PS. There are no tigers found openly in national parks…there are only a few in an animal orphanage located at the entrance of the Nairobi National Park.
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10 things you probably didn’t know you can do in Kenya
Beasts of the Serengeti, exchanging pleasantries with the Maasai, camping out in the bush amid the acacias and elephant dung.
When it comes to activities in Kenya you might think you’ve heard it all before.
Unlikely.
Read on for some lesser known experiences in Kenya.
1. Breakfast with giraffes
Eggs, OJ and a very long straw coming up. Tea, toast and a dash of giraffe slobber. The large windows of the sunroom at Giraffe Manor are wide open, allowing some guests to pop their heads in, rather than take a seat.
The manor is home to a herd of Rothschild’s giraffe. Don’t forget to close your curtains at night — you never know who might be looking in.
About 20 kilometers from Nairobi, this 1930s boutique hotel is set in 12 acres of private land, with a view of the Ngong hills.
As well as giraffes the ranch is home to warthogs, dik diks, birds and bushbuck. A nearby giraffe center is a breeding area for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.
The Giraffe Manor is closed in April and May.
2. Take part in a rally
Cars must be pre-1978. If speed and endurance are more desirable, there’s this year’s East African Safari Classic Rally.
The 4,100-kilometer route starts and finishes in Mombasa, pitting some of the worlds’ best “classical” cars and drivers against tough Kenyan terrain.
Drivers dodge wildlife, try not to bust their suspension on boulders and leave competitors eating dust thrown up from Kenya’s roads.
The rally was cooked up in 2003 and aims to resurrect the glory days of the East African Safari Rally that started as an endurance race in 1953.
3. Foster an elephant
“No, honey, you can’t take it home.” Thousands of elephants are killed every year for their ivory, mainly driven by demand from Asia — especially China and Thailand. Conservationists say more elephants are being poached now than they have been for the last decade.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants and rhinos with the aim of returning them to the wild.
Visitors to the elephant orphanage come face to face with the infant survivors of the illegal ivory trade at the trust’s Nairobi nursery. The babies play around in their daily mud bath between 11 a.m. and noon.
Entrance fee is KES 500 (US$5.80). If you’ve fallen in love with an elephant or rhino you can foster one, starting from US$50 a year.
4. Propose at Africa’s Hogwarts
Guarantee yourself a “yes” and help the local community, too. According to Kenya Airways’ in-flight magazine, Ol Malo game sanctuary is the number one place in Kenya to pop the question.
Travel Africa Magazine describes the quirky design of Ol Malo, made of stone, complete with thatched roofs and the occasional spiral staircase, “as a kind of African Hogwarts.”
Andrew, the youngest child of the lodge’s owners, the Francombe’s, proposed to his wife, Chyulu, at Ol Malo. He organized a bonfire, champagne, flowers and cushions on a rock overlooking the river.
“I thought it was a belated Valentines Day and started tucking into the bubbly — totally unaware what a gibbering wreck Andrew was!” says Chyulu.
“Ol Malo is the perfect place to pop the question. There is so much you can do — just out on the ranch as we did it or in some far off place by chopper.”
Ol Malo is loacted at edge of the Laikipia plateau it is closed in April, May and November.
The lodge seeks to give back to the community and has established the Ol Malo Trust to help conserve the culture of the Samburu people.
5. Get married like the Maasai
Tying the knot — or should that be grassing the shoe? After 46 years of marriage Roger and Laurie Moore decided to remarry — Maasai style.
The village chief of Embiti “adopted” Roger while a family in a nearby village took Laurie under their wing.
After decking out Laurie in traditional garb, her face painted by warriors and grass put in her shoe (to symbolize food for their cattle), the bride was ready to be presented to her groom, who was equally made up.
Participants do a celebratory walk from the bride’s village to the groom’s. Dancing and singing Maasai await them and gifts are exchanged and a dowry negotiated.
Turns out Laurie was a bargain: “I was worth one cow and one goat, a very affordable bride!”
6. Go on a cheese tour
Award-winning African cheese. Kenya and cheese — not two things that automatically come to mind.
However, 30 minutes out of Nairobi is the award winning Brown’s Cheese factory. Its product has won many accolades, including the South African Dairy Championship and awards from the East Africa Cheese Festival.
Brown’s philosophy is to run the farm “on purely biodynamic and organic principles.” The factory tour shows how the cheese is made, after which guests can settle down to a cheese platter, followed by a three-course lunch complete with homemade chutneys, bread and homegrown salad.
Brown’s also offers cheese-making classes and, for kids, milking sessions with the factory’s Friesian cows.
7. Go on the Rhino Charge
Where’s highway maintenance when you need it? One hundred square kilometers of rough terrain, 10 hours, 13 check points, one map, one 4×4 and no set route.
Reach the most checkpoints in the shortest distance for victory. Just watch for the lions.
This is Kenya’s annual off-road motor sport competition — the Rhino Charge.
The precise location is kept secret until a few days before so competitors don’t go on sneaky reconnaissance missions.
The event is held every May or June, organized by The Rhino Ark Charitable Trust.
The rally raises money for the conservation of Kenya’s Aberdare Ecosystem.
Only 60 vehicles can participate in order to minimize environmental damage. The more cash you can put up, the more likely you are to get a place. Crews must be between two and six people.
8. Tackle a snake safari
This is going straight to Facebook.
There are more than 100 snake species in Kenya, and snake safari outfit Bio-ken arranges tours to spot them in forests, riverbeds, rocky cliffs and mangroves.
The most popular package is a three-night snake safari along the banks of the Galana River. An alternative is the Big Five safari — a search for pythons, boomslangs, puff adders, cobras and mambas.
Some of Kenya’s top reptile experts lead the trip, the aim of which is to improve awareness and education about snakes and their role in the eco-system.
Check out a video here.
9. Be ‘eatertained’
Meat feast. Colorful shirts optional. Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi offers usual fare, such as rumps of beef, legs of lamb, chops, sausages and ribs, but also crocodile, ostrich and chicken livers and gizzards.
There’s no ordering here. Guests sit down and carvers dressed in zebra aprons and straw hats bring meat hanging off Maasai swords.
Diners signal they’re done by lowering the white flag on their table.
Martin Dunford, CEO of the organization behind Carnivore, The Tamarind Group, says Carnivore epitomizes “a theatrical, ‘eatertainment’ experience that makes your visit feel like an adventure.”
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
10. Eat in a cave
Echoes of the past. Welcome to Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant in Diani, thought to be around 120,000-180,000 years old.
Diners can spot stars while sitting at a table 10 meters below ground in this open-air coral cave. In bad weather, sliding covers are placed over the holes in the roof to ensure a romantic evening.
The restaurant serves international cuisine, but specializes in seafood.
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Ushering in the new year
Happy new year good people…hope 2014 has started off on a good footing for all of you. In whatever way you ushered in the new year, be it in prayer, partying, in the comfort of your homes or even in your sleep…we pray that this year brings along the successes you have been working hard for, the joy that you’ve been seeking, may that dream you have been yearning for come true and may you find the strength to stick to the resolutions you make as you strive to better yourself. Happy new year once again as we take a look at how the celebrations were around the globe…
Mombasa, Kenya
Sydney, Australia
AP Photo/Rob Griffith, source: Huffington Post
Yangon, Myanmar
AP Photo/Khin Maung Win, Source: Huffington Post
Kiev, Ukraine
AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky, Source: Huffington post
Dubai
Singapore
Source: foxnews
Cheers to 2014!!! how did you celebrate yours?
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This is your life
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Why Zuru Kenya?
Millions of travelers year in, year out, make Kenya their chosen holiday destination. There has to be a good reason why…
One of Africa’s top tourist destinations, not only does Kenya rank high in the world as a safari provider, it also features beautiful white sandy beaches, famous national parks, varied rich cultures, and very welcoming people. Granted some aspects of your trip may be affected by poor infrastructure or a few security concerns in some regions; the adventures, scenery, people and exhilarating experiences will have you coming back to the country for more!!
Here’s why we think Kenya should be top of your destinations to visit list!
1. Home of Safari
Subject to a series of safari-inspired film classics such as Mogambo and Born Free, Kenya is famous in the safari world as having been host to the greatest, unrivalled private hunting safaris frequented by American presidents and European royalty. Photography safari was also pioneered here in the 50’s and 60’s and countless documentaries such as BBC’s Big Cat Diary serve as pull factors drawing safari enthusiasts to the country.
2. White sandy beaches 
The Kenyan Coast boasts of both beautiful white sandy beaches along the warm azure waters of the Indian Ocean and an abundance of unspoilt coral reefs providing for arguably the best diving sites in the world. The coral reefs harbor dolphins, turtles, tropical fish, as well as whale sharks. Activities here are centred around swimming, diving, game fishing, rafting, snorkeling among others.
The most popular beaches are Mombasa Beach, Lamu Beach, Diani Beach, Bamburi Beach Tana River Delta Beach, Malindi Beach, Watamu Beach and Tiwi Beach.
3. Rich Culture
One of the most exciting aspects of a safari in Kenya is the chance to meet and interact with local tribes people …With 43 or so tribes, this country is home to an abundance of culture bound to give you great appreciation for other peoples way of life. Right from the most known Maasai/Samburu warriors, down to the Swahili culture at the coast…whether you are fishing with the people from the south, or riding camels in the North, here is where you’ll get to sample varied tastes of culture.
4. The exclusivity of Lamu
The island of Lamu has seemingly become the place to go for exotic holidays. The place is a buzz with upmarket clientele during the holiday season and is certainly the embodiment of shabby-chic. The islands of north of Lamu also play host to some similarly shabby-chic but nonetheless upmarket beach lodges, notably Kiwayu Lodge and Manda Bay Lodge; great bases from which to explore the island ruins and isolated beaches, as well as to sail and dive the network of waterways.
5. The Great Wildebeest Migration
The most exhilarating experience is to watch thousands of zebras and wildebeests migrating in the “Great Wildebeest Migration” in the Masai Mara and Serengeti. Watch as the migrating animals fight for their chance at greener pastures while escaping the lions and crocodiles preying on them.
6. Our History
A portrait of Fort Jesus
Kenya does not fall short of historical sites to visit. Some of which hold mysteries and facts bound to leave you in awe…be it political, social or economic, our countries history is one to draw you in. Some of the prominent sites include Fort Jesus, the oldest coastal fort in the world and Shimoni, once used a holding pen for slaves during the slave trade.
7. A wide range of activities
Enjoy wildlife safaris, bird watching, windsurfing, horseback riding, golfing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, mountain biking, snorkeling, scuba diving, hot air ballooning, mountain climbing, hiking, water skiing, fishing, and many more wonderful activities.
8. Affordability
With a favorable exchange rate against many international currencies, Kenya is a fairly inexpensive tourist destination. Although the Kenya shilling fluctuates, it always gives a much better value compared to other major currencies, such as the United States dollar, sterling pound or the Euro. The cost of living is much lower in Kenya as well when compared to Europe or the United States.
9. Climate
Kenya enjoys a wonderful tropical climate. It is generally warm all year round, with plenty of sunshine and cooler nights and mornings. Visitors are able to enjoy most activities on the beaches and in the national parks all year round. Since Kenya lies on the equator, the seasonal temperature changes are not extreme. However, due to the differing topography, you will experience different weather patterns when traveling across Kenya. The hottest months of the year are February and March with temperatures as high as 93°F (34°C) while the coolest season falls between July and August with temperatures dropping to around 60°F (16°C). Kenya provides very perfect weather for those who live in colder countries to escape to.
10. Great Game
Kenya offers some of the best and most accessible game viewing in the world, including the hard-to-resist attraction of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). These, together with many other animals that are unique to Africa, can be seen at the national parks and game reserves throughout Kenya.
The months between June and October, and December to March are the most popular times of the year to Visit Kenya. April, May and November can be quite wet.
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A Kenyan’s guide to Kenya (HILARIOUS)
I’ve often been terribly disappointed by the tourist guidebooks written about Kenya. Most of the time they tell you stuff you already know, like “you can go on safari and see some lions.” That’s probably why you wanted to come here in the first place, so that’s not helpful. Other times they give you all manner of useless information. For example: what’s the point of telling you how to ask for directions in Kiswahili if you’re not going to understand the answer? (sometimes they seem to be written by a malicious Kenyan who hates tourists). One time I was taking a walk at the beach alone and was accosted by an earnest American who said, “Jambo. Nyinyi mna Kula Viazi?” First of all, no Kenyan says “Jambo”. Secondly, I was alone and I definitely wasn’t eating potatoes.
These books never tell you about all the amazing people you can meet in Kenya, or how to understand what they’re saying. Determined to correct this horrible wrong, I’m issuing the first of many useful, practical tips for our many visitors. Here with the Volume I of “A Kenyan’s guide to Kenya.” (Disclaimer: this is written from a Nairobi Perspective. Other parts of the country are a whole other story and will cost you extra.) Here’s what you should Know:
1. When we want you to pass us something – the salt, say – we’ll point with our mouths. Example: We’ll catch your eye then say, “Nani.” Then we’ll use our mouths to point at the desired object. This is achieved by a slight upward nod followed by an abrupt thrusting out of the lower lip, which is pointed in the object’s general direction. There’s no explanation for this. (“Nani” can be roughly translated as, oh I don’t know, “Whats-your-face,” “You,” or “Thingie.” We’re unfailingly polite.)
Why lift a finger when you can point with your lips??
2. Frequently, and for no reason whatsoever, we’ll refer to a person as “another guy.” However, this MUST be pronounced/slurred thus: An-aa guy. This also applies to “the other day,” which is when some momentous event in our lives always took place. We do the same thing with Kiswahili words like ‘bwana’, which is pronounced ‘bana.’ Example: “I was driving in town the aaa day and this guy comes from nowhere and cuts me off, bana. Man I abused him!” ‘Abused’ in this sentence must be drawn out and emphasised for maximum effect: a-BUSE-d.
3. We claim to speak English and Kiswahili, which technically means that we should be able to communicate with the English-speaking world and Tanzania. What we really mean is that if you’re not Kenyan you won’t understand a damn word we say or why we say it. Example:“Sasa” in Kiswahili means “now.” We use it as a greeting. Correct usage: “Sasa?” “Ah, fit.” It confuses us that Tanzanians don’t understand this.
We also, just as randomly, might greet you by saying, “Otherwise?” Common response: “Uh-uh.” There is no explanation for this.
4. Kenyans are multi-lingual, but all this means is that we believe that if we translate something word for word from one language to another it will make sense. A Kenyan might say, for example, “You mean you’re not brothers? But you look each other!” Be kind, they just think that muna fanana can slip into English unfiltered. Speaking of filters, that’s why some people (tribe/ethnicity withheld to protect my uncles) will claim to ‘drink’ cigarettes. If you’re not Kenyan you won’t understand this. Let it go.
5. We can buy beers at police stations. Grilled meat too. Heck, in some cop shops you can even play darts. I am NOT making this up. Example: “Man the aaa day I pitiad (pass through) the Spring Valley cop station after work. I was leaving there at midnight, bana. I was so wasted! I told those cops to just let me go home.”Oh, that’s another thing: when we’re leaving a place (your house, a wedding, the cop shop bar) we tend to say, “Ok, me let me go…” We’re not implying that you’re holding us against our will; we’re just saying that we’d like to go. (The plural is, of course, “Us let us go.”)
6. When Kenyans say that you’re mad, it’s a profound compliment. “Man this guy is mad. You know what he did…” then they’ll go on to recount some of your admirable exploits. It’s high praise. Smile modestly and accept it. By modest I mean look down, draw a circle in the dust with the toe of your shoe (or just your toe) and then smile, draw your mouth down into a brief frown, and smile again. Alternate quickly a few times. This is known by English-speaking Kikuyus as The Nyira Smile, or The Sneering Smile. Then say “aah, me?” in a high, sing-songy voice. However, only do this if you’re female.On the other hand, if Kenyans ask, “are you normal? (sometimes pronounced “nomo”), then they’re getting a bit concerned about your state of mental health. Reassure them by buying another round.
7. Which brings me to Alcohol. Our national pastime. You know that myth about Eskimos having thousands of word for ‘snow?’ Well, our beloved drinks are known by a thousand names and phrases too. Kenyans will ‘catch pints (or just ‘catch’),’ ‘go for a swallow,’ have a ‘jweeze,’ ‘keroro,’ ‘kanywaji,’ ‘jawawa…’ really, no list can be exhaustive. Be aware, though, that the words you use will immediately tip off your audience about your age. (For the Kenyans reading this, no I was NOT born during the Emergency, you swine.)
8. Our other pastime is religion. (What contradiction?) If you’re broke on a Sunday – and your hangover is not too bad – stroll over to one of our parks and catch some open-air preaching. Jeevanjee Gardens in town is a prime location. There you will see us in our full multi-lingual, spiritual splendour. There is always, and I mean always, a freelance preacher thundering in English while his loyal and enthusiastic sidekick translates into Kiswahili. 
Sample:
Preacher: And then Jesus said…
Sidekick: Alafu Yesu Akasema…
Preacher: Heal!
Sidekick: Pona!
Preacher: HEAL!
Sidekick: PONA!
It’s hypnotic. We suggest you go with a Kenyan who understands both languages because sometimes the sidekick nurses higher ambitions and, instead of translating, tries to sneak in his own parallel sermon. If you’re bored in Kenya it’s because you’re dead.
9. As you’ve probably figured out, we like abbreviating things. (Why would the word ‘another’ have to be any shorter than it is? Why would the Kenyans reading this find it odd that I keep talking about ‘Kiswahili?’) This can lead to unnecessary confusion.
But by now you should have figured out that when you’re catching and someone says, “Si you throw an-aa ra-o?” they of course want you to buy another round of drinks. Don’t worry about the ‘si;’ like so many words in Swa it’s impossible to translate. Embrace it, sprinkle it liberally in your speech and move on.
Courtesy KLIST
Source: DAILY POST
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Why holidaymakers throng the coast for the christmas season
Its that time of the year again…well almost, just a few days remaining till December comes knocking. I’ll bet you anything that by this time most of us already have everything set for that Mombasa trip. You might not personally be traveling, but you most likely know of someone in your circles headed down to the coast for the holidays.
One thing is certain though, the Coastarians just can’t stand it when ‘Watu wa bara’ are around because suddenly the city gets congested, the beaches aren’t as relaxing and generally their comfort zone is altered.
Nevertheless, we attempt to define the phenomenon that has everyone running around trying to get last minute bookings…
Appeal of the Place
Photo credit: H2O-extreme
Its been a long year; work, school, exams…at the end of the day sun, sand and sea seems like the perfect remedy. Moreover, the exotic appeal of the Island popularly associated with fun, “Mombasa Raha” is a major pull factor.
Familiarity
Photo credit: Business daily Africa
For many individuals, this is one place they are guaranteed of having a memorable holiday experience, judging from last year’s events and the year before that. Be it visiting family and friends, quality of accommodation, people & culture or events… the reasons behind becoming repeat tourists here are varied and it is this sense of familiarity that makes this holiday destination tick for some.
End of year Events (Beach Parties)
The Kenyan coast is where its happening come end of the year…with a whole range of beach parties and events on offer, why would anyone want to miss out?
Safety in numbers
Many individuals tend to tag along with their friends simply at the thought of how much they’d be missing out…and as such the peer pressure factor comes in. On this occasion though, it is not such a bad thing…the more the merrier hey?
Imaging 
Each year, the Kenyan coast is captured as having been the most eventful region come Christmas and end of year. This drives the curious never-beens to head down come the next Christmas holiday season in order to find out for themselves what the fuss is all about. Imaging thus plays a key role here.
Nightlife
Photo Credit: Tom-Horton
Having worked hard all year, most travelers head down to the coast to let loose and what better way to achieve this than through its nightlife? Mombasa in itself isn’t a raving spot although you may find one or two joints within the city. The life of the party however is in the resort area north of Mombasa with places like Mtwapa promising to rejuvenate your spirits. Many revelers are bound to fall in love with this region and might have some difficulty leaving.
Whatever your reason for going to the coast this season, hope you have the time of your life!! 
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The Majlis
The Majlis, situated on Manda Island in Lamu is the perfect blend of Luxury, style, Swahili culture and western comforts. This privately owned resort is quickly turning into East Africa’s most intimate and Eco-friendly beach resort.
This boutique hotel constitutes 25 exquisite deluxe rooms and suites featured in three beachfront villas. In the rooms guests are provided with spectacular views of either the beach, garden, swimming pools or the endless Indian Ocean. Majlis is Ultra-stylish and elegant having Lamu style decor with displays of antique Swahili furniture, African paintings and sculptures.
Guests here should expect nothing short of excellence…
For the foodies, the Majlis restaurant will not fail to impress. Set on an open plan veranda with a panoramic view of the bay, it offers the finest cuisine. Additional state-of-the-art facilities include two bars, two swimming pools and an activity centre, which co-ordinates a wide variety of activities. Non-guests can book for lunch or dinner.
The Majlis is also child-friendly and features children’s areas supervised by dedicated nannies, family-friendly room layouts and delicious kid-friendly meals. Children can also safely swim in the sea or in the pools with pool attendants on duty all day long.
Activities here are centered around Swahili culture, sailing, water sports, and fishing. The Lamu archipelago cruises are unforgettable and so is the arrival on Majlis’s shore on Ras Kitau bay from Lamu, on a scenic 15-minute boat ride which is a treat in and of itself.
With a superb beachfront location and breathtaking views over the Ras Kitau bay and Shela village, Majlis Resort offers the perfect setting and ideal location for barefoot luxury, informal pampering and excellent cuisine.
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Msambweni Beach House
Msambweni House is located just south of Msambweni village on the remote southern coast of Kenya. This family owned and run property is uniquely set and enjoys seclusion away from the busier south coast areas, a stay here thus guarantees utmost exclusivity.
This small boutique lodge appeals to individuals seeking personalized service and an intimate beach experience. It constitutes three suites in the main building, two detached cottages and a further tented room. Maweni Beach House is well thought out with its elegant Swahili-inspired design oozing pure luxury.
Expect top level comfort and service in this high-end property. Having your own private jacuzzi looking into the Indian ocean, butler service, and other staff at your disposal, Msambweni House is just the place to be. Highlight of the house is certainly its stunning centre-piece infinity pool that merges with the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. A whole range of activities are also offered here.
The dining experience here is divine with meals being centred on Swahili, Belgian and French cuisine.Children of all ages are most welcome at Msambweni Beach House. There are no specific child care facilities but babysitting can easily be arranged. It is possible to tailor food requirements to children’s tastes and arrange for earlier meal times if required.
Msambweni House is almost certainly the best upper-end market option in the south and is open for rental on an exclusive basis. Keep in mind though, December is peak season so be sure to make reservations earlier in advance. It remains closed in May.
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Alfajiri Villas
We begin our feature on must do coastal accommodations for the December holidays at Alfajiri Villas in the southern region. Originally the Beach Villa, this Italian owned property is up there as the best exclusive villa on the East African Coast. So much so it was awarded the Harpers and Queen award for the private villa providing the best service worldwide in 2002.
Situated within Diani, an hour’s drive south of Mombasa airport, guests are provided with an option of either Garden Villa, the Cliff Villa, or the Beach Villa (book months in advance for the latter). These luxurious double-story villas, owned and run by Fabrizio and Marica Molinaro are well thought out, elegantly styled, and very private. All are rented out on an exclusive basis.
The Garden and Beach Villas feature four double en-suite rooms whereas the Cliff Villa supports two doubles, a twin and a triple. Service here is exceptional and so is the dining experience but the selling point at Alfajiri is definitely its exclusivity. Something that has seen famous names like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie frequent the property.
Alfajiri villas gives you good value for money be sure though, it does not come cheap! Nonetheless, with the most desirable holiday location on the entire African coast, top quality service and the ultimate luxury experience, its well worth it.
Zuru Kenya 