Sarova Spotlight 3 by Denis Gathanju

JULY - OCTOBER 2011

AN OUTDOOR PARADISE FOR

THRILL-SEEKERS PEOPLE & PLACES THE BORANA

ICONS

JULIUS KIPNG’ETICH

OUT&ABOUT THE MAASAI MARKET

THE GREAT MIGRATION

THE GREATEST ‘MOVIE SHOW’ ON EARTH?

FOREWORD

WELCOME J

ambo and welcome to our third edition of Sarova Spotlight. On 23 June 2011 Kenya Tourism Federation, in partnership with Kenya Tourist Board, organised the Kenya tourism industry’s first-ever Kenya Tourism Awards, with the goal of recognising and encouraging best practice in responsible tourism in Kenya.

The Sarova Stanley’s guest arrival experience is

is to ensure that you, our honoured guests,

enhanced by the old-world charm of a newly

continue to enjoy the unmatched ‘Refreshing

reconstructed porte-cochere, cocooning guests

African Hospitality’ that is a hallmark of the

in its warm embrace to ensure a refreshingly

Sarova experience.

African welcome. Indeed, the Kenya Tourism Awards Best Accommodation Facility Award –

In line with the global focus on efficient energy

City Hotel put the icing on the cake of Kenya’s

management, we have put in place an energy

oldest heritage hotel, carefully restored to offer

management charter to ensure that all our prop-

you the genuinely heartfelt welcome that only

erties embrace energy conservation as a best

It gives me the greatest pleasure to announce that

a century of hospitality can perfect. The hotel

practice. To this end we have, in all aspects of

Sarova Hotels garnered four of the top awards,

opened for business in 1902.

our business, energy champions charged with

making a clean sweep of the most important and prestigious awards announced:

the responsibility of ensuring innovative actions The recently renovated restaurants at both

towards energy conservation. This practice

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge and Sarova Mara

resulted in Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort &

• Best Accommodation Facility Award – City

Game Camp continue to draw accolades for

Spa being awarded the Overall Winner Trophy,

Hotel: The Sarova Stanley

aesthetic decor as well as the most sumptuous

Service Sector, at the national Energy Manage-

fare in the African wild. Temperature-controlled

ment Awards earlier this year.

• Best Accommodation Facility Award – Beach

cold and chafing counters guarantee cuisine of a

Hotel: Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa

standard hitherto unseen in the bush.

PILLAR

• Best Investment Award in Human Capital

In complementing the physical developments, we

Environmental conservation, too, is a central pillar

Development: Sarova Hotels

continue to invest in our human resource capital

in our corporate conscience. We continue to

in order to ensure the highest global standards

strengthen our partnership with key stakeholders

of service delivery. Kenya Tourism Awards Best

in destinations in which we operate. Last year, in

• Best Domestic Tourism Award: Sarova Hotels.

Investment Award in Human Capital Develop-

collaboration with Friends of Tsavo and Futouris, we

The first half of the year could not have been more

ment was brought home hot on the heels of the

launched the Green Tsavo initiative at Sarova Taita

rewarding. The awards come hot on the heels of the

very many awards that our associates have won

Hills and Sarova Salt Lick Lodges, aimed at engaging

just completed transformational product upgrades

at various hospitality-related competitions coun-

the local community in the recovery of biodiversity

in several of our properties. A major refurbishment

trywide.

and enhancing habitat health in the greater Taita landscape through tree planting and related inter-

at the Sarova Panafric has transformed the guest arrival experience. The Panafric’s revamped entry

The continuous product upgrade across Sarova

ventions. We encourage you to take part in this

foyer, lobby and reception are an authentic work

Hotels, Resorts & Game Lodges will see the

ongoing initiative by planting a tree during your stay

of art unto themselves, with a neo-African decor

start of major accommodation refurbishment at

at any Sarova Game Lodges and Camps.

and tone. Dovetailing with the genuine warmth of

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, winner

a heartfelt welcome is a newly refurbished range of

of Kenya Tourism Awards’ Best Accommodation

exquisite accommodation in executive rooms.

Facility Award, Beach Hotel. Our commitment

Continued on page 2 >

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

>> The period between July and October witnesses what has been billed the seventh wonder of the new world, the magical wildebeest migration. East Africa’s endless savanna is the natural setting for the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle, stretching from Tanzania’s vast Serengeti plains to the champagne-coloured hills of Kenya’s Masai Mara. Over 1.4 million wildebeest

Contents SAROVA SPOTLIGHT // JULY - OCTOBER 2011

and 200,000 zebra and gazelle – relentlessly tracked by Africa’s great predators – migrate in a clockwise fashion over 1,800 miles each year in search of rainripened grass. Sarova Mara Game Camp offers front-row seats to nature’s most breathtaking show.

MEMORIES The migration is just one of the outdoor thrills to experience at our top-notch destinations. We have lined up a variety of other activities to ensure that your journey with us culminates in treasured memories, wherever you opt to stay. These range from sumptuous bush dining experiences at any of the Sarova game lodges and camps to deepsea diving at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa. In our continued quest to deliver ease of convenience to all our patrons, we employ the latest technology in our processes. You can now book and pay for your stay at any of our hotels, resorts or game lodges through our website. Access fantastic

offers when dealing with us online, by logging on to www.sarovahotels.com. Our pride in our country is strongly grounded in encouraging Kenyans to discover the rich diversity of our top-notch tourism products and we destinations. Kenya Tourism Awards’ Best Domestic Tourism Award authenticates what we have always

A publication of Sarova Hotels and designed by

Land & Marine Publications (KENYA) Ltd

known – our best brand ambassadors are our own

Suite A6, 1st floor, Ojijo Plaza Plums Lane, off Ojijo Road, Parklands

countrymen and women who, through centuries of

PO Box 2022, Village Market 00621, Nairobi, Kenya

hospitality, continue to discern from the best tourism

Tel: +254 (0)20 374 1934 Cell: +254 (0)722 731 003

products in Kenya. Thank-you, dear Kenyans, for your continued vote of confidence. On behalf of the entire Sarova family, I wish you a very pleasant stay with us. Karibuni!

Jaideep S. Vohra

E-mail: kenya@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com Contributing Editor: Denis Gathanju Sales Manager: Linda Gakuru Photo credits: Denis Gathanju, Sarova Hotels & IFAW The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, or any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions.

Managing Director Sarova Hotels, Resorts & Game Lodges

CONTENTS

COVER STORY

24 Kenya offers an outdoor paradise for thrill-seekers

Sarova News

Faces of Sarova

Alice Nyawira Maina and Grace Ogolla

10 Golf

On course for a wonderful golfing experience

16 The Great Migration

Is this the greatest ‘movie show’ on earth?

30 OUT&ABOUT

Maasai Market - where haggling is an art and a novel experience for many

34 PEOPLE&PLACES

Lasting beauty of the Borana culture and people

38 GivingBack

Sarova backs campaign to conserve Tsavo and Taita ecosystems

42 Elephant Census

So – just how DO you count a few thousand elephants?

46 ICONS

Dr Julius Kipng’etich

42 Tusker

A treat for the tastebuds

54 Sarova Hotels & Lodges Index 64 What’s cooking

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Sarova News Sarova TAKES top honours At Kenya’s first Tourism Awards Sarova Hotels scooped four top awards at the first-ever Kenya Tourism Awards ceremony hosted 23 June at Carnivore in Nairobi. The awards were organised jointly by the Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and brought together hospitality industry players and stakeholders from both the government and private sector to celebrate the best in national tourism. The colourful gala dinner was graced by United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General Dr Taleb Rifai who commended the gathered tourism fraternity for launching the awards to celebrate Kenyan hospitality. Among the 17 awards on offer, Sarova Hotels collected four: 1. Best Beach Accommodation Facility – Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa 2. Best City Accommodation Facility – Sarova Stanley 3. Best Domestic Tourism - Sarova Hotels 4. Investment in Human Capital Award - Sarova Hotels

Sarova Whitesands still No 1 for energy management Yet again, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa has emerged as the f lagship of Kenya’s hospitality industry. Through its energy conservation policies, Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges has ensured that all properties in the group embrace energy conservation at all times. For the third year running, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa has scooped top position in the energy management awards, service sector. The resort has also implemented, in all aspects of its business practice, environmental policies such as appointing energy champions in each department, responsible for innovations aimed at energy conservation.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Sarova hosts annual Executive Club event Sarova Hotels recently hosted an elaborate cocktail party for Executive Club members at Sarova Panafric at which members were rewarded for their continuing support of Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges. The Sarova Hotels Executive Club embraces members of various organisations, in particular non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the United Nations, diplomatic missions, corporations and government institutions. The main aim of the club is to strengthen our relationship with these organisations as well as creating a network forum for members. This year’s theme embodied aspects of Turkey. Under the title ‘A Turkish Affair’, Sarova Hotels took the guests on a journey through Turkish culture that included the delicacies and delights, decor and ambience as well as the entertainment of Turkey. The high point of the evening was an award ceremony at which members received coveted prizes including return tickets to London and Istanbul courtesy of Turkish Airlines, our main partners for the event. The event was attended by Mr G.S. Vohra, chairman of the board of directors of Sarova Hotels.

SAROVA NEWS

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge partners aid local school Sarova Shaba Game Lodge has teamed up with Nobelity Project and Well Aware, a US-based organisation, to meet the challenge of enhancing the provision of water to Daaba Primary School, in Isiolo County, 19 km from the lodge. The partnership was facilitated by American actor Turk Pipkin, founder of the Nobelity Project, who has been a regular guest at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge. Sarova Shaba Game Lodge has been supporting Daaba School by helping to provide a good environment for learning. Mr Pipkin, who played a major role in the TV series ‘The Sopranos’, was touched by the plight of the pupils in accessing water and brought in Well Aware to assist in the drilling and equipping of a water well. The Nobelity Project has raised funds for the construction of two classrooms at the school. On its part, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is offering logistical support including project supervision and accommodation of project teams.

Starry Dinner & Jazz at Sarova Panafric Sarova partnered with FAFA to organise the first al fresco Dinner & Jazz evening at Sarova Panafric Baraza Terrace. The event, which was a key highlight in the city, created a platform for a fusion of great live jazz with culinary experience. Guests were treated to the best live jazz from a nine-member band comprising Thierry De Oliveira on drums, Achieng Abura on vocals and Juma Tutu on saxophone. Sarova has committed to host a series of events highlighting art and music organised by FAFA. This will be part of a long-term support to FAFA.

Sarova Panafric hosts premiere of ‘The First Grader’ Sarova Hotels was the official hospitality partner at the Kenya premiere of the award-winning film, ‘The First Grader’. Based on a true story, the film is set in a remote primary school in the Kenyan bush where hundreds of children are jostling for a chance to receive the free education promised by the new Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge, a Mau Mau veteran in his eighties, who is desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life. He fought for the liberation of his country and now feels he must have the chance of an education so long denied – even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside six-year-olds. Directed by Justin Chadwick (‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ and ‘Bleak House’) from a script by Emmy-winner Ann Peacock (‘The Chronicles of Narnia’, ‘Nights in Rodanthe’, ‘Kit Kittredge’), ‘The First Grader’ is a heartwarming and inspiring true story of one man’s fight for what he believes is his right in order to overcome the burdens of his past. It is a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education. ‘The First Grader’ has been a hit at international film festivals since its debut at the Telluride Film Festival last September. The film went on to the Toronto Film Festival, where it was the runner-up for the Audience Prize, and then to the Doha and Pan African film festivals, where it won the coveted Audience Prize.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

FACES OF SAROVA

THE FACES OF SAROVA Alice Nyawir a M aina Waitress, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge

‘I love the pace of the job, though it can be overwhelming sometimes’

orn 26 years ago, Alice Nyawira Maina has always wanted to work in the hospitality industry. For her, it is the constant interaction with new people from far and wide that has motivated her to work in this dynamic and competitive industry.

to do my job without the kind of support network

The youngest member of her family, Alice aspires

we have here. This has made me grow tremen-

to be a hostess at Sarova and to build on the

dously as a professional and as a person. I love it.”

momentum that she has already achieved.

KNOWLEDGE

MOTIVATION

Alice is keen to grow and enhance her skills and

“When a guest comes to me after dinner and

“It is the vibe of it all that makes me tick,” said

knowledge at Sarova. She has been working at

gives me compliments, it gives me the motiva-

Alice. “I love the pace of the job, though it can

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge for the past year and

tion to wake up the next morning and do it all

be overwhelming sometimes; but once you get a

would like to move to a city property in order to

over again and create an even better experience

hang of it, everything seems to fall into place. The

build on the experience she has already acquired

for them,” she said

team here is also amazing and I would not be able

in the hospitality sector.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

FACES OF SAROVA

THE FACES OF SAROVA Gr ace Ogolla Group Tulia Spas & Fitness Manager, Sarova Hotels

ealthy lifestyle has become a way of life for many across the globe. People are becoming more healthconscious and many are now committed to improving their overall wellbeing. Grace Ogolla found her calling in healthy living. By helping others keep fit and ecnouraging them to live a healthy life, Grace makes Tulia Spa a home of restoration, relaxation and rejuvenation.

“My job is to make a difference in people’s lives through the various products and services that we offer at Tulia Spas,” said Grace. “At Sarova, we want to enhance the wellbeing of our guests by delivering only the best therapies that are custom-made to meet their bodies.”

‘My job is to make a

UNIQUE

difference in people’s

The Tulia Spa brand is unique to the Sarova

lives’

Group of Hotels and is unlike any other spa in the country. Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa offers the Ayurveda spa treatments, which are medicinal and relieving to the body.

us apart from other spas in the region. We are

Caroline Institute (ACI) to study for her diploma

No other spa in East and Central Africa offers this

focused on the health of the human body and this

in aesthetics. Grace owes her expertise to the

kind of treatment. Tulia Spa encourages healthy

is what that makes me happy as the spas manager.

mentors she has met during her career.

living through Tulia Health Bar, where guests can

I want to come up with innovative therapies that

delight in various healthy juices and shakes made

will not only relax and rejuvenate the body, but

When not working, Grace relaxes with her family.

from multiple fruits and vegetables. These can

will also help relieve aching bones and muscles

She greatly enjoys spending time with with her

be paired with a therapy that will leave the guest

and put the guest on a healthy diet that will lead

daughter, Natalie, and listening to soft jazz tunes

completely rejuvenated. Grace also offers advice

to their wellbeing.”

while she relaxes with her friends.

Grace has a degree in psychology and a diploma

Her desire is to make Tulia Spas at the Sarova

in aesthetics. Her passion to work with the

Group of Hotels the number one spa and fitness

human body grew when she joined the Alison

venue in East and Central Africa.

to guests on diet plans as well as fitness regimes specific to individual guest’s needs. “This is what that makes the difference and sets

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

GOLF

wonderful On course for a

golfing experience 10

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Golf

cool ocean breeze gently brushes your skin. The sun lights up a lush green carpet of grass, still wet from the morning dew. You breathe in a lungful of fresh air and position yourself on the tee, club in hand. Your swing is perfect. It’s ‘tee’ time on Kenya’s North Coast, and you have just discovered the region’s hitherto bestkept secret – golf.

Mombasa Golf Course With some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the world and breathtaking views to match, Kenya’s North Coast is adding golf safaris and golf trips to its long list of leisure options. The mangrove-lined creeks of the North Coast are home to what is arguably the most vibrant location on this part of the coast. Mombasa, along with its surrounding areas, is becoming the nation’s premier golfing location. As one of the longest established cities in the country, Mombasa is home to Kenya’s third-oldest golf course, Mombasa Golf Club.

Its contrasting landscapes, gently undulating slopes and near-perfect mixture of right and left dog-legs mean that it poses all kinds of interesting challenges for golfers Formerly, this was the premier golfing destination at the coast; but the establishment of an 18-hole course at Nyali Golf & Country Club, and a nine-hole course at Malindi Golf Club, means that golfing facilities in this area are getting better all the time.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Driving golf tourism Kenyans are taking to golf like never before. With over 40 golf courses to choose from, the Kenyan golfing scene has a bright future. A further boost is the Kenya Open Golf Championship, which is well supported by Kenyan golfers. The Kenya Open was first held in 1967 and is the oldest championship on the African leg of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) European Challenge Tour. The Kenya Open continues to draw players and spectators from across the region and has had the privilege of showcasing the skills of famous players such as the late Seve Ballesteros, Ian Woosnam, Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle, Eamonn Darcy, José Maria Canizares and the 2008 Masters Champion Trevor Immelman. This year’s Kenya Open was held at the prestigious Muthaiga Golf Club, a 7,141 yard, par 71 course. A round of golf in Kenya is attractive to golfers because the country has naturally landscaped golf courses with wide fairways and there are caddies instead of carts, which means that golfer have to walk – a healthier option. Caddies can also help with club selection, position and swing. There are golf courses all around the country, with Nairobi alone accounting for some world-class golf courses such as Karen and Muthaiga. The opportunities to play a round of golf, see wildlife while on safari or relax on the white sandy beaches are unique to Kenya. A round of golf can be arranged at some of the courses that partner with Sarova. Development of more world-class courses, such as the Vipingo Ridge on the north coast, has opened a whole new chapter. The excitement created in the industry has led to developers and investors making plans for other world-class golf courses in Thika, Nairobi and Naivasha.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

GOLF

As well as being Kenya’s third-oldest golfing

Nyali Golf & Country Club

venue, Mombasa Golf Club is the country’s only links course (meaning, a course located on the

Nyali Golf & Country Club is popular with leisure

oceanfront, with few or no trees).

and business travellers. Located less than 20 minutes from central Mombasa, it has the advan-

The 2,888 yard, par 71 course stretches over nine

tage of being a full 18-hole course and is, in fact, a

holes and has always been popular with local and

championship course. Its contrasting landscapes,

touring golfers alike. Perched on the coral cliffs

gently undulating slopes and near-perfect mixture

at the entrance to Kilindini Harbour, it has spec-

of right and left dog-legs mean that it poses all

tacular views over the Indian Ocean. As one of

kinds of interesting challenges for golfers.

Kenya’s most scenic sporting locations, Mombasa Golf Club was chosen as the venue for the 35th

Nyali began as a nine-hole course in the 1930s and

IAAF World Cross Country Championships in

was converted to an 18-hole course in 1980. With

2007, co-hosted by the International Association of

a prime location close to the Indian Ocean, the

Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Athletics Kenya.

course has lush green vegetation including indig-

The renowned designer David Jones was responsible for laying out the Baobab Golf Course at Vipingo Ridge, which was officially opened in August 2009 enous palm, neem and mango trees offering plenty

dream course

of shade – all factors that contribute to its pulling power. Strong winds are a feature of this course,

Perched on a hill overlooking the Vipingo plains,

because of its ocean-facing location, making a round

which seem to merge with the blue waters of the

of golf all the more exciting. Selecting the right club

ocean on the horizon, Vipingo Ridge is every golfer’s

becomes vitally important as you make your way

dream course. The course has been designed to

round this beautifully manicured 400-acre course

the exacting specifications of the United States Golf

and try to avoid the the rough.

Association, placing it head and shoulders above other courses in East and Central Africa.

Baobab Golf Course

The renowned designer David Jones was respon-

Mombasa Golf Club began as a browns course in

Undoubtedly the new kid on the block, however,

sible for laying out the Baobab Golf Course at

1912 and was not converted into a greens course

is Vipingo Ridge, which consists of two courses;

Vipingo Ridge, which was officially opened in

until the early 1960s, when Polana grass was

Baobab Golf Course and Palm Golf Course.

August 2009. It comes complete with a network

imported from Mozambique. A browns course is

Since the development of this course, the golfing

of waterfalls, lakes and streams that give the

one covered in earth without much grass, while

scene in Kenya has improved dramatically and

course a real risk-reward quality. The Kusi and

a greens course is fully covered with grass in the

Vipingo Ridge has set high standards in Kenyan

Kaskazi monsoon winds that blow in from the

conventional way.

golf circles.

ocean add to the thrill of playing this course.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

THE GREAT MIGRATION

Is this the GREATEST

‘movie show’ on Earth?

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

THE GREAT MIGRATION

he seventh wonder of the natural world plays host to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest migration of mammals. When great things happen, they happen on a grand scale.

The great migration is a spectacle that can only be seen in one corner of the world. When it happens, the plains of the Masai Mara are covered in a cloud of dust, the ground shakes as though an earthquake is happening and the entire world sits back in amazement to watch the show. The annual migration of millions of wildebeest (gnu), zebra and other antelopes in Kenya tops every list of a truly African wild game safari. In search of food and water, the animals begin their great migration deep in the Serengeti National Reserve in northern Tanzania when

The journey is not only long and punishing, but is fraught with all manner of hazards more than 1.5 million gnu and over 300,000 zebra and other antelopes round up their young to start the great trek north across the border into the plains of the Masai Mara Game Reserve in southern Kenya.

hazards From a distance, the commotion and the ground thumping is incoherent, but looking closer, you will see that the wildebeest actually move in a clockwise circle as they begin their 1,800 mile trek into the Maasai Mara. The journey is not only long and punishing, but is fraught with all manner of hazards. Out of the vast herd of wildebeest that begin the great trek, about 300,000 never make it to the promised land.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Did you know…? • Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) are also known as gnu because of the grunting sounds they make, which sound like “gnu, gnu, gnu”. • They are noisy creatures. Their bulls are known for loud vocalisations, ranging from moans to deafening and explosive snorts. • Wildebeest are large, muscular antelopes with box-like heads, a robust muzzle and impressive horns that grow outwards and upwards but curve inwards. • They have short, grey hair and black manes, faces and tails. • Wildebeest have scent glands in their hooves and they need to drink water every day. • Wildebeest divide into small groups of females and calves and small ‘bachelor groups’ of males. Later, they congregate for the great migration. • Females give birth to a single calf in the middle of the herd, unlike many antelopes that give birth in seclusion. • A wildebeest calf can stand and run minutes after it has been born. The calf immediately begins to follow its mother and stays close to her to avoid getting lost or being preyed on. • Within days of birth, a wildebeest calf can run fast enough to keep up with the adult herd. • A wildebeest calf is weaned 10 days after birth and is suckled for up to six months. • The calves stay with their mother until the next calf is born. At this stage, young male calves are driven away from the herd while the females stay in the same group as their mothers. • In spite of their bull-like shape and size, wildebeest can run at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and consequently create a stampede. While stampedes are destructive, they encourage plant growth and renewal of the soil. • There are several races of wildebeest. • The species that forms the large herds of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem of Tanzania and Kenya is known as the western white-bearded wildebeest, while the brindled or blue race occurs south of the Zambezi River. • A fully grown wildebeest weights between 150 and 300 kg. An adult lion can consume a fifth of this in a single sitting. • Wildebeest populations in Africa have declined dramatically over the past two decades apart from the Serengeti wildebeest, found in Tanzania and Kenya. • Wildebeest and Burchell’s zebra graze in harmony because they feed on different parts of the same grass. • A wildebeest consumes 3,200 lb of food in a year while a Burchell’s zebra consumes 4,800 lb of food in the same period. • The great migration is a natural phenomenon that began only in the 1960s. • Wildebeest can live for up to 20 years.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

THE GREAT MIGRATION

When these animals are on the move, the most spectacular views are to be found on the flat plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. But the heart-stopping moments come as the herd crosses the treacherous waters of the Grumeti River in Serengeti and the Mara River in Masai Mara, where giant Nile crocodiles lie in wait to feast on the weaklings.

predators Across the banks, Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressive predators are invited to the feast as well. Lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena pursue the migrating herds across the plains to give safari-goers the treat of a lifetime â&#x20AC;&#x201C; watching a kill in action. Being a natural event, the great migration tends to vary in timing and location according to various natural factors such as rain and drought.

They

march

through

the

plains until they reach their first and greatest obstacle when they arrive on the banks of the Grumeti River However, this is the chronology of the events that lead up to the great migration in both Kenya and Tanzania.

The Great Migration in Tanzania Between December and March, the plains of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro in northern Tanzania are filled with huge populations of wildebeest and zebra. This is the calving season for the wildebeest and most of the young are born within a three-week period, usually in early February. It

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

THE GREAT MIGRATION is a sight to behold as more than half a million wildebeest calves gallop across the plains with their mothers. Owing to the large numbers of calves, there are plenty of predators and this is an ideal time to watch lion kills.

The months between August and October bear witness to a huge wildebeest population in the Masai Mara

rains April and May mark the start of the migration as

riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s large population of Nile crocodile wait to

the wildebeest herd begins its migration west to

take advantage of their distress.

the grassier plains of the Serengeti corridor. The rains at this time of year make it almost impossible to follow the herd as the roads are impassable.

promised land By this time in late July, the grasslands in the Serengeti have turned yellow and the wildebeest cross the border into Kenya though the Lamai Wedge and the Mara Triangle. But their journey to the promised land in the lush green plains of the Masai Mara does not come easy as they have to make another treacherous crossing of the Mara River, also populated by hungry crocodiles. In 2007, the Mara River turned into a mass grave for wildebeest when over 10,000 of them drowned while attempting to cross at a bend of the swollen river. Here, the first wildebeest made an attempt to cross the river, while a huge herd

As the rains stop towards the end of May, the

waited behind. But the current was too swift and

wildebeest and zebra congregate on the edge

when the first one jumped, the rest followed to

of the Serengeti ready to make their trek north

their death. This single event wiped out one per

across the border. The individual groups merge

cent of the entire wildebeest population of Africa.

to form one huge population for the great trek. This is also the mating season for wildebeest and

The months between August and October bear

the Western Serengeti is the best place to watch

witness to a huge wildebeest population in the

them mate as the great migration unfolds.

Masai Mara. The impressive predators are in partying mood and witnessing an action-packed

danger

kill during this time becomes the norm.

They march through the plains until they reach

Between November and December, the rains

their first and greatest obstacle when they arrive

have watered the plains of the Serengeti and the

on the banks of the Grumeti River in July. The

Ngorongoro plains and it is time for the wildebeest

river can be deep, depending on the rains, and

to migrate again. And the cycle continues when they

the danger of wildebeest drowning is severe. The

cross the border into Tanzania to have their young.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Action adventures

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

para dis e for Kenya offers an outdoor

l i l r th s r e k e e -s T

he name of Kenya is synonymous with adventure. From the plains of the savanna grasslands to the mountain tops of Mount Kenya, and from the cold waters of the Sagana to the balmy Indian Ocean and the rocky paths of Hells Gate, Kenya is the place for outdoor adventures, whether you want to enjoy them as an individual, as a family or as a group of friends and workmates.

The Kenyan coast is lined with pristine white sandy beaches that have been voted some of the best in the world. Here, where the wilderness of the hinterland meets the vastness of the Indian Ocean, visitors will find a world of exciting activities This coast is home to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third-largest barrier reef and there is no better way to view this natural wonder close up than to take a dip in the ocean. For the uninitiated, a boat ride is

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

a good way to see the coral reef. Glass bottom

The resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s large swimming pool makes an

boats are operated by private companies along

ideal training ground in which learners are taken

the Kenyan coast and offer a convenient and

through their steps, from putting on the dive

inexpensive way of seeing the coral.

suit to breathing techniques and communication methods under water. The instructors are

For those with a passion for action

Scuba diving and snorkelling

patient and lessons are not hurried.

on the water, the

The Kenyan coast has many diving sites, from

Kenyan coast offers

But for those who want to splash about in the

Lamu in the north to Shimoni in the south. Sites

ocean, snorkelling and scuba diving provide a

vary in depth and scope, so there is something to

more exciting and engaging way of getting closer

suit every kind of diver, from the novice who has

to the sea life. While many private operators

just passed his or her diving lessons to the expe-

offer these services, caution should be taken

rienced diver who seeks more thrills by diving

when signing up for scuba diving excursions.

deeper or exploring a sunken wreck.

Unlike snorkelling, scuba diving requires trained instructors and guides as well as good quality

While scuba diving is a more technical and

diving gear.

expensive way of getting close to the coral reef, snorkelling offers a simpler and more inexpen-

In the north coast, the Buccaneer Diving centre

sive alternative. It is also a fun way for friends

has some of the best diving instructors in the

and family to enjoy the sea together as it only involves swimming and occasional dips under the surface. One of the highlights of snorkelling is not only seeing the coral reefs, but the opportunity to swim alongside a school of dolphins, which are easy to spot in the shallow water.

Action on the water For those with a passion for action on the water, the Kenyan coast offers a wide choice of activities. A long coastline and strong ocean winds are the key ingredients for an action-packed afternoon. Kite surfing is quickly becoming a favourite sport for many holidaymakers and thrill-seekers on the Kenyan coast. The beaches north of Mombasa in Nyali and the pristine beaches at Galu Kinondo in country. It also has quality diving gear and was

the south coast are among the places where this

the first diving centre in East Africa to achieve

thrilling sport can be experienced. The kite surfing

PADI five-star rating. From its base at the Sarova

companies in these areas offer various training

Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, the centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

options and adventure surfs for the thrill-seeker.

highly experienced team of professional divers and instructors will take guests through an inten-

Visitors can choose from a wide range of other

sive training schedule that will transform the

water sports all along the Kenyan coast, from

enthusiastic novice into a confident diver.

kayaking to sport fishing to jet skiing. The Blue

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

a wide choice of activities

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Lagoon Water Sports Centre at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa offer a holistic water sports experience supervised by trained and experienced personnel. Rates are very competitive.

White water rafting Meanwhile, in the hinterland, the Sagana River offers yet another thrilling water sport – white water rafting. It has become one of the ‘must do’ fun activities in the Mount Kenya tourism circuit. The thrills and challenges of white water rafting on the mighty Sagana River are out of this world. The river meanders through the hilly parts of central Kenya and snakes around rocks. It narrows and widens at different sections and all these features add to the fun and excitement of white water rafting. For the uninitiated, various companies operate kayak schools which organise white water rafting. One of them is Savage Wilderness Safaris, which offers lessons and organises rafting expeditions

levels – novice, intermediate and experienced.

work to destabilise and test the skills of the rafter.

on the Tana River. These lessons are vital for

For beginners, there is a 3 km stretch where they

The sound of the water crashing against rocks at

safety and survival reasons. Other rafting expe-

can practise their paddling skills, which will come

high speed adds to the overall thrill.

riences are offered on the Tana and Mathioya

in useful as they tackle the more challenging

Rivers. There are different sections for different

lower part of the river. This section is suitable for

levels of experience.

Class II and Class III rafters. After completing this

can of worms

section, there is another 6 km stretch down river

The three big rapids in this section have been given

where the water runs more slowly and rafters

various names owing to the challenge and difficulty

can relax or continue practising their paddling

that rafters face when manoeuvring around them.

challenges of white

skills. The slow-moving water also provides

One of the most challenging is the Can of Worms.

rafters with enough time to view and appreciate

Only after attempting to raft through it will you

water

the rich birdlife in this part of the world.

understand why this huge rapid got its nickname.

The

thrills rafting

and on

This is a Class IV and V section in which the rapids

the mighty Sagana

challenging

make four 90-degree turns in quick succession. The

River

The final 7 km section is the most challenging

it is really special. Your heart thuds in your chest as

and calls for all the skills learned in the paddling

the waters rain on you and your raft moves over

lessons. The section begins with slow-moving

the rocks. In all the noise and commotion around

water at Class III level before the rafter is engaged

you, you have got to stay calm and listen to your

in three challenging rapids that stretch his skill

inner voice to make it back to the camp.

are

out

this world The Tana River offers some of the most thrilling

and agility to the maximum. The adrenalin begins

and challenging experiences for rafters of various

to pump as the fast-moving waters and rapids all

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

thrill of going through this section and conquering

And, boy, what a ride that one is.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

OUT&ABOUT

Maasai Market

Where haggling is an art and a novel experience for many

t is by far one of the biggest rotating markets in the Kenyan capital: a market place full of spectacular activity. Noise and commotion form a perfect blend with calm and order. Here, everyone smiles as money changes hands and beautiful gift items are wrapped and packed. Welcome to the Maasai Market.

Tourists and local people alike flock to the various grounds around the city where the Maasai Market is held. The market revolves around major shopping malls across the city and is the best location to buy anything from a rare mask to traditional African clothing for a bargain price.

Haggling But the beauty of the Maasai Market is found

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Although it takes its name from the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most

not only in the variety of products on display;

photographed community, the Maasai people, the

it also lies in the buying experience, which is

Maasai Market is a beautiful blend of everything

second to none. The entrepreneurial spirit for

Kenyan. From colourful Maasai shukas (blankets) to

which Kenyans are famous is best experienced

beaded necklaces, bangles and bracelets, the market

and sampled at these markets. Amid a cacophony

is filled with traditional and tribal artefacts that are as

of voices and cultures, visitors to the market are

affordable as they are beautiful.

confronted by a wide range of merchants, all

the beauty of the Maasai Market

found

not

only in the variety of products on display; it also lies in the buying experience

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

OUT&ABOUT

displaying the same entrepreneurial spirit. This is the bread and butter of the Maasai Market and you have never had a real buying experience if you have not shopped at one of these markets. Here, the price of items is not fixed and you will have a field day – and obtain your gift items for a song – if you play the game as it is played by the sellers. They will be happy to negotiate with you. For them, it is all about selling at the highest price; for you, it is about buying at the lowest price. In Kenya, haggling is an art and you need this skill in order to buy what you want. It is an experience like no other.

trick While the traders will usually quote on the high side for any item you need, try quoting lower and you can both meet somewhere in the middle. It really works. There are times, however, when the merchant will not budge and will insist on selling the item at the full asking price. To get him to compromise, the trick is to show total disin-

and try to approach someone else with the same

terest in the item. Start walking away from him

item for the price you would like to pay. If the seller really wants to make the sale, he will call you back and offer it to you for the price you quoted and – voilà – you have got your item at a bargain price.

careful While the whole shopping experience is enriching and beneficial to both buyer and seller, visitors to the Maasai Market should be extra careful when

the whole MA ASAI MARKET

shopping

e xperience enriching

is and

beneficial to both buyer and seller

trying to buy items at these open-air markets. Over the past few years, the proliferation of

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

unscrupulous brokers and agents at the market

If you are looking for Maasai shukas, oil paint-

has tainted the experience. Make sure you buy

ings, beaded belts, home-made leather handbags

only from sellers with a stand at the market and

or Kisii soapstone carvings, the Maasai Market

ignore any other person who tries to sell you

is the place to find them. So, polish up your

anything and everything while they have nothing

haggling skills and walk confidently into one of

to display. The organisers of the Maasai Market

these markets at a shopping centre near you and

have been quick to note this and have registered

secure that gift item for yourself, your spouse,

members who are genuine.

office colleague or friend at a bargain price.

ADVERTISE

HERE for more information as to how your company can advertise in sarova spotlight, then Please contact:

land&MARINE Tel: +254 (0)20 232 4343 E-mail: kenya@landmarine.com

www.landmarine.com

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

PEOPLE&PLACES

of the Borana culture & people

“E

baroNkan” is my rehearsed response that comes accompanied by a wide smile as I am welcomed into the communal compound. I bow as I enter the cool thatched hut, a welcome relief from the scorching midday sun. As we are served a gourd of cold milk to soothe our dry throats and take our seats in the doorless

ences between its people in terms of language and way of life. The Borana community is one of 42 tribal outfits that call Kenya home. The community is found mainly in the northern reaches of the country and is related directly to the Oromo Borana community of southern Ethiopia.

nomadic

thatched hut, we are glad to have finally found the

The name Borana means ‘free’ and is a direct

place. Two things are conspicuous here: first, the

reference to their nomadic lifestyle, which allows

unmistakable strong natural scent that everyone

them to move freely with their families and cattle

is wearing; and, secondly, the incredible beauty

in search of green pastures.

of the women in this community. Forgive me, but I could not stop staring at their women who, I

The Kenyan Borana are believed to have

must say, are very photogenic.

migrated to Kenya from southern Ethiopia in the 1720s, settling mainly in the northern frontier

Over the years, Kenya’s rich and unique cultural

districts of Marsabit and Moyale. However,

heritage and diversity has defined the huge differ-

owing to the conflict between the Borana and

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

PEOPLE&PLACES

the neighbouring communities of the Rendille in the region, some Boranas moved further south into Isiolo County. The Borana are linguistically related to the Gabra people, who also live in the northern frontier districts and, like the Borana, are a camel-herding nomadic community.

gada system While the Borana have been involved in repeated clashes

with

neighbouring

communities,

single abiding principle has remained critical to the cohesion and harmony of this community: the NagyaBorana or Peace of the Borana People. The community believes that peace and

The Borana community is one of 42 tribES that call Kenya home harmony among themselves is the single most

It is also a rigid age-set system that dictates the

opening a new chapter in his life as he settles down

important thing that will guarantee the peaceful

way a Borana man leads his life. Under this

and takes on the responsibilities of a family man.

co-existence of the various Borana clans. The

system, the first 40 years of a Borana manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life is

Borana social order is loosely structured around

subdivided into five gadas (periods of eight years)

The Borana culture discourages the interaction

familial clans.

and there is a set of beliefs to guide each stage of

of young men and women because it is taboo

his life. Over the course of the eight gadas, he is

within the culture for young unmarried women to

In addition to the NagyaBorana principle, the

expected to mature from boyhood to manhood

get pregnant while still under their parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; care.

Borana have a cultural principle known as the

and to marry, settle and have children.

This is deemed a curse to the family. Therefore, arranged marriages are the norm in this culture.

gada. This is a complex socio-political structure that dictates the strategic interests of the Borana community. The gada system is responsible for

colourful suitable

resolving all issues affecting this pastoral commu-

As in other communities, the marriage ceremony

nity. This includes governance of pastures and

of the Borana people is a colourful event. It is

When a man is ready to marry, he approaches his

protection of the Borana people from external

one of the most important gadas for the man to

elders, who in turn scout for a suitable bride. The

invasion.

undergo, marking his entry into manhood and

process is long as the elders must investigate the

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

PEOPLE&PLACES

character of the prospective bride and the repu-

mother and elderly women on how to conduct

tation of her family. Once everything has been

herself in the presence of her husband and how

settled, the elders pay a visit to the womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

to perform her duties as a married woman.

parents and announce their intentions. The two parties agree to meet at a later stage when the bride price is negotiated.

tears At about 4 pm, the women of the community start

price

to build a new house or min where the newly-

There may be several meetings before the

get to know each other intimately. At sunset, the

weds will stay for seven days and nights while they

two parties reach an agreement. At this stage,

groom moves into the newly built thatched house

the prospective bride is kept in the dark that

and awaits the arrival of his bride. She is delivered

someone from another village has asked for her

to the husband at midnight amid wild cheers, ulula-

hand in marriage. While the man may have an

tions and tears from her friends and clanspeople.

idea of what his prospective bride looks like, in most cases, the bride will have no idea what the

This marks the beginning of the wedding

groom looks like.

ceremony, when the woman first lays her eyes on the man she will spend the rest of her life with.

After the bride price has been paid, a date is set

For the next seven days and nights, the couple

for the wedding. Only at that stage is the girl is

will get to talk and know each other. While the

informed that she is engaged to be married to

man is allowed by tradition to come out of the

someone from another village. On the day, the

thatched house, the bride must stay there until

girl is kept at home and given advice by her

seven days are over.

The Borana are l i n g u i s t i c a l ly related to the Gabra people, who also live in the northern frontier districts The highlight of the ceremony is the first intimate session between the newlyweds, in which the man places a piece of white cloth on the olol or bed, made of reeds and sticks. When the couple are intimate for the first time and the piece of cloth is covered in blood, it means that the woman has been brought up in a very solid family background and has preserved her virginity for her wedding night. The man hangs the cloth at the entrance of the hut for all to see. This is met by wild cheers and ululations from the whole community. A woman who is not a virgin on her wedding night is looked down on by the community and brings shame to her parents.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

GivingBack

Sarova backs campaign to conserve

Tsavo and Taita

ecosystems

reen Tsavo is an initiative by the Sarova Group of Hotels, Resorts & Game Lodges in collaboration with Friends of Tsavo and Futouris. The aim is to assist the conservation of biodiversity within the Tsavo ecosystem while also helping to improve the condition of the habitat in the greater Taita Hills area through community awareness and participation.

that also acts as a migratory corridor for the abundant wildlife between the northern and southern sections of Tsavo West National Park. The sanctuary lies within the Eastern Arc Range of Mountains, designated by Unesco as a biodiversity ‘hotspot’ of immense bio-geographical importance. These mountain ranges contain unique flora and play host to over 350 species of birds. The ranges are also home to large prides

The initiative seeks to achieve this through a huge

of lion and other herbivores including elephant

tree-planting intervention that will increase tree

and buffalo as well as some endangered animal

cover in the entire ecosystem and, in turn, help

species.

transform the ecology of the Taita and Tsavo landscapes.

In the past few years, however, owing to factors such as human activities, overharvesting by wild

Reforestation

animals, frequent wildfires, livestock incursion

Within this ecosystem lies the Sarova Taita Hills

and Taita ecosystems have suffered immensely,

Wildlife Sanctuary – an important dispersal area

leading to habitat loss, degradation and a fall in

and the effects of climate change, the Tsavo

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

GivingBack

(KWS), the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and commu-

quality. This, in turn, has had a negative impact

The habitat restoration programme also involves

on the entire ecosystem, leading to a decline in

the communities who live in and around the

nity-based organisations (CBOs) in the region. The

wildlife densities and diversity within the two

affected ecosystems. Through the tree-planting

target is to instil environmental conservation values

ecosystems.

initiative, these communities have been made

into the communities and play a supportive role

aware of the benefits of conserving the envi-

in retaining the natural ecosystems of Taita and

The news of such habitat loss and the decline

ronment and enhancing its quality. One of the

Tsavo and their resident flora and fauna.

in wildlife diversity and density has caught the

main aims of the initiative is to make the local

attention of Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge and

communities aware that helping to protect and

Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge. Accordingly, they

preserve the environment will lead to a better

have teamed up with like-minded organisations

life for everyone. A sustainable development

• Restoration of habitat health and biodiversity

and the local community to combat these effects,

programme benefits the community in the long

enhancement through reforestation

while at the same time coming up with initiatives

term as well as leading to ecotourism and cultural

to reverse the negative trends that are harming

tourism programmes that can also enhance the

• Engagement of the peripheral communities in

the environment and wild game within these

lives of local people.

reforestation by establishing plant nurseries and creating employment opportunities

ecosystems. The aim is to retain the inherent ecological value

Objectives

Sustainability

• Raising awareness among the riparian commu-

of the sanctuary and carry out measures to ensure

Within the region, the twin Sarova properties

nities and raising environmental consciousness by

the regeneration of the habitat in the sanctuary.

in Taita have been a significant force in helping to

establishing wildlife clubs in schools

With this in mind, Sarova has established a 25

encourage and promote the active engagement

hectare tree-planting site within the Taita Hills

of key tourism stakeholders in the tree-planting

• Promote reforestation as a carbon seques-

Game Sanctuary. This long-term recovery initia-

initiatives within the sanctuary. Being aware of the

tering initiative. Trees store carbon and, as long

tive will help stimulate the recovery of vegetation

multiple interests that various stakeholders have

as they are not burned or allowed to rot, the

within the ecosystem and assist in reclaiming the

in addressing the environmental impacts, Sarova

wood will lock up the carbon, helping to slow

degraded sections of the ecosystem as future

has championed the development of linkages with

global warming

foraging grounds for the wildlife in the sanctuary.

organisations such as the Kenya Wildlife Service • Protection of the Taita Hills water tower. The hills are an important water catchment area and a source of river regimes including the Voi and Bura. They supply the many dams that sustain community life.

Milestones Under the initiative, the target is to build up of nursery with over 2,000 organic seedings to facilitate the tree planting activity within the ecosystems and help mobilize support from Sarova Hotels associates, guests, corporate groups and the local communities in the reforestation process. Be part of this worthy cause and join us in adopting a tree. Email us on: green.tsavo@sarovahotels.com or call us on +254 41 2128000 to adopt a tree.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

the twin Sarova properties in Taita have been a significant force in helping to encour age and promote the active engagement of key tourism stakeholders in the tree-planting initiatives within the sanctuary

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

ELEPHAnT CEnSuS

so – just How do you couNt a fE w tHousaNd

ELEPHANTS? by ElIZabEtH wamba

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT 43

Elephant Census

ounting elephants is not child’s play. Big as they are, elephants can appear as tiny specks when you are conducting an aerial census.

The task of counting the elephant population of the Tsavo-Mkomazi ecosystem – an area larger than the Netherlands or Denmark – in six days is without a doubt a nerve-wracking experience, even for those with many years of experience. Factor in temperatures soaring above 30°C in February on a good day, and you have a recipe for air and motion sickness, short fuses and fatigue. The Tsavo-Mkomazi ecosystem covers an area of 46,437 sq km (17,929 square miles). In spite of these challenges, however, a group of over 150 scientists, pilots and technical personnel gathered at the Taita Sanctuary in February 2011 to ensure that the total elephant

elephant population of an area larger than the Netherlands is without a doubt a nervewracking experience

The task of counting the

in turn help the KWS

poaching between 2008 and 2009 and a severe

to arrive at sound

drought in the same period.

conservation

policy

count was a success. Government representa-

and management decisions for the ecosystem,

tives from Tanzania (Mkomazi is in Tanzania and

including the best allocation of resources – both

abuts Tsavo), Uganda and Southern Sudan also

human and financial – for protecting the animals.

windows But what does it take to conduct a total aerial count of elephant? First, the survey area is

joined the Kenyan team for regional co-opera-

poaching

divided into 43 blocks with maps for individual

A total of 12,573 elephant were recorded during

maps have line transects that are 1 km wide.

this year’s count – two per cent more than at the

Husky and Cessna 182 light aircraft are normally

Co-funded by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)

previous census (11,696 elephants in 2008) but

used for their appropriate speeds and ease of

and the International Fund for Animal Welfare

showing a drop from the four per cent growth

manoeuvrability. They also have wide windows

(IFAW), the count aimed at establishing elephant

rate that has been the national norm in previous

on both sides to allow the observers do their

populations, trends and distribution. This would

years. This decline was due to an increase in

job effectively.

tion and capacity building purposes. Prior to this assembly, there had been intensive preparations for about five months.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

blocks and the whole ecosystem. The individual

Elephant Census

Each block is allocated to a team consisting of pilot

from top to bottom ensures a total count

and observers (enumerators). The pilot overflies

and increases data reliability as elephants move

transects from one end to another system-

great distances.

Counting elephants is a daunting task But it

atically as the observers count and note down the animals on datasheets. An observer, sitting next to the pilot, always has a map, a datasheet

daWN

and a GPS handset. GPS technology allows

Counting in one block can take five to eight

very consistent navigation and thus enhances

hours. The block teams rise at dawn and take

the quality of the count. It is also invaluable in

a lunch break at noon when the heat is unbear-

terms of accountability and peer review by other

able and the elephants have sought cover under

observers surveying the area.

trees. The aircraft are refuelled during this break.

is worth every penny and drop of sweat

Constant rehydrating is essential for everyone

circling

involved, with mouthfuls of glucose or fruit juice

As well as taking data, the observer co-ordinates

keep going.

to keep the participants balanced and able to

with the pilot on the systematic block coverage, After covering individual blocks, the observers

again for accuracy. Systematic block coverage

review their datasheets to ensure correct data

and if need be, circling over a line transect or area

collection and to avoid duplication. The datasheets and GPS equipment are then handed over to graphic information system (GIS) personnel for downloading and analysis in liaison with elephant scientists. A briefing is conducted every evening to allocate tasks for the following day before the team finishes work. But the day is not over for the security team of rangers, who must ensure that aircraft at the airstrip are safe, not only from humans but particularly from animals such as hyenas, which can make a hearty meal of tyres

and brake pipes. Counting elephants is a daunting task. But it is worth every penny and drop of sweat – we can only plan and manage what we know – for the conservation of these majestic animals.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT 45

Riding the

storm Crisis-lover who got KWS back on course

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

ICONS: DR Julius Kipng’etich

Fact: A storm was brewing at one of Kenya’s best-known public institutions and remedial measures were required urgently. Fact: The government needed someone to steady the ship and turn the fortunes of the state-owned institution.

hen Julius Kipng’etich accepted the position of director of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), he knew he was entering uncharted territory and walking into a storm. Sceptics and naysayers expected him to fail for many reasons, chief among them the fact that he was no conservationist and had little knowledge, if any, of the activities and politics of the giant wildlife conservation body that is KWS. Would he survive the storm or would the naysayers have him for dessert like a lion with a baby antelope? Only time would tell.

passion

DG: Seven years and still counting. In a nutshell,

conservation matters. I was teaching management

what have you managed to transform at the KWS?

science at the University of Nairobi and stepping into this position was no mean task. But having

JK: In a nutshell, I can say without a shadow

taught management at the university, I thought to

of doubt that the KWS is the most efficient and

myself, this is a challenge for me to test what I had

most professional public institution. Over the last

been teaching my students at the university.

couple of years, we have been able to achieve so much with very limited resources due to a number

My first assignment was to get to the root cause of

of factors on the ground that have created a new

the crisis at the organisation. The staff was demo-

‘I can say without a shadow of doubt that the KWS is the most efficient and most professional public institution’

But that was over seven years ago. Fast forward to today, and KWS has metamorphosed into a

sense of creativity at the institution. I am proud of

tivated and, when I came in, I had consultative

completely different public sector outfit. The

my team and what we have achieved in spite of

meetings with senior staff at the organisation and

organisation is professionally run and the zeal

the huge challenges that keep coming our way.

within two weeks I had already diagnosed what

and passion of the men and women employed by KWS throughout the country is clearly visible.

ailed the institution and I developed an action plan DG: You came into the directorship of the KWS

that was set to transform how things were done.

when there was a crisis at the institution. How Spotlight Contributing Editor Denis Gathanju sat

did you face the challenge and address the issues

Seven years down the line, everything has

with Julius Kipng’etich. The KWS is the govern-

that dogged the organisation?

worked like clockwork and to the script.

Kenya’s wildlife. Here are excerpts from the

JK: When I accepted the position, I knew nothing

DG: Since joining the KWS, with limited knowl-

interview.

about conservation as my background is not in

edge and experience of conservation, what

ment body mandated to conserve and manage

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

ICONS

would say are some of the challenges that affect conservation efforts in Kenya? JK: While the dynamics on the ground keep on changing, some of the most challenging aspects that affect conservation efforts in Kenya include the huge human population we have. This has in some areas led to human-wildlife conflict. The constant food and water shortages that we face are other challenges that affect wildlife and environmental conservation in Kenya. Livestock keeping in Kenya needs to be controlled so that it is not only sustainable, but balanced out with the wildlife density that we have in the country.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I was born in 1966 and brought up in a village in Iten, in the Rift Valley. I went to school barefoot, just like many other people who grew up during this timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

attributes to a crisis as there are numerous negatives. A crisis provides us with a tipping point from which we can operate.

DG: How, then, do you propose overcoming

It has to be noted that the tourism industry has been

The chaos that rocked our country in 2008 and

some of these challenges going forward?

identified as one of the critical economic engines

the economic recession of 2009 opened up the

under Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic development blueprint and

doors of creativity at the KWS. Suddenly, we had

JK: At KWS, we are looking at the medium and

one of the short-term goals towards the realisation of

so little to carry out our duties and we had to

long-term measures that seek to address these

this goal is to increase our tourism arrivals to 3 million

work with what we had. We just had to find an

challenges. In the short and medium term,

by 2013. I believe that if we embrace and implement

alternative way of doing things.

we endeavour to better our law enforcement

such measures, we are on the right track.

measures through a multi-pronged approach that harnesses the power of technology while at the same time placing an emphasis on training and education of the populace and our staff.

unleashed rocked

The crisis unleashed a level of creativity at the

DG: The negative effects of the post-election

organisation like never seen before. It helped us

violence that rocked the country in 2008 and the

manage and cut down on our costs and we have

In the long-term approach, we seek to uplift and

global economic crisis of 2009 negatively affected

used this lesson ever since. Since the crisis, we

actively embrace and engage with the various

tourism in Kenya. The entire industry was almost

now do our patrols more creatively and we have

communities across the country, whereby we can

grounded. How did you manage to steer the

switched to energy-saving bulbs. Some of our

make use of vast portions of communal land to estab-

KWS through these difficult times?

employees even forwent their allowances.

to the communities as they will not only encourage

JK: I love a crisis. At university, I always taught

The crisis also helped bring us together and we

wildlife tourism, but cultural tourism as well.

my students that there are as many positive

work better as a team in sync with each other.

lish wildlife conservancies that will be of much benefit

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

DR Julius Kipng’etich

That was the kind of trigger that we needed at

When I walk in the streets and ordinary people

KWS to make us more efficient and better at

come and shake my hand and tell me that we are

what we do.

doing a great job, it makes me very happy and I am most thankful to the team behind me that has

DG: Heading the KWS is no mean task. What

made this a reality.

keeps you going and motivated to do what you do every day?

DG: With the work pressure of being the KWS director, not to mention other official and non-

clarion call

official duties that you perform must be immense.

JK: The thought that we are conserving our

schedule with your family?

How do you manage to balance your hectic work

wildlife and environment for ourselves and future generations has been our clarion call.

JK: Quality time. That is the key since there

The fact that what we do every day makes life

are only 24 hours in any given day and I have to

bearable and we are adding value to wide-open

spend as much quality time while performing my

spaces and helping change our country is a big

official duties and while I am with my family.

‘The thought that we are conserving our wildlife and environment for ourselves and future generations has been our clarion call’ DG: You come from a very humble background.

motivator. It gives you the kind of feeling that you are just next to God, because we are doing this

The level of support that I have gotten from my

How has your upbringing shaped you into the

for humanity.

family is also a huge determinant. They have

man you are today?

been very understanding and I am most grateful We do what we do because it is a calling and the

to them for the support they have given me over

rewards that come from it all are just a by-the-way.

the last seven years.

JK: I was born in 1966 and brought up in a village in Iten, in the Rift Valley. I went to school barefoot, just like many other people who grew

DG: After all is said and done, how does Julius

up during this time.

Kipng’etich relax? JK: First, I play golf with my nine-year-old

clarion call

daughter, especially over the weekends, because

My tipping point came when I joined Starehe

she loves golf. It gives me an opportunity to bond

Boys’ Centre in Nairobi and I started seeing

with her. It grants me the opportunity to switch

things from a different perspective. I have lived

off my mind from other matters.

with it since I left Starehe.

I also like going to the gym on weekdays after work

The late director of the centre taught us that it

whenever I have the time. It helps me keep fit and

is good to have money, but the most important

give me the energy to go about my official duties.

thing in life is to leave behind a legacy that will outlive the monetary wealth that people seek

I also read a lot as it helps me stay updated on

daily. He taught us that the ultimate thing that a

what is going on in other spheres of life. At any

person could do in life was to offer himself to

one given moment, I am reading at least four

public service, since you touch so many lives and

books at the same time. I also read various

you enrich them in the process.

current magazines every week to keep me in the know of current affairs in Africa and other

Even though I am at the helm of the KWS, I

parts of the world. I also read a lot of informa-

miss the simplicity of village life, which helped

tion websites and attend meetings and seminars

shape me into the person I am today. I tend

to meet and mingle with the people as I get to

to live a simple, village-like life. It grants me

learn a lot in such gatherings.

ultimate happiness.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT 49

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

TUSKER

A treat for the

tastebuds courtesy of Tusker

fter a long, hot day in the office, what could be better than kicking back with a bottle of beer served ‘baridi sana’ (chilled) and swap tales with your pals?

Being Kenya’s oldest beer and enjoying a national heritage like no other in the region, EABL recently unveiled the beer in a new-look bottle at an elaborate ceremony in Nairobi. This included a procession through the streets

Despite competition from other brands, the choice

of Nairobi by a horse-drawn dray to deliver 10

for most beer-drinking Kenyans is still a Tusker.

crates of the beer at Sarova Stanley in a re-enactment that traced the journey of the first freshly

For those who don’t already know, Tusker is

brewed Tusker, delivered to The Stanley Hotel

brewed in Kenya by East African Breweries Ltd

some 90 years ago.

(EABL) using the highest quality malted barley, grown in the Rift Valley and is an integral part of the national culture. Tusker Lager has an ABV

leading

(alcohol by volume) content of 4.2 per cent and

Today, as East Africa’s leading branded alcohol

is described by many as the finest beer they

beverage business, EABL produces a range of

have tasted. No wonder it’s the best selling beer

beer and spirit brands and operates a string of

in Kenya.

breweries in Kenya and Uganda.

in memory

Another favourite – and perhaps one for the

The lager subsequently known as Tusker was first

as an export brand, Tusker Malt was introduced

brewed in 1922. The name came about after the

to the Kenyan market in 1996. It is 100 per cent

co-founder of the then Kenya Breweries, George

malt brewed over a longer period to give it a rich,

Hurst, was killed by an elephant during a hunting

smooth taste. Its distinctive quality is achieved

expedition in 1923. The lager that Hurst helped

by a brewing process that uses only the highest

create was renamed Tusker in memory of his

quality equatorial barley – grown close to Mount

tragic death and the now iconic elephant logo

Kenya – and the choicest of hops. It has an ABV

was established.

of four per cent.

connoisseur – is Tusker Malt. Following its success

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

TUSKER One of EABL’s oldest brands is White Cap, named after the snow-capped Mount Kenya and regarded as the connoisseur’s choice. Much favoured by so-called Kenya Cowboys, White Cap is an international award winning pale lager with an alcoholic content of 4.2 per cent ABV. It, too, is brewed from finest equatorial barley malt and pure waters from the Aberdares.

SPECIAL A stronger newcomer to the market is President Special Edition, which comes in a 500 ml long neck pack with an ABV of six per cent. President Extra Lager was launched in 2010. A somewhat rarer brew is Allsops, which combines a distinctive taste and flavour while offering value for money. Allsops is a medium beer with a stronger alcoholic content of 5.5 per cent ABV and is brewed with extra roasted equatorial barley, giving it a unique taste and colour.

PILSNER The Pilsner brand of lager also belonged to Allsops, which merged with Tusker breweries in the 1930s. The brand soon gained a steady consumer base in Uganda and Tanzania by way

Uganda’s leading brand is Bell Lager. Brewed

of cross-border trading by the locals. It was

at EABL’s Port Bell plant, on the shores of Lake

therefore launched in Uganda in 1993 after the

Victoria, this has a smooth, refreshing, light taste.

partnership between KBL and UBL, resulting in

Bell Lager is named after Port Bell Pier, 10 km

the formation of the EABL group. The brand then

from Kampala. The pier itself was named after

began to penetrate the Rwanda, Democratic

the colonial governor of Uganda, Sir Hesketh

Republic of Congo and Southern Sudan markets.

Bell, who was in charge from 1905 to 1909. Bell

a horse-drawn dray delivered 10 crates of tusker to the stanley hotel in a historical re-enactment

lager was first produced in 1950. initiatives including a designated driver campaign

budget beer

and TV’s Tusker Project Fame.

Senator keg was launched in 2004 to offer a hygienic

In addition, following the launch of the EABL

and bona fide budget beer. Brewed as a legitimate

Foundation in both Kenya and Uganda in 2005,

alternative to the production of illegal brews such as

the company has stepped up its efforts to help

changa’a, Senator was launched by Kenya Breweries

disadvantaged communities secure access to

with the support of the Kenya government.

such basic amenities as clean water, health care, education and occupational skills. Already it

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

EABL is also committed to promoting responsible

is making a major impact on the livelihoods of

drinking and supports a number of projects and

thousands of people in East Africa.

e-hospitaliy

Sarova rolls out technological innovations

he hospitality industry is fast adopting technology as part of delivering a ‘wow’ experience for guests. Sarova Hotels has led other players in adopting technology innovations in the region.

book and pay using Visa credit cards. Integra-

Booking your favourite Sarova destination has

Sarova continues to integrate technology as

been made easier with the convenience of booking

part of a strategy to provide convenience to our

and paying online at www.sarovahotels.com.

valued guests. Last year, Sarova bagged a first in

tion with other credit cards such as Mastercard and AMEX will be rolled out in due course. The system, developed by Khubi Solutions, is being implemented through I&M Bank.

the industry by a mobile payment option through

integrAtion

M-Pesa.

This follows the integration of a real time online

optimised

booking system that will enable our guests to

Sarova Hotels’ website has also been optimised

Sarova continues to integrate technology

for mobile devices using Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). And while at it, you can engage

as part of a strategy to provide convenience

with us through our social media platforms at

to our valued guests

your Sarova experience with our growing online

Twitter and Facebook, from where you can share community.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

SAROVA HOTELS & LODGES INDEX CENTRAL RESERVATIONS Tel: +254 (0)20 276 7000; 271 4444 Fax: +254 (0)20 271 5566 Email: centralreservations@sarovahotels.com

SAROVA LOYALTY PROGRAM SAROVA ZAWADI Tel: +254 (0)20 276 7440/276 7421 Fax: +254 (0)20 271 5566 Email: sarovazawadi@sarovahotels.com

Sarova Stanley, NAIROBI

OVERSEAS GENERAL SALES AGENTS

Tel: +254 (0)20 275 7000; 316 377 Fax: +254 (0)20 222 9388; 224 9757 Email: thestanley@sarovahotels.com

USA

SAROVA PANAFRIC, NAIROBI Tel: +254 (0)20 271 4444; 272 0802 Fax: +254 (0)20 272 6356 Email: panafric@sarovahotels.com

Kartagener Associates Inc 14 Penn Plaza, Suitte 2223 New York, NY 10122 Toll Free: (800) 524-7979 Tel: 212 239 7979 Fax: 212 239 7479 E-mail: henry@kainyc.com Skype: Kai-nicole www.kainyc.com UK

SAROVA WHITESANDS BEACH RESORT & SPA, MOMBASA Tel: +254 (0)41 212 8000 Fax: +254 (0)41 548 5652; 548 6536 Email: reservation@sarovahotels.com

SAROVA LION HILL GAME LODGE Tel: +254 (0)51 852 288; 850 238 Fax: +254 (0)51 221 0836

SAROVA MARA GAME CAMP Tel: +254 (0)50 22 386; 22 194 Mobile: +254 (0)773 610 405 Fax: +254 (0)50 22 371

SAROVA SHABA GAME LODGE Tel: +254 (0)64 32 030; 30 638 Mobile: +254 (0)728 603 590 Fax: +254 (0)20 271 5566

SAROVA TAITA HILLS GAME LODGE Tel: +254 (0)43 30 540; 31 271 Mobile: +254 728 608 765 Fax: +254 43 30 007

SAROVA SALT LICK GAME LODGE Tel: +254 (0)43 30 270; 30 243 Fax: +254 (0)43 30 007

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Dendy Walwyn Market Places 12 Pummery Square, Poundbury Dorchester, Dorset DT1 3GW Tel: +44 (0)1305 751510 Fax: +44 (0)1305 751511 Email: sales@marketplaces.co.uk SOUTH AFRICA Anita Vernes Southern Spoor Marketing PO Box 691 Witkoppen 2068 South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 4695082/3 Fax: +27 (0)11 4695086 Email: anita@southernspoor.co.za GERMANY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND Harald Alber ATMS Stresemannstrasse 17 63477 Maintal Germany Tel.: +49 6181 4244 229 Fax: +49 6181 4244 205 Email: gh.alber@t-online.de FR ANCE Fanny Van Lierde Interface Tourism 11 bis rue Blanche - 75009 Paris, France Tel: +33 (0)1 53251111 Fax: +33 (0)1 53251112 Email: sarovahotels@interfacetourism.com INDIA Ankush Nijhawan Nijahawan Group of Companies E77, South Extension New Delhi 110 049 Tel: +91 11 4134 9448 Email: ankush@nijhawangroup.org

SOUTHERN SUDAN ETHIOPIA

Lake Turkana

Malka Mari National Reserve

Sibiloi National Park

Chalbi Desert

Lodwar

Moyale Marsabit

Marsabit National Reserve Marsabit National Park

UGANDA

South Turkana National Reserve

KENYA

Kapchorwa Mt. Elgon Kitale Jinja

Losai National Reserve

SOMALIA 6

Samburu National Reserve

Baringo

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Eldoret

Shaba National Park

Isiolo

Kakamega

Mount Kenya National Park

Nakuru

Kisumu

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Victoria Masai Mara National Reserve

Aberdare National Park

Bisinadi National Reserve

Meru National Park

Rahole National Reserve

Mt. Kenya

Garissa

Nyeri

1 2

Arawale National Reserve

NAIROBI

Nairobi National Park

Tana River Primate National Reserve Amboseli National Park

1. Sarova Stanley, NAIROBI

Wajir

Dodori National Reserve

Witu

Tsavo East National Park Chyulu National Park

Boni National Reserve

Lamu Kipini Ungama Bay

Kilimanjaro

2. SAROVA PANAFRIC, NAIROBI 3. SAROVA WHITESANDS BEACH RESORT & SPA, MOMBASA

Mt. Meru

Tsavo West National Park

4. SAROVA LION HILL GAME LODGE 5. SAROVA MAR A GAME CAMP 6. SAROVA SHABA GAME LODGE 7. SAROVA TAITA HILLS GAME LODGE 8. SAROVA SALT LICK GAME LODGE

7 8

TANZANIA

Malindi Watamu Kilifi

MOMBASA

IN DIA N O C EAN

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Pemba I.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

VICTORIAN HERITAGE ADDS CHARM TO LUXURy IN FLAGSHIP HOTEL Located in the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District is one of the city’s oldest and most elegant hotels. Rising eight ﬂoors above the busy streets of the Kenyan capital, this landmark building has a long heritage of hospitality. As you go through the revolving doors into the wide lobby of the Sarova Stanley, the rich Victorian elegance of the hotel’s interior is unmistakable. Here, the heritage of the 19th century blends easily with the modern ways and technologies of the 21st century. It conveys a nostalgic feeling of years gone by while at the same time offering modern standards of luxury and comfort. Whether you are on a business trip or in transit to or from the safari circuits, the guest experience here is like no other in Nairobi. Over the years, Sarova Stanley has evolved from being one of the only luxury hotels in Nairobi to the best hotel in Kenya. Guests who choose to stay at this landmark hotel join a long list of respected leaders and icons of the past and present who have enjoyed its hospitality. They include the novelist Ernest Hemingway, who penned some of his masterpieces from his hotel bedroom. The hotel has also hosted presidents, film stars and the Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Wangari Maathai. Everyone finds a special place at Sarova Stanley. The hotel enjoys a prime location within walking distance of major government

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

ministries and businesses including the Nairobi Stock Exchange as well as tourist attractions in the city. The Exchange Bar is regarded as the ‘home’ of the Nairobi Stock Exchange and is located only a stone’s throw from Nation Centre, where the NSE is housed. This spacious bar has a giant screen with real-time data from the NSE.

Al FreSCo The fifth-floor health club is open to guests and outsiders. It comes with a fully equipped gym, sauna, steam bath and massage beds. The pool is also located on this floor. The Thorn Tree Restaurant, open to the street, is a historical Nairobi landmark where friends and family still post notes and ‘letters’ under the thorn tree. The al fresco deck restaurant on the fifth floor serves buffets and salads and tandoori specialities.

ACCommodAtion Sarova Stanley has 217 individually air conditioned rooms on eight ﬂoors. they include: 1 Presidential suite 1 Penthouse 2 Courier single beds 16 executive suites, 3 junior suites and 2 state suites 32 Club rooms 160 deluxe rooms.

The Thai Chi Restaurant on the first ﬂoor is regarded as Nairobi’s best fine dining establishment for Thai cuisine. It is the only authentic Thai restaurant of its kind in East and Central Africa.

Sarova Stanley, which is the ﬂagship of Sarova Hotels, Resorts & Game Lodges, has recently completed construction of a portecochère. This new entryway gives an impressive look to the hotel’s front, while offering guests a more spacious area for driving in.

The hotel has nine meeting and conference halls, including a 227 square metre ballroom, and provides free Wi-Fi internet access to guests.

Patrons at the Thorn Tree Café will also enjoy an enhanced sense of privacy and security.

A NAME INSPIRED By KENyA’S MOVEMENT FOR PEACE AND HARMONy As many nations across Africa achieved independence and the Pan African Movement began to gain traction among African leaders at the time, it has to be remembered that one hotel, perched on a small hill overlooking Nairobi, opened its doors and welcomed African leaders who were inspired by the dream of a harmonious continent. Sarova Panafric has lived up to its billing. Inspired by the Pan African Movement, the Sarova Panafric has remained true to its calling. Today, the hotel features a unique blend of colours and shades inspired by various African leaders and nations who embraced the movement. It was officially opened by the then Kenyan President, Jomo Kenyatta, in 1965 at the height of the Pan African Movement, which was championed by African independence heroes such as the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya and the late Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana. Towering above other hotels in the city, this four-star property benefits from a unique location in a quiet neighbourhood, only a short walk from central Nairobi. This makes it ideal for leisure tourists stopping over on their way to or from the safari circuit. Its tranquil atmosphere is equally well suited to business travellers staying in Nairobi who would like a quiet evening as they work from their hotel or relax in the evening after a hectic business schedule.

Guests at Sarova Panafric can now experience a redefinition of refreshing African hospitality. The hotel has a brand-new entrance foyer, lobby and reception area, all themed in neo-African decor and tone. The comfortable and spacious lobby offers a pleasant working environment for business executives and other guests staying at the hotel. The lobby’s architectural theme is complemented by newly commissioned uniforms for all staff, designed as a blend of African prints and contemporary fashion trends. To further enhance the arrival experience for guests, the hotel has installed a state-of-the-art security feature and a new gatehouse that will ensure minimum inconvenience and a smooth ﬂow of guest vehicles into the hotel. Leisurely meals can be enjoyed at the warm and lively Flame Tree Restaurant, once a watering hole for freedom fighters, spies and foreign correspondents and named after the ﬂame tree that holds pride of place in the gardens.

ConFerenCe Sarova Panafric offers state-of-the-art banqueting and conferencing facilities with a range of meeting and function rooms equipped with the latest audio-visual and Wi-Fi equipment. To wind up the day, guests can take a dip in the pool or go for a leisurely massage – or simply enjoy a cool drink to the soothing sounds of Africa’s rhythm.

ACCommodAtion the Sarova Panafric has newly refurbished rooms and suites with separate air conditioning in every room. there are 164 spacious bedrooms, well spread on six storeys: 5 Suites 14 Club (3 twins, 10 double) 65 Superior – 14 twin and 51 double 46 executive rooms 36 Standard rooms. Sarova Panafric also has fully serviced apartments including 30 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom apartments.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

RELAX, yOU’RE AT SAROVA WHITESANDS BEACH RESORT & SPA Boasting the longest beach front and being one of the largest and most luxurious hotels on the Kenyan coast is the popular Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, located in the popular north coast resort area, less than 20 km from Mombasa. Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa is the epitome of luxury on the Kenyan coast. As well as providing a host of deeply relaxing activities for leisure travellers, it caters for business travellers during the day and helps them relax and unwind in the evening. The hotel has one of the most developed health spas on the Kenyan coast, guaranteeing the ultimate in relaxation for both leisure and business travellers. The Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa has created a unique niche for itself as a location for beach weddings, honeymoons and wedding receptions at the coast. Its long beach frontage, beautifully manicured green lawns, spacious ballroom and large pool play into the bigger picture of a truly successful wedding and honeymoon location. This beach resort has some of the best conference facilities on the north coast and has hosted various high-level meetings and conferences. These have included an international conference by the Swedish-based cosmetic maker Oriﬂame which brought

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

together more than 3,000 participants. The conference rooms include the Makutano, Fahari and Baraza halls, all of which are equipped with the latest audio visual equipment and LCD projectors. The resort has a wide range of restaurants and bars. These include the Pavilion I and II restaurants, accommodating up to 680 people at a sitting. Buffet breakfasts, lunches and themed dinners are served here. The Minazi Café is open 24 hours a day and serves mouth-watering snacks and a children’s menu. The Lido Seafood Grill, overlooking the ocean, is the resort’s fine dining restaurant. With a capacity of up to 45 people, the restaurant serves some of the finest seafood menus on Bamburi Beach and is open every day except Mondays. Cocos Beach Bar is a favourite with guests. This open-air bar is sandwiched between palm trees overlooking the Indian Ocean. The Tulia Health Bar serves health meals, fresh juices and salads. The Tulia Spa, arguably one of the best health spas on the north coast, offers the leisure and business traveller a wide range of therapies to relax the mind, body and soul. Among the therapies on offer are Ayurvedic, Western and Oriental. Therapists can also tailor a spa experience to suit the individual needs of the guest or couple staying at the resort on their honeymoon.

ACCommodAtion Sarova Whitesands beach resort & Spa is arguably one of the largest beach resorts on the Kenyan coast. the resort has a total of 338 rooms, spread over three storeys, including: 2 Presidential suites 3 rooms for the physically handicapped 6 executive suites 66 Palm rooms 128 Seafront rooms 133 Standard rooms. All rooms have a complimentary coffee and tea making facility. they also have a private balcony opening to the sea or with a pool view.

EXPERIENCE THE MIGRATION IN THE MARA As one of the seven wonders of the natural world, where the largest wildlife migration is recorded annually, the famous Masai Mara National Reserve captures the imagination of every nature lover. Boasting a wildlife density and diversity like no other game reserve in Kenya, the Masai Mara is the epitome of a bush safari in Africa.

Africa. The biggest attraction, of course, is the wildebeest migration, which takes place every year between August and October. The commotion that occurs as the wildebeest and large herds of zebra and gazelle cross the treacherous waters of the Mara River, to the delight of the hungry crocodiles in the earth-coloured waters, is an impressive experience, to say the least.

When you combine the true spirit of an African safari with the refreshingly African hospitality enjoyed at the Sarova Mara Game Camp, you have a winner; because the Sarova Mara Game Camp offers not only wild safari excitement, but also front-row seats to the greatest show of all â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the wildebeest migration. And what a spectacle that is.

ACtiVitieS

The camp is located deep inside the Masai Mara National Reserve, about five hours from Nairobi by road and a short 40-minute hop by plane. The camp is set on an elevation surrounded by two streams and is uniquely laid out over the sprawling grounds, which include rolling, manicured greens, a virtual mini forest of indigenous shrubs and exotic trees, a large pond stocked with fish, a bird sanctuary and an authentic Maasai village adjoining the camp, all guaranteed to enhance the overall guest experience of

The camp also provides delightful bush dinners, breakfasts and lunches at numerous spots across the game reserve. It is a preferred destination for bush weddings and honeymoons.

ACCommodAtion the camp has 20 Club tents, 51 standard tents, two family tents, a main restaurant, a bar and many bush dining options. the free-form swimming pool has its own pool bar.

The camp offers morning and afternoon safaris in the game reserve, where wild animals can be seen in their natural habitat. The camp has an excellent ďŹ&#x201A;eet of safari vehicles and deeply knowledgeable guides.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

WATCH THE FLAMINGO DANCE IN NAKURU Sitting on an isolated hill in the scenic Lake Nakuru National Park, the Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge offers the ultimate weekend and holiday getaway. Its location just a few kilometres from Nakuru and about two hours’ drive from Nairobi makes it an ideal family getaway location guaranteeing ultimate relaxation. Thanks to its position, The Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge enjoys a spectacular view of the pink-ringed, alkaline waters of Lake Nakuru. Guests have an unobstructed view of the lake from the balconies of their chalets, arranged on four levels up the hill. The Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is one of only two game lodges inside the Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru National Park is a birdwatchers’ paradise. The park is home to over 450 bird species and it is possible to spot up to 100 different bird species within one hour. Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge employs the services of David ole Naso, a Maasai with deep knowledge of the resident and migratory birds within the park. David is a talented guide who takes guests on informative nature walks around the lodge. Lake Nakuru National Park is home to the world’s largest ﬂamingo population. The ﬂamingos come to feed on the lake’s algae-rich alkaline waters. Every year, immediately after the long

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

rains, the famous mating dance, a well orchestrated routine conducted by the lesser ﬂamingos, is worth watching. As well as a birding haven, Lake Nakuru National Park is a successful rhino breeding sanctuary with large numbers of endangered white and black rhinos. Owing to the park’s small size, it is easy to spot game.

ACtiVitieS Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge organises a range of activities within the grounds of the lodge and in the park. These include: • Cultural dances each evening round a bonﬁre

ACCommodAtion 67 ground-ﬂoor chalets spread across four levels on the gently sloping lion Hill. 46 Superior rooms 18 deluxe rooms 3 Suites

• Bush breakfasts and off-site sundowner cocktails.

• Morning and afternoon game drives

AmenitieS

• Animation programmes for children

• Two conference halls with overhead and LCD projector

• Nature and birdwatching walks in the lodge grounds

• Flamingo Restaurant serving breakfasts, lunches and dinners

• Tree planting programmes as part of conservation efforts by the property in collaboration with various agencies including the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)

• Rift Valley Bar

• Bush weddings and honeymoons

• Massage tent overlooking the lake.

A UNIQUE DESIGN IN A MAGICAL SETTING Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge, 7 km from the Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge, features a unique architectural design and style. The entire property is built above ground, yet it conforms to the traditional homesteads of the local Taita tribe who inhabit the region. The rondavels, built on stilts, are an imaginative reproduction of the local ancestral abodes.

The sanctuary has a large dam and small ponds where young crocodiles are bred. young hippos are to be introduced to the sanctuary, as well as rhinos. As part of its conservation efforts, the property is keen to make local communities and guests more aware of conservation matters through an elaborate tree-planting programme within the sanctuary.

The lodge has 96 oval rooms, all overlooking a waterhole. Practically every day, this attracts a large array of wildlife, including elephants, especially in the evenings, when they come to drink water and lick the salt. The underground tunnel at Sarova Salt Lick Game Reserve is a wonderful spot for viewing wild game such as elephants and buffalos that come to drink from the water pan near the lodge.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

GET CLOSER TO WILD GAME IN TAITA Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge offers luxury accommodation and is the ultimate base from which to explore Africa’s largest game park. The creeper-covered stone buildings bring English country charm to the African plains and guests have the opportunity to enjoy first-class service and facilities in an unforgettable setting. This magnificent property offers a wide range of business and entertainment options, with two conference rooms capable of accommodating up to 100 participants.

SPACiouS The lodge has 62 rooms with two suites, a swimming pool, a spacious lobby, a boutique, a restaurant, meeting rooms and a conference hall and is located next to a well maintained air strip. The Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge is located within the privately-owned Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area consisting of 28,000 acres of semi-permeable terrain. This in turn forms part of the greater Tsavo eco system, which covers about 40,000 sq km.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

The sanctuary is home to huge animal populations that include large herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and resident lions. In addition, the sanctuary is home to more than 350 bird species. The sanctuary nestles in the lower zones of the surrounding Taita Hills. These form part of the Eastern Arc Mountains range, which is recognised by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) as conservation area of global significance. Moreover, the overall game viewing experience is enhanced, because the sanctuary is located within the wildlife migratory corridors that link Tsavo East and Tsavo West game reserves.

AmenitieS • Both lodges feature large restaurants and bars. • Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge has a large pool and two conference halls.

EXPERIENCE THE JEWEL OF THE NORTH AT SHABA On the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, in the northern frontier county of Isiolo, sits the jewel of the north – Sarova Shaba Game Lodge – arguably Kenya’s best-kept secret. The lodge is located in the Shaba National Reserve, about 8 km from the Great North Road that links Cape Town in the south with Cairo in the north via Nairobi. Thanks to the newly constructed tarmac road from Isiolo to Moyale on the Kenya-Ethiopia border, access to the lodge from Nairobi is now easy. A natural spring lies within the grounds of the lodge and waters trickle down in small streams and fountains under footbridges and along footpaths in front of the single-storey chalets lining the river frontage. The well manicured lawns and the doum palms around the chalets provide the guest with peace and tranquillity. This is Born Free World. Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is the only game lodge within Shaba National Reserve. It stands on the picturesque banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Guests can watch the crocodiles at night and early in the morning as they feed on the banks. The crocodiles can also be seen basking on the giant rocks that line the river. Known as ‘The Lover’s Nest’, the lodge has been synonymous with bush weddings and honeymoons, romantic bush dinners,

breakfasts and lunches. There are many places where such romantic getaways can be arranged, including The Beach, a large, sand-covered dry river bed at the bottom of a cliff where sundowners and dinners are served. The Boma, within the grounds of the lodge, is a spot where themed dinners are served. Morning and afternoon game drives from the lodge to Buffalo Springs & Shaba National Reserve and Samburu National Reserve can be organised. Because the lodge works closely with the local Samburu, Turkana and Borana communities, visits to their traditional homesteads and villages are also organised. The lodge is also a wonderful team-building and conference venue for corporates. The Sarova Shaba Survivor challenge is a set of challenging activities that require individual and team spirit to complete successfully. It includes a range of activities such as mountaineering, rock climbing, clue solving and cook-outs at various venues including the magnificent Msilima Gorges within the reserve. All this makes for a highly engaging team experience. The lodge has a conference room accommodating up to 150 people. The room comes with audio-visual equipment and secretarial services are available.

ACCommodAtion there are 85 rooms spread over the one-storey chalets, with each block having four rooms. these include: 1 Presidential suite with a private lounge and Jacuzzi. Private breakfasts, lunches and dinners can be served here. 4 executive suites with private lounge 70 Standard rooms – 40 twin, 15 double and 15 triple 10 deluxe rooms – 5 double and 5 twin.

Buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served at the Surpelei Restaurant, a large, tree-level restaurant. A pool and a lounge bar are also provided.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cooking

Thai Chicken Green Curry (Gang kieki kian gai)

INGREDIENTS: 800 g chicken flakes (breast) 200 g bamboo shoots 200 g Thai green curry paste 5 g bullet chilli 20 g fresh basil 400 ml coconut milk 5 g lime leaves

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Preparation:

Infuse the chicken flakes and the bamboo shoots and let it cook for about 10 minutes.

Sweat the curry paste with lime leaves for between 5 and 10 minutes.

Finish with fresh basil leaves and bullet chilli.

Then add the coconut milk and a little water to

Serve with steamed rice.

dilute and stir for about 5 minutes. Let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Yield: 4 servings