Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi

 

For anyone with an interest in Karen Blixen’s book Out of Africa or the subsequent film, this museum is a must see.  The author lived on a coffee estate in a house known as Bogani from 1914 until 1931. This area has now developed into the modern suburb of Karen on the outskirts of Nairobi. The house is now a National Museum, and is maintained for visitors in its original condition. Those who have read the book, or seen the film (which was filmed on location here) will recognize the house with its sprawling tropical garden and views of the nearby Ngong Hills. Efforts have been made to decorate all of the rooms of the house in their original style. The house itself is furnished with a mixture of original decor and props from the 1985 film production. The grounds contain displays of farming equipment from the plantation. The museum has excellent trained staff who are well versed in the history of the house and the life of Karen Blixen. They are available to answer queries and to give personally guided tours. The Museum is easily accessible from Nairobi, by taxi or bus.

 

Camel Derby will take place from the 17th – 19th August 2012 at Yare Camel Camp in Maralal.

 

Kenya’s Camel Classic – Maralal Camel Derby The Annual Maralal Camel Derby takes place in the month of August in Maralal, a remote desert outpost in Samburu county.

The quiet town of Maralal, about 348 kms North of Nairobi, is considered the gateway to Kenya’s wild and arid North, and is a mecca for adventurers, nomads and camels.

Maralal Camel Derby will take place from the 17th – 19th August 2012 at Yare Camel Camp in Maralal.

This is real camel country, and the single humped dromedary camel is a vital part of life for many of Northern Kenya’s nomadic people.

Each year, the Camel Derby brings colour and action to the streets of Maralal as the finest Camels in the North gather for the big race.

While most of Kenya’s camel rearing communities do not ride them- using them as pack animals- they are excellent handlers and judges of an animals strength and potential for speed.

Winning the Derby is a great local honour, and each year the title is hotly contested. But this by no means a purely local event.

Maralal is a haven for nomadic cultures, and that includes travellers from all over the globe.

The Town is a popular stopover for travellers looking for adventure in Kenya’s Northern Frontier District – one of Africa’s last great unspoilt wilderness areas.

For anyone visiting the area around this time, attending the Derby is a must. The three day race event is a chance to experience culture, colour, action and adventure first hand.

This is not just a spectator sport – if you are going to attend the derby, why not saddle up and join in? 

The derby this year will include: Camel ride competition for amateurs and experts as well, Tricamalon, 10km fun run, 5 km fun run for the physically challenged and bike races.

Kilima Camp: one of the best safari holidays camp

Kilima Camp has a fantastic location overviewing the Masai Mara River and Plains. The intimate eco-lodge is an ideal base to enjoy the real African wildlife experience in comfort and style.

The camp has 12 Standard classic safari tents as well as 2 Deluxe tents which are ideal for honeymooners and families.
The camp manager together with his highly professional team will give you an African experience to remember and can propose several bush activities to make your stay at Kilima Camp even more interesting, enjoyable and rewarding. 
Game viewing is superb all year and the camp is surrounded by wildlife. You will be sure to have memories for a lifetime during our safari game drives and we guarantee you to see amazing wildlife.

Kilima Camp is an intimate eco-lodge with 12 standard tents and 2 Deluxe Tents. Kilima Camp is a friendly safari holidays camp located in the Masai Mara (Maasai Mara) in Kenya. Kilima Camp is an ideal African safari camp and has a perfect location for those who wish to enjoy unforgettable safari holidays in Africa.

Kilima means “mountains or little hill” in Swahili. Kilima Camp is located in Kenya in the Maasai Mara (Maasai Mara) area at 1,800 metres above sea level.

The safari holidays camp is situated on the edge of the Siria escarpment, overlooking the Mara River (1,500 metres) with a phenomenal view, “the Gods’ window”. Hence Kilima Camp has a fantastic location in the Masai Mara (Maasai Mara), bordering the official perimeter of the game reserve.

Surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, Kilima Camp offers a true African adventure in style and comfort, it makes Kilima Camp a perfect safari holidays camp.

Game viewing in the Masai Mara (Maasai Mara), whether by car or on foot, around Kilima Camp is superb all year round. There is not doubt that your safari holidays will be wonderful and unforgettable.

From July to October, Kilima Camp is an ideal safari camp to witness the Great Migration where more than one million wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River, an event which happens nowhere else in Africa but in the Masai Mara (Maasai Mara). This is a safari holiday of a lifetime!

At Kilima Camp, we do not only strive to offer our guests an unforgettable safari holiday in the African bush in one of the best wildlife areas in the world, but we also want to contribute to the conservation of the Masai Mara Ecosystem as well as to the well-being of the local Masai communities.(Maasai). We are proud to have been rewarded a bronze medal by Ecotourism Kenya.

Problems facing Masai Mara National reserve.

While the completion last year of the 87-kilometre Mai Mahiu- Narok road brought some relief, another 96 kilometres to the main gate is in a bad state. Tour drivers said they are forced to divert to people’s farms, a situation which they say have led to conflict between them and the local community.

It is a shame when tourists are blocked by weapon-wielding locals, who are rightfully protesting that tour vehicles are disturbing their livestock and trampling on their pasture,

Vice chairman of the National Tour Drivers and Guides Association Andrew Mungatana and the association’s chief executive Joseph Ole Parpai said the 40-kilometre section of the Narok-Sekenani stretch was almost unmotorable.

Narok and Trans Mara county councils get more than 80 per cent of their revenue from the wild life resort.

The local authorities gain from the reserve by charging gate entries, royalties in the lodges as well as balloon settings and airplane landings. Although Narok County Council announced it had switched to electronic ticketing in a bid to shore up its revenue and seal corruption loopholes.

Tour drivers are asking the government of Kenya to intervene and make sure the road is repaired.

A “BLACKLEG” AMONG LIONS

Perhaps we shouldn’t call him Blackleg. He is certainly no con artist or trickster. But he is a marked lion nonetheless. From the day he was born the fur over the entire length of his inner right foreleg from under the chest to paw, has been uniformly pitch black. She is one of the four cubs raised on the eastern fringes of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. At first it was thought to be a plastering of mud on her leg or an unimaginable injury sustained as a result of fighting. Blackleg though has never shown any sign being inconvenienced by this puzzling anomaly. Indeed he was-from the outset- the dominant cub always boisterous and spoiling for a fight with his siblings. The latter comprising of two females and one other male has no such distinguishing black marks. After all Blackleg’s peculiarity must simply be a birthmark.

Rutundu Royal Trek

Rutundu Log Cabins are unique to Africa. Located on the rim of Lake Rutundu and overlooking the northeastern face of Mount Kenya, these cabins are the perfect escape from the ‘safari circuit’ or the bustle of Nairobi. At 10,200 feet (3100 meters) above sea level, both the vegetation and the wildlife are distinctive
ACTIVITIES – WALKING, FISHING, BIRDWATCHING, HORSERIDING
Walking – The area surrounding Rutundu is a hiker’s paradise, and the staff at Rutundu can guide you. One of the most popular walks is a route of approx. 2 hours up to Lake Alice, through Giant Groundsel and Heather forests.
Fishing – Rutundu is not only a nature lover’s haven, but is also an ideal spot for fishermen. Both Lake Rutundu and Lake Alice are stocked with rainbow trout, and provide excellent opportunities for fishing. The average catch is 2 to 3 lbs, with larger fish reaching up to 6 lbs. (It is not everyone who can claim to have caught a trout within 5 Km of the equator.) On Lake Rutundu a rowing boat is provided and there are also casting platforms. Previous experience in fly-fishing is not necessary. Near Lake Rutundu is the Kizita River Gorge, a crystal clear river with brown trout. Bird watching Due to Rutundu’s unique location there are ample opportunities for birdwatchers, not least from the breakfast table where scarlet-tufted malachite sunbirds (Nectarinia johnstoni) are seen most mornings.
Horse Riding
Neighbouring Kisima Farm now organises rides up through the forest and moorland to Rutundu. Overnight stays are then advisable. The horses are well-trained polo horses, however you need to be an experienced rider

Rutundu Camp is where prince William actually engaged Kate Middleton.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a small, flexible charity, established in 1977 to honour to memory of a famous Naturalist, David Leslie William Sheldrick MBE, the founder Warden of Tsavo East National Park in Kenya, where he served from its inception in 1948 until his transfer to Nairobi in 1976 to head the Planning Unit of the newly created Wildlife Conservation & Management Department. David died 6 months later but his legacy of excellence and the systems he installed for the management of Tsavo and wildlife generally in Kenya, particularly in the sphere of wildlife husbandry and ethics, lives on.

Charitable Status & How they Operate

Since its inception, the Trust has remained true to his principles and ideals, its modus of operation overseen by 6 competent and well versed Trustees assisted by an Advisory Committee of practical Naturalists with a lifetime experience of wildlife, local environmental conditions and the history of conservation in this country. In 2004 the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust attained US Charitable status enhancing its corporate funding capability under the guidance of the U.S. based Friends of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, all whom work on a voluntary basis. On 9th June 2004 it was incorporated as a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee in the U.K. and granted charitable status by the Charities Commission, its Charity No. 1103836. A Company Limited by Guarantee retains the overall jurisdiction of the Trust’s existing Trustees over the disbursement of funds generated in the U.K.
The Trust’s Conservation Ethics

The Trust has played an extremely significant role in Kenya’s conservation effort since it was founded in 1977, speaking out when necessary on controversial issues and stepping in unobtrusively and rapidly to bridge a gap or meet a shortfall that jeopardizes wildlife during times of Governmental economic constraints. Because in life David Sheldrick strongly censored the extravagance of exorbitant overheads, the Trust places great emphasis on minimal expenditure in this respect, thereby ensuring that donations given in support of wildlife reach their target in full in the most practical and positive manner. The reputation of the Trust is a proud one, as was the record of the man whose name it bears, thanks to the dedication and energy of a competent Staff committed to the example of David Sheldrick as their role model.

Tortoise – survivors on the land

Tortoises are a family of land-dwelling reptiles of the order of turtles. Like their marine cousins, the sea turtles, tortoises are shielded from predators by a shell. The top part of the shell is the carapace, the underside is the plastron, and the two are connected by the bridge. The tortoise has both an endoskeleton and an exoskeleton. Tortoises can vary in size from a few centimeters to two meters.

Tortoises are usually diurnal animals with tendencies to be crepuscular depending on the ambient temperatures. They are generally reclusive animals.

Tortoises generally have lifespans comparable with those of human beings, and some individuals are known to have lived longer than 150 to 225years. Because of this, they symbolize longevity in some cultures, such as China.

Most land based tortoises are herbivores, feeding on grazing grasses, weeds, leafy greens, flowers, and some fruits although there are some omnivorous species in this family. Pet tortoises typically require a diet based on wild grasses, weeds and certain flowers. Certain species consume worms or insects and carrion in their normal habitat. Too much protein is detrimental in herbiverous species and has been associated with shell deformities and other medical problems. Cat or dog foods should not be fed to tortoises, as these do not contain the proper balance of nutrients for a reptile. Additionally, it should not be assumed that all captive tortoises can be fed on the same diet. As different tortoise species vary greatly in their nutritional requirements it is essential to thoroughly research the dietary needs of your individual tortoise.

The best approach to determining the proper diet is to consult a qualified veterinarian specialising in chelonian care. In Kenya thse creatures can be seen at the Nairobi Museum and some in the various national parks in Kenya.

ETT – Kenya Safaris Desk

Etton Travel and Tours

 

Bukusu Tribe of Kenya

The Bukusu are one of the seventeen Kenyan tribes of the Luhya Bantu people of East Africa. They are the largest tribe of the Luhya nation, making up about 17% of the Luhya population. They speak Bukusu language. The Bukusu myths of origin state that the first man Mwambu, he was made from mud by Wele Khakaba at a place called Mumbo. God then created a wife for Mwambu, a woman called Sela. Mwambu and his descendants moved out of Mumbo and settled on the foothills of Mount Elgon from where their descendants grew to form the current Bukusu population. Other traditional stories relate of a place of origin called Misri, from Mizraim (Hebrew for Egypt) Anthropologists believe that the Bukusu did not become a distinct grouping apart from the rest of the Luhya population until, at the very earliest, the late 18th Century. They moved into Central Uganda as part of a much larger group of people, many forming the eastern extension of the great Bantu migration out of central Africa Bukusu family structure was traditionally modelled on the Luhya structure, it was and still is modelled on Bukusus culture itself. Families were usually polygamous, with the first wife accorded a special status among her co-wives. Society was entirely patrilineal: women were not present only as child-bearers but also as an indication of status. In addition, being polygamous meant more hands to work the fields, which was an advantage in a society founded on agriculture. Children inherited the clan of their father, and were not allowed to marry spouses from either their own clan, or their mother’s clan. The first son of the first wife was usually the main heir to his father, and he had a special name denoting this status: Simakulu. At birth, children were usually named after grandparents or famous people, or after the weather. Male and female names were different: male names frequently began with ‘W’, while female names usually began with ‘N’. The Bukusu practised (and still practise) male circumcision. It is thought that they adopted the practice from contact with the Kalenjin at Mt Elgon. Others argue, however, that the presence of the practice in the other Luhya tribes indicates an earlier adoption, before the Bukusu settled at Mt Elgon. In ceremonies that were spaced about two years apart, young boys of a particular age (usually about 15 years of age) would, on getting the go-ahead from their parents, invite relatives and friends to their initiation. The initiation was a public event, witnessed by all. Going through the operation without showing any sign of pain was (and still is) thought to be an indicator of bravery. Once circumcised, an initiate became a member of an age group. There are eight age-groups (Bakolongolo, Bakikwameti, Bakananachi, Bakinyikewi, Banyange, Bamaina, Bachuma, Basawa), forming a cyclical system, with each age-group lasting for 10 years Female circumcision (clitoridectomy) is not a Bukusu practice. However, some clans are said to have practiced it. This is especially the casearound Mt Elgon, where the neighbouring Kalenjin tribes also practice a form of female circumcision. Although circumcision was universal among the Bukusu, the form of the ceremony varied according to the clan. In particular, the festivities and ceremonies accompanying the final stage of initiation, when the now-healed initiates came out of seclusion to rejoin their families as ‘men’, were specific to clans, and have been handed down largely intact to the present day. Young men got married at about the age of 18-20, while girls got married at about the age of 16. There were two types of first-time marriage: arranged marriages and enforced eloping. If a young man came from a well-to-do family, he would ask his sisters to find a girl for him to marry. The ability of a potential wife to cook well, bear children and work in the fields were the main attractions in a girl. Once a girl was identified, an emissary was sent to her parents to ask for her hand. The girl had no say whatsoever in the whole matter: bride price would be discussed, and then once it was paid she would be sent off to live with her new husband. This form of marriage is still common in traditional households today. In some cases, however, the young man would be from a poor family and could not afford to pay the likely bride-price. Traditional society allowed such young men to abduct the girls they intended to marry. (The girl had to present an opportunity to be ‘abducted’, so her cooperation was essential!) The couple would then leave their home to live with a far-off relative for a while, until the young man acquired enough wealth to pay the original bride price, as well as a fine, to the parents of the girl. This practice has since died out. The Bukusu highly approve of intermarriages between themselves and bamasaaba. This is because they have quite a number of similarities in their codes of conduct, marriage customs, circumcision traditions and even folklore. Among the most famous of Bukusu marriage customs is the immense respect accorded one’s in-laws. A lady, for example, treats her father-in-law with a lot of deference and respect, and they are not allowed to make physical contact in any way. The same is true of a man and his mother-in-law. In a marriage, duties were strictly segregated. Housework and agricultural duties were done by the women and the children. The older boys looked after cattle. Young, newly married men formed the community’s warriors, while middle-aged men did nothing, mainly. Older men formed the village’s council of elders, and resolved disputes. Punishment for crimes was usually on an-eye-for-an-eye basis, while petty crimes like theft were punished by the perperators being expelled from the village, and their property confiscated and redistributed to the wronged party. Cattle were very important: they were the main means of exchange, alongside cowrie shells (chisimbi). Most values, from the beauty of a girl to the price of a field of land, were expressed in terms of head of cattle. Possessing cattle wealth and prosperous agriculture, the Bukusu were sometimes not only admired but also envied by neighboring communities. Occasionally intermarriages used to take place between them and the other communities. It was common practice for Kalenjin neighbors to give Bukusu their sons to look after their herds of cattle. In times of famine, which are said to have been frequent amongst their Kalenjin neighbors, the latter used to even sell their children to Bukusu. Bukusu also used to send their own young boys to grow up with Kalenjin or Maasai families, in some cases for espionage purposes. Being sedentary pastoralists, they had time to care for their sick and bury their dead. A sick person was looked after until he recuperated or died. When a person died, he was buried in a grave with a warrior’s weapons if he was an elder. Several functions were performed during and after the funeral ceremony. Ordinarily, burial pits ranged from 3–4 feet in depth, much shallower than today’s. With people buried facing East, the direction in which the sun rises. There are 2 known clans amongst the Bukusu who bury their people in sitting position to this very day! Sometimes wild animals like hyenas exhumed corpses from graves and ate them. Should such an incident occur, people looked for the presumed skull of the desecrated body, and when they found it, they hung it in a leafy tree. When the family of the deceased migrated, they brewed beer (kamalwa ke khuukhalanga) for the ceremony of transferring the skull with them to the new home or settlement. An old woman was entrusted with the responsibility of conveying the skull to the new site. Burial of the dead was thus, to say the least, ingrained in the Bukusu traditions.

ETT– Kenya Safaris Desk

Etton Travel and Tours

Offficial annual Wildbeest Migration

Its June and its official the annual wildebeest migration has started in the Serengeti and the wildebeests are moving to the masai mara game reserve in Kenya. The view is stuning and its for this reason this  movement of the wildebeest is an eighth wonder of the world.

You can be among the ones who will have the chance to experience this migration in one of the luxurious camps in the masai mara in Kenya for some of the best prices. At Etton Travel and Tours we will organize for you all that, here is an itinerary for you:

Two nights fly package you get a third night for free.

Included in the package:

• Masai welcome dance upon arrival at the Ngerende lodge
• Return flights to Wilson airport in Nairobi ,Kenya
• Full board accommodation
• Full day game drives in the park
• Refreshments while on game drives
• Sundowners
• Guided bush walks
• A visit to the masai village
• Half hour complimentary massage per day
• Bush breakfast/lunch/dinner if the weather permits

Excluded are :

• Conservancy fees (mandatory) at 60 usd per person per night
• Anything not mentioned above.

ETT– Kenya Safaris Desk

Etton Travel and Tours