ISSUE 36 / FEB – APR 2020
YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY
COMPETITION
WIN AN AFRICAN LILY HANDBAG
SLEEPOVER
BLUEBAY BEACH RESORT & SPA DRIVE TIME
THE KIBO
Jason Dunford ‘Samaki Mkuu’ on being an Olympic swimmer and making it in the music industry ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: ENTERTAINMENT • NEWS • GADGETS • REVIEWS & MORE
CONTENTS
contents issue 36 Image courtesy of Rich Studios Africa/ richallela.com
REGULAR FEATURES
COVER STORY 5 Q&A Jason Dunford
3 IN THIS ISSUE 4 COMPETITION Win an African Lily handbag 27
10 TEN OF THE BEST Things to do in Lamu
23 DRIVE TIME Kibo Motorcycles
26 INTERIOR TRENDS Eclectic Glamour
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27 SLEEP OVER Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa
31 SUPPER CLUB Brunch: Best spots in Nairobi
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 Advertising: Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Cell: +254 731 815 090 (WhatsApp) Email: 540@landmarine.org
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34 GADGETS
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Wireless earbuds
35 ENTERTAINMENT Watch. Read. Listen.
40 KIDS' CORNER SPECIAL FEATURES 13 Wildebeest
Fly540 Aviation Baycourt Upper Floor, Suite 3&4, The Watermark Business Park Ndege Rd, Karen PO Box 10293-00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 388 3060-2 Fax: +254 (0)20 3883063 Email: info@fly540.com www.fly540.com The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, or any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions. ©2020 Land & Marine Publications Ltd
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Wild about the Wildebeest
16
14 Kenyan Beer Raise a glass, or a mug to Kenya’s beer drinkers
16 Rock & Stones Introducing the colourful clothing company Rock and Stones
20
17 Nairobi at night Nairobi nightlife, with bars, clubs and entertainment venues across the city
20 Electric Safaris Electric safari vehicles… a revolution?
USEFUL INFORMATION 36 Fly540 Network 37 Fly540 Contacts 38 Travel Information 39 Fly540 Fleet
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IN THIS ISSUE
In this issue
Issue 36
LOOK OUT FOR
Welcome aboard! Welcome to the 36th edition of Fly-540’s in-flight magazine, 540.
Sleep Over: Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa page 27 Watch. Read. Listen:
On page 35 we review the latest blockbuster movies, ‘must read’ books and music releases Gadgets: Beats and more on page 34
We kick off this issue by chatting to retired Olympic swimmer Jason Dunford, or Samaki Mkuu as he is better known these days. He tells us about his time in the pool, his view on environmental sustainability and starting his new career with Mexican rapper Romanitco in the music industry. Our usual Five of the Best feature takes a slight twist as we share our top ten things to do in picturesque Lamu, from a yoga festival to participating in, or spectating at, a dhow race. 540 and EastAfrican both offer daily flights. We head to Nairobi at dusk to find the top spots for dinning, drinking and dancing including what’s on offer in the Electric Avenue district. And at dawn, we test out the top spots in the city for a brunch. In this issue we also look at environmental sustainability, including ethical clothing brand Rock & Stones, which uses kanga and kitenge fabrics from local communities and have participated in a
number of conservation projects across the country. Additionally, we chat about electric safari vehicles and the impact they’re having in East Africa. In our regular Drive Time feature, we’re focusing on a motorbike for the first time – the Kibo. As always, we check out the latest gadgets – in this issue we compare the new Apple AirPods 2 with the Beats Powerbeats Pro – as well as reviewing the latest movies, albums and books to see you through the next few months. I hope you enjoy this issue. If you have any comments, please feel free to contact me by email at: amylaubach@landmarine.org Amy Laubach Editor
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COMPETITION
AND THE WINNER IS… Congratulations to Evelyn Kisuva, who won a stylish ibis Styles Hotel experience in our Issue 35 competition. Well done, Evelyn!
Chance to win an African Lily handbag Fancy winning yourself a fabulous African Lily handbag? We are asking you to send us your best selfie holding a copy of this magazine to be in with a chance of winning the beautiful Nairobi Bag, courtesy of African Lily. Founded in 2007 in Nairobi by two Italians, African Lily specialises in locally handcrafted leather bags, wallets and travel bags, made using high-quality materials and the latest techniques of design and fabrication. African Lily currently has four African Lily retail shops in the city – Westgate Mall, Two Rivers Mall, ABC Place and Galleria Mall.
To win this amazing prize, grab your camera or smartphone and take a selfie with a copy of 540 Magazine Issue 36, either on the plane or at a location of your choice. Email the image, with your full name and booking reference to: competition@landmarine.org
Competition terms and conditions
The winner will be picked at random by us and contacted shortly after the competition closes on 20 April 2020. The winning picture will be featured in Issue 37 of 540 Magazine.
- Closing date is 20 April 2020 - One entry per person - Entrants must be aged 18 or over - The organiser’s decision will be final - This competition is not open to employees or their relatives of African Lily Enterprises Ltd, Fly540, East African or Land & Marine Publications Ltd.
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Jason Dunford Title Images Courtsey of: Rich Studios Africa/ richallela.com
Heading Sub heading Intro Byline
Quote 2
CAP HEAD Caption
Jason Dunford – Samaki Mkuu
The fish making it out of water
PANEL HEAD Panel text
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Jason Dunford
J
ason Dunford, 33, was born and raised in Kenya. At 22 he competed in the 2008 Olympics, posting a new Olympic record and making it to the finals. He went on to compete in the Commonwealth Games, World Championships and the 2012 Olympics. Now retired from his swimming career, Dunford is making his way into the music industry. He chats to 540 about his time as a swimmer, the importance of environmental sustainability and his musical career with Romantico. OLYMPICS Beijing Olympics 2008 Logo Credit: rvlsoft / Shutterstock.com
Q. Please tell me about your childhood growing up in Kenya with your two brothers? A. I have very fond memories growing up in Kenya with my two brothers. We were all very into our sport and the outdoors, my dad and mum are both athletes so they used to take us swimming and to the coast to do water sports. We played cricket, hockey, rugby and squash in different school teams and I just loved playing sport. I also loved my music but my brothers weren’t so into music so I gravitated towards the sports arena and music took a backseat in my life. Of course, academics were important to all
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Africa’s low cost airline
of us and we tried to get the best grades in class so we could get into the best schools as possible beyond Kenya. So, we lived by a work-hard, play-hard ethic that came from my parents. They taught us when it’s time to work, it’s time to work and when it’s time to play, you focus and enjoy that too and whatever activity you’re doing, you’re trying to become the best you can.
Q. What or who inspired you to swim? A. My parents did because they were both swimmers in their earlier lives so they were my first inspirations. Then over the years I had incredible coaches
like Andrew Nderu, who took my swimming to the next level. He is one of the top youth coaches in Kenya as well as Peter O’Sullivan when I went to boarding school in England on a sports and academic scholarship. He is the one who planted the seed in my mind that I could really make it to the Olympics and told me that swimming for a college in the United States was a very good way to do that. Beyond that, at Stanford, I trained under Skip Kenney and Ted Knapp – two legendary coaches in the sport
– before finishing my career with Andrea Di Nino, one of the top sprint coaches in the world and based in Europe. There was of course Tony Batis who is a top club coach in Palo Alto, whom I also swam under for part of my career.
KENYAN AND PROUD Dunford was born and raised in Kenya
Q. How often would you train?
NARNIA Shah portrayed Ginaarbrik in the movie
A. I would have about 11 training sessions a week, totalling up to 20 hours. Half of that would be spent in the pool and half would be spent doing landbased training in the gym doing weights and circuit training. It was a brutal programme combined with studying for my A-levels, then studying for my degree at Stanford University and then my Masters – I was training through all of that so the programme was not easy and there were many times when I would think I couldn’t keep going, but something within me kept pushing me on and as my swimming kept getting better, I was inspired to keep going.
Q. Any advice for swimmers aspiring to practice the sport for their career? A. My advice to swimmers aspiring to become professionals is that you really want to have to commit. There’s no easy path – you have to understand there will be tough days and easy days, but on the tough days it’s really important to get your head down and try to push through. I would say it’s important to keep working hard academically because a swimming career is a short career and ends relatively early in your life and there needs to be something you can pursue beyond swimming. Of course, coaching could be one avenue, but it’s important to give yourself options if you want to move away from the pool as well. In terms of practicing the sport, just keep going with your
kicking – there’s nothing more important that having a strong kick so the more you work on this, the stronger swimmer you’ll be.
Q. What advice did your coach give you running up to the 2008 Olympics? A. In the run up to 2008, my coach tried to take the pressure off and try to put it in the context of my life and of the wider life I would lead. It was great I was going to the Olympics but it was very helpful to have someone take the pressure off so I could see it as just another competition in the course of my life. The mistake I made in 2012 for my second Olympics was that I put way too much pressure on myself and I don’t think I managed my psychology as well. I do remember in 2008, my
I had incredible coaches like Andrew Nderu, who took my swimming to the next level. He is one of the top youth coaches in Kenya coach Skip Kenney was helping my brother and I out in the build up to the games and he was very keen to keep us in a balanced state of mind.
Q. Please tell me about your academic life and career later in life. Why did you choose to study biology and environmental science and pursue a www.fly540.com
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Title Dunford Jason
career in environmental sustainability? What do you think is in store for Kenya in terms of sustainability? A. I chose a degree in human biology initially because I wanted to go into the medical field. During the course of my studies, I gravitated more towards human interaction and our effect on it. This allowed me to take more of an interest in environmental sustainability so I pursued a Masters in environmental science immediately afterwards as I continued to train. After I retired from swimming, I worked in recycling and solar power generation, those were both jobs I took in America and I got to see a number of ways in which our consumer lifestyle really affects the planet. So, it became something very important to me and something I wanted to
MEDAL Ben WildmanTobriner presents to Dunford
put out into the world to help us move towards more global sustainability, but of course it is complex. For sustainability in Kenya, the country is amazing in terms of how much renewable energy we produce. I think if we can stay away from bad directions such as building a coal plant in Lamu as this doesn’t seem like the most productive way of creating energy. I do think there’s a positive future in Kenya for sustainable oils and there’s a great ethos in terms of tree planting and reforestation. I hope we can maintain this and think more carefully about how we plan the development of our cities to maintain green space because if we can plan better, there’s no need to destroy these areas – it really is all about planning and balancing the need to create jobs and develop
with the need to preserve our environment.
Q. In 2018 you started your music career. What inspired you to do this and is it something you always saw yourself doing? A. In 2018 I was invited to do a song with a rapper and music producer called Romantico. He came to Kenya as a missionary from Mexico and got into music as he realised Reggaeton and Genya has a similar beat. He was the first person to create Spanish Swahili music on a new beat. We met in the gym when I was covering a story for the BBC as a journalist and he was there working out and we connected. I had heard about him on the radio and thought I could write a great article on him but he invited me to do a song with him. It’s not something I saw myself doing but how often does someone ask you to do this, so I gave it a go. We recorded our first song ‘Mbaya’ and it started from there. I was doing this as a side job but the project got so big – most recently we collaborated with Antonia Carmona of Ketama, a legendary Grammy winner who flew up from Spain. We’re doing a full album called ‘One’ with Jabali Afrika, the most toured Kenyan band of all time. We’re also working with Roberto from Zambia, the singer behind Amarula, he’s the top artist in Zambia. We’re also in talks with the team of Selena Gomez. Everything has moved really quickly and it became too much to do both, so I am currently taking a break from journalism for a while to see where my musical career can take me.
Q. Where do you find inspiration for your music and in particular the lyrics? A. My inspiration comes from 8
Africa’s low cost airline
my Olympic experience; I speak my truth in my music and try to source that depending on theme that we’re looking at for a particular song when I’m working with Romantico. I have my first single ‘Dance with Me’ that is out now on Spotify as part of our debut album. We were exploring the range of human emotion in our song writing as well as different societal issues that are important to us, so it really depends on the song. I get inspired by just sitting down and just starting to write – I had an advisor once tell me that the way to write is just to sit down and focus, so that’s what I try and do.
Q. Can you explain your stage name ‘Samaki Mkuu’? A. My stage name came from my first song with Romantico. My first ever verse I wrote ‘Naogelea nitakuwa samaki mkuu’ means ‘I am swimming so I can become the great fish’. ‘Mkuu’ has connotations with ‘big’ and ‘great’, but can mean ‘prime’ also. From there, I decided to run ‘Samaki Mkuu’ as a stage name as it felt authentic and people responded well to it.
Q. What is your day-today life like now in the rap industry? A. My music goes beyond the rap industry because we collaborate with musicians beyond this genre, but my day-to-day life can be anything from recording to shooting music videos all over Nairobi and beyond. There’s also a lot of admin that I have to deal with running the label including the marketing side of things and the planning of shows. We will be touring in February this year so there’s a lot of planning for this. Everyday can be different which is a little stressful but I really relish in the freedom I have over
Q. What are your plans for the next year?
my schedule so I can work on the biggest priorities.
Q. What is it like working with Romantico? A. He is a genius, there’s nothing more that can be said. He has a degree in theology and philosophy, so comes from a wonderful spiritual place. He is thoughtful with everything he writes and thinks about and I’ve learnt a tonne from being able to interact with him. He keeps me very even-keeled, we work well with each other and our different energy, looks and styles – that yin and yang – works well for us. I relish the opportunity to be in the studio with him and the creative process is made a lot easier by working with him. We butt heads but I think in every working relationship that can’t be avoided. The fact we are able to move on quickly and keep things moving forward says to me that he’s reliable and we can push things further and further together.
ONE Album by Romantico and Samaki Mkuu
A. The next year is going to be huge; we have four big music releases that will be coming out early in the year – four big videos, three of which have already been shot. We release ‘Tiki Tiki’ on 20th January, a big dance song, and we will be releasing ‘Usiende Mbali’, our collaboration with Antonia Carmona of Ketama, and ‘Sanaipei Tande’ and ‘Justo Asikoye’ in March. April will see the release of ‘Tingisha Nywele’ featuring Jabali Afrika. There’s more to come later on in the year including releases with Dufla, Lemarti, Nazizi, Joy Birech and Dinah Ndombi. We’ve also written a song for the Kenyan Olympic team called ‘Pamoja’ and it’s on our album ‘One’.
Follow: @jasondunford on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or as duo @romanticosamakimkuu on facebook, instagram and @romanticosm on Twitter.
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Ten of the best
TEN OF THE BEST:
Things to do in Lamu L
amu Town, located on the small island of Lamu, is the oldest and arguably the bestpreserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is just a few hundred kilometres north of Mombasa and here at 540, we have rounded up the 10 best things to do at the island. Credit: Jen Watson / Shutterstock.com
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EXPLORE THE NARROW STREETS OF OLD LAMU TOWN
SAIL A TRADITIONAL DHOW
Lamu Town dates back to the 12th century. The town’s ancient narrow streets with its winding alleys and high stone walls can be compared to that of Stone Town, Zanzibar. Head out early and witness people riding donkeys, the town’s main form of transport, through the tapering pathways. These streets have remained unchanged for hundreds of years.
The only real way to explore Lamu is by donkey or dhow. There are a couple of cars, some say only 3 or 4 and these are ambulances or the few official government cars. You can hire a dhow for a leisurely cruise around the archipelago. The Red Pepper House (www.travelplusstyle.com/ hotels/the-red-pepper-house) is home to some stunning boats with friendly crew. Check out Lamu Holiday Solutions (www. lamuholidaysolutions.com) who offer great value packages.
GO FISHING
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Lamu is well-known for big game fishing. Species often caught include sailfish, kingfish, barracuda, ‘kole kole’, jacks, snapper and tuna. Alternatively, creek fishing is also great fun for catching smaller fish. A half or full-day deep sea angling trip with AfricanMecca gets you close to some of the gigantic finned creatures in the Indian Ocean. You can choose between expansive deep ocean or creek fishing. Visit www.africanmeccasafaris. com for more information.
HEAD TO LAMU YOGA FESTIVAL Held annually in March, the Lamu Yoga Festival offers five days of yoga with over 25 teachers and 150 yoga classes, meditations and workshops in Shela, Lamu Town and Manda Island. Lamu’s tropical climate, variety of accommodation and blissful beaches mean it is the ideal destination for a wellness getaway. The next date scheduled for the festival is 4-8 March 2020 and tickets sell out fast so visit www.lamuyoga.org to book yours now.
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FEAST ON SWAHILI DELIGHTS
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Credit: Thukuk | Wikimedia Commons | CC-BY-SA-4.0
Lamu is home to a unique and sophisticated blend of Swahili, Indian and Italian cuisine. Biryanis, curries, couscous, flavoursome chutneys and a variety of pasta dishes are widely cooked on the island. There is also an impressive variety of fresh tasty seafood to try, often enhanced by cinnamon, clove, cumin seed and fresh coconut milk. Top spots to try include Moonrise Restaurant and Whispers Coffee Shop.
EXPERIENCE THE NEW YEAR’S LAMU DHOW RACE Organised yearly, the competition attracts many eager visitors from far and near. The event is a highlight of the New Year festivities that take place on the island, accompanied by numerous parties and celebrations on New Year’s Eve. 15 dhows race across the coast with island residents and tourists alike cheering on their preferred sailor from the shoreline. Lamu is well-known for its dhow construction and sailing abilities, so an exciting race seems like an appropriate way to see off the year.
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EXPLORE SHELA VILLAGE This tiny village is located southeast of Lamu Island and is full of donkey-wide alley streets, tall stone townhouses and colourful market stalls. Walking around gives you a sense of tradition, as you see small thatched huts, mosques and some historic ruins. Shela was once a simple fishing village back in the 1980's but has now become a top spot for rental homes. Shela is also home to high-end hotels and restaurants.
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RELAX ON THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES A lot of Lamu’s beaches are free from the hustle and bustle commonly associated with coastal destinations, making them ideal for a peaceful beach stroll. A top spot can be found a couple of kilometres south of Lamu Town, on the eastern tip of the island near the village of Shela. Here you will find narrow pathways and sandy dunes with clear waters. You can reach Shela beach either by boat or walking which takes about half an hour from Lamu town.
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Ten of the best
HANDCRAFTED lamps made with recycled materials
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GET LOST IN THE TAKWA RUINS
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SHOP FOR ARTS AND CRAFTS Lamu is the ideal place to shop for prints, paintings and handbags sold at small shops and markets. A lot of the produce here is made from recycled materials including woven sisal bags and Kenyan masks. However, ebony woodcarvings should be avoided as some are made from wood harvested from trees that have been listed as endangered.
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Okay so this isn’t technically located on Lamu Island but Manda Island, which is another island in the Lamu Archipelago, was once home to the Kenya coast’s largest settlements, a thriving community bonded around the 18th century. Left behind are the ruins of various buildings, walls and a mosque. These ruins can be easily reached from Lamu Town, a 30-minute boat ride away, and Shela town.
Fly540 fly to Lamu daily from Nairobi. Visit www.fly540.com to book flights.
Wildebeest
Wild about the wildebeest
W
e all know about the annual migration – more than a million animals crossing from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the Masai Mara and back again. But how much do you know about the star of the show: the wildebeest? Fly540 is on hand to give you the lowdown on the migration’s most famous face.
Name: Wildebeest, from the Afrikaans for “wild cattle.” Also known as the gnu.
Species:
Habitat: Grassy plains of eastern and southern Africa, notably the Serengeti National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve Fact: Around 80 per cent of baby wildebeest are born within the same two–three week period
Size: 1.5m
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The blue wildebeest and the black wildebeest
tall
Diet: Herbivore, grazing on grasses and leaves
Average lifespan: Up to
20
years old
Fact: Both males and
Fact: Wildebeest
Predators: Lions,
females grow horns
have scent glands in their hooves
cheetahs, hyenas and crocodiles
Migration: Wildebeest can Population: Over
1.5
million
travel up to 1,800 KM during the annual migration
Speed: Adults can run up to 80 km per hour
in the wild
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James Wakibia Title Beer
Raise a glass, or a mug to Kenya’s beer drinkers
T
here was a time, and it’s not that long ago, when Kenyans had nothing much else to quench their considerable thirst than a bottle of ice-cold Tusker – or some other amber beverage straight from the same Ruarakabased brewer. How things have a changed. The ubiquitous Tusker is, of course, still with us but neatly repackaged and re-bottled since 2015 by allconquering East African Breweries (EABL), but today the beer market is so much more fragmented. And a lot better for it.
Kenyan Beer For as long as anyone can remember, Kenyan beer meant Tusker. Brewed since the early 1920s, the iconic Tusker, with its familiar black and yellow elephant logo dominated the market. And ably supported by the slightly more refined Tusker Malt and Tusker Lite as well as labels such Pilsner and Pilsner Ice, the KC’s apparent favourite White Cap and White Cap Lite plus Balozi pale lager, the ultra-low-cost Senator Keg and Guinness. The brewer has further domestic brands in Uganda (Bell, Uganda Wagari and Allsops) and in Tanzania (Serengeti and Uhuru Peak). Taken together, the various brands under the EABL umbrella still represent a huge market share in Kenya and across East Africa. But this is being nibbled away at from both ends, by both carefully
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Africa’s low cost airline
crafted niche brands from local suppliers and premium imports at one end and a race to secure the value-for-money keg sector at the other.
Upstart The biggest and most impressive of these upstart brands and prepared to go head to head with EABL is the Keroche Brewery. Set up by the formidable Tabitha Karanja and surprisingly located in Naivasha – surely an unusual outpost of the world’s brewing industry, Keroche was launched back in 2008. Popular with Wananchi, Keroche produces the Summit Lager and Summit Malt brands and in 2019, launched KB Lager using, for the first time, 70% locally grown cereals and 30% malted barley, it's keenly priced at only KES 120 a bottle. Now going upmarket and aimed at middle-class Kenyans, Nairobi’s exclusive Sierra beer has had a dedicated following. Brewed by Ozzbeco, the various boutique Sierra labels (that’s Amber, Blonde and Platinum plus Imperial Stout) are available
TUSKER The Kenyan-owned pale larger
This law states that only four ingredients can be used in the brewing of beer: malt, hops, yeast and water
from some supermarkets but otherwise take some finding beyond the excellent Sierra Brasserie located on the third floor at Yaya Centre and which is part of the same group. A concern for all Kenyan brewers is a growing taste for internationally recognised beer brands. These can now be ordered online thanks to recent start-ups such as Oaks & Corks
sale and the company has set up a regional office in Nairobi. Once imported by EAB, Namibia’s Windhoek is now handled by distributor Kapari which also sells Castle Milk Stout and Castle Lite.
The market
(located off Ngong Road), or alternatively from supermarkets for home consumption. SABMiller, now a BrazilianBelgian corporation, offers several ‘African’ labels – Castle Lager, dark and lovely Castle Milk Stout, Castle Lite and the pale-looking Miller Genuine Draft – and has been in the Kenyan market for quite some time. Denmark’s Carlsberg Group sells Carlsberg and Tuborg beer in Kenya through distributor King Beverage.
Bottled and canned The US brewing giant Budweiser arrived here in 2015 and chose Viva Global as its importer and distributor and offers both bottled and canned beer in Kenya. Additionally, Viva Global sells Corona Extra from Mexico. Imported Heineken is also on
The only elements that had been missing from the market are craft beers and microbreweries. These have burgeoned in South Africa, Europe and the US; but beyond the tasty range of beers from Nairobi’s Brew Bistro & Lounge, run by the Big Five Breweries Company, they had not made much of an impact in Kenya. But this is starting to change. The Sirville Brewery at fashionable Galleria Shopping Mall has been something of a pioneer in Nairobi and only creates beer that conforms to the German reinheitsgebot (or beer purity law). This law states that only four ingredients can be used in the brewing of beer: malt, hops, yeast and water. Sirville has three beers: Tsavo Lager, Mara Pils and Amboseli Bitter. All worth giving a try. If Kenya is to match South Africa and elsewhere, then more of these proprietorial microbreweries will need to follow – and not just in Nairobi.
BOTTLED VERSUS DRAUGHT
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Credit: Unai Huizi / Shutterstock.com
Then there’s the bottled versus draught beer argument. For some unknown reason in Kenya, and it’s a real shame, draught beers (such as Senator Keg) are seen as something of a poor man’s drink or the left-over beer than nobody wants and it’s served in jugs and mugs (KES 50 for a large one, by the way). Keg beer also tends to compete against sometimes toxic illegal backstreet brews. By contrast and in many other countries, having beer on tap is always considered superior to beer from a bottle. Draught Guinness is a case in point.
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Rocks & Stones Images courtesy of Bill Muganda
Fashion for conservation Introducing the colourful clothing company Rock and Stones
E
stablished in 2009, Rock and Stones is a colourful and contemporary clothing brand whose designs are inspired by Swahili culture and its relationship with West Africa, India, Arabia, Europe and the Americas. The company first set out as a jeweller ten years ago, but after a successful run experimenting in designing clothing pieces from vibrant kanga fabric, the company took off as a clothing brand specialising in casual clothing including festival and beach wear.
Popular fabrics Using the popular fabrics kanga and kitenge, Rock and Stones creates ubiquitous pieces but with a cultural statement relating to the political, social and religious expressions of the wearer. The patterns include bold, bright patterns in multiple colours, ranging from post-modern abstractions to traditional paisleys. But the pieces aren’t just functional; they are both beautiful
LIFE IN COLOUR Rock & Stones produce fun and bright garments
and ethical. In their successful 10 years of business, Rock and Stones has worked with a number of conservation projects including Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sweet Waters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and most recently, The Milgis Trust, where the company donated five percent of its revenues from its Christmas sale towards the purchase of binoculars to help scouts with wildlife monitoring. Additionally, and thanks to their passion of beachwear, Rock & Stones has shown support for the Kuruwitu Conservation Project and the Welfare Community Based Organisation.
Suporting communities The company also supports the local communities that help to produce the Rock and Stones garments. Future plans include setting up its own training workshop to offer life skills to members of the community who are keen to work with Rock and Stones. Head to the company’s website, www.rockandstones.com to read more about the Rock and Stones brand and to shop pieces online. 16
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Nairobi at night
Nairobi by night Nairobi is famous for its daytime thrills, most notably a safari in its national park, but when the sun sets, the Kenyan capital swaps wildlife for nightlife, with bars, clubs and entertainment venues across the city ready to give you a night to remember, no matter your preference or budget.
Electric Avenue The district known as Electric Avenue is synonymous with nights out in Nairobi, thanks to the string of bustling bars and clubs here. Located in Westlands and embracing Mpaka Road, Electric Avenue is the top spot in the city and promises a great night out for eating, drinking and dancing, all in one place. Top dinning spots in the area include Havana Bar, a small venue with two floors ideal for grabbing
dinner and drinks before heading off to party elsewhere. Latin tunes mixed with DJ house music are often played while the kitchen serves up a delicious selection of mostly Mexican-inspired food including tortilla chips with fresh guacamole, fajitas and quesadillas. Havana also has an impressive cocktail list and make a rather fine mojito. They also serve Kenyan coffees, South African wines and international spirits. Live music is a staple of the Saturday evening
KENYA'S CAPITAL ď ˛ A great night out
entertainment here. You can dance until the early hours before heading home or move on to another bar if you’re not quiet ready to call it a night yet. The Brew Bistro & Lounge, located on Ngong Road, also serves great food and drink. Opened in 2009, this rooftop bar serves a heady mix of German beers, salsa dancing and live music, and is open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner. The venue has a classy feel and offers
Nairobi at night
an executive fine dinning menu and express a la carte, as well as a offering a casual menu of burgers, steaks and seafood. With great views and delicious food, the Brew Bistro & Lounge is the ideal place to meet friends after dark. If dancing is more your vibe, then Black Diamond won’t disappoint. Popular among locals, this is one of the city’s ls best-known clubs and offers an authentic Kenyan clubbing experience. Located on Mpaka Road, Black
Diamond (also known as Black D) plays local and continental music, rather than typical Westlands tunes, which creates a lively atmosphere among the crowd. Cocktails and beers come at an affordable price and, on Wednesdays and Sundays, local bands are invited to play. There is also a balcony with wonderful views over Westlands.
Elsewhere Electric Avenue may be the pulsing centre of Nairobi come night
CUBAN DELIGHTS Delicious treats at the Havana Bar
time, but there are plenty of other options across the city, whether you are into clubs, cocktails or karaoke. One of the most exclusive clubs in Nairobi is B-Club at Galana Plaza. Open from 4pm to 4am daily, the club promises a VIP experience with some of the best service in town. The club has an affluent clientele including local and international celebrities – and this is reflected in the price list. It’s not the kind of place you can grab a cheap Tusker, but if you can afford the B-Club then you’ll be promised a great night out.
The Mercury Lounge A short distance away from Electric Avenue, the Mercury Lounge at ABC Plaza is a cocktail-lovers heaven. This venue has an atmosphere fairly different to some of Nairobi’s popular hangouts on the strip with its fun, yet chilled out vibe. The food is great and the cocktails are even better. From party nights on a Saturday to a midweek DJ session on a Wednesday, there will surely be something to suit your mood at the Mercury Lounge. Tribeka on Banda Street in the business district is a firm favourite, especially among those who enjoy karaoke. Their busy programme of events, including reggae nights and live DJS, keeps people coming back week after week. Drinks are good and reasonably priced, with a variety of deals available throughout the week. The central location is a bonus. On Chiromo Lane in Parklands one can find the K1 Klub House, high offers everything from brunch and flee markets to great evening entertainment. Regular themed nights include band, reggae and jazz events, in addition to a daily happy hour. K1 has three bars: Heaven, Paradise and Pitcher & Butch.
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NAIROBI AT DUSK ď ˛ The city has a great offering of resturants and bars
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Electric Safaris
Electric safari vehicles… a revolution? All images courtesy of Electric Safari Vehicles
By Gary Gimson
Is the safari business, as we now know it in Kenya, on the cusp of a minor revolution and in line with the dramatic changes that are happening in the transport sector elsewhere in the world? WILDLIFE Electric vehicles can cause less stress to animals
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F
or decades, tourists have, perhaps, unthinkingly headed out on game drives in diesel-engine safari vehicles – not only in Kenya but also across the rest of eastern and southern Africa. In fact, there’s been no other option, except in countries like Zambia which allow and encourage walking safaris. The cost of providing such transport by the tour company or bush camp can be prohibitive – especially in remote areas and when using more high-end vehicles such as the Toyota Land Cruiser rather than the pop-top,
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14-seater, Matatu-style Toyota Hiace widely used in Kenya’s parks.
Land Cruisers But beyond Kenya and further to the south and where seasonal weather conditions are clearly defined there is a preference for Land Cruisers. These make excellent and unimpeded viewing platforms, but come with a heavy price tag in terms of buying and operating. What’s more, the residuals on these vehicles are truly astounding, so even opting for a used Land Cruiser can be expensive. Now and at last, there’s a
money-saving option for operators which also enhances the safari viewing experience and, in theory, is kinder to the environment and causes a lot less stress to wildlife. This is the availability of batterypowered safari vehicles. Due to the nature of Kenya’s safari product (the use of the much cheaper Hiace), these may take longer to catch on here than elsewhere as the operating economics
are somewhat different from, say, South Africa. But battery power is likely to be the future for both open and enclosed safari vehicles. For the moment, the only downside: the conversion cost.
Economics Fly540 spoke to Steve Blatherwick at South Africa-based manufacturer Electric Safari Vehicles (ESV) about the economics of battery-power and he explains: “It depends a lot on the amount of distance needed from a charge, but my standard conversion will allow operators to do no fewer than 150 km per charge. The cost of the conversion is around US$ 56,000 depending on exchange rate,
ELECTRIC SAFARI VEHICLES Could they be a revolution?
The skill level to repair those types of vehicles will be a problem in Africa especially being hybrid. Our aim at ESV is to recycle the vehicles we already have…
while a conversion kit is about US$ 51,000. Ouch. Of course, and on the other side of the ledger, there are big savings to be made. Steve says for this calculation four factors need to be considered: • The distance that’s travelled on average in a day and the cost of fuel per litre • The service intervals and the general wear and tear for electric versus diesel. If a vehicle covered an average of 80 km per day+, say, 30,000 km per year, the fuel cost @ US$ 1.14 a litre with a fuel consumption of 5.5 km per litre • The amount of diesel needed is 5,454 litres a year costing US$ 6,220. Charged off the grid at a rate of US$ 8c per kw the cost of electricity would be around US$ 507 so savings just on fuel will be US$ 5,700 per year • We now have to factor in the service intervals but according to all calculations, in about five years you're done, then its cashflow back into your business instead of out.”
Now that Steve and his company have got the ball rolling, it seems it will only be a matter of time before the likes of Toyota (already a leader in electric and hybrid vehicles) starts to market a non-diesel Land Cruiser of its own. In fact, Toyota has announced plans to make hybrid engines an option for every vehicle it makes by 2025 and that includes the V8 petrol and 4.2 litre turbo-diesels that currently power Land Cruisers.
Scepticism Steve is sceptical, though: “The skill level needed to repair those types of vehicles will be a problem in Africa especially being hybrid. Our aim at ESV is to recycle the vehicles we already have and that is why converting makes sense as all the mechanical parts are already available for these vehicles. Mechanics are able to fix them and, as you know, they can go for ever if you spend some money on the suspension and general maintenance. The fact that you take out the diesel motor and add some batteries and an electric www.fly540.com
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Electric Safaris
motor it still remains the same car with all the existing components and capabilities. Once it has been converted, it simply just makes it a whole lot smoother and quieter with less maintenance and wear and tear on components as the control of power is far better than a diesel engine that’s constantly running.” Even with concessions, import duties might also be a killer for many in the tourism sector. ESV has developed retro-fit kits to send out across Africa to avoid all the unnecessary transportation and charges to make it more cost effective for everyone. This may help. Even so and for the time-being, though, the up-front outlay still looks daunting for all but the largest and wealthiest safari operators. Nevertheless, and with growing calls for more environmentally sensitive tourism, it’s an option whose time has probably come.
ESV Steve Blatherwick
ELECTRIC SAFARIS The key advantage of electric vehicles for tourists is that they get to view game in silence. But Steve believes there’s more. “This is only one selling point, the fact that you can drive from the sun’s power is much better than burning fossil fuels and doing oil changes – it’s also a lot smoother, enhances the comfort factor and with it being a lot quieter, it allows guests to listen to the natural surroundings while driving – so it’s more effective for birders, photographers, videographers and for the overhaul safari experience. There’s also far less noise pollution which can be annoying not only to animals but to humans as well. The other great advantage of going electric is the cost remains constant and camps and lodges don’t have to worry about increases in fuel prices. Some bush properties spend a fortune just getting fuel to these vehicles, so it’s a whole lot less hassle. It’s also a great marketing to give your customers an enhanced experience, so it could potentially give you more sales if you were electric.”
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DRIVE TIME
Kibo Motorbikes
All images courtesy of Kibo By Gary Gimson
Born to be wild
T
his, of course, is 540’s regular car review section and for the first time we are breaking tradition and reviewing a motorbike – and with good reason. Motorbike sales in Kenya are booming. Around 200,000 were sold last year. Clearly traffic congestion has persuaded some commuters to look for easier ways to travel to and from work. But in reality, it’s the dramatic increase in the number of boda boda operators – who provide cheap and abundant transport in both city and rural areas – which is driving sales. The vast majority of these motorbikes are imported – either new (mainly from China) or used. But maybe not everyone is aware
that Kenya also has its own locally designed and built motorbike. This is the Kibo and it comes as either a 150cc (at least for the time-being) or a 250cc. Both are four-stroke, single cylinder models and use Japanese supplied engines.
Brainchild The creation of Kibo motorbikes is the brainchild of Dutchman Huib van de Grijspaarde (see panel). He has helped set up the company’s Even Business Park factory in Nairobi and now employs around 60 people in Kenya, plus others in the Netherlands and China. And Kibo is not standing still. In 2019, the company sold around 1,000 units and hopes to double this figure this year. Exports to
K150 Exoskeletal frame
Uganda and Tanzania are also on the horizon, says Kibo’s marketing and communications manager Terry Ojiambo. What’s more, the K150 is soon to be upgraded to the K160 and other new models are in the pipeline. These include an entry-level bike priced below KES 150,000 and a high-end electric motorcycle. These are expected to
Kibo motorbikes not only look good but they have been created with East African road, and off-road, conditions in mind. www.fly540.com
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DRIVE TIME
Kibo Motorbikes
come to market in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Kibo motorbikes not only look good but they have been created with East African road, and offroad, conditions in mind. Launched in 2019, Kibo says “the K250 is built to withstand extreme terrain with additional versatility and strength to comfortably carry heavy payloads”. In fact, the bike can haul up to 250kgs and has hefty 20.7Nm of toque. The two models are also keenly priced: a K150 will set you back KES 199,000. Expect to pay around KES 339,000, though, for the K250. 24
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Both models have five-speed gearboxes, twin headlights and come with LED rear lights and side indicators and skeletal frames. And to ensure the bikes can be taken off road there is a 200mm ground clearance and reinforced sump guards.
Benefit Riders also benefit from a digital display featuring low-fuel alert, engine temperature and low battery and speed indicators and engine overheating alerts. In terms of fuel efficiency, for the K250, expect to achieve 300km on a
K250 Stand-out orange
full 10.4 litre tank – that’s a frugal 29km/l. The Kibo can certainly compete with any imported bike in terms of kerb appeal and there is the advantage for local buyers in that local assembly greatly reduces or eliminates a range of import taxes and duties. Maybe in the minds of many, motorbikes are just for boda boda riders and askaris. But if you want to beat the traffic and also have off-road fun at weekends while at the same time saving a fortune on fuel then you could do a lot worse than buy a Kibo.
All images courtesy of Kibo By Gary Gimson
It’s fair to say that Huib van de Grijspaarde has had an interest in motorcycles dating back to his teenage years. And ever since those early days in the Netherlands, he’s also been something of an entrepreneur. After getting a degree in development economics, he later decided to start a business in Africa.
While doing research into what type of business to launch, he came across the motorcycle taxi (boda boda) phenomenon in East Africa and he immediately saw an opportunity to combine his love of motorbikes with his passion for business. More generally, he saw a huge potential in starting a company in Africa
that would create highskilled jobs and also help transfer knowledge and technology. He selected Nairobi as his preferred base for doing so and largely thanks to the relative ease of doing business, but mostly out of a belief in the entrepreneurial spirit of the Kenyan people.
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Image Credit: Audenza / Audenza.com
Interior Trends
TRENDING:
Eclectic Glamour Eclecticism is a fairly broad concept that combines elements, styles, eras and artistic directions. This is the new year’s take on the bold and confident glamour trend. This trend involves 1930’s sophisticated elegance with 1970’s luxury. Rich royal blue or ruby tones should be reserved for key pieces with light touches of warmer rose and bronze tones.
4 1 3
2 5
6 7
1.
Giovanna Glass and Brass Coffee Table by Habitat www.habitat.co.uk, US$ 456.61
2.
Abstract Face Plant Pot by Rose & Grey www.roseandgrey.co.uk, US$ 33.92
3.
Models Velvet Cushion Cover by Audenza www.audenza.com, US$ 110.89
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4.
F2-037 Smartie Junior Floor Lamp Distressed brass by Besselink & Jones www.besselink.com, US$ 1,509.42
6.
Celine Navy Blue Velvet Armchair With Brass Legs by Habitat www.habitat.co.uk, US$ 293.54
5.
Large Green Tropical Crane Picture by Melody Maison www.MelodyMaison.co.uk, US$ 102.72
7.
Ruby Sofa in Dusty Rose by Sofa.com www.sofa.com, US$ 1,761.21
SLEEP OVER
Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa
All images courtesy of Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa
How perfect do you like your island idylls?
F WATER SPORTS Leisure activities are offered at Bluebay
ancy a long weekend away from Nairobi? Already sampled many of Kenya’s best oceanfront hotels? Want to try somewhere different that is only a relatively short hop from JKIA? Well, you could do a lot worse than spend a few days in Zanzibar. If there is a problem with Zanzibar, it is choosing where to stay. It’s a tricky decision, but you can’t go far wrong with the Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa. And if you like your beach resort Swahili style – and who doesn’t – then this is the one. Located in Kiwengwa on the
east coast of Unguja, less than an hour from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, this is the premier property of the Bluebay Hotels Group. Dotted with over 1,000 palm trees and set in 30 spacious acres, the Blue Bay Beach Resort is classy and unhurried.
Accommodation The spacious accommodation is offered in graduated levels of indulgence: • If you are watching the shillings, choose one of the garden bungalows which overlook the resort’s beau • Or trade up to a superior
cottage with ocean views • Junior suites are next to the ocean with a veranda, private garden and are worth paying extra for • And for those with money to splash around, there are two ‘super-deluxe’ Sultan rooms where it is said that even pampered sultans would want to stay. Often it’s the dining experience that really makes any stay – and the Bluebay doesn’t disappoint. The Makuti Restaurant has views over the swimming pool and the ocean beyond. Catering for those who
SLEEP OVER
Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa have booked half-board, it offers various themed buffets with live entertainment. However, for that special occasion or for those seeking a truly gourmet evening, it has to be the sand-in-your-toes Bahari Grill. The Bahari serves some of the island’s tastiest seafood, Italian and most succulent steaks – all in the most romantic of settings. It’s best to pre-book a table, though. Alternatively, The Blue Marlin Restaurant offers beach barbecues and the pool bar boasts an enticing selection of wines and spirits. This resort caters not only for those who prefer whiling away their time on the beach, but also for those who like action-packed days filled with activity. Even guests who want to combine business and leisure are looked after, with
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conference facilities, a 24-hour business centre and special group incentives.
Oasis Spa The property also features the Oasis Spa, located on the beachfront. With palm trees haphazardly protruding through the thatch roof, the sound of cascading water and an abundance of beautiful exotic plants, it’s a truly heavenly setting. The spa offers a range of treatments with qualified massage and beauty therapists to help you unwind in a personal sanctuary of your own. Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa is also home to the One Ocean Dive Centre, Zanzibar’s most respected 5-star PADI dive operator. Visit www.bluebayzanzibar. com to book or find out more.
All images courtesy of Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa
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Beauty
LIPSTICK
shades for your skin tone
Cool, warm or neutral? Cool tone – bluish, red or pink undertone If your skin tone has a pink or bluish hue and your wrist veins are mostly blue, then you are likely to be cool toned. If this sounds like you then reach for bold, statement colours to complement your tone. A dark berry lipstick would be great for a night out or perhaps a vampy red in the cooler months – pair it with a minimal eye makeup look to make your lips really
Neutral tone – a mixture of cool and warm
stand out. For a more wearable, everyday look then a bright or baby pink colour would well suit. This skin tone suits silver jewellery the most.
Warm tone – golden, peachy or yellow undertone If you have a golden, caramel or olive hue to your skin with more green wrist veins as opposed to blue, then you’re likely to be warm toned. This skin tone pairs well with many colours, but in particular warm ones. Glossy nude pinks will look great during the day and at night, vamp up your look with a fiery red or orange shade. This skin shade tends to suit gold jewellery better than silver. Credit: BAKOUNINE / Shutterstock.com
W
hen shopping for a new lippy it can often be rather overwhelming at times thanks to the endless colour palette – nudes to reds and every shade in between. Which is the right colour for you? Which lipstick will bring out your eyes or perhaps that new hair-do? 540 is here to help answer your questions.
A RED LIP Bold and fierce
People with neutral skin tones tend to darken slowly, don’t burn and have both green and blue veins on their wrists. They look great in both silver and gold jewellery and therefore, pretty much every lip shade will flatter their skin. Lucky you!
TIPS • If you’re lips are dry then opt for a glossy lipstick and avoid matte ones • Less is more, if you want a bright lip then tone down the eyeshadow and vice versa • To make your lipstick last all day, apply, blot with a tissue and then dust with a light layer of powder • If you have thinner lips and want to make them look fuller then choose a light, glossy shade
SUPPER CLUB
BRUNCH
Best spots in Nairobi
After a long working week spent in traffic and meetings, weekends are golden opportunities to forget about the Monday-to-Friday stress and take some time to indulge. We’ve handpicked our top places in Nairobi to tuck into a tasty brunch, so clear your diary and enjoy the ultimate weekend relaxation. DELICIOUSLY HEALTHY J’s Fresh Bar & Kitchen Images courtesy of: J’s Fresh Bar & Kitchen
J’S FRESH BAR & KITCHEN If you’ve had a big night out, ‘fresh’ might not be the first word that springs to mind. However, to perk up after a long night or even if you’re already feeling good-to-go, J’s Fresh Bar & Kitchen serves up excellent weekend brunches to ease you into a brand-new day. With a new branch in Westlands and the original Karen location, there’s no excuse not to try J’s famous English breakfast, which features all the favourites such as beans, eggs, bacon and toast. Brunch is served 10.30am until 4.30pm every Saturday and Sunday, with a boozy option available which includes Bloody Marys.
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SUPPER CLUB
Brunch: Best spots in Nairobi
A DELICIOUS MENU Wasp & Sprout Images courtesy of: Wasp & Sprout
WASP & SPROUT Wasp & Sprout’s ethos of ‘African living’ goes beyond excellent food and drink, encompassing a host of beautifully crafted furniture and gifts that are for sale in their shop-come-café. The eye-catching interiors make for a quirky spot to meet up with friends and indulge in a lazy brunch, chosen from a carefully-considered menu. From fruit salad with natural yoghurt for the health conscious to ‘the big 990’, which includes eggs, bacon, mushrooms and toast, for the big eater…there really is something for everyone here. Menu ‘musttries’ include the ricotta pancakes with banana and organic honey, and the sprout omelette with caramelised onions, spinach and mushrooms. Wasp & Sprout’s selection of drinks are equally impressive, from hot herbal teas to iced coffee and even a dirty espresso shake (caramel, double espresso and ice cream). Breakfast is served all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
ARTCAFFÉ Images courtesy of: Artcaffé While you may be more used to frequenting your favourite Artcaffé as the sun sets, make a point of being there as the sun rises for once, because its breakfasts are truly fabulous. If you’re not the early bird type, Artcaffé serves its breakfast menu from 7.00am until midnight, so you can have the laziest of brunches, whatever time you wake up. You’ll find all of your favourite dishes on the menu, including the English breakfast, eggs benedict and French toast, as well as vegan and healthier options too. The smoothie menu is one of the best in town, featuring drinks packed with vitamins and nutrients to help put a spring in your step, while the selection of freshly-baked muffins and pastries will satisfy your sweet cravings. Oh, and don’t forget the Tomatini – Artcaffé’s take on the classic Bloody Mary.
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LUXURIOUS FOOD LUCCA restaurant Images courtesy of: LUCCA
THE DAILY AT URBAN EATERY Images courtesy of: Urban Eatery
LUCCA AT VILLA ROSA KEMPINSKI For the ultimate in luxury brunches, it has to be LUCCA at Villa Rosa Kempinski. The weekly Sunday brunch takes place between 12.30pm and 5.00pm and is the perfect place to go for something extra special. A brunch of epic proportions, guests can help themselves to the buffet which includes pasta, pizza and sushi, in addition to an extensive range of antipasti and meat. Pretty much whatever you fancy for brunch, LUCCA has it. From deluxe bread to the Indian buffet, chocolate fountain to the nyama choma station, this may be the biggest brunch buffet in town. For an extra fee, adults can enjoy bottomless servings of either sparkling wine, mojitos or cosmopolitans and for the little ones, there is a special kids buffet with all their favourites, including chicken nuggets and ice cream cones.
Two words that are usually reserved for hungover leftovers, morning pizza is a real (and very tasty) thing at Urban Eatery. Among its four different kitchens, its café and bistro, The Daily at Urban Eatery, serves up some great brunch choices to start the day in the best way. The well-known morning pizza is topped with two eggs, Italian sauce, mozzarella, red onion, red pepper and rocket leaves, making it a healthier alternative to everyone’s guilty pleasure. The omelette bar also offers some protein-packed options including ham and cheese and garden vegetables. For those with a sweet tooth, there is a great selection of pastries and mini pastries, as well as a stack of fluffy pancakes, served with ice cream, fresh fruit and maple syrup, and classic Belgian waffles. Stay all day and sample the different cuisines or find a quiet corner to catch up with friends and tuck in.
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GADGETS
WIRELESS EARBUDS: AIRPODS 2 vs. BEATS POWERBEATS PRO Apple makes both these wireless headphones, but which prove the better earbuds? The two sets of earphones are similar, but there are a few notable differences. Firstly, the design differs a fair amount. AirPods® are small, slim and feature a one size fits all design, with a rounded earpiece and tail (including a microphone) similar to standard Apple headphones in the recent days gone by. The in-ear fit is secure but they don’t seal off the ear canal and aren’t water resistant. On the other hand, the Powerbeats are sturdier and are designed to stay in the user’s ear for longer periods of time, much like other previous Powerbeats’ models. They can survive reasonable water pressure and the ear hooks enable the buds to loop over the top of the ear and comfortably hug them, creating an exceptionally
secure fit. In terms of the design, the Beats Powerbeats Pro wins in our opinion.
Audio Due to the fit, the AirPods 2® sound good, but not great. With no seal of the ear canal, there is an absence of base. Alternatively, the Beats Powerbeats Pro were designed with sounds as the main focus, and as a consequence they offer powerful and balanced audio with an exaggerated base. As wonderful as this may sound, some people can find the Beats sound a little too boosted for their liking.
Price Both the Beats and the AirPods® are wellknown and highly respected tech brands, and the price of both sets of earbuds
AIRPODS 2
Connection:
Credit: Fadhli Adnan / Shutterstock.com
Design
reflects this. The AirPods® are priced at US$ 159 without the charging portable case, and US$ 199 with the case – a more affordable price than the Beats yet both are a fair price as far as wireless headphones go. At US$ 250, the Beats version are notably more expensive but feature a more durable structure and therefore are likely to last longer.
Our verdict Both earbuds are made for different audiences and uses. For those looking to listen casually day-to-day and are on a smaller budget, then the AirPods 2® are the best choice. If you are looking for something more durable during workouts and are willing to splurge, then the Beats Powerbeats Pro would be more your style.
BEATS POWERBEATS PRO
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Design:
Earhooks and ear tips
One size and stem
Colours:
White
Black, Ivory, Navy, Moss
Noise isolation: No
Yes
Ideal for:
Casual use
Fitness use
5 hours
9 hours
US$ 159-199
US$ 250
Battery life: Price:
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Africa’s low cost airline
ENTERTAINMENT
Watch. Read. Listen. MOVIES DOWNTON ABBEY
STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER
Director: Michael Engler Starring: Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery and Hugh Bonneville Genre: Drama/Historical period drama Continuing on from the very popular British TV series, Downton Abbey the movie is the continuing saga of the wealthy Crawley family and their servants. The film, which is written by Julian Fellowes, is set in 1927 and depicts an official royal visit from the Queen to the Crawley’s English country house in Yorkshire. However, things take a turn for the worse when an assassin shoed up attempting to kill the monarch.
Director: J.J. Abrams Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Carrie Fisher Genre: Fantasy/Sci-fi The surviving resistance find themselves facing the First Order once more as Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron’s journey continues. This American space-opera film is produced, co-written and directed by J.J. Adams, and will be the third instalment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, following on from The Force Awakens in 2015 and The Last Jedi which as released in 2017. It will also be the final episode of the nine-part Skywalker saga.
STARS: 3/5
STARS: 3.5/5
BOOKS NOTHING VENTURED
THE TESTAMENTS BY MARGRET ATWOOD
BY JEFFREY ARCHER
In this brilliantly well-written sequel to the popular The Handmaid’s Tale, the novel takes place 15 years after Offred’s final scene in the original novel. The Testaments, written by acclaimed author Margaret Atwood, is narrated by three females: Aunt Lydia, who we know from the previous novel, Agnes a young woman living in Gilead; and Daisy, a woman in Canada who is horrified by Gilead. These two younger women are Offred’s daughters; Agnes was adopted by a Gileadan family after being captured and taken by Offred and Daisy, who was smuggled out of Gilead and hide from the truth of the destructive Gilead.
An incredibly and thrilling novel by the master storyteller Jeffery Archer. This story is about William Warwick – a detective who decides, much to his father’s dismay, to join London’s Metropolitan Police Force instead of following in his family’s footsteps and becoming a barrister. After graduating from university, William begins a career that will define his life. While investigating the theft of a priceless Rembrandt painting, he meets Beth Rainsford, a research assistance at the gallery who he falls in love with, but she herself guards a secret of her own. While William investigates the theft, he comes face to face with an art collector and his lawyer who will do anything to bend the law and stay one step ahead of the police officer. Meanwhile, the art collector’s wife befriends William, but whose side is she really on?
STARS: 5/5
STARS: 3/5
MUSIC KIND
THE SUN WILL COME UP, THE SEASONS WILL CHANGE & THE FLOWERS WILL FALL BY NINA NESBITT
BY STEREOPHONICS
This new album by Nina Nesbit, released in November, sees the Scottish singer-song writer switch to soul and R&B-fused pop that suits her arguably rather well. Nesbitt has really found herself, and this shows in her latest tracks. The album is full of diary entry style songs, telling a coming-of-age story. Mixing genres, Nesbitt is inspired by nineties R&B in the thirteen tracks that feature on The Sun Will Come Up album. Songs ‘Loyal to Me’ and ‘Love Letter’ portray Nesbitt’s independence, while other tracks show her sensitive side.
STARS: 3.5/5
Released in October, this new album is the 11th from Welsh rock band Stereophonics. It comes two years after their previous album, Scream Above the Sounds. This brand-new album ‘Kind’ was recorded over an 11-day period in June and July of 2019 at The Ramsbury Brewery & Distillery in England, and was produced by lead singer and guitarist Kelly Jones and George Drakoulias. Tracks include ‘Hungover for You’ and ‘I Just Wanted the Goods’
STARS: 4/5 www.fly540.com
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Contacts
Contact Information
Fly540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS NAIROBI OFFICES
WILSON AIRPORT
MALINDI
540 SAFARI CIRCUIT SALES
HEAD OFFICE
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
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
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
WESTERN HEIGHTS 540/SAX Ground Floor, Western Heights, Karuna Road PO Box 10293 Tel: +254 (0)722 540 540; 733 540 540; 710 540 540
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OFFICE
KENYA OFFICES ELDORET 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
1st Floor, Metro Towers Building Next to Safaricom Customer Care Oginga Odinga Street Eldoret Sales: +254 (0)736 540 540 Tel: +254 (0)53 203 3570/80; +254 (0)735 540 547
Ground Floor, International Life House, Mama Ngina Street Next to Hilton Hotel Tel: +254 (0)702 540 540
ELDORET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Tel: +254 (0)53 203 0814 Tel: +254 (0)53 206 3823 ext 658
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
Unit 3 (Domestic Departures) Tel: +254 (0)20 827 523; +254 (0)20 827 366 Cell: +254 (0)727 532 273 Unit 1 (International Departures) Tel: +254 (0)20 827 521
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
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
KISUMU 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
Kisumu International Airport Tel: +254 (0)254 707 540 560 Tel: +254 (0)737 540 546 1st Floor, West End Mall Next to Uchumi Supermarket Achieng Aneko Road Tel: +254 (0)704 540 540; +254 (0)724 563 009; +254 (0)734 540 550
KITALE 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
Terminal Building, Kitale Airstrip Tel: +254 (0)770 639 429 Tel: +254 (0)724 457 374 Tel: +254 (0)735 540 547
Oasis Mall, Next to Mario's Restaurant, Lamu Road, Malindi Tel: +254 (0)422 120 370
MOMBASA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
Ground Floor, Mombasa Trade Centre, Nkrumah Road Tel: +254 (0)41 231 9078/9 Cell: +254 (0)728 540 540; (0)710 540 540
MOI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, MOMBASA Tel: +254 (0)41 343 4821 Tel: +254 (0)32 540 540; (0)722 555 730
UKUNDA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
SOUTH SUDAN JUBA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE Juba International Airport
Tel: +211 959 540540 Tel: +211 999 540540 Email: Sales.juba@fly540.com
REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES 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
Ground Floor, Bazaar Building Tel: +254 (0)732 540 559
Tel: +49 (0) 69 770 673 077 Fax: +49 (0)69 770 673 235 Email: sales540.FRA@aviareps.com
TANZANIA
SOUTH AFRICA
DAR ES SALAAM
AVIAREPS (PTY) LTD
IT Plaza, Mezzanine Floor Ohio Street/Garden Avenue PO Box 8606 Tel: +255 (0)222 110 601; +255 (0)759 306 306; +255 (0)765 306 306
38 Wierda Road West Wierda Valley Sandton, Johannesburg
ZANZIBAR AIRPORT
SALES
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE
Tel: +255 762 540 540
RESERVATIONS
Tel: +27 (0) 11 722 0229 Fax: +27 (0) 11 783 8135 Email: Res540.JNB@aviareps.com Tel: +27 (0) 722 0229 Tel: +27 74 177 1596 Fax: +27 (0) 783 8135 Email: Sales540.JNB@aviareps.com
LAMU 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
Seafront House Kenyatta Road Next to KPLC Tel: +254 (0)742 540 540; +254 (0)742 305 305
www.fly540.com
37
Travel Info
Travel Information VISA INFORMATION Most nationals require visas to enter East Africa. Citizens from the five East African states require no visas while those from the Common Market of East and Southern Africa (COMESA) member states have relaxed entry requirements into East Africa. However, East African member states have their own visa requirements for various nationals.
HEALTH Vaccination requirements for international travellers: • Only valid yellow fever vaccination certificates are required of all travellers over one year old, arriving from yellow fever infected countries. • Vaccinations for international travellers are obtainable from all international air and sea ports, city and major municipal councils.
INSPIRING CAPTIVATING INFORMATIVE Multi-platform publishing and design services
For further information please contact:
Land & Marine Publications Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Email: info@landmarine.org
www.landmarine.org 38
Africa’s low cost airline
KENYAN VISAS Under new rules, all foreigners requiring a visa for entry into Kenya must apply for one in advance via www.ecitizen.go.ke. A visa is required by all visitors travelling to Kenya with the exception of those who are nationals of a number of countries, including – but not exclusive to – East African Community Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda). • Multiple entry: US$100 • East Africa Visa: US$100 (for travel between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda) • Single entry: US$51 • Transit Visa: US$21 Persons aged 16 years and below will require a visa to enter Kenya. Diplomatic, Official, Service and Courtesy visas will continue to be issued Gratis. For more information, please visit your relevant Kenya High Commission website.
SOUTH SUDAN VISAS Any visitor going to South Sudan requires a valid visa. Citizens of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Botswana can get visas upon arrival. Diplomats and officials with special passports are also given visas on arrival, and UN staff are given visas on arrival providing that they have an approval letter from the South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Other nationalities must acquire referred visas or process for an entry permit in order to enter South Sudan. Fees: • American Nationals: US$ 160 • African and Asian Nationals: US$ 50 • European Nationals: US$ 100 • All other passports assessed accordingly
TANZANIAN VISAS All foreigners from non-Commonwealth countries are required to have a valid visa unless their countries have agreements with Tanzania under which the visa requirement is waived Exemptions: Citizens of Commonwealth countries are not required to obtain visas unless they are citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand or Australia. Tanzanian visas are issued at entry points to Tanzania, including ports and airports, and any other gazetted entry point, from the Tanzanian High Commissions or embassies abroad, from the office of the Director of Immigration services in Dar es Salaam and the office of the Principal Immigration Officer, Zanzibar. For more information visit: www.tanzania.go.tz/tanzaniaembassiesabroad.htm
Fleet
The Fly540 Aircraft Fleet
BOMBARDIER DASH 8-300 SERIES Type: Twin-engined, medium-range, turboprop airliner Number in service: Two Fly540 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.
Capacity per aircraft: 37 passengers
CANADAIR CL-600-2B19 REGIONAL JET Type: Twin-engine regional jet Number in service: Three Capacity per aircraft: 50 passengers
The crew and engineering team are professionally trained and certified to ICAO standards.
www.fly540.com
39
Kids’ Corner
Kids’
CORNER AT THE MOVIES
JOKES Q: What is a cow's favourite movie? A: Moo-lan.
Q: What movie tells the tale of a pizza maker bitten by an arachnid? A: Spi-dough Man.
Q: What do you call a
super hero who has lost his powers? A: A super-zero.
Q: Where do movie stars
L C N O I T C A A
T A D O S J S C F
R M P H P W H T W
A E A S Q E D O Z
I R A D G R P R I
L A W C I N E M A
E P A A B D T H L
R A R S C E N E W
D K D T M O V I E
AT THE MOVIES
WORDSEARCH Find the words from the list 1. Actor
7. Trailer
3. Camera
9. Scene
2. Movie
4. Award
8. Cast
5. Cinema 6. Action
go on Halloween?
Q: Why did the vampire give up acting?
A: Because he couldn’t find a part to sink his teeth into
Q: Why were the
children not allowed to see the pirate movie? A: Because it was rated ‘arrrrrrgh!’
Q: How many actors
does it take to change a lightbulb? A: One – they don’t like the share the spotlight
40
Africa’s low cost airline
AT THE MOVIES
ANAGRAMS
Unscramble the letters to reveal the food.
1. TORDIREC
5. DEMCOY
2. XOB FFOCIE
6. LOLYWHOOD
3. TRESSCA
7. SANDTRUCKO
4. LOCKSTUBBER Answers: 1. Director, 2. Box Office, 3. Actress, 4. Blockbuster, 5. Comedy, 6. Hollywood, 7. Soundtrack
A: MaliBOO!
540 MAGAZINE / ISSUE 36 / FEB – APR 2020
