Agent on safari
The group of six travel agents donned their khakis and headed out on safari in Kenya in March in the hope of catching a glimpse of the ‘big five’.
The agents flew from Dubai to Nairobi via Kenya Airways. On arrival at Nairobi Airport, they transferred directly to the local Wilson Airport and boarded a light aircraft to fly deep into the Masai Mara Game Reserve to begin their safari experience.
The Masai Mara is the jewel in the crown when it comes to Kenya’s wildlife parks — an outstanding wildlife sanctuary where the gentle rolling grassland ensures the animals are never out of sight.
The agents spent three days exploring the Masai Mara on a series of game drives. They were lucky enough to spot all of the Big Five — lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and cape buffalo.
On the second day, the group gathered at the crack of dawn to take off in a hot air balloon and float over the plains for a one hour balloon safari and a chance to take in the herds of animals from above. On landing, they were treated to a freshly cooked champagne breakfast, prepared right in the middle of the bush.
Mano Chandra Dhas, director, Industry Partnerships, Alshamel Travel & Tourism described the balloon ride as being something “close to a flight over paradise”.
“The great calm and serenity of a balloon ride over the Masai Marra, and the adrenalin flow it creates has got to be experienced,” he said.
Another unforgettable experience for the group was an early morning game drive, followed by breakfast overlooking a group of hippos as they wallowed in their bathing pool in the Mara River.
During their time in the Masaai Mara, the group stayed at the Ashnil Mara Camp — a luxury tented camp, with 40 tents located near to the Mara River — famous for the annual wildebeest migration.
After flying back to Nairobi, the agents were hosted for dinner at the residence of Kenya Airways Chairman; and the final day of the trip was spent exploring the bustling city of Nairobi before enjoying a last supper at the famous Carnivore Restaurant.
Known for being a “meat-lovers paradise” the restaurant features a huge fire pit where every kind of meat — from camel to ostrich — is served up on giant skewers.
Top Five
Things to do
1 Spot the big five
The Masai Mara offers the best game and bird viewing, not just in Kenya but anywhere in the world. Here you can spot leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo.
2 See the wildebeest migration
The annual wildebeest migration is one of the most spectacular natural events in Africa. In late May / early June, millions of wildebeest cross over the Mara River from the Serengeti plains into the Masai Mara.
3 Take a balloon safari
See the herds from an amazing vantage point as you float above the plains.
4 Relax in the bush
Stay in a luxury tented lodge right in the middle of the African bush. This is one of the most relaxing wonderful experiences.
5 Have a meaty feast
Back in Nairobi, head to Carnivores — famous for its huge fire pit and giant skewers of every kind of meat carved directly onto your plate.
When to travel
July is usually the driest month, and November the wettest
January - February
25C Average temperature
March - April
25C Average temperature
May - June
21C Average temperature
July - August
18C Average temperature
September - October
22C Average temperature
November - December
21C Average temperature
What the travel trade said...
Manu Mehrotra
General Manager
Al Tayer Travel Agency
Kenya and the Masai Mara Reserve is a unique destination. The ecology and landscape are fascinating, including the wildlife. Kenya would quite certainly be popular with our clients.
It just needs us to continue to promote the various packages that can be offered for a range of short breaks all through the year. It is not too far away, itineraries are easily planned, with experienced destination management companies offering a wide variety of accommodation and transport facilities.
The experience is different from any other, and should be a ‘must do’. It’s certainly among the ‘100 things to do’. The best bits for me were the wildlife sightings and the beautiful Ashnil Mara Camp, arranged by SOMAK Safaris, the breakfast by the ‘Hippo Pool’, the hot air balloon safari, and the game drives!
Suresh Ahuja
Managing Director
Trans Arabian Sea Air Travels Dubai
Kenya is a unique destination with a difference. I was impressed not only with the natural beauty but also the facilities, ground arrangements, sightseeing, safaris, accommodation and hospitality.
Kenya is one of the few destinations I would like to re-visit. It can be promoted for families and also corporate incentive programmes. In terms of highlights, there were quite a few — the game drives, hot air balloon safari, breakfast with the hippos! Besides Kenya Airways services, the accommodation was top class.
A five-star tent in the middle of the jungle, with personalised services — a wonder in itself. When you come back after a tiring day you are so well looked after that you feel very much relaxed especially with a good drink and nice smile; and what to say of the hospitality? It was just great.
Mano ChandraDhas
Director – Industry Partnerships
Alshamel Travel & Tourism
Somak Safaris did extremely well. Their drivers were excellent in finding the animals we wanted to see. We were lucky to see a leopard which being nocturnal is rather elusive.
We stayed at the Ashnil Marra on the Masai Marra. For those who don’t really know a tented camp, it may conjure up images of tents in the bush with minimal facilities.
On the contrary, it compares to very good four-star accommodation. One has all the facilities one could want except for air-conditioning, which one really does not miss.
In fact it can be chilly in the evenings and early mornings. The staff were brilliant, friendly and caring, it was always service with a smile.For me, the highlight was the hot-air balloon ride. The adrenalin flow it creates has got to be experienced: it has got to be close to a flight over paradise!
How to sell
How to get there:
Kenya Airways has 10 flights a week direct from Dubai and three flights a week direct from Muscat to Nairobi.
Sample package:
Kenya Airways has a summer package to Kenya including two nights in the Masai Mara and one night at Lake Nakuru. Packages start at AED 5,010 per person including flights and full-board accomodation. Valid until 30 June 2011.
When to go:
The main tourist season is in January and February, when the weather is hottest and driest. At this time, the animals in the wildlife parks tend to congregate more around the watercourses, making them easier to spot.
From June to October, the annual wildebeest migration takes place, with thousands of animals streaming into the Masai Mara National Reserve from the Serengeti.
Visas:
Most nationalities can be issued visa on arrival at the airport. Should you require a visa prior to departure, Kenyan Embassy officials are available every Wednesday at the Kenya Airways office in Deira, Dubai. Visa cost is AED 100. Children under 16 are issued a free visa.
Contact:
Kenya Airways
Tel: +971 4 221 2149
safari@kenyaairways.ae
www.kenya-airways.com
Where to stay
Ashnil Mara Camp
The agents stayed at the Ashnil Mara Camp, located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and close to the Mara River famous for the wildebeest migration. The new property comprises 40 luxury tents overlooking the plains of the Maasai Mara and includes luxury ensuite bathrooms, walk-in closets and a sun deck, ideal for relaxation while watching game.
www.ashnilhotels.com