In most of East Africa, you’ll find that speaking English is enough to help you get by. But learning even a little of the indigenous language for your holiday is a nice way to feel more immersed in the culture – and makes a respectful gesture to the local people.
There are dozens of languages and dialects spoken in East Africa, but the main unifying language in everyday use is Swahili. Knowing this fascinating language is by no means essential when visiting the region, but grasping a few important phrases enables you to make basic pleasantries or simple requests in the language.
Swahili words are relatively easy to pronounce. As a general rule, every consonant is sounded out. Where two vowels appear together, they are each pronounced separately. There are plenty of guidebooks available for understanding Swahili and to make translations on the go. But here are a few key words and phrases with which to get started:
Hello - Salama/Jambo
Hi - Habari
How are you? - Hujambo
I’m fine, thanks - Sijambo, asante
Goodbye - Kwaheri
Good night - Lala salama
Yes - Ndiyo
No - Hapana
OK - Sawa
Please - Tafadhali
Thank you - Asante
No thanks - La asante
Excuse me/Sorry - Samahani
I don’t understand - Sielewi
How much does it cost? - Bei gani?
May I take a photo? - Naomba kupiga picha?
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Perfectly positioned for a Rwandan adventure
For such a tiny country, Rwanda is packed with some astonishing natural features. The list includes breathtakingly lush and rolling landscapes, wildlife-rich National Parks and, of course, its world famous mountain gorillas. Perhaps most surprisingly for a land-locked country, Rwanda also boasts soft, white sandy beaches, thanks to its beautiful lakes which include Kivu, the country’s largest.
And it is on the edge of this lake that you can find the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. We think this hotel resort is a great find, especially as its location allows easy access to many of those attractions which make Rwanda so special.
First, there’s the immediate vicinity of the hotel, which is set right on the sandy shores of Lake Kivu. With its own private beach on this great lake, and a restaurant overlooking the water, the Serena Hotel is a gorgeous spot for a relaxing beach holiday.
The next facet of this hotel’s location which deserves attention is the fact that its nearest town is in a different country. Owing to the Serena’s position at the very edge of Rwanda’s territory, a short drive takes you into the town of Goma, which is actually over the border in the Congo (formerly Zaire). So taking a short journey down the road means you can say you’ve been to two African countries. The town of Goma itself offers the opportunity to browse and purchase traditional African craftwork and provides a fascinating insight into a city which has suffered the impacts of numerous volcanic eruptions.
A further factor which makes the Serena’s position so attractive is the accessibility of Rwanda’s greatest tourist asset of all – its silverback gorillas. The Volcanoes National Park, one of the world’s few wild places where these rare animals can be found, requires a journey but not a long one. The distance involved means avoiding the high prices of the accommodation which is much closer to the park gates. And as tracking gorillas is one of Africa’s more expensive treats, keeping the cost down by staying at an affordable hotel such as the Serena can only be a good thing.
Aside from the fantastic and varied activities and sights within a convenient range of the Serena, the hotel itself offers all the ingredients needed for an indulgent holiday in the sun. When you’re not lounging on its exclusive beach, you can relax in the swimming pool or at the health club. With comfy rooms and family facilities too, we think this makes a good all-round resort and the perfect base for a great Rwandan holiday.
And it is on the edge of this lake that you can find the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. We think this hotel resort is a great find, especially as its location allows easy access to many of those attractions which make Rwanda so special.
First, there’s the immediate vicinity of the hotel, which is set right on the sandy shores of Lake Kivu. With its own private beach on this great lake, and a restaurant overlooking the water, the Serena Hotel is a gorgeous spot for a relaxing beach holiday.
The next facet of this hotel’s location which deserves attention is the fact that its nearest town is in a different country. Owing to the Serena’s position at the very edge of Rwanda’s territory, a short drive takes you into the town of Goma, which is actually over the border in the Congo (formerly Zaire). So taking a short journey down the road means you can say you’ve been to two African countries. The town of Goma itself offers the opportunity to browse and purchase traditional African craftwork and provides a fascinating insight into a city which has suffered the impacts of numerous volcanic eruptions.
A further factor which makes the Serena’s position so attractive is the accessibility of Rwanda’s greatest tourist asset of all – its silverback gorillas. The Volcanoes National Park, one of the world’s few wild places where these rare animals can be found, requires a journey but not a long one. The distance involved means avoiding the high prices of the accommodation which is much closer to the park gates. And as tracking gorillas is one of Africa’s more expensive treats, keeping the cost down by staying at an affordable hotel such as the Serena can only be a good thing.
Aside from the fantastic and varied activities and sights within a convenient range of the Serena, the hotel itself offers all the ingredients needed for an indulgent holiday in the sun. When you’re not lounging on its exclusive beach, you can relax in the swimming pool or at the health club. With comfy rooms and family facilities too, we think this makes a good all-round resort and the perfect base for a great Rwandan holiday.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
New activities on offer in Tanzania
Africa House is pleased to be able to offer guests a tempting selection of actvities to consider whilst visiting Arusha in Tanzania. The latest a range of options provide another facet to an African holiday to add to the wildlife safaris or Kilimanjaro mountain climbing guests primarily come to enjoy.
The extra pursuits are designed to help guests make the most of their time in Tanzania by doing something educational, culturally interesting, or simply indulgent. They provide the ideal way to settle in and acclimatise before a main safari or climb – or to wind down and say farewell at the end. Guests are often surprised at how much a supplementary activity can add to their experience of a trip to Africa. These asides can sometimes turn out to be the most memorable part of a visit.
Here's a summary of the extra activities now available to guests visiting Arusha pre- or post-safari or Kilimanjaro climb:
Cultural village visit
This half-day visit gives guests a tour of the pretty mountain village of Mulala. It provides an insight into lives of local people in what is largely a subsistence farming community. There are trips to banana and coffee plantations, which are economically important here, and the tour includes an authentic African meal.
Country club experience
Those who are seeking relaxation and pampering, perhaps following the flight on the way in or after the activity of a mountain climb or safari, need look no further than the Nduruma Country Club. With views of Mount Kilimanjaro in one direction, and Mount Meru in another, and set in thousands of acres of tranquil open savannah, this really is a country club with a difference. While here, guests can choose from an extensive list of relaxing options, whether it’s swimming in the pool, chilling in the spa or indulging in a massage or beauty treatment. Available as a half- or full-day extra, Nduruma also offers horseriding, tennis lessons, and sundowners complete with great food, wines and local beers.
If you think a trip to Tanzania is for you, get in touch to talk over your options. Whether you’d like to see the country’s best wildlife spots or take on the challenge of a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, we can arrange it for you – and you can add any of the extras above to round off your holiday.
The extra pursuits are designed to help guests make the most of their time in Tanzania by doing something educational, culturally interesting, or simply indulgent. They provide the ideal way to settle in and acclimatise before a main safari or climb – or to wind down and say farewell at the end. Guests are often surprised at how much a supplementary activity can add to their experience of a trip to Africa. These asides can sometimes turn out to be the most memorable part of a visit.
Here's a summary of the extra activities now available to guests visiting Arusha pre- or post-safari or Kilimanjaro climb:
Town walk
This free half-day escorted wander through the small town of Usa River provides an authentic window into the everyday life of Tanzanians, and a chance to enjoy the vibrant culture of ordinary shops and markets.
Coffee tour
An opportunity to see the production of one of Tanzania’s most important exports and one of the world’s favourite beverages on a working coffee farm. A guide takes guests through the fascinating process of coffee farming, from plant cultivation to the roasting of the seeds. The half-day trip also includes lunch – and the chance, of course, to sample and to take home some of the coffee produced here.
Cultural village visit
This half-day visit gives guests a tour of the pretty mountain village of Mulala. It provides an insight into lives of local people in what is largely a subsistence farming community. There are trips to banana and coffee plantations, which are economically important here, and the tour includes an authentic African meal.
Those who are seeking relaxation and pampering, perhaps following the flight on the way in or after the activity of a mountain climb or safari, need look no further than the Nduruma Country Club. With views of Mount Kilimanjaro in one direction, and Mount Meru in another, and set in thousands of acres of tranquil open savannah, this really is a country club with a difference. While here, guests can choose from an extensive list of relaxing options, whether it’s swimming in the pool, chilling in the spa or indulging in a massage or beauty treatment. Available as a half- or full-day extra, Nduruma also offers horseriding, tennis lessons, and sundowners complete with great food, wines and local beers.
If you think a trip to Tanzania is for you, get in touch to talk over your options. Whether you’d like to see the country’s best wildlife spots or take on the challenge of a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, we can arrange it for you – and you can add any of the extras above to round off your holiday.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
A private paradise in Tanzania
For many, the ideal African holiday would include relaxing in the glory of wide open savannahs, bountiful game viewing, and a sense of wilderness balanced with comfort and luxury.
We think that Manyara Ranch in Tanzania, where we sent two groups of guests recently, ticks all of these boxes and more. This private ranch provides simple but beautifully presented accommodation in a 35,000-acre wildlife conservancy in northern Tanzania. The intimacy and exclusivity evoke in guests a feeling of being able to experience their own secluded piece of Africa. The atmosphere is reinforced by the tented accommodation’s classy and comfortable leather armchairs, Wedgewood beds and private decks from which to survey the surrounding vista.
Spending time in a conservancy affords the rare privilege of exploring on foot, creating a real feeling of freedom out in the wilderness, under the reassuring eye of an armed escort. And Manyara has much to offer the footloose explorer. The conservancy boasts prides of lions and is known for its ample population of elephants. And besides the classic big game, there are also some more unusual species here to capture the imagination, such as aardvarks, aardwolves and honey badgers.
The camp is also ideally situated for short drives to some of Tanzania’s most famous attractions. The stunningly scenic Lake Manyara National Park, a setting famously prized by Hemingway, is a conveniently short journey from camp. So too is the Tarangire National Park, with its astounding variety and concentration of animal life which includes buffalo, elephants, gerenuk and thousands of bird species.
But what makes Manyara Ranch special isn’t just its dream location but also the warm hospitality and comfort to which visitors are treated. Chris and Joanna, who run the camp, impart a passion and sincerity which make them an instant hit with guests. The personal touches, conscientious attention to detail, and great fresh food combine to make Manyara a gem for guests to Africa. But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s some of the feedback we received from those guests we sent last month:
“Thank you for an unforgettable experience. Your warmth and guidance was wonderful. We felt welcome from the start – all of your smiles, help and companionship made our time here comfortable, relaxing as well as exciting and educational. Thank you especially for giving the children special love and attention. We do not want to leave this paradise on earth. Thank you for taking care of it.”
“Thank you for a fantastic experience … the intimate climate of the camp, great food, welcoming spirit, and incredible sights. Our family's dream was realized – a true African adventure.”
“Joanna, Chris and the fabulous staff at Manyara ranch, you have given us the experience of a lifetime - everything was amazing. This place is a paradise.”
We think that Manyara Ranch in Tanzania, where we sent two groups of guests recently, ticks all of these boxes and more. This private ranch provides simple but beautifully presented accommodation in a 35,000-acre wildlife conservancy in northern Tanzania. The intimacy and exclusivity evoke in guests a feeling of being able to experience their own secluded piece of Africa. The atmosphere is reinforced by the tented accommodation’s classy and comfortable leather armchairs, Wedgewood beds and private decks from which to survey the surrounding vista.
 |
| The signpost for Manyara Ranch |
Spending time in a conservancy affords the rare privilege of exploring on foot, creating a real feeling of freedom out in the wilderness, under the reassuring eye of an armed escort. And Manyara has much to offer the footloose explorer. The conservancy boasts prides of lions and is known for its ample population of elephants. And besides the classic big game, there are also some more unusual species here to capture the imagination, such as aardvarks, aardwolves and honey badgers.
The camp is also ideally situated for short drives to some of Tanzania’s most famous attractions. The stunningly scenic Lake Manyara National Park, a setting famously prized by Hemingway, is a conveniently short journey from camp. So too is the Tarangire National Park, with its astounding variety and concentration of animal life which includes buffalo, elephants, gerenuk and thousands of bird species.
 |
| Stylish tented accommodation at Manyara Ranch |
But what makes Manyara Ranch special isn’t just its dream location but also the warm hospitality and comfort to which visitors are treated. Chris and Joanna, who run the camp, impart a passion and sincerity which make them an instant hit with guests. The personal touches, conscientious attention to detail, and great fresh food combine to make Manyara a gem for guests to Africa. But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s some of the feedback we received from those guests we sent last month:
“Thank you for an unforgettable experience. Your warmth and guidance was wonderful. We felt welcome from the start – all of your smiles, help and companionship made our time here comfortable, relaxing as well as exciting and educational. Thank you especially for giving the children special love and attention. We do not want to leave this paradise on earth. Thank you for taking care of it.”
“Thank you for a fantastic experience … the intimate climate of the camp, great food, welcoming spirit, and incredible sights. Our family's dream was realized – a true African adventure.”
“Joanna, Chris and the fabulous staff at Manyara ranch, you have given us the experience of a lifetime - everything was amazing. This place is a paradise.”
Friday, September 9, 2011
Sun, sea and safari
As ever, August has been a busy time for us at Africa House. Among the many couples, families and friends whose African adventures we’ve arranged, there have been a couple of coastal trips which have brought particularly glowing reports – proving that East Africa has more to offer than just stunning safari trips.
One of the beach resorts which stood out last month is the Turtle Bay Beach Club in Kenya. Set in the impressive Watamu Marine National Park, it was a winner for the family group who went there – which comes as no surprise, with the hotel’s great service, brilliant kids’ activities and stunning location.
Another coastal location which impressed in August is Peponi Hotel in the historic Lamu town. This small, family-run hotel offers simple, beautiful décor, exceptional cuisine and views over the Indian Ocean from every room. The hotel was the ideal choice for a large group of guests looking for a coastal getaway.
It has also been a typically action-packed few weeks out on safari. We’ve been lucky enough to see a flurry of predator activity out on the Masai Mara, including some dramatic river crossings as the wildebeest and zebra continue to make their migration in search of greener pastures.
One of the beach resorts which stood out last month is the Turtle Bay Beach Club in Kenya. Set in the impressive Watamu Marine National Park, it was a winner for the family group who went there – which comes as no surprise, with the hotel’s great service, brilliant kids’ activities and stunning location.
 |
| One of the pools at the family-friendly Turtle Bay Beach Club on the Kenyan coast |
Another coastal location which impressed in August is Peponi Hotel in the historic Lamu town. This small, family-run hotel offers simple, beautiful décor, exceptional cuisine and views over the Indian Ocean from every room. The hotel was the ideal choice for a large group of guests looking for a coastal getaway.
It has also been a typically action-packed few weeks out on safari. We’ve been lucky enough to see a flurry of predator activity out on the Masai Mara, including some dramatic river crossings as the wildebeest and zebra continue to make their migration in search of greener pastures.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Make time for Nairobi
With the thrill of wildlife and wilderness awaiting you on a safari holiday, it’s easy to overlook Nairobi as a necessary but unremarkable hopping point between home and your ultimate destination. But the Kenyan capital shouldn’t be underestimated – you might just find that the city adds a surprisingly rich cultural element to your trip.
Nairobi is a buzzing city with variety and charm in abundance. Its British colonial past, Indian heritage and a diversity of communities combine to create a vibrant, cosmopolitan feel. Churches, mosques and temples share their places among the streets. There is also a strong sense of Nairobi as a modern, throbbing commercial centre, this being the hub of East Africa’s economic activity. This is evident in the scattering of skyscrapers you see, a vision you might not immediately match with the African skyline.
The jumble of cultural influences makes for some inspiring culinary options for visitors. Plenty of great Asian restaurants can be found, with fans of Indian, Thai, Chinese and Japanese cuisine being well catered for. And naturally, traditional African menus are also widely available, serving everything from delicately spiced seafood offerings and eminently local ostrich and crocodile dishes.
As for accommodation, Nairobi provides something you might not get during the rest of your holiday – the chance to stay in a hotel. Luxury camps may well await you in later days but why not make the most of some urban civilisation too? At Africa House, we like to show you some of the best hotels Nairobi has to offer. One of those is the House of Waine, a boutique hotel in the Karen district which offers comfort, top facilities, great food, and a rarity for big city accommodation – glorious green open space.
There’s plenty to keep you stimulated during your stay in the city. As well as ample shopping and sightseeing opportunities, there are some fascinating visitor attractions to check out. The Karen Blixen Museum allows you to explore the home and personal belongings of the author who did so much to romanticise Kenya through her touching memoir ‘Out of Africa’.
And it’s not just out on safari that the wildlife experiences happen in Kenya. Nairobi is unusual for a major city in that it has a game reserve, Nairobi National Park, right on its doorstep. Here resides an attraction which many an Africa House guest has loved: Daphne Sheldricks’s Elephant Orphanage. This organisation takes in baby elephants which have lost their parents from throughout Kenya. It’s a chance not only to support the commendable work which goes on here but also to witness the irresistibly cute sight of baby elephants playing and feeding.
While visiting the elephants, we also take guests to visit the nearby Giraffe Centre, run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Kenya. You can support and learn about this organisation’s efforts to protect giraffes and enjoy the really fun part – getting close to the gorgeous towering animals themselves.
Nairobi is a buzzing city with variety and charm in abundance. Its British colonial past, Indian heritage and a diversity of communities combine to create a vibrant, cosmopolitan feel. Churches, mosques and temples share their places among the streets. There is also a strong sense of Nairobi as a modern, throbbing commercial centre, this being the hub of East Africa’s economic activity. This is evident in the scattering of skyscrapers you see, a vision you might not immediately match with the African skyline.
 |
| The bright lights of the Kenyan capital |
As for accommodation, Nairobi provides something you might not get during the rest of your holiday – the chance to stay in a hotel. Luxury camps may well await you in later days but why not make the most of some urban civilisation too? At Africa House, we like to show you some of the best hotels Nairobi has to offer. One of those is the House of Waine, a boutique hotel in the Karen district which offers comfort, top facilities, great food, and a rarity for big city accommodation – glorious green open space.
 |
| Nairobi's House of Waine hotel |
There’s plenty to keep you stimulated during your stay in the city. As well as ample shopping and sightseeing opportunities, there are some fascinating visitor attractions to check out. The Karen Blixen Museum allows you to explore the home and personal belongings of the author who did so much to romanticise Kenya through her touching memoir ‘Out of Africa’.
And it’s not just out on safari that the wildlife experiences happen in Kenya. Nairobi is unusual for a major city in that it has a game reserve, Nairobi National Park, right on its doorstep. Here resides an attraction which many an Africa House guest has loved: Daphne Sheldricks’s Elephant Orphanage. This organisation takes in baby elephants which have lost their parents from throughout Kenya. It’s a chance not only to support the commendable work which goes on here but also to witness the irresistibly cute sight of baby elephants playing and feeding.
While visiting the elephants, we also take guests to visit the nearby Giraffe Centre, run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Kenya. You can support and learn about this organisation’s efforts to protect giraffes and enjoy the really fun part – getting close to the gorgeous towering animals themselves.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Three essential African reads
There are dozens of books out there which provide an insight into east Africa, from novels which draw on the region's magical atmosphere to books designed to offer a practical guide to visiting. If you're looking to be inpired and informed ahead of your own safari adventure, you can't go far wrong with the following three books, each a classic in its own genre.
OUT OF AFRICA – Karen BlixenThis all-time classic is the nostalgic memoir of one Danish woman’s time in Kenya. The book, which inspired the multi-Oscar-winning movie of the same name, is an absorbing recollection on Blixen’s years spent running a coffee plantation. It offers an affectionate account of 1930’s African life and a beautifully poetic look at the people, wildlife and landscapes of Kenya.
For anyone keen to really understand Africa’s game wildlife, The Safari Companion is the definitive field guide. This comprehensive and detailed volume tells you everything you could want to know about the continent’s mammals, from gazelles to gorillas, warthogs to wildebeest. It provides tips on how best to view each species, maps of where to find them and a scientific insight to their social behaviour. A wildlife fanatic’s dream, this book will equip you with the knowledge to impress even your Africa House Safari guide!
EAST AFRICA (Lonely Planet Multi Country Guide)For overall travel guides, you can’t go wrong with the trusty Lonely Planet series. And the East Africa volume provides a wealth of invaluable information for you to digest. There are all the useful facts you’d expect on things like health, currency and climate. You can also do some background reading about the fascinating cultures and histories of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and their neighbours. As well as being a handy reference whilst in Africa, this book could also be a useful starting point for deciding where in East Africa you’d like Africa House to take you and what you’d most like to see and do when you’re here.
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