ISSUE 23 / NOV 2016– JAN 2017
YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY
540 COMPETITION WIN A HANDBAG FROM LULEA BY CHESNEAU See Page 4 for details SUPPER CLUB
SOKO RESTAURANT DRIVE TIME
BORGWARD
MUTHONI DRUMMER QUEEN
ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: ENTERTAINMENT • NEWS • REVIEWS & MORE
Cover image © Louis Nderi
QUEEN OF THE MUSIC SCENE
CONTENTS
contents issue 23 REGULAR FEATURES 3 In this issue 4 540 News & Competition 36 SUPPER CLUB
36
SOKO Restaurant
Cover picture © Louis Nderi
38 DRIVE TIME Borgward
40 SLEEP OVER
Amani Tiwi Beach Resort
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42 GADGETS COVER STORY 7 QUEEN OF THE MUSIC SCENE
Muthoni Drummer Queen
Sound, Vision and Pokémon Go
43 ENTERTAINMENT
Watch. Read. Listen.
48 Kids’ Corner
is published by Land & Marine Publications Ltd
SPECIAL FEATURES
1 Kings Court, Newcomen Way Severalls Business Park Colchester, Essex, UK, CO4 9RA Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Email: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com
13 Five of the best
on behalf of
42
Bars with a view
17 NAICCON
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Nairobi’s very own Comic Con
21 Save the railway #savetherailway Fly540 Aviation Baycourt Upper Floor, Suite 3&4, The Watermark Business Park Ndege Rd, Karen PO Box 10293-00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 388 3060-2 Fax: +254 (0)20 3883063 Email: info@fly540.com www.fly540.com 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. ©2016 Land & Marine Publications Ltd
View this issue online:
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Connect with Fly540 @fly540aviation
24 Festive season
How to survive the festive season 21
27 Wildebeest
Wild about the wildebeest
28 Cold brew coffee
What’s brewing?
31 Kisumu birthday
City celebrates 115th anniversary
32 MIA Wines
From finances to fine wines…
35 Olympic glory Lucky13
USEFUL INFORMATION 52 The Fly540 Network 53 Fly540 Contacts 54 Travel Information 55 Fly540 Fleet
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IN THIS ISSUE
In this issue
Issue 23
LOOK OUT FOR
Our cover story this issue features an interview with singer Muthoni Drummer Queen, founder of Blankets & Wine.
Sleep Over: Amani Tiwi Beach Resort, see page 40
Watch. Read. Listen:
On Page 43 we review the latest blockbuster movies, ‘must read’ books and music releases Supper Club: On Page 36 we dine out at dusitD2’s SOKO
Gadgets: On Page 42 we try virtual reality, play Pokémon Go and more...
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Welcome to issue 23 of 540 magazine
Africa’s low cost airline
In East Africa’s most vibrant city we choose our top five bars with a view in Nairobi. Obviously, this is very subjective and you may not entirely agree with our choice, but we think these five are great. Staying in Nairobi we attend NAICCON – for the uninitiated, that’s Nairobi Comic Con or Kenya’s own group of quirky gamers and cult comic book enthusiasts. It’s often forgotten that, until comparatively recently, Kenya had a well developed rail network. Sadly this network has in reality become one line, plus a short commuter stretch to the east of Nairobi. Left behind is a series of disused rail stations that form part of Kenya’s heritage and history. Our feature on the #savetherailway project highlights some of these disused rail stations, as visited by photographer Tayiana Chao.
With the festive season drawing closer, we give some lighthearted advice about how to enjoy the holidays. Speaking of celebrations, we head to Kisumu to celebrate the city’s 115th birthday. After a successful summer of sport we look back at Kenya’s Olympic achievements. Sounds unappetising if you haven’t tried it, but cold brew coffee is all the rage. 540 goes a-tasting in Nairobi, then chats to MIA Wines before dining out at dusitD2’s SOKO. Then, popping down to the coast, we sleep over at the Amani Tiwi Beach Resort. Finally, we drive the relaunched Borgward brand that will eventually find its way to East Africa. I hope you enjoy your flight with Fly540 and please feel free to contact me with any comments about this magazine. Gary Gimson Publisher publishing@landmarine.com
FLY-SAX GIVES BACK
Issue 23
WAIREMA FOUNDATION TRUST RETRACTION STATEMENT We would like to apologise for an error on Page 39 of the previous issue of 540 magazine regarding the Wairema Foundation Trust. We incorrectly stated that Wairema had taken her own life and we would like to apologise for any distress caused. As publishers of 540 magazine, we wish to confirm that Wairema’s death was the result of an accident, as confirmed by doctors. We are very sorry that this information was not correctly conveyed in the article.
The Fly-SAX team from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport visited Flomena Children’s Home in Kayole on 6 September to spend an afternoon with the less fortunate as part of their giving back to the society. The home houses approximately 112 children from as young as three months to teenagers of about 17 years. Among other donations given were Nakumatt vouchers, food and clothes.
FLY540 DONATES FLIGHTS FOR CANCER SCREENING Fly540 was proud to donate three flights to Eldoret as part of the Faraja Cancer Support Trust free screening. The screenings in Uasin Gishu County allowed over 1,000 people to receive a cancer check, with any suspicious cases being followed up. Faraja Cancer Support assists with payment for cancer treatment for any positive cases, whereby the patient meets the criteria for financial assistance.
COMPETITION
Win a fabulous handbag from LULEA by Chesneau We know Fly540 passengers love a selfie, so we’re asking you to send us your best ‘540’ face with a copy of this magazine to be in with a chance of winning a fabulous handbag from LULEA by Chesneau. LULEA by Chesneau have been producing quality handbags for years, some of which have been carried by the likes of Lupita Nyong’o. Whether it’s a gift for yourself or to give to that special someone, LULEA by Chesneau’s handbags are timeless, quality pieces. To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, all you have to do is grab your
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AND THE WINNER IS… Congratulations to Sunit Patel, who won US$ 2,000 off a car from Trust Company Ltd in our issue 22 competition. Now that’s what we call a ‘540’ face!
camera or smartphone and take a selfie with a copy of 540 magazine, either on the plane or at a location of your choice, and email the image, your full name and booking reference to: competition@landmarine.org. The winner will be picked at random by LULEA by Chesneau and contacted on 16 January to receive a beautiful handbag. The winning picture will be featured in issue 24 of 540 and Fly-SAX magazines.
Competition terms and conditions - Closing date is 15 January - One entry per person - Entrants must be 18 years or over - The decision of the organisers will be final. The competition is not open to employees and their relatives of LULEA by Chesneau, Fly540, Fly-SAX or Land & Marine Publications Ltd.
Drummer Queen
QUEEN OF THE MUSIC SCENE Muthoni Drummer Queen
© Louis Nderi
One of Kenya’s most exciting performers and founder of Blankets & Wine, Muthoni Drummer Queen chats to 540 magazine about touring, persevering and taking charge of her life as an artist >
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Drummer Queen
Q: Hey, Muthoni! Thanks for taking the time to chat to us before kicking off your show tonight at Technical University of Kenya. How are you feeling about it? A: Excited to be finally starting again after a false start a few weeks ago, but also nervous about the numbers of students attending tonight. I’m grateful for all the lessons that have come from the mistakes and mishaps and also joyous to be finally sharing myself with a new audience. So a mixed bag of feelings. © Peter Mutuma for Phocus Photography
Q: What is your favourite song to perform live? A: ‘Turn on the Lights’. It’s a trapstyle hiphop song that comes in such an unexpected section of the show. Tricky Martin, a drum-off between myself and the drummer, is really cool as well.
Q: What was the idea behind calling the tour Me2? A: Well, I truly feel that we all aspire to the same things. The people who inbox me everyday always ask the same questions like “how do I make it?” or “how do I take it to the next level?”. It’s clear to me that we’re all the same and want the same things: lasting happiness, fulfilment, guidance, a chance at making our dreams come true and greatness. So I thought to make that the central idea for the tour.
Q: What has the response from fans been like during the tour? A: The response to the actual music has been super good. They love the show and are grateful for the effort we are putting in. I spend the afternoon in the university before we start the show, so I get to meet loads of students and talk freely with them. It’s very intense.
I’m keeping myself open and staying vulnerable in all of it.
Q: Where did you grow up and how was life before becoming an artist? A: I was born and grew up in Dagoretti Corner before moving to Matasia. I started performing as a child in school and church productions. To be honest, I thought everyone could sing and act since all the kids I knew were doing it. I guess there was never a real ‘before artist’ phase. I didn’t even take on the phrase ‘artist’ until I made the decision to follow my curiosity around music and performance and declared the music path as my own when I was 21.
Q: How old were you when you realised that you wanted to be a performer? A: Now that is a great question because I didn’t realise it, I manifested it. I performed to many imaginary audiences when I was
BOSS LADY Muthoni is also the CEO of Blankets & Wine
a child. The only private space I had was the toilet and I remember singing and acting my heart out. It sounds strange but the reverb in that tiny toilet cubicle was amazing and it taught me how my voice sounded. I spent hours daydreaming about being on stage, but I didn’t take it seriously until about 2003 when my friend asked me to co-write songs with her. We started voice classes and writing songs before her sister pushed us to set up our own show. Something about the process of putting together the show changed me. I just woke up one day and declared that I wanted to follow this thread and see where it would take me.
It’s clear to me that we’re all the same and want the same things: lasting happiness, fulfilment, guidance, a chance at making our dreams come true and greatness www.fly540.com
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Drummer Queen
Q: You’ve been performing for a while now, have a huge loyal following, won awards and organised events. At what point in your career did you think “Yes, I’ve made it”? A: Never. Far from it. There’s always the nagging impostor syndrome, particularly here in Kenya. In Kenya I have long been labelled by the mainstream as ‘alternative’, ‘not enough’ or ‘underrated’. For a long time I internalised this to mean ‘excluded’, ‘unwelcome’, ‘unreachable’ or ‘failure’. Not to say there haven’t been some affirming and successful moments. I just don’t think there has ever been a moment when I’ve felt “Ah, yes. The know me, they connect with it and they love me. I win”. Not so far, anyway.
Q: What do you love most about being Muthoni Drummer Queen? A: Simply being Muthoni Drummer Queen. The purpose of my existence is freedom. At 17 I deliberately set out to create my own ideas on life and invent my own identity and beliefs. I see life as an ongoing creation process and everything I do is nothing more than an experiment. I delight in the person I am and I’m profoundly grateful to watch myself grow. The self that was created by love to love. I love myself.
Q: How do you deal with any negative criticism on social media?
create, you have created.” One day I will have the words to share what Blankets & Wine is to me and I look forward to that time.
A: Just do it. Start now. Pay attention to the move you are playing. Be present in it. There is nothing you need that has not already been provided. Thankfully you’re not required to believe it for it to be true and available to you. So just start. Keep me in your mind as your guiding light and have faith in making your move.
Q: What do you have planned for future Blankets & Wine events? A: We are transitioning. Justine Mbugua, who came on as my intern in 2013, has been making steps to becoming the festival director and I have been transitioning out of the CEO role. Blankets has shifted from monthly to quarterly in Nairobi, matching the pace of Kampala Blankets event but also giving us time to set up in Kigali, Arusha, Namibia and Johannesburg.
Q: Aside from performing and touring, you are also the CEO of Blankets & Wine. How did this come about? A: The short answer is from frustration and failure. I was determined to keep creating my own sound and find my own expression. That resulted in zero plays on the radio, so I had to perform live to exist. Slowly but surely my little dive-bar gig grew and the space we were in didn’t work any more. I wasn’t moving or evolving. When the gig started to feel like work, we started to lose money and I knew it was time for a change. In a discussion with some friends, the idea was born to do the opposite of everything that I was doing and see if I could invent a new outcome. So, Blankets & Wine was formed.
Q: What does the future have in store for you?
DRUMMER QUEEN Ruling the music scene
A: My new album drops in April 2017 and the summer tour starts shortly after. Then we see. I am keeping my eye on Lupita (Nyong’o) for my faith in this next move. She is my guiding light right now.
Q: You’ve had lots of big names performing at Blankets & Wine, including Estelle and Aloe Blacc. What has been your personal highlight of B&W so far? A: Blankets has had many highlights, but I feel that is such an inadequate word for what I have experienced. Blankets & Wine is like my first-born child. It has been a deeply transformative process for me. There was a special moment a few years ago when I looked out onto this sea of people and heard the small voice deep within saying “Everything you sought to
© Louis Nderi
A: For the most part by laughing. And with compassion. And speaking in (music producer) DJ Khaled’s words: “They don’t want us to win. So we have to win”. The way I see it is that, sooner or later, they too will want to win, and then my life will have been in service to them. So I still win either way.
Q: What advice would you give to anyone wanting to become a performer?
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Five of the Best
FIVE OF THE BEST:
Bars with a view What’s better than a great cocktail? Well, how about a great cocktail with good friends and an amazing view? Thankfully, Nairobi has got plenty of options, so grab your mates and head to one of our favourite bars with a view across the city.
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LEVEL 8 At Best Western Premier Nairobi This sleek and stylish lounge is the first of its kind in East Africa: a partnership between Best Western Premier Nairobi and CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka. At LEVEL 8, you can imbibe one of their signature cocktails or choose from their luxurious collection of international spirits. While you savour your drink, you can also enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Nairobi city skyline and beyond. Chic interiors combined with stunning views make for an unforgettable evening. LEVEL 8 was also recently awarded ‘Best Cocktail Bar in a Hotel’ at the Chefs Delight Awards 2016.
CHIC LEVEL 8 offers great views and great drinks choices
Top tipple: The Attitude Adjuster will help you settle into LEVEL 8. Featuring double Gordon’s Gin, Triple Sec, fresh lime juice, Grand Marnier and Kaluha, topped with cola.
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Five of the Best
2
WATERHOLE At Ole-Sereni One of four wining and dining options at Ole-Sereni, Waterhole is famous for its views over Nairobi National Park. The cosy terrace offers light meals and snacks, including new wood-fired pizzas, perfect for welcoming in the evening with your friends. A trip to the Waterhole is not complete, however, without a drink or two, watching the sun go down with Ngong Hills as the perfect backdrop. The views over the national park are certainly impressive and, if you’re lucky, you may get the chance to see some of the park’s inhabitants, which include giraffe and lion. TOP TIPPLE: The large wine list is guaranteed to have something to tempt your tastebuds.
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BUDHAA BAR & LOUNGE Westlands Budhaa Bar & Lounge offers an incredible 360 degree view of Westlands and the surrounding areas. Known for its VIP service, Budhaa is an intimate and stylish lounge with regular DJs and celebrity guests. The lounge’s large windows give you the opportunity to watch day turn into night. One of the highlights of Budhaa Bar is its cocktails, which are made using only fresh fruit and other ingredients, by bartenders who are on hand to create special cocktails to suit your tastes. For those who prefer some fizz, Budhaa Bar is the only Dom Pérignon outlet in the country. TOP TIPPLE: Ask the bartender to create something special for you based on your favourite cocktail flavours.
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4
SARABI POOL AND SUPPER CLUB At Sankara Nairobi One of Nairobi’s swankiest hotels, Sankara Nairobi lives up to expectations with its fabulous rooftop bar, Sarabi. This spacious rooftop area comes alive in the evenings with people keen to toast the day with a cocktail or two, all while enjoying the sweeping views of Westlands and Nairobi’s skyline. Sarabi is a great place to meet friends and soak up the ambience as night falls and the city lights up. If you’re looking for some nibbles to accompany your drink, Sarabi also serves excellent tapas, perfect for being enjoyed with your nearest and dearest. TOP TIPPLE: The Sun Kiss cocktail is the perfect blend of whisky, peach liqueur, mint leaves and sour mix.
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BREW BISTRO & LOUNGE Ngong Road There are two Brew Bistro joints in Nairobi, but our favourite is definitely the original on Ngong Road. Open until late throughout the week and offering weekend brunches, Brew Bistro and Lounge is a top place to go for food and drink in the city. The covered terrace is the best spot in the house, with views over the surrounding areas and a chilled-out vibe. Owned by the Big Five Breweries Company, it’s no surprise that Brew Bistro’s artisanal beers are menu highlights, as well as a variety of cocktails, mocktails and an extensive wine list. TOP TIPPLE: The Half Meter beer sampler is the best way to try the different brews on offer.
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NAICCON ©REDXIII / Shutterstock.com
By Kirsten Alexander
E
ven if you’re not a fan, chances are you may have heard the term ‘comic con’, short for comic convention, which originated in 1970s San Diego. The original comic con, Comic-Con International, was started to celebrate comics, movies and science fiction and has now spread worldwide, with huge events held across many countries. Now, Nairobi has its very own answer to comic con. It’s called NAICCON and the first event was held at the end of August at Nairobi’s Village Market. Walking through the Village Market up to the rooftop area, you could hear the buzz of excitement over the pumping music. Day two of Nairobi’s very own NAICCON was in full swing, with people
Nairobi’s very own
COMIC CON
coming from far and wide to experience what was on offer at the biggest event of its kind in East Africa. The term comic con was originally coined in honour of the huge popularity of comics in the 1970s and 1980s, but today it covers a whole lot more than colourful superheroes with witty speech bubbles. Inspired by worldfamous events such as the San Diego and London comic cons, NAICCON’s aim was to bring together a wide variety of creators, from animators to writers, comic
book artists to YouTubers to gamers, and give them a platform to share some of their exciting work with other creators and with the public.
Debut The event was busy, which is perhaps the most promising sign of a successful debut, and all the staff on hand were genuinely enthusiastic and happy to chat, clearly proud of what they had achieved. Once inside, I met Thomas Imboywa, www.fly540.com
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NAICCON
part of the team behind NAICCON, who gave me a tour of the convention area, which was occupied by stands, interactive areas and even a photo booth for guests to enjoy over the course of the weekend. Amid the many different stands, creatives were displaying the result of their hard work, from the new manga comic ‘Cherry Bomb’ by Muramasa Maiden Comics to eye-catching animations and illustrations from Fatboy Animations. The Xbox competition was perhaps the busiest event space, with dozens of gamers keen to prove they were the best of the best at ‘Call of Duty’, fighting off competition from like-minded gamers. “We really set out to be a platform to connect people from different creative industries to help them improve and grow,” says Thomas. “By bringing people together who may not otherwise have an audience or platform to show off their works, we hope to help them progress and get noticed by others.” Throughout the weekend there were a number of workshops on offer for NAICCON visitors, from gaming workshops hosted by Africa Digital Media Institute to advice on how to monetise creative work such as YouTube videos and animation from Mike Muthiga. These workshops were valuable insights into the industry for both professionals and fans, and helped to shed some light on a sector which can be notoriously difficult to succeed in.
Cosplay A famous and favourite part of international comic cons is cosplay. Cosplay, or costume play, is essentially people dressing up in homage to their favourite movie/comic/animated character. Amid the crowds at NAICCON, you could spot the occasional Joker, Batman, Mad Hatter and a Darth Vader or two, with hours of effort spent creating the costumes. The overall winner of the cosplay competition was the best of several ladies dressed as Harley Quinn (a super villain from DC Comics and star of recent film ‘Suicide Squad’), complete with baseball bat and fake tattoos, who claimed the crown on Sunday afternoon. One of NAICCON’s sponsors was Blaze, an offshoot of Safaricom, which is 18
Africa’s low cost airline
All pictures courtesy of Photomagic and Brian
Many people are having more success in their projects or businesses because of NAICCON primarily aimed at young people. Not only do they provide telecoms, but Blaze has an active hand in helping young people achieve their dreams with their mentor programme, with mentors taken from across the comic con community and beyond. Their mission is to encourage people to ‘be your own boss’, which is a message pushed also by NAICCON, which encourages creators to collaborate and offers them a platform to showcase their hard work to the wider sectors of society.
Opportunities And the hard work seems to have paid off. “Many people are having more success in their projects or businesses because of NAICCON,” explains Thomas. “It’s an excellent networking opportunity which also supports creators and helps them meet like-minded people from across Kenya, Africa and the world.” The buzz and enthusiasm from the weekend is a sure sign that good things will come from NAICCON. “We’re only a small event at the moment,” says Thomas. “But we hope it will grow and help more people achieve their dreams.” The NAICCON team are already planning their next big event, with other projects, including ‘Comics & Coffee’ taking place in the meantime.
MORE INFO For more information, head to www.naiccon.com or check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Naiccon
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Save the Railway
#savetherailway Tayiana takes her camera on a historic railway trek By Kirsten Alexander. All pictures courtesy of Tayiana Chao
K
enya’s relationship with its historic railway – the 660-mile line opened in 1901 between Mombasa and Kisumu, on the shore of Lake Victoria – is an interesting one. For years, this 1 metre gauge line has provided an economic lifeline for the nation and helped to shape the communities around it, while also gaining infamy as the Lunatic Line with tales in the early days of man-eating lions pulling railway workers out of carriages at night. Today, with construction under way of a new Standard Gauge Railway that will cut through Nairobi National Park, the railway is still a hot topic of conversation. Tayiana Chao, a digital curator and heritage enthusiast from
Nairobi, set out to document Kenya’s relationship with its railway, exploring the stations along the route before some of them are demolished as part of the upgrading work. Tayiana carried out a photographic project entitled ‘Save The Railway’ – recently exhibited at Nairobi’s Shifteye Gallery – that documents many of the old stations, most of which have fallen into disrepair.
Voi Railway Station Tayiana began the project back in 2013 while she was a second-year student at Jomo Kenyatta University, Voi Campus. “One afternoon I decided to visit Voi Railway Station as I had made a point of trying to visit a new historical place each
TAYIANA The digital curator behind Save The Railway
For Kenyans of all classes, ages and from all places, the railway was a central part of their day-to-day lives
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Save the Railway
month,” explains Tayiana. “I found Voi Station to be a stunning antique structure, but sadly it was fading away and parts of it were falling apart.” This trip to Voi Station sparked Tayiana’s interest in the railway system. After much research, she found that many stations had been closed, so she set out to document them. Her aim was to visit every railway station in Kenya, in a phased itinerary, and talk to the people in the surrounding communities and ask them how the railway had affected their lives. Three years later, Tayiana has managed to visit almost 70 of the remaining stations, carrying out the project in two sections: Mombasa to Nairobi and Nairobi to Kisumu. “I was fortunate enough to find people who were willing to help,” 22
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says Tayiana. “Transport for the first phase [Mombasa to Nairobi] was provided by the Nairobi Railway Museum and I was able to accompany a team of staff who were collecting artefacts along the way to take back to Nairobi. The second phase [Nairobi to Kisumu] was funded by Professor Bettina Ng’weno and her team, who are working on a film about the railway called ‘Last Dance in Kaloleni’.”
Challenge While some stations were relatively straightforward to visit and explore, others were more of a challenge, being so remote as to be almost impossible to reach. “Maji ya Chumvi, just after Mariakani, was very difficult to get to,” says Tayiana. “It was quite far from the road and the path that leads to
THE NEW RAILWAY The new Standard Gauge Railway from Mombasa to Kigali is expected to be completed by 2018. For the most part, the new line will run parallel to the existing metre gauge railway and the Mombasa to Nairobi highway.
it has since been covered in shrubs and thicket. We tried to get there but we weren’t able to.” Tayiana found that many of the nearly 70 stations she visited had already closed down. “I was surprised that only four stations between Mombasa and Nairobi were still functioning, especially as I was looking forward to interviewing and getting to know the staff at the stations as part of the project.”
Although so many stations had closed, Tayiana still managed to interview some of the people whose lives had been influenced by the railway, a key part of the project. “The railway has brought people together and also given them an affordable means to transport their goods and produce from one part of the country to another,” says Tayiana. “For Kenyans of all classes, ages and from all places, the railway was a central part of their day-to-day lives.”
Exhibition The result of the first two phases of Tayiana’s project were recently exhibited at the Shifteye Gallery. “The exhibition was absolutely fantastic, with nearly 200 people viewing it in the two weeks that it was running,” says Tayiana. “The
reception was really positive and encouraging. For those who had many memories of the railway, it reminded them of days gone by. For others who didn’t know much about the railway, they learnt something new and saw a side of the railway that they hadn’t seen before.” Now that the first two phases are complete, Tayiana is looking ahead
MOMBASA One of the few stations still in operation
to 2017, when she will begin phase three, covering the lines that were laid after the main line to Kisumu was completed. This includes destinations such as Nakuru, Nanyuki and Thomson’s Falls. Once all the phases are complete, Tayiana is keen to carry the project further. “When I finish documenting the stations, I hope to compile a book about the entire journey and experience. Even when the physical documentation is over, I think ‘Save The Railway’ will continue in the hearts of many because it holds a special place in so many lives, spanning so many generations.”
For more information about the project, head to www.savetherailway.com.
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Festive Season
How to survive
the festive season ’Tis the season to be jolly. Or so they say. The festive season can be exciting and stressful in equal measures, so we’ve put together a handy guide on how to stay cool during the festive period.
THE BUILD-UP
THE BIG DAY
Whether you’re a savvy planner or last-minute gift buyer, you’ve got to start thinking about the festive season at some point. If you’re reading this having done all of your shopping, prepping and planning, then good for you! If not, have no fear – it doesn’t have to be as stressful as it may sound.
We all hope for a carefree, fun day of celebrations, but we know this isn’t always reality. The kids may be acting up, or the chapatis may be a bit burnt; however, it’s important to remember the real reasons behind celebrating Christmas and be thankful for what we have.
A good place to start is by making lists for anything you may need. A list of presents to buy, cards to send, food to buy or make, and relatives to visit. Lists make overwhelming tasks more manageable and are great to keep track of progress during this busy season. Making lists means you can tick off each task once complete and help you keep track of what’s left to do before the big day. If you work away from home and plan on being back with the family over Christmas, make sure to arrange your travel plans in advance. Fly540 and sister airline Fly-SAX cover a wide network across Kenya with competitive fares if you want to avoid long car journeys or potential delays by road. However, make sure to plan ahead to get the best deals and availability.
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Don’t feel annoyed if something doesn’t turn out right, or if your grandma buys you the same present for the fifth year running. At the end of the day, Christmas is a time for love and generosity, so keep that in mind when your little brother gets annoyed because you got a present that he wants, or your mum forgot to make the pilau. Be sure to make the most of spending quality time with your family, especially if you don’t see them too often. Take time to sit down and catch up with relatives who you haven’t spoken to in a while, perhaps not since last Christmas, and appreciate those around you.
Be sure to make the most of spending quality time with your family, especially if you don’t see them too often
Not flying? View 540 Magazine anytime, anywhere www.fly540.com/onboard THE AFTERMATH
OW
COST AIR L
AFRICA SL
E RIB C S E SUB FRE nboard E IN
Christmas? Done. New Year? Done. What next? January can feel a bit flat after all the merriment and celebrations of December are over, but don’t let that get you down. Thankfully, the warm weather is here to stay, making it a great time to plan some outdoor activities to get you motivated for what the new year brings. If you have some time off, why not pop down to the coast for some ultimate sun, sand and relaxation. If you’re staying in Nairobi, there are plenty of places to visit with your friends and family, such as Karura Forest or Nairobi National Park.
FO5R40.com/o
w.fly ww
As cliché as it may sound, New Year’s resolutions can actually work and many people find that the start of a new year is a great time to think about what changes they would like to make for the year ahead. Whether it’s cutting down on sugary foods, taking up that hobby you’ve always wanted to do or dedicating more time to travelling, having a goal or two for the upcoming months can help focus and motivate you to have a successful and happy year ahead.
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Wildebeest
Wild about the wildebeest
W
e all know about the annual migration – more than a million animals crossing from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the Masai Mara and back again. But how much do you know about the star of the show: the wildebeest? Fly540 is on hand to give you the lowdown on the migration’s most famous face.
Name: Wildebeest, from the Afrikaans for wild cattle. Also known as the gnu
Habitat: Grassy plains of eastern and southern Africa, notably the Serengeti National Park and the Masai Mara National Park Fact: Around 80 per cent of baby wildebeest are born within the same two–three week period
Size: 1.5m tall
Species: TWO The blue wildebeest and the black wildebeest
Diet: Herbivore, grazing on grasses and leaves
Average lifespan: Up to
years old Fact: Both males and females grow horns
Fact: Wildebeest have scent glands in their hooves
Predators: Lions, cheetahs, hyenas and crocodiles
Migration: Wildebeest can travel up to 1,800 miles during the annual migration Speed: Adults can run up to 80 km per hour
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Cold Brew Coffee
What’s brewing? A cool new way to enjoy coffee
A
sk someone what their favourite type of coffee is and no doubt you’ll get answers along the lines of a frothy cappuccino, a double espresso or a milky latte. Have you ever had someone answer with cold brew coffee? Probably not, but that might all be about to change. The latest caffeine trend to come to Kenya is cold brew coffee, which has already enjoyed success in the United States and Europe before taking off on our coffeeloving continent. We all know that Kenyan coffee beans are some of the best in the world, so it only seems right that we coffee lovers get to enjoy a new way to enjoy these little beans of joy.
Brewing Not to be confused with iced coffee, which is often hot coffee combined with cold milk/water and ice, cold brew starts and finishes cold – there is no heat involved in the process. Essentially, ground coffee is mixed with cold or room temperature water and left to brew for several hours. Then, the grounds are filtered out before serving. This method produces a refreshingly different type of coffee to regular filter coffee. As some solubles do not
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dissolve entirely in the cold water, cold brew is actually a lower acidity coffee than a regular brew. Although the art of making cold brew coffee has been around for centuries, it has only recently become a mainstream way to enjoy coffee, with international chains offering the drink as a staple part of their menus in many places. Starbucks also recently introduced Cold Brew Coffee Pitcher Packs, home kits which allow customers to make cold brew from the comfort of their own kitchens. These packs went on sale in select US and Canadian stores, but it’s not yet known if these will be available further afield. The technique of producing cold brew is quite simple, however, and can easily be done without a kit (see side panel for a ‘how to’ guide). If you prefer to try some cold brew coffee before attempting to make it yourself, Nairobi-based company Conc is the name you need to know. Their excellent cold brew is currently sold at Wasp and Sprout, based at Old Loresho Shopping Centre, where you can enjoy a glass or two alongside a tasty brunch. Or, if you prefer to take some home, Conc can also deliver to your home or office.
ICE COLD Take the plunge and enjoy a cold brew coffee
HOW TO MAKE COLD BREW COFFEE ď ł Serves 4 You will need: 1 French press/cafetière 50 g coffee beans and bean grinder (or 50 g ground coffee) 1.5 l cold water Ice, milk or syrup if desired Glasses for serving Step 1: Use a coffee bean grinder to turn your beans into a coarse powder or you can use pre-ground coffee. The fresher the better. Step 2: Pour your ground coffee into the bottom of an empty French press. Step 3: Fill the French press with cold water and gently stir. Step 4: Replace lid, but do not press plunger down. Step 5: Leave overnight in the refrigerator, or for at least 12 hours. Step 6: Remove the coffee from the fridge when ready and press the plunger down to filter out the grounds. Step 7: Pour into glasses. Step 8: Add milk, syrup or ice if desired. Step 9: Sit back and enjoy!
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Kisumu Birthday
Happy birthday,
Kisumu!
City celebrates 115th anniversary
H
ow often do you get a chance to celebrate the birthday of a city? Not very often, we guess, but Kisumu city is turning 115 on 20 December 2016 and you’re all invited to the party. From Monday 19 to Friday 23 December, the 115th anniversary festival of Kisumu takes place, commemorating the date of the origin of the city. In the past 115 years, Kisumu has evolved from humble beginnings as a small port into Kenya’s third-largest city and the second most important city in the greater Lake Victoria basin after Kampala. The date of Friday 20 December 1901 is marked as the city’s birthdate due to the infamous ‘Lunatic Line’ railway reaching Kisumu pier on this day. Since then, Kisumu was elevated from a town to a municipal board in 1940 and then in 1960 it became a municipal
council. Kisumu has officially been recognised as a city since 1996,and in 2006 it became the first UN Millennium City in the world. The UN Millennium City status recognised the strategic location of Kisumu and helped development in the area.
Transformation The theme of this year’s anniversary festival is ‘City of Kisumu Fast Forward Together’ in recognition of the city’s resilience and transformation into a key city within western Kenya and the greater Lake Victoria basin. The festival will feature a variety of activities including a family fun day, children’s festival, beer, wine and food festival and educational activities. Visitors to the festival can also expect comedy, live performances and a disco. Due to the timing of the festival, there will also an opportunity to enjoy Christmas
festivities including East Africa’s biggest Christmas sales bonanza and street bash. The event has been organised by the City of Kisumu Urban Areas Association (CKUAA), formerly the Kisumu Central Business District Association (KCBDA), which aims to promote, uphold and project high standards for urban areas in Kisumu.
KISUMU Join in the celebrations this December
The date of Friday 20 December 1901 is marked as the city’s birthdate due to the infamous ‘Lunatic Line’ railway reaching Kisumu pier on this day
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MIA Wines
From finances to fine wines… MIA Wines founder Kalika Ruparelia chats to 540
E
ntrepreneur Kalika Ruparelia is the director of MIA Wines & Spirits International, one of Kenya’s largest wine distributors with a wide range of brands in the company’s portfolio. Fly540 magazine spoke to Kalika about family, entrepreneurship and of course, wine. Born in London and raised in Belgium, Kalika first moved to Kenya at the age of eight, where she attended Cavina School and Hillcrest Secondary. “School was an incredible experience,” says Kalika of her early years in Kenya. After finishing school, Kalika returned to her home city of London to study. “I went to the Financial Training Company in London and became a chartered accountant,” says Kalika, following in the footsteps of her paternal grandfather who was a chartered accountant with the British Army. “I was told accounts is the most important part of any business.”
Entrepreneur Coming from a large family of entrepreneurs, it seems that business has been a part of Kalika’s life for a long time. “My great grandfather came to build the railway and set up a fruit and vegetable export business, while my dad is a serial entrepreneur who started his career in the Harrods food hall in London.” Kalika’s family has businesses in a wide range of sectors including property, insurance, financial services and now fire equipment services. “Even my mum, 32
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who was a housewife for 25 years, is one the most amazing salespeople I’ve ever met.” MIA Wines was first established back in 2006 and has gone from strength to strength over the past decade. “We started MIA Wines with the idea of having 100 different wines in our portfolio and we currently have 226,” says Kalika. The original aim of having 100 different wines was also the inspiration behind the brand’s name, as ‘mia’ means one hundred in Kiswahili.
There are more and more Kenyans drinking wine now, with three or four wine events here every week
MARA WINES One of MIA Wines’ most popular products
Among the 226 various bottles in the company’s portfolio, MIA Wines distributes wine from countries including South Africa, Argentina and Chile. One of the most popular brands distributed by MIA Wines is Mara Wines, from South Africa’s Western Cape. Each bottle of Mara Wine comes with an amulet crafted by women in Barsaloi. “We pay the women a profit for each amulet, encouraging them to become entrepreneurs and learn how to manage money,” explains Kalika. “The women then use the money to pay for vital things such as food, education, electricity and healthcare.”
Although Kenya is yet to match South Africa or even Tanzania in its wine-producing efforts, Kalika believes that general consumption of wine is increasing among Kenyans. “There are more and more Kenyans drinking wine now, with three or four wine events here every week,” says Kalika. “Cheaper wines from Spain and South Africa are also becoming increasingly popular in Kenya and have found an audience with younger wine drinkers.” There are some efforts to improve Kenya’s wine producing business, however, with Leleshwa Winery in Naivasha making its own wine, but it seems that some more steps need to be taken to improve Kenya’s reputation as a world-class wine producer.
Spirits While the main focus of MIA Wines & Spirits International for many years has been distributing wine, things will start changing soon. “We do not sell spirits currently, but I see that changing in 2017 with the introduction of German-based Puschkin Vodka,” says Kalika. For the time being, however, you can enjoy the vast selection of wines on offer at MIA Wines from the comfort of your own home. “We offer a home delivery service through our website. It’s very simple. You just go online, order your wine and pay for it, then the wine will be delivered to your address,” explains Kalika. With years of experience working at MIA Wines and a long family history of entrepreneurship, Kalika has some words of encouragement for anyone starting their own business: “Be strong, be tough, be determined”. And if you’re looking to try an excellent new wine, Kalika recommends a red wine called CINFUL from Darling Cellars.
For more information, head to: www.miainternational.co.ke.
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LUCKY13
Olympic Glory
By Kate Wingar
Kenya’s Olympic glory
W
hen Kenyan athletes left Rio with a recordbreaking number of Olympic medals in August 2016 they returned home to an overwhelming amount of negativity. Despite winning the most medals of any African nation (and by quite some margin, too) the success of our talented Olympians was overshadowed by criticism for poor organisation and bad management by the National Olympic Committee. While I bet we all still have a word or two to say about the various grievances our athletes faced, I’d like to shine the light back on our thoroughly deserving stars. In spite of all that was thrown at them, Kenyan competitors managed to make the Rio 2016 Olympics our country’s most successful ever games, a pretty big achievement if you ask me. This generation of sportsmen and women have gone down in Kenyan history, winning six gold medals, six silver medals and one
bronze medal – a grand total of (not so unlucky) 13. Kenya ranked 15th in the medals table overall, beating nations such as the sprinting titan that is Jamaica, the mighty Canada and even South Africa, which has traditionally been the front runner (excuse the pun) of sports in Africa.
Track and field We’ve always known Kenya’s talent lies on the track and our superstars proved just that in Rio. Kenya came second only to the United States in track and field medals, beating countries including Great Britain and China, which came second and third in the medal table respectively. Although our sporting heroes didn’t exactly receive the welcome home and praise they earned back in August, I’d like our athletes to know that all of us here at Fly540 are very proud of their mind-boggling performance on, arguably, the world’s biggest stage. To Kenya’s Olympic athletes…we salute you!
OUR MEDAL WINNERS Gold medals • Jemima Sumgong – Women’s marathon • David Rudisha – Men’s 800 m • Faith Kipyegon – Women’s 1,500 m • Conseslus Kipruto – Men’s steeplechase • Vivian Cheruiyot – Women’s 5,000 m • Eliud Kipchoge – Men’s marathon
Silver medals • Vivian Cheruiyot – Women’s 10,000 m
RIO 2016 Jemima Sumgong in the marathon
• Paul Tanui – Men’s 10,000 m • Hyvin Jepkemoi – Women’s steeplechase
Antonio Scorza / Shutterstock.com
• Boniface Mucheru – Men’s 400 m hurdles • Hellen Obiri – Women’s 5,000 m • Julius Yego – Men’s javelin
Bronze medals • Margaret Wambui – Women’s 800 m
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SUPPER CLUB
SOKO Restaurant
Unforgettable flavours at Nairobi’s most stylish hotel
O
ne of the bestregarded hotels in Nairobi, dusitD2, is a fusion of style, scents, design and hospitality. Kirsten Alexander went along to the hotel’s SOKO restaurant one lunchtime to sample what was on offer on behalf of 540. Dusit Hotels & Resorts originated in Thailand but has spread worldwide with hotels in China, the United States, India and, of course, Kenya. One of the most popular elements of Nairobi’s dusitD2 is the dining options, with signature restaurant SOKO being the most popular. Nestled in the middle of a campus-like development, SOKO is adjacent to the main hotel reception and one of the first things guests and visitors notice on arrival. The restaurant is one of three at D2, with Thai-inspired Soi just opposite the main building and Zing across the lobby from SOKO, which offers great drinks and tasty nibbles. As I entered SOKO, the design of the inside restaurant really caught my eye. In fact, the whole of D2 is a design masterpiece: even the toilets are selfie hotspots, according to Randy, the sales and marketing manager, who gave me the grand tour after lunch. I was seated outside due to the inside being fully booked, which was fine, if only slightly chilly on a cloudy August day. The lunchtime 36
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menu differs from the evening menu and thankfully doesn’t succumb to the bland selection of sandwiches and salads that some lunchtime menus offer; you can still enjoy a truly excellent threecourse lunch at SOKO. Created by executive chef Anton Gasnier, the menus at SOKO are a blend of cuisines, from classic Italian risotto to D2’s take on nyama choma.
Options SOKO’s lunch menu was very appetising, and it took me quite a while to decide what to try. Eventually, I opted for the fried brie to start and the spicy lentil and smoked cheese burger for main. If I could have possibly managed a dessert, there were plenty of options to choose from, but it certainly would have been the toffee crunch caramel cheesecake. Both the starter and main offered interesting flavour combinations that I had not seen on any other menu: brie with raspberry and vanilla, and spicy lentils with smoked cheese, and I couldn’t wait to try them. The starter arrived with excellent presentation: cubes of fried brie among leaves and chives, topped with macadamia nuts and strawberries. The fried brie with strawberry and vanilla was an interesting combination; sweet and creamy, but complemented by the leaves and chives, and the nuts
added great texture along with the crispy crumb. The salad was surprisingly filling, but I powered through onto the main course. Served on a slate (isn’t everything these days?) with french fries in a mini deep-fat fryer and a pot of relish, the lentil and smoked cheese burger looked divine. The burger patty, the star of the show, was huge but held together very well, unlike some other veggie burgers, which would fall apart
As I entered SOKO, the design of the inside restaurant really caught my eye. In fact, the whole of D2 is a design masterpiece
TABLE FOR ONE Delightful dining with flavourful combinations
in a mere breeze. The spicy lentil and smoked cheese combination was absolutely inspired, and the flavours worked together perfectly. The creaminess of the cheese offset the lentil spice to create a delicate balance between heat and flavour. It’s a combination that I am still craving several weeks after my
visit. The Asian coleslaw inside the bun was another great addition to a burger that perfectly combined Asian and European flavours.
Dessert I would have loved to have tried more dishes, and especially a dessert, but unfortunately I did not
SOKO Stylish interiors at one of Nairobi’s best hotels
have the rest of the day free for a marathon meal session at SOKO. If the lunchtime menu was this good, I can only imagine how excellent the dinner menu is. It also proves that you don’t have to save yourself for past 7 pm to enjoy mouthwatering cuisine in Nairobi. Kudos, SOKO. You’ve won me over.
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DRIVE TIME
Borgward
By Gary Gimson
Don’t look back –
LOOK BORGWARD U
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to report that the BX7’s appearance is mostly unremarkable and seems to be all radiator grille at the front and then faintly reminiscent of an early Porsche Cayenne at the rear. Further down the line, though, we will see Borgward launch a mid-size and altogether more handsome four-seat BX6 TS coupé, as well as a five-seat but much less powerful BX5. Both are also AWDs. No launch date has been announced for either vehicle, but Lengert says Borgward is committed to the production of both. When they do arrive, I believe both will easily upstage the BX7. In fact, this mmuenzl / Shutterstock.com pair look like being real winners. They catch the eye where perhaps the BX7 fails to do so.
BORN AGAIN Zavatskiy Aleksandr / Shutterstock.com
Borgward BX7 TS
Hybrid Let’s hope we see these compact SUVs in Africa in the years ahead, as Borgward is anticipating. It seems both will be fitted with 272 bhp plug-in hybrid engines, which, let’s face it, await acceptability in our neck of the words. If pushed, I have to say I much prefer the sexy looks of the BX5 over the slightly more frigid BX6. No prices have yet been published by Borgward for the African launch of the three models, but don’t expect these to be aimed at the lower end of the market. Borgwards are likely to have a premium feel and matching price tags. In fact, they will compete directly with some of those same German brands the company did battle with (and sadly lost) in the 1950s (see panel story). Anyway, let’s hope that the born-again Borgwards can once again win a reputation for style and elegance. Judging by the pre-production examples, it’s likely to mean plenty of style, but perhaps a little bit less of the 1950s elegance.
Zavatskiy Aleksandr / Shutterstock.com
nless you are German and of a certain age, you have probably never heard of Borgward. No, it’s not some obscure Bavarian delicacy but a truly iconic and stylish German automobile marque – one that has made a dramatic reappearance after a 50-year absence. For the time being, new Borgwards (there will be three all-wheel-drive SUV models) are being built, or will be built, at a Beiqi Foton truck plant in Beijing; but there are also plans to assemble in Germany once again. The Foton brand has gained a sizeable share of our light and heavy truck market in recent times and it neatly provides the engineering expertise and a solid manufacturing base from which to create the new Borgwards. The first new Borgward vehicles were launched in China in April. Perhaps ambitiously, Borgward is hoping to sell 800,000 vehicles worldwide by 2020 – not only in China but, starting next year, in Germany and also in India. The good news is that Borgwards will eventually filter their way through to us here in East Africa. The company’s Axel Lengert told 540 magazine: “Market launch in Africa is on our schedule but not fixed yet.” First up, then, is the BX7 AWD T-GDI and this will be followed by the BX7 TS. These are largish, seven-seat sport utility vehicles, both fitted with powerful plug-in hybrid engines. The TS variant (or Touring Sport, a naming legacy from the original Borgwards) will be the more lavishly equipped of the two BX7s. The BX7 has entered an already crowded market segment dominated by almost all of the car industry’s biggest players. So it’s disappointing
mmuenzl / Shutterstock.com
FORMER GLORY It’s hard to believe now, but in the 1950s Borgward was Germany’s thirdlargest car maker. In 1961, however, the Bremen-based company experienced a sad demise brought about by high production costs and fierce competition from other, more efficient German car builders. In those far-off days Borgwards were mostly graceful sedans and elegant coupés, although the company also produced light commercial vehicles. Today, original Borgwards are much sought after by classic car enthusiasts.
lexan / Shutterstock.com
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SLEEP OVER
Amani Tiwi Beach Resort
A hidden surprise on south coast By Joan Wandegi
J
ust when you think you have exhausted all of the spots to visit at the Kenyan coast, you discover Ukunda, a destination that is opening up its golden shores to visitors who want less crowded beaches and a closer interaction with local communities. The recently opened airport is a sign of the growing number of visitors to this part of the south coast, which is close to the popular Diani Beach. Many boutique hotels, campsites and guest houses have opened up here, including resorts that offer a classic all-inclusive coastal experience. One such establishment is Amani Tiwi Beach Resort. This resort has been hosting guests for the past two years. Located just 30 minutes from the Ukunda Airstrip, it covers a large area of prime oceanfront land 40
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including a 210 metre section of Tiwi Beach. On arrival, the sheer size of the resort may be daunting to travellers accustomed to smaller properties or those with a negative experience of similar-sized holiday spots. However, Amani Tiwi Beach Resort has proved that the guest experience can be not only painfree but positively memorable from the get-go.
Dancers Cool refreshments are served in reception as you sit back and enjoy a performance by traditional dancers – a reminder to guests that the resort is not so far removed from the surrounding communities. The moment allows you to take in the surroundings and absorb what will surely be a great experience ahead. This grandiose resort has 170 standard rooms, 26 deluxe rooms,
ROMANCE Tie the knot at Amani Tiwi
seven suites and two grand suites that are perfect for honeymooners or small groups looking for an intimate atmosphere. For physically challenged guests there are four ground-floor rooms within easy reach of public access paths. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, modern amenities and Wi-Fi, and all face the 182 metre swimming pool – one of
PARADISE A hidden escape on the coast
the most impressive in the south coast area. The pool has been cleverly divided into interconnected areas. If you fancy sipping a cocktail while listening to popular local and international tunes, then the Peponi Pool Bar is your best bet. Those who prefer just to curl up quietly in a comfortable deck chair are catered for in a section of the pool surrounded by beautiful palm trees and manicured lawns. Five dedicated dining areas are spread across the resort, all serving different types of cuisine made with local ingredients. The Sultan Dhow, with its views of the white beaches and blue waters of Tiwi, serves up seafood dishes such as king prawns, red snapper, calamari and lobster, all prepared with a signature garlic butter sauce or in a traditional coconut curry sauce. La Bella Vita, the resort’s Italian
speciality restaurant, comes highly recommended. Here, the chef serves twists of Italian classics like seafood calzones and platters of the local seafood catch, incorporated with local ingredients such as freshly picked coconut and herbs. The main restaurant, The Palms, seats up to 250 diners and serves mainly local dishes with an impressive salad as well as offering a dessert buffet.
Amani Tiwi Beach Resort has proved that the guest experience can be not only pain-free but positively memorable from the get-go
Wind down Some in-house entertainment is provided, usually after dinner, by a dancing troupe. For those who prefer to skip this part the day’s offerings, the foyer bar is a favourite spot to wind down. Underlining its reputation as a favourite holiday resort for families with children, Amani Tiwi Beach Resort has a first-rate animation team qualified to ensure not
CHEERS Toast the day with a cocktail in hand
only that in-house activities go smoothly but that the little ones are taken care of, too. The resort has outsourced all water sports, which guests can enjoy on request. Baracuda Scuba Safaris, on the same stretch of beach as the resort, provides PADI-certified divers as well as kite surfing courses for all levels of experience. Depending on the time of year, guests can also join in conservation activities designed to protect the endangered sea turtles that visit these shores once a year. Amani Tiwi Beach Resort is highly recommended for those looking to experience Kenya’s south coast in a relaxed setting with great service to boot. www.fly540.com
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GADGETS
Sound, Vision and POKÉMON GO PLUS
POKÉMON GO Level up with this new wearable
APPLE IPHONE 7 AND IPHONE 7 PLUS BEYERDYNAMIC IDX 200 IE IN-EAR HEADPHONES
Price: US$ 35
Immerse yourself in the world of virtual reality with PlayStation VR. This virtual reality system works with a PS4 to give you the feeling of actually being in a video game from the comfort of your own sofa. The VR system works by simultaneously producing two images and sending them to the headset, which gives you a realistic view of being in the game. Although there is not a huge range of games available to play on PlayStation VR right now, Sony is promising around 50 new titles to be released soon, which will hopefully integrate it further into the world of gaming. Price: US$ 399
©Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com
PLAYSTATION VR
©Kaspars Grinvalds / Shutterstock.com
Off the back of the unbelievably popular app Pokémon Go come the inevitable add-ons to help you in your quest to becoming a Pokémon master. This wearable Bluetooth device connects to your phone and acts as a more basic version of the full app. The Pokémon Go Plus flashes different colours to tell you you’re close to different things: blue for PokéStops, white for wild Pokémon and so on. Unfortunately it doesn’t let you train at gyms and it doesn’t show you which Pokémon are nearby, but it is an easier and less intrusive solution to levelling up without walking around with your phone in your hand all day.
In-ear headphones come in an incredible range of styles and prices, but often a cheap price tag means cheap sound. The Beyerdynamic iDX 200 iE is at the higher end of the price scale, but offers excellent sound quality and a robust finish. The bullet-shaped buds are made from titanium alloy, with a flat and largely tangle-free cable, including a mic and remote control on the right earbud. They come with a range of ear buds for different fits, which allows you to find the most comfortable way of using them. The sound quality is excellent and balanced, making your music sound the best it can.
As per tradition, Apple unveiled its latest iPhones at its annual conference in September. The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus look similar to previous models, but have undergone upgrades on many important features. The iPhone 7 has a 4.7 inch display and the 7 Plus measures 5.5 inches. The iPhone 7 has a 12MP camera, while the 7 Plus has two cameras which act as one, giving sharper, wider images. Both models are splash and water resistant and claim to have the longest-ever iPhone battery life. The controversial AirPod headphones connect wirelessly to the phone, so no need for a headphone jack on these models. Price: iPhone 7: US$ 649, iPhone 7 Plus: US$ 769
Price: US$ 199 ©Apple
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ENTERTAINMENT
Watch. Read. Listen. MOVIES INFERNO
QUEEN OF KATWE
Director: Ron Howard Staring: Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, Ben Foster Genre: Action
Director: Mira Nair Staring: Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo, Madina Nalwanga Genre: Drama, feel-good
It’s been a long wait (seven years, in fact) for this third adaptation of a Dan Brown bestseller. We’re rewarded with Professor Robert Langdon’s (Tom Hanks) most intriguing, high-stakes case so far. Langdon awakes in a Florence hospital bed suffering from amnesia. He faces two challenges: he must first recover his memory and then solve an incredibly intricate riddle. Scientist Bertrand Zobrist (Ben Foster) intends to unleash a global plague that could wipe out the human race. In a desperate bid to stop him, Langdon and his assistant, Dr Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones), race against time to solve the mystery. STARS: 4/5
It’s impossible not to be moved by this truelife story. Based on Tim Crother’s book, ‘Queen of Katwe’ is a tale about a group of strivers following their unlikely coach to victory. Katwe is home to chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), her three siblings and mother Nakku Harriet (Lupita Nyong’o). The Ugandan family struggles for money and scarcely have enough to eat. Chess enters their world thanks to Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), who teaches the game to the children of Katwe. Phiona’s story defeats even the most sceptical.
STARS: 5/5
BOOKS THIS WAS A MAN
THE MILLION DOLLAR BLOG
BY JEFFREY ARCHER
BY NATASHA COURTENAY-SMITH In a world where everyone wants to blog, how do you stand out? This is the ultimate guide to building a blog that can make money or make a difference. The book features interviews with some of the world’s leading bloggers and vloggers including Seth Godin, Grace Bonney, Grant Cardone, Chris Brogan, Guido Fawkes and Lily Pebbles. No matter who are you – a mum at home, a budding fashion blogger or a small business owner – ‘The Million Dollar Blog’ is a fantastic way of helping you start a successful blog or take your existing blog to the next level.
‘This Was a Man’ is the captivating final instalment of the Clifton Chronicles, a series of seven novels that have topped bestseller lists around the world. ‘This Was a Man’ opens with a shot being fired, but who pulled the trigger, and who survives? Our favourite characters are back, but in a devastating twist, tragedy engulfs the Clifton family when one of them receives a shocking diagnosis that will throw all their lives into turmoil.
STARS: 3/5
STARS: 3/5
MUSIC FOLLOWING MY INTUITION CRAIG DAVID
JOANNE
It’s the news that Craig David fans have been waiting for: his first album in six years will shortly be on our shelves and available to download. Although we couldn’t escape Craig David throughout the early 2000s, especially with his catchy tune ‘Fill Me In’ blaring from every radio station possible, he’s been quiet for the past few years. But now he’s returned and his new album promises to be some of his best stuff yet. The album includes the singles ‘When The Bassline Drops’ featuring Big Narstie and Blonde collaboration ‘Nothing Like This’. New single ‘Ain’t Giving Up’ with Sigala also features.
Eleven brand-new tracks from Lady Gaga are set to send our ears into overdrive from 21 October. A number of talented artists, including Florence and the Machine and Mark Ronson, all had a hand in producing or singing on the album. Titled after Lady Gaga’s late aunt, Joanne, the record will be the international superstar’s first since 2013. Whether you’re a diehard Little Monster or think she’s just outright crazy, there’s no escaping the fact that Mother Monster can sing. And with so many collaborations with pop royalty, the album is sure to contain a number of big hits. Watch this space.
LADY GAGA
STARS: 4/5
STARS: 3/5
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Network Map
The Fly540 Network
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Zanzibar
Contacts
Contact Information
Fly540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS NAIROBI OFFICES HEAD OFFICE Baycourt Upper Floor, Suite 3&4 The Watermark Business Park Ndege Rd, Karen PO Box 10293-00100,Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 388 3060-2 Fax: +254 (0)20 388 3063
540 CALL CENTRE ABC Place, off Waiyaki Way Tel: +254 (0)20 445 3252/6 Cell: +254 (0)722 540 540; (0)733 540 540 Fax: +254 (0)20 445 3257
DONHOLM 1st floor, Greenspan Mall, Donholm Tel: +254 (0)704 540 540, 705 540 540, 708 305 305
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OFFICE Ground floor, International Life House, Mama Ngina Street Next to Hilton Hotel Tel: +254 (0)702 540 540
JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
Unit 3 (Domestic Departures) Tel: +254 (0)20 827 523 Tel: +254 (0)20 827 366 Cell: +254 (0)727 532 273 Unit 1 (International Departures) Tel: +254 (0)20 827 521
KAREN OFFICE Office number 10, Karen Connection Karen Road, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)722 305 305; 735 305 305 Email: Karen.Sales@fly-sax.com
LAICO REGENCY HOTEL 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
Mezz. floor, Shopping Arcade Tel: +254 (0)20 224 3211/3/4 Cell: +254 727 540 540; (0)737 540 540 Fax: +254 (0)20 224 3219
SOUTH SUDAN NAIROBI CBD OFFICE
KITALE
Ground floor International House, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)712 540 540; 0735 540 555; 0717 305 305; 0703 305 305 Email: bookings@fly540.com or bookings@fly-sax.com
JUBA
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
Terminal Building, Kitale Airstrip Tel: +254 (0)770 639 429 Tel: +254 (0)724 457 374 Tel: +254 (0)735 540 547
Juba International Airport
LAMU – NORTH COAST TRAVEL SERVICES
REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES
NEW MUTHAIGA OFFICE 1st floor, Thigiri Mall, New Muthaiga Tel: +254 (0)703 540 540
WILSON AIRPORT 540 SAFARI CIRCUIT SALES
Ground floor, Langata House Tel: +254 (0)20 254 0206 Tel: +254 (0)729 540 540 Tel: +254 (0)735 540 540 Email: 540.safaris@fly540.com
Next to Catholic Church/Equity Bank
Tel: +254 (0)42 213 0312 Tel: +254 (0)42 463 2054 Tel: +254 (0)725 942 444 Email: nctslamu@swiftmalindi.com Email: nctsmalindi@swiftmalindi.com
MALINDI 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
KENYA OFFICES
Lamu Road, Malindi Tel: +254 (0)422 120 370
ELDORET
MOMBASA
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
1st floor, Veecam House Oloo Street Tel: +254 (0)53 203 3570/80
ELDORET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
Tel: +254 (0)53 203 0814 Tel: +254 (0)53 206 3823 ext 658
KAKAMEGA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
Mezzanine floor, MegaMall Kisumu-Webuye Road Tel: +254 (0)701 305 305; 716 540 540; 728 305 305
KISUMU 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
Kisumu International Airport Tel: +254 (0)254 707 540 560 Tel: +254 (0)737 540 546 Mezz floor, Mega Plaza Tel: +254 (0)724 563 009; 734 540 550
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
Ground Floor, Mombasa Trade Centre, Nkrumah Road Tel: +254 (0)41 231 9078/9 Cell: +254 (0)728 540 540; (0)710 540 540 Nyali Centre, next to Naivas, Links Road, Mombasa Tel: +254 (0)41 447 7540/2 Sales: +254 (0)41 540 540; 707 540 542
MOI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, MOMBASA Tel: +254 (0)41 343 4821 Tel: +254 (0)32 540 540; (0)722 555 730
UKUNDA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
Ground floor, Bazaar Building Tel: +254 (0)732 540 559
Tel: +211 959 540540 Tel: +211 999 540540 Email: Sales.juba@fly540.com
GERMANY AVIAREPS AG Kaiserstrasse 77 60329 Frankfurt am Main RESERVATIONS
Tel: +49 (0)69 770 673 076 Fax: +49 (0)69 770 673 028 Email: Res540.FRA@aviareps.com SALES
Tel: +49 (0) 69 770 673 077 Fax: +49 (0)69 770 673 235 Email: sales540.FRA@aviareps.com
SOUTH AFRICA AVIAREPS (PTY) LTD 38 Wierda Road West Wierda Valley Sandton, Johannesburg RESERVATIONS
Tel: +27 (0) 11 722 0229 Fax: +27 (0) 11 783 8135 Email: Res540.JNB@aviareps.com SALES
Tel: +27 (0) 722 0229 Tel: +27 74 177 1596 Fax: +27 (0) 783 8135 Email: Sales540.JNB@aviareps.com
SWITZERLAND AIRLINE & TOURISM CENTER GMBH Badenerstr. 15, CH-8004 Zürich RESERVATIONS & SALES
TANZANIA ZANZIBAR AIRPORT 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
Tel: +41 (0) 44 286 99 62 Fax: +41 (0) 44 286 99 63 Email: 540-Switzerland@aviareps.com
Tel: +255 762 540 540
www.fly540.com
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Travel Info
Travel Information VISA INFORMATION Most nationals require visas to enter East Africa. Citizens from the five East African states require no visas while those from the Common Market of East and Southern Africa (COMESA) member states have relaxed entry requirements into East Africa. However, East African member states have their own visa requirements for various nationals.
HEALTH
KENYAN VISAS Under new rules, all foreigners requiring a visa for entry into Kenya must apply for one in advance via www.ecitizen.go.ke. A visa is required by all visitors travelling to Kenya with the exception of those who are nationals of a number of countries, including – but not exclusive to – East African Community Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda). • Multiple entry: US$100 • East Africa Visa: US$100 (for travel between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda) • Single entry: US$50 • Transit Visa: US$20
Vaccination requirements for international travellers:
Persons aged 16 years and below will require a visa to enter Kenya. Diplomatic, Official, Service and Courtesy visas will continue to be issued Gratis.
• Only valid yellow fever vaccination certificates are required of all travellers over one year old, arriving from yellow fever infected countries.
For more information, please visit your relevant Kenya High Commission website.
• Vaccinations for international travellers are obtainable from all international air and sea ports, city and major municipal councils.
Any visitor going to South Sudan requires a valid visa. Visas are issued through the South Sudan Embassy.
GET ON BOARD PROMOTE YOUR BRAND TO AFRICA
SOUTH SUDAN VISAS Immigration regulations stipulate that anyone going to South Sudan needs a travel permit from the Government of South Sudan. Those travelling to South Sudan from Kenya, should visit the South Sudan Embassy in Kenya. Fees: • American Nationals: US$ 160 • African and Asian Nationals: US$ 50 • European Nationals: US$ 100 • All other passports assessed accordingly
TANZANIAN VISAS All foreigners from non-Commonwealth countries are required to have a valid visa unless their countries have agreements with Tanzania under which the visa requirement is waived. Exemptions: Citizens of Commonwealth countries are not required to obtain visas unless they are citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand or Australia.
For further information on advertising in 540/Fly-SAX magazine contact Land & Marine Publications: Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Email: advertising@landmarine.org
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Africa’s low cost airline
Tanzanian visas are issued at entry points to Tanzania, including ports and airports, and any other gazetted entry point, from the Tanzanian High Commissions or embassies abroad, from the office of the Director of Immigration services in Dar es Salaam and the office of the Principal Immigration Officer, Zanzibar. For more information visit: www.tanzania.go.tz/tanzaniaembassiesabroad.htm
Fleet
The Fly540 Aircraft Fleet
BOMBARDIER DASH 8 102 SERIES Type: Twin-engined, medium-range, turboprop airliner Number in service: Two Fly540 operates modern aircraft and is constantly updating and modernising its fleet.
Capacity per aircraft: 37 passengers
The company uses aircraft such as the ATR 72-500, which burns only half as much fuel as some other aircraft and also emits less carbon into the atmosphere.
CANADAIR CL-600-2B19 REGIONAL JET
This underlines the fact that Fly540 is a ‘green airline’ that cares for the environment.
Capacity per aircraft: 50 passengers
The crew and engineering team are professionally trained and certified to ICAO standards.
CESSNA CARAVAN C208
Type: Twin-engine regional jet Number in service: Three
Type: Single turboprop engine, fixed-gear short-haul regional airliner Number in service: Two Capacity per aircraft: 10 passengers
FOKKER F28 Type: Twin engined medium range jet airliner Number in service: One Capacity per aircraft: 67 passengers
www.fly540.com
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Kids’ Corner
Kids’
CORNER HEROES VS VILLAINS
WORDSEARCH Can you find the heroes and villains listed here in the letter grid? Tip: Some words are going backwards!
JOKES
Q: What is a superhero’s favourite part of a joke? A: The punchline.
Q: What is Spiderman’s favourite month? A: Web-ruary.
Q: What does Batgirl wear to bed?
A: Her Dark Knight gown.
Q: What does Spiderman do in his spare time? A: Browse the world wide web.
Q: What do you get if you cross Man of Steel with a hot broth? A: Souperman.
Q: Where do superheroes go on holiday? A: Cape Town.
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Africa’s low cost airline
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B O K B A N E
R M Z
L
O N
U G N E P
I
S G R Z
N R O H T E
I
J
HULK
TWO FACE
M C N A M T N A
IRON MAN
MAGNETO
A E C A F O W T
THOR
BANE
ANTMAN
RIDDLER
N R
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VILLAINAGRAMS Unscramble the letters to reveal the names of the villains:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
KEROJ ELX THERUL SHEDTOAD SOOPIN YIV TRULON NATWOMAC
Answers: 1. Joker, 2. Lex Luther, 3. Deadshot, 4. Poison Ivy, 5. Ultron, 6. Catwoman
SUPERHERO
SUPERMAN PENGUIN
S U P E R M A N
E R