ISSUE 16 / FEB – APRIL 2015
YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY
LookInside
BEACHFRONT GEM WITH BRIGHT FUTURE Retaj Moroni
FoodForThought
GRILLED TROUT HEAVEN UNDER A FIG LEAF
540 COMPETITION WIN A JAGUAR XE TEST DRIVE See Page 4 for details
PARADISE
Off the beaten track COMOROS – THE UNCOVENTIONAL DESTINATION
ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LATEST RELEASES • 540 NEWS • KITALE CITY GUIDE
Contents
contents COVER STORY
REGULAR FEATURES
11 COMOROS
03 IN THIS ISSUE
Islands of rare beauty with a rich culture
04 540 NEWS 30 CarReview
Jaguar XE
33 cityguide Kitale
34 LOOKinside
Retaj Moroni
36 FOODforthought
Trout Tree Restaurant
38 ProductReview
USEFUL INFORMATION
Looking after the grey matter
40 latestreleases
43 THE FLY540 NETWORK
44 FLY540 FLEET
issue 16
45 FLY540 CONTACTS
Books and films.
48 KIDS’ CORNER
46 TRAVEL INFORMATION
Essential travel and visa information
is published by LAND & MARINE PUBLICATIONS LTD 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
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on behalf of
SPECIAL FEATURES 6 PROFILE: ANDREW MATOLE
FLY540 AVIATION Baycourt Upper Floor, Suite 3&4 The Watermark Business Park Ndege Rd, Karen PO Box 10293-00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 388 3060-2 Fax: +254 (0)20 3883063 Email: info@fly540.com www.fly540.com
View this issue online: www.fly540.com/onboard
All creatures great and small
17 INTERIOR DESIGN
House of Arts
20 DHOW RACE
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.
©2015 Land & Marine Publications Ltd
Lateens aloft for sailing glory
24 #NAIROBI The city through a lens (and a filter)
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InThisIssue
issue 16
IN THIS ISSUE W
elcome to the latest issue of 540 magazine. It has been a tough few months for Kenya’s tourism sector, but 2015 heralds a bright new year and everyone is cautiously optimistic that the travel and hospitality sector is back on track. Sister airline Fly-SAX launched flights between Kenya and the Comoros capital Moroni in October 2013. We visit Comoros to soak up the atmosphere in this off-the-beaten-track destination. In this issue we have made up for our previous lack of coverage of all things Comorian.
Andrew Matole Also in this issue, we profile busy vet Andrew Matole, who regales us with a series of humorous tales. We pop up to Nanyuki to sample the delights on offer at the unique Trout Tree Restaurant – a venue I can heartily recommend for a leisurely Sunday lunch.
At the coast, we attend the Lamu Dhow Festival at a time when Kenya’s Unesco World Heritage site has suffered from a drop-off in visitor numbers. A real pity.
LOOK OUT FOR... Lamu New Years Dhow race on page 20
2015 heralds a bright New Year and everyone is cautiously optimistic that the travel and hospitality sector is back on track We preview the exciting Jaguar, the British car maker’s new mid-range offering. Readers of this magazine have a chance to win a test drive of this fabulous new car when it arrives in Nairobi courtesy of RMA Motors. Have a good flight and, as always, we are happy to receive your feedback on the magazine. Gary Gimson Publisher
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City Guide: On Page 44 we go to Kitale and discover its colonial architecture
LATEST RELEASES
In our Latest Releases section on Page 54 we look at the movie ‘The Theory of Everything’ among others and the latest ‘must read’ books
NEWS
FLY-SAX SPONSORS CHARITY BIKE CHALLENGE
FLY-SAX ANNOUNCES NEW NAIROBI TO ENTEBBE ROUTE Fly540’s sister carrier Fly-SAX recently revealed they were breaking into the Ugandan aviation market with the unveiling of a new route from Nairobi to Entebbe, with two daily flights serving passengers. Dr Stephen Chebrot, the State Minister for Transport, advised that the competition with other carriers will help to improve service delivery and aim to bring down fares for passengers. Fly-SAX will be using a 50 seater CRJ for the flights.
Fly-SAX are proud to be one of the sponsors for the 10to4 Mountain Bike Challenge in 2015. In it’s 13th year, the two-day challenge aims to raise funds for the Mount Kenya Trust. From the most dedicated of riders to children and beginners, there are options for everyone to ensure a lot of fun is had, and as much money raised as possible!
5 STAR SERVICE Fly540 pride themselves in being East Africa’s premier low-cost airline, so it’s always welcoming to have some positive feedback from customers. Recently, Fly540 received a letter from a happy customer - Dmytro Shportko - praising the airline for their professionalism and high level of customer service when Mr Shportko’s luggage was lost from a previous Kenya Airways flight. Fly540 staff located his luggage and loaded it onto the next flight to Juba on the same day. “This was my second flying experience with Fly540 and this particular case made me consider you as a 5 star service airline!”
COMPETITION
WIN A JAGUAR XE TEST DRIVE This is your chance to be the first person in Kenya to test drive the fabulous and all-new Jaguar XE, courtesy of RMA Motors Kenya and Fly540. Just send your answers to the email address below and you could be the lucky winner of this super prize. RMA Motors Kenya is the nation’s only authorised distributor of the Jaguar Land Rover range of premium sedans and luxury SUVs.
Questions: 1. What animal features on the Jaguar logo? 2. Who are Jaguar’s distributors in Kenya? 3. When is the XE due for launch in Kenya? 4. What is the name of Jaguar’s first ever 4x4? The winner will receive a Jaguar XE test drive in Nairobi plus associated Jaguarrelated gifts supplied by RMA Motors. Email your answers, along with your Fly540 booking reference number, to: competition@ landmarine.org Africa’s low cost airline
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Competition Terms & Conditions: Closing date is 15 April 2015. Only one entry per passenger. The winner will be announced on the RMA Motors, Fly540, Fly-SAX and Land & Marine websites. The decision of the organisers will be final. The competition is not open to employees and their relatives of RMA Motors, Fly540 or Land & Marine Publications Ltd. The 540 issue 15 competition winner was Lilian Matama who won a spa treatment for two at Hemingways Nairobi.
AndrewMatole
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL Profile: Andrew Matole
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All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all.
exactly the same as those he cat is emitrequired to reveal malaria ting fur balls. Mrs Cecil Alexander’s Hymns for Little in a merchandising The dog toys Children published 1848 manager. Furthermore, with its supper the majority of veteriand looks askance at nary medicines work as balls. The hamster is Andrew Matole, of Andys Veterinary well on a person as they do on a scabby, the guinea pig bilious Pekinese. Clinic in Nairobi. Not only does and the African grey parrot is And then there’s the danger it take as long to train to be a veterimoody and moulting. Time for a factor. nary surgeon as it does to become visit to the vet. Also time to brace Few of the average doctor’s a general practitioner (five years), yourself for a heavy hit on the patients show their displeasure but the medical tests required to wallet because visits to the vet are by coiling themselves around diagnose tick fever in a terrier cost becoming expensive. their practitioner and systematiThis should not come as a cally breaking his limbs. Pythons, surprise, however, according to By Jane Barsby
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AndrewMatole
It seems that even the most placid python can become shorttempered if fed more than one live mouse a week. however, while touchingly docile when off colour, become distressingly crushing when cured. Nor does the average human patient bite, scratch, kick or head-butt his would-be healer. The working vet, however, views all such things as merely routine. So how does the beleaguered vet avoid being physically assaulted by his patients? According to Andrew, this depends largely on how much control the owner has over the animal in question. Distressed dogs should be sufficiently under control to allow the vet to apply a muzzle to their jaws, but in practice Andrew finds that most of them are on him before the muzzle is on them. The calmest cat, he says, becomes furious when fiddled with, but reacts well to pre-examination stroking; and cows are generally impervious to all reason and resort immediately to the hoof. Meanwhile, it seems that even the most placid python can become short-tempered – and therefore unreasonable – if fed more than one live mouse a week. When it comes to the profile of his patients, Andrew says 80 per cent are dogs while the rest are a motley crew of cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, snakes, horses, cows, donkeys, tortoises and parrots. As to what ails them, he says most problems stem from poor diet because people, it seems, know even less about feeding their pets than they do about feeding themselves. In both cases, the
usual trigger for illness is the overconsumption of fat. In the case of the animals, however, it’s the fat that comes from the snacks that their loving owners misguidedly feed them that causes the pets to have heart attacks, get diabetes, clog up their kidneys, lacerate their livers and spiral into stress and depression.
HOW TO AVOID THIS?
Hard at work
Simple enough.
The life of a vet
Prime your parrot with plenty of fruit, keep the cat on fish, deal the dog plenty of vegetables and rice, and persuade the python to pick on radishes instead of rabbits. And, if you must sneak your pet a snack, make it a healthy one. Chews and bones do the trick with dogs while having the added advantage of cleaning their teeth. You might also like to consider proffering a midmorning morsel or two rather than making your mutt lust after one meal a day. This not only promotes optimum diet and timely digestion but also reduces the incidence of begging. Finally, you should pay proper attention to your animal’s mental state of mind. Some, after all, deal better with the dynamics of the domestic situation than others. And some are more intelligent than others. Andrew recalls a Doberman which, after three weeks of intensive training on how to attack an intruder, was wheeled in front of its owner so that a presentation ‘attack’ could be staged. Dizzied
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by the stress of its debut, however, the Doberman bolted into the bush and did not return for three days. Conversely, he recalls the case of the African grey parrot – one of that group of notorious mimics – that found itself residing with a couple who constantly argued. At dawn and dusk the insults flew and throughout it all the parrot listened carefully. Then one day the row raged more viciously than usual and by bedtime peace had not been restored. The parrot eyed the couple beadily, sidled up and down its perch, hung upside down, pecked its mirror, clawed its cuttlefish and rang its bell. Eventually, it threw back its head and screamed: “Oh, for goodness sake – why don’t you just SHUT UP!” The quarrelling couple stared at the parrot in amazement. Then the parrot said: “Let’s just forget about it, darling, and go to bed.” So they did.
Comoros
By Joan Wandegi
Exploring the Comoros
TIME FOR A NEW ADVENTURE
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he Comoro Islands, often referred to as Comoros, are an archipelago of four volcanic Islands in the Indian Ocean between East Africa and Madagascar. The four islands are Ngazidja (Grande Comore), Mohéli (Mwali) in the northwest, Anjouan (Nzwani) and Mayotte (Maore). At one time French protectorates, they all became independent states except for Mayotte, which remains a French protectorate. Despite their rocky political past, the islands have made a big contribution to Africa’s low cost airline
the region’s history as well as to its economy. The islands are a brilliant spectacle formed almost 8 million years ago through volcanic activity. A vivid reminder came in 2007 when Mount Karthala, located on Ngazidja, erupted. The mountain, which is a whopping 2,361 metres in height, has the largest caldera of any active volcano in the world.
Vibrant The islands’ rich history encompasses a vibrant French population, Persian sultans and nobles, Arab
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Comoros
traders and Portuguese pirates. Today, the islands’ predominant ethnic tribes are Bantu, Arab, Malay and Malagasy, while the most frequently spoken languages are French, Arabic and Comorian, a variety of Swahili. Traditional skills have been retained and passed down over the years, such as dhow building. In fact, Comoros is one of the few remaining places in the world where dhows are still made. These hardy Arab sailing boats have been around for centuries and are popular with fishermen throughout the Indian Ocean. The boats are built from local timber and exported to other islands such as Lamu and Zanzibar.
Understandably, tourism has been less than thriving over the past couple of decades as travellers have kept the Comoro Islands at a cautious distance at a time when they were making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Today, however, the islanders are clearly determined to overcome hard times and there has been a significant increase in tourist enterprises such as restaurants, hotels and leisure facilities.
Raw beauty If your idyllic beach holiday falls in the realm of conventional, then you may have to switch gears to embrace what Comoros has
New adventure Comoros has lots to offer
STAR ATTRACTION The island of Mohéli is home to the Mohéli Marine Park, the first protected area in the country. Local communities and the government collaborated in establishing the park. Mohéli is the smallest of the Comoro Islands with 32,000 inhabitants and an area of 211 sq km. Since the marine park was gazetted in 2001, Mohéli has been recognised by the Equator Initiative for its outstanding community and sustainable development. Various activities are offered to visitors including swimming with dolphins, snorkelling, tours of the lagoon and coral reef, kayaking and beach volleyball. Whale watching in second to none here, especially in September and October when whales come to the island to spawn and have their young. Visitors can also have close contact with giant sea turtles and learn more about them at the giant sea turtle reserve, another key project on the island. Guests can stay at the Mohéli Laka Lodge in the middle of the marine park. All rooms have magnificent ocean views, while the Whale Bar offers panoramic views of lagoons and unforgettable sunsets. The lodge’s restaurant serves dishes made from local ingredients including fresh seafood and curry dishes and the bar has a selection of wines and international beers.
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Comoros offers a new adventure that allows tourists to feel as if they’re following in the footsteps of Robinson Crusoe to offer. There are no disarming beach vendors or high-end yachts or colourful nightclubs such as you find in nearby destinations. Comoros offers a new adventure that allows tourists – especially those on their inaugural journey –
Comoros to feel as if they were following in the footsteps of Robinson Crusoe. The islands have an incomparable raw beauty not seen in other tropical destinations. Black volcanic rock makes a natural border for the pristine golden sandy beaches. Couple this with clear ocean water that appears to contain floating sapphires and jadeites, and you have a rare setting indeed
Medina Beautiful architecture dating back 150 years can be found throughout Moroni, the largest town and capital of Comoros. Here, visitors can get a sense of the islands’ turbulent past from the graffiti
slogans and ruins to be found in the town. The pebbled pathways and big old wooden doors lend a definite charm to the town centre, the Medina, said to be the oldest part of Moroni. In the background are old ships and the buzz of the Volo Volo market, where you can buy everything from fresh baguettes to spices to fashion accessories. African black wood is also available in local markets in the form of handicrafts and souvenirs. Here, visitors can shop freely for locally grown spices, products made from coconuts or handmade tools. Following a maze of alleys, the visitor can find old residential build-
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ings that were clearly designed to keep residents cool and sheltered from the humidity and heat. The narrow streets can be daunting as taxis – the transport of choice in Moroni – weave their way through with precision.
Future The tourism infrastructure is still being developed, and the Comorian government is implementing key projects to support this. Recently, private service providers have been invited to develop the telecommunications network and open up additional private services to boost online business as well as supporting
Comoros businesses geared to the tourism sector. Young entrepreneurs are spearheading this process. Most of them can bring to bear the experience they have gained from already developed destinations such as France and Australia. They are also actively engaged in the process of disposal of waste, a growing but manageable problem in and beyond Moroni.
Ikoni Ikoni, a small town just 15 minutes’ drive from Medina, has beautiful unspoilt mangroves and is home to spectacular birdlife. The mangroves are filled with tiny fish that nibble at your feet as you wade through the clear water. The town, which seems to have leaped out of an 18th century story book, is filled with remarkable ruins that were once home to royalty.
Food and entertainment Comoros cuisine is a wonderful fusion of Arabic and French tastes. Fresh seafood is abundant here and local restaurants prepare it in their own unique style. Goat stew is prepared with exotic flavours such as cinnamon and vanilla and served with fragrant rice, while lobster and an assortment of roast meats are often served on special occasions such as weddings. These dishes can all be found in the restaurants of Moroni. Fresh fruit is plentiful, too, especially pineapple, avocado, banana and pawpaw as well as the islanders’ favourite, lychees. Although the island does not have pulsating nightclubs and pubs, visitors can still find quaint establishments, fitting in with the peaceful surroundings, where favourite cocktails, wines and beers can be found. One such place is Chalet des IIes, in the heart of Moroni. Initially, Chalet des Iles offered only diving instruction and snorkelling to the nearby reefs, but as the requests mounted for sundowners as well as local cuisine, Farid Nazir, the founder, opened up a restaurant and bar
where local people can join in the fun. Here, guests can dance away to music by talented local performers and listen to the tales of divers as they enjoy their leisure time. The prominent cultural institution Alliance Française has an active presence in Moroni, with presentations throughout the year highlighting Comorian culture, old and contemporary, through visual and performance art.
Where to stay Retaj Moroni, on the beachfront in Moroni, offers modern amenities in a beautiful location. Go to our Look Inside feature on Pages 42 and 43 for an in-depth review of the Retaj Moroni. Itsandra Beach Hotel is another favourite for its panoramic views of the Indian Ocean as well as its restaurants offering both à la carte and buffet dining. Itsandra has two bars, one of them on the hotel’s outside deck. Sundowners are popular here as guests wait for dinner alfresco with includes live entertainment. Low budget accommodation with simple, safe and comfortable rooms is also available in Moroni; but it’s a good idea to ask your travel agent to recommend one.
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Comoros cuisine is a wonderful fusion of Arabic and French tastes. Volcanic Stunning scenery
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InteriorDesign
InteriorDesign
HOUSE OF ARTS
Tribal: Not your average gallery
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ver the past decade or so Kenya’s arts and crafts scene has welcomed a number of galleries showcasing both local and international pieces. These galleries bring international artistic ideas under one roof, allowing the audience not only to learn more about each work of art but also to own some of the valuable pieces.
By Joan Wandegi One such venue is the Tribal Gallery, which opened recently in the leafy Nairobi suburb of Loresho. The gallery takes audiences on a global journey through pieces dating back 200 years from Kenya, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Morocco, Vietnam, Thailand, India and even France. The owners’ love of travel is reflected in every piece. Africa’s low cost airline
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While the uniqueness of each artefact shines through, they are also practical and capable of fitting well into in a household setting.
Dhow furniture Tribal Gallery opened in Nairobi in 2010 with an outlet in Lavington. Items of furniture made from dhows, sourced from the Kenyan coast and painstakingly pulled apart so as to keep the authenticity of
InteriorDesign
The authenticity of the wood has captured the attention of both local and international collectors
the wood, have captured the attention of both local and international collectors. The items include beds, wardrobes, outdoor dining tables, bespoke sofa and chairs in luxurious fabrics and much more. Over time, there has been a growing demand from the public for interior decor advice on how to use some of the craftworks. Because they were so unique, buyers needed to know how and where to place the pieces in a regular household setting. This led to the creation of the gallery in Loresho, where pieces are displayed in living rooms and in a garden filled with indigenous trees and plants.
Exotic The Tribal Gallery collection integrates old and contemporary pieces in a way that is rarely seen in Kenya. Some of the artefacts are
exotic and luxurious, while others are unfamiliar. Each has its own unique theme and representation. The gallery’s owners, Louise and John Paterson, have travelled far and wide to quench their thirst for beautiful exotic treasures as well as to make the items accessible. If you visit the gallery, you will have a chance to listen to tales of hikes up mountainous Afghan terrain to collect 100-year-old chairs or of long, challenging drives to Lamu in search of the perfect wood for furniture. Louise and John want lovers of art and crafts to be able to find their own treasures and transform spaces that can be enjoyed every day. When visiting Tribal Gallery, you should allow time to stroll through the various rooms filled with beautiful artifacts. There is always someone on hand to tell Africa’s low cost airline
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Authentic Dhow wood furniture
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you the history of each item and if you wish to a have customised piece made then the team is happy to take you order. The gallery also offers personalised interior decor for those wishing to refurbish their homes using treasures from the gallery. Tribal Gallery will host a number of exhibitions in 2015 including one of works by renowned international painters. To keep abreast of all activities at the gallery including special sales, visit www.tribalgallery.com.
DhowRace
LATEENS ALOFT FOR SAILING GLORY Racing dhows compete for annual honours
By Kirsten Alexander All pictures courtesy of Lulu Clark from the Lamu Tourism Association
In contrast with other celebrations around the world – involving fireworks, parties and drunken renditions of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ – on Lamu island people are to be found busily preparing dhows instead of drinks to bring in the New Year in style.
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he island of Lamu lies just off Kenya’s coast, in the Lamu Archipelago, making it a perfect venue for the annual New Year Dhow Race on Shela Beach. The island itself is of World Heritage importance, and has its own organisation, Lamu Tourism Association (LTA), to promote and protect Lamu as a unique and unspoilt destination. LTA is made up of independent businesses ranging from hotel and restaurant owners to dhow captains and fishermen; and it is these dhow captains who take to the waters each New Year to compete in the race.
While the dhow crews are setting their sails and preparing to race, local people gather on Shela Beach to cheer them on.
True spectacle Although there are various races throughout the year, the New Year event is a true spectacle, with festivities lasting well into the night and the race becoming ever more competitive. The race typically involves 10 to 15 dhows from different islands of the archipelago competing to finish the course in the quickest time. Winning is regarded as a great honour among the dhow captains and much training and practice goes
Team work It’s race time!
HISTORY OF THE DHOW Dhows have a long history and different types have originated from different regions along with different names. Although the roots of the dhow are difficult to trace, some believe it could have Chinese or Portuguese origins. The term ‘dhow’ is assumed to be of Swahili origin, however. Nowadays, the vessels are popular along the Swahili coast, South Asia and Eastern Arabia, typically relying on wind power alone to propel themselves via the triangular sails. Some larger dhows have motors, but many of the smaller ones stick to the traditional lateens to get around.
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The New Year event is a true spectacle, with festivities lasting well into the night and the race becoming ever more competitive
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DhowRace
into preparing for the event. The dhow builders of Lamu are considered among the best on the coast and have a reputation to uphold. Not only are the dhows a spectacle in themselves – often brightly decorated by the teams – but the setting is quite beautiful. Spectators even stand on rooftops to enjoy the wonderful sight of these wooden boats against a backdrop of bright waters and clear skies.
Celebrations It is clear that these traditional vessels are still a huge part of life in modern East Africa, with more and more spectators taking to the beaches – and rooftops – of Lamu to witness the unique New Year celebrations. It’s not just aquatic racing fun, however; there are still many celebrations taking
NEW YEAR ON THE COAST It may be a while away, but New Year’s Eve (NYE) festivities are so popular that they sell out far in advance. If you’re thinking of heading there for next New Year, check out what else the coast has to offer:
place throughout the village, transforming the oldest Swahili settlement and Unesco World Heritage Site into a real festival atmosphere – a perfect way to bring in the New Year, every year.
Interested? For more information about the Lamu New Year Dhow Race, go to: www.discoverlamu.org
TOP TIP If you can’t make it for New Year, dhow trips are available all year round and are worth a ride to take in the wonderful views of the archipelago.
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- Watamu: Some of the hotels in the region host wonderful NYE parties, most of which sell out quickly, so do your planning as early as possible. For a more down-to-earth celebration, head to the beach for the annual two-day deepsea fishing competition. - Diani: With a drink in your hand and sand between your toes, you are sure to have a memorable New Year at the Forty Thieves Beach Bar in Diani before heading off to watch the fireworks on the beach and dance until sunrise. If you still have some energy left after all that fun, join Forty Thieves for cricket on the beach on 1 January.
Pic credit @mwauraken
#Nairobi
#NAIROBI The city through a lens (and a filter)
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he world of social media is expanding at an unprecedented rate, with new ideas, apps and websites appearing weekly. And those that are already established are growing in popularity every single day, with millions of users downloading and using the services worldwide. One of the frontrunners of social media is the mighty Instagram: an online photo and video sharing service which enables users to upload images
for millions of users to view, share and ‘like’ worldwide.
300 million users Launched in October 2010, Instagram now has a staggering 300 million users accessing the site every month. To put this into perspective: that’s over a quarter of the entire population of Africa, and only 7 million behind the USA’s 307 million inhabitants. From selfie’s to #tbt (Throwback Thursdays - a popular trend of posting
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mkcoursin #Nairobi
kamz26 Your dose of Bollywood and Masala every week in @thestarkenya on Thursdays & Fridays. #TheStarKenya #Nairobi #Kenya
photos from the past for a blast of nostalgia, and often a good giggle) to stunning landscape shots, you can find pretty much anything on Instagram. Users can search for content using hashtags (#) to find something in particular, or simply browse through millions of images uploaded by users. 540 magazine took to Instagram to find out what is being posted about the Kenyan capital using #nairobi, and how this wonderful city is being portrayed on the social media giant:
#Nairobi
catohabers sunrise at Sundace NYE 2015 #nye #nairobi #amazing #hello2015
lafrohemien Merry Christmas from Nairobi to wherever you are! #Nairobi #Kenya
mkcoursin Hitch. Traffic in Nairobi. #kenya #nairobi
mwauraken I have a collection of Landscapes i’ve done on my blog #Landscapes #Cityscapes #Nairobi
#NAIROBI #CITY
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kipusaclothing Mugethi Gitau, self proclaimed #geek, is the community manager at #iHub, #Nairobi’s #tech hub and co-working space.
hannapadda This is Kibera, Nairobi. #kibera #nairobi #kenya
lafrohemien From the “Afrodystopia Sessions” with @2manysiblings #makeportraits #Nairobi #Kenya #africa #graffiti #fashion #lookingback2014
#NAIROBI #PEOPLE 26
noelmwachala #Blackandwhite #model #Nairobi #ThrowBack #likeforlike #ThrowBackThursday #doubletap
#Nairobi
#INSTAFACTS Total users: 300 million Daily users: 75 million 41% of Instagram users are between the ages of 16 and 24 51% of users are male; 49% are women The most ‘liked’ post on Instagram so far is of reality star Kim Kardashian’s wedding to rapper Kanye West in 2014 There are about 8,500 ‘likes’ per second The name ‘Instagram’ comes from a combination of ‘instant camera’ and ‘telegram’
noelmwachala ‘Hello #2015’ #MwachalaPhotography #OutedoorPhotography #Nairobi #Kenya #Africa #igersnairobi
#NAIROBI #SCENERY
runninglola #nairobi #kenya #africa #vscocam #elephant
moseskemibaro Beautiful sunset with the Ngong Hills as a backdrop this evening #Nairobi #Kenya #IgersNairobi #IgersKenya
mkcoursin In the grass in the woods we sit. @monylego #kenya#nairobi #karuaforest
withlovefromafrica Magical creatures #giraffes #kenya #nairobi #happydays
CarReview
‘BIG CAT’ makes a stealthy entrance By Gary Gimson
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CarReview
Jaguar XE
A
new Jaguar that competes in the same market segment as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class is long overdue. And, what’s more, it will be available in Kenya later this year. Jaguar’s big cat badge is rarely spotted on Kenya’s roads, but the carmaker’s new mid-sized XE – being launched in 2015 – is poised to transform this exclusive brand in the local luxury compact market segment. Meanwhile, new Kenya distributor RMA Motors is putting more effort into promoting Jaguar than was previously the case. For me, the sleek XE is just that little bit more individual than its sturdy and worthy German-built rivals. Overall, the Jag has more dash, more flair and is a tad racier.
The Jaguar brand competes head-on with Audi, BMW and Mercedes for build quality, too. Jaguar residuals have certainly firmed in recent times and I see no reason why the XE should not enjoy glacier-like depreciation in East Africa. European and African tastes do differ and some of this is due to car tax regimes, but others are purely perceptive and sometimes irrational.
Jaguar’s big cat badge is rarely spotted on Kenya’s roads, but the carmaker’s new mid-sized XE is poised to transform this exclusive brand in the local luxury market
Diesel XE So, while the diesel XE will no doubt outsell the petrol equivalent in Europe, premium sedans with oil-burning engines are not especially popular in the Kenyan market. The same goes for the six-speed manual gearbox. For this reason, Kenyans are likely to choose from the 2.0i 200PS and 2.0i 240PS petrol versions. The 197
The new Jaguar Exclusive brand
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bhp 2.0-litre unit produces plenty of pulling power and achieves 0 to 100 kph in 7.7 seconds. Jaguar claims an average fuel economy of 7.5 litres per 100 km. The 237 bhp 2.0-litre XE has a 0 to 100 kph time of 6.8 seconds. Both 2.0-litre petrol models are only available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The S version of the XE will be available from launch and is powered by a supercharged 335 bhp 3.0-litre V6 engine. This provides a startling 0 to 100 kph
CarReview
LOCAL AGENT The local agent for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is RMA Motors (Kenya). The company’s showroom is located at Delta Tower in Westlands, Nairobi. I spoke to RMA’s CEO Sanjiv Shah – himself the proud owner of a sexy F-Type V6 S with a 007 licence plate – about Jaguar and the Kenyan market. “Though Jaguar was introduced in the Kenya market by the previous importer some time back, it was never really launched properly,” says Sanjiv. “This resulted in poor sales and coupled with a less than acceptable after-sales backup, Jaguar dropped out of sight.” So RMA had to start from scratch, resulting in very modest sales of just 12 units for 2014. This was the importer’s first full year of operations since taking over the JLR brands. Sanjiv says: “Sales of premium sedans in Kenya is always going to be a challenge. Our road conditions are generally improving, but not quickly enough. Lifestyles, and a trend to get out of Nairobi at the weekends, result in people opting for SUVs. But it’s great news for our Land Rover business.”
Sport package Excellent features
figure of 5.1 seconds, taking it to a limited top speed of 250 kph. The engine is a slightly modified version of the unit that powers the base model Jaguar F-type. Four trim levels will be available in Kenya: SE Auto, Prestige Auto, R-Sport Auto and Portfolio Auto. Entry-level Jaguar XE SE models are equipped with cloth seats and the door trim finishers are gloss black. Other standard kit includes sat nav, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, DAB digital radio and a leather steering wheel. XE Prestige models get heated (if, indeed, that’s what customers want in Kenya), cross-stitched leather front seats and blue ambient lighting. Door trim finishers are brushed aluminium. Buyers can also specify air conditioned seats. The Jaguar XE Portfolio buyers get an upgraded Meridian audio system, 10-way electric front seats,
He is excited about the new Jag. “The XE promises to be a great compact premium sedan. If anything, I believe it will be more appropriate for our conditions here than the XJ. Indications are that the XE will be available for launch here in Kenya in October.
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bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Jaguar XE R-Sport package includes a sports steering wheel, a rear spoiler and sports suspension, plus LED daytime running lights and two-tone 18-inch alloys. The S model gets red brake calipers as standard.
Secret weapon Jaguar also has a secret weapon in the shape of its F-Pace – the marque’s first 4x4. “This will definitely broaden the interest in Jaguar in Kenya and we expect this will help us boost Jag volumes, especially against Porsche” says RMA’s Sanjiv Shah. The F-Pace is due to go on sale in 2016. So what about prices in Kenya? Jaguar is being cagey here. The company is only prepared to say it will be priced competitively. So we shall have to wait and see.
CityGuide
CityGuide
Byelikova Oksana / Shutterstock.com
KITALE Colonial echoes and mountain views
ETHIOPIA
W
located close to Mount Elgon and the Cherangani Hills 395 km northwest of Nairobi, the agricultural and market town of Kitale is certainly worth a visit and offers an interesting colonial legacy. With just over 100,000 citizens, Kitale is the administrative capital of Trans-Nzoia County. Kitale’s economy is based on agriculture and the surrounding region is Kenya’s largest producer of maize. Other crops grown in the vicinity of Kitale include sunflowers, tea, coffee, beans and pyrethrum.
Architecture The town was founded in 1908 by British settlers and still has some fine examples of colonial architecture, including the railway station. Sadly, trains no longer operate into Kitale, but the station is worth a visit as it is virtually unchanged since the mid 1970s when the last passenger train ran (although freight was still being transported by rail here well into the 1980s). Golfer lovers will enjoy a visit
to Kitale Golf Club with its par-73 course. The club was founded in 1924 – two years before a branch of the Ugandan railway reached town – and has been hosting the annual Trans Nzoia Open since 1930. Road access to the town remains poor, but Fly-SAX operates daily flights to Kitale Kambimiwa Airstrip (KTL) from Nairobi Wilson Airport.
SOUTH SUDAN
SOM UGANDA
Kitale
KENYA
TANZANIA ZANZIBAR
Atururkan Hotel Kitale’s biggest
WHERE TO STAY:
WHAT TO DO:
Kitale’s list of hotels is far from extensive, but these are worth considering:
Kitale Museum: Originally called the Stoneham Museum, this is Kenya’s first domestic museum, COMOROS created by Lieutenant Colonel Moroni Hugh Stoneham and opened MOZAMBIQUE in 1924. It is one of the National Museums of Kenya. The nature trail is well worth exploring.
Aturukan Hotel: New to Kitale and has had good reviews. It is Kitale’s biggest hotel with 92 rooms. Facilities include the Jade Sea Restaurant, the Plantation coffee shop and a large swimming pool. Muremba Retreat: Cheap, cheerful and above all peaceful. Basic accommodation in pleasant grounds with Wi-Fi (in main house) and helpful staff. Food highly rated. Sitatunga House: A homely B&B close to town with good food and a relaxing atmosphere.
The town was founded by British settlers and still has some fine examples of colonial architecture
WHERE TO EAT: There is a small selection of decent restaurants in Kitale. Karibuni Lodge serves European food, Pinewood offers Indian food and Iroko Twigs serves up traditional favourites.
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Kitale Nature Conservancy: Located on the Kitale-Lodwar road. Its grasslands and woodlands were once home to kongoni, sitatunga, bongo, black rhino, elephant, reedbuck and Rothschild’s giraffe. The conservancy is reviving the original habitat and conserving the remaining indigenous plants and animals. Saiwa Swamp National Park: Located close to the town, this is Kenya’s smallest national park, covering just 3 sq km. The park is home to the semi-aquatic sitatunga, a swamp-dwelling antelope.
MAD
LookInside
By Joan Wandegi
Retaj Moroni BEACHFRONT GEM WITH BRIGHT FUTURE
R
etaj Moroni Hotel is a beachfront hotel located close to most attractions in Moroni. Set right on the beautiful ocean front, the hotel has rooms with modern amenities and furnishings as well as state-of-the-art conference facilities. All of the hotel’s 55 rooms are equipped with minibars to keep drinks cold as it can get quite hot during the day and humid at night. Rooms have private balconies to allow guests to enjoy the sunshine
and surroundings. Satellite TV is provided for guests’ entertainment, and private bathrooms have jetted bathtubs and complimentary toiletries.
Upgrade The hotel recently received an injection of US$ 10million to upgrade its restaurants, health and fitness centre and international conference centre as well as adding 45 new rooms. All of this will be ready by end of 2015. In addition, there will be a full
34
renovation of the hotel’s public areas including a mini golf course that will add to the experience of guests at the hotel as well as a kids’ club. A new seafood fusion Indian restaurant, designed to take full advantage of the beautiful ocean views, is due to open this year. Only the freshest seafood and authentic Indian dishes will be served here with a speciality chef on hand set to create delicious food that is able to showcase both contemporary and tradi-
Spectacular views Perfect backdrop
LookInside
tional dishes. Comoros offers a perfect destination for weddings and honeymoons and Retaj Hotel has packages catering for intimate occasions as well as grand wedding functions.
Favourite In addition to the beach front, which is a favourite location, guests can choose a spot on the manicured lawns or, if they prefer, an indoor venue in one of the large conference rooms.
Thehotel offers a choice of wedding and honeymoon packages in order to provide the ultimate experience in terms of ambience, customised menus, transport and much more. The hotel does not have airport transfer services but will organise a reliable taxi service for any transport needs. Retaj is located near embassies, Houses of Parliament, United Nations Office and international NGOs and close to most local attractions. Africa’s low cost airline
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Comoros offers the perfect destination for weddings and honeymoons and Retaj Moroni has packages for all occasions
FoodForThought
By Joan Wandegi
Quote 2
Trout Tree Restaurant
GRILLED TROUT HEAVEN UNDER A FIG LEAF
By Joan Wandegi
W
hen word spread among Kenyan culinary enthusiasts that a restaurant was to be built inside a sacred fig tree, serving fresh food including trout straight from on-site ponds, there was an understandable excitement in the air.
For 14 years now the Trout Tree Restaurant, located by the Burguret River off the main Kiganjo-Nanyuki road, has been serving chargrilled fish and has established itself as arguably the best restaurant in Kenya for fresh trout. Started originally in 1979 as a trout farm supplying high-end
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restaurants and supermarkets in Nanyuki and Nairobi, the Trout Tree Restaurant is now a testament to architectural genius and culinary finesse. Its star attraction is the fig tree – known among local people as the Mugumo – that is the central point of all the happening magic.
Fairy-tale When guests approach the restaurant, it’s as if they were entering a fairy-tale world with its own tree house. From the bridge leading into the restaurant, diners can view the scenery, which includes a dense forest as well as 26 trout ponds spread across the grounds below. Colobus monkeys and rock hyrax are plentiful, adding to the
FoodForThought
Gift shop Souvenirs galore
When guests approach the restaurant, it’s as if they were entering a fairytale world with its own tree house unique ambience of the restaurant. Guests interested in find out more about the fish farm can ask for a guided tour of the property and there is also a chance to meet the team who make the whole experience so memorable. With a seating capacity of 60, the Trout Tree offers a cool dining experience that is simply unmatched. The exciting menu includes trout chowder, trout sashimi, trout curry and cold or hot smoked trout as well as a choice of vegetarian dishes.
Chargrilled The most popular dish is a generous portion of whole fresh chargrilled trout served with seasonal vegetables and rice,
accompanied by garlic butter. The restaurant has an innovative way of keeping drinks cool. Bottled drinks are put in a crate and immersed in the cold stream below. The choice of drinks is up to the diner and orders must be made beforehand. Should a diner want to quench his (or her) thirst, he simply uses a pulley system to lift the crate out of the stream. Simple but effective and great fun. Cleverly named cocktails such as Jump Up and Kiss Me are just another reason why the Trout Tree has made its mark on fun-loving excursionists. A gift shop at the entrance offers handmade Kenyan craft items as well as souvenirs such as Trout Tree-branded stickers and Africa’s low cost airline
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wheel covers. The drive from Nairobi to the Trout Tree takes just under two and half hours along a route with scenic views of the surrounding landscape. It all adds up to a perfect day trip and dining experience north of the city.
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Trout ponds Only the freshest
ProductReview
LOOKING AFTER THE GREY MATTER W ith the number of wearable devices growing in popularity, as well as in complexity and functionality, it was perhaps only a matter of time before devices to assist in brain functions were developed. Here we look at two ‘brain health’ devices that serve quite different functions.
The Muse
Pic courtesy of Muse
The Muse headband is from InteraXon, a Canadian company that focuses on brain-sensing technology. It is used as a brain fitness tool, designed to measure brain signals using seven electroencephalography (EEG) sensors – two on the forehead, two behind the ears and three reference sensors. The band monitors brain activity in much the same way as a heart monitor measures heart rate,
and then transmits the information gathered to the appropriately named Calm app on a smartphone, laptop or tablet using Bluetooth. The wearer can also do exercises to track brain activity in real time. It is being marketed as a tool to help reduce stress and anxiety in just three minutes a day. It provides real-time audio and visual feedback plus long-term tracking so the wearer can monitor progress. There are also guided training sessions to increase and maintain focus, and to manage stress.
Checklight In contrast, the Checklight, from Reebok, is a form fitting, soft polyester, moisture wicking cap designed more for protection than training. It monitors and reports impacts to the head, such as when playing contact sports like hockey.
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ProductReview
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
The band monitors brain activity in much the same way as a heart monitor measures heart rate
Muse
The Muse
Helping you to de-stress
Checklight Pic courtesy of Reebok
The cap holds an electronic monitoring device that hangs down the back of the head just under the wearer’s helmet. A green flashing light indicates the Checklight is on. During play, if there are any significant impacts to the head, the light will flash yellow for moderate impacts and red for severe impacts. It is easy for coaches to see how players are doing. When the device is flashing yellow or red, it is recommended the player be assessed as soon as possible. Checklight stores all impacts it measures, including the less severe impacts that are not displayed during use. The Muse can be obtained on Amazon for US$ 272 or US$ 300 with a carry case. The Checklight costs around half that amount, priced at US$ 149.
Pic courtesy of Muse
Pics courtesy of Reebok
When you purchase the Muse, you get the brain sensing headband, a micro-USB charging cable and a Quick Start Guide. There is also a companion app called Calm, which must be downloaded from one of the app store giants: Amazon, Kindle, Apple and Google Play.
With the Checklight, you get the skullcap, a removable, rechargeable battery, and also the USB battery charger, which comes with a mains plug adaptor too. The Checklight is also available in different sizes, and you can use the sizing chart on Reebok’s website to ensure you get the right fit.
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latest releases BOOK WORM
recommends... THE GIRL WHO SAVED THE KING OF SWEDEN Jonas Jonasson The author of the bestselling novel ‘The HundredYear-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared’ returns with another charming novel about luck, love and adventure. It follows the story of Nombeko: born in a Soweto shack and destined for a short, hard life. Ironically, her luck changes when she is run over by a drunken engineer and ends up working for a secret atomic bomb building facility. However, there is one bomb too many, and Nombeko knows all too well about it. Now she’s on the run and ends up in Sweden, where the fate of the king – and the world – are in her hands.
UNOFFICIAL AND DENIABLE John Gordon Davis Jack Harker worked for the South African military intelligence until the 1994 elections when he fled to New York to start afresh. He turns his hand to publishing and meets writer and activist Josephine Valentine, but decides to keep his undercover past a secret from her. However, his world is thrown into turmoil by the advent of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Jack must decide whether or not to tell Josephine the truth. But does he even have a choice? Will his former colleagues betray him? What will happen to him if he does – or doesn’t – confess?
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Latestreleases
BLOCKBUSTERS
must-see
movie
HEART OF THE SEA
THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Ben Whishaw Director: Ron Howard Genre: Action, Drama
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Emily Watson Director: James Marsh Genre: Drama, Biopic
Adapted from the true story that inspired the famous novel Moby Dick, Heart of the Sea follows the ill-fated journey of the whaling ship named Essex, and the peril it faced at the hands of the terrifying sperm whale in 1820. Survivor Tom Nickerson recalls the tale to Herman Melville - author of Moby Dick - and the incredible - sometimes shocking experiences he faced with the remaining crew while being stranded at sea for 90 days.
The little-known life story of famous physician Stephen Hawking hits the big screen, with the focus moving away from his famous theories, towards his first marriage to Jane Wilde. Stephen and Jane first meet at Cambridge University, where he is studying a postgraduate degree in physics. The couple soon fall in love, but when Stephen is diagnosed with motor neurone disease aged 20, both of the students’ lives change forever.
THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
ANNIE Starring: Quvenzhane Wallis, Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz Director: Will Gluck Genre: Comedy, Family, Musical
Starring: Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Richard Gere, Judi Dench Director: John Madden Genre: Drama, Comedy
This classic musical, reimagined for the modern audience, stars Oscar nominee Quvenzhane Wallis in the titular role, alongside Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz. Annie lives in New York with nasty foster mother Miss Hannigan (Diaz) until her luck changes when mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Foxx) saves her being hit by a van. His popularity increases, so he takes Annie in on the advice of his VP Grace and campaign advisor Guy. Not only does his poll rating improve, his life does too, and he realises that the happy-go-lucky orphan is making him a better person altogether.
After the success of his first venture - The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful - Sonny (Dev Patel) has his eye on a new property to cope with the growing demand for rooms. British retirees Evelyn and Douglas (Dench and Nighy) have now joined the Jaipur workforce, Madge (Celia Imrie) is trying to juggle two eligible bachelors, and Norman and Carol are attempting an exclusive relationship. The demands of a traditional Indian wedding threaten to engulf everyone, but how will they find a way out?
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AIRCRAFT FLEET F
ly540 operates modern aircraft and is constantly updating and modernising its fleet. 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.
CESSNA CARAVAN C208 Type: Single turboprop engine, fixed-gear short-haul regional airliner Number in service: Two Capacity per aircraft: 10 passengers
BOMBARDIER DASH 8 102 SERIES
CANADAIR CL-6002B19 REGIONAL JET
Type: Twin-engined, mediumrange, turboprop airliner
Type: Twin-engine regional jet
Type: Twin-engine, single-aisle jet airliner
Number in service: Three
Number in service: Two
Capacity per aircraft: 50 passengers
Number in service: One
Capacity per aircraft: 37 passengers
DC-9
Capacity per aircraft: 80 passengers
FOKKER F28 Type: Twin engined medium range jet airliner Number in service: One Capacity per aircraft: 67 passengers
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Contacts
Contacts
CONTACT INFORMATION
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS NAIROBI OFFICES
KENYA OFFICES
HEAD OFFICE
ELDORET
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 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
540 CALL CENTRE ABC Place, off Waiyaki Way Tel: +254 (0)20 445 3252/6 Cell: +254 (0)722 540 540; (0)733 540 540 Fax: +254 (0)20 445 3257
DONHOLM 1st floor, Greenspan Mall, Donholm Tel: +254 (0)704 540 540, 705 540 540, 708 305 305
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OFFICE Ground floor, International Life House, Mama Ngina Street Next to Hilton Hotel Tel: +254 (0)702 540 540
JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE Unit 3 (Domestic Departures) Tel: +254 (0)20 827 523 Tel: +254 (0)20 827 366 Cell: +254 (0)727 532 273 Unit 1 (International Departures) Tel: +254 (0)20 827 521
KAREN OFFICE Office number 10, Karen Connection Karen Road, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)722 305 305; 735 305 305 Email: Karen.Sales@fly-sax.com
LAICO REGENCY HOTEL 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS Mezz. floor, Shopping Arcade Tel: +254 (0)20 224 3211/3/4 Cell: +254 727 540 540; (0)737 540 540 Fax: +254 (0)20 224 3219
NAIROBI CBD OFFICE 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
NEW MUTHAIGA OFFICE 1st floor, Thigiri Mall, New Muthaiga Tel: +254 (0)703 540 540
WILSON AIRPORT 540 SAFARI CIRCUIT SALES Ground floor, Langata House Tel: +254 (0)20 254 0206 Tel: +254 (0)729 540 540 Tel: +254 (0)735 540 540 Email: 540.safaris@fly540.com
UKUNDA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS Ground floor, Bazaar Building Tel: +254 (0)732 540 559
1st floor, Veecam House Oloo Street Tel: +254 (0)53 203 3570/80
TANZANIA
ELDORET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
ZANZIBAR AIRPORT 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
Tel: +255 762 540 540
Tel: +254 (0)53 203 0814 Tel: +254 (0)53 206 3823 ext 658
SOUTH SUDAN
KAKAMEGA
JUBA
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
Mezzanine floor, MegaMall Kisumu-Webuye Road Tel: +254 (0)701 305 305; 716 540 540; 728 305 305
Juba International Airport Tel: +211 959 540540 Tel: +211 999 540540 Email: Sales.juba@fly540.com
KISUMU 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS Kisumu International Airport Tel: +254 (0)254 707 540 560 Tel: +254 (0)737 540 546
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
MALINDI 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
SALES Tel: +49 (0) 69 770 673 077 Fax: +49 (0)69 770 673 235 Email: sales540.FRA@aviareps.com
Lamu Road, Malindi Tel: +254 (0)422 120 370
MOMBASA
ITALY
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
AVIAREPS AG
Ground Floor, Mombasa Trade Centre, Nkrumah Road Tel: +254 (0)41 231 9078/9 Cell: +254 (0)728 540 540; (0)710 540 540
Via Monte Rosa, 20 20149 Milan
RESERVATIONS Tel: +39 02 4345 8346 Fax: +39 02 4345 8336 Email: Res540.MIL@aviareps.com
Nyali Centre, next to Naivas, Links Road, Mombasa Tel: +254 (0)41 447 7540/2 Sales: +254 (0)41 540 540; 707 540 542
SALES & MARKETING MANAGER Maria Rosa Cappelli Mobile: +39 335 778 5936 Email: mcappelli@aviareps.com
MOI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, MOMBASA
SALES Tel: +31 (0)20 520 02 82 Fax: +31 (0)20 623 01 51 Email: Sales540.AMS@aviareps.com
RUSSIAN FEDERATION AVIAREPS AG Olympiysky prospect 14 BC “Diamond Hall” 129090, Moscow
RESERVATIONS
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 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 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
Tel: +254 (0)41 343 4821 Tel: +254 (0)32 540 540; (0)722 555 730 Africa’s low cost airline
Tel: +31 (0)20 654 79 29 Fax: +31 (0)20 623 01 51 Email: Res540.AMS@aviareps.com
SALES
J.E. Mommaertslaan 16b (2nd floor), 1831 Diegem
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
RESERVATIONS
BELGIUM
KITALE
LAMU – NORTH COAST TRAVEL SERVICES
Beechavenue 104 1119 PP Schiphol
Tel: +7 (495) 937 59 50 Fax: +7 (495) 937 5951 Email: Res540.MOW@aviareps.com
AVIAREPS AG
Terminal Building, Kitale Airstrip Tel: +254 (0)770 639 429 Tel: +254 (0)724 457 374 Tel: +254 (0)735 540 547
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Representative Offices
Mezz floor, Mega Plaza Tel: +254 (0)724 563 009; 734 540 550
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TravelInfo
FLY540 VI
INFORMAT A I S
KENYAN VISAS VISA INFORMATION
M
ost 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.
Visas are required for most nationals and cost US$50. A visa can be obtained on entry, however we recommend one be obtained before arrival to avoid airport lengthy queues. Visa Application Forms are available online. 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. 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 High Commission of Kenya. Visa fees charges: • Multiple entry: US$100 • Single entry: US$50 • Transit Visa: US$20
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.co.ke
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N O
TRAVEL INFORMATION
TravelInformation
TANZANIAN VISAS
SOUTH SUDAN VISAS Any visitor going to South Sudan requires a valid visa. Visas are issued through the South Sudan Embassy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. •
Requirements: • All applicants to launch their visas in person • Passport must be valid for at least six month and presented on submission of application
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.
• Two recent colour passport-size photos
For more information on Tanzanian diplomatic missions visit: www.tanzania.go.tz/tanzaniaembassiesabroad.htm
• Yellow fever vaccination card • Letter of invitation and intent Standard Visa fees payable by bank transfer to: Government of South Sudan Special Permit Account Bank: Kenya Commercial Bank; Sarit Centre Branch A/C No. 402004247
Fees: • Multiple entry: US$250 (six months)/US$400 (one year)
HEALTH
• Single entry for countries with common border with South Sudan: US$50
Vaccination requirements for international travellers
• Single entry for other African countries: US$100
• No cholera vaccination certificates are required of travellers coming from all over the world.
• Single entry for European and US citizens: US$100
•
ACCINATIO V 0
N ORMAT INF IO
N
FLY 54
Processing period: Two working days
Africa’s low cost airline
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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, 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.
www.fly540.com
KidsCorner
KIDS’
CORNER MUSICAL JOKES
INSTRUMENT
Q. Why are pirates great singers?
Can you find the instruments listed here in the letter grid on the right?
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?
WORDSEARCH
Tip: Some words are going backwards!
GUITAR TRIANGLE DRUMS VIOLIN CELLO TUBA KEYBOARD TRUMPET PIANO FLUTE
K T E P M U R T E V O T U B A R Y
I
T
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K O F
B O B F X N F A O L
L
A
R A T
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E C A L N
1. NOAXEHOPS 2. GRAITU 3. PETTRUM 4. MOREATIBUN 5. JEMBED RUMD (answers) 1. Saxophone, 2. Guitar, 3. Trumpet, 4. Tambourine, 5. Djembe Drum
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I
U G
R N N H C P T
L
D R U M S W E
E
A. Nep-tunes!
ANAGRAMS
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Q. Where did the music teacher leave her keys? A. In the piano!
Q. What do you call a cow that plays a musical instrument? A. A moo-sician!