GET THE LATEST EAST AFRICA TOUR NEWS
Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter and thanks in advance for reading! As always, we have the latest relevant tour news from the East African region.
November Newsletter
TOUR EVENTS 2011
Magical Kenya Expo
We joined 50 other exhibitors at the Magical Kenya Expo held on 19th and 20th October 2011. Besides participation, we held host of the teams from Nigeria, South Africa and Ethiopia.
Destination Connect is committed to participating with other industry players towards enhancing knowledge to Kenya and East Africa's touristic knowledge.
The Managing Director Destination Connect Mr. Consaga Khisa sharing a light moment with Kenya's Vice President Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka in the recently concluded Magical Kenya Travel Expo
The Managing Director & the Finance and Admin Director Destination Connect explaining the various tour places in Kenya to International Travel Agents who visited our stand in the recently concluded Magical Kenya Travel Expo
Spotlight Africa
In our efforts to continue equipping our travel agents with knowledge on the various destinations that we promote; Destination Connect participated in the recently concluded Spotlight workshop held in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town on the 11th to 14th October. We joined 30 other distributors drawn from various parts of the continent. It is our desire that the residents of East Africa become Africa's biggest source of Tourism.
Akwaaba Africa Travel Market
Akwaaba Africa Travel Market is the biggest Global Travel Event in West Africa. Akwaaba means "welcome" in the local Ahan tribe of Ghana and we were welcomed to attend the 7th Akwaaba Africa Travel Market in Lagos which was held on the 19th to the 21st of October. This was in an effort to introduce East Africa as a destination to the Western Market so as to encourage them to visit East Africa.
LAMU CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Starting from the 24thto the 27thof this month, the old Historical town of Lamu comes to life showcasing its 700 years heritage. The three day annual cultural festival to celebrate the rich history and culture of this Swahili town will be a perfect way to understand Kenya's diverse cultures.
Traditional dances, musical performances, handicraft, dhow and donkey competitions will be showcased in this festival. Experience Lamu's Cultural Festival with our following packages.
Special Offers
Msafini Guest House, shela village
This is a newly built hotel in Shela Village, locally owned. It is quite a large, new building, with rooftop dining and sitting area with excellent views of the sea and the village. The hotel has a restaurant serving fresh juices, Swahili dishes, fish, seafood etc. Rooms are self contained and spacious, With hot water showers. The hotel has a swimming pool as well. The beach is about 5 minutes walk from the hotel through the village.
2 Nights Flying Package-Bed and breakfast
Standard rooms
@US$ 430 per person sharing a double room
@US$ 475 per person in a single
Extra Night
@US$ 45 per person sharing a double room
@US$ 70 per person in a single room
The above cost covers
- Return flight Wilson/Lamu/Wilson
- 2 Nights Accommodation (Meal/plan as indicated)
- Return flights with Air Kenya/Safarilink
- Airport taxes
- Return Boat transfers
- Fuel levy
The cost excludes
- All items of a personal nature such as tobacco, laundry, phone calls etc.
- Tips and drinks/beverages
- Any Other Items not mentioned above
- Medical/Travel Insurance
- Additional sightseeing or deviation from the itinerary
To book or enquire send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Kijani House Hotel, Shela Village
Secret gardens and stately Swahili retreats
Off the bustling waterfront of Shela village, dhows sway gently on the incoming tide as merchants and fishermen cross back and forth on the shimmering sand. A few steps away,a few white steps and a small entranceway, to the 13 room boutique hotel, with fresh water swimming pool.
2 Nights Flying Package-Bed and breakfast
Standard Room
@US$ 650 per person sharing a double room
@US$775 per person in a single room
Each Extra Night
@US$ 155 per person sharing double room
@US$ 215 per person in a single room
The above cost covers
- Return flight Wilson/Lamu/Wilson
- 2 Nights Accommodation (Meal/plan as indicated)
- Return flights with Air Kenya/Safarilink
- Airport taxes
- Return Boat transfers
- Fuel levy
The cost excludes
- All items of a personal nature such as tobacco, laundry, phone calls etc.
- Tips and drinks/beverages
- Any Other Items not mentioned above
- Medical/Travel Insurance
- Additional sightseeing or deviation from the itinerary
To book or enquire send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
KENYA OUTLINES SECURITY MEASURES TO ENSURE PROTECTION OF VISITORS
The Kenyan Government has deployed the armed forces in Somalia and along the Kenya - Somalia border hence stabilizing the situation on security along the borders. The Kenya Tourism Federation Safety and Communication Center continues to supervise the situation on a 24-Hour basis and issues updated advice to the Tourism Industry.
Currently the Kenya Coast, especially Lamu and its environs have continuously enjoyed higher levels of security and surveillance in the wake of the latest kidnappings. Kenya's Tourism Minister visited Lamu with top Government and Tourism industry officials and the US Ambassador to Kenya (Maj. (Rtd) Scott Gration). They verified that the security situation is greatly increased with higher visitor inflows being experienced. The US Ambassador said that the US Government was content with the heightened measures of security taken by the Kenyan Authorities to prevent any terror attacks.
For more information visit our blog to get the full statement http://destinationconnect.blog.com/
OTHER NEWS
Sarova Stanley Voted Kenya's Best Hotel
With its recent facelift project, the Sarova Stanley Hotel has emerged as the Best Kenyan Hotel as voted in the World Travel Awards held in Zagreb, Croatia. This 5 star hotel has been around since 1902 and is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group under the category, Summit Hotels and Resorts.
For more information or inquiries about Sarova Stanley Hotel click here
Grogan's Castle opens in Tsavo West area of Kenya
Located in the Tsavo West area about 20 kms south-west of Taveta town on the Kenya-Tanzania border, this historical castle has been restored and opened for business. The Castle gives you a stunning view of Mt Kilimanjaro as it is situated below the mountain. You also have an amazing 360 degree view of the Pare Mountains, Lake Jipe, Tsavo National Park and Mt Kilimanjaro.
Exploreans Ngorongoro Lodge Opening January 2012
With 50 acres set apart for the construction of this lodge in the Ngorongoro volcanic landscape, this new lodge is a 5 minute drive from the entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Driving to the Ngorongoro Crater is only 20 Minutes from the lodge. With a 20 spacious private log cabins, a bar, restaurant and conference facilities, this all inclusive property becomes one of the new attractions in Tanzania.
Amazing Animal Facts
1. A crocodile can never stick its tongue out of its mouth.
2. A standing 4-foot child can fit into the open mouth of a hippopotamus.
3. It would take just one night for a mole to dig a tunnel measuring 300 feet in length.
October Newsletter
Honeymoon and Wedding destinations
As soon as your last guests have left, the most anticipated part of your wedding is still to come; your honeymoon! Don't know where to start looking for a popular, romantic honeymoon destination? Over-the -top weddings in exotic destinations away from home are no longer for the wealthy and famous. With our expert honeymoon planning solutions, let us plan for you the most important holiday of your life.
Booking one of our honeymoon packages guarantees that you will find the most romantic destinations and the most luxurious hotels. We also help you plan your own custom honeymoon itineraries to make your dream honeymoon come true.
Upcoming Events
Destination Connect to participate in the upcoming Magical Kenya Travel Expo Destination connect welcomes you all to its stand in the upcoming Magical Kenya Travel Expo. The Kenya Tourist Board will host its inaugural international Travel Expo on the19th and 20th October this year. This will be held in Nairobi at the National Conference Center (KICC).
About 150 travel agents and tour operators from KTB's key source markets in Africa, the Middle East, North America, Asia, Europe and Oceania are invited to attend. We will be featuring our Christmas and 2012 rates. The first day of the expo (19th) is reserved for Trade only while the 20th is open for the public and entrance is free. Come meet us as we give you an insight to what we have in store for you this coming Christmas season and New year!
The Masai Mara Marathon
The 2011 edition of the annual Kenya Airways Masai Mara. Half-Marathon is scheduled to take place on 19th November 2011. The first Masai Mara Marathon was held on November 2009 with a total of 352 participants registering.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Elephant Pepper Camp has been awarded the highest form of Eco-Rating certification by Ecotourism Kenya for its environmental conservation and responsible resource use. Trip Advisor ranks the camp 23rd out of 74 specialty lodges in the Masai Mara National Reserve. This camp joins Basecamp Masai and Mara Campi ya Kanzi as the only Gold rated facilities in Kenya.
UNESCO Lists Fort Jesus as World Heritage Site
The fort Jesus National Monument has been inscribed into the World Heritage List. This Historic site was built by the Portuguese in 1593-1596 to the designs of Giovanni Battista Cairati so as to protect the port of Mombasa. UNESCO's World Heritage Committee identified the historical fort which is more than 400 years old as one that has outstanding Universal value.
It is no surprise that Fort Jesus is Mombasa's most popular tourist attraction. The fort has a museum that displays various artifacts from the era where Mombasa served as a transit point for the slave trade and commodities and which enjoyed regular seafarers visits. Its interior comprises of torture rooms and prison cells where slaves were kept before being traded. Canons which can be seen were used to defend the fort from invading foreigners.
Other Kenyan Heritage sites to be inscribed in the UNESCO list are the Mijikenda sacred Kaya forests, Lamu, Lake Turkana National Park, Mt Kenya National Park and the Lake system of Rift valley which constitutes Lake Nakuru, Lake Elementaita and Lake Bogoria.
Kenya Airways boosts national famine relief kitty
National Carrier Kenya Airways has announced its support towards the ongoing Kenyans for Kenya initiative which seeks to help the famine afflicted persons in the Northern parts of the country. Kenya Airways contributed a cash donation of Ksh.10 Million towards the Kenyans for Kenya kitty. The money will be sent to the Kenya Red Cross which is coordinating the humanitarian effort. Apart from that, the national carrier will offer cargo space on KQ planes for use by the Red Cross to transport donations from destinations that the airline flies to in Europe and Africa for the Next two months.
East Africa Adventure
Spend 14 nights/ 15 days in Samburu National reserve, Aberdare national reserve, Lake Nakuru national reserve, the Masai Mara national reserve, Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro crater, Lake Manyara National Park and the Amboseli national park This safari begins with Samburu National Reserve a true wilderness and home to unique wildlife and plant life and onward continuation to The Aberdare National Park, an isolated range that forms the eastern wall of the rift valley and diverse topography with amazing views of wildlife night game viewing.
Tanzania Bush and Beach
Spend 7 days/ 6 nights to Ngorongoro Crater, a world heritage site, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and is commonly referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. Then proceed to Lake Manyara National Reserve, a scenic gem, with a setting extolled by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”. The climax of this safari is the Zanzibar coast. Bluebay Beach Resort is situated on the most beautiful 25 acre site with its bedroom cottages located on rising ground overlooking verdant gardens, the public areas, the pool, the more than 1,000 beautiful palm trees, the sparkling white beach and the azure sea with its coral reef offering particularly warm and safe swimming.
Interesting Animal Facts
1.Although an elephant has four knees, it is the only mammal that cannot jump.
2.The Sitatunga, a species of African antelope, is capable of sleeping underwater.
3.It takes about 40 minutes to hard boil an ostrich egg.
