Situated on the
East of Africa, Kenya covers a total area of 580, 530 sq. Km of
inland water. Nairobi, the capital of the country, is a
colourful city 500Km inland from Mombasa, the major port on the
Indian Ocean. Official languages are Swahili and English.
Kenya contains
almost all land forms Lake Victoria, the largest in Africa; Lake
Turkana, the Indiana Ocean coast, above all the Wildlife
sanctuaries: 25 National parks and 29 National reserves where
wildlife coexist in perfect harmony with the patrol nomadic
tribes.
The variation
in altitude and terrain create contrasts in the climate: neither
too hot nor too cold just long sun filled days.
Nairobi, a city
of great contrast, with striking modern buildings, yet has
reminders of the old colonial times with an almost perfect
climate. Shopping is an absolute past time as there is so much
on offer: wooden carvings and traditional handicrafts; soap
stones from the Kisii, colourful sisal mats and famous'' Kanga''
and ''Kikois'' are some of the gems to be experienced in Kenya.
Maasai Mara,
Kenya's leading Game reserve, lies on the border between Kenya
and Tanzania. Mara's main attraction is the animal migration,
which takes place between July and September.
Over a
million Wildebeest cross the Mara River and spread across the
plains in a seemingly endless procession
The tranquil Usao Nyiro River,
flowing through the Shaba and Samburu, attracts a number of rare
wildlife and provides natural habitat for crocodiles, Gerenuk,
Grevy's Zebras and reticulated giraffe, species not found in the
less arid areas of the south.
The second most important city
of the country is the largest and most popular island on the
Kenya coast. This old but vibrant gateway to Kenya is a mystical
mixture of ancient and modern, with a cosmopolitan population
blending Africa, Arabia and Asia.
Climate
East Africa although it can be
hot and sticky by the sea, inland the air is dry and the
temperature is equitable. It can be quite chilly in the early
morning and evening hence visitors should pack a sweater. Each
time of the year has its special attractions. They're two main
rainy seasons - Mid April to the end of May and November to Mid
-December. Even during the rains, the weather can pleasant with
rain occurring in the early morning and late in the afternoon or
evening.
Visa and Health Regulations
Visitors must be in possession
of valid and health documentation on arrival. The regulations
vary dependent on nationality and country of origin and should
be checked with the country of origin and should be checked with
the nearest tourist office or diplomatic mission. Inoculation
centres in the country of origin will provide upgrade
information and advice on.
Medical Advise
Malaria is endemic in certain
areas and anti-malaria medication should be taken according to
prescription recommendations. Visitors requiring special
medication should pack sufficient supplies in their hand
luggage. Chemists are well stocked. Tap water is considered safe
in Nairobi. On safari, rooms are provided with flasks of
filtered and purified water. Mineral water is readily available.
Customs and Existing
Regulations
Customs officials on arrival
and departure normally inspect baggage. Please strictly adhere
to baggage limitations as advised by the airline, as excess
baggage charges can be quite expensive.
Security
Normal precaution as in any
other destination world-wide should be taken. Keep a close watch
on handbags, wallets and cameras when walking at night. Place
all valuables in safety deposit boxes at hotels and lodges and
only carry small amounts of cash
Clothing
Safari clothing should be
casual and comfortable. Cotton slacks and shirts, with skirts
and culottes for ladies and a light sweater or jacket, during
the day. Eveningwear in game lodges and safari camps can be very
casual. At high altitudes warm sweaters, socks and comfortable
shoes are recommended. Suntan lotion and swimwear (for the
beaches and pools, a first aid kit, flashlight and an alarm
clock. Local customs and modesty should be respected.
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In 1976, Whitesands on the
North Coast of Mombasa became the second Sarova property, and
with it the first entry of Sarova into the tourism industry.
Whitesands, set on 22 acres of tropical gardens with one of the
longest seafronts on the East African coast, provides a range of
facilities and quality of service that set it amongst the finest
resorts. This comprises of 340 rooms including 2 presidential
suites and 6 luxury suites all with balconies and swimming pool
or sea views, 3restaurants including the glamorous beachfront
"Lido Grill" as well as the famous rhythms night-club,
five free-form swimming pools, and an exhilarating waterslide.
The water sports centre offers water-skiing, jet skiing, scuba
diving, a certified PADI and SSI approved diving centre,
windsurfing, pedaloes, kayaks and catamaran sailing among
others. Full conference facilities for large and small groups
are available.
1978 saw the acquisition of New
Stanley Hotel, now known as The Stanley. The hotel recently
underwent an intensive renovation programme. The renovations saw
the hotel's Victorian theme re-established. As Nairobi's leading
5-star hotel it is the flagship of the Sarova hotels. Facilities
at The Stanley include 217 luxurious rooms, a state of the art
health club, nine function rooms, 3 restaurants including the
world famous Thorn Tree Café. The Pool Deck offering "Al
Fresco," the "Zen restaurant" incorporating
eclectic and International Cuisine as well as the historical
crossroads of Africa. The 4 luxury suites place the Stanley at
the top of the luxury league in Nairobi.
Sarova Mara, a luxury tented
camp in the world-renowned Maasai Mara game reserve was opened
in 1984. Maasai Mara, indisputably the richest game reserve in
Kenya and home to the Big Five, is famous for its annual
wildebeest migrations from the neighbouring Serengeti National
Park. The 75 tents are spread along 2 valleys maintaining
privacy and facilitating an authentic bush experience. Sarova
Mara specialises in bush catering to augment this experience.
Hot air balloon safaris from the camp are followed by champagne
breakfast in the wilderness
Sarova Shaba Lodge located in
the Shaba Game Reserve in the heart of Eastern Kenya was opened
in 1989. Known to many as the 'Born Free' country, this park is
home to a host of unique wildlife such as lions and some of the
most spectular landscapes in Africa. Making it the ideal choice
for the movie world, filming in Africa the most recent being, To
Walk With Lions based on the Adamson's story. Sarova Shaba lodge
offers 85 luxury rooms including four junior suites and one
honeymoon suite that has a private Jacuzzi. Set on the Ewaso
Nyiro River with sparkling spring water flowing and cascading
through the grounds an oasis makes it a unique retreat. Provides
exclusive conference facilities
In 1992, Sarova Hotels bought
Panafric Hotel. The Panafric is imposingly set in a quiet
residential suburb, which commands a panoramic view of Nairobi
City. The 168-room hotel also has 46 fully serviced apartments
all with air conditioning, satellite TV and direct dial
telephones. It offers extensive meeting and seminar facilities
and is also the home of the popular flame tree restaurant
Note: Benefits are not
applicable to special food and beverage rooms promotions and
prices.
