ISSUE 07
NOVEMBER 2012 - JANUARY 2013
FaSHION wITH COmpaSSION The new KikoRomeo collection
SpOrTINg HarmONY LAIKIPIA HIGHLAND GAMES ENCOURAGE PEACE
ProductReview
Pic © Apple inc.
Make way for the iPhone 5
ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
KIDZ CORNER • 540 NEWS • KAMPALA CITY GUIDE
Issue 7 - NOVEMBER - JANUARY
contents 6
Pic © Apple inc.
14
42
27
SPECIAL FEATURES
23 FOODFORTHOUGHT
03 in tHis issUe
25 ProductReview
Treat yourself at Zafferano
Welcome to the new issue
Make way for the iPhone 5
05 540 neWs
26 latest releases
The latest news from the 540 family
Coming to a screen near you...
16 laikiPia HigHland gaMes
33 CITYGUIDE
29 coMMUnitY
37 CULTURE&ART
Kampala
Using sport to promote peace
is published by
land & Marine PUblications (kenYa) ltd
Jazz, the new heartbeat of Kampala
Recycling made beautiful as waste is turned into art
Suite A5, 1st Floor, Ojijo Plaza, 20 Plums Lane off Ojijo Road, Parklands, PO Box 2022 Village Market 00621, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 374 1934 Email: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com
40 arUsHa national Park
on behalf of
47 aberdare Hills
Why not meet the giraffe at Arusha National Park
Riverside Green Suites, Palm Suite, Riverside Drive PO Box 10293-00100, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 445 2391/2/3/4/5 Email info@fly540.com www.fly540.com
Cover photo courtesy of: Jackson Biko 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. ©2012 Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd
44 FOODFORTHOUGHT
Take a paddle to Zanzibar’s stunning Rock Restaurant
42 Paragliding
55 BUSINESSHub
Adrenalin at the ready
The impact of mobile money
Get a preview of the new golf course
flY540 aviation
35 kidZ corner
USEFUL INFORMATION
REGULAR FEATURES
50 tHe flY540 netWork
06 SPORTREVIEW
56 travel inforMation
10 MYWORLD
58 flY540 fleet
Essential travel and visa information
Joe Kadenge, Kenya’s football legend
Explore Tsavo National Park
60 flY540 contacts
14 LOOKINSIDE
Peek through the doors of the Ocean Beach Resort in Malindi
18 Profiler
connect WitH flY540
Fashion and inspiration: Take a look at the new Ann McCreath collection
@fly540aviation www.facebook.com/pages/Fly-540
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1
IN THIS ISSUE
in tHis
issUe
SO MUCH MORE IN OUR BUMPER EDITION
W
elcome to the latest edition of 540 – the seventh since the
magazine was launched in May 2011 and the fi rst to contain 64 pages.
In this landmark issue of 540, we
cuisine and sophistication.
personal account of her visit to the
For those in Uganda who like to live on the edge (in this case quite liter-
Tsavo national parks (East and West). Please feel free to contact me at
ally), how about paragliding? This
publishing@landmarine.com.
harum-scarum sport is new to Uganda
offer what I believe is a delightfully
and those keen to try it for the time
eclectic and compelling range of stories.
will need to make their way to Mount
In the meantime, enjoy your fl ight with Fly540.
Wanale in Eastern Province for the
Gary Gimson
Jackson Biko. The annual Laikipia
fl ight (or perhaps that should be fright)
Publisher, 540 magazine
Highland Games take place on a ranch
of their lives.
We start with our cover story by
and bring together sometimes quar-
In my opinion, Naivasha is already
relsome tribes from across northern
home to one of the most delightful golf
Kenya to engage, peacefully, in a wide
courses in Kenya, and now it’s on track
variety of sports. It’s a great success
to gain another as the Aberdare Hills
and we salute Kuki Gallmann and
Golf Resort takes shape. Golf enthusi-
others who have worked so hard to
asts will have to wait until 2014 before
back this worthwhile event.
they can play the course; but, looking
Profile In this issue we profi le Ann McCreath.
at the plans for this project, the wait will be worth it. Going to Zanzibar? Then check out
For those unfamiliar with her work,
the Rock Restaurant – but fi rst read
Ann is one of Kenya’s leading fashion
our review. This iconic eatery really is
designers and her flamboyant collec-
a ‘must visit’.
tions have won a growing audience beyond Africa’s shores. For our regular Look Inside feature
look oUt for... Profiler: Ann McCreath, founder of the KikoRomeo label, reveals the inspiration behind the fashion we get a glimpse of her stunning new collection.
In this edition, we visit two distinctly different national parks: one in Tanzania and the other in
we take a trip to the Ocean Beach
Kenya. Arusha National Park is one
Resort & Spa in Malindi. Ocean Beach
of Tanzania’s lesser-known wildlife
is the perfect weekend getaway for
areas, while our correspondent
those seeking romance, exceptional
Roselyne Omondi-Ogao gives a
CITYGUIDE
Our “city guide” section on page 33 takes a look at Kampala. With ideas on where to stay, what to do and where to eat, as well as practical information like dialling codes, currency and climate.
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3
NEWS
neWs PartY tiMe Fly540 parties were held in Kisumu, Eldoret and Nairobi as a mark of appreciation to travel agents and stakeholders. The Kisumu dinner was held at The Vic Hotel.
ď ź good tiMes Travel agents and stakeholders enjoy good food and good times at the thanksgiving parties. Travel agents were given prizes and the opportunity to speak on the Fly 540 services.
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5
© Stafford Ondego
don’t call Me a legend, call Me an Honest Man
By Jackson Biko
Says former soccer star Joe
6
Issue 6
Pic credit: Tristan Tan / Shutterstock.com
SPORTREVIEW
Y
ou’ve probably heard the name
of Joe Kadenge. It’s a household
name of a sort – as easily recognis-
able as Kenneth Matiba or Kipchoge
Keino. These names have something in common apart from their famili-
a masterful dribbler. When the ball landed on his good leg (his right leg) it stayed there until it found the back of the net. Rivals became quicksand before him. He taunted and embarrassed them
kadenge HonoUred Kadenge’s status as a football legend was honoured when a Kenyan stamp was printed showing his picture.
with his skill. Most importantly, he
professionally than he is now; that
scored consistently, as a good striker
chances were somehow squandered;
should. He was a maestro on the pitch,
that perhaps he played soccer at the
played soccer before Kenya gained its
making music with his feet. In short, he
wrong time, when turning professional
independence – and afterwards, too. He
had Kenya at his feet when he had the
just didn’t happen. We are talking
played football when Kenya was young
ball on his foot.
arity: they defi ned an era.
Joe is a football legend, having
‘What good is being a legend when it doesn’t add value to your existence?’
and virgin, before we became cynical
But Joe Kadenge hates
about the potential of our footballers,
the terms ‘legend’ and spits
before corruption and politics crippled
the word out scornfully.
the very apparatus of sport. But during
“What do I have to show for
those yesterdays, when Joe played
my legend?” he asks, eyes
soccer, a whole nation clung to the hope
burning from under his Stetson hat.
that football would go much further
“What good is being a legend when it
than it has gone today.
doesn’t add value to your existence?”
Now aged 77, Joe says he wants
about the late 1950s after all. I caught up with Joe Kadenge as local photographer Emmanuel Jambo was shooting a documentary about
to be remembered as an honest man.
a fair QUestion
Not as a soccer legend, as an honest
Unknowingly, those words turn Joe’s
seated on a high director’s chair with
man. That means more to him than his
story from being about football into
his legs dangling from the edge of the
celebrated past.
being about a footballer. Don’t get it
seat, he looked almost forlorn. Before
In his heyday, Joe had all the gifts
his life. In the studio on Chaka Road,
wrong, though. Joe isn’t bitter. He’s
him on a tripod stand was a rolling
of a stellar footballer. His dexterity
just a tad disappointed: disappointed
camera through which he extolled
was unmatched. He had speed. He was
that he had an opportunity to be better
virtues like passion, honesty and hard
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7
SPORTREVIEW
work before drifting to more abstract
and upbringing,” he says simply. And,
musings about fate and destiny.
when pressed, he says: “Some people stole stuff, people I respected. It made
village in Kakamega and grew up poor.
me dislike football.” Then he changes
His passion for soccer was inspired by
the subject.
watching his uncle play. “He was good, but I knew I could play better than him,”
Manager and ambassador
he recalls. At Musingu High School his
Joe has had an illustrious career,
love for the sport begun to burn. After
nonetheless. Apart from playing for
school he set off to Nakuru to look for
Harambee Stars for 14 years, he holds
work, joined the Ministry of Works
the record for the fastest goal ever
as a clerk and played for the Nakuru
scored in the Kenya Premier League
Allstars. Word of his brilliance reached
(which they won in 1966). In 2002 he
the national team, who snapped him
managed the Kenya national team
up. That was in 1956 and he was 21
before being succeeded by Jacob Mulee
years old. There was a snag, however:
in 2003. In 2005 he won the Hall of
he couldn’t play in national matches
Fame award in the SOYA Awards.
because he was considered too young.
Two years ago he was invited by FIFA
He chuckles at that absurdity now.
to represent East Africa and Central
football’s rising star
© Stafford Ondego
Kadenge was born in 1935 in Soliani
career firsts Kadenge holds the record for the fastest goal ever scored in the Kenya Premier League and was appointed the first football ambassador by the Kenya Football Federation
Africa at the opening ceremony of the World Cup finals in South Africa. And
“What is patriotism?”
He was allowed in the following year,
this year he was appointed Kenya’s
however, and for years shared the
first football ambassador by the Kenya
I ask. “Yes, I would. Of course I would.”
same pitch with such legends as Omani
Football Federation.
Then he poses a question to me: “What
“Would you die for your country?”
Joe, a father of 11 children and
tribe am I?”
His fame rose quickly when, as part of
numerous grandchildren (“I don’t
“Luhya.”
a formidable striking force, he led the
know how many”), now drives a taxi
national team to win the then elusive
for a living. It’s an old relic, a Peugeot
Gossage Cup (now CECAFA Cup), at
504, registered in 1982, which he
that time the biggest league tourna-
bought in 1995 and which seems to be
football management in this country
ment in East Africa.
a metaphor of his heyday. On the doors
at some point, he scoffs at the question
Okumu, Lidonde and George Situma.
‘That was one of my highest moments in football when I dribbled from the centre of the pitch and scored’
“No,” he says. “I’m Kenyan. That’s who I am. I love Kenya.” Even though he has been part of the
is a football incorporated
of what he would do if he were given
into the letters ‘JOK’.
a chance to change the way football
“I’m not the way I’d
is run in Kenya. “ I’m not interested
like to be,” he laments.
because I don’t want to be a politician.
“The Kadenge name
That’s what that is
is known, but it’s not
about.”
money.” He then pauses for a long while and the
“That was one of my highest
whole room watches the old man, now
moments in football when I drib-
almost swallowed in the canvas chair,
bled from the centre of the pitch and
struggle between diplomacy and self-
scored,” he says. “The governor, a
expression.
white man, was so jubilant, he threw
“Look, it gives me great pleasure
his hat into the pitch in celebration.
for someone to jump in my taxi and
I wonder who took off with that hat,
recognise me when I introduce myself,
though.” In 1963 they went on to win
because I always introduce myself. My
the Uhuru Celebration Cup.
fares are honoured to ride with me.
The lowest moment, he says, came
They say they love to be carried by a
in 1970 when they had travelled to
legend.” There is just enough bile in that
Sudan for the African Cup of Nations.
word, legend, not to escape one’s notice.
He is cagey about what transpired there. “ It conflicted with my morals
When I ask him if he considered himself patriotic, he snarls back:
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9
Wild, Wide tsavo brings oUt sPirit of adventUre 10
Issue 6
MYWORLD: TSAVO
tsavo sigHts Above: Staying at Ngulia Lodge, the wildlife is never far away Left: Close encounters with elephants on the move. Tsavo is a top spot to see a variety of species
path in front of us. Two more follow, so the driver stops. When no other elephants cross, he restarts the engine. Then, all of a sudden, a fourth elephant emerges, his front leg missing the vehicle by a whisker. My heart
Time out in the bundus may not sound appealing at first, but a trip to Tsavo, East Africa’s largest national park, could be your cue for adventure and relaxation
leaps into my throat.
Words and pictures by Roselyne Omondi-Ogao
On our way through the park we see
T
here is something about a trip
to the wild – a safari if you like
– that fi res up people. Some like the freedom to explore on their own
terms. Others, like me, fi nd that
being in untamed and unfamiliar territory increases our apprecia-
tion of life. Images from the horror fi lm ‘The Ghost and the Darkness’
flash into my mind as three friends and I sign up for a trip. I think of
those man-eating Tsavo lions, and how ruthless they were with the
heroic Indian labourers who built the Mombasa-Nairobi railway line.
We plan to explore Tsavo West
sUnset The sun is setting fast, and while I secretly want to observe every other animal or bird I know, it is safer to get to the lodge as quickly as possible. zebras, a pair of white owls, Somali
at the historical railway town of Voi.
ostriches, spring hares, guinea fowl,
At the Mtito Andei gate, officials of the
Kirk’s dik diks and Masai giraffes.
Kenya Wildlife Service issue us with a
Darkness falls just as we approach the
park access SmartCard and an infor-
sanctuary, but we make it to the lodge
mation pack. The 45-minute journey to
without incident.
Ngulia Lodge, our accommodation near the Rhino Sanctuary, starts as a couple of playful squirrels chase each other
‘All of a sudden, a fourth elephant emerges, his front leg missing the vehicle by a whisker. My heart leaps into my throat’
up a low walled fence. A few baboons
Scores of dung beetles and a swarm
cross the gritty path, their pink
of moths throng the restaurant. There
bottoms raised to us mockingly.
are no cultural entertainers here,
It is 5.55 pm and we haven’t covered
but we hear about the lodge’s resident
National Park fi rst, then visit Tsavo
300 metres when an elephant emerges
leopard. He feeds on a chunky cut of
East National Park, and then stop over
from a nearby bush and crosses the
meat hanging off wooden poles a few
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11
MYWORLD: TSAVO
vans pull up and the occupants begin
LEOPARD, LEOPARD!
to chat to us animatedly, cameras
Left: Spotting a leopard
us. We beat a retreat to the lodge.
metres beyond the restaurant. We ignore
one of Tsavo’s most treasured attrac-
luggage on a rack when a troop of
this and indulge in the pickings from
tions, we see crocodiles, monkeys and
olive baboons bounces onto the angled
the elaborate buffet table. Numerous
catfish. We return to the lodge.
rooftop outside our windows. One tries
flashing, two of the elephants charge at The porter has just placed our
beetles awe us with their hard landings
Our restful afternoon is inter-
to open the window. This place is wild,
on the cement floor and their struggles
rupted by a rapping on our room doors.
I think to myself, as the troop makes a
to flip themselves over. Two hedgehogs
“Leopard, leopard!” calls a porter. We
dramatic exit.
wobble in with spikes raised just as we
sprint to the restaurant, where guests’
are making for our rooms. It isn’t long
cameras click and flash for the whole
Falls, losing ourselves in the savanna
before a determined choir of crickets
20 minutes of the leopard’s ‘visit’.
grassland that stretches for miles in
raises its high-pitched chorus and sends
Purists would be dismayed, but I am
every direction. Lunch at the lodge is
us straight to slumberland.
feeling lucky.
followed by leisure time at the pool, a
We leave Ngulia for Tsavo East after
Hide and seek
another day looking for hidden lions
Talk of a lion sighting the previous
and leopards.
evening about 20 minutes’ drive from
The following day we visit Lugard’s
visit to Voi town visit, and departure for Mombasa.
the lodge spreads like wildfire. At dawn,
Heading east
we head to the nearest waterhole with a
We enter Tsavo East, featured in the
guide. In place of the imagined cats are
Oscar-winning film ‘Out of Africa’, via
Egyptian geese and a few ungulates.
the Voi gate, about 4 km from the town.
Our Plan B is a drive to Yatta Plateau,
Fifteen elephants on their way to a
the Shetani lava flow, the Chaimu
waterhole provide a perfect viewing
Crater and Mzima Springs. At Mzima,
opportunity. But when three other tour
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13
treat YoUr eYes – and YoUr bodY – TO A SPOT OF TLC
By Jackson Biko
14
Issue 6
LOOKINSIDE
A
t the beginning there was nothing but sand. Lots of it. But like the
story of Dubai is told, sometimes men
defy nature and build exquisite works
of architecture from nothing when just a mere dream is no longer adequate. And Ocean Beach Resort & Spa in
Malindi is a dream built on sand. Not quicksand, just sand.
The story of this superior deluxe five-star resort in Malindi was Roberto Marini’s dream of taking hospitality back to the 20th century’s avantgarde. To do this he had to rethink the use of wood in architecture and, even more importantly, how to employ it in
One of the gems of this resort is the
ways that were both understated and
aptly named Morjana Spa. Some other
elegant.
resorts may include a spa in the same
Accordingly, Roberto decided wood
The Pool Time to make a splash
way they include a swimming pool
should be used in the roofs and floors.
as one of their features – in order to
are also treatments related to slim-
The rooms also sport hand-crafted
live up to their star rating and not as
ming, chromotherapy, cellulite, music
finishings. The effect of wood in the
a thought-out product that can truly
therapy, energising, healthy cocktails
roofs and floors is to give that solid yet
change the well-being of their clients.
and detoxing.
yielding quality that gives a resort an
The Morjana Spa is much more
approachable feel. In its overall effect, the resort’s architecture borrows quite a lot from the classic tropical style of the 19th and 20th centuries that the French took to Mauritius and Seychelles and which was later developed by the English.
While down, guests can enjoy some
The Morjana Spa is much more than just a spa, however; it’s a delicate art of oriental secrets passed down the generations, but one that also embraces technology
Private beach
than just a spa, however; it’s a delicate
refreshment in the Dunes Beach Bar
As the name suggests, Ocean Beach
art of oriental secrets passed down
and Restaurant. The ambience is
Resort opens up into a private beach
the generations, but one that also
unbeatable, with a breeze and soft jazz
bordering the Indian Ocean. Before
embraces technology. Thanks to the
music played at just the right level
it spills into the beach, however, it’s a
Thalaxoterm facility, guests can have
of decibels so as not to steal the sea’s
serene garden with studiously mani-
vapour baths and, through active,
thunder. Afterwards, you can always
cured lawns and picturesque palm trees.
natural ways, can receive treatment
walk barefoot to the beach and take in
In fact, without exaggeration, the whole
for localised fat, cellulite and ageing,
the beautiful ocean panorama.
resort looks like a picture postcard.
oily, dry and asphyxial skin. There
It has become increasingly a cliché to define resorts by the word ‘luxury’. That word has become jaded. There has to be a better adjective, a more transcending word, a word that aptly captures the charm of a place like Ocean Beach Resort & Spa. That word remains elusive, but perhaps, when you go down to this place, it might come to you.
MORE INFORMATION Email: booking@oceanbeachkenya.com www.oceanbeachkenya.com
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15
E G A R U O C N E S E GAM RIVAL TRIBES TO
Words and pictures by Jackson Biko
lIve In peace
T
he men of the Pokot tribe are
braid their hair like, say, the Samburu
ing Samburu, Turkana, Borana, Tugen
or Maasai, one quipped mischievously:
and Njemps. And, make no mistake, the
“Because we are not girls!” The others
region still has the potential for conflict –
laugh scornfully, punching each other
not only because of dwindling resources
have a combative disposition that has
playfully on the shoulders.
like water and pasture but also because
ties with whom they exist in Kenya’s
been turned into a theatre of cattle
known for their aggressiveness.
Dark and lean, built like reeds, with an average height of 5 ft 7 in, they
ruffled feathers in all the communiNorth Rift, especially the Turkana.
In the recent past, this region has rustling, tribal clashes, raids and
of politics, especially now that elections are just round the corner.
insecurity. The tension between various
charIty
are prepared to attend the Laikipia
pastoral tribes has not been eased by a
Enter the Gallmann Memorial Foun-
Highland Games – Sports for Peace is
dwindling of grazing resources and a
dation (GMF), a non-profit charitable
a big deal for the region. The ones who
proliferation of small weapons that have
organisation active in Ol ari Nyiro
showed up this year clearly have a
made poaching and cattle-rustling a way
Laikipia Nature Conservancy, the venue
sense of humour. Asked why they don’t
of life for the young men of neighbour-
for the games. Founded by Kuki Gall-
So the fact that Pokot tribesmen
mann in memory of her husband and son, Paolo Gallmann and Emmanuele Pirri-Gallmann, who died tragically, the GMF aims to promote coexistence of people and nature all over Africa. It has also been involved for many years in reconciliatory efforts in that region. Kuki Gallmann said: “For over two months we hosted 200 women and children, refugees of the Njemps tribe displaced in the 2005 clashes. We acted as a mediator at the beginning of tribal clashes between Samburu and Pokot, organising and hosting several elders’ meetings in 2006 and hosting a week-
16
Issue 5
LAIKIPIA HIGHLAND GAMES
natural talent
long peace meeting among Sudan youth
in fostering goodwill, build relations,
in 2007. We also organised several poign-
bridge divisions and harness the natural
ant healing peace seminars for victims
competitive spirit of these youth,” said
and perpetrators of political post-election
Martin Keino, a former track athlete,
violence in 2008, the year in which we
chief executive of Keino Sports Market-
preferred anonymity. “The enmity here
began the Sports for Peace event.”
ing and son of the great Kipchoge Keino.
goes many generations back and it’s
Every year they come together with the Great Rift Valley Trust and Keino
This year’s games, held on a 100,000hectare ranch, is a calendar event
From spear to javelin, the Laikipia Highland Games promote peace and talent.
hard to resolve it in a few years. This is a small step, but it’s a very important
that attracts many
‘Sport as a harbinger of peace stakeholders and about 600 particidates back to the original pants. Accommodation consists of tents with Olympic Games’ magnificent views of the valley. The
step in resolving some issues.” He said that interacting with other tribes in the games had softened their opinion of each other and helped in the overall peace process. I asked the Pokot acrobatic team
Sports Marketing to bring peace in the
nights are surprisingly cold, while the
how the older generation viewed the
region through these games. (The Great
greenery of the venue looks beautiful in
games and peace in general. Were they
Rift Valley Trust aims to bridge differ-
the morning sunlight. Dignitaries from
set in their old warring ways or were
ences between people around the world
the Diplomatic Corps and local tribal
they open to a change in mindset? “You
by fi nding common denominators and
chiefs gathered together to discuss
will be surprised how eager the older
pursuits such as art, music and sport.)
peace and reconciliation. The games
generation are to embrace peace,” said
included football, athletics, cricket,
one. “In fact, the ones in my village
javelin and traditional games.
have softer hearts than the younger
reconcIlIatIon This is important because sport as a
By combining sports across such
harbinger of peace dates back to the
an array of tribes and communities
something about this and not fuelling
original Olympic Games and has now
involved in the historical confl ict, the
it. I think it gives them peace of mind.”
been endorsed by the United Nations as
Laikipia Highland Games is crucial to
a vital tool for promoting reconciliation.
the peace process in the region.
“The main aim of this initiative is to use fundamental values of sports
ones. They are happy that we are doing
Peace among tribes is not easy, and it certainly won’t come overnight. The games
“Peace is a process that takes time,” said one of the Maasai cricketers, who
may be a small step, as all will agree, but it’s a very important step nonetheless.
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17
usIng fashIon to create a more peaceful world We profile Ann McCreath, one of Kenya’s best-known fashion designers, whose flamboyant collections, combined with her radical humanitarian ideals, have gained her world renown
I
t’s not easy to make a name for
yourself in the ruthless world of
international fashion; particularly if
you’re based in East Africa and you’re a committed upholder of the ideals
of ‘fair trade’; and especially if you
believe in making fashion work for
world peace; but Nairobi-based fashionista Ann McCreath has done it.
Born and brought up in Scotland, Ann won her fashion stripes in the haute couture salons of Rome, Milan and Barcelona, where she designed for an impressive selection of exclusive labels. In the late 1990s, however, her career took a radical change of direction when she decided to undertake
ann mccreath A winning smile from the creator of KikoRomeo, where fashion combines style with compassion.
18
Issue 6
PROFILER
projects for the humanitarian agency
ering the local
Médecins Sans Frontières. It was at
community.
this time, tasked with bringing health
Describing her
and community care to large numbers
biannual collec-
of displaced people in north-east
tions as ‘Radical
Kenya, that Ann conceived the idea of
Nairobi Chic’,
combining her humanitarian ideals
Ann uses exclu-
with her love of fashion. Her concept
sively African
was simple: she would found her own
fabrics and
African fashion house and use it as a
African-inspired
vehicle to create work for underprivi-
designs. She also
leged Africans.
works with local
brave move
women’s groups to produce handcrafted knitwear, with
It was a brave move, but a successful
local artisans to produce hand-carved
one. KikoRomeo (meaning ‘Adam’s
bone and coconut buttons, and with
Apple’ in Kiswahili) was founded in
local weavers to produce hand-loomed
1996 and now enjoys the distinction of
Kenyan cotton and wool. KikoRomeo
being one of the few fashion houses in
also works with numerous self-help
the world to combine classical haute
groups producing unique batik and
couture with ethnic African style; and
tie-dye fabrics made exclusively to
to promote world peace while empow-
Ann’s specifications. An innovative
elegant look The engine behind the design, 'Radical Nairobi Chic' mixes African fabrics and African-inspired designs with produce from local artisans for an elegant, cutting-edge design.
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19
PROFILER trailblazer, Ann has also worked with the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology to pioneer the production of Kenyan silk from homegrown silkworms.
dream It was in 2008, however, that Ann was finally able to realise her dream of harnessing the power of fashion to the dream of world peace. Following a wave of ethnically motivated violence that marred Kenya’s election process, Ann founded the Festival of African Fashion and Arts (FAFA). Speaking of her decision, Ann says: “The fact that thousands of people were made homeless by these ‘tribal clashes’ made me realise the need for ongoing community support rather than one-off aid initiatives.” Now a fixture on the international fashion scene, FAFA is described by Ann as “a platform upon which African arts and media professionals can cooperate to promote Fashion for Peace and eradicate the ugliness of ethnic strife via the celebration of the
'The fact that thousands of people were made homeless by these ‘tribal clashes’ made me realise the need for ongoing community support rather than one-off aid initiatives.'
beauty of Africa’s heritage”. FAFA has
Week in New York; and to represent
claim. Entitled ‘Licensed to Thrill’, the
already been instrumental in staging
Kenya at the Unesco Creative Indus-
collection took its cue from the iconic
an inspirational range of Africa-based
tries Forum in Italy.
figure of James Bond, blending high-
fashion events. It has also provided the
impact styling with hot action wear-
impetus to promote African fashion at
showcase
World Fashion Week in Perth, Austral-
With a shop in Nairobi’s YaYa Centre
ia; to stage the first African Fashion
showcasing collections for men, women
takes its inspiration from the fash-
and children, and complemented by
ions of the 1940s, which, Ann says,
a range of jewellery that draws on
were driven by an economic downturn
Africa’s rich cultural heritage for its
similar to the current one around
inspiration, Ann already exports to
the world. Says Ann: “Street Chic is
Japan, the UK and Italy. She also looks
all about minimalism and ingenuity,
set to extend her global reach via a
mixing scraps of luxurious fabric with
thriving web-linked mail order busi-
more affordable textiles, using patch-
ness and also through her work with
ing and appliqué to create a look that is
young fashion designers from all over
pared down to the basics but guaran-
the world to whom she offers train-
tees optimum impact.”
ability. Her latest collection, ‘Street Chic’,
ing in how to combine the creation of African fashion concepts with community-related projects.
CREDITS
Of all Ann’s dynamic initiatives, however, perhaps the most colourful resulted from her collaboration with the Kenya national rugby union team, who recently modelled a menswear collection to enthusiastic publicac-
All photos by Emmanuel Jambo, taken at the Nairobi Railway Museum. Clothes by KikoRomeo, women's jewellery by Riri Jewellery, men's jewellery by Embody Accessories. Make-up by SuzieBeauty. Models: Iona, Gak, Catherine, Lwanda & Pedro.
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21
FOODFOR THOUGHT
great ItalIan food and lIve Jazz – what’s not to lIke? ZAFFERANO RESTAURANT By Jackson Biko
Y
ou might be forgiven for
thinking that Zafferano is
an expensive place to eat because of its upmarket aura. It’s a large restaurant decorated in various shades of brown, with unique
we are cheaper than Artcaffe.”
duced a happy hour between 5 and 7
dinners. But it looks expensive, even
pm with a 25% discount on all drinks.
though that was not the owner’s intention.
the coast.
ate about inte-
Zafferano opened a year ago but
evening and the restaurant has intro-
comfortable, an ideal place to host family
curtains and pillars assembled piece by piece from stones hauled in from
jazz band performs there every Friday
Zafferano is actually very homely and
“I’m passionrior decoration,”
'I’m passionate about interior decoration, I sourced every single item in this restaurant with care'
hasn’t picked up as it should, in spite of
says Seema. “I sourced every single
its amazing food and ambience. Seema,
item in this restaurant with care, from
excellent at Zafferano. On Seema’s
the proprietor, believes she knows why.
the curtains, to the fabric of the seats –
recommendation, I chose the most
“Perception,” she says over an appe-
which you will agree are very comfort-
popular dish on the menu, the pan-
tiser of focaccia. “I was somewhere
able – to the lighting fi xtures.”
fried fi llet of tilapia topped with mush-
where people around the table were
It has to be said that the food is
room sauce. Only fresh fi sh is served
talking about how apparently expen-
happy hour
sive we are, how we charge KES 3,000
Zafferano aims to tap into the middle
as entrance. It was ridiculous. I mean,
class, where the big spenders are. A
here. It came with vegetable rice, soft and slightly crunchy. Zafferano offers a wide wine selection. The house wine, Chile's Viña Maipo, is excellent. Or you could try a cocktail served by the enthusiastic and dextrous barman, Thomas. Guests can choose to dine indoors or al fresco.
tasty: Can you resist?
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23
ProductReview
Apple iPhone 5
wow factor comes as standard Y
ou have witnessed the overnight
queues at Apple stores worldwide
as people eagerly await the latest
‘must have’ gadget; and it seems that ‘phone envy’ is set to happen again
with the return of the iPhone in its latest incarnation, the iPhone 5.
On its fifth creation, it might be fair
per cent slimmer and a full 25 grams
a cost, and the iPhone is definitely not
lighter than the iPhone 4S. The phone
the lowest-priced smart phone on the
doesn’t hold back on performance, either,
market. Yet, with each new innovation, it
as the introduction of the new A6 chip
looks set to continue wowing its public.
is claimed to speed up graphics and performance and even prolong battery life. For those who have been embarrassed by that accidental ring tone in
to ask how different the iPhone 5 can be
meetings or annoyed at being woken
from its predecessor; but the phone has
during that 20-minute nap, the iPhone
undergone some changes and improve-
5 has a great new feature
ments since the iPhone 4S. Consider
that conveniently
the screen size. There has been a trend
allows the user to
lately towards an increase in the size of
set a time range for
screens for hand-held technology, with
the ‘do not disturb’
many products overshooting the mark
function. In addition,
and making their technology less user-
the new panoramic
friendly. With the iPhone 5 there is an
camera feature takes
enlarged screen that has found its target
up to 28 megapixel
for comfort of use. The larger size also
panoramic images
helps improve the clarity of the onscreen
and is claimed to
image, which is enhanced by the retina
have better low-light
screen technology.
performance.
However, the larger screen size has not made this new phone untenable as a
obJect
pocket-sized gadget; the iPhone 5 is 30
Since its first
Sleek design and new technology reign with this phone; but this type of brand desirability comes at a cost
incarnation, the iPhone has been an
the obJect of desIre Apple comes up trumps
object of desire. The functionality, design and user-friendly interface are just a few of the reasons for this, and the iPhone 5 is no different. Sleek design and new technology reign with this phone; but this type of brand
All pics © Apple inc.
desirability comes at
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25
LATEST RELEASES
BOOKWORM daughters who walk thIs path
open cIty
the granta book of the afrIcan short story
By Yejide Kilanko
By Teju Cole
Edited by Helon Habila
Morayo is a young girl growing up in Nigeria. There are rumours surrounding the birth of Morayo’s baby sister, Eniayo, as her albino looks cause a stir. Through fear, Morayo distances herself from Eniayo, but as Morayo grows she learns to accept her sister. However, when Morayo’s wayward cousin, Bros T, comes to stay, events occur that leave Morayo on the brink of despair. It is only by confiding in her Aunt Morenike that Morayo is able to bond through their shared past and move toward adulthood.
26
Issue 6
Julius, a young Nigerian psychiatrist, wanders the streets of Manhattan in Teju Cole’s debut novel. On his journey Julius encounters many uncanny sights and an array of people who each help him to reflect on his relationships, past and present. Describing his recent breakup with his girlfriend, the accusations of his sister’s friend, the suicide of a patient and the Nigeria of his youth, this is a novel that explores transience and the psychological exploration of the outsider.
With stories by 26 writers from 19 countries across Africa, The Granta Book of the African Short Story was collated and edited by the award-winning Nigerian writer Helon Habila. With stories from authors such as Aminatta Forna and Binavanga Wainaina, the subject matter is diverse and explores ideas of nation, homecoming and love. These authors are the fresh, contemporary voice of Africa.
LATESTRELEASES
BLOCKBUSTERS the twIlIght saga: breakIng dawn part 2 Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Launtner Genre: Adventure, drama, fantasy
After the birth of her daughter, Renesmee, Bella is enjoying the new powers that accompany her new life. When vampire Irina believes the child to be a threat to the Volturi, the Cullens gather other vampire clans as allies to protect their family.
skyfall
Starring: Daniel Craig, Helen McCrory and Javier Bardem Genre: Action, adventure, thriller. Bond must deal with the latest threat to MI6 and M’s past comes back to haunt her testing loyalties in the 23rd outing of the James Bond franchise.
rIse of the guardIans
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin and Isla Fisher Genre: Animation, adventure, family The latest offering from the Dreamworks studio tells the story of a group of heroes known as The Immortal Guardians. These heroes must protect the imagination of children by joining together to combat the evil spirit, Pitch, who plans to take over the world.
end of watch
the casual vacancy By J.K. Rowling The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s longawaited first novel following the behemoth of the Harry Potter series. Children and adults enjoyed Harry Potter. This time, however, the fiction is firmly aimed at adults. Barry Fairbrother dies, leaving an empty seat on the local parish council for the village of Pagford. This event leads to a war for the election that unmasks the revelations lying beneath the idyllic facade of Pagford.
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña and Anna Kendrick Genre: Drama, crime, action, thriller Two young Los Angeles police officers patrol the toughest streets of the city. A routine traffic stop leads to the confiscation of guns and money, leaving both officers in a life-threatening predicament.
gambIt
Starring: Colin Firth, Cameron Diaz and Alan Rickman Genre: Comedy, crime From the pen of the inimitable Coen brothers comes this latest offering. Harry Deane is an art curator who wants to exact revenge on his terrible boss. Harry’s plan is to convince his boss to buy a fake Monet. But first he must enlist the help of a capricious rodeo queen.
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Community
Bitten by the recycling bug By Jane Barsby
I
f somebody told you that groups of women were crocheting old
supermarket bags into wastepaper baskets, or cutting up beer cans to
make angel wings, or that men were
melting down engine blocks from old matatus to make into candleholders
or ornamental aardvarks, you would
probably think they had gone bananas. Visit one of the innovative Nairobi-
based Banana Box shops, however, and you may think you are a banana.
Ranged on the shelves, hanging from the ceiling and piled into baskets, you will find a delightful collection of gifts, decor ideas, accessories and homeware, all of which look, outwardly at least, quite sensible and sane. It’s only when you read the small print on the labels that you realise just how brilliantly bizarre they are.
flip-flops There’s a three-foot-long fish in shades out of flip-flop sandals washed up on the beach and mounted on a lump of sun-bleached driftwood. There’s a gigantic dragonfly, its wings copper frosted and punctured by a delicate filigree of rust, made out of
One lady made enough money from bead-making to buy a hen. Then she sold enough eggs to buy a goat
scrap metal. And there’s a neatly
hand-made
coiled bendy black-and-yellow snake
finished items. Some artisans, such
made of beer bottle tops retrieved
as the Kenana Knitters of Njoro, work
from a popular Nairobi bar.
from home, making stuffed toys for
In creating these items, Sarah
© Sarah Withey
of sea blue and battleship grey made
children. They come together only
Artisans crafting practical and beautiful artworks and bags.
Withey, founder of Banana Box, works
to collect and communally dye their
working with the Salvation Army,
with community groups so numerous
wools, deliver elephants, giraffes and
source old T-shirts from the second-
it takes all her time just to do the
bears for shipment to Nairobi, and
hand clothes markets of Nairobi, cut
rounds of visiting them, delivering
attend adult literacy classes.
them into strips, dye them and weave
raw materials and collecting the
Others, such as a number of groups
them into rugs. Alternatively, they
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29
Community collect old magazines from doctors’ waiting rooms and hair salons and make them into beads. According to Sarah, one lady made enough money from bead-making to buy a hen. Then
Driftwood-style art Fishy designs. Beachcombers use flip flops washed up on the shores of the Indian Ocean to make beautiful and resourceful artworks.
she sold enough eggs to buy a goat. Now harnessing the recycling power of an
inspirational enough, Sarah tells the
army of community groups. There are
tale of two schoolchildren who saved
the blacksmiths who recycle redun-
enough money from their bead-making
dant metal into items as diverse as
activities to buy paraffin so that they
bottle openers and fruit bowls. There’s
could see to do their homework at night.
the group of artisans who melt down
Buzz
© Sarah Withey
Meanwhile, Banana Box is busy
milk to buy a cow. And if that’s not
old plastic vats and water drums to make into miniature dumper trucks
According to Sarah, the buzz to be
and trains for children; and there’s the
gained from recycling is addictive.
one that uses plastic packaging tape to
Right now, she is contemplating devil-
weave into colourful laundry baskets.
Recycling is not just about generating income; it can also provide ecologically sound solutions for society’s scourges
There’s also the group who collect
© Sarah Withey
she’s saving up her earnings from goat’s
glass bottles which they smash into shards, press into moulds, pierce with cassava
holders. Finally, there are all the
sticks (to make the
beachcombers who search the shores
ish ways of recycling mineral water
holes) and fire into beautiful antique-
of the Indian Ocean for flip-flops, sand-
bottles into gift boxes, supermarket
styled glass beads. And there are the
scoured glass and other fanciful frag-
meat trays into jewellery and beer
ladies who knit old plastic bags into
ments of flotsam and jetsam.
cans into Christmas wreaths.
everything from beach bags to pencil
solutions Nor is the whole recycling rap just about generating income; it can also provide ecologically sound solutions for society’s scourges. A number of groups, for example have used recycling to provide employment and education for unemployed youths and street children, others to rehabilitate glue-sniffers and alcoholics. Perhaps the most remarkable recycling tale of all, however, concerns the alcoholic whose drinking had lost him his job, his home, his family and his friends. He regained them all by collecting cardboard boxes from supermarkets, coating them with banana leaf fibre and crafting them into miniature Nativity scenes and angels. His guardian angel must have been
© Sarah Withey
bitten by the recycling bug, too.
FURTHER INFORMATION www.bananabox.co.ke
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31
CITYGUIDE
SOUTH SUDAN
UGANDA Kampala
KENYA
TANZANIA Worth a visit... Royal tombs
On a hillside overlooking Kampala, visitors will find the Tombs of the Buganda Kings at Kasubi, now a Unesco World Heritage Site. The tombs are located on a 30 acre site, at the centre of which stands the former palace of the Kabakas (Kings) of Buganda, built in 1882 and converted into a royal burial ground in 1884. Four royal tombs now lie within the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the main building, which is circular with a domed roof.
KAMPALA A
s an agreeable place to visit –
whether on business or vacation
– the Ugandan capital, Kampala, is hard to beat.
Located about 35 km from Entebbe International Airport, the city has a delightful climate with a daytime temperature of about 26°C all year round and just enough rain to maintain the green and lush splendour of its trees and parks. In terms of architecture, the finest examples are to be found in the vicinity of the Parliament Building, while Kampala’s most desirable suburb is probably Kololo, home to the venerable Uganda Golf Club. Kampala has a buzzing nightlife with a range of lively bars to match. There is a fine selection of Ugandan lagers and ales, considered by many to be the best in Africa. Topping the list of ‘must sample’ beers is the heady brew Nile Special.
QUICK FACTS • Currency: Uganda shilling (UGX) • Country code: +256 • Population: 1.72 million (2012 est.) • Climate: Warm and pleasant all year round • Transport: Matatus for relative comfort and boda bodas to beat the jams.
WHERE TO STAY Protea Hotel Kampala
www.proteahotels.com/kampala A favourite spot for business visitors.
Royal palace
Emin Pasha
www.eminpasha.com A good place for business or romance with an exceptional restaurant.
Le Petit Village
www.lepetitvillage.net As its name suggests, small and perfectly formed.
Metropole
Located to the west of the city is Lubiri, the royal compound of the Kabaka (King) of Buganda. This was one of the oldest kingdoms in Africa, dating back to the late 13th century.
Cathedrals
Kampala is blessed with two cathedrals, one Anglican (Namirembe) and the other Roman Catholic (Rubaga).
Uganda Crafts
www.metropolekampala.com Great-value business hotel.
Uganda’s oldest craft shop has been working with disadvantaged people since the early 1908s. This is the place to look for baskets, musical instruments, jewellery, batik work, carvings and barkcloth items.
Serena
www.serenahotels.com/serenakampala For those with generous expense accounts.
PLACES TO EAT & DRINK Krua Thai
Tel: +256 (0)414 234 852 Authentic Thai restaurant in Kololo
Il Patio
Tel +256 (0)414 258 448 Upmarket Italian cuisine. A hidden gem.
Kampala Mosque
Located in Old Kampala and still comparatively new, this impressive building can accommodate 5,000 worshippers in the main area plus 1,100 in the gallery and a further 3,500 on the terrace. The mosque was a gift from the former Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi.
Mish Mash
Tel: +256 (0)794 010 101 Popular arts and events venue in an old house with a lovely garden.
Khana Khazana
Tel: +256 (0)414 233 049 For Indian food in a delightful setting.
Spur Silver City
Tel: +256 (0)414 563 500 Top value steak and ribs. But is it as good as Spur Nairobi? The jury is still out.
The impressive Kampala Mosque
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33
KIDZCORNER
JOKE TIME!
KIDZ CORNER
Q. What do you call an elephant that flies? A. A jumbo jet
Q. What do you do when a dinosaur sneezes? A. Get out of the way
Q. Why did the elephant paint his toenails red?
ASK A SILLY
A. So he could hide in a cherry tree
QUESTION... A man was driving down the road with a flamingo in his car. The police stopped him and said: “Why have you got a flamingo in your car? You should take it to the zoo.” The next day, the same man was driving down the same road with a flamingo in the car. The police officer stopped him again and said: “Why didn’t you take him to the zoo?” The man said: “I did. Today I’m taking him to the cinema.”
Q. Why did the firefly keep stealing things? A. He was light fingered
Q. Why don’t skeletons fight each other? A. They don’t have the guts
ANIMAL WORDSEARCH
C B E K A N S T
Can you find the words listed below in the letter grid?
H K
Lion Puppy Cheetah Snake Hippo
Elephant Canary Kitten WOLF FROG
RIDDLE ME THIS... A doctor and a boy are running a race. The boy is the doctor’s son but the doctor is not the boy’s father. Who is the doctor?
I
T T E N T
E F C H F A Q R E R W I
H A G H
T O U P U P P Y A G E P F L O W H L
I
O N L S D
E C A N A R Y P
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35
Answer: His Mother
CULTURE&ART
WHY KAMPALA IS WAKING uP TO THE SOuND OF JAZZ
By Jackson Biko
T
he thing with jazz music is that many people pretend to under-
stand it just because they know who saxophonist Dave Koz is. But the
worst thing about jazz is that anyone who can play a saxophone is presenting himself as a jazz musician. It’s
vexing to the fathers and pundits of this unique music born in the black communities of the United States. In Uganda, as elsewhere in East
music is coming home to roost. But it isn’t – not yet. The progress of jazz in Uganda can only be described as modest. This doesn’t mean, however, that aren’t seeing a renaissance. Late last year, Christopher Ireland opened the fi rst and only jazz club in the Mukono area of Kampala. Called Jazzville, the club and is
Africa, jazz remains an elusive sound,
loosely based on legen-
delved in by a few and largely misun-
dary jazz venues like the
derstood by a majority. Currently
Bassline in Johannesburg
there is an explosion of band groups
and the Green Dolphin in Cape Town.
performing in taverns and bars. Most
There is a stage where artists are
of these bands have taken to putting
invited to play.
jazz sounds into old renditions, thus giving a false impression that jazz
“The challenge is that there aren’t enough jazz artists in Kampala and
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37
Culture&Art
the few who can play good jazz don’t
jazz with authentic African sounds.
He says the adaptability is necessary
have enough following,” says Ireland.
Qwela (meaning ‘pure’ in the Rukiga
in order for jazz music to survive in the
So Jazzville, although founded to raise
language) has been adding rhumba,
market. “At the end of the day most of
the profile of jazz music in Kampala,
reggae, jazz, blues and gospel to its
our musicians want to have commercial
continues to face challenges of identity.
sounds. This has won the band critical
success as well so they fuse the music
The challenge has been attracting
acclaim but has led to some confusion
to get more listenership,” says Asiimwe
patrons to visit the bar and listen to
about its core speciality.
“But also it’s easier for them to create
authentic jazz bands. “It was sad when they would ask us to change the music
hard sell
to something else,” says Ireland.
The band’s lead singer, Joe Kahirim-
Inevitably, given this blasé recep-
their own unique sounds by fusing with other genres like reggae and so on.” One thing is for sure: Ugandan’s
banyi, says: “We understand that jazz in
appetite for live music has never
tion, Ireland was forced to change
itself has proven to be a hard sell to most
been greater. The annual Jazz Safari,
tack and appeal to the naysayers of
people and the reason we have decided to
attracting top musicians from all over
jazz by fusing it with sounds that the
‘root’ it is so as to capture a wider audi-
the world, is always a big hit, although
masses could relate to. “What we have
ence but also to give our music a more
tickets are expensive and the event
decided to do is invite a popular artist
wholesome touch to it.” This was after a
sells out weeks in advance.
like Chameleon and ask him to play
musically colourful performance at the
his four popular hits but give it a jazzy
Sheraton Hotel where the band performs
Kampala just yet; but it is certainly
twist,” says Ireland. “This has shown
every last Friday of the month.
waking up.
tremendous promise because then
Jazz may not be fully alive in
Those sentiments raise the ques-
people have an entry point into jazz.”
tion of whether fusing jazz with other
Ireland isn’t the only one garnish-
sounds reduces its significance. “Jazz
WHERE TO LISTEN
ing jazz music for public appeal.
is hard to define, it’s borderless,” says
One of the biggest bands in Uganda
Ireland. Music critic Dennis Asiimwe,
now, the 11-piece Qwela, is fusing
of The Sun and The New Vision, agrees.
Jazz Ville, Bandali Rise, Bugolobi, Kampala
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39
WHO NEEDS LIONS? Words and Pictures by Lea Foustad Harbo
40
Issue 5
ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
T
he Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake
Manya – many names and places
come to mind when you think of safaris in Tanzania.
One park that is often overlooked is Arusha National Park. Easily the most accessible park from Arusha town, it has been described as one of the most beautiful places in the country. So why don’t more people go there? My guide for the day, Chris, has the answer: no lions. I must admit I love the big cats as much as most people, but my favourite animal will always be the giraffe, the gentle giant that observes you carefully with those big brown eyes while it munches on green leaves. And
was pleasant for walking as the rela-
there are many giraffes here.
tively high altitude keeps the park
long-legged
watchful wildlife
cool. We came across a herd of buffalo,
Above: Waterbuck: male, female and calf.
alternately grazing and taking mud
Below: Colobus with baby.
Besides the long-legged horse, you
baths. We were a little too close for my
can spot buffalo, warthog, zebra,
liking – buffalo can be quite aggressive
elephant, leopard, bush pig, various
– but they were a magnificent sight.
kinds of antelopes and lots of monkeys,
The walk gave us quite an appe-
especially the always entertaining
tite. Chris and our driver, Vincent,
baboons. The baboons we met during
knew exactly where we should go to
the day made me consider the ques-
enjoy our meal: the crater. Arusha
tion: who is really on safari here? The
National Park contains a beautiful
way they would sit and stare at us for
crater, once volcanic but now covered
minutes was uncanny. I’m sure they
by marsh and long grass. We drove up
were just as entertained as we were.
to a viewpoint to admire the fabulous
Arusha National Park could be
scenery. Then we sat down to eat, rest
While driving along rocky roads
described as ‘safari for beginners’ – a
and have a chat. Our lunchbox had
back to the park exit, we were lucky
good place to start before continuing
been neatly packed with a sandwich,
enough to see a whole family of bush
on to the Serengeti and other big game
a piece of chicken, a hard-boiled egg,
pigs crossing in front of us. I reached
reserves. Here, you can walk with an
an apple and a chocolate muffin. The
for my camera but it was too late. These
armed ranger and observe the wildlife
hardy lunch perked us up and we set
fast little animals are rarely seen, so we
out to explore more of the
national park. Arusha National Park could be On my East African described as ‘safari for beginners’ journey I had yet to see a flamingo and – a good place to start before Chris thought we should continuing on to the Serengeti try our luck by Momella and other big game reserves Lake. His hunch turned out to be a good one. Hundreds of
were in the right spot at the right time.
ancient crater As evening fell at the end of a long and great day, we exited the park. Arusha National Park is not as tame as you might think, just because the lions don’t come here. It has wild forest, Mount Meru, lakes and wonderful views of
while learning more about the flora
flamingos were huddled together in a
an ancient crater – and you will find
and fauna of Tanzania. The ranger will
corner of the lake, creating a big pink
several species of wild animals. Don’t
tell you which plants the Maasai use to
spot of scenery. Suddenly they took off
dismiss it, but come here and spend a
cure stomach pains and toothache and
and the sky was filled with slender pink
day. It might surprise you.
show you the plant that provides the
birds, yapping loudly as they followed
Arusha National Park is an easy
colour for henna tattoos.
the leader. They flew in perfect forma-
30-minute taxi ride from Arusha town.
We set out just as the sun peeked over Mount Meru. The temperature
tion and landed with multiple splashes at the other end of the lake. Wow!
George Mavroudis Safaris arranged my day trip to the national park.
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41
S R E K E E S L L I R TH
GO OVER THE EDGE
U
ganda was voted Best Tourist
Destination 2012 by Lonely Planet
and it’s easy to see why, especially if
you’re a thrill-seeking gap year student or if you like your travel experiences to be shaken as well as stirred.
For some time it has been possible
of Mount Wanale, near Mbale, 2,320
Utah, which is the best flying in the US
metres high and, crucially, just a two-
and many national competitions held
hour drive from Jinja or four hours
there,” says Adam.
from Kampala.
LOCATION Mount Wanale is the location for
He was attracted to Uganda because no-one had done anything commercially in the country and, he admits, he wanted to see the gorillas.
to enjoy (if that is the correct word)
Uganda’s fi rst commercial paragliding
heart-stopping white water rafting,
operation. For those unfamiliar with
Uganda with a driver going anywhere
death-defying bungee jumping, fun-
paragliding, it is not a hybrid variant
and everywhere to fi nd the best loca-
fi lled jet boating and adrenalin-fuelled
of parasailing or hang gliding. Para-
tion for his planned paragliding opera-
river surfi ng in Uganda – activities
sailing involves a simple parachute
tion. It has taken many years and a lot
that have brought daring young visi-
being towed by a boat. Hang gliding has
of money, however, to reach the point
tors flocking to the nation’s white-
a rigid aluminium frame. But a para-
where paragliding is a commercial
knuckle capital, Jinja, to sample its
glider has no frame and is, in reality,
proposition, with tandem fl ights avail-
somewhat alarming offerings.
an aerofoil that creates lift using the
able for novices and the curious who
same principles as an aircraft – minus,
just want to sample the activity.
Since mid 2012 there has been a new and equally scary experience on the menu for those who like to live on the edge. In this case, it’s the edge
of course, the motor. The new operation, called Fly Mami
Issue 5
LAuNCH BASE
Afrika, is run by Adam Robinson, who is
Adam explains why he chose Mount
originally from the United States.
Wanale as a launch base rather than
Adam has been paragliding in We launch at 1,630 East Africa for about seven years, metres above sea level, and for the past five or so he has been based in Uganda. and fly just near to them “As executive direcI have been flying as well as over a 200 metre tor, for eight years and received training in high waterfall
42
He spent his fi rst three months in
a more traditional cliff edge. “Wanale is a free-standing mountain, but it has large cliff bands around the entire circumference,” he explains. “We launch from just above the bands, at around 1,630 metres above sea level, and fly just near to them as well as over a 200 metre high waterfall.”
PARAGLIDING
Currently, the Fly Mami Afrika
have another chat about the proce-
“Because this is a new activity to
itinerary involves clients arriving
dures for launching and explanation of
the country and we are trying to get
in Jinja, from where they are trans-
the equipment. Then we launch.”
exposure, our prices are set low,” says
ferred to Mbale. “Or they just meet
The fl ight lasts for between 15
us in Mbale the evening before the
minutes and one hour. There is a
the rates will be raised a bit.” Prices
fl ight,” says Adam. “Then we talk
maximum weight limit of 115 kg and
start from US$ 275 per person or US$
through the activity and the following
minimum of 35 kg. The area in which
225 each for two people. This price
morning we drive up the mountain and
Fly Mami Afrika operates has no
includes a two-night stay in what
tourism other than the paragliding.
Adam describes as a ‘mid-level’ hotel as
FLYING HIGH
This means the activity is a real experi-
well as breakfast and dinner. However,
ence or, as a recent client described it,
he hopes soon to be offering rates with
Above right: Hold on tight.
an ‘adventure excursion’. The compa-
a more upper-end hotel in Mbale.
Below: Mount Wanale.
ny’s clients have an opportunity to see an area seldom visited by foreigners.
Adam. “After we have more demand,
COMBINATION In addition, there is the option of combination packages at Sipi River Lodge. Sipi Falls, one hour north of Mbale, is home to some great mountain biking, rock climbing and a huge 100 metre abseil/rappel near an impressive waterfall. It’s perfect, too, for day trekking through Mount Elgon National Park with its caldera summit at 4,320 metres. So if you like to live in the fast lane and want to try something new and just that little bit scary, head for Mount Wanale – especially while prices are still quite reasonable.
AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com
43
A RESTAURANT SO GOOD
IT'S WORTH SWIMMING TO Words and Pictures by Lea Foustad Harbo
uNIQuE LOCATION Truly unmissable
44
Issue 5
FOODFOR THOUGHT
D
espite my fi rst thought, The
Rock restaurant in Zanzibar is
not a place resembling the Hard Rock Cafés scattered across the world. In fact, it has nothing to do with
rock’n’roll or any kind of music whatsoever. The restaurant sits atop a big rock just off the coast at Michamvi Beach on the island of Zanzibar.
Previously a fisherman’s post for many years, The Rock was transformed
When the tide is low you can walk to the stairs that lead up to the restaurant but a high tide you have two options: either go by a small boat or swim. Guests in bathing suits are not an uncommon sight at The Rock. You can dry off on the outdoor balcony and
The staff were very hospitable
enjoy a chilled glass of white wine as
and knew a lot about the food they
you take in the fabulous view of the
were serving. Prices are a little
Indian Ocean with its many colours.
higher than in many other Zanzibar restaurants. But you are not just
in 2010 when a group of partners took
SuRPRISE
over. In a major restoration, the restau-
While sipping your wine you, have
experience in a place that has become
rant was decorated in the traditional
a look at the menu. It comes as no
a landmark. A price tag of US$ 25
style of the area and restrooms and a
surprise that this place is all about
for a grilled lobster is not expensive
kitchen were installed. Since then the
seafood. The menu is not extensive, but
compared with many Western restau-
guests have never stopped coming.
there is something for everyone, with
rants; and lobster is one of the most
The restaurant has become one of the
fresh salads, pastas and lots of freshly
expensive items on the menu.
symbols of Zanzibar and a ‘must visit’
caught fish. You can choose between
for many tourists.
crab, lobster, grilled fish and prawns. I
the wine and the breathtaking view.
opted for the grilled lobster with a side
This is not so much a seaside restau-
order of fries and a small salad and I
rant; more a restaurant in the sea.
Guests in bathing suits are not an uncommon sight at The Rock
buying a meal, you are buying an
Come to The Rock for the food,
was not disappointed. Served with a
MAKE A BOOKING
piece of lemon, the lobster tasted delicious and that, along with the wonderful view from our table, made it the best meal I had enjoyed so far in Zanzibar.
The Rock Restaurant has 12 tables for guests. For reservations call +255 (0)779 909 855 www.therockrestaurantzanzibar.com
AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com
45
ABERDARE HILLS
Kenya’s best-ever golf resort?
D
oes Kenya need another new golf resort? With top-notch develop-
ments already in place at Great Rift
Valley and Vipingo and others under way in Thika, Nairobi and Eldoret, it might be thought that Kenya had
more than enough fancy golf courses to satisfy local demand.
Well, I thought so, too. But that was
ing of a second port at Lamu, new rail and road networks in the north, oil in Uganda and South Sudan and now also in Kenya. Moreover, when I came to know my land, I realised its beauty and location, which deserves a project that will preserve and enhance it and the
Above: Big plans for Aberdare Hills Golf Resort.
environment.”
Below: The course is a world-class design.
before I met Dr Pritam Panesar, the
the perfect climate
flower seller turned property developer
As it is, Naivasha is blessed with an
who is the driving force behind the
ideal climate for golf. Dr Panesar, who
Aberdare Hills Golf Resort (AHGR) now
has played the game around world,
taking shape in Naivasha.
says: “Naivasha is the only place where
Dr Panesar is spending a cool US$ 200 million on backing his ambitious
Looking to the future
I play where I do not sweat or freeze.” So what can investors expect to pay
plan to transform what, to many,
to buy into AHGR? Well, prices start
seems like unpromising bush into
at Euros 250,000 for the smallest 500
Kenya’s finest golf course and resort.
square metre plot, with high rollers
A passionate Dr Panesar explains
expected to hand over the best part
his thinking: “I have owned this land
of Euros 1 million for an impressive
for many years and I was looking for a
4,000 square metre plot. Dr Panesar
use of it. Kenya and the region have a
expects that up 80 per cent of inves-
great future with the construction of a
tors will be from Kenya and the wider
fast rail track to Naivasha, the build-
East African region with the balance
Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com
47
ABERDARE HILLS
made up of buyers from overseas.
He adds: “I do not understand how
launch, leading golf course design-
one can think about a project and in
ers such as Ernie Els, Faldo Design,
upmarket ambitions, Dr Panesar is
a couple of months have the master
Jack Nicklaus Design, Gary Player,
insisting on the highest standards
plan ready. If you look at other master
European Golf Design and others have
of house construction, while allow-
plans, they are straight and have
expressed interest and we are now
ing owners some leeway in terms of
parallel lines on X and Y axes. Ramani
looking into their proposals and we
building their dream home. “There
Geosurvey had to visit our site and
will decide early next year. We are
are guidelines drafted by [destination
carry out the
designers] WATG and home owner
survey work
rules, but there is maximum flexibil-
three times
ity,” he says.
from 2009 to
In keeping with the development’s
competition
2011 to get details of the
‘When I came to know my land, I realised its beauty and location’
I put it to Dr Panesar that his dream
lie of the land
project faces competition from other golf
as accurately
course resort schemes in East Africa,
as was required by the consultants.
also considering Signature Services
including a well established development
During this period we also got NEMA
provided by them. We are on schedule
just across the valley from AHGR where,
approval for the first phase and the
and expect to commence the sales in
instead of waiting until 2015, investors
water permits. We are not giving any
early 2013 when our sales office will be
can start playing golf tomorrow if they
false promises to the buyers of prop-
on site and manned.”
so wish.
erty in this project.”
Dr Panesar strongly believes that
Dr Panesar will then be ready to sell the development. He says: “We want
Aberdare Hills will be in a different
world-class design
league: “This is the only project which
So, with the course set to open in
prices with the Caribbean, Florida,
has a proper master plan drawn up by
2015 and the first resident enjoying
California, the Mediterranean rim and
WATG, the world’s leading company in
his or her purchase the year before,
South Africa. We are not simply selling
this sector,” he says. “All other design
how are things progressing? “Well,
land and buildings, we are providing
work and planning is done thought-
work started towards the end of last
the buyers with a lifestyle which will
fully and in detail. We are now in the
year and we had an official launch in
give them good health, happiness and
sixth year.”
Nairobi in November 2011. Since the
long life in natural surroundings.
the buyers to compare our product and
“I do not compare this project with the Middle East because it would be unfair to do so. The Middle East cannot provide the climate we have in Naivasha. Kenya is a young and growing country with the ability to manage crises quickly. All countries face challenges. Therefore, investment in this project makes a lot of sense, commercially and otherwise.” Let us hope that Dr Panesar’s assessment is correct, because AHGR looks set to be a truly remarkable development – one that will enhance Kenya’s growing reputation as a place to play golf and to see a good return on any investment in property.
A land made for golf Far left: The ravine Near left: Course takes shape
Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com
49
the fly540
OW
COST AIR L
E IN
AFRICAS L
NETWORK AT: E N m NLI o O c . K 0 BOO ly54
A FR
50
Issue 6
w.f w w
ICA
NETWORK
SOUTH SUDAN
Lodwar
UGANDA Eldoret
Kisumu
KENYA Nairobi
Lamu Malindi Mombasa
TANZANIA
AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com
51
BusinessHUB: Mobile Money
cell-phone banking is a hit with east africans T
he past few years have seen East Africa become the world’s most
By Antony Shoo
dynamic market for mobile money. The use of cell phones for money
transfers and payments has enabled citizens to make transactions at the push of a button. Kenya, a nation
with more cell phones than adults, established itself as the leading
provider with the success of Safa-
ricom’s M-Pesa service. Tanzania,
however, has also realised the huge
all income groups use mobile phones and 73 per cent are mobile
potential of mobile money and is now
money customers.
fi nancial access innovations.
enjoying the convenience of phone-
benefiting from a rising number of
convenient transfers
The impact of millions of people based money transfer and storage services is an ongoing phenomenon.
Mobile money’s remarkable rise in
In Tanzania, the four big money
parts of Africa derives from the huge
transfer operators (Airtel, Tigo
demand for secure money transactions
Vodacom and Zantel) continue to
coupled with the low reach of tradition-
explore new ways of using mobile
al banking systems in some regions.
money and are investing in tech-
According to ‘The Economist’, in Africa
nology to improve their services.
only about 10 per cent of people with
Healthy competition has seen
primary or no education have bank
transfer fees fall, while platform
accounts. In marked contrast, a strik-
functionality improvements
ing number of Africans have mobile
mean more transaction options for
phones. World Bank research reports
customers, such as bill payments
that some 93 per cent of Kenyans from
and airtime purchases.
52
Issue 5
Mobile money’s remarkable rise in parts of Africa derives from the huge demand for secure money transactions coupled with the low reach of traditional banking systems in some regions
design business processes to link their accounting software, banking structures, databases and mobile money ‘wallets’ together. This creates workable systems with clear, transparent audit trails, while bringing the benefits of mobile money Network
to the company’s customers.
reach and agent
Smartmoney and agribusiness
coverage in rural areas remain a key challenge in Tanzania and across the continent.
One interesting venture in Tanzania
Agent liquidity can also present
is SmartMoney, which forms strate-
an obstacle to customers when
gic partnerships with agribusinesses
the agent doesn’t have enough
in rural areas. These partnerships
e-money or cash to carry out
avoid the need for costly advertis-
transactions. Interoperability,
ing campaigns as they have existing
enabling users to conduct transac-
trade links with farming communities.
tions across different networks, also
SmartMoney’s service is especially
remains a challenge.
valuable in areas where mobile phone
Mobile money innovations are not
companies have limited network and
focused solely on person-to-person
agent coverage. The organisation
transactions. “M-commerce using
works actively with its partners to
next-generation technology offers
recruit local entrepreneurs to offer
new payment channels, business-to-
agent services. SmartMoney service
customer and customer-to-business
costs are met by the agribusinesses.
opportunities,” explains Chris Statham
Following SmartMoney’s launch in
of mobilemoneyconsultancy.com. His
Uganda, it is now creating an ‘ecosys-
company is helping enterprises to
tem’ within the northern Tanzanian
Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com
BusinessHUB: Mobile Money
them much greater financial security.”
region of Mwanza, currently targeting stakeholders in cotton
Such initiatives enable communities
farming. This ranges from small-
underserved by the banking system
holder farmers to input dealers
to access convenient and affordable
who can access the service on any
financial services.
phone network. This has created an
Promoters of mobile money have
efficient channel for more finance
often thrived where flexible regula-
to be put into the sector.
tions have enabled the emerging technology to penetrate new markets
innovative transactions
quickly. A recent report from the
The formal financial systems are
United Nations trade agency, however,
also growing closer to mobile money
has recommended region-wide rules
operators. Large geographic
to coordinate and harmonise regula-
distances between population
tions. Experts in the sector do not view this as an obstacle to the exciting ways in which mobile money is helping us rethink the region’s financial service infrastructure, beyond physical bank branches, by embracing innovative approaches to transactions, new payment channels and more service providers.
centres in countries like
Social benefits of financial inclusion
Tanzania make it
Mobile money has brought far-reach-
difficult for microfinance
ing social benefits to places that have
institutions and banks to have
harnessed its potential. As more
sufficient branch coverage. A number
possibilities are realised, we are likely
of these organisations are now in the
to see greater financial inclusion
process of harnessing mobile money
for ‘unbanked’ citizens; increasing
technology for the dispersing of loans, collecting repayments and mobilising savings. For instance, the Dar es Salaam-based microfinance institution YOSEFO is collaborat-
Mobile money has brought far-reaching social benefits to places that have harnessed its potential
ing with Vodacom Tanzania’s M-pesa
consumption with easier purchasing
service to disburse loans to their
facilities; and enterprises develop-
customers. “We have found that our
ing new markets further afield. Big
clients appreciate the convenience
or small, everyone has the potential
of having their loans disbursed via
to generate new revenue streams, or
mobile money,” says Altimus Millinga,
reduce costs in a secure regulatory
executive director of YOSEFO. “They
environment, with the help of mobile
can store their credit on their phone
money. The future offers exciting
and cash out when needed. This gives
opportunities – at the push of a button.
Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com
55
FLY540 VISA
M FOR ATION N I
TRAVEL INFORMATION VISA INFORMATION
M
ost nationals require visas
KENYAN VISAS
from the five East African states
Visas are required for most nationals and cost US$50. A visa can be obtained on entry, however we recommended one be obtained before arrival to avoid airport lengthy queues. Visa Application Forms are available online.
Common Market of East and South-
A visa is required by all visitors travelling to Kenya with the exception of those holding a re-entry pass to Kenya and citizens of Ethiopia, San Marino, Turkey and Uruguay.
to enter East Africa. Citizens
require no visas while those from the ern Africa (COMESA) member states have relaxed entry requirements into East Africa.
However, East African member states have their own visa requirements for various nationals.
UGANDAN VISAS The easiest way of getting a visa to Uganda is by purchasing it at the entry point, Entebbe Airport or any border station. This is very possible for tourists coming into Uganda. All you need to do is pay US$50, fill in the application form with passport dates and information. The visa issued is valid for 90 days. You can also get a visa by applying online if you a citizen of the following countries, USA, UK, South Africa, Russia, Japan, Italy, India, Germany, France, Denmark, China, Canada, and Belgium. All you need to do is to download the application from the embassy website of your country of origin.
56
Issue 6
Note that the reciprocal visa abolition agreements with Germany, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Spain, and Republic of Ireland no longer apply and nationals of these countries now require a visa. Kenya Visa Requirements
• • • • •
Valid passport with sufficient number of unused pages for endorsements abroad. Passport must be signed and valid for at least six months. Visa application form duly completed and signed by the applicant. Two recent passport size photographs attached to the application form. Valid round trip ticket or a letter from your travel agent certifying that the applicant holds prepaid arrangements. A self-addressed stamped envelope for express mail, courier, registered mail, etc., if the visa is urgently required. Metered stamps are not acceptable.
• Home and work telephone numbers.
Please fill out the form correctly and enclose the photographs and payment to avoid delay and disappointment. Standard Visa fees payable by cash to the Embassy of Kenya. Visa fees charges:
• Multiple entry: US$100 • Single entry: US$50 • Transit Visa: US$20 1. Please note that all children below 16 years are not charged visa fees 2. The reduced visa fees were effected on 1 march 2009, as directive from ministry of tourism on attracting more tourists in to the country. 3. Passengers can pay in US dollars, British pounds, Euro or Swiss franc. For more information and to download a Kenya visa application form visit: http://www.immigration.go.ke/index.php
TravelInformation
SOUTH SUDAN VISAS
Immigration regulations stipulate that anyone going to South Sudan and wishing to travel outside of Khartoum 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.
VACCINA 0 T 54
Requirements:
All applicants to launch their visas in person Passport must be valid for at least six month and presented on submission of application Two recent colour passport-size photos Yellow fever vaccination card Letter of invitation and intent Standard Visa fees payable by balance transfer to: Government of South Sudan Special Permit Account Bank: Kenya Commercial Bank; Sarit Centre Branch A/C No. 402004247
N IO
• • • • •
Fees: • • • •
FO N IN RMAT IO
The Republic of South Sudan has missions in Kenya, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa, Australia, Norway, Belgium, the UK, Germany, France, Turkey, Libya, China, India, Italy, Canada and the USA.
FLY
Any visitor going to South Sudan through Khartoum requires a valid visa. Visas are issued through the South Sudan Embassy.
HEALTH
Multiple entry: US$250 (six months)/US$400 (one year) Single entry for countries with common boarder with South Sudan: US$50 Single entry for other African countries: US$100 Single entry for European and US citizens: US$100
Vaccination requirements for international travellers
Processing period: Two working days
• No cholera vaccination certificates are required of travellers coming from all over the world.
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. Tanzanian visas are issued by the following:
• The office of the Director of Immigration Services, Dar es Salaam, and the office of the Principal Immigration Officer, Zanzibar. • Entry points to the United Republic of Tanzania: principally Namanga, Tunduma, Sirari, Horohoro, Kigoma Port, Dar es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar Harbour and Zanzibar Airport. • Any other gazetted entry point. • From Tanzania High Commissions or embassies abroad. For more information on Tanzanian diplomatic missions visit: www.tanzania.go.tz/tanzaniaembassiesabroad.htm
• Only valid yellow fever vaccination certificates are required of all travellers over one year old, arriving from yellow fever infected countries mainly in central and West Africa, South and Central America South East Asia, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh. • Vaccination for international travellers are obtainable from all international air and sea ports, city and major municipal councils NB: Make sure you get your yellow fever shot in good time since the yellow fever certificate is valid for travel use 10 days after vaccination.
Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com
57
F
ly540 operates modern aircraft
Cessna Caravan C208
and is constantly updating and
modernising its fleet.
Type: Single turboprop engine, fixed-gear short-haul regional airliner Number in service: One Capacity per aircraft: 10 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. This underlines the fact that Fly540 is a ‘green airline’ that cares for the environment. The crew and engineering team are professionally trained and certified to ICAO standards.
Bombardier Dash 8 102 Series
ATR 72-500
Type: Twin-engined, medium-range, turboprop airliner Number in service: Three Capacity per aircraft: 37 passengers
Type: Twin-engine turboprop shorthaul regional airliner Number in service: Two Capacity per aircraft: 78 passengers
DC-9 Type: Twin-engine, single-aisle jet airliner Number in service: One Capacity per aircraft: 80 passengers
Fokker F27 Type: Turboprop cargo airliner Number in service: One Capacity per aircraft: 1,336 x 210 x 190 cm cargo hold
58
Issue 6
FLEETINFORMATION
THE fly540
AIRCRAFT FLEET
Canadair CL-600-2B19 Regional Jet Type: Twin-engine regional jet Number in service: Three Capacity per aircraft: 50 passengers
Fokker F28 Type: Short range jet airliner Number in service: One Capacity per aircraft: 67 passengers
Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com
59
Contacts
CONTACT INFORMATION FIVE FORTY AFRICA – HEAD OFFICE
Riverside Green Suites, Palm Suite, Riverside Drive PO Box 10293-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 (0)20 445 2391/5 Fax/Tel: +254 (0)20 445 2396 Sales: Tel: +254 (0)737 540 540 Email: info@fly540.com
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
ELDORET 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS 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
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
JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE, Unit 3 (Domestic Departures)
Tel: +254 (0)20 827 523 Tel: +254 20 827 366 Cell: +254 727 532 273
Unit 1 (International Departures)
Tel: +254 (0)20 827 521
KAKAMEGA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS Holden Mall - above Nakumatt
MOI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, MOMBASA Tel: +254 (0)41 343 4821 Tel: +254 (0)32 540 540; (0)722 555 730 MOMBASA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
Ground Floor, Mombasa Trade Centre, Nkrumah Road
Tel: +254 (0)41 231 9078/9 Mob: +254 (0)728 540 540; (0)710 540 540
UKUNDA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
Barclays Centre, Diani Road
Tel: +254 (0)20 354 6532 Tel: +254 (0)726 453 246
TANZANIA DAR ES SALAAM 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE Plot No 767/39, Samora Avenue
Tel: +255 (0)22 212 5912/3 Sales: Tel: +255 752 540 540; (0)788 540 540 Cell: +255 754 292 675; (0)784 292 675
ARUSHA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
Blue Plaza Building, Indian Street
Tel: +255 (0)27 254 5211 Tel: +255 (0)784 410 233
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS BELGIUM AVIAREPS AG
J.E. Mommaertslaan 16b (2nd floor), 1831 Diegem
RESERVATIONS Tel: +32 (0)2 712 04 93 Fax: +32 (0)2 725 83 92
Email: Res540.BRU@aviareps.com
SALES Tel: +32 (0)2 712 05 84 Fax: +32 (0)2 725 83 92
Email: Sales540.BRU@aviareps.co
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
ITALY AVIAREPS AG
Via Monte Rosa, 20 20149 Milan
KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Tel: +255 (0)756 540 540 Tel: +255 (0)27 255 4282
RESERVATIONS Tel: +39 02 4345 8346 Fax: +39 02 4345 8336
ZANZIBAR 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
SALES & MARKETING MANAGER
Cine Afrique Building, Stone Town
Tel: +255 (0)24 223 5110 Tel: +255 (0)762 540 540
Email: Res540.MIL@aviareps.com
Maria Rosa Cappelli
Mobile: +39 335 778 5936
Email: mcappelli@aviareps.com
UGANDA
NETHERLANDS
ENTEBBE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
AVIAREPS AG
Tel: +254 (0)770 639 429 Tel: +254 (0)724 457 374 Tel: +254 (0)735 540 547
Tel: +256 (0)314 540 540 Tel: +256 (0)315 540 540 Sales: Tel: +256 (0)713 540 540
RESERVATIONS Tel: +31 (0)20 654 79 29 Fax: +31 (0)20 623 01 51
LAICO REGENCY – 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
KAMPALA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
Tel: +254 (0)20 224 3211/3/4 Cell: +254 727 540 540; (0)737 540 540 Fax: +254 (0)20 224 3219
Tel: +256 (0)414 346 915/999 Tel: +256 (0)312 540 540 Sales: Tel: +256 (0)712 540 540; (0)776 540 540
LAMU – NORTH COAST TRAVEL SERVICE Tel: +254 (0)42 213 0312 Tel: +254 (0)42 463 2054 Tel: +254 (0)725 942 444
SOUTH SUDAN
Tel: +254 (0)734 540 550 Tel: +254 (0)711 908 330
KITALE TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
Terminal Building, Kitale Airstrip
Mezz. floor, Shopping Arcade
Email: nctslamu@swiftmalindi.com Email: nctsmalindi@swiftmalindi.com
60
Issue 6
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
1st Floor, Oasis Mall
JUBA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE Tel: +211 959 540540; +211 999 540540 Email: Sales.juba@fly540.com
Beechavenue 104 1119 PP Schiphol
Email: Res540.AMS@aviareps.com
SALES Tel: +31 (0)20 520 02 82 Fax: +31 (0)20 623 01 51
Email: Sales540.AMS@aviareps.com
RUSSIAN FEDERATION GSA AVIAREPS AG
Prospect Mira, 39 Bldg 2 129110 Moscow
RESERVATIONS Tel: +7 (495) 937 59 50 Fax: +7 (495) 937 5951
Email: Res540.MOW@aviareps.com
SALES Tel: +7 (495) 937 59 50 Fax: +7 (495) 937 5951
Email: Sales540.MOW@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 / +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
Tel: +41 (0) 44 286 99 62 Fax: +41 (0) 44 286 99 63
Email: 540-Switzerland@aviareps.com
UNITED KINGDOM FLY540
c/o AviaCircle, 28-29 The Quadrant Business Centre, 135 Salisbury Road London, NW6 6RJ
RESERVATIONS Tel: 0870 774 2250 Fax: 0870 777 7172
Email: res540@aviacircle.com
SALES Tel: 0870 774 2250 Fax: 0870 774 2250
Email: Sales540@aviacircle.com
SPECIAL FEATURES 03 IN THIS ISSUE
Welcome to the new issue
05 540 News
The latest news from the 540 family
16 Laikipia highland games
Using sport to promote peace throughout Kenya
29 COMMUNITY
Recycling made beautiful as waste is turned into art
40 Arusha national park Why not meet the giraffe at the Arusha National Park
42 paragliding
23 FOODFORTHOUGHT
25 ProductReview
26 LATEST RELEASES
Get a preview of the new golf course
Joe Kadenge, Kenya’s football legend
10 MYWORLD
Explore the Tsavo National Park
14 LOOKINSIDE
Peek through the doors of the Ocean Beach Resort in Malindi
18 PROFILER
Fashion and inspiration: Take a look at the new Ann McCreath collection
Kampala - Uganda
37 CULTURE&ART
Jazz, the new heartbeat of Kampala
35 kidz corner 44 FOODFORTHOUGHT
Take a paddle to Zanzibar’s stunning Rock Restaurant
55 BUSINESSHub
The impact of mobile money
USEFUL INFORMATION
REGULAR FEATURES 06 SPORTREVIEW
Coming to a screen near you...
33 CITYGUIDE
Adrenalin at the ready
47 aberdare hills
Treat yourself to a hearty Italiam meal at Zafferelli’s
50 The fly540 network 56 TRAVEL INFORMATION
Essential travel and visa information
58 fly540 fleet 60 fly540 contacts Connect with Fly540