Sports Betting and the Kenyan Youth: Why sports betting is becoming more of a lifestyle in Kenya

In our previous post, we touched on sports betting and how it is currently transforming thousands of lives with just a little cash investment coupled with some betting technical know-how. We also put it across as a possible viable option to easily make money for your future travels. One of the tips that we cited as being beneficial to making you the most out of your wager was taking advantage of bonuses and promotions that give you extra value for your money. Betin Kenya offers you one such advantage and you can easily unlock your bonuses using the Betin Kenya Promotion Code. What we did not highlight however is the impact it has on the banters (individuals partaking in betting) and the Kenyan Market in general.

The multi-million industry that is sports betting has seen a booming growth in Kenya thanks to millions of sports lovers – football fanatics – who are betting heavily. This has as a result seen the rise of a good number of betting companies open shop in the country with proponents arguing that the industry is quite beneficial to our economy.

A quick look into the market indicates that a majority of the people engaging in sports betting fall within the youth bracket. Taking a stroll along the Kenyan streets on a football weekend, will bring you across a plethora of youths gathered around their local sports bars enjoying matches while putting up wagers on their favorite teams. Aside from majorly betting over smart phones, some companies have set up several betting parlors where one gets to watch their match and place their bets as they await their results.

Image: Bizna Kenya

Aside from making money from wager winnings, proponents of sports betting seem to be on to something, since as evidenced by the betting parlors, the industry is indeed beneficial to the economy by helping create hundreds of job opportunities to individuals who man said parlors.

Kenyan youth seem to be of the notion that sports betting is doing more good and not necessarily harm; transforming the lives of many with just a few Kenyan shilling per bet. It seems to be quite lucrative too. Imagine getting thousands of returns, well even millions, from as little as kshs50 investment.

The benefits of sports betting are not realized by the banters alone as evidenced by the numerous companies that have set up shop in the country. But what exactly is drawing thousands of youths into sports betting like moth to a flame?

Image: Betin Kenya

We generally conceive that unemployment is the major driver leading youth to sports betting. The promise of easy money when employment is hard to come by probably makes the “venture” seem like a viable source of income and occupation. Many unemployed youth have turned to sports betting as a form of making a living. However, it has not been all glory for everyone as many have had to come to terms with huge losses of money. Losing money that one cannot afford to lose is perhaps why some people view sports betting companies as “vultures” preying on the poor.

It should be understood though that the world of sports betting is that one of give and take; you win some, you lose some. If you place a bet on your favorite team and it loses then the platform you are betting with benefits as well as if your team wins then you benefit. This is very clear to the banter placing a bet. Individuals involved in sports betting therefore get into it knowing full well that they are not being taken advantage of. How much one is willing to spend is purely up to them and so, it is advisable that one know how to limit themselves.

Image: Betin Kenya

The proliferation of smart phones and ease of money transfer via mobile money has been a major driver in the growth of sports betting and penetration of international betting companies into the Kenyan Market. The easy accessibility to cash flow allows individuals to place as many bets as their credit allows and therein withdraw money as soon as their winnings are in their account. This understandably, aside from the high affinity towards sports – especially football, explains why a huge percentage of the youth in Kenya have tried their hand at betting.

Sports Betting: Could this be the answer to funding your travels?

Your 2018 travel bucket-list is all set. You are virtually halfway to your dream destination but there’s one constraint that threatens to bring your travel goals to a screeching halt; you have limited funds.

We are pretty sure that if Gordon Ogada shared similar concerns as you earlier in the year, he doesn’t have that problem anymore. If you are a little late to the bandwagon, welcome to the world of sports betting. Paul Gordon Ogada, is the newest multi-millionaire in Kenya thanks to sports betting; scoring himself a mega jackpot prize worth sh230 million (Sh230,742,881 to be exact!). What if like the latest millionaire in town and his other counterparts like Samuel Abisai who made home with winnings of sh221 million of the same jackpot, you came into some chunk of change by the stroke of lady luck and some betting skills of course?!

Is there a possibility that sports betting winnings could fund your future travels?! Yes definitely. As evidenced from the previous multi-million winners, the world is your oyster once you score yourself some big winnings. Your problems will suddenly shift from having limited funds to being spoilt for choice for travel destinations; how about that?!

Betting has taken Kenya by storm over the years – evidenced by the number of betting companies that have cropped up in the country since the inception of sports betting in 2014. It seems like an easy way to make money and the youth are definitely sold on it! Before you embark on it though, you should note that sports betting in itself is risk-affiliated and should be done sensibly. Now that we got that out the way, how about we give you some tips on how you can make the most of your bet so you can begin to jet set sooner rather than later aye?!

1.      Shop around – Take advantage of bonuses and promos

The betting sector has become very competitive and one can easily get confused as to who they should bet with. Feel free to shop around, figure out the company with the best price in the market for you. You will find out that most sports betting sites offer bonuses to reward their customers for loyalty which is a major benefit that you should take advantage of. Be sure to also check out promos and special offers that give you extra value for your money. A good example of the solid benefits you can get from betting with the best priced sports betting companies in the market can be uncovered using the following code: Mybet partner code.

  1. Keep it Simple: the fewer selections, the better

It is for sure tempting once you start off, to make complicated wagers to try to win big. However, it is advisable to stick to simple bets so you stand a better chance of winning as a beginner. Complicated wagers can be made later on once you gain some more experience.

3.      Know your sport inside out

Well it makes absolutely no sense placing huge wagers on sports you know absolutely nothing about. Use your knowledge to your advantage; how well do your teams play in the offensive and defensive, are they really good or do they just get lucky, how well do you really know the sport to enable you to likely make accurate predictions and increase your stakes?!

  1. Don’t bet with your heart

It’s hard not to because fans want to see their team win; but the truth of the matter is the favorite doesn’t always win! Betting with your head and not your heart puts you at a risk off of losing so much to the bookies.

5.      Compare the odds

Before placing your wager, make sure to compare the available odds. It helps that you’d already shopped around (tip 1) and secured yourself several accounts in different betting sites. If you’ve got a few different accounts, you just need to see which site has the best odds for any wager you’re about to place and go with them. Over time, this can make a noticeable difference to how much money you win.

6.      Be sure to keep records

Your chances of winning sky rocket when you are better placed to make an analysis of your betting behavior based on previous saved records. Your track record gives you an insight on what trend is winning you money and what isn’t so you can focus on getting more profits.

Thanks to sports betting, making money now need not be an uphill struggle; you don’t need to know nothing about sport or betting, anyone can do it and it’s free and easy to have a go. Your travel dreams are edging more and more closer. However, please keep in mind that you should only bet with money that you are comfortable losing. Otherwise, happy sports betting & happy travels!

Get off the beaten path with safarisharing

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.

We’ve been nominated: Please vote for us

zuru kenya- kenya travel awards

Happy New Year!

2018 has started off on a high note for us and we’re delighted to announce that Zuru Kenya has been nominated in the Kenya Travel Awards 2018 by Jumia Travel! We’re up for Best Destination Website, and we’re pretty excited about it.

The awards aim at promoting Kenya’s tourism sector, and responds to the need of encouraging hoteliers to improve the quality of their services for further advancement of their respective destinations.

“By organizing these African Travel Awards, our mission is not only to recognize and reward the merit of local tourism stakeholders, but also to provide a credible benchmark for the African tourism industry,” said Joe Falter, CEO of Jumia Travel.

We’d be thrilled if you showed your support and voted for us. The process is straightforward and voting should take just a few minutes – all you will need to do is click the link, enter a few details and submit your vote. Anyone is welcome to vote, so please do feel free to share the link with your family and friends – it would be hugely appreciated! Plus Bonus! All voters will automatically be entered into the Awards’ prize draw, where you could win a stay in the winning hotel – oh my!

Voting closes on 26th January, with winners being feted at a ceremony which will be held on February 1st, at Fairmont the Norfolk from 6PM. In other Jumia Travel countries, the awards will be held simultaneously on the 25th of January; in Lagos, Algiers, Dakar, Abidjan, Accra, Douala, Dar es Salaam, and Kampala. Vote now!

#OnFocus: Travel, Focus & Capture with Moses Obanda

“I go by Moses Obanda, a landscape and travel photographer with six years of experience. I enjoy reading books and obviously traveling. I’m a bit socially awkward but once I’m behind the camera, I can conquer the world. I have a bachelor’s degree in communication from Africa Nazarene University, graduated in 2014.”

Zuru Kenya: When did your love for Travel photography crop up and what exactly sparked it?

Obanda: When I was a second year student in campus. That’s when I realized my heart was in Travel Photography. Before that I was into a lot of pencil drawing but once I picked up the camera, I fell in love and was amazed by the fact that I could visually illustrate what I had in my mind.

How often do you travel?

I try to travel at least once a month. Worst case scenario, once every two months dependent on whether I have the money to travel.

#onfocus zurukenya

#onfocus zurukenya

#onfocus zurukenya

Since getting into travel photography, are there any hurdles that you have encountered along the way?

I personally think that there are more hurdles in Travel Photography than in any other form of photography. For starters, it’s quite expensive. So there’s that. Then you might find yourself treading in dangerous and unsafe places just to get the perfect shot. There’s also the issue of security when travelling to remote areas and then of course the weather is always unpredictable! All that aside, when your heart is fully in it, these obstacles become just but miner details that make your journey and the outcome even more adventurous.

#onfocus zurukenya

#onfocus zurukenya

#onfocus zurukenya

What kind of DSLR do you shoot with and do you always have a camera with you?

When am not shooting with a Nikon D5300, I have with me a Canon 6D. Yes, I always have a camera with me. It’s the most essential item for me; especially when I leave town.

#onfocus zurukenya

#onfocus zurukenya

#onfocus zurukenya

Which of your photographs is your personal favorite and why (what’s the story behind the making of it?

#onfocus zurukenya

I took this photo a while back when a couple of my friends and I had gone camping in Maasai Land. We stayed there for a week and on our last day while walking back from our hike; I spotted from a distance, a Maasai herding his cows on a hill. As I wanted to capture him and the hundreds of cows by his side, I started running towards him trying to get as close as I could for the perfect shot. Unfortunately, by the time I got a clear shot, only two cows were left standing beside him. Nonetheless I was lucky to have captured it the way I did; a perfectly balanced-out piece of art. I consider it one of my most priced images.

Your 3 favorite places to photograph so far and why?

My favorite places to photograph are Maasai land, Watamu and Amsterdam. These places not only have rich histories but also conducive environments to photograph. Locals here are also always welcome to a photograph or two.

#onfocus zurukenya

#onfocus zurukenya

#onfocus zurukenya

The one place in Kenya you’d go back to over and over again?

The one place in Kenya that I would go again, is Maasai Land, I have actually gone there twice and am going again next year for another expedition.

ZuruKenya #OnFocus

Which photographers influenced you, and how did they influence your thinking, photographing, and career path?

My inspiration is drawn from ‘creatives’ in general, not just photographers. Writers, poets, singers; people who chose to pursue their passion and are excelling at it. When it comes to photography however, I’m mostly inspired by fellow young budding photographers.

Individuals like Philip Kisia of Pelz photography & Annemiek Van Der Kuil to name a few, big names in their own right, successfully paving their own path in photography. I’m very appreciative of the fact that they are always at my disposal when it comes to feedback on my work and I can certainly attribute my growth to them.

My family and friends also inspire me a lot by way of their support. My sister Doreen makes a point to like every picture that I post and that gives me life.

#onfocus zurukenya

#onfocus zurukenya

#onfocus zurukenya

What do you look out for as a result when taking your photos and how do you get your photos to speak that?

I always try to capture the mood of the situation and of the people in my focus. Portraying that moment to my audience – be it a moment engulfed in sadness, happiness or despair, that very instance in time, just how I see it, is what I strive to showcase.

#onfocus zurukenya

What are a few tips you would give someone who wants to pursue travel photography?

Make certain that this is the path you truly want to follow; it will be quite a thrill – obstacles and all. Keep in mind that you also need to be open minded. Learn about other people’s cultures every chance you get and don’t worry about money too much. As cliché as it may sound, it’s not always about the money, when you want to do something and your intentions are right then it will all fall in place eventually.

ZuruKenya #OnFocus
Obanga standing in front of his Landscape and Travel Photography Exhibition at CUEA.

What does your next year look like in terms of places you plan to visit, and why have you picked those as the first destinations?

I’m looking to visit more African countries, probably start with Zambia. Before that though, I intend on travelling to Turkana and the North Eastern part of Kenya; those are the only places in the country that I am yet to visit hence why they top my ‘places to go’ list for next year ( God willing of course!). I’m very much into African history and would love to simply explore the continent and learn more from its history.

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

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

zurukenya budget travel

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

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.

zuru kenya photography tips

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.

Image credit: Dave Dugdale

#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

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

indoorsy-activities-zuru-kenyaBecause 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

indoorsy-activities-zuru-kenyaYou 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

indoorsy-activities-zuru-kenya

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

indoorsy-activities-zuru-kenyaAs 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

indoorsy-activities-zuru-kenyaThis 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

indoorsy-activities-zuru-kenyaKenya 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.

——–

Tyler Martin

|Freelance writer and world traveler|

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Dear Ramadan, Thanks for stopping by

Dear Ramadan,                                                                                  

We always love it when you come by.

For a many reasons the enhancement of spiritual nourishment, self discipline and piety. We acknowledge that our lives are transformed for the better on account of the seclusion, simplicity, self reflection and introspection provided for by the holy month.

There’s no denying though that you can be a difficult month. We always start off enthusiastic – that doesn’t last long to be honest. Refraining from essentials of daily living is hard enough.

So when enthusiasts um, pass on impending travels to islamic populated regions (Kenyan Coast) during the holy month,  it’s no offence to you.

You see, the experience is just not as it were outside of Ramadan.

The uber friendly, super generous hospitality that is the norm at the coast is not assured. You may on occasion, regrettably run-in with some grumpy locals who possibly will place blame for their wanting service and temper flaring on the rigours of saum. Understandably though, the searing temperatures at the coast can really do you in.

It is for this reason perhaps that some traders choose to close up shop the entirety of the holy month. City streets are pretty dull too. Did I mention that the savory Swahili delicacies that you’d be probably looking forward to indulge in don’t come by easy during the day? Basically if you choose to explore the coast during Ramadan, you are in essence committing to somewhat of a day travel fast yourself. That shouldn’t faze you though.

Come Iftar the meal after sunset to break the fast, everything comes to life.

Coastal people are very welcoming, giving you an opportunity to enjoy Iftar with different people for the duration of your stay.  Street food selling, large feasts in restaurants, huge family parties and gatherings, increased mall shopping (Many restaurants and shopping malls tend to extend their hours at night to accommodate those who had been fasting during the day); night life at the coast is a buzz at Ramadan.

Whilst travel at Ramadan can be a daunting idea, with the reduced daytime activity and tourist traffic, it’s not that bad if you are resilient. Plus you get to enjoy Eid with the locals. What could be more rewarding than experiencing a different cultural perspective?

Whatever your experience nonetheless, either spiritual or travel wise. Ramadan, you have been good to us this year. Come back soon. Till then,

Eid Mubarak!

Kenya's ultimate travel and lifestyle magazine

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