ISSUE 27 / NOV 2017–JAN 2018
YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY
COMPETITION
WIN DINNER AT OCEAN BASKET See Page 6 for details
ENTEBBE
OVER THE BORDER
KENYA
FASHION
AWARDS CAMEL DERBY
A BUMPY RIDE AIRBNB
FIVE OF THE BEST GADGETS
APPLE WATCH 3 ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: ENTERTAINMENT • NEWS • REVIEWS & MORE
CONTENTS
contents issue 27 REGULAR FEATURES 4 In this issue 6 540 news & competition 36 SUPPER CLUB
6
The Arbor
38 DRIVE TIME
Volvo XC60
40 SLEEP OVER
Sarova Woodlands
38
42 GADGETS
COVER STORY 19 KENYA FASHION AWARDS
Seriously smart products
43 ENTERTAINMENT
Watch. Read. Listen.
48 Kids’ Corner
40
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
SPECIAL FEATURES 9 FlipFlopi Dhow
Whatever floats your boat…
13 Five of the best
is published by Land & Marine Publications Ltd
9
Airbnbs in Kenya
Advertising: Catherine O’Callaghan, Sales Manager Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Cell: +44 (0)7769 110343 (WhatsApp) Email: 540@landmarine.org
on behalf of
19 Kenya Fashion Awards
Paying homage to kings and queens of style Fly540 Aviation
23 Know your giraffes 24 JW Seagon
26
Are you sitting comfortably?
26 ‘Voluntourism’ at Oldarpoi Mara Camp
Putting people first…
30 Camel Derby
Hold on tight! You're in for a bumpy ride
32 Entebbe
Over the border
34 Lake Bogoria
2
Lake Bogoria’s flamboyant flamingos
Africa’s low cost airline
USEFUL INFORMATION 44 Fly540 Network 45 Fly540 Contacts 46 Travel Information 47 Fly540 Fleet
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. ©2017 Land & Marine Publications Ltd
View this issue online:
www.fly540.com/onboard
Connect with Fly540 @fly540aviation www.facebook.com/pages/Fly-540
IN THIS ISSUE
In this issue
Issue 27
LOOK OUT FOR
Sleep Over: Sarova Woodlands Page 40 Watch. Read. Listen:
On Page 43 we review the latest blockbuster movies, ‘must read’ books and music releases Gadgets: We check out the Google Pixel 2 and more on Page 42
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Africa’s low cost airline
From fashion to flamingos and a dhow made out of flip-flops Welcome to the latest issue of Fly540’s inflight magazine.
right, a camel derby – which is set to take place again in August 2018.
Our cover story in this issue is the glamorous Kenya Fashion Awards, a celebration of our most talented designers, models, make-up artists and others who help to make the industry exciting and varied.
If you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, then you’re in luck as 540 puts forward some of the best properties available on Airbnb across the country, from a converted bus to a quirky cottage, before spending the night at Sarova Woodlands, the hotel group’s newest property, located in Nakuru.
Taking advantage of the wellconnected networks of Fly540 and its sister airline, Fly-SAX, we fly to Entebbe and look at some of the best things to do if you’re on a time limit – from the Botanical Gardens to a trip to Kampala – before heading to the Masai Mara to explore the concept of ‘voluntourism’, a growing branch of the tourism industry aimed at helping local communities. We then head down to Lamu, where something very unusual is happening. A fully functional dhow is being created entirely out of discarded plastic, including flip-flops and bottles, with the aim of raising awareness about plastic waste. The team behind the FlipFlopi Expedition tells 540 how – and why – this one-of-a-kind dhow is being built. Speaking of unusual, we find out more about the Maralal Camel Derby – that’s
Back in Nairobi, we dine at the wonderful The Arbor on James Gichuru Road, which serves up fresh food in a funky setting, before testdriving the new Volvo XC60. As always, we check out the latest gadgets, albums, movies and books for your entertainment – and we also get some words of advice on travel insurance from broker JW Seagon. I hope you enjoy this issue. If you have any comments, please feel free to contact me at the email address below.
Kirsten Alexander Editor kirstenalexander@landmarine.org
Issue 27
FLY540 NAMED LEADING SAFARI CARRIER IN KENYA At the recent World Travel Awards Africa ceremony, Fly540 picked up the coveted award for ‘Leading Safari Carrier in Kenya’ for the third year running. The ceremony, which took place in Kigali, Rwanda, recognised the best in Africa’s travel and tourism
industry, with several key awards for Kenya across the board, including ‘Africa’s Leading Beach Destination’ for Diani Beach and ‘Africa’s Leading National Park’ for the Masai Mara National Reserve. Commercial manager Sujal Raja-Haria said she was very
COMPETITION
Win dinner at Ocean Basket
pleased to receive the award on behalf of Fly540: “Thank you to all our supporting travel agents and everybody who has believed in us.” This third consecutive win is a testament to Fly540’s dedication to providing the best service for passengers across its network.
AND THE WINNER IS… Congratulations to Patrick Mutiga Thiauru, who won a fabulous brunch for two at LUCCA at Villa Rosa Kempinski in the last issue’s competition. Well done, Patrick!
We know that 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 dinner at Ocean Basket. The South African restaurant chain Ocean Basket has outlets across the world, from Cyprus to Nigeria, serving up fresh, delicious seafood dishes. Friendly people, a home-from-home feeling and great value for your hard-earned money make Ocean Basket a firm favourite in Nairobi, too, with outlets at The Oval and The Hub. To be in with a chance of winning, grab your camera or smartphone and take a selfie with this copy of
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Africa’s low cost airline
540 magazine, either on the plane or at a location of your choice, and email the image, along with your full name and booking reference to: competition@landmarine.org. The winner will be picked at random after the competition closes on 15th January. The winning image will be featured in Issue 28 of 540 and Fly-SAX magazines.
Competition terms and conditions - Closing date is 15 January 2018 - One entry per person - Entrants must be 18 years old or over - Prize is issued as a voucher for a family platter and bottle of wine at Ocean Basket – The Oval - Voucher is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash - Voucher is valid for at least four months after issue - Further terms and conditions will apply - The organiser's decision will be final - This competition is not open to employees and their relatives of Ocean Basket, Fly540, Fly-SAX or Land & Marine Publications Ltd.
FlipFlopi Dhow
By Kirsten Alexander
Whatever floats your boat… Dhow made of plastic waste is flagship of awareness campaign The distribution and disposal of plastic has been a trending topic for many as Kenyans adjust to life without single-use plastic bags following the nationwide ban. In Lamu, they’re not only talking about plastic waste – the local community is doing something very special to raise awareness of the problem: building a fully functional dhow out of discarded plastic.
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FlipFlopi Dhow
L
amu and dhows go hand in hand in this seafaring community with a dhow-building heritage that goes way back. In modern times there has been a decline in traditional boatbuilding due to the scarcity of trees large enough to be felled and used as building materials. What was once a thriving local industry has become a small-scale community with few dhows being built each year and only a handful of traditional dhow builders remaining in the area. In addition to dhows, Lamu – and the coast as a whole – is known for its beautiful beaches and sparkling waters. But it’s this stretch of coast that has highlighted an ever-growing problem surrounding the disposal of plastic, with flipflops, bags and bottles being found in alarming numbers along the Kenya coast and beyond. In July and August 2017, a beach clean up by Angelika Schuetz collected a staggering 33 tonnes of plastic from just one Lamu beach. Plastic can take hundreds of years to degrade, so the waste that washes up on Kenya’s (and the world’s) beaches won’t be disappearing any time soon. This alarming fact inspired a social movement known as the #plasticrevolution, at the heart of which is the FlipFlopi Dhow, a
fully functional 60 ft vessel made of waste plastic collected from the coast. The dhow is currently being built in Lamu by a team of volunteers concerned about the issue and committed to making a difference.
Flip-flops The idea of the FlipFlopi Expedition was conceived by Ben Morison, a travel and tourism entrepreneur who has spent years enjoying the Kenya coast. Alarmed by the amount of plastic, in particular flip-flops, being washed up on local beaches, Ben started exploring the ‘dhow made out of flip-flops’ idea and attracted plenty of local interest in his plan to build a seaworthy vessel that would draw attention to the plastic waste problem. Speaking to 540 magazine, Ben says building FlipFlopi Dhow is the hardest thing he has ever done – but his passion and determination, combined with the enthusiasm of
'One day, I was walking into the sea to go for a swim and found 13 separate bits of flip-flop before I got to the water. I wanted to make a point and send them back to India, assuming that’s where they had come from' the team, is helping to turn his idea into a reality. “One day, I was walking into the sea to go for a swim and found 13 separate bits of flip-flop before I got to the water,” he told 540. “I wanted to make a point and send them back to India, assuming that’s where they had come from. But I realised the problem is much greater than that and more needed to be done to raise awareness of the problem.”
Craftsman BLUEPRINT The master plan for the FlipFlopi
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Africa’s low cost airline
Working closely with Ben is traditional dhow builder Ali Skanda, a Lamu native and master craftsman
more than happy to help out and lend his admirable skills to this unique project. The materials being used to build the dhow are collected from the coast and sent to Regeneration Africa, a recycling company based in Malindi, which transforms the discarded plastic – apart from flip-flops – into large planks suitable for dhow building. The plastic is melted down and poured into plank-shaped moulds to form the basic structure of the vessel. Although the flip-flops are not melted down, they are being used to line the outside of the dhow to create a brightly coloured exterior designed to draw attention to the project as FlipFlopi Dhow takes to the water in 2018.
February or March 2019. Along the way, the team will be raising awareness of the plastic revolution as well as making regular stops to take part in beach clean-ups and visit marine conservation sites and plastic recycling initiatives.
FlipFlopi Dogo
FLIPFLOPI DOGO Raising awareness of plastic waste
with boatbuilding and carpentry in his blood. Ali, whose father and grandfather carved some of the ornate wooden doors found in Lamu, has now switched from wood to discarded plastic as a building medium to create a dhow like no other. When Ben approached Ali with his unusual idea, the master boatbuilder was
To test the water – literally – Ali and his team built a smaller dhow called FlipFlopi Dogo to give them an idea of how the larger vessel would take shape. FlipFlopi Dogo helped the team get to grips with the building materials and ensure that her big sister runs smoothly and efficiently. With an estimated departure date of December 2018, FlipFlopi Dhow will set sail from Lamu, heading south along the coasts of Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique before arriving in Cape Town in
GET INVOLVED You can play your part in the #plasticrevolution by: • Avoiding single-use plastic by using refillable bottles rather than plastic ones • Recycling anything that cannot be reused • Educating friends, colleagues and local businesses about single-use plastic • Donating your time or money to the FlipFlopi Expedition (more details at www.theflipflopi.com).
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Five of the Best
FIVE OF THE BEST: Airbnbs in Kenya By Amy Clark
Dare to be different… T
hink outside the box with these eccentric alternatives to your usual destination. From renovated buses to tucked-away treehouses, Airbnb has you covered. Whether you choose to relax in a beach hut on the sunny coast of Mombasa – or a modern apartment in the bustling centre of Nairobi is more your style – bear these quirky places in mind, as chosen by 540, next time you fancy trying something different...
BRANDY BUS Quirky decor
Picture courtesy of Tessa Flowers
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Brandy Bus pictures courtesy of Tessa Flowers
2 1
REFURBISHED Sleep in an old school bus
THE BRANDY BUS, NAIROBI Originally a 1950s double-decker school bus, the Brandy Bus has been refurbished to create a fancy, comfortable and distinctive Airbnb dwelling. Its proud owners have kept it from looking too functional by opting for quirky decor to keep in line with the alternative theme. Don’t worry about feeling cramped or longing for your home comforts, as the Brandy Bus is actually quite roomy. Featuring two double beds on the upstairs deck and two single beds on the lower deck, it comes with a bathroom, kitchen and lounge area and will accommodate up to six guests. Its location in Karen, 18 km from the city centre, means it is perfectly tucked away in the suburbs, yet still close to restaurants, bars and tourist attractions and within easy reach of the airport. It has been described as ‘a little piece of heaven’ by previous guests, so if you’re bored with hotel rooms that all look the same, why not give this a go? Rates: From US$ 80 per night
DECOR
A little piece of heaven
RUNDA LOFTS Great for groups of friends and family
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Africa’s low cost airline
3
THE RIVER COTTAGE, NAIROBI
Designed to fit in beautifully with its surroundings, which include tall trees and a quaint bridge, The River Cottage has the appearance of a luxury treehouse, yet surprisingly is accompanied by all the amenities to make you feel comfortable and at home, including Wi-Fi. Its rural setting is relaxing, yet it also contains a sense of adventure. With just one bedroom, this cottage is the ideal place to stay for you and your loved one. It features a spacious porch with plenty of cushions and a sofa so that guests can enjoy views of the impressive wildlife in comfort. The River Cottage is located in central Karen, with easy access to restaurants, shops and tourism hot spots. Guests have described this rather ‘alternative’ cottage as ‘a true romantic gem, set in the heart of your own private forest’. It is even pet-friendly! Rates: From US$ 50 per night
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QUIET CREATIVE HOUSE NEAR GIRAFFE CENTRE, NAIROBI
If you’re looking for a secret escape in the busy capital, this gorgeous house can be found tucked away among the tall trees and birds. Set amidst rocky orange stone, this property truly fits in with the beautiful landscape that surrounds it. The house has a unique architecture that combines the adventure of a treehouse with the cosiness of a cottage and is complemented by distinctive wood furnishings. There are three bedrooms for four guests, making it the perfect getaway for a small family or group of friends. Its beautiful surroundings may make you feel totally cut off from the world, but this house is close to some of Nairobi’s top wildlife attractions, such as the Giraffe Centre, the Karen Blixen Museum and Nairobi National Park. There is also a highly recommended restaurant close by.
RUNDA LOFTS, NAIROBI An appealing feature of this city-centre property is its colourful and quirky African decor. Guests have described it as stylish, unique and beautiful. Don’t be fooled by the term ‘loft’, as this property is very spacious. It has 16 bedrooms and can accommodate 30 people, making it perfect for large gatherings and special occasions or for individuals. It is stylishly equipped with an outside shower and Jacuzzi, so guests can relax in style – for example, after shopping at nearby Rosslyn Riveria Mall. It is ideal, too, for business travellers because it is less than a 10-minute drive from the United Nations, NGO offices and embassies. Rates: From US$ 45 per person per night
Rates: From US$ 70 per night
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MAKUTI HOUSE, MOMBASA
Makuti House is a luxurious private house on the scenic coast of Mombasa. Offering an alternative to the more usual coastal stay, this spacious house is designed to exploit the fresh air and natural light by featuring a traditional Makuti roof. With its high ceilings, good-sized rooms and open doors, Makuti House is designed to make guests feel as if they’re both in and out of doors at the same time. The property has six bedrooms and six bathrooms and can accommodate up to 14 guests. The private swimming pool, lounge area and pool table make this the ideal place for a get-together of family or friends. There is even the option of having your own chef. All this within a short walk of one of the best beaches in Diani. Rates: From US$ 475 per night www.fly540.com
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Fashion Awards
PAYING HOMAGE TO KINGS AND QUEENS OF STYLE KENYAN FASHION AWARDS By Kirsten Alexander
T
he fifth edition of the Kenya Fashion Awards took place in October at Fairmont the Norfolk in Nairobi, celebrating the talented designers, models, photographers and personalities that help to make the fashion industry so successful, diverse and interesting.
Established in 2013, the Kenya Fashion Awards seeks to promote, celebrate and recognise the immensely talented people who make up the fashion world in Kenya and the wider East African region. The event also acts as a platform for rising stars, helping them to gain experience, recognition and guidance in this highly competitive industry.
ď ˛
STRIKE A POSE Designs by GalinaTatarinova Photo: Mesmeric
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Fashion Awards
The event, held in partnership with champagne brand Moët & Chandon, was attended by wellknown personalities from the world of fashion and entertainment, who took to the red carpet in support of the fashion world and the talent behind it. On the night, a total of 16 awards were up for grabs. The majority of these were decided by a panel of key figures in the industry, including award-winning journalist Carol Odera and couture designer Jamil Walji, and were based on short-lists of nominees
ALL THE WINNERS
announced ahead of the ceremony. Big winners of the night included Vivo Activewear, named as ‘Fashion Brand of the Year’, Koki Designs, who took the prize for ‘EA Designer of the Year’, and Tintseh, voted ‘Fashion Photographer of the Year’.
Student Designer of the Year 2017: Hannah Nduta Student Fashion Photographer of the Year 2017: Margaret Masaba
John Kaveke
Upcoming Fashion Photographer of the Year 2017: Peter Gichuki
The prestigious ‘Special Recognition of the Year’ award went to celebrated designer John Kaveke, who has been a staple of the industry for over 15 years and is known for his vibrant designs for both men and women. After
Designer to Watch Year 2017: Ogake Mochache EA Designer of the Year 2017: Koki Designs (Ethiopia/Kenya) Fashion Photographer of the Year 2017: Tintseh
STYLIST William Roger Gitau Winner, Fashion Stylist Of The Year 2017
Make Up Artist of the Year 2017: Joy Balogun
Photo: Yona_ke
EA Magazine with the Best Fashion Segment (people’s choice): Couture Africa (Kenya)
Photo: Yona_ke
Fashion Blogger of the Year 2017: Joy Kendi Fashion Stylist of the Year 2017: William Rodger Gitau Female Model of the Year 2017: Anjili Laura
Photo: Mesmeric
Male Model of the Year 2017: Nelvin Chuma Fashion Brand of the Year 2017: Vivo Activewear Jewellery/Accessories Designer of the Year 2017: Adèle Dejak
Photo: Yona_ke
Newspaper with the Best Fashion Segment (people’s choice): Eve Woman (Standard) Special Recognition Award of the Year 2017: John Kaveke
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Design / Photo: Niku Channa
Photo: Yona_ke
Photo: Yona_ke Design: Stella Customized Fashion
Design: Naomy - Photo: Mesmeric
Design: Azra Walji - Photo: Mesmeric Photo: Mesmeric Photo: Mesmeric
Some of the winners celebrating
a recent break from the fashion scene, John Kaveke showcased his 2018 collection at New York Fashion Week early in 2017 and was, once again, highly commended for his take on contemporary Kenyan fashion.
Sustainable
STYLISH
At a time when fast fashion is the norm, the Kenya Fashion Awards team works hard to ensure a sustainable future for the latest generation of talented of designers and photographers, thus helping to sustain the development of the fashion industry for years to come. By partnering with Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) for the second year running, up-and-coming and established photographers, along with students, were able to take part in fashion photography workshops,
Design by Loryne Okoth
…photographers, along with students, were able to take part in fashion photography workshops, …helping them to develop their skills even further
Photo: Yona_ke
giving them access to mentorship and helping them to develop their skills even further. The workshops also contributed to the process of selecting the winners, as both the ‘Student Fashion Photographer’ and ‘Upcoming Fashion Photographer’ title winners were chosen on the basis of their workshop performances. These two awards went to Margaret Masaba and Peter Gichuki respectively.
Photo: Yona_ke Design: Vee Fashion House
CHEERS!
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Giraffes
Know your
GIRAFFES
5.5 METRES HIGH
To the untrained eye, you may think that a giraffe is just a giraffe; that all of these graceful, elegant creatures pretty much look the same. This, of course, is not the case, with three species found in East Africa, so 540 magazine is on hand to help you recognise the reticulated, memorise the Masai and remember the Rothschild’s.
RETICULATED GIRAFFE
MASAI GIRAFFE
ROTHSCHILD’S GIRAFFE
Fun fact: A rare white reticulated giraffe was recently spotted in Garissa County Location: Northern Kenya, Somalia and southern Ethiopia Population: Around 9,000 in the wild Pattern: Large, dark polygonal spots
Fun fact: Largest species of giraffe native to East Africa Location: Central and southern Kenya as well as Tanzania Population: Around 32,000 in the wild Pattern: Irregular, jagged spots
Fun fact: Named after zoologist Walter Rothschild Location: Kenya and Uganda Population: Fewer than 1,600 Pattern: Orange-brown spots with no markings on lower legs
GIRAFFE FACTS Tallest mammal on earth, with adult
males growing to 5.5 metres 180-220 mm
Lifespan around 25 years in the wild or
45 in captivity TRACKS Large, cloven hoof footprints
60 km/h
SPEED
The giraffe can sprint up to 60 km/h
A group of giraffes is called a tower Giraffes are herbivores and use their
long tongues to get leaves from trees
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JW Seagon
Are you sitting comfortably? This article has been supplied by Jeremy Clayton, head of general insurance at JW Seagon, one of Africa’s leading insurance brokers
H
ere you are, sitting on a Fly540 aircraft, either waiting for take-off or mid journey. You may be travelling to a business meeting, seeing family or friends or on vacation. Whatever you’re doing, we wish you an enjoyable flight. So, what is this article about and why should I read it? Well, if I told you it was about hotels that served free food and drink all day and night, or a place that allows you to drive a Ferrari at 200 mph, you would probably read on. If I mentioned it was about travel insurance, you’d probably turn
the page immediately. Well, it is, but please read on – it might just save you a lot of heartache in the future.
Delayed Now, whether this is a business or a pleasure trip, the general advice to people is to buy travel insurance. Hopefully you won’t need it, but things do happen – delayed departures, missed connections, illness, accidents, lost luggage, curtailment owing to family bereavements, loss of passports and other documents, etc. Some of you will have bought a simple, inexpensive, short-period travel policy, whether in Africa or
Perhaps you’re asthmatic and use an inhaler, or perhaps you’ve had cancer treatment – even something as simple as the removal of an ‘angry’ mole? in your home country. If you have, well done – but have you actually read it and does it provide you with what you need? Sadly, the number of disputes relating to travel insurance claims continues to rise and the fundamental reason for this is the lack of information for the consumer. Perhaps, when purchasing any travel insurance policy, we should adopt the UK system of providing ‘key facts’ – those stand-out points that could really make the difference between being insured or not.
Medical conditions Let me give you some examples. One of the most misunderstood conditions of any travel policy relates to ‘pre-existing medical conditions’ and many a claim will be repudiated on this basis. You may feel perfectly healthy and 24
Africa’s low cost airline
INSURANCE Avoid the headache
able to travel, but have you told your insurer that you’re on blood pressure or cholesterol tablets? Perhaps you’re asthmatic and use an inhaler, or perhaps you’ve had cancer treatment – even something as simple as the removal of an ‘angry’ mole? Some policies may even refer to ‘any’ visits to your GP in a set period of time and this could be deemed to be ‘preexisting’. So the day you saw the doc for that sore throat or flu-like symptoms could catch you out. Secondly, one of the biggest misunderstandings on travel insurance is loss of luggage or cash. First, there are usually some relatively low inner limits and if you’re travelling with a Louis Vuitton case, a Gucci dress or a Rolex watch, you shouldn’t be relying on your travel policy. Further, if you like to carry a nice big roll of cash with you, you may be disappointed
when you can only recover US$ 250 or so from your policy. Finally, if you’re thinking of leaving your personal possessions on the beach while you go for a dip in the Indian Ocean – don’t. All policies have an ‘unattended’ exclusion, so either you or your other half will have to stay put!
Policies Please don’t think I am in any way trying to put you off travelling; neither am I criticising travel insurance policies. I just feel that some of us think, once we have that piece of paper (or email equivalent) in our possession, that all our worries are taken care of. I hope they are, but perhaps they aren’t. So why not take some time and read what you’ve purchased. For more information, contact Jeremy at pink@jwseagon.com
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Voluntourism
‘Voluntourism’ at Oldarpoi Mara Camp
Putting people FIRST… Community experience is a win-win for guests of Nelson and Meg By Harriet James All images courtesy of Harriet James / Oldarpoi Mara Camp
O
ne of the fastestgrowing trends in international travel is volunteer tourism or ‘voluntourism’, which gives the visitor an opportunity to understand the needs of local people at first hand and to get involved in easing their burden. This activity is now available to guests at some properties in the Masai Mara National Reserve. One of these is Oldarpoi Mara Camp, a permanent furnished camp just outside the national
reserve. Wholly owned and run by the Maasai people, the camp has 15 tents and can accommodate 22 people. There is also a large campsite where visitors can set up their own tents and self-cater. At Oldarpoi, interactive activities give an authentic insight into Maasai culture. Nearly 40 per cent of profits is used to help the community by building classrooms and purchasing books. The camp is also a tertiary education centre where young men and women can study hospitality and tourism,
OLDARPOI Helping to make a difference
I would walk with elders who taught me about herbs, nature and plants, which developed a passion in me to develop conservation and education. I had to give back to the community 26
Africa’s low cost airline
thus gaining practical experience that will allow them to find jobs or be absorbed in the camp. Others use the experience to start up their own business.
Nelson Nelson Ole Reiyia and his wife Meg are working to reduce poverty among the Maasais by employing them in the camp. Having known poverty himself as a young man, Nelson wanted to help the local community. Thanks to contributions from his village and from his mother’s sales of bead-work at the Sekenani Gate, he became the first person in his village to go to secondary school. In his quest for education, he became acquainted with the problems of poor families in his village. “I used to walk 20 km to school,” says Nelson. “I would walk with elders who taught me about herbs, nature and plants, which developed a passion in me to develop conservation and
education. I had to give back to the community. Ten years from now I know I shall see a duplication of what I have done by other likeminded young people.” The camp is affiliated to the I See Maasai Development Initiative (ISMDI), whose principal aim is to help the Maasai community by fostering education and also through a campaign to end female genital mutilation. To some Maasais, long plagued by poverty, this camp has been a refuge offering employment, education and, for young girls, a means of escape from circumcision. “We had to approach individuals to sponsor girls to go to school,” says Nelson. “Unfortunately it was not sustainable. We were always asking for support from others. I figured I should start a business that would fund the education project and benefit the local community.”
Partnership Currently, he is encouraging young Maasais to get involved in the tourism sector. He has gone into partnership with clients who have volunteered to sponsor some of his community-based projects with a view to improving the living standards of local people.
Among the tourists who have channelled resources and become involved in voluntourism projects in Oldarpoi are Prof Rick Young from Canada, Nina Wang Mikkelsen from Norway and Dan Galati from Australia. In addition, through a volunteer called May-Brith Dossland, the Maridlen Rotary and Kringssa School have contributed KES 1 million to set up classrooms in Oldarpoi Primary School and provide a community library.
Assistance “These were tourists who came over to Kenya for safari, but in the process found what we were doing and offered their assistance,” says Nelson. His former clients, too, have been instrumental in creating Oldarpoi Norway and Oldarpoi Sweden, which raise funds to educate poor children. “When I was growing up, there were few lodges around Maasai Mara,” says Nelson. “Now there are hundreds of them. The reserve is not that big. In fact, the Serengeti in Tanzania is 10 times bigger than the Maasai Mara, yet it has fewer lodges and camps. Most of them develop without thinking of improving the lives of the Maasai community.”
BEFORE YOU VOLUNTEER Before giving your services to voluntourism or making a donation, here are a few questions you should ask to avoid disappointment: • Who runs the project? Are they a part of the local community? • How long has the organisation been operating? • How involved is the local community in running the organisation? • Does the project generate jobs, income or empowerment within the community? • How was the need for the project determined? • Does the organisation measure results on an ongoing basis? • Does the organisation keep track of how its donations are used and give feedback to volunteers and fund-givers? Once this is determined and you’re happy to be involved, give yourself wholeheartedly to a course that will make your holiday very worthwhile.
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Voluntourism
Through the camp, Nelson aims to help the local communities derive an income from ecotourism activities. Traditionally, the role of a Maasai warrior was to take care of his father’s sheep and cattle and to protect them from lions. Today, these men are employed in the camp to entertain visitors, thus safeguarding their culture as well as raising their economic status. “After I finished Class 8, I came to Oldarpoi looking for a job during a one-month holiday,” says Collins Ole Reiya, a beneficiary of ISMDI. “They not only gave me a job but also sponsored my high school education.” To Collins, this place has become a home and he aims to help other Maasai people in the same way that he was helped.
Maasai Lack of education is a challenge to the Maasai community and their culture has made them unable to access jobs. They have had to rely on other communities to work as teachers, nurses and even doctors.
THE CAMP In the Masai Mara
This importing of skilled labour is unnecessary if the Maasai community embraces education. As part of ISMDI, the proceeds from the camp are used to improve the lives of the Maasai people. For instance, visitors are usually invited to volunteer in teaching the young boys and girls. Other volunteer activities for guests in this camp are mentoring,
cross-cultural exchanges and tree-planting. They are also encouraged to sponsor needy boys and girls to finish their studies. ISMDI also has another initiative, the Nashulai Conservancy, now 6,000 acres, which has helped more than 70 families to gain a monthly income by leasing their land.
Lack of education is a challenge to the Maasai community and their culture has made them unable to access jobs
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Camel Derby
HOLD ON TIGHT!
YOU’RE IN FOR A U PY RIDE
I
CAMEL DERBY A race like no other! Image courtesy of Adventure 360
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t’s hard to keep track of all the exciting events and festivals that take place in Kenya each year – and, while doing some research myself, I stumbled across an annual event that you probably haven’t heard of. The Maralal Camel Derby is an exciting competition held every August in the small hillside
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market town of Maralal in Samburu County. This highly competitive event has been around for over 25 years. Full of passion, colour and excitement, it’s a major draw for racers and spectators alike, bringing contestants from all over the world and hugely popular with the local people. For those who haven’t heard of the camel derby, it is essentially a three-day event with a variety of races to suit all abilities. The most difficult is the Elite Camel, a 42 km marathon through Maralal Township and the surrounding desert areas – perhaps one best left to the more experienced riders. In addition, there are smaller racers aimed at novices and tourists. In these races, participants are provided with a guide to help them steer their camels
in the right direction. If camel racing isn’t your forte, in recent years the event has embraced a mountain bike race as well as a 10 km running race, held concurrently with the camel derby.
Events Local people regard the Maralal Camel Derby as a reconciliatory event, uniting pastoralist communities in northern Kenya. This is reflected in the additional events that are part of the derby. They include cultural dances in celebration of the rich culture of Samburu and neighbouring communities such as Turkana and Borana. Sadly, turnout in 2017 wasn’t quite what the Samburu County Government was hoping for, with only nine international racers taking part in an event that
By Amy Clark
normally attracts large numbers of tourists. This low turnout was due mainly to the event being postponed by one day at short notice as a consequence of political uncertainty and tensions. However, the organisers and the local people were determined to make the occasion run smoothly and the usual sponsors, including KCB Bank and Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board) were there to offer their strong support.
If you’re looking for something fun to do this coming August, I strongly advise you to pack your bags and head north to Maralal and witness the camel derby for yourself. The tour and safari company Adventure 360 is on hand to help your trip run seamlessly and to help with transport, accommodation and dining options. Just make sure you pack some padded shorts to avoid bruises!
‌there are smaller racers aimed at novices and tourists. In these races, participants are provided with a guide to help them steer their camels in the right direction
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Entebbe
Over the border… So many things to enjoy on a mini break in Uganda
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ith regular flights into Entebbe courtesy of sister airline Fly-SAX, there’s no reason not to hop over the border to Uganda and experience the famous hospitality of Kenya’s neighbour. Whether you have only a couple of hours to spare or you’re planning a weekend getaway, here are our top picks to suit your schedules and help you make the most of your visit.
ENTEBBE
HALF DAY: Entebbe Botanical Gardens A more gentle alternative to spending a few hours in the city, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, north-east of the city centre, are a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Opened in 1898, the gardens are located on the shores of Lake Victoria and embrace a range of habitats, from wetlands to parkland, offering a serene escape from city life. The varied ecosystem means that guests are likely to encounter a range of flora and fauna, including playful black-and-white colobus monkeys, hornbills and marabou storks. If you’re really strapped for time, the gardens can be enjoyed in under an hour, but we would recommend dedicating at least two hours to enjoying the sights and sounds of these beautiful gardens.
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FULL DAY: Kampala Uganda’s capital is just a 90-minute drive from Entebbe, welcoming visitors with its wide range of shops, restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. As there is no international airport in Kampala, many visitors to Uganda enter via Entebbe and travel by road to Kampala. As with any major city, there’s a host of options for every taste and preference in Kampala. Whether you prefer a shopping spree at one of
Andreas Marquardt / Shutterstock.com
Botanical Gardens
With a good choice of restaurants, from cosy cafés to fine dining establishments, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner across the city
SSESE ISLANDS
Relaxing weekend
WEEKEND: Ssese Islands This picturesque archipelago of 84 islands, just over half of them uninhabited, is popular with local people and tourists alike as the perfect place for a relaxing weekend. Bugala Island is easily accessible by ferry from the mainland. Development here has been confined to a handful of pleasant beachfront hotels in the Kalangala Bay area – the ideal spot to watch the sunset with a drink in hand. The bay itself, with its long stretch of beach, is popular for weekend parties at which visitors can join the locals for a drink and a dance under the stars.
the city’s malls or a day exploring its cultural heritage of monuments and landmarks, you’ll never be bored in Kampala. KAMPALA City break Andreas Marquardt / Shutterstock.com
With a good choice of restaurants, from cosy cafés to fine dining establishments, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner across the city. So why not head out early to make the most of what Kampala has to offer. If you have more time to spare, the city offers a range of budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation options to turn your one-day getaway into a fun weekend.
Bugala is also an ideal starting point for exploring the other islands, including Bulago, Banda, Bukasa, all of which have accommodation and can be accessed by water taxi. Bulago is a great choice for those who enjoy hiking, with several trails leading up to an excellent viewpoint over the island. Bulago’s only resort, Pineapple Bay, has excellent views and a serene ambience. Over on Banda Island, things are a little more rustic, with a real ‘away from it all’ vibe. Once a private island owned by Dominic Symes, an eccentric British Kenyan, the island is now open to everyone and offers the ultimate antidote to city life.
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Lake Bogoria
Lake Bogoria’s flamboyant flamingos One of the most spectacular and rewarding sights for both seasoned twitchers and casual birdwatchers is the annual migration of thousands of lesser flamingo to Lake Bogoria.
A
mass of pink feathers in an iconic lakeside setting is a wonderful sight – one that brings many tourists each year to Lake Bogoria in Baringo County. The image of flamingos has become synonymous with the lake’s tourism scene and with the birdwatching culture of Kenya.
ALGAE Turning grey feathers pink
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To the average observer, the lake itself may not seem that remarkable, aside from its role as a setting for pretty pictures. For the flamingos, however, this alkaline and highly saline lake is a vital source of food. After each rainy season, thousands of flamingos descend on Lake Bogoria to take advantage of the abundance of algae that form a large part of their diet and also contribute to their striking colour. Carotenoids (organic pigments) found in plankton are broken down and absorbed into fats which are deposited into new feathers, gradually turning their light-
Hundreds of thousands of flamingos visited Lake Bogoria in 2017, according to Kenya Wildlife Service grey feathers pink. The vibrancy of a flamingo’s feathers is determined by how much algae it consumes and how high the carotenoid levels are. The flamingoes at Lake Baringo are a relatively pale pink, while in other parts of the world, such as the Caribbean, the birds come in a vibrant shade of pink-red.
Popular For visitors, the flamingo migration in 2017 was one of the most popular in recent years. Tourists headed to Lake Bogoria in their hundreds to catch a perfect image of row upon row of flamingos. Hundreds of thousands of flamingos visited the lake in 2017, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service, and these growing numbers have led to a corresponding rise in visitors. While Lake Nakuru was once regarded as ‘the’ place to spot a large group – or ‘flamboyance’ –
of flamingos, their numbers have declined at Nakuru due to rising water levels. Lake Bogoria now offers a more favourable habitat for flamingos migrating from other lakes in the Rift Valley and the wider region. It depends on weather patterns, as heavy rainfall in the area will deter the birds. But 2017’s favourable conditions have
led to a memorable season. For those looking to travel to Lake Bogoria, Fly540 regularly flies from Nairobi’s JKIA to Eldoret, which is about 200 km by road from Lake Bogoria. Accommodation is available within the park at the Lake Bogoria Spa Resort, which has a variety of rooms as well as a naturally heated spa pool.
LAKE BOGORIA
A top birdwatching destination
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SUPPER CLUB
By Kirsten Alexander
The Arbor
All images courtesy of The Arbor
Eco-fresh eatery is a hidden gem
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ocated on James Gichuru Road, it’s not hard to miss The Arbor. Unless you’re walking past, or heading there deliberately, you might not even notice it’s there. It’s part of the appeal of this little oasis in the heart of Lavington, tucked away behind an unassuming exterior. Once inside the gate, you might think you had walked by mistake into someone’s slightly eccentric back garden. As we entered the restaurant one sunny January lunchtime we were welcomed by lush plants and colourful decorations, with tables and chairs set out under trees and large canopies to protect diners from the warm sun. It’s name fits perfectly, with ‘arbor’ meaning a leafy, shady recess formed by tree branches. Following the stepping stone path towards the seating areas, we could not help admiring the effort put into creating such a homely and appealing setting for an eatery – one
that reflects the eco-friendly ethos that team is keen to uphold, with much of the furniture and accessories made from recycled materials.
Fresh In addition to the greenery, the eco nature of The Arbor is complemented by its menu, featuring fresh, home-made dishes with a combination of classic comfort food and lighter options – all prepared with loving care in the
LAKSA A menu highlight
onsite kitchen. While we unfortunately didn’t have the time (or stamina) to try everything from the menu, we did our best to sample a good crosssection. I opted for the halloumi skewers, served with peppers, courgette and topped with a balsamic reduction – the perfect option for a quick, light lunch in between meetings. The eggs Benedict also went down a treat, as did the laksa noodles, which came
THE ARBOR
Hidden gem on James Gichuru Road
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In addition to the restaurant, guests can peruse the small garden centre and pick up some plants and herbs to grow at home, or explore the craft market served with chicken. Other notable dishes include The Arbor burger, grilled to perfection with all the trimmings; the smoked salmon carpaccio with an excellent mustard and dill dressing; and the pie tee (top hat) filled with prawns, fried egg and thinly sliced vegetables.
Tempting The drinks menu is equally tempting, with juices, teas, coffees and milkshakes available, as well as various wines and spirits. It was a pleasant surprise to see affogato on the menu – a coffee/dessert consisting of hot espresso served with a scoop
of vanilla ice cream – and it certainly did not disappoint. The mint and pineapple juice is a perfect refresher for hot days, while the milk-shakes cater for both adult and junior tastes, with options including Amarula and chocolate flavours. In addition to the restaurant, guests can peruse the small garden centre and pick up some plants and herbs to grow at home, or explore the craft market. Open most days from 9 am to 10 pm, The Arbor caters for brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks, so no matter what time you visit, there will be something to tickle your taste buds or quench your thirst. www.fly540.com
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DRIVE TIME
Volvo XC60
Swedish severity with a hint of glam
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t has been worth the wait. Launched back in 2008 and built in Belgium, the original Volvo XC60 has been the Swedish car-maker’s best seller. Now, nine years on, we’re getting a somewhat overdue replacement. And what a real cracker this mid-size cross-over is. Last year saw the launch of the latestgeneration XC90. Its bare, ‘hewn from granite’ features were not to everyone’s taste. The XC60 and XC90 share the same
XC60 Beautifully crafted
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platform. But the XC60 is much shorter, cheaper and more visually appealing than its big brother. It’s certainly much nimbler around town.
Competitive The mid-size SUV market is a competitive one and the XC60 is up against tough opposition in the form of Audi’s Q5 and the Land Rover Discovery Sport. For my money, the Swedish SUV knocks spots off these rivals in terms of value and kerb
appeal and competes head to head when it comes to build quality. Like all Volvos, however, the XC60’s beautifully crafted interior can seem a bit Scandinavian and that can mean boringly functional – even irritatingly minimalist. So let’s face it, the XC60 is no Alfa Stelvio and I suppose would-be Volvo buyers are seeking safety (at which the company has always excelled) and dependability ahead of sultry Latin looks. The XC60 is impressively well equipped, however – even the entry-level Momentum model. All versions come with an eight-speed auto gearbox and AWD. Opt for the luxury Inscription or sporty R-Design variants and buyers will get even more in the way of
By Sam Gimson All images courtesy of Volvo Car Corporation
expensive goodies. Some of these – such as heated seats, wiper blades and steering wheels – are no doubt much appreciated in chilly Sweden but are totally unnecessary in East Africa.
Turbocharged In European markets there is a choice of three four-cylinder conventional engines. These are 188 bhp and 232 bhp diesels and a rather thirsty 250 bhp turbocharged petrol unit. There is also a T8 twin-engine, plug-in hybrid. So when can we expect to see the XC60 in our part of the
world, in what engine configuration and how much will the car cost? Nairobi’s Amazon Motors, the Volvo importer for East Africa, told 540 its showroom in Market Street – in the heart of the central business district – was in the process of being remodelled. After this, it would have an opportunity to launch the new Volvo model range. Amazon will only be selling the XC60 in 2.0 litre petrol and diesel formats, with the petrol version retailing at KES 9,699,000, including VAT and the diesel at KES 8,699,000. On the debit side, Volvo – even with cars as good as this – doesn’t
quite match Audi when it comes to glacier-like depreciation and the XC60 is only likely to improve Volvo’s reliability rating from industry average to good. For this reason, the XC60 fails to get a full five-star rating from me. Make no mistake, however, this is a top-quality SUV that has been screwed together using built-to-last materials. Anyone sitting in a XC60 for the first time at the Amazon Motors showroom will immediately see and feel that this car really does give German car-makers a run for their money.
The XC60 is much shorter, cheaper and more visually appealing than its big brother. It’s certainly much nimbler around town
APPEALING
A great choice
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SLEEP OVER
SAROVA WOODLANDS LOBBY Welcome to Woodlands
COMFORTABLE
Sleep well at Sarova
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By Amy Clark All images courtesy of Sarova Woodlands
MODERN LUXURY IN A TRANQUIL, LEAFY SETTING
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ith various hotels, resorts and game lodges scattered across Kenya’s most popular beach, city and safari destinations, it comes as no surprise that Sarova is deemed one of the most reputable hotel groups in Africa, winning numerous awards over the years. Most recently, Sarova was recognised by World Travel Awards as ‘Africa’s Leading Hotel Brand 2017’. This award comes shortly after Sarova opened its newest property, Sarova Woodlands, in April 2017. This serene hotel is Sarova’s ninth luxury property to open in Kenya and it certainly lives up to the high standards of good service and stylish decor that one expects from Sarova. Located in a peaceful wooded avenue on the outskirts of Nakuru along the Nairobi to Nakuru highway, Woodlands offers guests in transit the convenience of a modern, tranquil retreat.
Amenities The four-star property has a wide choice of rooms, all with en-suite facilities and a full range of guest amenities. Decorated in the hotel’s signature colours of blue, red and white and with finely crafted wooden furniture, these brand-new rooms appear pristine. However, it is perhaps the Woodlands suites that give this Sarova property its winning title. The hotel’s State, Executive and Studio Suites come
with en-suite bedrooms adjoined by a spacious sitting room. Those fortunate enough to be staying in the suites have access to the exclusive Residents’ Lounge, where guests can relax, work and meet business associates in a quiet and private setting. A striking feature of the Woodlands is its wide range of MICE facilities on the second and third floors. They include the tastefully decorated Woodlands Ball Room, which can accommodate up to 250 guests and is ideal for cocktail parties and weddings. In addition, the Woodlands has three
a buffet as well as business lunch options. The second eatery, The Courtyard, serves light bites, fresh pies and a tasty selection of cakes, accompanied by fresh smoothies or coffee. In the evenings, guests can unwind and relax in The Leather Bar, with a selection of spirits, wines and cocktails.
Developments For 2018, Sarova has already started on new developments at Woodlands, with plans for a spa, a health club and a swimming pool. Housed in a separate wing, the Tulia Spa will offer Ayurvedic,
This serene hotel is Sarova’s ninth luxury property to open in Kenya and it certainly lives up to the high standards of good service and stylish decor that one expects from Sarova meeting rooms and a boardroom with state-of-the-art facilities and appropriate lighting. Friendly staff members are on hand to arrange facilities in accordance with the exact requirements of guests. Guests at Sarova’s latest property have regularly praised the Woodlands for its delicious food. The Cinnamon Restaurant has a wide selection of cuisine, including
Western and Oriental therapies, manicures and pedicures, facials and ear candling. The health club will house a range of modern exercise equipment in a spacious environment, where guests can work up a sweat, cool down in the swimming pool and then relax in the steam room and sauna. A poolside restaurant, too, is expected to open in the near future. www.fly540.com
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GADGETS
SERIOUSLY SMART PRODUCTS SPHERO MINI With the superficial appearance of a brightly coloured ping pong ball, the Sphero Mini is an appenabled robotic ball that offers plenty of fun. Packed with technology, including LED lights, an accelerometer and a gyroscope, the Sphero Mini is controlled by an app that allows you to play games, move the ball using just your facial expressions and even learn to code. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth, with a range of up to 10 metres, and can be charged via the micro USB cable. The Sphero Mini comes with mini traffic cones and bowling pins to get you started, while further accessories are available separately. Price: US$ 49.99
APPLE WATCH 3 The Apple Watch 3 may look almost identical to the Apple Watch 2, but with its upgraded features and new additions it’s the most comprehensive smartwatch yet. The Watch 3 is available in two variations – both with GPS, but one with additional cellular connectivity. The latter means you can receive notifications, make calls and send texts without needing to have your phone nearby – good news for those who struggle to fit their everlarger iPhones in their pocket when out exercising. As always, the Apple Watch 3 is available with a variety of straps, from practical sport bands to leather offerings from luxury brand Hermès. Price: From US$ 329
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KINDLE OASIS E-READER Amazon’s latest e-reader offering may be the biggest upgrade of the Kindle series ever – and also the most expensive. The Kindle Oasis is a neat device, with a 7 inch display that promises to be glare-free and a body thicker at one end than the other for a more comfortable reading experience. The Oasis comes with Wi-Fi and built-in Audible, which means you can access over 200,00 audiobooks at the touch of a button. As a bonus, the Oasis is waterproof, making it perfect for taking to the beach or pool. It also has an adaptive front light that adjusts to your surroundings to ease the reading experience. Price: From US$ 289.99
GOOGLE PIXEL 2 The second major phone product from tech giant Google aims to offer a seamless experience for the user, with a simple but stylish exterior and helpful features to get the most out of this impressive smartphone. Unfortunately, Google has followed in Apple’s footsteps by removing the headphone jack, but otherwise, the Pixel 2’s features are better than its predecessor. The dual front-facing cameras are a gamechanger for selfies, while the fingerprint scanner is said to be the fastest of any smartphone. For those who get through battery power at a rapid rate, a 15-minute charge should be enough for around seven hours of power. A larger version of the Pixel 2, the Pixel 2 XL, is also available.
Prices: US$ 649 (Pixel 2) and US$ 849 (Pixel 2 XL)
ENTERTAINMENT
Watch. Read. Listen. MOVIES JUSTICE LEAGUE
PADDINGTON 2
Director: Zack Snyder Starring: Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Amy Adams Genre: Action
Director: Paul King Starring: Ben Whishaw, Sally Hawkins, Brendan Gleeson Genre: Family
Batman (Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gadot) unite in this action-packed superhero film, alongside metahuman allies Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash, to save the planet from the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons. Inspired by Superman’s (Cavill) selfless act at the end of the prequel ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’, Batman has a restored faith in humanity, so when supervillain Steppenwolf and the Parademons threaten humanity, Batman assembles a team of metahumans to save the world.
Now settled in Windsor Gardens, London, with the Brown family, Paddington is much loved by the community. After seeing a unique pop-up book in Mr Gruber’s antique shop, Paddington decides to try to earn some money to buy it for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday by doing odd jobs such a window-washing. When the book is stolen, Paddington and the Brown family must apprehend and unmask the thief so that Paddington can reclaim it and present it to Aunt Lucy for her birthday.
STARS: 3/5
STARS: 3.5/5
BOOKS THE SUN AND HER FLOWERS BY RUPI KAUR
HOMEGOING
The best-selling author of worldwide hit ‘Milk and Honey’ and one of the most acclaimed poets of this generation returns with her long-awaited second collection of poetry. Divided into five chapters that represent various stages of a flower’s life – wilting, falling, rooting, rising and blooming – ‘The Sun and Her Flowers’ tackles subjects such as growth and healing, ancestry, expatriation and love, with illustrations by Kaur accompanying the poems.
In 18th-century Ghana, two half-sisters are born into different villages and completely unaware of each other. One of the sisters will marry an Englishman and live in Cape Coast Castle; the other will be captured during a raid on her village and kept prisoner in the very same castle before being sold into slavery. ‘Homegoing’ follows the two different paths of the sisters through eight generations, from the American Civil War to Jazz Age Harlem.
BY YAA GYASI
STARS: 5/5
STARS: 4/5
MUSIC NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MILLION
REPUTATION BY TAYLOR SWIFT
Country queen turned pop sensation Taylor Swift returns with her first album since 2014 and a new sound. Reportedly taking inspiration from feuds with fellow musicians Kanye West and Katy Perry, ‘Reputation’ is a far cry from the singer’s early material. Lead single ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ takes inspiration from the 1980s hit ‘I’m Too Sexy’ by Right Said Fred and throws shade at her rivals. Other hits include the anthemic ‘Ready For It’ and 'Gorgeous'.
STARS: 3.5/5
BY VARIOUS ARTISTS
The ultimate compilation album for parties, nights out or just for singing along to in the car, ‘Now That’s What I Call A Million’ features a whopping 63 songs, capturing the best millionselling songs of the 21st century so far. With hits by some of the biggest names in pop, including Sam Smith, Justin Bieber, Major Lazer, Coldplay and David Guetta, this album showcases the best songs of the past 17 years.
STARS: 4/5 www.fly540.com
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Network Map
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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 Ground Floor, Western Heights, Karuna Road PO Box 10293 Tel: +254 (0)722 540 540; 733 540 540; 710 540 540
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; +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
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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
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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
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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
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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$20
Vaccination requirements for international travellers:
Persons aged 16 years and below will require a visa to enter Kenya. Diplomatic, Official, Service and Courtesy visas will continue to be issued Gratis.
• Only valid yellow fever vaccination certificates are required of all travellers over one year old, arriving from yellow fever infected countries.
For more information, please visit your relevant Kenya High Commission website.
• Vaccinations for international travellers are obtainable from all international air and sea ports, city and major municipal councils.
Any visitor going to South Sudan requires a valid visa. Visas are issued through the South Sudan Embassy.
INSPIRING CAPTIVATING INFORMATIVE Multi-platform publishing and design services
SOUTH SUDAN VISAS Immigration regulations stipulate that anyone going to South Sudan needs a travel permit from the Government of South Sudan. Those travelling to South Sudan from Kenya, should visit the South Sudan Embassy in Kenya. Fees: • American Nationals: US$ 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 please contact:
Land & Marine Publications Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Email: info@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 MUSICAL FUN JOKES
INSTRUMENT E V O T U B A R WORDSEARCH
Can you find the instruments listed below in the letter grid? Tip: Some words are going backwards!
Q: Why are pirates great singers?
A: Because they can
hit the high C’s!
Q: What type of music are balloons scared of? A: Pop music!
Q: What types of songs do the planets sing? A: Nep-tunes!
Q: Where did the music teacher leave her keys? A: In the piano!
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Africa’s low cost airline
GUITAR TRIANGLE DRUMS VIOLIN CELLO
TUBA KEYBOARD TRUMPET PIANO FLUTE
Q: What do you call a cow that plays a musical instrument? A: A moo-sician!
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B O B F X N F A O L
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R N N H C P T
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D R U M S W E
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ANAGRAMS 1. NOAXEHOPS
4. MOREATIBUN
2. GRAITU
5. JEMBED RUMD
3. PETTRUM (answers) 1. Saxophone, 2. Guitar, 3. Trumpet, 4. Tambourine, 5. Djembe Drum
TUNEFUL
K T E P M U R T
540 MAGAZINE / ISSUE 27 / NOVEMBER 2017 – JANUARY 2018