Spring Break action

If the dreary winter evenings leave you day-dreaming about escaping to somewhere sunnier in the New Year, a special Spring Break Safari we’ve lined up might be just what you need. Running from March 3-10, this week-long itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to showcase the cream of Kenya’s attractions. And every part of this adventure has been chosen for its child-friendly features, so it makes the ideal family safari.

Rhinos are among the attractions
at Lewa Downs

The game-viewing experience combines the best of two worlds – the exclusivity of the esteemed Lewa Downs wildlife conservancy, and the awesome, must-see spectacle of the famed Masai Mara. At Lewa Downs, expect to see rhinos, elephants, antelopes, giraffes and a plethora of bird species. These encounters take place in one of Africa’s most beautiful settings, against the backdrop of the snow-capped Mount Kenya. The Masai Mara promises to build on the game-viewing thrills with all of Africa’s coveted Big Five on its roll. With mile-upon-mile of savannah and iconic acacia trees dotted across the landscape, you’ll be in no doubt that you’ve found the African wilderness.

This jam-packed tour also has some seductive extras for guests who fancy something out of the ordinary. A once-in-a-lifetime flight in a classic bi-plane will echo the romantic early days of safari. Hot-air ballooning, horse-riding and fishing excursions are all up for grabs too. And everyone on this trip will get to take part in a fascinating cultural visit to a Masai village.
 

A giraffe making a new friend
at Giraffe Manor

Guests can recover from the excitement of this sense-stimulating schedule in accommodation which is stylish and relaxing, with the attentive and sincere hospitality which always comes with an Africa House safari. The elegant Giraffe Manor not only takes you back in time with its 1930s styling – it also delivers a unique twist of eating breakfast alongside the hotel’s gorgeous resident giraffes.

The luxury continues into the accommodation on camp. At Lewa, the comfortable pool and private raised tents with open verandas ensure that the magnificent scenery is enjoyed to the full. And the Elephant Pepper Camp on the Masai Mara is a beautifully atmospheric eco-camp where top service and campfires under the stars make for amazing memories.

All in all, this special Spring Safari promises some truly magical experiences, which we’re certainly looking forward to. If you can get away this spring, we’d love for you to join us. Click here for details.

An East African Christmas

With the festive season in flow, many of us turn to the comfort of the time-honoured traditions which make Christmas the most magical part of the year. Here in East Africa too, Christmas celebrations are a revered ritual – with some aspects which people elsewhere in the world would recognise and others which are particular to this region.

Many facets of Christmas in Kenya and its neighbours resemble those in parts of Europe and the America. Of course, the most treasured part about the Christmas holiday for most is the chance to spend time with loved-ones. And this emphasis on families and friends getting together is what really makes the season special here in East Africa just as elsewhere.

Lots of the festive customs here would be familiar in the West too. The singing of carols is a treasured part of proceedings. And brightly coloured decorations, candles and Christmas trees are popular in many homes and public places. The exchanging of gifts and greetings cards is another of the traditions outsiders would recognise.

But there is much that looks and feels different here too. For one thing, the cold weather which helps define the season in the higher reaches of the northern hemisphere is, as you’d expect, not a feature of an African Christmas! In fact, the holiday comes at what is one of the hottest times of the year for much of the region. And while Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25 in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, you might be surprised to learn that it falls on January 7 in Ethiopia, as a consequence of the country observing a different calendar.

Christmas dinner is rather different here too. While Brits or Americans might be tucking into a turkey, an East African family is more likely to be gathered around a roasted goat dish called nyama choma. Depending on exactly which part of East Africa you’re in, the festive meal might alternatively consist of beef, fish, or chapatti bread with chutneys.

Another practice that sets Christmas apart in East Africa is the playing of sports on Christmas Day. While those in the world’s colder climes huddle around a fire to pull crackers, the hot contrast of Africa brings people out to enjoy more active pursuits. In Ethiopia, a hockey-like game called Ganna (which also means Christmas here), which involves a curved stick and wooden ball, is a popular event on Christmas Day.

Whatever form Christmas takes for you, we wish you well over the festive period and look forward to talking to you in 2012. May we wish you a Merry Christmas - or in Swahili, Kuwa na Krismasi njema!

Renovation plans at leading luxury camps

A planned programme of exciting refurbishments has been announced by Heritage Hotels. Next March, the company will begin major improvements to its luxury tented accommodations at Samburu and Mara.

At the award-winning Mara Intrepids, the main restaurant and bar will be relocated and re-designed in an overhaul that is expected to take three months. Its sister camp, the Samburu Intrepids, will undergo a two-month renovation of its public areas and swimming pool.

A family tent at Mara Intrepids

Each of these tented camps has long been popular with Africa House and our guests. Stylish design, brilliant family activities, sensational locations and excellent, friendly service have combined to make the Intrepids properties perennial favourites on the African luxury travel scene.

So we are pleased to see investment being made in what are already two of East Africa’s benchmark tourist properties. Heritage Hotels has promised that the renovations won't mean disruption for guests staying during the transition. We can’t wait to see these great tented camps get even better and look forward to reporting on the renovations when they are completed next year.