Category Archives: Safiri Kenya

Girl’s guide to packing for East Africa

May 19, 2023 zurukenya Leave a comment

For many travelers, a trip to any one of the East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda etc.) is a much anticipated item waiting to be struck off the bucket list. A long awaited safari probably inspired by “out of Africa” or “Lion King” and other more safari movies that you can list. Whilst Hollywood may have inspired your first trip to Africa, we sure hope that these classics don’t also influence your deck up. Safari fashion has long evolved from pith helmets and heavy-duty vintage khaki gear of the explorer days.

The East African region is vast and offers an environmental diversity that leaves you unsure of what to carry along your trip. Our weather’s unpredictability for instance, warrants that you are well prepped for whatever; rain or shine. It bewilders us too; it could be sunny one minute and you’d be totally drenched in the next.

Given your itinerary, packing for this trip requires that you be very practical. Consider that aside from traversing off-the-beaten safari tracks; you are also bound to explore extremely contrasting surroundings such as beaches, hiking trails, villages, city towns and so on. Visiting all these areas means that majority of your time will be spent outdoors; being mobile in transportation that most likely offers very limited luggage space. Weight limits and other baggage rules will also be a determinant of what luggage to carry. The amount of luggage handling that will take place makes a soft duffel bag the best bet for your trip. This bag is not only lightweight, making it easy to carry across all your terrains but it also fits within most airline capacity requirements.

What then therefore should you stuff up in this duffel bag? If your trip highlights quite a number of activities, you will instinctively want to pack a great deal clothing. The trick is to pack smart – do not over-pack. Whilst you may want to carry along all your favorite pieces, you do not want to be tied down to excessive luggage within the entire duration of your itinerary. Layering is a practical solution. Select comfortable fashion choices that can be won interchangeably and that are favorable for the destinations that you will visit; light and breathable pieces are ideal. Also keep in mind the people’s customs and values so as to ensure that you are respectful in the way of dress.

CLOTHING

Lightweight clothing that can be layered
Long-sleeved shirts
Sweaters or fleece jacket
T-shirts and tank tops (be respectful of the people’s culture)
Pants and/or shorts
Belt
Socks
Comfortable walking shoes
Rain jacket, windbreaker or umbrella
Pajamas/sleepwear
Underwear
Sunglasses and glasses case
Dresses and/or skirts
Jewelry
Hat or sun visor
Scarf or bandana
Swimsuit

TOILETRY BAG

Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
Hair brush or comb, hair ties, barrettes/bobby pins
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Sunscreen and face lotion with SPF
Makeup
Face wash and/or makeup remover wipes and Q-tips
Night time moisturizer/lotion
Lip balm with SPF and lipstick or lip gloss
Personal hygiene items
Feminine hygiene products
Extra contacts, solution, and contact case
Glasses and prescription sunglasses
Prescription medication with the label/script so that you can refill if needed

TOILETRY BAG EXTRAS

Perfume
Personal mini mirror
Hair products like hairspray and hair gel
Shaving kit and extra razors
Sewing kit/clothing care kit, stain remover
Facial tissues and/or toilet paper
Travel Towel
Nail clippers and tweezers

Include an outfit or two and a few essential toiletries in your carry-on bag just in case you lose your luggage. Airlines require that liquids (toothpaste, shampoo and sunscreen), gels, aerosols and creams be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container, and they must be stored in a quart-sized, clear resealable plastic bag for screening at the security check at the airports.

Keep your tech gear in a way that isn’t easily noticeable. You might cross parts of East Africa that are ruled out as unsafe; be on the lookout for pick pockets.

TECH GEAR

Mobile device and charger
Laptop, iPad, or E-reader and charger(s)
Headphones
Camera and Go-Pro/video camera, memory card, and chargers
Electrical converters and adapters
Electronics organizer

COMFORT + ENTERTAINMENT

Travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and ear plugs
Travel journal and pen (if you are into journaling)
Books and magazines
Deck of cards and travel games
Lip balm and lotion
Water bottle
Guide books, travel guides, travel apps, maps, language guides, etc.

You will also need a document organizer where you can store all your important travel documents. It would suck to be stalled at the airport because you forgot essential paperwork.

TRAVEL PAPERWORK

Passport/visa(s)
Personal ID/Student ID card
Frequent flyer card(s) and other loyalty program card numbers
Cash and credit card(s) (call your credit card companies before you travel to inform them of your travel, otherwise they might turn them off to prevent perceived fraud)
Health insurance cards/document(s)
Travel insurance information
Reservations and itineraries (print them and save them electronically for easy access)
Hotel and/or tour contact information
Transportation tickets (plane, train, bus, car, etc.)
Emergency contacts and important addresses
Copies of all these things in case you lose your wallet

Every traveler is different; so your packing requirements might be different from the ones listed above. Just consider every activity you are going to experience and pack appropriately. Key pointers to remember: Do not overpack, be open minded about the people and places you visit, fully immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy yourself.

“Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same. But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it? How can you explain the fascination of this vast, dusty continent, whose oldest roads are elephant paths? Could it be because Africa is the place of all our beginnings, the cradle of mankind, where our species first stood upright on the savannahs of long ago?”

* Brian Jackman (British journalist and author, best known for his interest in wildlife and wild places – especially Africa)

Chakula Chetu, Things to do

Eat like a local: 10 street foods to enjoy in Nairobi

April 28, 2023 zurukenya Leave a comment

Imagine travelling miles into the vibe that is Kenya and going back to your home country without having sampled any of our go-to street food; bummer, right?

If there’s anything that you can write home about, it is definitely our street food culture. A host to varied tastes, the Kenyan street food culture tells a story. A story of our towns, their occupants’ history and diverse cultures represented therein. The tasty bites you will sample are also adapted to suit the trends and needs of the consumers. In Nairobi for instance, residents are always in search of affordable alternatives in order to survive the demanding urban lifestyle. In this case, street grub is what is sustaining the masses in the city.

What bites should you look forward to munching on whilst in Nairobi? Glad you asked…

1. Mutura (Kenyan Sausage)

If we were to run a poll on what Nairobians would deem the go to street food in the city, our best bet would be Mutura. This popular “evening” snack enjoyed by the roadside after work hours over the grill (some may argue that it’s secret ingredient is darkness; The darkness and smoke from the grill serves for a wholesome experience) originates from the Kikuyu tribe.

Mutura vendor at his station serving customers

Mutura (Kenyan Sausage) is made from the large and small intestines of cows, goats or sheep. These intestines are thoroughly cleaned and then stuffed with blood, boiled assorted organ meats and some vegetables for more flavor. Some vendors may include ground beef. To spice up the Mutura goodness, sample it with a serving of “firi firi” kachumbari (a salad made up of diced tomatoes, onions, coriander, cayenne pepper (optional) and sprinkled lemon).

Estimated cost – As low as KES 20.00 or $0.20

2. Mahindi Choma (Roasted maize)

Maize, or corn if you like, is very common in the streets of Nairobi. This is green maize that is roasted (popularly goes by mahindi choma) or boiled on the cob.

The boiled variety is best enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt while the grilled one is spiced up with lemon and ground pepper.

There is no particular joint for roasted maize vendors, you are likely to spot them by the roadside from the late afternoon hours in downtown Nairobi and within the estates.

Estimated cost – As low as KES 10.00 or $0.10 (you can either get the entire cob or have it cut down into pieces according to your budget)

3. Muhogo (Boiled and Fried Cassava)

Muhogo (cassava) is a delightful snack you can enjoy either boiled or deep fried.

Both options can be portioned into two parts with some lemon and ground pepper slathered between the two pieces to spice it up.

Estimated cost – KES 20.00 or $0.20

4. Mayai Pasua (Hard Boiled Eggs)

Within the city, you will notice a number of vendors in white lab coats pushing along a metallic trolley with eggs in display. These trolleys are made up of a coal stove underneath that ensures the snacks are kept at an enjoyable temperature.

The “street” boiled eggs go down well with a serving of kachumbari. The vendor will de-shell an egg, slice it in half and stuff it with the salad. Based on preference, you may also get a dash of tomato sauce on your snack.

Aside from trolley vendors, you may also spot some individuals walking along the streets with clear buckets selling eggs. Interesting fact about this snack; you could never replicate it at home no matter how you try, it simply never tastes the same.

Estimated cost – KES 25.00 or $0.25

5. Smokie Pasua (Smoked Sausages)

Smokies are precooked (ready-to-eat) smoked sausages made of pork, beef, chicken or a blend of all these meats and other flavorful inclusions. In popularity, it is perhaps only second to hard boiled eggs.

The name ‘smokie pasua’ translates to a smokie that has been sliced in half (pasua) and filled with Kachumbari. It is often sprinkled with salt and tomato sauce.

Smokie Vendors in one of Nairobi’s busy streets

Smokies are commonly sold alongside the eggs mentioned above in the metallic trolleys.

Estimated cost – KES25 OR $0.25

6. Samosa

This flavorful, deep-fried, triangular snack is the ideal chai partner. Samosa (a pastry with a savory filling) can be sampled two ways; vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

Tracing its roots to the middle east, samosas have a variety of filling options. Within the Nairobi streets however, you will mainly find ground beef samosas for the non-vegetarian or green grams/peas/potato samosas for the vegetarian.

Estimated cost – KES30 OR $0.30

8. Fried Fish

Deliciously crispy, fried fish is commonly found within the estates. Many Kenyans enjoy this as a main meal served alongside our staple “ugali” with veggies on the side. You can also enjoy this on its own; as a ready-to-eat snack right by the vendor’s stand.

Estimated cost – from KES50.00 – KES200.00 or $0.50 -$2.00 (depending on size of fish pieces)

9. Mandazi (fried doughnuts)

Another fantastic tea accompaniment loved in Nairobi is mandazi. Mandazis are a form of deep-fried bread; amazingly soft, triangle-shaped (sometimes square) made from leavened dough.

For some Kenyans, Mandazis are a must-have breakfast treat although you can also enjoy them at any time of the day with a beverage of your choice.

Estimated cost – from KES10.00 or $0.10 (per piece)

10. Chipo Mwitu

We saved the best for last. “Chipo mwitu” is simply french fries/chips depending on where you come from. The term basically describes fries sold by the roadside as opposed to purchasing them from a fast-food restaurant. Chipo is slang for chips and mwitu is a swahili translation for wild; hence fries sourced from the wild.

Chipo mwitu station; Image by Bonface Nyangweso, safari254

Chipo mwitu is always an inexpensive option when the fries bug attacks. The fries are normally prepared over a charcoal jiko or firewood. Although the packaging is not the norm of what you would expect at a fast-food joint, its taste however, you can expect will have you coming back for seconds. Yummy!

Estimated cost – As low as KES50.00 or $0.50 – KES100 or $10.00 (prices depend on portion)

Things to do

Solo Travel is the Best! Here’s 10 Reasons why…

April 5, 2019 zurukenya 3 Comments

While often times, people prefer to travel and explore new destinations in groups, (because it may seem like the safest choice, perhaps even more fun-filled) we are, as of more recently, seeing adventure seekers break off from the norm by taking what some would deem a “bold step” – going at it solo. Why would anyone prefer to travel all alone devoid of any company? might there be any comfort in doing so?

I would like to think that there are people out there who solely enjoy the experience of discovering and exploring new places by their lonesome. It might be a slight concern for some that there is “no safety in numbers per se” when you plunge yourself deep into solo travel but the benefits far out way the concerns.

Read for yourself…

You Are Your Own Master

Yes, you can be your own master when you are alone. You are not answerable to anyone if you stay awake till late or wake up late. You are not forced to go to places that you do not wish to visit or do things for someone’s happiness. You can do something only that pleases you. You get a lot of ‘me’ time. This is really important. If you visit with kids, you need to plan according to them which can take a lot of your time.

Boosts Confidence

Doing things that you have never done without anybody’s help will surely boost your confidence. Solo travelers have to book tickets and hotel rooms all by themselves. They have to find about other facilities and inquire about everything from others on their own. This helps them improve their communication and hence their confidence.

Easy to Plan

When travelling in a group every member’s opinion and likes and dislikes have to be taken into account. Someone has to forgo something for the sake of others. This compromise may rob the fun of the outing. But when it comes to solo travel, planning revolves around you. So, you can decide where you wish to go, when and how. The enjoyment factor will increase manifold.

Make New Friends with Ease

Traveling alone does not mean that you do not speak to someone. Yes, you can add new people to your friends’ list along the way when you share your thoughts and experiences and other things with them. This increases the friendship. This is solely your choice. In a group, it may not be so. You may have to give up a lot.

Get A Lot of Experience

Going about alone in a strange land amidst strange people may not be easy. You may have to learn a new language to mingle with the people. You may have to learn to eat and live like the local people. This will teach you a lot in life. These experiences will help you to grow and mature and help in nurturing your relationships.

Make Your Own Itinerary

A group decides to do things with a majority vote. A single voice crashes down. You have to go to a museum or a national park even if you wished to go to the beach instead. The whole trip you just went by someone’s wishes. Your wishes were curbed and that diminished your fun quotient. A solo traveler has freedom to go as per his or her wish.

Know Yourself Better

It is really important to know your potential and also your weaknesses. Only when you are on your own you can know about this. You are free to do what you wish. There is no pressure and reduced stress. Your performance increases and so does your efficiency. You will be surprised about yourself learning that you can accomplish a task which you dread doing.

Financial Management

You can learn to value many things when you are all on your own. A person who is a spendthrift and does not care about money may learn to value it especially in a new land when there is no one to help when you are short of money. This will teach you to manage your finances better. You will also learn not to spend it on unnecessary items.

Better Observer

You can learn to observe things better when you are alone. You need to be alert and manage everything on your own. You become responsible and also learn to take care of yourself which you may have not done all your life as someone took this responsibility. Increasing your observing skills will make you a better person.

More Satisfied

For many people gratification does not come easily. When travelling alone almost all wishes get fulfilled and a sense of satisfaction creeps in. This feeling of gratification helps a person to grow up and makes him or her calm from inside. You tend to understand others easily and can build relationships easily.

If you are yet to attempt solo travel, try it once and learn more about yourself.

Author Bio:

Know about Rohit Agarwal’s take on travel on the blog Trans India Travels.

Things to do

12 heart-thumping reasons why Kereita Forest should top your bucket-list

August 23, 2018 zurukenya 2 Comments

Whilst we all, overtime get bit by the travel bug, interests differ in relation to the sort of adventures we seek out. “Soaking in sun by the beach,” sort of vacation isn’t everyone’s cup of tea! If it doesn’t involve some heart pumping and loss of breath, then there’s no point to it.

An adrenaline rush-free adventure for some people is the worst! This segment of adventure seekers is seemingly the reason behind the rise of outdoorsy, adrenaline pumping adventure providers in the country; The Forest Adventure Center being one of them.

Located in the heart of the Aberdare Ranges, in the Kereita Forest, Kiambu County, The Forest offers thrill seekers a playground of sorts.

The center’s accessibility – it’s only an hour away from Nairobi City – quickly caters to your urge to burst headlong into the great outdoors. For adrenaline junkies, being here is akin to a kid in a candy store. Whether you get your kicks mountain biking, ripping through the beautiful Kereita Forest or riding through the nature trails on a mighty horse, all we can say is that the Forest more than makes up for an otherwise “boring” laze at the beach.

We bet you by the time you are done scrolling down the list of activities offered at The Forest, you will have had it at the top of your bucket list faster than we can say…Let’s head to Kereita!

Zip line
Feel the rush of a world class adventure as you fly a total of 2.2 kilometers over spectacular views of forest canopies, guided by professional instructors maintaining the highest European Union safety standard regulations, with a carrying capacity of a maximum weight of 115kg and minimum height of 1.4m.

Fun fact: The oldest zippers yet at the Forest have been an 84 year old male and an 81 year old for female!

Paintball
Pick your team, get kitted out and start dodging… shoot or be spluttered in sticky paint in the most exhilarating activity at The Forest.

Archery
Ever pictured yourself as part of Robin Hood or the hunger games’ cast? Well, daydream no more… bow and arrow in hand, The Forest gives you an ample opportunity to test your “hero” skills.

Got good aim? Let’s see if you can really hit the bull’s eye! The Forest’s experienced instructors will train you to become a master archer in no time on their dedicated range.

Fair warning!! Archery can be addictive.

Mountain Biking
Enjoy kilometers of enchanting trails in nature on mountain bikes as you inhale crispy mountain air and soak in sweeping views. The Forest’s qualified instructors are on standby to fit you into the right mountain bikes and helmets.

E-bikes
Looking for that extra zing? Try the newest first ever Electric bikes to be offered in East Africa. Ride through those banked corners with that extra jolt of power.

Forest Rovers
Discover your adventurous side by zooming through The Forest on off road capable Forest Rovers, guided by professional instructors while maintaining the highest level of safety and fun. A few minutes to practice riding and you are ready to go.

Nature Walks
Inspiring and informative, a guide leads you through the forest and reveals its secrets.

Tree planting
Give back to the future by planting indigenous trees.

Fly Fishing
Love for fish comes alive at the Gatamaiyo River. Bring your own fishing gear and cast your rod to make a catch. Best done in the morning when the fish are hungry.

Foot golf
Play a game that combines the distinction, elegance and precision of Golf with the passion, energy and fun of football in a marvelous sport full of life. Try your best shot and putt a football with the fewest kicks possible.

CHALLENGE: Can you get a hole in one?

Horse Riding
The Forest on a horse back WOW! This activity is available to experienced riders as well as first timers.

Camping

Enjoy star-lit nights at The Forest in a serene and secure environment sitting round a campfire. Each camp site has its own guards, fire-wood, pit latrines and bush showers. Make your camping experience memorable!

Team Building

Talent wins games but team work and intelligence wins championships. With custom made activities, The Forest facilitates coming together as a family, group of friends as well as enhances cohesiveness and team work in the office.

The Forest has made the extraordinary nature in its reaches accessible to thrill seekers through endless numbers of trails and adventure pumping adventures. What’s even more exciting about The Forest is that all activities on offer are pretty affordable and well worth every dime. This center offers child-friendly adventures too!

Alongside the affordable wide range of activities that will cater to your spirit of adventure, the Forest also affords you finger licking delicacies flattering to your taste buds. That said, the Forest Adventure Center is an absolute must-visit with guaranteed heart-thumping and total adrenaline rush!

Things to do

Get off the beaten path with safarisharing

February 28, 2018 zurukenya Leave a comment

Happy New Year! New Year, new things; yes I know that sounds so cliché but just oblige us here. 2018 has so much potential; places to go, people to meet and new experiences to try. Even if you are working off of a set bucket list, if there’s but one experience you need to try this year, it should be the safarisharing experience.

Safarisharing opens you up to a whole new Kenyan safari experience. The dynamic that the “sharing principle” brings not only drives you off the beaten path to sample the premier of wildlife safari, you also get to cross paths with multicultural individuals eager to share the same unforgettable experience albeit soak it up differently.

But what is safarisharing?

Driven towards a more responsible and sustainable tourism, safarisharing – the brain child of Jorrit Kooi a Netherlander who’s had the opportunity to live in Kenya and explore East Africa – is an independent safari platform built around group travel with the promise of affordable unique experiences.

The agency, which is based in the Netherlands, appeals to the lone traveler looking to switch things up by finding some travel buddies to go on safari with but finding it a bit tough to do. As a matter of fact, difficulty in booking a spot with a group on an existing safari is what realized the inception of this platform in the first instance.

In Jorrit’s own words, “When I travelled to Arusha on a business trip sometime back, I tried to incorporate a safari towards the end of my trip but it wasn’t possible as I couldn’t find a group safari that I could join. Despite having contacted 20 tour agents, no one was able to hook me up with an existing group. All they could offer me was a very expensive private safari which I wasn’t interested in. That was how Safarisharing was born.”

As a result of the founder’s unfortunate experience, individual travelers are now able to join other groups of travelers for an existing safari departure. As the first front-to-end ecommerce platform in the African safari industry, safarisharing brings together individual travelers seeking to experience safari in East Africa as a group. It also seeks to incorporate educational trips to conservatories as well as engage in cultural initiatives that raise awareness on varied issues that affect east African communities alongside the classic safari as part of their focus on responsibility & sustainability in the industry.

Booking a seat with safarisharing assures you of a fair price, loads of fun with great travel companions and a unique more sustainable way of travel through the ‘sharing’ concept. This concept is not limited to travelers only though, safarisharing offers suppliers a great opportunity to generate additional revenue by putting up their spare capacity and unused seats of their safari vehicles for use.

Safarisharing plunges you into a world of anticipation; you never know who you are going to meet or what level of Camaraderie is going to be formed from this experience. That’s what makes this platform so exciting. Plus, you get to kick back and enjoy your safari without all the fuss of planning.

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#BudgetTravel: 7 Ways To Save Money While Traveling In Kenya

November 9, 2017 zurukenya Leave a comment

Peak season is fast approaching. If you haven’t booked yet, Dennis Carruthers is happy to let you in on tips to help you navigate this beautiful country without breaking the bank.

#1. Don’t travel at peak season if you can avoid it.

So we know the mention of peak season would suggest that you get right on it and book your travel before you are left out of the action but to be honest, the best time to save money on travel to Kenya is off-season on the tourist calendar. The country has tropical climate throughout the year, so anytime goes. Unfortunately, this might also mean missing some engaging experiences. The peak season falls in mid June through October (The best time for safaris and the famous wildebeest migration takes place in July) and mid December to February.

#2. Travel with a group

Individual costs are higher when you travel solo. You will still pay the same for things such as taxi fares and guides. A shared tour also offers the advantage of shared costs. Service providers such as safari operators will still charge you for a dedicated guide and vehicle when you travel alone. You can save on the accommodation budget as well as meals when shared. Additionally, group tours carry more bargaining power even on the ground.

#3. Look for tour packages and special offers

Tour operators frequently run discounted campaigns and specially organized tour packages. Take advantage of these, as they are cheaper than standard rates. Expect minor sharing challenges. For example, a tour operator may decide to pack eight passengers in a van, the standard tour vehicle, instead of the usual six. This lowers the cost as you pay per seat and not for the whole car alone.

#4. Evaluate your accommodation options

Kenya offers excellent urban hotels such as the Intercontinental Hotel and the Nairobi Hilton alongside two and three-star establishments with elegant facilities and service. Additionally, there are numerous luxury camps and lodges, but since we are in the business of cost saving, why not book yourself a chic budget boutique hotel or better yet stay at a rental, shop at the farmer’s market, live like a local and save on your meal tab. Kenyans are also very hospitable people and if you are lucky, you might just land yourself a host for your stay – try couchsurfing. Feel free to also compare your dining options away from your accommodation.

#5. Plan your itinerary in advance

Which sights excite you the most? How do you want to get there and for how long? A layover of a few hours is different from a week’s safari. Some destinations require travel outside of the major cities e.g. Lamu, Maasai Mara Game Reserve, and so on; Batch together destinations within the same locality to maximize time and save on cost.

#6. Research pricing and costs in advance

Knowing the average price of key services will increase your confidence. In Kenya, you can bargain the prices on any product or service unless the provider firmly insists it is fixed, which is rare. Brush up on your bargaining and negotiating skills. For example, a day’s meals should cost you around a $10 or lower if you try local meals and double that for a day’s alcoholic drinks.

#7. Do as locals do

zuru kenya budget travel — Image credit: Modern

Hotel vans and tour operator services can get expensive. Although there is no government-run public transport system, locals use numerous alternatives. These include urban public transport vans, cross-country buses, and a revamped passenger rail service.

Things to note: The local currency is the Kenya shilling. One US dollar is roughly a hundred Kenya shillings.

About the author

D Scott Carruthers, a graduate of Western State University loves photography, exploratory travel and blogging about his adventures and journeys.

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7 Wildlife Photography Tips to know for Your Next Safari

October 21, 2017 zurukenya 1 Comment

There’s only one thing better than an actual wildlife safari adventure, and that’s going through all your photographs on your return. Shooting photographs of wild animals is an art form and it can be extremely gratifying when you get extreme close ups of the big five or an action shot of a kill. Not only is it cool to boast to your friends about what you’ve seen, but you’ll have all these amazing memories of your trip to look back on forever.

Any African safari produces the perfect opportunity for memorable photo taking. Here are some photography tips for your next safari.

#1. Make Sure You Have The Right Gear

Having the right photographic gear while you’re on your safari is essential. You’ll want to capture a number of different shots, which will require a variety of lenses. You’ll also want to ensure that everything is easily accessible. If you don’t have a proper camera bag that fits your camera and gear, it would be a wise investment. Then you only need to remember to take one bag on the game vehicle with you and everything will be within reach. In your camera bag you’ll want to pack:

Camera body
Lenses with lens covers or caps
Battery packs
Memory cards
Battery charger
Cables for instant transfer to your tablet or laptop
Camera cleaning equipment

#2. Zoom Lens Is A Must-Have

Make sure you have a great zoom lens on hand in order to capture shots that are further away from the vehicle than a standard lens can capture. You don’t want pixelated photos, but want to be able to enjoy every detail down to a lion’s whiskers. Anything from a 200mm to a 500mm is your most popular choice and is still manageable and easy to carry around.

#3. Pack Extra Batteries And Memory Cards

What could be worse than spotting an incredible sighting such as a leopard in a tree or a mother hyena feeding her young… and you realise that your memory card is full? Frantically trying to delete photos from your memory card could result in you deleting something worth keeping. A dead battery is the absolute worst and it’s totally avoidable. Ensure you have a spare, charged battery and memory card in your camera bag to avoid any missed shots.

#4. Use Your Guide’s Knowledge To Your Advantage

Your safari guide or ranger will have expert, intimate knowledge of the bush and will – in most cases – be able to tell when you’re about to encounter an animal. They can track animals from kilometers away and also hear or see them long before you do. Alert them to the fact that you’re seeking that elusive photograph and they can give you a heads up when the opportunity is approaching. They can also position the game vehicle favorably for your photographic benefit.

#5. Be Camera Ready At All Times

Make sure that the shutter speed and aperture are both ready and set for you to take photographs at will. Then when the moment arises, you simply need to perfect your composition, focus and snap the shot. If you’re not comfortable working with a manual setup then you can always set your camera to automatic and simply point and snap as and when you see the perfect moment.

#6. Avoid The Flash At Night

It sounds counter intuitive, but the flash can blind the animals temporarily, which can be really dangerous for prey and tame game. It also makes the animals eyes come out red or white in the photograph, which isn’t very appealing.

#7. Practice Before The Drive

Take a few practice shots before the drive at different angles and with the light coming from different directions. Make sure you’re happy with your setup and that you’re aware of how the direction of light and angle of the shot will affect your end product. The sun behind you will always produce the best shots, but isn’t always possible. Take full advantage when conditions are perfect and take as many photos as you can.

Of course you can always edit your photographs afterwards, but the best shots are those that require minimal tweaking.

Good luck!

Guest Post courtesy of TourRadar, an online marketplace for travelers to compare and book multi-day tours.

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6 must-try indoorsy attractions in Nairobi

October 4, 2017 zurukenya 4 Comments

Nairobi is probably the most popular destination in Kenya, and with good reason. The city known as a place of cool waters is famous largely for blending the country’s largest urban area with the nature that brings so many tourists to this part of the world. As such, it’s known largely for outdoor attractions: the national park, the Uhuru Gardens, the giraffe center and elephant orphanage, and even some of the authentic markets. These are the main draws to the city.

If you happen to visit Nairobi, however, there’s always the chance that the weather will keep you indoors, or that you’ll simply be interested in breaking up your trip with a day away from nature exploration. In such a case it helps to know about the indoor attractions that are available, even in a city known largely for nature.

Banana Hill Art Gallery

Because there are so many natural wonders to enjoy in Kenya and the surrounding countries, some might be surprised to learn that this country is actually particularly well known for its numerous art galleries. The Banana Hill Art Gallery in Nairobi showcases the work of over 70 artists and sculptors largely from Kenya and the East African region. Having been opened some 11 years ago, the art gallery makes for an excellent exhibition of contemporary African art. Paintings and sculptures alike show off some of the best tendencies of artists from this part of the world, and make the gallery a perfect place to explore on a rainy day (or otherwise!).

Panari Sky Center Ice Skating

You don’t exactly think about ice rinks when you imagine a vacation to Kenya. Nevertheless, ice skating is very much an option, and can be a great change of pace from exploring the city and the surrounding country. Particularly if the weather is just getting a little too hot for you, you might want to duck in for a few hours of skating.

Finix Casino

This is a casino just outside the main part of town that has it all: table games, slots, jackpots, roulette, etc. The slots in particular will be recognizable even if you’re not much of a casino person. This is because we’ve seen a lot of these slot games make a successful transition to smart devices, and therefore into mainstream gaming culture. At Finix, you’ll find some of these newest and most popular games, in addition to a generally festive atmosphere that’s always a nice break from the city. You don’t have to put much money down to enjoy the environment (and perhaps a few cocktails as well).

Nairobi National Museum

As stated, the area is known for a lot of art galleries. But the Nairobi National Museum is less of a painting exhibition or a demonstration of contemporary art, and more of a tribute to Kenya’s history. There are outdoor attractions (a hiking trail and botanical gardens) for nicer days, but if you’re looking to duck inside for a few hours there’s a lot of fascinating art and history to be enjoyed. You’ll find paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and explanations of numerous pieces significant to Nairobi and Kenya as a whole.

Le Palanka

This is a restaurant in town, but a very unique one that international travelers in particular will enjoy. That’s because the menu is very authentic, offering African ingredients and preparations done to perfection. A lot of guests rave about the environment, which makes for an experience that is fun and intimate. It’s a terrific place for a bite to eat, and for a prolonged meal if you’re escaping the weather for a little bit or for any other reason.

Brew Bistro

Kenya actually has about as strong a reputation for beer as any place in Africa. Thanks to the famous Tusker Lager, one of just a few African beers that are well known outside of their home territories. It’s not uncommon to see pictures of tourists enjoying this beer, or even to run into people wearing Tusker shirts, having traveled to Kenya at one point or another. As a result of the much savored kenyan brew, the brewing scene in the country has garnered great recognition which has seen smaller more custom breweries crop up. All the more reason beer lovers will enjoy Brew Bistro; a place where one can enjoy a larger range of Kenyan beers in a clean, modern, miniature brewery. It’s a very fun option day and night, and a nice way to enjoy yourself indoors.

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Tyler Martin

|Freelance writer and world traveler|

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Things to do

What the tuk-tuk?: Mombasa’s Love – hate relationship with the little three-wheeled hardy vehicle

March 18, 2017 zurukenya Leave a comment

There are lots of things to expect once you land in Mombasa. Cultural diversity, a city rich in history, scenic beaches, a myriad of touristic destinations, warm people…

And then, there is the tuk-tuk.

There’s no missing the tuk-tuk.

tuk tuk zuru kenya — Source: thirdlocal.com

Swiftly maneuvering the old city’s narrow cobbled and congested streets, the little sputtering three-wheeled motorized vehicle has undoubtedly become very symbolic of Mombasa. They are everywhere! A multitude of them!

Preferred for their compact size and swift maneuverability, tuk-tuks make wheezing around Mombasa such a breeze. Their ability to negotiate tight corners and park almost anywhere is perhaps one of the reasons that locals favor them as a short-distance mode of transport which allows for convenient door-to-door service. Tourists would especially enjoy the tuk-tuk experience with their small canopy and windowless body providing for full view of the scenic sites while enjoying a breezy ride through the city at a much lower cost.

This little three-wheeler with a capacity for three passengers (but just like a taxi, mostly boards one passenger at a time) has a little space at the back allocated for luggage and in case of bad weather, there’s a drop-down side flap that covers the windowless frame. You will also come to notice that tuk-tuks in Mombasa have a personality of their own, no two are the same. Well of course there are those drivers who prefer to stick with the tuk-tuks original outlook whereas others tend to get a bit more creative with their autos; tricking them out with bumpin’ speakers, flashing neon, graffiti amongst other forms of ‘bling’.

With the much expediency that tuk-tuks offer, why would anyone have a problem with them?

Here’s why,

The tuk-tuk invasion if you like, has primarily been a thorn in the side of the county government for a while now with several attempts to steer them clear of some parts of the central business district having been futile. Not only are they noisy but they are also believed to be a major contributor to the congestion of the city’s main streets. Getting rid of them has however not been an easy feat. This is especially so when a large number of passengers utilize them to traverse from one point to another within the CBD itself.

Did I mention Noisy? Many residents tend to fume about the noise pollution and rightly so! The puttering noise that these hardy vehicles make is simply unbearable! Especially if you have to listen to it every second of every day bearing in mind that Mombasa city is not only a business area but also a residential area that houses a large number of locals. Sound proofing makes for a good investment if one resides within the city.

In case you are yet to embark on your own tuk-tuk experience within Mombasa city, we’ve listed some tips below to help smooth along your first encounter.

Things to note:

Don’t just board and pay at your drop-off point.

Have you ever boarded a tuk-tuk only to be asked to pay an outrageous amount upon alighting?

Unless you are aware of the tuk tuk fare, do not attempt the “board and pay later” tactic. As you will learn fast, locals have a way of sniffing non-locals so to be safe, always settle on the fare before you climb aboard, otherwise you will find yourself having to shell out a hefty charge at your destination. Please note that some drivers will tend to note give out the rate firsthand after you ask, responding with “just get in” instead. Be persistent and ask again until they respond with a satisfactory rate.

Familiarize yourself with route fares.

Find out the local rates before hailing a tuk-tuk. It shouldn’t be so difficult to realize the appropriate price by asking the locals – of course some of them will give you rates above the norm but mostly you should be able to get the correct price point. Be careful not to ask the driver the distance or duration of the destination, if they see that you are new to the area they will definitely lie and overcharge you for a distance that you may not have needed to get a tuk-tuk in the first place to get there. It’s also good to note that the locals of Mombasa are majorly friendly and readily willing to assist (unless of course for some elements whom I can neither confirm nor deny to be native locals), so plenty of times responses given should be pretty legit.

Its ok to negotiate!

Familiarizing yourself with the price-points gives you a good advantage at bargaining where you can easily talk the drivers down to a certain level that is satisfactory to both of you. It’s also okay to walk away if you feel the fare is super high. There are plenty of tuk-tuks lined up so if one driver doesn’t budge another one will.

Where to hail a tuk-tuk?

Certainly, not in front of a fancy restaurant or resort I can tell you that much. Some tuk-tuk drivers have a habit of sizing people up and if they pick you up at a somewhat upscale location then that is some extra change for them. If you intend on using a tuk-tuk and are staying at a hotel, do not let the driver pick you up from the hotel’s entrance instead walk to the main road which shouldn’t be very far away. This will give you a better chance of striking a good bargain.

The destination

There’s one thing in Mombasa that highly differs from Nairobi and probably other cities and towns, locals familiarize themselves with places and not street addresses. Do not expect an accurate response when you ask for Moi Avenue, Haille selassie, Nkurumah road, Nyerere Avenue or even Tom Mboya Street only a people few can pin-point that out for you if you are lucky. Instead ask for Ambalal, Posta, Nawal centre, Fort Jesus, Ferry and so on…

It is therefore more convenient to tell the tuk-tuk driver the name of the place you are going to instead of the address. The drivers have familiarized themselves with most of the hotels, touristic attractions, market places, office buildings and so on. If you give them the address, you will definitely get lost. That’s a guarantee!

Enjoy your ride!

Once you’ve gained the confidence and are now familiar with the tuk-tuk ways, just hop on, tell the driver where you want to go, give the fare and hop off. It’s that simple. We do not however promise you of a smooth ride all the time; some streets tend to be bumpy, sometimes with potholes and never ending stream of pedestrians. Just hold on tight when the tuk-tuk bounces from one lane to another as some drivers tend to be oblivious of the fact that they have passengers on board.

Things to do

#Stargazers: Chasing the African Night Sky

March 7, 2017 zurukenya 1 Comment

City life tends to get us engulfed in so much that we forget to appreciate and enjoy the little things in life. One such little thing is simply looking up at the African night sky, undoubtedly one of the best things you could ever take time to do.

The city robs us of this experience, what with huge skyscrapers, light pollution among other distractions. To be honest most of us only get to appreciate the existence of the moon let alone the stars when power goes out no?!

If you are yet to marvel at the beautiful African night sky, your best bet is to travel to the remote country areas. Something the astrophotographers below got to appreciate. We are just glad they got to bring back souvenirs from their Kenyan stargazing adventures courtesy of their night captures.