visits to our websites and every so often we have a client raving about us on a travel forum. It is very humbling and it constantly reminds us that we must always remember that the customer is key and our purpose is to ensure that all our clients hopes and dreams, when they make that leap of faith and choose us as their operator, are not just met but surpased! One such client had this to say...

“ Kairi Tours and Safaris ”
Feb 24, 2011, 1:04 AM

I have always used a local travel agency to book all of my international travel. I wanted to visit Kenya and Ethiopia this year but neither of the agencies I have used before would book the trip for me. They would only book with world wide companies such as Globus, Gate 1 and such. So I started my search for local companies that could deal direct with me. I contacted more than twenty companies in both Kenya and Ethiopia. It was kind of scary doing it on my own since there was so much expense involved in just getting to Africa. Some Safari companies tried to pressure me and intimidate me into booking with them. It was NOT a lot of fun. And I almost decided to do something easy, like visit China instead. But then I found Kairi Tours and right away started to feel at ease.

Paul Mugeke, the senior tour consultant at Kairi, worked with me extensively to decide just what kind of a safari we wanted. I had originally wanted to just visit the Masai Mara. They had a safari listed on their web site, www.kairi.co.ke , that combined The Mara with Lake Nakuru. I inquired about that trip and he explained it in detail to me but suggested that I might be happier if they also included a stopover at Lake Naivasha as well, with NO increase in price!. That was not even listed on their web site but in the end we decided on that trip. All email communications with Paul were both friendly and businesslike at the same time. I would stay up late at night to email him during his business hours and his responses to my inquiries were always immediate. I even commented in one of my emails that this was as good as talking to him on the telephone.

If any of you are troubled as to what company, and there are very many, to book with I assure you that Kairi Tours and Safaris will make it easy for you. They will treat you as their equal and be nothing but fair with you. I can't know exactly what Paul thinks of me, but even never having met him, I can honestly think of him as more a friend than a travel agent!! I am happy that I didn't change my mind and go to China instead. That can wait till next year. When we return the end of July, I will post a report on how the actual safari went.

Afterwards...

Putting how much I truly enjoyed the 5 day safari that we just returned from to the Masai Mara with stops for game drives at Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha is not going to be easy. There were animals everywhere. Driving up to a pride of lions laying by the road eating last night's kill seemed more like a dream than reality. I have read that elephants communicate long distances with an extremely low rumble, almost below the range of human hearing. When you are in the midst of a group of them you can barely hear that rumble but you can actually feel it throughout your body. The wildebeests were in their annual migration and were plentiful in the Masai Mara as were zebras and every type of gazelle imaginable. We didn't get to see the elusive rhinoceros while there but saw very many when we visited Lake Nakuru. Seeing giraffes walking along the top of a hill, silhouetted against the sky, especially at sunset is almost otherworldly. The plant life is so different from what I had ever seen before and the birds were just outrageous. Brightly colored, in every size and shape possible.

But that is what you expect when going on a safari. The animals live there and we go to visit them. So I can't really thank the animals for our wonderful trip. I must thank those that made it all possible.

I researched the internet and found that half the population in Kenya must offer safaris. Basically the same packages with an extra night here and another night there and they were all being offered at the widest price range possible. And some were just a guy with a van. I didn't know what to do. Then Paul Mugeke, the Senior Tour Consultant for Kairi Tours and Safaris answered my email in an odd sort of way. I had inquired about their 4 days at the Mara and 1 day at Lake Nakuru. He suggested that I might get burned out covering the same area for 4 days straight and suggested that I cancel one day at the Mara and add a day at Lake Naivasha. He thought I might enjoy that trip instead even though it was not a tour that they actually offer. All for the same price and got to stay at the Taphe Guest House in Naivasha. Comfortable beds, fantastic food and the sweetest lady running the place that you could ever imagine. Kairi has their own permanent tent camp at the Masai Mara and I was truly surprised by it. I could see no repairs to any of the tents nor to the mosquito netting. Everything looked new even though Kairi has been in business since 1984. Each tent had a private bathroom which included sink and shower but the best part was the beds. I have stayed at 5-star hotels that did not have beds that comfortable. You spend a whole day out photographing animals, while banging around on what can at times be described as bumpy roads and a shower and nice bed are most welcome before enjoying dinner.

Meals are served buffet style in a large permanent dining area. And it was not the same old stuff that so many places serve. With so many of us from different parts of the globe all eating together I can see that this might be a bit of a challenge. But the meals were varied with different selections that would appeal to all of us. Everybody was happy and having dinner together and maybe a cold Tuskers beer after made it more like a bit of a party rather than just dinner.

It was also nice for me to see that improvements to the camp were always going on. Whether it was new plantings of flowers or putting a new layer of colored gravel to the walkways, Kairi's desire to constantly improve was very apparent!

The only draw back to the whole trip was that the airlines lost our luggage, all we had was our carry on. But that was not Kairi's fault but they made it their responsibility. Paul worked with the airlines until it was located, picked it up and DELIVERED it to us while we were out on the safari. Now that is going above and beyond the call of duty. But that is not the only thing that was sort of delivered to me while out on the trip. A couple of months before, I posted a remark here on TripAdvisor about how pleasant and easy to work with Paul Mugeke, Kairi's Senior Tour Consultant had been. Well, the owner of Kairi Tours did not get to meet me at their offices in Nairobi. So he came out to where we were on safari and found me to thank me for the good words that I had said about them. Boy, talk about making you feel welcome!!

In my 66 years I have never run across business people quite like these. I can assure you that you can feel comfortable working with Kairi Tours and Safaris. Go ahead and do an internet search but please keep this company in the forefront of your mind. Feel free to PM me if you want more information.

Masai Culture and Ceremonies

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 05:13:00 +0000

There are many ceremonies in Maasai society including Enkipaata (senior boy ceremony), Emuratta (circumcision), Enkiama (marriage), Eunoto (warrior-shaving ceremony), Eokoto e-kule (milk-drinking ceremony), Enkang oo-nkiri (meat-eating ceremony), Orngesherr (junior elder ceremony), etc. Also, there are ceremonies for boys and girls minor including, Eudoto/Enkigerunoto oo-inkiyiaa (earlobe), and Ilkipirat (leg fire marks). Traditionally, boys and girls must undergo through these initiations for minors prior to

circumcision.

However, many of these initiations concern men while women's initiations focus on circumcision and marriage. Men will form age-sets moving them closer to adulthood.

Women do not have their own age-set but are recognized by that of their husbands. Ceremonies are an expression of Maasai culture and self-determination. Every ceremony is a new life. They are rites of passage, and every Maasai child is eager to go through these vital stages of life. Following is where a boy's life begin in the Maasai society.

Enkipaata

The first boy's initiation is Enkipaata (pre-circumcision ceremony), and is organized by fathers of the new age set. Enkipaata can only happen, when the senior warriors are settled.

A delegation of boys, aged 14 to 16 years of age, would travel across their section land for about four months announcing the formation of their new age-set. The boys are accompanied by a group of elders spearheading the formation of a new age-set.

A collection of 30-40 houses are built for the initiating boys. The houses are located in one large kraal chosen by the Oloiboni (prophet). This is where all boys across the region will be united and initiated. Before the ceremony, the Olopolosi olkiteng, chief of the boys, must be chosen. Olopolosi olkiteng is a position not desired by anyone because it is considered unfortunate. The new chief is to shoulder all of his age group's sins. The day before the ceremony, boys must sleep outside in the forest. When early dawn approaches, they run to the homestead and enter with an attitude of a raider. During the ceremony, boys dress in loose clothing and dance non-stop throughout the day. This ceremony is the transition into a new age set. After enkipaata ceremony, boys are ready for the most important initiation known as Emuratare (circumcision).

Circumcision ceremony is the most vital initiation of all rite of passages in the Maasai society. Both men and women of the Maasai society are traditionally eager to undergo through circumcision. This initiation is performed shortly after puberty.

It is important to note that with the rising challenges of the 21st century in the Maasai society, many young Maasai women no longer undergo through circumcision.

Young men are still eager to be circumcised and become warriors. Once the boys become warriors they resume responsibility of security for their territory.

Circumcision initiation elevates an individual from childhood to adulthood. In order for the boy to be initiated he must prove himself to the community. The boy must exhibit signs of a grown man, by carrying a heavy spear, herding large herd of livestock, etc.

A few days before the operation, a boy must herd cattle for seven consecutive days. Circumcision would take place on the eighth day. Before the operation, boys must stand outside in the cold weather and receive a cold shower to cleanse himself. As he moves towards the location of the operation, his friends, age mates and male members of the family shout encouragement along with nasty looks and sometimes threats. For example, people would tell the boy, "If you kick the knife, we will kill you! If you run away from the knife, your society will disown you. Women are luckier and are spared of such comments. Needles to say, circumcision is not pleasant. No pain relief drugs such as anesthesia, and you cannot flinch your eye. Circumcision is painful yet means a lot to every Maasai.

Time and Place of Circumcision

Circumcision takes place shortly before sunrise. It is performed by a qualified man with many years of experience. After the operation is successfully completed, the boy would receive gifts of livestock from his relatives and friends. He would also gain a tremendous amount of respect for his bravery.

After circumcision, the next step is to form the Emanyatta (warrior's camp).

Emanyatta contains twenty to forty houses randomly selected by warriors. The selection of this camp is sometimes a bit of a challenge. Not every elder would like his wife to be in an emanyatta, because it is a free visit zone for everyone. Jealous husbands are more likely to refuse to participate in the camp; they think that their wives' former lovers will take advantage of her. Therefore, warriors sometimes fights with their jealous fathers. Weapons such as spears, clubs and shields are carried by warriors during this time because, occasionally, the battle can get very serious. Warriors will choose certain mothers to relocate at the emanyatta for the duration of its existence. Each Maasai section has its own age-set. The two most common camps are Ilaiserr and Irmolelian (clans); however, it is common for a section to have more than two emanyatta camps.

A special pole, planted in the middle of the camp, is used as a flagpole. The white and blue colored cloth, the Maasai nation's flag, is tied to the pole before planting, and remains there as long as the Morrans (warriors) are still in the camp. (This is the first time in history for the age set to combine the Kenya national flag and the Maasai flag.) Two morran chiefs are chosen to lead, guide and represent their camp. The purpose of the camp is to keep men of the same age set together and fulfill their role as a military force. This is where the warriors learn about the age set brotherhood, the art of oratory skills and animal husbandry. They will spend up to ten years in the emanyatta before the Eunoto ceremony (senior's warrior initiation).

Like many other eroding Maasai cultural customs, the emanyatta is not left unscathed. Many attempts have been made by the outside world to end this traditional custom because it is seen as backward. However, even though the government frowns on warrior hood, it also uses its image to attract tourists. . Fire stick, honey and blue beads are other rituals performed in the Manyatta (warriors camp) and play an important role in the Orporror (morrans age group). After the emanyatta camp the warriors would head for eunoto ceremony (senior warrior's initiation).

Eunoto

The Eunoto ceremony is performed by members of the age set, ten years after warriorhood. It marks the status of a warrior transitioning to a senior warrior. This initiation also permits senior warriors to marry, which in turn prepares them to become future fathers. The ceremony takes place in another specially chosen camp that includes a total of forty-nine houses. The forty ninth house is known as Osinkira; it is for the Oloiboni, prophet's house. Warriors on a daily basis will entertain the Oloiboni until the event is over. Every graduating warrior must shave his long ochre-stained hair, which is done by the warrior's mother. During the festival, warriors are prohibited to carry weapons such as sticks, spears, knifes, etc. Also, during this event, an animal horn is set on fire and warriors are forced to take a piece out before it is completely burned. No one wants to take the piece out, because whoever takes the horn out of the fire will suffer misfortunate throughout his entire life. However, if warriors refuse to take the horn out from the fire, the entire age-set will be cursed. It is better for one person to be unfortunate than many.

Warriors must raise eight bulls, before the ceremony, to be distributed to the elders at the graduation day. Three important leaders must be chosen by the warriors before the ceremony; Olaiguanani lenkashe, Oloboru enkeene and Olotuno (the initiate one). No one would like to be one of these leaders, particularly the Olotuno (the initiated one). This person shoulders all of his age set's sins. The Olaiguanani lenkashe is honored with a specially chosen female cow; Oloboru enkeene is honored with a leather strap with a knot that symbolizes his age set. By the end of warrior-hood, this knot will be untied to free the warriors from their isolated world. The knot allows warriors to do things independently from other age mates. This stage of life is a transition to an elder.

A few months after the Eunoto, warriors form a small camp for Enkang e-kule, the milk ceremony. Before the Eunoto ceremony, warriors are prohibited to eat alone without the company of others. Excuses are not accepted; even the sick must obey the requirement. To drink outside the camp is allowed but only if women are not present. Such social taboos are established by the Maasai to teach young men to be self-reliant rather than dependent on their mothers who mostly prepare food for her husband and the young ones. Also, such taboos train and prepare warriors to adapt to harsh environmental conditions such as famine etc. The milk ceremony requires the entire age set to shave their red ochre stained hair. It is the mother's role to shave her graduating son. No warrior will shave his hair before his highly respected age set chiefs. Many of them prefer to graduate on the same day as their chiefs. For the first time, warriors feel awkward and shameful to eat in front of their female lovers. It takes a while for them to get used to this. After the milk ceremony, warriors undergo minor bouts of emotional stress, because they are disbarred from the world of warrior hood.

The next initiation is Enkang oo-nkiri (meat ceremony/initiation camp), which is performed in a selected camp that contains ten to twenty houses. The selected houses are from wives of the initiating junior elders. This camp is located in a convenient location near the home of a friendly age mate. The age-set is allowed to have as many meat camps as they need throughout the region.

The meat ceremony permits warriors to eat by themselves meat prepared by women of the homestead. Every graduating warrior is anxious to see this date. A specially chosen bull is slaughtered for the ceremony. A wife must prove to her husband that she hasn't engaged in an illegal sexual affair with a man of the younger age set. Whether this has occurred or not will be revealed by participating in the bull's skin ritual. Men wrestle with themselves to get near the bull's skin to see if their wives have been unfaithful to the age-set. It is right for a wife to have affairs with men of the same age set but not outside the age set. If a woman is found guilty of violating such a commitement, she will be disrespected by her husband and by her entire age set.

For a woman to regain respect from her husband, she must go back to her father or relative's home to obtain a female cow. No man would refuse such an apology; however, the man might not keep the cow. he would then give the cow to his friend as a gift.

At the end of the meat ceremony, men and women fight against one another for the specially roasted meat. Warriors who violated their age set taboos and laws are punished before this event takes place.

The last age set's initiation is Orngesherr (junior's elder initiation) and marks the status of a junior elder. It is performed in a selected camp that contains twenty or more houses. Every one in the age set looks forward to this final initiation. Every man is honored with an elder's chair in this ceremony. In the early morning of the day of the event, he will sit on the chair and be shaved by his wife. If a man has more than one wife, it is the older wife's responsibility to shave the husband. This chair becomes a man's friend until it is broken. If a man dies before the chair breaks, his older son will adopt the chair. After this ceremony, a man would become an elder and would assume full responsibility of his own family. He is now allowed to move away from his father's homestead and form his own homestead. However, even though the man is now an indipendent man, he would still have to rely on his father's advice. A man would assume total responsibility of his family at the age of about 35 years.

The Hornbill

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 04:54:00 +0000

Hornbills (Bucerotidae) are a family of birds found in tropical and subtropical Africa,Asia and Melanesia. They are characterized by a long, down-curved bill which is frequently brightly-colored and sometimes has a casque(a hollow structure that runs along the upper mandible). Hornbills are the only birds in which the first two neck vertebrae(the axis and atlas) are fused together; this probably provides a more stable platform for carrying the bill. Both the common English and the scientific name of the family refer to the shape of the bill.

The family is omnivorous, feeding on fruit and small animals. They cannot swallow food caught at the tip of the beak as their tongues are too short to manipulate it, so they toss it back to the throat with a jerk of the head. While both open country and forest species are omnivorous, species that specialise in feeding on fruit are generally found in forests while the more carnivorous species are found in open country. Forest living species of hornbills are considered to be important seed dispersers.

In some instances hornbills defend a fixed territory. Territoriality is related to diet; fruit sources are often patchily distributed and require long distance travel in order to find, thus species that specialise in fruit are less territorial. Hornbills show considerable variation in size as a family, ranging in size from the Black Dwarf Hornbill(Tockus hartlaubi), at 102 grams and 30 cm to the Southern Ground Hornbill(Bucorvus leadbeateri), at up to 6.2 kg and 1.2 m. Males are always bigger than the females, though the extent to which this is true varies dependent upon species. The most distinctive feature of the hornbills is the heavy bill, supported by powerful neck muscles as well as by the fused vertebrae. The large bill assists in fighting, preening, and constructing the nest, as well as catching prey. Hornbills possess binocular vision, although unlike most birds with this type of vision the bill intrudes on their visual field.This allows them to see their own bill tip and aids in precision handling of food objects with their bill. The eyes are also protected by large eyelashes which act as a sunshade.

Hornbills are diurnal, generally travelling in pairs or small family groups. Larger flocks sometimes form in the non-breeding season. The largest assemblages of hornbills form at some roosting sites, where as many as 2400 individual birds may be found.

During breeding the female lays up to six white eggs in existing holes or crevices, either in trees or rocks.Before incubation, the females begin to close the entrance to the nest cavity with a wall made of mud, droppings and fruit pulp. When the female is ready to lay her eggs, the entrance is just large enough for it to enter the nest, and after she has done so, the remaining opening is also all but sealed shut. There is only one narrow aperture, big enough for the male to transfer food to the mother and eventually the chicks. The function of this behaviour is apparently related to protecting the nesting site from rival hornbills.A number of hornbills have associations with other animal species. For example, some species of hornbills in Africa have a mutualistic relationship with Dwarf Mongooses, in which they forage together and warn each other of nearby birds of prey and other predators.

Thanks to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornbill

Karen Blixen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:55:00 +0000

If you've read Out of Africa, or seen the movie, then you probably understand when I say Karen Blixen was probably the best promotion that the African tourism industry has ever gotten. The Danish author, through that publication about her life in Africa, and Kenya in particular, captured the romance, adventure and delight of the African wilderness. Yet most people know very little about her.

In 1913 Karen Dinesen, born and raised in Denmark, became engaged to her second-cousin, the Swedish Baron Bror von Blixen-Finecke, after a failed love affair with his brother. The couple moved to Kenya, where in early 1914 they used family money to establish a coffee plantation, hiring African workers, predominantly the Kikuyu tribes people who lived on the farmlands at the time of their arrival.

About the couple's early life in Africa, Karen Blixen later wrote: "Here at long last one was in a position not to give a damn for all conventions, here was a new kind of freedom which until then one had only found in dreams!"

The two were quite different in education and temperament, and Bror Blixen was unfaithful to his wife. She was diagnosed with syphilis toward the end of their first year of marriage, which, although eventually cured, created medical anguish for years afterward. The Blixens separated in 1921, and were divorced in 1925.

During her early years in Kenya, Karen Blixen met the English big game hunter Denys Finch Hatton, and after her separation she and Finch Hatton developed a close friendship which eventually became a long-term love affair. Finch Hatton used Blixen's farmhouse as a home base between 1926 and 1931, when he wasn't leading one of his clients on safari. He died in the crash of his de Havilland Gipsy Moth biplane in 1931. At the same time, the failure of the coffee plantation, as a result of the worldwide economic depression and the unsuitability of her farm's soil for coffee growing, forced Blixen to abandon her beloved farm. The family corporation sold the land to a residential developer, and Blixen returned to Denmark, where she lived for the rest of her life.

Karen used the pseudonym Isak Dinesen form most of her literary works, and was among the first authors to describe Africans as individuals rather than as stereotypes. She has been criticized for participating in the colonial intrusion into Africa, and also for making poetic comparisons of various personalities--both Kenyans and white settlers--to birds and animals. She has often been labeled racist for her frank depiction of the power differences between Whites and Blacks in early twentieth century Africa.

She went on to write more collections of tales, a few essays, a novel, and another short memoir. Her stories emphasize the power of "the mask"--the public persona that reveals the hidden personality and draws attention to the talent of the artist. "By thy mask I shall know thee" was her credo. She made well-received readings on Danish radio, she was photographed wearing elaborate costumes, and she made a dramatic visit to the United States--home of her most enthusiastic reading public--where she related to audiences, in her deeply accented, sonorous voice, stories she had learned by heart.

Karen Blixen made an indelible mark on African, and especially Kenyan tourism, through the exposure her work gave on the beauty of the land. The entire suburb of Karen in Nairobi is named after her, and here former residence near the Ngong Hills is now a museum.

Samburu National Reserve

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:17:00 +0000

Though not as well known as the Masai Mara

Reserve, Samburu National Reserve is gaining a following among travelers who want a uni

que experience. From the scenic landscape, the one of a kind flora and fauna, the rare wildlife and the expanse of bird species, Samburu offers an experience that is unlike any other Park in not only Kenya, but the whole of Africa!

Established in 1970, on land traditionally occupied by the Samburu tribe (similar in customs to the Maasai tribe) and the Somalis, the park covers 40 square miles (165km sq.) adjacent to the Buffalo Springs National Park. It was formerly known as the Northern Frontier district due to the wrangles and clashes between the Samburu people and the Somalis over pastoral land in the 60's and 80's. The park sits to the north of the Ewaso Nyiro River(Samburu name meaning 'river of brown water'), which is it's primary source of water, given that the area is quite arid.

The Samburu National Reserve is unique because of its unusual species of game such as the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, oryx and long necked gerenuk. It also boasts a vast expanse of more than 380 bird species, including the blue necked Somali Ostrich.

A trip to Samburu is unlike a trip to any other game reserve. Located in the midst of the colorful Samburu people, the park has both a show of culture and nature.

The Big Five

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 May 2011 10:01:00 +0000

The "Big Five game" was a phrase coined by white settler hunters in colonial Africa to refer to the five animals that were most difficult to hunt on foot. These animals consist of the Lion, the African Elephant, the Cape Buffalo, leopard, and the rhinoceros. The term does not refer to size as one may think, but rather to the difficulty and danger involved in hunting them. The term is still used in most tourist and wildlife guides that discuss African Safaris. Countries where all the "Big Five" can be found include Namibia, Kenya, South Africa, Congo, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Here is a little more about each animal:

The Lion

Although all of the "Big Five" may be seen in the Masai Mara National Reserve, it probably is most famous for its lions. The males have a sprawling royal mane, earning them the title "King of the Jungle," while the females have lean and muscular physiques. Lions are known most for their ferocity, but most times lions are actually very lazy. No fault of their own though, the African sun can be quite unforgiving. Most days lions can be found resting under the shade of the Acacia trees of the African savannas, solitary or in prides. They prowl the landscape looking for meals in the evenings or in the early mornings, when it is cooler.

Lions don't normally attack human beings (although recently lion attacks on humans have been on the rise), but if provoked they can prove to be deadly. An example is the Man Eaters of Tsavo. Lions also defend their prides fiercely from intruders, who may include lions from other prides.

The African Elephant

Elephants are the larges land mammals, and the African Elephant is the larger of the two species of elephant, the other being the Asian Elephant. An healthy adult elephant has no natural predators, though lions may take weak ones and calves.

Apart from their size, African elephants are known for (and usually hunted or poached for) their ivory tusks, which occur in both the males and the females. Despite their popularity in zoos, and their depiction in popular culture as the "gentle giant," elephant's are among the worlds most dangerous animals. They can experience bouts of rage, and engage in actions that have been interpreted as vindictive. They can crush and kill any other land mammal, including the rhinoceros. In both Africa and Asia, elephants are regularly reported to attack human villages, causing destruction and often killing people.

The Cape Buffalo

The Cape buffalo is a robust species. It can be identified by the unique horns that the males of this species have. The horns have a large fused base that sits like a cap protecting its lowly positioned head. The horns then protrude sideways, curving circularly, downwards, then upwards. the tips of the horns of a large bull are typically more than a meter apart.

Cape buffalo are numerous in the African savannas and usually graze in large herds. It is a widely sought after animal among trophy hunters, who may pay in excess of ten thousand US dollars for the opportunity to hunt one.

Apart from being part of the big five, the Cape Buffalo is also known by the monikers "Black Death" and "Widowmaker" in Africa. This is because even though they possess a placid, cow-like appearance, some say that the Cape buffalo is responsible for more human deaths per year in Africa than any other large animal. A buffalo that is wounded will circle around and begin to stalk the hunter, waiting for an opportunity to charge the hunter and gore him with its sharp horns.

Leopard

Leopards are the silent stalkers of the night. The most elusive of the big five, seeing one is a rarity. Each leopard lives alone and mostly in woody areas, making the task of tracking one down an onerous one. One leopard will not traverse over to another leopards territory, and their territories can be up to 30km squared. Leopards are known for their tree climbing ability and are often found resting their or having dragged their prey to tree branches. They are also quite powerful swimmers.

Largely nocturnal, leopards do their hunting between sunset and sunrise. They hunt by stealth, trying to come within five yards of the prey before pouncing. They are incredibly strong, and may drag their prey for miles, then up a tree to keep it out of reach of scavengers. They feed on a varied diet, from dung beetles to large impala.

Rhinoceros

Two species of rhinoceros exist in Africa, know by the names white rhino and black rhino. However, they are not easily distinguishable by color, as both species have a gray color to their skin. Both species are endangered, however the white rhinoceros far outnumber the black ones. Rhinos are often poached for their horns which are valuable in the black market. This is one of the main causes of their reduced numbers.

White rhinos are grazers and generally peaceful creatures. They are the larger of the two and can normally be spotted in small herds grazing. Black rhinos, on the other hand, are more solitary creatures. They eat plants and bushes rather than graze on grass. They are also far more aggressive. Despite their considerable weight and ungainly appearance, they are capable of running up to 30 mph and turn very quickly. When provoked, they usually charge first. Their poor eyesight is not a hindrance as they have a keen sense of smell and hearing.

Kairi Cares

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 May 2011 07:13:00 +0000

Renowned for world-class scenery and wildlife, Kenya depends on its biodiversity and natural resources for much of its economy. The nation’s forests, rivers, lakes and soils sustain most Kenyans directly. Kairi tours supports sustainable growth in three key sectors of the economy – tourism, forestry and agriculture – as well as through the global climate change initiative which supports adaptation, mitigation and clean/renewable energy.

Tourism, for which the major draw is wildlife, contributes up to 14% of GDP. It is also the country’s second top earner of foreign exchange after agriculture, which contributes up to 25% of GDP.

Up to 80 % of Kenyans work at least part-time in farming or pastoralism and are dependend on well-managed natural resources, particularly stable water catchment areas.

There was a long drought culminating at the end of 2009 which hit both people and ecosystems hard and put millions of Kenyans on food relief and killed large numbers of both wildlife and livestock as landscapes remained brown month after month. The drought amplified other challenges, including the continued breakdown of traditional pastoral grazing systems; conflicts over insecure property rights; ineffective forest management; and historic animosity among ethnic groups.

Kairi Tours invests in an array of ‘tools and technologies’ which improve natural resource management while providing incentives for biodiversity conservation, addressing climate change, and sustainable forest conservation,one of this venture is a major tree planting initiative in the Masai Mara. Everybody is invited to participate. Feel free to contact Kairi and participate in giving back to nature.

Mt Elgon

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 28 May 2011 12:23:00 +0000

Clouds encircle the lofty rim of Mount Elgon, a huge, long-extinct volcano on the border between Uganda and Kenya, viewed in this enhanced satellite image. The solitary volcano has one of the world's largest intact calderas, a cauldron-like central depression. The caldera is about 6.5 km (4 mi) across and formed following an eruption, when the emptied magma chamber collapsed under the weight of volcanic rock above it. For active volcanoes in Kenya, see the Natural hazards-volcanism subfield in the Geography section. Image courtesy of USGS.

The Kenya Safari Code

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 May 2011 09:52:00 +0000

The exotic animals, the beautiful landscapes, the crisp air, what's not to love about a safari? So don't let it get destroyed. Just follow these simple tips to help conserve and preserve the marvelous wildlife that nature created for us to enjoy. So while you're on safari...

Keep to designated roads or tracks

Encourage your driver to stay on roads or designated tracks when visiting national parks or reserves. Off-road driving can cause extensive damage to grass and woodland habitats.

Minimize disturbance to animals

Wild animals become distressed when they are surrounded by several vehicles, or vehicles come too close to them. Keep noise to a minimum and never try to attract an animal’s attention.

Stay inside your vehicle at all times

Do not stand on the roof or hang out of the windows, and only leave your vehicle in designated areas. Remember: Wild animals can be dangerous!

Keep to the speed limit

Most wildlife areas have a speed limit of 40kph – and animals always have the right of way.

Support eco-friendly accommodation facilities

Try to stay in lodges and camps that look after their surrounding environment and support local conservation initiatives.

Never feed wild animals

Feeding wild animals can upset their diet and lead to an unnatural dependence upon people. Unless you're in an area like an animal orphanage where their diet is controlled and the officials allow you to feed them, resist the urge to throw that piece of meat.

Take care not to disturb the ecological balance

Please, do not purchase, collect or remove any animal products, rocks, plants, seeds or birds’ nests from the wild, or alter the natural environment in any way.

Take all your litter with you

Litter and garbage is very dangerous to wild animals. Keep all litter with you, and be extremely careful with cigarettes and matches, which can cause major bush fires.

The Untold Mystery

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 May 2011 15:23:00 +0000

Ever had an encounter with ghosts?..........

Do not wish to have one. The residents near Menengai Crater claim the place is full of them. Menengai Crater is a massive shield volcano inside one of the biggest calderas in the world, located in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya. It is located 10 km (6 mi) northeast of Nakuru, the third-biggest city in Kenya.

Curious tourists have been drawn to a controversial cave by stories of strange happenings that have convinced many that this is a haunted place.

Local people say that the area is haunted by evil spirits that make people disappear without a trace and others lose direction for hours, even days only to be found confused and wandering around. A settler says that he used to see ghosts plough the land with tractors, plant wheat and harvest all within an hour. Then a A five acre bhang (marijuana) plantation was found at the crater, and some say people who saw it were killed to protect the illegal crop A. woman dies in attempt to save son from crater..........ILLUSIONS? I guess. Thats not all some claim to have seen the devil riding a motorcycle up a hill named "Devil's Hill" near the crater, I guess Mark Steven Johnson was motivated by this story and wrote a book titled "The Ghost Rider".

Yet pilgrims from as far as Kakamega and Mombasa come to pray and fast at the Crater for they say that when they are here they feel very close to God. Despite the tension, tourists find their way there. The site offers great hiking oppotunity , scenic sites, geysers, mud pots and hot springs. There are also striking views of Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria as well as the crater itself.

Do you believe in ghosts? What do you think all these people who claim they saw ghostly activities really saw? Whatever your stand, it can be agreed that the crater is great place to visit. From the beautiful scenery, exciting activities and chilling stories, no one can be bored here!

Which antimalarial

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 14 May 2011 10:53:00 +0000

Before coming To Kenya on Safari,consider the following: Kenya is known as a potential malaria endemic region.Therefore it is wise to take some antimalarial drugs guard against getting this tropical disease.

The most popular drugs are:

1) Doxycycline
2) Malarone
3) Lariam

1) Doxycycline

Many individuals prefer doxycycline because of its low cost. Take this medication 2 days before entering risk area, throughout your stay in risk area, and for 4 weeks after exiting the risk area.

2) Malarone

Listed as having least reports of side effects and popular among quick travellers.
Rather expensive when used for long stays. Also taken 2 days before entering risk area, throughout stay in risk area, and for one week after return.

Reported side effects include headaches and upset stomachs.

3) Lariam

Taken one week before entering risk area, throughout stay in risk area, and for 4 weeks after departure from risk area.

It is worth noting that there have been varied reports of individuals experiencing various side effects from the use of these drugs.Of note is the confirmed reports about Doxycycline causing increased sensitivity to the sun,this has been known to occur in some individuals but it works fine with others.

The main point is; always consult your doctor when you are planning on visiting a malaria prone region.You should get appropriate advice on which medication is appropriate based on your medical condition.These side effects occur with some people and not everybody, so someone's experience with a particular medication does not necessarily mean that the same will occur to you if you decide to take the same medication.

Another important part not to forget is the use of repellents.These go hand in hand with antimalarial drugs.You can get some useful information on insect repellents at Complete insect repellent information.

Please note:
No anti-malarial drug is absolutely safe, it is advisable to consult a physician before making a decision to use any of the above mentioned drugs. For more information about your health while on safari, please visit our Safari Health Information page.

Kairi Tours and Safaris enlists with KATO

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 May 2011 15:12:00 +0000

Kairi Tours and Safaris is now a proud member of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators. It is in celebration of this that I took time to write this post to highlight a little about what the KATO is and it's functions in Kenya.

The Kenya Association of Tour Operators is the premier tourism trade association in Kenya, boasting a membership of more that 250 leading and most experienced individual tour companies in Kenya. These companies provide a wide range of tour services to their clients, the large number of tourists coming to Kenya each year.

The main objective of this association is to ensure members maintain the highest standards of service and value, upholding the pedigree of Kenya as a tourist destination. KATO also boosts the guests confidence by ensuring their is a mechanism by which any wrongdoings a client may have suffered may be redressed.

Whatever your Safari needs, you can be sure that you are in good hands when dealing with a KATO member. The enlistment of Kairi Tours and Safaris as a KATO member reaffirms Kairi's promise of quality and reliable service. Visit the links below for more information:

KATO Website

Kairi Tours page on KATO Website

Kairi Tours and Safaris Website

Attractions in Kenya

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 May 2011 13:38:00 +0000

A lot has been said about Kenya, but it all comes down to this: an excellent camera with lots of memory is a must. Here's an overview of the must visit places where you can capture priceless memories. So prepare for photogenic Kenya!

Kenyan Urban Legend

Nairobi, Kenya's noisy and chaotic capital, despite it's 'Nairoberry' moniker (due to high crime rates) is worth a short visit. You will make off with interesting photos of the busy town centre and colourful open markets, and get the chance to practice your best bargaining tactics. Discover the Aga Khan and Maasai markets to taste some strange exotic fruit and taste traditional dishes such as githeri, maandazi and chicken with coconut sauce. Don't have to much banana beer (that's Urwaga in Kenya) though.

Lamu town on Lamu Island on the coast is another gem. the Tranquil medieval town has an enchanting mix of Portuguese, Islamic and Swahili traditions. Visit the Swahili Museum and have a great photography session at the Donkey Sanctuary.

Mombasa never failed to please. Hop on a boda-boda (bicycle taxi) for an aesthetic tour of Mombasa Island and take a few pictures of the beautiful Portuguese Fort Jesus.
The white, palm streaked coastline outside Mombasa provides great relaxation, and take some time to go under (do you have a waterproof camera) to capture the magnificent coral reef overpopulated by radiantly coloured fish and sea turtles. Hope you've rested, the most exhilarating part of your voyage is coming.

The Definition of Safari

Voyage, is the direct translation of the Swahili word, but to get the definition you have to take a Safari in Kenya, and get close to the wilderness like never before!

In the Amboseli National Park's swamps elephant herds drink water against the backdrop of the white capped Kilimanjaro Mountain. Early morning safaris place you amidst leopards, buffalo, zebras and giraffes strolling around the baobabs in the Savannah. Lions, cheetahs and gazelles arent far either.

In renown Maasai Mara National Reserve will thrill you till you may foget to take any pictures.

Home to the Maasai who coexist with the wildlife, this park is home to Africa's Big Five. The Maasai's bright red clothes, beaded jewellery, warrior swords and lively dances are just a sample of their rich culture that can be observed here. romantics can take a balloon safari from which, if you are lucky, can witness one of the most impressive displays of nature, the Wildebeest Migration: millions of wildebeests travel south to the Serengeti Plains of Tanzania.

Want to bring this to life? Organize your safari with Kairi Tours and Safaris. Visit www.kairitravels.com or email info@kairi.co.ke.

Concerned about the weather? not any more.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 08 May 2011 11:15:00 +0000

Recently Nairobi city has been cloudy and the rain seems to come out of nowhere when you least expect it.The other day it was sunny and then suddenly turned to rain in minutes.This makes it quite hard to plan some events as you have to anticipate sudden changes in weather.

Luckily we have technology,which does make work a lot easier.If your planning a short visit to the city center and you are wondering what the weather is like you can take a look at the live cameras stationed at many spots within the city (museum hill roundabout,Mombasa road,more..).They are also positioned to display the traffic conditions on major roads,so you can also save on the fuel by choosing to travel when traffic is low.

So the next time you want to stop by Nairobi and do some sightseeing ,it's worth taking a look at how things are.

In addition to this, we have excellent resources on the internet that can give you an accurate forecast on the weather conditions in many parts of Kenya.The following are highly regarded and reliable sources of weather information.

It is always a great help to check out the above resources before planning your trip.Have a wonderful time.

For Safari

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 May 2011 09:08:00 +0000

People love going to new places and trying new things, but there's always danger when you venture into the unknown. For some that sums up the thrill of adventure, but most prefer to have a little foresight first when on safari.

For all you fans of safari, here are a few pointers that will help you to get the most out of your trip:

One: Wear Dull Colors. This may not please the ladies, but browns, greys and other colors that blend with nature are the best to wear when out looking for that elusive cheetah. Your blue, green and yellow tie-dye T-shirt is likely to send him in the opposite direction from yours.

Two: Carry a good camera, with decent optical zoom. Most wild animals will not walk up to you and let you pet them, am not sure you would some of them very near you either. A good camera lets you capture the memories without having to be face to face with a lion.

Three: Make friends with your guide or driver. They probably go on the same safari you're on on a daily basis. They know where is the best place to see what. They have an idea of what is interesting in a place, they are your ultimate resource. Treat them well.

Four: Don't harbor astronomical expectations. You may be disappointed to hear this, but you're probably not going to see the pride of lions make the dramatic kill like it was shown on National Geographic. The guys at National Geographic must have spent weeks tracking down that particular pride of lions day and night at a huge expense to get that one shot. Maybe if you're willing to do the same you will see it.

Five: Plan Ahead. Be prepared for the weather/climate of the place. Find out beforehand what the weather is like, whether to carry mosquito repellent, sweaters and the like. You don't want a great trip to be ruined by such issues. Ask your tour company you are planning to go with (Might I suggest Kairi Tours?) and ask them for advice on what to carry and other do's and don'ts.

With these few pointers, I hope I've placed you on the right track to enjoy an unforgettable experience in the wild, on that you will want to relive over and over again.

Evolution, Nature and Conservation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 May 2011 09:36:00 +0000

So recently i was looking into the theory of evolution and why some may argue for this theory.

According to my opinion, there are many unanswered questions and the simple explanation of "it all happened by chance" is not convicing.Getting down to the math and the odds are too great for such a thing to occur.

Anyway my post is not intended to add fuel to a war that alraedy exists.I just want to add a thought i've observed about us,human beings.

Humans have proved to be more intelligent than their animal counterparts in all aspects.Some aspects of humans are far beyond the evolution,take for instance the love for fine things exhibited by humans.Fine things such as art,nature,music.Also the natural moral inclination of man.

Many people have a natural love for nature and derive pleasure from watching wildlife and experiencing wonderful nature scenes.This is one of the main reasons why many push for conservation of nature.Extinction of some species of animals and plants has occured,but a good campainghn is underway to stop further damage.

It is a very special trait exhibited by humans to exercise foresight by looking ahead and seeing what it would be like if all the animals became extinct and the environment was ruined.Thus man has turned to conservancy and changing of habits in order to conserve the environment.

This is in contrast to the idea of survival for the fittest and natural selection which would have meant that humans use resources recklessly just for their own survival.Regard for other species is out of the picture meaning animals would all become extinct and the environment destroyed due to the rising population of human beings.

A love for other members of the animal kingdom has moved us to preserve them and also the environment too.If it was a matter of survival we would have wiped them out a long time ago.The creator put love in our hearts.

The Loliondo Wonder

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:00:00 +0000

What do you believe in? What do you put your faith in? People have varied faiths and beliefs but few are as extraordinary as the one you are about to see. Picture this: a 12 kilometer line of cars, hundreds of thousands of people, waiting to see one old man. What does the man have? He offers a green concoction in a cup, which he claims will cure any chronic illness.

That is a summary of what is going on in a place called Loliondo, in northern Tanzania, very close to the border between Kenya and Tanzania. The videos below give the full story, but take note: It is not only the local people that go to this place, Kenyans and increasingly people from all around the world, are getting wind of and rushing to this location.

Would you visit this place? Would you take the seemingly adventourous trip to this remote location to seek healing? let us know with your comments below!

Just for reference with the monetary amounts below, 1 Dollar converts to about 80 Kenya Shillings, or about 1,500 Tanzanian Shillings.

Of Instincts and Destiny

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:02:00 +0000

With the wildebeest migration spectacle coming around, this brings to mind as to what is the motivation for such a migration. Scientists have taken the liberty of answering this question by telling us about instincts. This has been a longstanding interest to human beings. In most cases the chief function of migration is to provide a suitable place for feeding or reproduction. What is most interesting is that the driving force is so intense that it defines their destiny. Where is the wildebeest without migration?

Simply stated,the fact is: this is meant to be their destiny. One may also argue that it is the forces of nature that are at play here. The forces which seek to balance the ecosystem, the population. This can be compared to a technology concept of hard wired programming, where a permanent instruction is given and cannot be altered.

But what about the predators lying in wait at the river crossing? Is it part of their instinct to wait at the river for crossing prey?

Nevertheless this is a wonderful spectacle that has been dubbed the seventh wonder of the world,and this is no overstatement. Anybody who has had the opportunity of experiencing the migration will have to agree with me that it always is a wonder to behold.