Rove Africa Islands and Safaris

Anita's Trip to Kenya #1 .

Rove Africa Islands and Safaris — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:38:20 +0000

After living in South Africa for 15 years I was missing my home Kenya, all I
wanted was to get in a vehicle with my husband (Kevin) and 4 year old son
(Byron) and drive through Kenya and,In April 2011, my dream came true and
what an experience it turned out to be!
We left Johannesburg on the Kenya Airways daylight flight to Nairobi, a
short 3h50 min flight and I was back where I was born and bred. My family
and friends met us at the airport and took us home back to the familiar
smells of "Nyama Choma (Braai)" chapatti, Prawns, Samosas, what a treat with
lots of Tusker Beer of course.
The next day our driver/guide Willy from Ndosa Safaris arrived with our
private 4 wheel drive land cruiser, we loaded the vehicle with snacks,
drinks, games for Byron and lots of excitement! We set off through the
suburbs of Nairobi onto the Thika Highway which is being completely rebuilt,
through Kikuyu farm lands and three hours later we reached the Equator with
Mt Kenya standing tall in the back ground. The Equator sign board must be
one of the most
photographed locations in Africa .. a must to do - and you can even get a
certificate! We then drove to Nanyuki for lunch at Barneys Restaurant at the small
regional Airport This was a first for me and to my surprise here was this
brightly coloured busy restaurant that serves simple yet tasty meals.. This
busy lunch spot is home to the Laikipia Outpost centre who offer information
about the Laikipia region including maps and general information which is
very informative.Nanyuki airstrip services scheduled and charter flights
between Nairobi/Nanyuki/Samburu and Loisaba.
It was fortunate that I had bought a map at the outpost centre because, as
we drove further north to the Laikipia Conservancy we took the wrong road
and became completely lost! There is no sign posting in this wilderness area
of remote beauty, eroded roads, villages spotted far and few between but,
with the help of the villagers and the map we arrived 5 hours later at our
destination, a private game ranch called Loisaba Lodge. I loved the
adventure, but next time would definitely fly !.

Loisaba lodge is a seven roomed luxury safari lodge situated on a private
60,000 acre game ranch. It is a setting little changed since the Great Rift
Valley split Africa in two, creating the dramatic escarpment on which the
lodge is built. We settled into our spacious room with views that extend
for miles with Mt Kenya in the back drop, the Loldaiga Hills and the Mathews
Range. The next day, I drove around the ranch to see the other accommodation that
is offered which includes a 4 bedroomed cottage great for groups with its
own kitchen, staff and swimming pool and then drove another 20 minutes to
the Koija Star Beds which has 4 double star beds and is run by the Koija
Community, Koija overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River and is 18 kms from the main
lodge. Meanwhile Kevin and Byron set off to experience the activities of the
ranch which include Quad Biking, horse riding; game drives and then returned
to the lodge for a swim and lunch. Apart from activities mentioned above
they also have a tennis court, bowling green, spa facilities, guided bush
and bird walks, cultural visits and mountain biking.
Mid afternoon we set off for an afternoon game drive in search of Elephant,
Lion, Hyena and Leopard alongside the endemic northern species that thrive
in this region namely-Gerenuk, Grevy's Zebra and Reticulated Giraffe. I had
secretly planned a camel walk to the Kiboko Star beds where we were booked
for the night, what I thought would be a 10 minute ride!! half an hour later
we are still bumping along and at sunset Kevin gave up and called the
vehicle to collect us. We arrived at Kiboko in the dark, the star beds are
run by the community there is no electricity and bathing is done by the
bucket shower system, all very different.
We sat by the bonfire with cold Tuskers in hand waiting for what was the
most delicious 3 course meal I have had in the bush. After dinner, we were
escorted by Samburu guards to our Star Bed. Byron was not sure about this
business of sleeping in a bed situated on the steep edge of a valley - hence
the 3 of us shares the enormous double bed .
Each Star Bed is designed on a raised, handcrafted, wooden platform that is
partially covered with a thatched roof. Homemade 'Mukokoteni' beds can
either be wheeled onto the open deck for a night under the stars, or left
under the shelter of the roof. The bedding is so warm and yes the hot water
bottle was welcomed, looking out at the stars while in bed was so peaceful.
Our peace was excitingly disturbed in the early hours of the morning when we
were woken by Hyena not even 100 metres away from us chewing on a kill.
We were awake bright and early watching the Kiboko dam, valley and the
spectacular sunrise - early morning tea and biscuits were welcome in bed!
We finally made our way to the breakfast table for an English breakfast
before heading back to the lodge to say our good byes and carry on with our
journey.....
To be continued.

See the full gallery on Posterous

TURTLE HATCHING ON MAFIA ISLAND TANZANIA

Rove Africa Islands and Safaris — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:17:18 +0000

Between June and September each year hundreds of young turtles make their way from the beaches of the Mafia archipelago into the Indian Ocean after hatching from their nests, carefully dug between 45 and 60 days before by their mother.

The start of this amazing journey can be witnessed with the help of Sea Sense, a local Tanzanian NGO. Set up in 2001, Sea Sense has been working in partnership with local coastal communities to promote the protection of marine turtles and their habitats through many projects that include turtle nest protection, hatching success enhancement, net releases, turtle tagging and environmental education. Sea Sense, in conjunction with the Sea Point Dive Centre in Chole Bay will organise a visit for you to Juani Island where this work can be witnessed at first hand

The trip starts with a cruise across Chole Bay in a traditional dhow to Juani Island. A 40-minute walk through a modest Swahili village and along a path surrounded by lush vegetation will take you from the harbour to the eastern beaches where the marine turtles nest. Sea Sense staff will assist the hatching process by removing sand and other materials that have protected the delicate eggs from the voracious monitor lizard.

The tiny turtles emerge from the sand and scramble, with frantically flapping fins, across the beach strip to the surf and the next big step ahead: 24 hours of swimming until they find peace and shelter in sea grass beds where they can safely grow for the next 3 years. Some 30 years later, the fully grown females will return to the same beach to lay their own eggs and start a whole new journey.

The image of the baby turtles crawling from their nests and fighting against the waves will invoke in most the same sense of wonder experienced when first coming face to face with a mountain Gorilla or the migrating Wildebeest. All five sea Turtle species are classed as endangered, two are critical, and will not survive without support for organisations such as Sea Sense.

Mkoma Bay Tented Lodge

Doriane Ribeiro — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:57:12 +0000

Destination:

Tanzania

Location:

Pangani

After a safari or simply taking a break from the city, come walk the tranquil shores of Mkoma Bay. Feel the ocean breeze. Owners Lisa and Ulrik invite you to spend time in their bit of paradise.

Location

Located on the Indian Ocean and with a fresh water swimming pool, the guests have the choice of sipping a drink poolside or taking a dip in the warm waters at Mkoma Bay.

The view and cool ocean breeze make the beach bar and restaurant very popular with guests during the day, with a main restaurant, bar situated in spacious gardens close to the greeting area.

Mkoma Bay Tented Lodge has facilities to host workshops and corporate incentives. Internet access is also available. It is a perfect spot for romantic weddings. The chefs create delicious menus using freshly caught seafood and the best local produce.

Experience Africas nature by taking a relaxing boat cruise up the Pangani River where you can see crocodiles, monkeys, and numerous indigenous species of birds. Explore the beautiful coastline by Kayak, go scuba diving or snorkelling. Take a walking tour and discover Pangani or catch a local dhow to Zanzibar from the beach.

Accommodation

At Mkoma Bay you have two choices of accommodation.

Thatched self-contained luxury tents set in the forested garden which create a feeling of being on a Safari on the beach.
A spacious four bedroom, three bathroom Swahili style house which is perfect for families or groups offering privacy and self-catering options.

Exploreans Mara Rianta Camp

Doriane Ribeiro — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:18:03 +0000

New all-inclusive luxury camp in the Masai Mara

Book your Migration Safari early to secure your exclusive experience in the Mara !

12 July - 31 July: Package price from only US$ 1915 p/p sharing

01 August - 31 October: Package price from only US$ 2060 p/p sharing

01 November - 19 December : Package price from only US$ 2080 p/p sharing

Price includes:

Transfer from Nairobi International Airport to Nairobi Wilson Airport
Air Kenya Express flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara (09h15, 12h15, 15h15)
Transfer from Airstrip to the Camp
3 Nights at Exploreans Mara Rianta Camp in a luxury double room
All meals and local drinks ( includes bush meals & sundowners )
2 x scheduled shared game drives by 4WD vehicles per day
National Park Entry Fees
Laundry
Transfer from Camp to Masai Mara Airstrip
Air Kenya Express flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi Wilson Airport (10h15, 13h15, 16h15)
Transfer from Nairobi Wilson Airport to downtown Nairobi hotel
1 Night at Serena Hotel Nairobi in a standard double room
Transfer from Serena Hotel Nairobi to Nairobi International Airport

Package Details at a Glance

Number of Days:

Number of Nights:

Valid From / To:

12 July 2011 - 19 December 2011

This Package Applies to

Destinations:

Kenya

Hotels:

Nairobi Serena Hotel

Safari Lodges:

Exploreans Mara Rianta Camp

National Parks:

Masai Mara National Reserve

Exploreans Mara Rianta Camp

Doriane Ribeiro — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 07:52:47 +0000

Destination:

Kenya

Location:

Masai Mara Game Reserve

Location

The perfect base for your exclusive Safari adventure is the Exploreans Mara Rianta Luxury Camp, situated in the heart of the North Conservation Masai Mara Reserve just a few minutes drive from several airstrips which are serviced with daily flights. The Luxury tented accommodation and all buildings are directly overlooking the Mara River which winds itself around the camp with gently flowing waters surrounded with wild life and teeming with large groups of Hippos. The lodge is immersed in the original bush among indigenous plantations and trees.

Main Facilities

Overlooking the pool and the Mara river the main building and tented terrace has a welcoming Reception area and lounge, a library, wireless Internet access, a comfortable Bar and cocktail lounge and a typical safari style decorated restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.You can enjoy a relaxing and invigorating treatment or massage at the Mvua African Rain Spa while being captivated by the unspoilt atmosphere of the African bush and the soothing sound of the Mara river or by gazing up at the stars after a wonderful day of unmatched safari and wildlife experience. Game drives, guided by our experienced naturalist trained drivers, are by four-wheel-drive Land Cruiser.

Accommodation

All 20 luxury tents are built on elevated wooden platforms and have their own private viewing deck from where hippo and other wildlife are regularly seen! Each room has a King size or twinbed with comfortable mattresses and fine linens, the en-suite facilities with solar-heated hot and cold running water consist of a large shower, two hand wash basins, a private WC with bidet shower and a Jacuzzi bathtub at some selected tents. There is a comfortable sitting area with lounge chairs, a writing desk, an in-room safe and a butler call button that allows you to order refreshing drinks or to set up private dining on your deck and ensures that your every need is taken care of.

Whats included in the "all inclusive" concept

Early morning wake up tea, coffee or hot chocolate
Breakfast, lunch and dinner as per schedule
Afternoon tea at the pool or at the Zebra Bar & Lounge
Picnic Lunch
Juices, Soft drinks, selected wine, Kenya beer, coffee and tea served during meals and at the bar as per opening times
Cocktails and selected spirits served at the bar after 6pm
Pool lounger and towels
Two game drives per day (excluding park fees)
Arrival and departure transfers from and to airstrips

Food & Beverage Service Facilities

The Accacia Dining Room

Dining at the Exploreans Mara Rianta Luxury Camp is an exotic adventure in itself, created from the abundance of fresh Kenyan produce the menus

are a culinary journey to please the most discerning of palates. Breakfast and lunch are often served buffet-style, while dinner is la carte with a choice

of appetizers, pasta, main courses and tempting desserts, complemented by savouries to begin with and ending with fresh tropical fruits and a selection

of delectable cheese made in Kenya.

Breakfast: from 7:30 am to 10:00 am

Lunch: from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

Dinner: from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Around the pool, al fresco lunches and evening BBQs complemented by activities of Masai dancing, presentations and talks on the Mara’s ecosystem

and Masai culture create the truly unique Exploreans Safari experience.

Offered as per camp schedule.

The Zebra Bar & Lounge

At the cosy Zebra Bar relax and enjoy your favourite drink or cocktail in the exiting ambiance just as the great Kenya explorers savoured during the

20s and 30s. The Bar lounge is open from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm with afternoon tea, cookies, cakes and sandwiches served from 3:30 to 6:00 pm.

In Tent Dining

Offers early morning tea/coffee/hot-chocolate with your wake-up call each morning. Room service and in tent dinning is offered on reservation.

General Facilities

Reception with multilingual staff
Wi-Fi Internet facilities
Swimming pool
Guided nature walks
Mvua African Rain Spa
Safari Drugstore & Mini Boutique
Safari Reservation Desk
Laundry and Pressing Service
Shoe polish service
First Aid
Credit Cards Accepted

Useful information

Currency: Kenyan Schillings, US Dollars and Euros.

Language: Kiswahili is the national language. English is the official language.

Weather: Between July and October the weather is dry, the vegetation is lush and the daytime temperatures are pleasant, making it the best time to see the park’s

wildlife. Hot temperatures peak between December and January while June and July are the coolest months at the park.

Essque Zalu opening special

Doriane Ribeiro — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 06:59:06 +0000

Newly opened luxury Boutique hotel in Zanzibar!

From only R 13 930 per person sharing

Your package price includes:

Return flights from JNB to Zanzibar on Precision Airways via Dar es Salaam
Airport taxes / airline surcharges
Return airport - hotel transfers
7 Nights accommodation in a garden suite
Half Board basis (breakfast + lunch or dinner)

GUESTS CAN ENJOY...

Henna art lessons by professional henna artists and learn to cook local Zanzibari cuisine courtesy of Essque Zalu Zanzibar

* Peak season supplements may apply

Packages valid for travel on FRI / SAT departure from 26 August - 31 December

Prices subject to currency fluctuations. Packages quoted on ROE 6.91

Package Details at a Glance

Number of Days:

Number of Nights:

Valid From / To:

26 August 2011 - 31 December 2011

This Package Applies to

Destinations:

Zanzibar

Hotels:

Essque Zalu Zanzibar

All inclusive Zanzibar with Precision

Doriane Ribeiro — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:50:38 +0000

Diamonds Dream Of Zanzibar from only

R 10 983 per person sharing

Price includes:

Return flights from JNB on Precision Airways via Dar es Salaam
Airport taxes / airline surcharges
Return airport - hotel transfers
7 Nights accommodation in a Deluxe Double Room
All inclusive basis

Sandies Mapenzi Beach Club from only

R 9892 per person sharing

Price includes:

Return flights from JNB on Precision Airways via Dar es Salaam
Airport taxes / airline surcharges
Return airport - hotel transfers
7 Nights accommodation in a Superior Garden Room
All inclusive basis

Packages valid for travel on FRI / SAT departure from 26 August - 23 September

Prices subject to currency fluctuations. Packages quoted on ROE 6.86

Package Details at a Glance

Number of Days:

Number of Nights:

Valid From / To:

26 August 2011 - 23 September 2011

This Package Applies to

Destinations:

Zanzibar

Hotels:

Sandies Mapenzi Beach Club

Topi House

Doriane Ribeiro — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:43:51 +0000

Destination:

Kenya

Location:

Olare Orok Conservancy

Topi House is located on the boundary of the 23,000 acre Olare Orok Conservancy and the Masai Mara National Reserve. The site has been carefully selected to maximise the views through the small thorn tree forest, in which the house sits, over the national park boundary and into the reserve beyond.

This is designed to beyour very own private residence in the middle of Africa’s greatest eco system. It comes with a full complement of well-trained and experienced staff at guests’ disposal including a chef, Rekero wildlife guide and a house manager to ensure a seamlessly-run safari experience which delivers the very best the Mara has to offer.

The area, with its rolling hills, is ideal for bush picnics and sundowners with a view. The property is positioned directly on the wildebeest migration route and has been known to experience huge volumes of game right up to the front door.

Accommodation

The house consists of three well sized en-suite bedrooms which are linked by a large veranda running along the front. At the far end lies the living area, which is made up of an open plan sitting/dining room complete with an open log fire. Off the back of the dining room lies a separate kitchen which can also be accessed from the rear of the house to maximise privacy.Power is provided 24 hours via the solar inverter. Please note the inverter cannot run hair dryers.

Amenities

Laundry services
Wi-Fi internet access - please bring own laptop to use the network
Mobile phone networks

Meal Plan

Full board accommodation including exceptional food, beers & soft drinks. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice. Spirits and wine available to buy by the bottle.

Included Activities

Game drives in your vehicle with knowledgeable guides (4 x 4 vehicle is available for hire at an additional cost)
Picnics in the bush and sundowners

Optional Extras

Olare Orok Conservancy Game drives - US$ 250 per vehicle plus US$ 60 per adult and US$ 30 per child

Access

Daily scheduled flight to Ol Kiombo departing from Wilson Airport. Transfer to Topi House is 40 minutes away and is included.
Daily scheduled flight to Ol Kiombo departing from Nanyuki/Lewa/Laikipia. Transfer to Topi House is 40 minutes away and is included.
By private charter flight to ol Kiombo.
Please check luggage restrictions for all flights.

Seasons

Topi House is open all year.

The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille

Doriane Ribeiro — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:15:59 +0000

Destination:

Kenya

Location:

Kijabe Group ranch, Laikipia

The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is a leading edge conservation tourism partnership between a Maasai community, donors and private investors John and Gill Elias who are resident at the Ranch.

Here there is true synergy. With the sacrifice of a full one third of their grazing area for conservation, the community has been able to enter the tourism business.The business finances the conservancy, and provides an income to the community to improve lives and livelihoods.14,500 acres of stunning hills and valleys populated with exceptional flora and fauna have resulted.

Four fabulously luxurious fully staffed, full service houses are available either individually or as exclusive use of the whole property.The property also boasts a Library, Spa and Pool, and enjoys wireless access to the internet via satellite broadband.

Accommodation

Each architecturally designed House echoes a “Voice of Africa” and is located to ensure your privacy. All the Houses have an abundant mixture of unique courtyards, decks, gardens and lawns. Some have plunge pools and each bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom.

The Chief’s House in African contemporary style has 3 bedrooms and sleeps 6 as doubles or twins
The Sultan’s House in Swahili style has 1 or 2 bedrooms and sleeps 2-4 as a double or double plus twin
The Eyrie in African retro style has 1 bedroom and sleeps 2 as a double
The Colonel’s House in Campaign style has 2 bedrooms and sleeps 4 as doubles or twins

Lodge Amenities

Swimming pool
Library with telescope for star gazing
Spa
Laundry services provided
Small gift shop
Wi-Fi internet access
Mobile phone networks

Meal Plan

Full board accommodation including exceptional food, house-wines, beers & soft drinks. Champagne, rare wines and cigars are extra. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.

Included Activities

Game drives in 4x4 vehicles(roof hatches) with knowledgeable guides, both during the day and at night
Game walks with an experienced guide
Bush picnics, sundowners, bush dinners and star walks
Horse riding for both novice and experienced riders
Camel treks
Mountain and quad biking
Boules and croquet
Conservation and community work
Massage, pedicures and manicures
Doing nothing in inspiring surroundings

Optional Extras

Bush skills course
Bird shooting in the Chalbi desert
Kayaking and river rafting
Light aircraft and helicopter trips
Trips to other parks and reserves
Trout fishing on Mt. Kenya
Visits to Craft Village

Access

Daily scheduled flight to Nanyuki departing from Wilson Airport. Transfer to Ol Lentille is 90 minutes away. Road transfer from/to Nanyuki is US$350 per vehicle, max 6 pax one way
Daily scheduled flights to Loisaba departing from Wilson Airport. Transfer to Ol Lentille is 60-75 minutess away. Road transfer to/from Loisaba is US$ 250 per vehicle, max 6 pax one way
By private charter flight to private airstrip
By road a 4 hour drive from Nairobi

Seasons

The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is open all year.

A typical day at Sarara Camp

Doriane Ribeiro — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:51:56 +0000

For many, Sarara Camp is considered the most beautiful and spectacular of all the community based lodges in northern Kenya. Nestled amongst the southern foothills of the fabled Mathews mountain range, directly beneath Warges peak (8,500’), Sarara Camp was the brainchild of Piers Bastard (a third generation Kenyan of farming stock) who built this stunning camp in 1997 specifically to help the Namunyak community to benefit from wildlife conservation. Piers and his Kenyan born wife Hilary are your hosts.

Early mornings at Sarara can only be described as truly spectacular! Tea or coffee and home baked cookies will be served on your veranda deck by staff from the local community as the sun rises … incredible hues of pink and crimson red pouring over the eastern horizon. This will be followed by a fascinating stroll along the wide, sandy Sarara ‘lugga’. Accompanied by armed local field scouts who were born and raised in the area, guests may hope to find elephant, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, the elegant lesser kudu plus an enormous variety of birds before breakfast. A very special treat would be to encounter our resident pack of up to 70 African wild dogs who frequently den and hunt close to camp. A traditional safari breakfast cooked out in the middle of the bush sets the tone for the remainder of the morning.

At around 10.00 a.m. guests will be eager to pay a visit to the famous ‘Sarara Singing Wells’. Here, Samburu tribes people bring their cattle and goats to water on a daily basis. Stripped naked, the muscular warriors chant traditional Samburu songs as they pass water up in a human chain. All are welcome to mix and mingle but we respectfully ask that guests do not take any photographs as this changes these proud nomads uncomplicated lifestyle forever.

By mid-morning the sun is getting hot. A return to camp and a dive into the clear natural rock swimming pool to cool off. Then relax and enjoy a buffet lunch. With luck a number of elephant will come to mud bath in the waterhole just a few metres in front of your tents. While away the afternoon by taking a nap or writing up a memory-filled safari journal.

As the heat dissipates, it is time to venture out once more. This could be either a fascinating game drive in specially prepared 4x4 vehicles or a camel ride. Leopard abound in the area and frequently seen. As the sun sets, it is time for cocktails and an incredible bush dinner under the twinkling stars !!

Optional activities include an overnight fly camping outing with camels, or an amazing walk high up into the indigenous rain forest of the Mathews range.

Namunyak means ‘The Place of Peace’ in the local Samburu dialect. Sarara Camp and the entire Namunyak community warmly welcome all visitors to come in peace to this unique and special place.

This "Thing to Do" applies to

Destinations:

Kenya

Safari Lodges:

Sarara Camp

National Parks:

Samburu Reserve