Nafurahia undugu na ukoo wetu (I rejoice our brotherhood and family)…these are the first words that welcome you to this enchanting ad and with a spectacular view of Mount Kenya to top it. Despite lots of talk regarding Niko Na (title of the ad)…taking a glance at it for the first time one would need no persuasion placing it in the tourism sector right? Not only is this not a tourism ad (it would be awesome if it was), it comes to many a surprise as a mobile network operator’s ad. Safaricom went on a level high on this one ( Qantas controversy aside) showcasing Kenya’s beauty and all the magnificence it has to offer.
From here the ads could only be expected to go a notch higher, then comes the current ad Naweza (I can)…a continuation of the previous…Hence Niko na Safaricom, Naweza (I have Safaricom, therefore I can). Many can surely attest to the fact that had it not been for the ads, they would still be in oblivion to some of the regions showcased existing in Kenya.
The ads take only a minute or so, but the work behind that magical minute, we can only try to comprehend the energy, dedication and manpower that goes in to all that. Kudos! Safaricom for the beauty portrayed…Kenya Tourism Board should definitely borrow a leaf. Below we take a look at the making of the ads and how much goes into producing perfection.
Ol Tukai Lodge is one of the best spots in the world to watch elephant with the backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. The lodge, together with the surrounding Amboseli National Park has been described by many ‘as a home for the Gods’.
Ol Tukai is an Eco-rated lodge having excellent outdoor and indoor facilities with its unique collection of African art. The property receives overwhelming response from the international and local tourism market.
There are 80 luxury chalet-style twin rooms, all with an uninterrupted view of the wetlands or Kilimanjaro. Stylish and comfortable, the rooms have private bath rooms and individual terraces. There are also rooms allocated for special needs visitors. At Ol Tukai, the presence of the wilderness can be felt in the silence of the night.
Enjoy the sight and sounds of the Amboseli Plain with a lavish champagne buffet breakfast in a wonderful secluded setting amongst the Tortillas trees only a stone throw away from the family of the resident Ol Tukai elephants. An unforgettable breakfast experience. Sip bubbly champagne with the stunning backdrop of the snow capped mount Kilimanjaro.
Ol Tukai Lodge has some of the most stunning vegetation in the Amboseli National Park. As an environment preserved area Ol Tukai hosts amazing tree, plant and bird species.Ol Tukai is home to over 150 species of birds. For an interesting insight into the life of the birds of Africa, Ol Tukai’s resident Ornithologist will accompany you on a bird walk amongst the beautiful trees and gardens of the lodge.
The crystal clear waters of the swimming pool are shaded by the occasional acacia tree. The pool deck has sun beds for relaxation and soaking up the afternoon African sunshine before the evening game drive.
After a long game drive, a soothing aromatic massage by an expert masseuse refreshes the body and mind.
After an afternoon game drive, there’s nothing better than relaxing with a special cocktail drink as the sun sets across the plains. Noomotio, the table-topped observation hill is the perfect spot to enjoy hot and cold canapés and refreshing cocktails while you watch the African sky streak red, gold and purple, as the sun melts into the horizon and the game of Amboseli settle for the night.
A magical African experience that leads to a discreet Maasai setting amongst night lanterns and fresh bush clearings made by the herd of elephants nearby. Only a short walk away from the lodge experience a specially prepared candle lit, four course meal.The menu offers barbequed meat. Under the stars watch the Maasai Moran warriors dance and sing their battle songs around a bonfire.
The Elephant Bar situated between the lounge and dining room serves a wide selection of beers, cocktails, liqueurs and fresh fruit juices. Above the bar a roof level deck offers a splendid panorama of the marshlands and Kilimanjaro.
For the perfect wedding setting, there is a quaint multi-denominational Chapel and after the ceremony lunch is arranged on the lodge lawns. Special Wedding Packages are offered and arrangements can be made prior to arrival. Moreover, there is an in-house Wedding Planner tailored to your needs at no extra charge.
There is a gift shop that stocks interesting African artifacts, gifts and memorabilia. Here you can purchase souvenirs for those back at home.
Courtesy of The Tribe Hotel Nairobi, below is a take of things to do and places one should visit if they only had a day in the City.
Karura Forest;
Fancy a family picnic by the lake, bird walks, bike trails and generally a spectacular nature trail, Karura forest should then definitely be on your list of things to do. Things to enjoy here include the Mau Mau caves, scenic waterfalls, picnic sites, bamboo forest and nature trails. Karura does not fall short of wildlife as well one can spot different monkey species, bush baby, bush-buck, bush pig, porcupine, duiker, genet, dik dik, African civet and epauletted bat.
Cafe Brasserie;
Located in Nairobi’s Village Market, The Cafe Brasserie by Art Caffe is a bright, light-filled café famous for its roasted coffees, hearty dishes and mouth-watering deserts. With wood-panelled walls and high ceilings, the café has a unique character, and is the ideal spot for post-shopping coffee and cake breaks with friends, pre-shopping breakfasts and leisurely lunches. The contemporary interior with clean lines, combined with a convivial ambiance, have made this restaurant a staple on the local dining scene.
The Giraffe Centre;
Run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, this is a sanctuary for the rare Rothschild’s giraffe. Spend some time observing, hand-feeding (and if lucky, get a big wet kiss) as well as capturing close-up photos of the giraffes in case you did not catch sight of them while on safari. One can also enjoy a quiet nature trail through thick bushes and forest. Other animals you are bound to encounter include warthogs, hyenas and sometimes leopard.There is a variety of flora and fauna.
House of Treasures;
The House of Treasures is filled with unusual and exotic goods from around the globe. Antique and modern furniture, architectural pieces, innovative fashion & jewellery, Africana artefacts, children’s toys and eclectic home-ware – all gathered in a striking double-storey gallery set in mature gardens in Karen, just outside Nairobi, Kenya.
Maasai Markets;
Meet craftsmen of authentic Kenyan artifacts and enjoy the sight of ladies beading and making jewellery at the markets. Held around the city at different venues on different days, bag yourself a set of souvenirs for your friends and families back home including wooden carvings and bead-work; beaded necklaces, batik wall hangings, shoes, soap stone carvings, sisal bags, kikois, textiles and much more. All Maasai Markets items are Kenyan and the range of goods on offer is impressive .You can’t go wrong at the Nairobi Masai Market.
Adèle Dejak;
The Adèle Dejak brand creates handmade fashion accessories for the modern, sophisticated and multidimensional woman. Inspired by African shapes, textures and traditional techniques, the cutting-edge pieces sit perfectly between artifact and high fashion statement designs. The Adèle Dejak collections express acute appreciation for African-made fabrics, including Kuba cloth and kitenge (wax print); a dedication to using recycled materials including rice and cement sacks, brass, aluminium and glass and; a commitment to exceptional quality.
Anselm – Kitengela Hot Glass;
Sleek vases the colour of sea glass, a coffee table that looks as if it is made of crushed ice. Extravagant murals. A goblet that feels solid and perfect in your hand, majestic and bejeweled chandeliers. A splash of window that is a mosaic of the sun, a globe-shaped lamp glowing like a planet. A Maasai necklace design that is an explosion of colour and lighting. A passionate and practical ensemble of scrap window and bottle glass renewed, refashioned into stylish pieces, functional art and inspired design. All this and more at Anselm- Kitengela Hot Glass, each piece is unique, handmade to catch the eye and satisfy the soul.
African Heritage House;
The African Heritage House overlooking the Nairobi National Park is described by the prestigious Architectural Digest as “an architecture rising from the serene Kenyan plain like an outcropping of earth, a vision of usefulness informed by the African genius for decoration.”
Designed by American Alan Donovan, co-founder of the African Heritage Pan-African Galleries, the house is a combination of the mud architectures from across Africa.The house is available for tours, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinners on the rooftop or by the refreshing pool), conferences/functions, as well as overnight stays in its luxurious rooms, filled with African art and furnishings with modern appointments.
Kalabash;
Once at Kalabash you will be awed by the creativity and pronounced ethnic artistry that awaits you. Kalabash Selections specializes in extraordinary art, crafts and accessories from across Africa. The curated collection represents the finest examples of Africana in wood, stone, metal and beads. It glows with unique earthly African shades of brown, which most of its racy crafts represent. Kalabash also stocks beadwork and artifacts made from driftwood, soapstone and clay.
Kaya Spa;
Kaya, Tribe’s exclusive spa combines traditional and new-world treatments from around the globe. The five treatment rooms and hair studio infuse a sense of tranquility through inspiring design – taming the body, mind and soul.
NEST;
Also at the Tribe, NEST is the perfect location for sun-downer drinks, private parties, or just an intimate space to get away and hang out. NEST serves the best martinis in Nairobi which are a perfect compliment to aromatic shisha pipes or hookahs.
Jiko;
Jiko holds true to the glamorous yet sophisticated feel of the Tribe hotel whilst maintaining the warmth and personality of Kenya. Its contemporary international cuisine focuses on carefully grown fresh ingredients and specially sourced international imports. The extensive menu features grilled meats and vegetables as well as house made pastas, breads, pastries and gelatos. Jiko’s exclusive wine list highlights some of the finest selections of wines to perfectly compliment the flavors of Jiko.
Finish your day in style sleeping at the Tribe’s Presidential suite. A one-bedroom suite overlooking the protected natural wetland, the Presidential Suite features a living room with dining table and over-sized couches, a 60-inch plasma TV with a BOSE Lifestyle sound system, guest bathroom, a private balcony, enhanced storage facilities and the suite’s iconic master bathroom. The Presidential suite is furnished with a rain shower, bath tub, 300 thread-count sheets, and a king bed. Tribe offers a complimentary mini-bar and free high-speed wireless internet with all rooms.
Doubling up as a wonder of the world as well as Africa’s greatest Wildlife reserve, the Masai Mara is a sight to behold. Home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, this reserve will offer you a safari of a lifetime; watching over two million animals cross-over from the Serengeti in Tanzania in search of greener pasture. This experience serves both as a ‘wow’/’chilling’ moment seeing this magical migration of wildebeests, gazelles and zebras in their thousands , while at the same time having to watch some of them make their last cross as the predators; lions, crocodiles and hyenas seize their opportunity across the Mara river.
The annual Migration has highly boosted Kenya’s place as a favorite safari destination and during June/July the reserve receives numerous guests ready to watch this natural spectacle. The millions of wildebeests spend much of the year grazing throughout the plains of the Serengeti and when the dry season dawns in June, they begin to gather, forming a single vast herd ready to head north. The experience is amazing as you anxiously await for the herds, one can envision the numbers hearing the sound of the approaching herd with the rumbling of hooves and low grunts; very awe-inspiring indeed. By July, the predators are set on the Kenyan side, Knowing the feasting opportunity that awaits. The river crossing serves as a major challenge for the migration as many of the animals succumb to their fate either through drowning, being swept away by strong currents or by the wrath of the hungry crocodiles.
Come October, the herds start their journey back to the Serengeti to the renewed grasslands. Out of all the calves born in the Serengeti before the migration, two out of three never return from this excruciating adventure. This is thus a test of both renewal and sustenance as well as life and death. The Mara aside from being host to the greatest migration ever seen, is home to the famed Maasai people. It is beyond amazing how man and wildlife share the same space of existence in utmost harmony. This co-existence probably makes Maasai Mara one of the most unusual and unique wilderness regions the world over.
Other co-inhabitants include; herds of zebra, giraffe, gazelle,topi, an array of bird life, monkeys, elephants and buffalos in the Musiara Swamp and numerous hippos and crocodiles in the Mara and Talek rivers. The Maasai Mara is also packed with a wide range of Accommodation for any budget and is a popular attraction with Safari operators. The reserve is ideal for game drives and there are select camps and lodges that will provide you with opportunities of safari walks as well as spectacular balloon safaris. You are bound to encounter wildlife at many areas of the Mara as they are allowed to move freely in and out of the reserve and through neighbouring Maasai lands.
Outside the boundaries of the reserve there are many other small camps and lodges, some of which offer walking, horse riding and other safari options. One can also take part in high forest trekking in the nearby Loita Hills and the Nguruman Escarpment.
Travel enthusiasts en-route to various safari destinations along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway more often than not by-pass this Majestic wonder over Voi town. What many fail to realize is that this unexploited backdrop not only provides for a beautiful view while on your safari, but is also a rare attraction gem yet to be exploited and can only be attested to by a few; locals, researchers, and rally drivers. The early mornings are a sight to behold with dense fog shrouding the hills so much so one cannot be able to see another’s compound. Moreover, approaching the scenic hills from the vast and expansive plains spread in the lowland areas, provides for an exciting anticipation knowing that the higher one goes the more amazing the view of the landscapes, more like a far off deep sea.
View of Mt. kilimanjaro a far from Taita hills
Evening view
Wesu rock shrouded by fog
The lowlands, teamed up with Taita hills form the greater Taita/Taveta County formerly district, and are more accustomed to tourist visits being home to Kenya’s largest National Park; Tsavo National Park, Lakes Jipe and Chala, various water springs as well as a number of lodges namely Voi Wildlife Lodge, Voi Safari Lodge, Voi Town Lodge, Lions Bluff Lodge, Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge and Sarova Salt lick Game lodge.
Sarova Salt-lick Lodge
Sarova Taita Hills Lodge
Lake chala
The Taita Hills are mainly Precambrian mountain ranges consisting of three massifs; Dawida, Saghalla and Kasighau with Dawida outcropping the rest at 2,228 metres above sea level at its highest peak – Vuria; it also has three other main peaks – Iyale, Wesu and Susu. Inhabitants of these hills are classified into three subgroups/sub-tribes in relation to the three topographical zones i.e the Wadawida/Taita from Dawida, Wasaghalla from Saghalla and Wakasighau from Kasighau. The Taita have a variation of dialects that include the Mbololo, Bura, Wusi, Kidaya, Mghange, Chawia, Mwanda, Kishamba, Werugha, Wumingu, and Wundanyi whereas the Kisaghalla and Kasighau stand on their own as self-sustaining dialects.
Kasighau
View of Vuria
Iyale
View of Saghalla
One’s journey atop, begins at Mwatate town, the central junction point linking wundanyi, voi and Taveta. Between Mwatate and Wundanyi several view points will prompt you to stop and gaze at the awesomeness below. One such spot is Mbengonyi; here you will be fascinated by the plains spreading across from Kishamba to Mwachora as well as the expansive Teita sisal estate. Mwachora is historically renown among the Taita as a medium of death as this is where sorcerers were executed by throwing them over the hill (sorcery was only punishable by death).
Mwachora peak and its views
Another hill with a similar history to Mwachora is Shomoto with a story of how thieves would be thrown over the cliff or have their fingers beaten to a pulp after which they would be tied by a rope to the tree that sits right on the edge of the cliff hanging over a deep cleft in the rock; left for dead. It was the responsibility of a member of the suspects’ relatives to push them over the edge.
Shomoto rock and crevice
If you thought the views of the plains impressive, sight of the Lwada falls should leave you dumbfounded at the nature of its beauty. Found in the Dembwa area, the falls cascade from tall, moss-lined rocks and boulders against a scenic backdrop of thick evergreen vegetation and indigenous cover mostly of wild date palms.
The cruise up hill leads you to Wundanyi town; formely Taita’s District Capital from where one can access other destinations via hiking or use of motorbikes as very few places can be accessed by vehicles due to rough terrain especially during the rainy season. However, to better enjoy the splendor of the treasured sites, hiking is more preferred; Inhabitants swiftly traverse these precipitous hills without the break of a sweat whereas for those of us who come back here once in a while this seems to be quite a chore (never mind the fact that I hail from here). Walking about closely linked villages brings you to encounter very friendly people who will more often than not, not shy off to salute you with a ‘Kwawuka mana’ (good morning) or ‘Kwasinda mana’(good afternoon) obliging you to reply with a simple ‘Mana-to’. Guests with preference of the uphill climate over the lowlands can enjoy their stay at Irido springs, Lavender Garden and Rocks hotels.
Wundanyi Town
Having withstood the years, Taita Hills have significant political stories to tell with sites like Mile 27, the Mashoti encampment, Mbuyuni, Salaita, Latema, Reata and the fortifications near Maktau portraying events dating back 100 years ago during world war 1; the only memorabilia of the battleground being the war cemetery segregated into white and Asian races (wonder where the Africans were buried). There is a story told of a German lady sniper supposedly hidden in a hollow Baobab tree, out to avenge her husband, leading it to become a target for the British. The baobab tree survived as the most-shot-at tree during World War One and still has the bullet holes to show till date.
Mwakitau ( as pronounced by locals) war memorial
observation post and its view on top of mwakitau
The legendary bullet-holed baobab tree
The hills also played a crucial role for Kenya’s independence serving as a hideout for our founding heroes including the first Kenyan president; Jomo Kenyatta. It is said that the Kapenguria seven stayed at Kino caves where they would keenly plot their victory plan over their colonizers. Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, First president of Tanzania would also frequent the location in order to exchange ideas with his counterparts.
kino Cave
Taita Hills not only harbors these cherished political antiquities but is also rich in cultural mementos. Before conversion into christianity, the Taita were known to store skulls of the dead in caves; Ngomenyi, Yale, Shomoto amongst others. The skulls would be disconnected from the corpse after a year’s exhumation; this was deemed a sacred act of restoring the dead to the ancestors resting place. The skulls would be lined denoting lineage and stacked near the entrance facing the setting sun. The subgroups differed as to who would be accorded this honor with the wadawida placing skulls of only elderly men whereas the wasaghalla included skulls of women and children. In times of calamities, elders would visit the caves and appeal to their ancestors for help; their Higher Being was called Mulungu whereas the ancestors’ spirits were referred to as milungu.
Entrance to sacred skull cave
With continued exposure by the media, these breathtaking hills have proven that its allure is not one to be left to oblivion having attracted a myriad of naturalists, researchers and birding enthusiasts alike. With a unique biodiversity of 9 and 13 taxa of animals and plants respectively, found nowhere else in the world but here, areas like Ngangao forest have been deemed a true treasure; being part of a unique Eastern arc range of forests found mostly in Eastern Tanzania and the only one of its kind in Kenya. In total there are 48 indigenous and exotic forests (surviving on hill tops and ranging in size from 500 square metres to 2 square kilometres) 28 of which are gazetted and are under the able protection and management of the Kenyan Government.
Ngangao forest
Ngangao forest (under the care of Forestry Commission) will provide you the splendor of moist, thick dripping vegetation with sights of rare birds, butterflies, amphibians and plant species that only exist here. Some of the endemic species that call Taita hills home include Bird species like the Taita Thrush, the Taita White-eye and the Taita Apalis, a unique rear-fanged snake – Amblyodipsas teitana, an endemic toad – Bufo Teitensis, and butterflies; the Taita Glider, Taita Charaxes, Cymothoe teita, Papilio desmond teita and Taita Swallowtail. There are at least nine plant species found nowhere else in the world but on the these moist slopes including the African violet – Saintpaulia teitensis, Memecyclon teitensis, Milletia obrata, Psychotria petitae. Trailing the forest within the first morning sun rays, one is also bound to chance a upon an endemic species of chameleon – Bradpodium Kinyongia. For birding enthusiasts, species like Orange Ground Thrush, Stripe- cheeked Greenbul, Cabanis’s Greenbul, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Evergreen Forest Warbler, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler amongst others, should adequately quench your thirst.
Taita white-eye
Taita Charaxes
African Violet
Bradpodium Kinyongia
As a climax to your exploration endeavor, something that ought to give you a rush would be the climb of Wesu rock either as a pro with harnesses, ropes and all or simply by hiking your way up. What awaits you at the top is a reward of panoramic views for miles over kasighau, Ngulia, Mount Kilimanjaro’s Mawenzi and Kibo peaks as well as chyulu hills.
Vuria ( Taita’s Highest point) will also be able to offer you the same thrill of the superb views. Early risers should be able to enjoy the glory of snow fall on the peaks of Kilimanjaro teamed up with the beautiful sunrise, truly a sight for sore eyes.
Imagine the Highest free-standing mountain as your backdrop as you watch a herd of elephants play in the mud a few metres a way, go on game drives, take a swim or endulge in that massage therapy, enjoy that bubble bath from the comfort of your cottage, or simply as you relaxingly enjoy those special sundowners with your buddies by the wooden decks…Tawi lodge has this in store for you and more.
The Eco-friendly lodge sits at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest mountain) within a private community-run conservancy which in association with African Wildlife Foundation, endeavors to promote and maintain harmonious development for both the wildlife and the maasai people since human-wildlife conflict is leading to that which is regarded as the greatest threat in the area; habitat fragmentation and loss.
While here, relax and pass by time with stories of game experiences by the campfire or better yet enjoy the magical sounds of the African wilderness under the amazing African sky.
Tawi Lodge has 12 double or twin cottages, all en-suite with own fireplace, mini-bar, and wooden deck for the beautiful mountain and wildlife views.
The style of the lodge is a harmonious combination of modern (for your comfort) and traditional (to remind you that you are in Africa).
To some it is etched in their cherished memories as where they got to exchange their vows on that beautiful wedding day, others spend somewhat part of their lives providing service to numerous guests, and generally to many, this is the place associated with a well deserved and out of this world holiday vacation. Well whatever memory or experience it has offered you at any point, Club Sun ‘N’ Sand now remains but a construction site for the new Sh15 billion Ocean Seven apartments. Yes, the five-star beach resort with a capacity of 600 is to be demolished…shame.
The new construction is said to be as a result of the rising appetite for luxurious apartments; the proposed apartments will consist of two commercial blocks and five residential to be sold to investors. Aside from having 325 condominiums in 17, 19, and 25 storey towers, the 17-acre hotel plot shall feature an exercise park, flora and fauna, as well as a Biogas plant for recycling garbage.
Upon completion, locals are said to be given priority in employment with the expectation of 10,000 opportunities directly and indirectly. Kilifi governor, Amason Kingi stated that the county would abide by the 70 per cent local workforce and 30 per cent outsiders employment rule. So far, about 50 percent of the units have been sold to Kenyans.
“The floor vibrated under their feet. The room filled with their smiles, their joy, their banter back and forth — noises, sounds, movements, Joyous, Powerful, Alive.” -Burlington Free Press
Their Melodious voices will make you forget just about any concerns and worries of everyday life. Just sitting there listening to the Kenya Boy’s choir draws you into another world a musical note at a time. Consisting of 25 boys aged between 13 and 24, the group is an assortment of individuals from different Kenyan backgrounds and tribes brought together by their sole love for song and clear ambition to enhance their raw musical talent. Having started in 1998, the aim of the choir was to help raise money for school fees so as to assist boys from underprivileged backgrounds; Founder and Artistic director being Joseph Muyale Inzai – a former school choir coach, having worked with many schools including Aquinas boys with whom he started the Kenya Boy’s Choir project.
Kenya Boys Choir initially started off with Traditional Maasai and Samburu chants and embraced contemporary African as well European classical pieces along the way. The choir has since then made numerous trips to the US where they have attracted a myriad of following. The boys’ emotive performances has seen them grace many national/international celebratory as well as corporate stages but it was 2009 that saw them accorded the highest recognition with the receipt of an invitation from the American Government to attend the inaugural celebrations of the then U.S elect president Barack Obama.
It was with this performance as well as international media coverage that saw their signage into Universal Music Group. It appears that the music company was so impressed with their work, so much so that they could not see them leave the country without signing them. The Kenya Boy’s choir signed a contract with the label at Heathrow Airport, London in the departure lounge as they awaited their connecting flight…mother luck was on a high!
Since then Kenya Boy’s Choir has achieved great success as the first ever African Choir to appear at the famed Beijing International Music Festival with a sold out concert.They have also had the pleasure of touring the UK on a series of concerts;Britain, Wales, Ireland and Scotland where they fascinated their audience with their cultural performances.
Take a listen to some of their most outstanding works thus far…
Kenya Boys’ Choir… Making Kenya proud as they live out their dream.
Zuru Kenya 