| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 15/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 46 |
| Copyright: Other |
Opertaor view
Kenya knocks spots off rest of Africa for leopard watching
Welcome to the country offering a safari to beat all others
Somak has been selling holidays to Kenya since 1988. Managing director Stuart Britton tells us why it is still the best safari destination in AfricaI first visited Kenya in 1992 on holiday and I can distinctly remember how pleasantly surprised I was by the experience.
I was living in Southern Africa at the time and had grown to accept the local claims that Southern Africa’s game and safaris were superior to those found in Kenya. However, Kenya is a wonderfully unique destination and has never failed to impress me during my many visits.
In my opinion, Kenya is the best safari and beach destination in Africa and presents visitors with a wealth of dramatic contrasts.
Kenya straddles the equator and is covered by an extraordinary variety of natural habitats and terrain, from coral reefs to open grasslands and tropical forests and arid desert to snow-capped volcanoes. Altitudes range from sea level to the peak of Mount Kenya at over 5000 metres.
The cultural attractions of Kenya are equally impressive but often overlooked. Kenya has over 40 indigenous tribes, some of which are influenced by Middle Eastern, Asian and European cultures.
For an insight into the life of the Masai, clients can arrange to visit a Masai village. The first time I heard about this I thought it would be quite a tacky expeirence but it is actually incredibly interesting.
The attraction of Kenya is further enhanced by the quality of its tourism infrastructure, offering well established game lodges surrounded by wildlife, and outstanding scenery. Kenyans are friendly and used to catering for the needs of the visitor.
A range of accommodation from value-for-money lodges to luxury hotels means that Kenya attracts clients whatever their budget. In an attempt to attract higher spending clients, we are planning to launch a brochure aimed specifically at the upper end of the market.
Everyone knows that Kenya’s number one attraction is its game. Anybody taking a safari in Kenya is likely to see – I’m tempted to say, guaranteed to see – hippos, zebras and giraffes.
It is also common to see the big five during a safari – elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard, although leopards can be a little elusive as they are nocturnal.
The core safari product offered in Kenya has undoubtedly evolved in recent years. Traditionally, safaris have been targeted at adults only. However, Kenyan suppliers have been keen to ensure that safaris are increasingly accessible for families with children.
We have also recently arranged a fam trip for a travel agent for the disabled, which exemplifies the accessibility of the destination.
We have also seen a growth in quirkier holiday options including walking, horseback and camel safaris on private reserves and farm-stay holidays.
Visitor numbers to Kenya have undoubtedly suffered during the last three years due to the bombing of the US embassy, extreme weather conditions and political instability.
The combination of the political unrest and extreme weather, which washed away large sections of the main road between Nairobi and Mombasa, was a particular headache for tour operators working in the area and tourists.
However, during periods when bookings to Kenya slump, it is demand for beach holidays typically which falls, while demand for safari holidays tends to be more robust.
Before bookings to Kenya decreased, we operated full flights between Manchester and Mombasa and London Gatwick and Mombasa and we hope to reach these capacity levels again in the near future.
As well as the thrill of observing big game in their natural habitat, visitors are often equally impressed by less well-known Kenyan experiences. There is a man who literally stands on the equator and tirelessly takes pleasure in showing tourists the effect on draining water of moving from the earth’s northern to southern hemispheres.
Using a funnel and jug of water, he shows how the direction in which the water rotates as it drains changes from clockwise to anti-clockwise as you cross the equator. This may not necessarily be a reason to travel to Kenya in itself but it is popular with our clients nonetheless.
And there’s culture too: a Masai warrior
Factfile
six non-safari activities
Climb Mount Kenya: at 5,199m Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro.
Take a balloon safari: Somak offers balloon safaris for £239 per person. The price includes transfers, an hour-long flight, and breakfast with sparkling wine. The operator also has a honeymoon offer of two for one for £179.
Stay on a farm: farmers are diversifying into tourism. Operators can tailor-make farm stays, usually in combination with a safari.
See wildlife on foot: alternatives to the traditional jeep safari are growing in popularity. Kenyan lodges to offer walking safaris include Elsa’s Kopje in Meru National Park; Cheli and Peacock Mugie Camp on the Laikipia plateau which offers game walks as well as camel riding and donkey treks with Samburu warriors; and Tortilis Camp in Amboseli.
Laze on the beach: Watamu beach, part of the Watamu National Marine Park, is stunning and the water crystal clear.