Luyanzi Tours

2012-10-24T14:57:00.000+03:00

UP AND AWAY

Get yourself up and away with balloon rides. A balloon ride allows you to see half of what would otherwise take you hours to see in a short span of time.

The balloon can carry up to 8 passengers and if the wind allows you get to ascend to as high as 4,000 meters. This allows you to see spectacular views that you would otherwise not see on a regular ride.

For more information on how to get a balloon ride contact: info@luyanzitours.com

http://www.kenyahoneymoonfestival.com/

HOW LUYANZI TOURS HONEYMOON REGISTRY WORKS

2012-10-17T14:45:00.000+03:00

Sign up with us on our web page clearly indicating that you would like to set up a honeymoon registry
Add items from our list of travel services
We shall help you let your friends and family know about your registry, use our tools, photo album, email announcement and announcement cards
Purchases are made from your specific honeymoon registry. Guests have the convenience to choose and buy the gift for you via a convenient mode of payment for them to give you "part" of your honeymoon. They can call, mail, or fax in their order too. Instead of a toaster oven, glasses or electric kettle which you already have, they can give you a romantic dinner on the beach.
Collect your gifts and schedule according to the way you have set up your registry account. The gifts normally collected as booked vouchers for your holiday. You are on your way to the honeymoon of your dreams!

http://www.kenyahoneymoonfestival.com/

2012-10-10T14:32:00.000+03:00

WHY CHOOSE LUYANZI TOURS HONEYMOON REGISTRY?

We realize you have choices when looking for a registry and want to protect the best interest of your friends and family. This is why we are the only trusted honeymoon registry that will help you achieve the honeymoon of your dreams

Make this easy and fun for your family and friends - We have nice people here providing customer service to assist you & your guests through our telephone number and our email address.

Go First Class for your honeymoon - We are the #1 honeymoon registry site for a reason. You'll be proud to show your guests this stunning site and quickly see why over 5,000 Kenyan couples have chosen our gift registry.

Get started now - We do not charge a set up fee.

Get your gifts on your schedule not ours - Collect your gifts as many times as you'd like with no extra fees.

Free tools - We can set you up with a blog if you would like to post pictures and tell your friends about your honeymoon, email wizard, photo album to share and print photos with your guests and a Facebook and Twitter uploader.

We have manners - We give you an online "Thank You" tracker so you don't forget to write thank you cards to anyone.

We want to tell everyone - We provide downloadable announcement cards to help you spread the word about your honeymoon registry.

Spam Free Zone - We will keep both your information and that of your guests private so neither party will be bombarded with advertising emails.

http://www.kenyahoneymoonfestival.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KenyaHoneymoonFestival

YOU’RE ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST

2012-10-03T14:22:00.000+03:00

Planning can go a long way in making you reach your destination safely

Preparation

Vehicle check up

Go to a professional mechanic or car dealer. Never take short cuts when rectifying car problems. Ask your mechanic to change the brake fluid, working conditions of the lights ad top up on the engine oil, power steering and transmission fluids not to forget the windshield washer. Remember to check the wheels and alignment.

Rescue Service

It is important to become a member of a car rescue service. Their services will come a long way in getting you in tow between one town and the next rather than leave you stranded.

Fill up: Ensure your fuel gauge is working and make sure you fill up your tank before you leave

Essentials

Spare tyre: Have your spare tyre checked thoroughly during your garage visit

Reflective triangles: It’s recommended that every vehicle must have a reflective triangle. These should be placed at least 50m away from your stationary car- at the front and at the back to alert on coming vehicles to slow down.

Fire extinguisher: This is very important to have one especially in the event you happen to get an engine fire or someone else happens to have a fire accident on the road you may end up being their life saver.

Tool kit: In this kit should have a complete set for tyre change in the event you get a flat tyre, your tool kit should also include jumper cables, a tow rope and spare light bulbs

First aid kit: Have a fully stocked first aid kit with anti diarrhea, fever tablets, pain killers and bandages

Extras

Maps and GPS: If you are going to a new destination, a map will come in handy and will be a very important companion during your trip. Find the most current and relevant maps at your local bookshops.

For those who are not technically challenged, there are a couple of global positioning devices that will aid you in finding your way.

Spades and Shovels: These come in handy if your car gets stuck in mud or in sand.

Keep extra engine oil in the boot

Have a torch in hand, it helps you to see whats wrong with your car and can be used to warn other drivers or attract attention if in trouble

Water: keeps you hydrated and help the radiator cool down when it overheats.

Blankets to keep you warm if you are travelling to a cold area or during the cold season. Blankets also help when you want to check under your car

Never leave home without your mobile phone

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NAIROBI’S PICNIC SPOTS

2012-09-18T09:45:00.002+03:00

August 7^th Memorial Park

Located at the former American Embassy, the park exists for both historical and educational reasons. The visitors’ center has information about the deadly bomb blast that happened on August 7^th 1998. This is a beautiful setting for small groups that want to meet; in addition it also offers conference facilities

Opening Hours: 8.30 am- 6pm

Entrance fees: Ksh.20 Educational tours Ksh. 200

Location: Haile Selassie Avenue

City Park

City Park is located in the Parklands area of Nairobi and is home to the Sykes Monkeys. The friends of City Park have worked hard to restore it. There is a small cemetery at the corner of the park where two famous Kenyans have been buried: Pio Gama Pinto a journalist and politician and Kenya’s second vice president Joseph Murumbi and his wife are buried here.

Opening times: 6am-6pm

Fees: Entrance free

Location: Parklands opposite Aga Khan Primary School, Limuru

Nairobi Arboretum

Established in 1907 the place is a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The area has grown to include a diverse range of trees, indigenous exotic plants and birds. The trees provide much needed shade that is perfect for picnics. You have an opportunity to learn more about the trees here every last Monday and 2^nd Saturday of the month. Nature Kenya also arranges for bird watching.

Opening times: 6am-6pm daily

Arboretum offices: 8.30am-4.30pm, Saturdays 9.30am- 1pm, Sundays closed

Fees: Entrance free

Corporate event hire: Ksh. 50,000

Wedding Hire: Ksh. 30,000

Location: State House Road

Central Park

The central park is easily identifiable by the Nyayo Monument. The park attracts those who want to relax and unwind

Opening times: 6am- 6pm

Fees: entrance free

Location: Uhuru Highway

Ngong Hills

The Ngong Hills have a beautiful view overlooking the great Rift Valley. The hills have 4 main suits that sand out the horizon like knuckles. This is a great place for picnics and training for mountain climbing. You have the opportunity get a guided walk by KWS at the entrance for Ksh 1500 for 4 hours

Opening hours: 8.30am-6pm

Fees: Entrance free

Location: Ngong

Nairobi National Park

This gives Nairobi the distinctiveness of being the only Metropolitan City in the world with a National Park. You have the chance to see 4 of the big five here. Located 15 minutes from the city center, the park is the place to unwind over sundowners. There are a number of areas where one can relax and unwind within the park. The Impala point 5km from the entrance has a gazebo that overlooks the park and has fantastic views of the sunset.

The Kingfisher is also another fantastic location within the park with grilling facilities for barbecues, other spots include; The Ivory Burning site and Baboon cliff. One needs to be careful at the Baboon cliff as Baboons come in large numbers and tend to snatch food from people.

There is the option of the Nairobi Safari Walk, get a chance to learn about the animal species and plants that live here. One can then settle down and have a meal at the restaurant or have a picnic.

Opening times: Park 8am-6.30pm daily and restaurant 8.30am-5.30pm

Fees: National Park Adults Ksh.200, children Ksh.100

Location: Langata Road

Jeevanjee Gardens

A bazaar used to be located at the current Jevanjee Gardens. The bazaar burnt down and one of Nairobi’s first business men AM Jevanjee donated the place. A major landmark a statue of Queen Victoria was unveiled here in 1906. This area is famous for those who want to air their religious, political and social views.

Opening Hours: 6am-6pm daily

Fees: Entrance free

Location: Moi Avenue

Giraffe Center

This is a place to enjoy a kiss from the resident Giraffes in addition a 1km nature trail. There are 178 bird species and clearly labeled trees line up the trail. You have the option of having a meal at the tea house or have a picnic halfway along the trail.

Opening hours: 9.30am-5.30pm

Fees: Residents Ksh. 100 children ksh. 20 non residents Ksh. 700 children: Ksh.250

Location: Langata

Uhuru Park

This is the highlight of most family weekend outings. It crowns itself with a manmade lake where people can have boat rides. Young visitors enjoy the open space in the park and it is centrally located within the city.

Opening hours: 6am-6pm daily

Entrance: Free

Location: Uhuru Highway

Uhuru Gardens

These gardens are a memorial to Kenya’s struggle for independence. There is plenty of space for families and picnickers. Informal football games are popular here, in addition camel rides and face paintings for children are also on offer. Visitors can have picnics, barbecues. There is a snack shop at the entrance although most people prefer to come with their own food.

Opening hours: 9am- 8pm daily

Fees: Cars Ksh.100 pedestrians free

Location: Langata Road

KASUBI TOMBS

2012-09-17T09:36:00.003+03:00

The tombs have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. It is a 10minutes drive from Kampala and a perfect location to take a day trip to. A walk towards the tombs takes an hour. The entrance fees include a guide.

Female visitors at the tombs are required to carry a lesso/Khanga for covering up if you are wearing trousers or shorts. This shows a sign of respect, in addition hats should also be taken off at the entrance to the main structure.

The guides normally ask for voluntary donation while inside the tomb, so visitors need to carry extra cash. Artifacts, souvenirs and literature on the Buganda Kingdom are sold at the entrance.

Entry fees:

Ugandan citizens- Ush 1000

East African residents- Ush 5000

Getting here

If you are driving, the tombs are located on the Kasumbi Hill which is 5km from the Kampala City centre along the Kampala Hoima Road. Taxis are available from the taxi park in down town Kampala a ride costs Ush. 1000 or hire a boda boda for a negotiable fee of Ush. 3000
Check out : http://www.kenyahoneymoonfestival.com/ for more travel information

GETAWAY TO DAKAR

2012-09-14T13:23:00.000+03:00

There are good wave catching beaches to be found in Dakar. The Senegalese coast has become a popular destination for international visitors. Ever thought of taking a romantic holiday here? You may want to consider doing so. Saly is a little resort town an hour from the capital city Dakar. Saly offers many swim friendly sandy white beaches.

There is a lot to do including deep sea fishing which is a popular activity among holiday goers. If this is not your thing you may opt to rent a jet ski or a kayak for on the water entertainment.

Another interesting escape is Saint Louis which is about 4hours drive from Dakar.

The best times to visit Senegal is December to February which has pleasant temperatures avoid the hot and rainy seasons from June to October. The national language is French and Wolof a local dialect. Knowing at least basic French is important in finding your way around, ordering food and buying souvenirs. Carry anti malarial medication before and during your visit. Buy only bottled water from restaurants.

Up on God's Mountain

2012-09-03T15:50:00.000+03:00

Take a slow hike up Mt Kenya to enjoy the scenery and adventure

Mt. Kenya, Kenya’s highest mountain and Africa’s second highest mountain after Mt. Kilimanjaro, it is estimated to be about 2.5 million years old. Its awe inspiring spectacle that dominates the central highlands of Kenya and is located 180 KM north of Nairobi within the Mt. Kenya National Park.

Mt. Kenya National Park is a World Heritage site and an international biosphere reserve.

It’s difficult to see wild animals located at the lower forest zone of the mountain but if lucky and at the right time you get to see, the buffalo, elephant, Sykes monkey and the bushbuck. Further up the hyena, leopard and civet cats can be sighted.

For a climbing adventure any fit person can reach point Lenana also called the trekkers peak. The Batian and Nelion are accessible only to those with technical mountaineering and rock climbing experience. Mt. Kenya lies on the equator and you will find snow, ice and even glaciers on it. Although the number of glaciers has dropped from 18 to only 7 today

Mount Kenya can be reached through 3 routes: Naro Moru, Sirimon and Chogoria. The fastest way to access the peaks is through Naro Moru which is well serviced with rest huts. It is however the steepest. A hike to Mt. Kenya takes 4 days with an option of an additional day at the summit.

Naro Moru Hike

A 4 day trek using the Naro Moru route starts with a 5 hour walk from the park gate to the Met Station (3,050m). The first night is spent here and climbers get to acclimatize to the thinning mountain air.

The 2^nd day normally the longest with a walk between 8 to 10hrs, the night is spent at Mackinders camp (4,200m) in the peak area’s vicinity.

The 3^rd day begins at 2 am with an attempt to reach point Lenana. Some climbers get

Altitude related illnesses while here. To reach point Lenana normally takes 5 hours and descending normally takes 3hours to Mackinders camp for breakfast, then ascending back to Teleki Valley via Caeil rocks to the Met Station. A night rest at the Met Station and on the 4^th day begins with the final descent to the Park Gate.

Sirimon Hike

This route has its base at Nanyuki to the north of the mountain. This route offers a much easier climb with more scenic views. It normally takes 5 days up and down the mountain

The 1^st day starts with a 3-4 hr walk through the forest and spend the night at Old Moses camp (3,300)

The 2^nd day, a hike through the moorland and the Liki and Makinder Valley and after a 6-7 hour hike to Shipton’s camp (4,200m)

The 3^rd day takes you up to attempt point Lenana. Ascending takes another 2 days.

Chogoria Hike

The hike begins at the Chogoria town west of the mountain. This is the most beautiful course and scenic of the three. Hikers enjoy scenic views of waterfalls, valleys and ragged rock formations. However the trail is unpopular because it is the longest and the toughest. It takes 6 days to ascend and descend the mountain. There are no usable service huts along the way and climbers must carry a tent when using this route.

Days through these routes can be prolonged by enjoying an extra day to climb the Summit Circuit Path.

Keeping fit will hiking

It’s important to drink 4-6 litres of water on a daily basis to keep you hydrated during the climb. Dehydration exposes hikers to altitude sickness and hypothermia.

At heights above 3,000m oxygen levels reduce. It is advisable not to do a fast climb as one has no opportunity to acclimatize. If a trekker feels the symptoms of mountain sickness, it is advisable to descend to a lower altitude

Spending an extra night near the park gate or at the mountain huts above 4,000m to acclimatize helps to reduce the chances of mountain sickness

Porters and Guides

Porters and guides are needed so that a trekker can fully concentrate on their climb. A good porter is worth his weight in the event of sickness and other contingencies.

They shoulder heavy equipment while the climber carries their day pack which contains essentials such as warm clothes, matches, flashlight, first aid box and food and drinks

Other important gear climbers should carry include: boots should be water proof in addition have rain suits, sleeping bags, sunglasses and hand gloves.

Alternatively a climber can buy a Mt. Kenya Climbing Package which is all inclusive. This package includes transport, accommodation in the mountain huts; meals while climbing, park entry fees, an experienced mountain guide, porters and cooks,

The most comfortable climb is achieved in the dry season which is during the months of January and February and from July to October. Relaxation in some of the hotels around the mountain can be done after the climb.

Plan a debt free honeymoon

2012-08-28T14:02:00.000+03:00

Do you want to have a great honeymoon without blowing a hole in your bank account? The key is to start planning now.

Weddings take a whole lot of energy both financially and physically for couples. There is no better way to refresh yourself and prepare for your honeymoon to relax and unwind. There is no escaping the fact that holidays are expensive more so now with rising inflation.

That said what you want to avoid is having a honeymoon that bursts a hole in your already lean finances after the wedding. LUYANZI TOURS gives you essential holiday planning tips:

CREATE YOUR IDEAL HONEYMOON HOLIDAY

Where would you like to go on honeymoon- a bush safari? To Seychelles or Dar es salaam? Skiing in Switzerland? Wine tasting in Cape Town or just a simple road trip down the coast? Whatever it is put it down on paper include all the things you would love to do while on your honeymoon or romantic holiday. Cost each item, food, drink, travel, accommodation and entertainment. Start the process of elimination depending on the holiday option that seems affordable to you. In the end have one holiday to plan on your list.

ALLOCATE YOUR BUDGET

In addition to your wedding budget allocate another budget for your honeymoon according to your holiday needs. Plan your holiday according to how much money you can afford to spend. Most important DO NOT take a bank loan to finance a honeymoon or romantic holiday, loans are best for income generating activities.

TRIM YOUR PLANS

Once you know how much you have go back to the list and remove items depending on how much they cost. For example if possible, you can replace air travel with much cheaper road trip. You can opt to have a self service accommodation instead of a fancy hotel to save on costs.

BOOK EARLY

The earlier you book your holiday the cheaper it shall be for you. To have a nice holiday in December, it needs to be booked in June or July. By November hotels quickly get booked and at the same time prices start hiking. Air travel is also best booked early, to take advantage of the discounts.

RECONCILE YOURSELF

If you really cannot afford a honeymoon this year, defer it. The best part is you have a plan in place and you can start saving towards it.

HONEYMOON REGISTRY

This is a good option for those couple that already has most of the gifts they anticipate to receive in their wedding. They can also opt to open up a honeymoon registry where they tell friends and family to gift parts of the honeymoon they currently are unable to afford. Luyanzi Tours has a honeymoon registry that helps couples to plan their dream honeymoon for more information contact: info@luyanzitours.com

Fashion and Travel

2012-08-24T14:46:00.000+03:00

Having a good holiday lies in the preparation and a happy return depends on how good you look in the pictures. It matters a lot if you have packed the wrong things for your holiday. Your home coming will be an anti climax if you don’t come back looking fabulous in the photographs. For young ladies and those plummeting into middle age, the science of packing for travel and posing for travel needs to be learnt.

To some packing means 2 thongs, a toothbrush and Anti malaria tablets. Its good to travel light but this takes years of experience. Many want to look their best without standing out as tourists. Having the correct clothing can make or break a holiday.

There is nothing worse than going to a country and not bring your favorite products because you didn’t think there was room in your suitcase. Collecting samples of products you already use is better than taking the free samples of something you will never try.

A few days before your trip take some time to decant your favorite beauty products into travel sized containers. To travel on the minimum, needs forethought, working out every outfit for every day prior to packing.

When traveling with small children and babies think about practicality as well as comfort and style. Wear colors that won’t show dirt and grime, fabrics that can quickly be washed as soon as you arrive your destination.

Mountain Climbing- Life Saving Tips

2012-05-30T14:37:00.001+03:00

When gearing up for mountain climbing there is enornomous amount of information available that equips a climber for proper planning. Keep in mind you have a limited amount of buggage allowance, always keep your weight to a minimum.

In addition here are 10 life saving tips that will save your life when going on your mountain climbing adventure.
1. When on the final accent, keep your camera on the outer pack so that its accessible. Remove the battery and keep it close to you so that its warm until you are ready to take photographs, it will help prolong battery life
2. Antiseptic talcum powder is good for keeping feet in good shape.
3. Take 2 ski poles!
4. Antiseptic wet wipes
5. A small thermos flask
6.Purim tabs for sterilizing drinking water at the streams
7. Dextrose tablets that are great for an energy burst when climbing the summit
8. Pack your essentials in a canoe bag of 20 litre capacity
9. Metal water bottle that can be fillled with hot water and used as a hot water bottle at night to keep you warm.
10. Buy a water hydration system helps to keep you hydrated during the climb

Easter Offers from Luyanzi Tours

2012-03-16T19:09:00.000+03:00

Malindi Soul

2012-03-12T15:04:00.000+03:00

Malindi is one of the oldest ancient Swahili Towns in East Africa, it is rich in history and was once a vibrant center of trade

Attractions

Vasco Da Gama Pillar

The first thing that comes to mind when travelling to Malindi is this historical pillar that was erected by Portuguese Explorer Vasco Da Gama as a navigational aid in 1498

Museum at the house of columns

This place would certainly appeal to children rather than adults. On display is the preserved coelacanth; a pre historic fish pre dating the dinosaurs though very rare in the Indian Ocean waters. In addition there is an interactive exhibition for children. On the upper floors is an exhibition of the life and times of Vasco Da Gama and Muslim cultural artifacts.

Malindi National Marine Park

This is a top of the list of things to do: a snorkel safari and you may see a turtle lounging in the shallows of a coral head. Take your own equipment especially if smaller sizes are needed for the children. Entry charges for residents: Adults and children Ksh 100, East African Residents Adults Ksh.300 children Ksh. 150 Non residents’ adults’ $15 children 10

Scuba Diving

There are a total of 8 dive sites in Malindi and more in neighboring Watamu Islands

Malindi Crocodile Park and Snake Park

Located just off the main road the Marine Park is open from 9 am to 5.30Pm Residents pay Ksh 300/150 adult/child. To watch the 3m long crocodiles gorge visit from 4pm on Wednesdays and Saturday

Best time to travel to Malindi

December – April when the area is bathed in the balmy north east monsoon trade winds. Christmas and Easter are the most ideal times to visit Malindi. From May to November the wind changes direction to cooler winds from the south east. A lot of rainfall comes between May and June in July the weather is mild and pleasant. Easter is an especially good time to escape the sun and sand visitors

Getting there

Malindi is a 2 hour drive from Mombasa and 8 hours from Nairobi via Mombasa. You can take a 45min flight to Diani Ukunda and transfer to Malindi via road

Camp It Up

2012-02-28T15:07:00.000+03:00

Where would you camp in Kenya? KWS Kenya Wildlife Service has a selection of unrivalled camping areas that are scenically located within national parks and reserves and in addition offer the best possible security services. There are 2 kinds of camp sites: Public campsites which are normally located adjacent to the main gate. They are open to everyone and normally don’t require you to pre book. Public campsites have the basic necessities: water, latrine, shower, sheltered cooking areas, picnic tables, benches and fire pits some have iron BBQ attachments.

The second type is the special campsites which are generally located far in beautiful spots; they must be pre booked in.While camping is an adventure one cannot just wake up and leave for an evening or morning stroll. Only two national parks allow walking other than in the company of an armed KWS ranger; Saiwa Swamp and Hell’s gate national parks. The rangers need to be hired and arrangements can be made in advance.

Recommended campsites

Hell’s Gate Naivasha
Mount Kenya National Park
Saiwa Swamp National park
Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Lake Nakuru National Park
Marsabit National Park

Budget watch

Public Campsites: They charge per person per night basis in addition to the fees payable to enter the park. The most popular parks include Aberdares, Amboseli, Nakuru, Tsavo and Meru National Park and advance booking is required.

Special campsites: Charge a weekly rate at a flat flee for the entire campsite which is non refundable and payable in advance. Water and security can be provided at a minimal charge if arranged in advance by a warden

Guide to the Kenyan Coast

2012-02-27T09:51:00.001+03:00

Kenyan coast is one of the must see places when you travel to Kenya. Besides the sandy beaches and the India Ocean, a visitor will be impressed by the blend of scents, sounds and colors.

Nyali and Bamburi

These are located on the south east coast facing the Indian Ocean. They offer long miles of pale sandy beach which host a variety of private villas, hotels and gardens. These areas are suitable for those who are looking for a beach holiday with the convenience of Mombasa’s urban attractions close by.

Diani Beach

Located on the south coast, Diani Beach has plenty of hotels catering to all tastes from small boutique properties for the shrewd traveler to larger family hotels. When visiting the south coast, visitors get to enjoy water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, skiing ad scuba diving. The beach borders Tiwi Beach, Galu beach, Chale Island, Funzi Island and Kinondo.

Shanzu

This area is around 20 kilometers from Mombasa City. It is a town with superb beaches and a variety of beautiful places to visit. To get here, take the main Mombasa-Malindi highway and cross the Nyali Bridge. Shanzu has a holiday market that hosts lots of small shops and a Bazaar offering a large collection of local crafts sold at very good prices

Haller Park

This is the largest animal sanctuary in Mombasa. A visitor gets to see large tortoises, giraffes, crocodiles, and a variety of bird life, fish and Ngomongo villages a spectacular eco cultural tourist village. In addition there is a well maintained forest, and a wetland consisting of 3 different lakes. There is a collection of 9 diverse rural Kenya tribal households complete with huts, domestic and wild animals.

Fort Jesus

This is a fort that was built by the Portuguese in 1593. It was built to secure the safety of the Portuguese living in the East Coast of Africa. The site chosen was a coral ridge at the entrance of the harbor. Perhaps no other fort has experienced as much turbulence as the Fort Jesus.

Lamu

Lamu is Kenyas oldest town and has retained its appearance and character over the centuries. The town has narrow streets, no cars and the only means of transport here is donkeys, or by sea and motor powered boats. The area contains wildlife and wide beaches. Every year there is a cultural festival to experience the marvel of the coastal gem.

Malindi

Malindi is a place full of history dating back to the 15^th century, when Portuguese visited the area and made it a prime trading post. Malindi is located at the center of a strip of idyllic tropical beaches giving a visitor a wide range of resort and quiet relaxing hideaways. A historical monument found in Malindi is the Vasco Da Gama pillar which marks the last stop in Africa before Vasco Da Gama sailed across the Indian Ocean to India in 1498

Watamu

An area in the coast that offers white sandy beaches, it hosts a number of well established resorts and many private guest houses. Watamu also hosts the Watamu Marine National Park that is the ideal spot for divers and snorkelers. The park has over 600 species of fish in just 10 sq kilometers

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Great Offers this valentines

2012-02-07T14:18:00.000+03:00

Enjoy some of Mombasa's most beautiful white sandy beaches with someone special this Valentine's Day at Reef Hotel Mombasa.

Treat your loved one on a candle lit dinner for two at the Tanga Bar & Grill. Capture your most precious memories; make your Valentine's Day unforgettable.

Choose from our 2 very special packages made especially for you.

2 nights romance @ Reef
2 night's accommodation in a deluxe room
1 hour massage per person, per stay
1 evening dinner at Tanga Bar & Grill
1 evening buffet dinner at the Ocean View Restaurant
Daily breakfast for 2 people Price: 36,680 Ksh

Garden room from: 30,920 Ksh
Sea facing room from: 33,440 Ksh

3 nights romance @ Reef
3 night's accommodation in a renovated deluxe room
1 hour massage per person, per stay
1 evening Sea food dinner at Tanga Bar & Grill
2 evenings buffet dinner at the Ocean View Restaurant
Daily breakfast for 2 people Price: 52,520 Ksh

Garden room from: 43,880 Ksh
Sea facing room from: 47,660 Ksh

Supplement:
Bottle of sparkeling wine: 3,000 Ksh

Offers available from February 1st until 29th, 2012

For more information and booking please contact us on the below address. Thank you

Luyanzi Tours

Tel: +254 733 249 599

Email: info@luyanzitours.com

www.luyanzitours.com

Where will you be this Valentines?

2012-01-16T18:16:00.001+03:00

Let us help you choose the perfect getaway this valentines by planning your trip with us

Amboseli's best times

2012-01-13T12:18:00.000+03:00

There is no doubt that Amboseli offers something totally different to a traveler. Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the park is home to the big five and other magnificent wildlife to watch.

Getting there
Its easy to get to Amboseli from Tsavo West National park through the Kimana Gate. The park has several other gates which a visitor can pass through: IImeshanan, Iremito, Kelunyiet and Kitrua.

By air landing at the Empusel Gate. There are other airstrips available at Namanga and Kilimanjaro Buffalo lodge.

When to visit
The dry seasons ( January and February) and June - September offers visitors a chance to see that the animals in their wild state. Avoid the rainy season (April- May and November-December). The rain normally makes roads here impassable.

Activities
The main reason for visiting Amboseli is to see the wildlife and basically enjoy an African Safari. In addition get to see the Masaai and learn their indigenous culture.

Rondo Retreat Center

2012-01-11T16:57:00.003+03:00

By Muthoni Gitahi

At Muliro Gardens

Vacation Name Rondo Retreat
Duration 1 day
Number of people 2

Planning my trip was very stress free and I had peace of mind.

Initially I had planned to travel out of Nairobi during my December break however I did not want to do the usual coastal trip I needed something different out of the ordinary. I need to go somewhere serene where I could relax, meditate and regain my energy.

Since It was towards the end of the year and work was crazy as usual. I needed someone to plan my trip. There is so much information on internet and magazines and I needed someone who had vast information on travel destinations around Kenya. At first I did not think it was necessary to have someone plan my trip until reality hit me that time was running out a hotel bookings were quickly filling up.

I then decided to go to the Western part of Kenya and explore this land of beauty. Kakamega is so so beautiful. It's one of the untapped tourist destinations in Kenya. I visited the Rondo Retreat Center. Luyanzi Tours was able to arrange the trip on my behalf.

I am seriously considering this place for my honeymoon in the near future. Rondo Retreat is a hidden haven. See, you cannot just go there, you need to make reservations in advance.

The ambiance here is magnificent with the old English look. The place is well maintained with wooden floors. I got to see birds I have never seen before, the flora and fauna is striking and attractive to look at. I loved the Chapel within it gave me some time to go and meditate.

The food is also very affordable, my friend and I had lunch for Ksh.900 that was the Chef's special.

This is a place I will definitely be going back to.

Sunny Side - The Kenyan Coast

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Mombasa and the coast in general is a very popular tourist destination during the month of December here are some sites.

Fort Jesus

Fort Jesus Mombasa


Fort Jesus

Old Town

Sunny Side Apartments Nyali

Photos courtesy of Victor Ogolah

SAIWA SWAMP

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Saiwa Swamp is the smallest National Park that is maintained by the KWS. It is 400Km west of Nairobi and lies 22Km from Kitale on the Kitale - Lodwar road. At the Kapsiana junction a 5Km kilometer murram road leads to the only gate.

You can land at Saiwa Swamp by air via the Kitale air strip that is 22km away.
It is an ideal stop over to on your way to Mt. Elgon National Park, Kakamega Forest and the Cherengani Hills. Saiwa Swamp is unique in the sense that it is the only park in the country where vehicles are prohibited. Visitors are only allowed to view the park on foot.

Animals found here

The Saiwa Swamp is home to rare bird species and animals such as monkeys, squirrels, leopard, bushback, ratel and the Africa Civet

Saiwa swamp is a good place to visit all year round.

Welcome to Kenya

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Welcome to Kenya. Discover the Magic of Africa

Mt. Kenya

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Snow capped Mt Kenya - simply beautiful

Kenya- the facts on Safari Vacations

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Photo courtesy of Dr. Brager

Kenya is a country situated in East Africa. For a traveler coming here for the first time, Nairobi is the capital city. Two other major cities include: Mombasa and Kisumu. Kenya is famous for its Safaris and beach holidays. Kenya’s time zone lies in the East African Standard Time Zone which is 3 hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time.

Nairobi’s weather is cool while that of Mombasa and Kisumu is hot and humid. Those planning safari trips need to be well prepared for their adventurous journey. For starters Safari is a Swahili word that means a journey. Kenya has one of the best options to enjoy a Safari. There are many wildlife sanctuaries and game parks to choose from.

You can either plan to have the safari through a road trip or using internal flights to the game parks. There are also options available for you to see nature and wildlife. You can decide to take a balloon safari or a game drive or a walking safari to see the flora and fauna.

To get the most out of your trip while you go for game drive plan the drives either very early in the morning or at night; you will be able to see the animals better at these times as they get out to hunt. The animals also avoid the hot scorching sun during the day.

Every park has entry fees for vehicles and persons. The roads within the park are accessible to any kind of vehicle however during the rainy season it is advisable to have a four wheel drive vehicle.

How to redeem your miles with Kenya Airways

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Now that you have accumulated your miles you can redeem them in many ways. Every airline has their way of redeeming miles. Below are ways to redeem your miles with airlines that land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Kenya Airways

You can use your award miles for various awards. Award tickets and upgrades. You can use KQ- Msafiri Miles against award tickes on KQ Flights both in economy and business class, depending on the total accumulated miles you want to redeem.

Miles required for a return economy class ticket

5,000miles – a local ticket (in Kenya)

12,500 miles – ticket to any destination in Africa or Dubai

20,000miles- a ticket to destinations beyond Africa and Dubai (LHR, AMS, CDG, CAN, BOM, BKK, HKG)

Miles required for a return business class ticket

10,000miles – a local ticket in Kenya

25,000miles – a ticket to any destination in Africa or to Dubai

40,000miles – a ticket to destinations beyond Africa and Dubai (LHR, AMS, CDG, CAN, BOM, BKK, HKG)

Upgrade from economy to business class

You can upgrade your economy class ticket to business class using your KQ- Msafiri Miles. Miles required for upgrading

6250miles- a local upgrade in Kenya

7500miles- upgrade to any destination in Africa or to Dubai

10,000miles – upgrade to destination beyond Africa and Dubai (LHR, AMS, CDG, CAN, BOM, BKK, HKG)

To get further assistance on redeeming miles you can contact: www.kqmsafiri.com