Friday, 13 April 2012
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Pure Luxury and Style on the Kenyan Coast: Leopard Beach Resort and Spa
Leopard Beach Resort and Spa is a stylish cosmopolitan resort located at Diani Beach on the Southern Coast of Kenya.
Voted 2010 and 2011 as Kenya’s leading resort at the World travel awards.
Set on top of a coral reef surrounded by lush tropical gardens that drop down the sandy shores of the Indian Ocean, Leopard Beach Resort gives you the best of both worlds; nature and beach serenity all in one space.
The resort boasts 158 rooms in various categories
with recently renovated bathrooms, 5 restaurants, a conference complex,
and an array of sports and recreational facilities.
The tranquility of our rooms, stunning garden and beach view sceneries, our tempting selection of dinning spaces coupled with our first class service create an ideal environment for our guests to enjoy and unwind.
It is at Leopard Beach Resort and Spa where Swahili style and first class luxury meet in perfect unison.
Story and Pictures Courtesy of OnlineMasai
http://feeds.feedburner.com/onlinemasai
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Indian Ocean Tsunami Alert
A quake with a magnitude of 8.6 triggered the initial warning, which
was renewed after another quake a few hours later measuring 8.3. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has advised
national authorities across the Indian Ocean region to "take appropriate
action". But there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
The region is regularly hit by earthquakes. The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 killed 170,000 people in Aceh alone and some 250,000 around the region.
The US Geological Survey (USGS), which documents quakes worldwide, said the first Aceh quake was centred at a depth of 33km (20 miles), about 495km from Banda Aceh, the provincial capital.
there were reports of the ground shaking for up to five minutes.
It was initially reported as 8.9 magnitude but was later revised down to 8.6 by the USGS. Quake officials said a tsunami had been generated and was heading for the coast of Aceh and that sea level readings indicated a tsunami was generated and that it "may already have been destructive along some coasts".
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had told reporters in the capital, Jakarta, that there had been no tsunami reports so far, "but we remain vigilant".
"Our warning system is working well, and I have ordered the national relief team to fly immediately to Aceh to ensure the situation is under control and to take any necessary action," he said.
A few hours later, the PTWC renewed its warning after a major aftershock measuring 8.3 struck 16km (10 miles) beneath the ocean floor and 615km from Banda Aceh. There were also reports of further aftershocks.
The region is regularly hit by earthquakes. The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 killed 170,000 people in Aceh alone and some 250,000 around the region.
The US Geological Survey (USGS), which documents quakes worldwide, said the first Aceh quake was centred at a depth of 33km (20 miles), about 495km from Banda Aceh, the provincial capital.
there were reports of the ground shaking for up to five minutes.
It was initially reported as 8.9 magnitude but was later revised down to 8.6 by the USGS. Quake officials said a tsunami had been generated and was heading for the coast of Aceh and that sea level readings indicated a tsunami was generated and that it "may already have been destructive along some coasts".
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had told reporters in the capital, Jakarta, that there had been no tsunami reports so far, "but we remain vigilant".
"Our warning system is working well, and I have ordered the national relief team to fly immediately to Aceh to ensure the situation is under control and to take any necessary action," he said.
A few hours later, the PTWC renewed its warning after a major aftershock measuring 8.3 struck 16km (10 miles) beneath the ocean floor and 615km from Banda Aceh. There were also reports of further aftershocks.
Travel with me to Ol-Moran Tented Camp in MaasaiMara in June
Itinerary:
Day 1: 16th June 2012 Nairobi to Maasai Mara
0700 hrs pick up and drive via the Great Rift Valley to arrive at Maasai Mara in time for lunch. Along the way you will have a distant view of Mt. Longonot, Mt. Margaret and Mt. Suswa.
Cost Includes:
- Park entrance fees
- Full board accommodation on safari
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Transport based on a Safari vehicle with pop up roof for game viewing
- Driver allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Game drives as per the Itinerary
- One bottle of mineral water per person per day
- Government taxes
Excludes:
- Extras at the lodges i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.
- International flight
- Departure tax
- Tips to porters and drivers
- Balloon Safari which can be arranged at a cost of US$ 410 per person subject to confirmation at the time of booking. (Price variation on the balloon safari depends on your lodge choice and the balloon carrier that operates in the lodge location)
Day 1: 16th June 2012 Nairobi to Maasai Mara
0700 hrs pick up and drive via the Great Rift Valley to arrive at Maasai Mara in time for lunch. Along the way you will have a distant view of Mt. Longonot, Mt. Margaret and Mt. Suswa.
1600 hrs -An afternoon game drive till
dusk.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's finest wildlife reserve. Everything about this reserve is outstanding. The wildlife is abundant and the gentle rolling grasslands ensure that animals are never out of sight. Birds, too, are prolific. Including migrants, well over 450 species have been recorded, among them, 57 species of birds of prey. The climate is gentle, rarely too hot and well-spread rainfall year round. Rain, when it falls almost always chooses the late afternoon or night. Between July and October, when the great wildebeest migration is in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the sensation is unparalleled.
Dinner and overnight at Olmoran tented camp
Day 2: 17th June 2012 Maasai Mara
0630 hrs -Early morning game drive in the Mara. Later, return to the lodge for breakfast. Rest of the morning at leisure. (On this day, you also have an optional balloon ride- at an extra cost with pick up from the lodge at 0500hrs)
1600 hrs -After lunch at the lodge, proceed for an afternoon game drive till dusk.
Dinner and overnight at Olmoran tented camp
Day 3: 18th June 2012 Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Breakfast at the lodge and at 0800hrs, return to Nairobi arriving around 1300 hrs.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's finest wildlife reserve. Everything about this reserve is outstanding. The wildlife is abundant and the gentle rolling grasslands ensure that animals are never out of sight. Birds, too, are prolific. Including migrants, well over 450 species have been recorded, among them, 57 species of birds of prey. The climate is gentle, rarely too hot and well-spread rainfall year round. Rain, when it falls almost always chooses the late afternoon or night. Between July and October, when the great wildebeest migration is in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the sensation is unparalleled.
Dinner and overnight at Olmoran tented camp
Day 2: 17th June 2012 Maasai Mara
0630 hrs -Early morning game drive in the Mara. Later, return to the lodge for breakfast. Rest of the morning at leisure. (On this day, you also have an optional balloon ride- at an extra cost with pick up from the lodge at 0500hrs)
1600 hrs -After lunch at the lodge, proceed for an afternoon game drive till dusk.
Dinner and overnight at Olmoran tented camp
Day 3: 18th June 2012 Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Breakfast at the lodge and at 0800hrs, return to Nairobi arriving around 1300 hrs.
Costs:
The cost per person sharing non resident is US$ 375
The cost per person sharing resident is Ksh 19500
The cost per person sharing non resident is US$ 375
The cost per person sharing resident is Ksh 19500
- Park entrance fees
- Full board accommodation on safari
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Transport based on a Safari vehicle with pop up roof for game viewing
- Driver allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Game drives as per the Itinerary
- One bottle of mineral water per person per day
- Government taxes
Excludes:
- Extras at the lodges i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.
- International flight
- Departure tax
- Tips to porters and drivers
- Balloon Safari which can be arranged at a cost of US$ 410 per person subject to confirmation at the time of booking. (Price variation on the balloon safari depends on your lodge choice and the balloon carrier that operates in the lodge location)
Golf resort to be Built near Maasai Mara
A Narok farmer is set to develop a Sh1.3 billion golf resort next to the
Maasai Mara Game Reserve, seeking to tap business tourists visiting the
world famous wildlife sanctuary.
Olerai Ltd, a company backed by a large-scale Narok farmer, Tarquin Wood, intends to develop an 18-hole golf course, a lodge, cottages and an airstrip.
Olerai Ltd, a company backed by a large-scale Narok farmer, Tarquin Wood, intends to develop an 18-hole golf course, a lodge, cottages and an airstrip.
The resort will occupy more than 1,300 acres of land, currently under wheat, maize and French beans.
Details of the planned project indicate that the
target clientele will be high-spending tourists seeking active
holidaying rather than the traditional game viewing.
In an interview, Mr Wood said the project will offer tourists an alternative or additional attraction to the Mara.
“There is a big market for an alternative product
for tourists; a golf resort will certainly raise the Mara’s profile,”
said Mr Wood, adding that a new market niche of golfers is emerging out
of the rapidly growing local middle income class.
“Golf tourism is a huge product in several markets like South Africa,” Mr Wood said.
Olerai Golf Resort will also have 80 cottages. Mr
Wood said that the golf resort will also help to restore the land around
the Mara, which has been degraded by increased human activity that is
threatening the wildlife ecosystem.
The project is awaiting approval by State environmental watchdog, Nema.
“We (Olerai) are funding the project,” said Mr Wood
when asked about financing of the resort construction, but added that
about 30 cottages will be offered for sale.
All you need to know when traveling to Kenya
For a country of its size, Kenya sure packs a lot in: mountains and
deserts, colourful tribal culture, beaches and coral reefs, and some of
Africa’s best wildlife attractions. In fact, to say Kenya is Africa in
microcosm would not be stretching the point. There are a million
different reasons to come here, and picking just one is nigh impossible.
Stunning landscapes set the scene, from Kakamega’s rainforests to
Indian Ocean beaches by way of Mt Kenya National Park; the rolling
grasslands of the Masai Mara to searing deserts on the shores of the
Jade Sea; with The Rift Valley, home to Hell's Gate National Park,
cleaving a massive gash through it all.
Wildlife safaris have been the mainstay of Kenya’s tourism for decades, and several Kenyan parks, like Tsavo National Park, are among the best places in Africa to see lions, elephants, leopards and the famous wildebeest migration. Kenya rates as one of the top five bird-watching destinations in the world; other activities for outdoor enthusiasts include trekking the glacial ridges of Mt Kenya, ballooning over the Masai Mara, snorkelling at the Marine National Park in Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast, and much more besides. Kenya's biggest city, Nairobi, with the baddest of reputations, is sidestepped by many visitors, but, in fairness, has an interesting urban appeal with its cafes and nightlife.
The people, too, represent a wide cross-section of everything that is contemporary Africa, and everyday life brings together traditional tribes and urban families; ancient customs and modern sensibilities. Swapping the latest political gossip with the switched-on locals is just one more small pleasure that comes with the culture.
Visa & Passport Information
Before you buy your airline ticket to Kenya, you want to be sure that you either have everything you need or will be able to get it once you arrive in Kenya. Depending on your nationality or country of origin, you may need to apply for and receive a visa before visiting Kenya. It is important that you do so immediately upon making the decision to travel to the country, and that you make sure your visa does not expire during your travel. You can apply for and get a Kenya visa from your nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate.
Not everyone needs a Kenya visa. You can download a full list of nationals who need and do not need a Kenya visa. If you are an American or European citizen, you will need a visa to enter Kenya.
Also, make sure you have a current and valid passport, that it is not about to expire. Expect that your passport could take up to six weeks to arrive, so make sure you plan well in advance for your passport needs. As a rule, your passport should expire no sooner than six months before the end your travel.
When making preparations for your passport, it is advisable to make several copies of the actual passport or visa (in addition to the original). This is for your own safety because the last thing you want to do is to be out of your home country without any way to provide proof of your identity, should you lose your passport. You should leave one of the copies at home before you travel, just in case. When you travel with the original passport, always keep it locked up safely, in a hotel safe or other secure location.
Before you leave for Kenya, make sure you have the following:
* Valid Passport
* Arrival Ticket
* Return Ticket
* Adequate Funds
* Visa (if required)
Health Advice for Kenya
Before you travel to Kenya, make sure that you are up to date on all immunizations. Although there are currently no inoculations that you must have when traveling to Kenya, if you intend to visit other countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Egypt, or other such areas that may be deemed infected, you will need inoculations. In such cases, you should make sure you have the following immunizations (depending on the specific area you intend to visit):
* Hepatitis (A and B)
* Typhoid
* Tetanus
* Yellow Fever
* Malaria Prescription
Other health advice when traveling to Kenya is to make sure you protect yourself from mosquito bites, which could lead to malaria. Some protective measures against mosquito bites include wearing long sleeved shirts/blouses and long pants, using mosquito repellent with a minimum of 30 percent DEET, and using mosquito nets. If you will be traveling to the Kenyan coast or Western Kenya, it is advisable to take anti-malaria pills.
Look into purchasing travel and medical insurance while abroad, just in case something happens. These types of short-term insurance services are available through some travel agencies and medical insurance companies. They may also be part of the services you already receive with your credit cards, so check with your credit card company. It is better to play it safe than end up sorry.
Incase of a health or emergency situation while in Kenya, you may need this contact information.
TOP
What to Pack for Your Kenya Travel?
Proper planning and packing is the key to a safe and comfortable trip to Kenya. Make sure you keep the following in mind when packing for your trip.
Remember that Kenya has a tropical climate. You should prepare yourself for a wide variety of conditions that may include dust, and wet, hot and/or cool weather. Put careful thought into your preparations and pack accordingly depending on your reason for traveling to Kenya and the activities you intend to participate in.
Furthermore, make certain that your luggage can withstand harsh conditions as well, particularly if you intend to travel to different parts of the country. You also need to keep the requirements of the airline you will be flying with in mind. And don't forget to leave some space to bring back gifts!
Here are some basics to have when packing for your trip to Kenya:
* Camera
* Basic essentials
* Comfortable, lightweight, and casual clothes (if you are on a safari, neutral is best, bright and bold is not)
* Comfortable and strong shoes or boots
* Brimmed hat
* Sunscreen
* Insect repellent
* Formal / Occasional wear (depending on your reason for travel)
* Toiletries
* Prescription medication
* Sunglasses (and a spare pair)
* Medical kit (for exploration)
* Swiss Army Knife (for exploration)
* Flashlight (for exploration)
* Video camera and accessories
* Binoculars
* Travel documents - passport, visa, others
* Vaccination Certificates
* Insurance Documents
* Traveler's cheques
* Credit / Debit cards
Safety & Security
You always want to be aware of your surroundings when traveling away from home. Traveling to Kenya is no different. Be vigilant when in public places and even more when venturing out at night. Incase of robbery, report the incident at the nearest police station. Kenya has a Tourist Safety and Communication Center that is always on call. They offer a 24hr tourist helpline (02-604767) where you can seek assistance if needed.
The Tourist Safety and Communication Center is available to help with updates, travel advisories, road conditions, health issues, and security. Please contact them if you have any trouble during your visit to Kenya. Incase of a health or emergency situation, you may need this contact information.
Wildlife safaris have been the mainstay of Kenya’s tourism for decades, and several Kenyan parks, like Tsavo National Park, are among the best places in Africa to see lions, elephants, leopards and the famous wildebeest migration. Kenya rates as one of the top five bird-watching destinations in the world; other activities for outdoor enthusiasts include trekking the glacial ridges of Mt Kenya, ballooning over the Masai Mara, snorkelling at the Marine National Park in Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast, and much more besides. Kenya's biggest city, Nairobi, with the baddest of reputations, is sidestepped by many visitors, but, in fairness, has an interesting urban appeal with its cafes and nightlife.
The people, too, represent a wide cross-section of everything that is contemporary Africa, and everyday life brings together traditional tribes and urban families; ancient customs and modern sensibilities. Swapping the latest political gossip with the switched-on locals is just one more small pleasure that comes with the culture.
Visa & Passport Information
Before you buy your airline ticket to Kenya, you want to be sure that you either have everything you need or will be able to get it once you arrive in Kenya. Depending on your nationality or country of origin, you may need to apply for and receive a visa before visiting Kenya. It is important that you do so immediately upon making the decision to travel to the country, and that you make sure your visa does not expire during your travel. You can apply for and get a Kenya visa from your nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate.
Not everyone needs a Kenya visa. You can download a full list of nationals who need and do not need a Kenya visa. If you are an American or European citizen, you will need a visa to enter Kenya.
Also, make sure you have a current and valid passport, that it is not about to expire. Expect that your passport could take up to six weeks to arrive, so make sure you plan well in advance for your passport needs. As a rule, your passport should expire no sooner than six months before the end your travel.
When making preparations for your passport, it is advisable to make several copies of the actual passport or visa (in addition to the original). This is for your own safety because the last thing you want to do is to be out of your home country without any way to provide proof of your identity, should you lose your passport. You should leave one of the copies at home before you travel, just in case. When you travel with the original passport, always keep it locked up safely, in a hotel safe or other secure location.
Before you leave for Kenya, make sure you have the following:
* Valid Passport
* Arrival Ticket
* Return Ticket
* Adequate Funds
* Visa (if required)
Health Advice for Kenya
Before you travel to Kenya, make sure that you are up to date on all immunizations. Although there are currently no inoculations that you must have when traveling to Kenya, if you intend to visit other countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Egypt, or other such areas that may be deemed infected, you will need inoculations. In such cases, you should make sure you have the following immunizations (depending on the specific area you intend to visit):
* Hepatitis (A and B)
* Typhoid
* Tetanus
* Yellow Fever
* Malaria Prescription
Other health advice when traveling to Kenya is to make sure you protect yourself from mosquito bites, which could lead to malaria. Some protective measures against mosquito bites include wearing long sleeved shirts/blouses and long pants, using mosquito repellent with a minimum of 30 percent DEET, and using mosquito nets. If you will be traveling to the Kenyan coast or Western Kenya, it is advisable to take anti-malaria pills.
Look into purchasing travel and medical insurance while abroad, just in case something happens. These types of short-term insurance services are available through some travel agencies and medical insurance companies. They may also be part of the services you already receive with your credit cards, so check with your credit card company. It is better to play it safe than end up sorry.
Incase of a health or emergency situation while in Kenya, you may need this contact information.
TOP
What to Pack for Your Kenya Travel?
Proper planning and packing is the key to a safe and comfortable trip to Kenya. Make sure you keep the following in mind when packing for your trip.
Remember that Kenya has a tropical climate. You should prepare yourself for a wide variety of conditions that may include dust, and wet, hot and/or cool weather. Put careful thought into your preparations and pack accordingly depending on your reason for traveling to Kenya and the activities you intend to participate in.
Furthermore, make certain that your luggage can withstand harsh conditions as well, particularly if you intend to travel to different parts of the country. You also need to keep the requirements of the airline you will be flying with in mind. And don't forget to leave some space to bring back gifts!
Here are some basics to have when packing for your trip to Kenya:
* Camera
* Basic essentials
* Comfortable, lightweight, and casual clothes (if you are on a safari, neutral is best, bright and bold is not)
* Comfortable and strong shoes or boots
* Brimmed hat
* Sunscreen
* Insect repellent
* Formal / Occasional wear (depending on your reason for travel)
* Toiletries
* Prescription medication
* Sunglasses (and a spare pair)
* Medical kit (for exploration)
* Swiss Army Knife (for exploration)
* Flashlight (for exploration)
* Video camera and accessories
* Binoculars
* Travel documents - passport, visa, others
* Vaccination Certificates
* Insurance Documents
* Traveler's cheques
* Credit / Debit cards
Safety & Security
You always want to be aware of your surroundings when traveling away from home. Traveling to Kenya is no different. Be vigilant when in public places and even more when venturing out at night. Incase of robbery, report the incident at the nearest police station. Kenya has a Tourist Safety and Communication Center that is always on call. They offer a 24hr tourist helpline (02-604767) where you can seek assistance if needed.
The Tourist Safety and Communication Center is available to help with updates, travel advisories, road conditions, health issues, and security. Please contact them if you have any trouble during your visit to Kenya. Incase of a health or emergency situation, you may need this contact information.
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