Safari Trails Newsletter

SAFARI TRAILS HOSTS BACK-TO-BACK INCENTIVE GROUPS

Safari Trails successfully planned, executed and hosted almost 300 pax incentive travel groups from India in May and June. From private charter flights, specialized 4x4 vehicles, exclusive hot air balloon rides, curated Bush meals, sundowners, champagne breakfasts in the wild to bonfire dinner under the stars, guests were treated to an experience like no other!

We are grateful to all our suppliers, partners, and our Team Safari Trails who helped make this happen.

Experience the difference with Safari Trails!

Experience Safari Trails!

Listen to our CEO Rajay Thethy giving us some updates & insights.

Kenya tourism sector looks to India to bolster its position as a major tourism hub

INTRODUCING AMAN HOUSE, KENYA - NAIROBI'S NEWEST OFFERING

Aman House Kenya is an elegant, small and private home away from home, situated in the leafy, quiet suburb of Karen/Langata, on the outskirts of Nairobi, within a stones throw or a lion's roar from Nairobi National Park, and close to Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Park and Karen Blixen Museum. Aman House’s beautiful architecture is inspired by the Swahili Architecture of Lamu. The house sits nestled in nature allowing for total exclusivity and rejuvenation - A perfect launch pad or book-end for a safari!

'Amani' means Peace in Kiswahili - Aman House, lives up to its name. The house is aesthetically designed with a free flow of light, space and serenity and complete privacy.

Exclusive, serene and peaceful, Aman House comprises of two properties, the larger 4 bedroom ‘Aman House’, and a second 2 bedroom house, ‘Aman Ndoto’. Both houses overlook the tropical courtyard and swimming pool. Aman house is perfect for both work and leisure.

The 6 rooms can be booked on an individual basis, or on an exclusive basis. All rooms are ensuite doubles with beautiful private verandas overlooking the courtyard and pool or the tropical lush gardens. There is a large spacious lounge area which opens up on to the pool courtyard and each room has a private access to its own terrace. Both houses also have access to the roof terraces where one can enjoy a sundowner under the canopy of acacias and starry skies.

Both villas have a spacious open plan kitchen, sitting room and lounge with cosy fireplace nook. All room bookings are inclusive of breakfast, and light suppers can be arranged on request. Guests enjoy laundry and housekeeping services when staying at Aman House Kenya. WiFi is available all over the property and a back-up generator guarantees 24/7 electricity supply. Each room has its own key and a safe.

AT A GLANCE

Aman House

4 ensuite double bedrooms, sleeps maximum 8 pax.

One room can be converted into a twin.

Large open plan lounge area leading onto a courtyard and pool.

A breakfast bar and kitchen.

Roof top and private terraces.

Aman Ndoto

2 ensuite double bedrooms, sleeps maximum 4 pax.

Large open plan lounge area leading onto a courtyard and pool.

A breakfast bar and kitchen.

Roof top and private terraces.

Aman House is 35 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and 15 minutes from Wilson Airport.

SAROVA PANAFRIC HOTEL INTRODUCES WOMEN'S WING

Sarova Hotels unveiled a "Women Only Wing" at Sarova Panafric Hotel, Nairobi. Named after the iconic Prof. Wangari Maathai who was a Nobel laureate, the wing boasts of African paintings and some of Wangari Maathai's art and quotes, offering a safe space for female travellers.

Sarova Panafric Hotel is a reflection of Africa's fascinating history, with authentic interiors that are both warm and elegant. The 96 contemporary new rooms and suites are embellished with vibrant African art and textiles, and open air restaurant spaces and bars are a feature at this famous Nairobi hotel. The hotel also has 42 fully furnished serviced apartments and 4 rooms that have been adapted for guests with special needs.

Known for its world-class facilities, excellent service, warm hospitality and contemporary décor, Sarova Panafric offers the best in banqueting and conferencing facilities in Nairobi.

FAIRMONT MOUNT KENYA SAFARI CLUB NOW OPEN

Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club opened its doors for guests on the 1st of June 2022. With magnificent views of majestic Mount Kenya, the Club is set in over 100 acres of landscaped gardens, offering a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. Originally the retreat of movie star and Club founder, William Holden, the Club’s illustrious former members have included Winston Churchill and Bing Crosby.

There are 115 standard and superior guest rooms spread out in the delightful grounds of the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club. Superior accommodation comprises Suites, Studio Suites and Cottages.

For those who wish to spend time relaxing at the Club, there are many recreational activities available: horseback riding, golf, croquet, a putting green, a bowling green, table tennis, swimming, a beauty salon, an animal orphanage and much more.

RHINO CHARGE 2022 RAISES KSH 156 MILLION FOR CONSERVATION

The 2022 edition of the Rhino Charge – an annual off-road 4×4 competition held in support of conservation activities has raised Sh156 million. The Rhino Charge competition, which supports the activities of the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, was held on 3rd June in Mosiro, Kajiado County. The grueling 10-hour race that helps to raise funds towards conservation attracted over 50 chargers.

Since its conception, the Rhino Charge event has raised over Sh1.7 billion towards the conservation of Mt Kenya, Aberdares, and Mt Eburu forests.

For the second year running, the overall Rhino Charge 2022 winner was Car No 38 entered by Sean Avery (Bundufundi), followed by Car No 22 entered by Gray Cullen (The Smiling Shenzis) and Car No 5 entered by Philip Walton (Team 5) in second and third places.

The conservation efforts of the Rhino Ark have seen Kenyans fundraise and get involved in tree planting campaigns among other conservation efforts. The fence has kept wild animals out of their farms and there is now harmony with the habitat. To date, Rhino Ark has built over 650 km of electric fences and through the fencing programs, over 80,000 families are being protected from the dangers of human-wildlife conflicts. Rhino Ark’s electric fences protect critical mountain forests that are the ‘water towers’ of Kenya. These mountain forests are vital ecosystems that support the country’s economic development and the well-being of most Kenyans.

NAIROBI EXPRESSWAY - A GAME CHANGER!

No roundabouts, junctions or bumps. Just a smooth cruise from one end of the city to another in 15 or so minutes. This is one of the reasons why the 27.1 Kilometres stretch of the Nairobi Expressway is being preferred by about 3,300 motorists daily.

The expressway that stretches through the heart of Nairobi, connecting Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Nairobi's Central Business District, the National Museum and the Presidential Palace, was on Saturday, May 14 opened to the public. Transport CS James Macharia said the road will not only decongest the city by easing traffic jams but also increase local employment, position the country as an investment destination and positively impact mobility of Kenyans, visitors, businessmen and tourists. Macharia hailed the expressway as one of the 'best pieces of infrastructure' ever built on the African continent.

Initially, traveling from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the city using the stretch took more than two hours. But with the completion of the project, it will take between 15 and 20 minutes to cover the 27-kilometre stretch, which starts from AIC, Mlolongo, all the way to James Gichuru on Waiyaki Way.

KENYA RAILWAYS INTRODUCES NIGHT RIDES TO KISUMU

Kenya Railways has introduced a night service on the Nairobi to Kisumu route and dropped the day train. Passengers using the service will travel at night effective 10th June following changes introduced to the Kisumu route.

In a move which is a response to customer requests, the Kisumu Night train will now make stops at Kikuyu, Naivasha, Nakuru, Njoro, Elburgon, Turi, Molo, Mau Summit, Londiani, Kedowa, Kipkelion, Tunnel, Fort Ternan, Koru, Muhoroni, Chemelil, Kibigori, Miwani, Kibos before arriving at the final destination in Kisumu. This will also see an increase in the numbers of passengers utilizing the service. Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga said that the Kisumu Safari train which was re-introduced in December 2021 following a long hiatus, has proved to be a hit with many revelers and dwellers from the Lakeside region taking to the train as a preferred mode of travel.

The train will make the trips every Friday, leaving Nairobi Central station at 1830hrs and arrive in Kisumu at 0630hrs. The return trip will be every Sunday, with the train departing the New Kisumu Station at 1830hrs and arrive in Nairobi at 0635 hrs. With a ticket costing Sh2,000 for a ride in the first-class cabins and Sh600 for a ride in the economy class coaches, Kenya Railways aims to make the service a more attractive alternative for travelers between Nairobi City, through the Rift Valley and finally to the Lakeside region.

ELEPHANT GIVES BIRTH TO TWINS IN ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK

An elephant gave birth to twins earlier this month at the Aberdare National Park in Kenya, a rare occurrence that was recorded by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials.

The KWS announced the exciting news without disclosing whether the mother and calves were in good health after the “extremely rare” births.

“Elephants are keystone species, playing an important role in maintaining biodiversity of the ecosystems,” KWS said.

In January this year, another elephant gave birth to twins at the Samburu National Reserve. Another jumbo had produced twins in 2006, bringing the number of known twin births in Kenya to three. The set born in 2006 did not live long as they were reported to have died shortly after. Scientists say that female elephants lack adequate milk to nourish two calves simultaneously, making their survival difficult.

Elephants’ pregnancies last 22 months and they give birth every four years surrounded by a herd led by older females. Elephant twins account for less than one percent of births in the wild. Baby elephants weigh between 90kg and 120kg at birth, with male ones heavier.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, the population of African savannah elephants has plummeted by at least 60 percent over the past 50 years, resulting in their classification as endangered species.

Kenya’s Amboseli National Park hosts about 1,800 elephants, while Tsavo National Park is home to the highest population of jumbos, 14,000. In recent years, elephant poaching has reduced significantly, leading to a surge in elephant populations in Kenya. According to the KWS Census Report, Kenya is home to a total of 36,280 elephants, representing a 21 percent growth from 2014 when poaching was at its peak. This increase has been realised thanks to the sustained government crackdown on poaching and illegal ivory.

IT'S ALMOST TIME...

As the grass turns brittle and the streams run dry, the wildebeests grow restless. Milling in uneasy circles, scanning the horizon, sniffing the air for distant scents, the wildebeest will slowly move north to Kenya, looking for the rains that bring new grass—and the promise of life.

There is anticipation in the air...

The scouts have been spotted and it is almost time for the wildebeest to begin their tumultuous journey from Tanzania to Kenya.

Watch this space for all the updates as the action unfolds...