Part VI: What to eat & drink?

Eating Out

Restaurants, cafes, motels and hotels offer all things appetizing.

Local Cuisine!

Another fantastic experience was tasting the local cuisine. The best (in our opinion) are the SAMOSAS! A samosa is a triangle shaped pastry filled with seasoned ground beef or vegetables. They are considered a snack, but you can eat them for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We ate them whenever we could. Whoever wants to know we have the recipe. We even made some for family during Thanksgiving and they loved them!

Other popular dishes are: rice and beef stew, mũkimũ (irio) (potatoes mashed with a variation of peas,corn, beans, collard greens), fish and ugali (like gritz or white cornbread), chapati (similar to tortilla) and ndengũ (lentils), nyama choma (grilled meat) with kachumbari (like pico de gallo), Matoke ( stewed potatoe and green banana/plantain), Sweet potatoes and arrow roots. Mandazi ( donut like but square,oblong or triangular), meat pies. Oh we could go on forever!

Fruits and Vegetables

In the garden

There are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Mangoes, Oranges, Pawpaw, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Avacado, Apples and more. Ask anyone, fruit from the tropics, simply Delicious!

An assortment of vegetables: Cabbage, Carrots, Sukuma Wiki (Colored greens),Spinach, Parsley, (Dania (Coriander), Celery, Cucumber, Tomotoes and more.

In the Supermarket

You can buy any fruit or vegetable in your regular grocery store or visit a local traditional market in your area. More like the local Farmer’s Market. Items will be less costly and you can enjoy the art of bartering with the traders. Fun fun fun!

Supermarkets offer whatever your heart desires: See what we found;

Cookies (Biscuits)

Cereal

Local Drinks

Tea or Coffee

You will find an assortment of drinks everywhere you go. Coffee & Tea are very popular!

Tea is drunk with milk and sugar, usually hot, very hot! Should you visit a home or someone in an office, expect them to offer you Tea, Coffee or hot Chocolate(Cocoa).


Tea drinking is a local tradition and is served about 10.00 a.m and 4.00 p.m. We always had our tea as soon as we got back from town. This was usually before dinner. Coffee is fast becoming popular and you will find coffee shops in all corners of major cities.

Soda or Juice

If you prefer soda or juice, and like it cold, always make sure to ask for a cold drink. Ice is typically not offered as most of the people take their drinks at room temperature. Your regular soft drinks are everywhere!

Water

You can find bottled water at most hotels, restaurants and supermarkets.

Coming next: Planning your safari- 5 EASY STEPS

For more, email us: mysafari@wrightsafaris.com

Part V: Where to Visit?

Where to visit? Local Farms
A tour to the local farms is an interesting way to meet local people who continue to live on subsistence farming. They have wonderful things growing such as bananas, mangoes, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes. The people keep cows and goats, chickens and sheep. We visited farms in the Kirinyaga District and in particular Kerogoya, Kamugunda and Kiamwathi where Njeri’s maternal and paternal grandparents still live, and where her family still own a farm on the foot of the Mt. Kenya.

Tea and Coffee Farms

The most interesting thing that we saw were Tea and Coffee.

Coffee is considered a cash crop. Farmers grow this to sell. At the same time they grow their regular food like Maize (corn), Beans, Pumpkin and Sweet potatoes. Mango trees and Avacado trees can be seen in the background of this picture.

Who can imagine that tea looks so beautiful?

Tea grows in bushes, that stand to about the knee.

The bushes grow meshed together. They create luscious green carpet spread out over the land. In each bush there are several branches that develop into a “two leaves and bud” . This is what is picked to make the best tea in the world. We had fun picking tea and throwing it over our heads into a large basket.

Coffee on the other hand grows in trees that grow taller than 6 ft. These trees were towering over our heads, but we could still see and reach for the coffee that grows as little green beans. When they turn red they are read to pick and take to the factory.

We had a chance to walk in the coffee and tea gardens while enjoying the wonderful fresh Mt. Kenya breeze and listening to the sound of river water dashing down below. Fresh springs in this area are abundant and can be a source of clean fresh mountain drinking water! Yuhoo!

Coming next! What to eat?

To take the Wright Safari for you! email: mysafari@wrightsafaris.com

Part IV: Cultural Diversity

For the remainder of our trip, we explored various cultures in Kenya. Our first exposure to a different culture was that we were able to witness a wedding in the Kikuyu tradition. In this tradition, the groom's family visits the bride's family. Women come out and sing and dance to welcome the groom's family. The songs are passed down from generation to generation and are usually story telling type songs. They may sing about the bride or the groom's and how they met and how the love each other etc. This is considered a very important occassion as it is when families of the bride and groom negotiate a dowry or “bride price” (this is called Ngurario). The groom’s family then brings goats, sheep, sometimes even cows or bulls. A goat is slaughtered and grilled and eaten as part of the celebration. Aiiililililileeeeee! ( ululation)

There were almost 100 people in attendance to represent the bride and groom’s families. As part of the ceremony, the bride’s family brings out several girls that are wrapped in traditional cloth (shuka or kanga) from head to toe. The groom must choose the girl that is his fiancé, or else he will have to pay a huge fine. Fortunately, in this case, the groom chose the girl that was his bride. How lucky! Most guys go two or three times. The wedding could now continue. The actual marriage of the two takes place when the groom cuts the right shoulder of the goat, and feeds the bride (always with the right hand). He also feeds the bride’s parents. The bride then gives the groom traditional sour porridge (also with the right hand). After he accepts, they are married and the celebration goes on until the last guest has gone. Keep in mind that the bride or groom has the choice to refuse feeding the other. This is their only chance to speak out on whether or not they are interested in the upcoming marriage. Lucky guy, the girl said yes!

The bride and groom also proceeded to have a modern wedding at their local church. This was a festive day. Starting with vows at the church and then a huge reception at a hotel with over 300 people in attendance. Red and Ivory were the wedding colors. Wow it was beautiful!

The reception was about wishing the couple the best in their marriage. The groom was given a spear, shield and sword, so that he may protect his family. The groom's dad was given a traditional stool, walking stick and fly whisk, as he is now older and should retire from the duties of providing for the family. His son will now take over! The groom's mum was given traditional basket and asked never to use plastic or paper bag's when shopping. The bride was given the leso, kanga - traditional body wrap to protect her clothes while she works for her new family.

At the Maasai Village that we mentioned in part 2, our guide explained to us that in their culture a man can have as many wives as he wants. What’s this, Polygamy? In the Maasai culture a man’s wealth is judged by the number of cows he has as well as the number of wives. The guide has two wives and his father, the chief, has 21 wives. Our guide was 26 years old at the time, and said that by the time he is 40, he wants to have 15 wives. The Maasai are one of the 42 ethnic groups in Kenya, and one of the last to continue to live in the traditional ways.

Apart from Maasai, who mainly live in Narok district and areas bordering Kenya and Tanzania, we also met people from other ethnic groups such as: Kikuyu, Embu and Meru, who originate mainly from Central Province. Kalenjin, Luo, Luhya and Teso, from Western Province. Kamba, from Eastern Province. Giriama and Swahili, from Coast Province. Although each ethnic group has its own unique language, the two primary languages of Kenya are English and Swahili. Communication is a breeze!

To check out a cultural safari send us an email: mysafari@wrightsafaris.com

Part III: Chillin' on the Beach!

The next safari was a beach safari. For this one we flew from JKIA on fly540 (a new airline in Kenya, and a wonderful inexpensive way to travel). This flight was on an ATR 42, and was very enjoyable. The flight to Mombasa was only about an hour, so there was no time for a meal, but there were drinks and cookies, served by a pleasant cabin crew. The real treat on this flight was the view of the snow capped Mt. Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain in all of Africa. What an awesome sight!!!

After landing at Moi International Airport in Mombasa, we were met by our driver who was from a local tour operator. We were then driven through the city of Mombasa to see and take pictures by the Tusks that welcome travelers and visitors to the city. We then took the Likoni Ferry to the south coast where our beach hotel was located. The drive was about 45 minutes, and was very interesting to see the palm trees, mango trees, cashew nut trees, etc. as well as other small towns, and local business establishments. If you happen to forget anything, like we did, there are supermarkets close to the hotels where you can purchase any necessities.

At the hotel, we were greeted in the open air reception area by a very friendly and helpful staff, and again given a glass of fresh pineapple/orange juice. We checked in, and our bags were carried to our rooms, where we were in awe of the ocean view. We were amazed to realize that we were looking at the Indian Ocean, half a world away from work, and bills, and headaches.

These resorts are also all inclusive, which means all food, and drinks (alcoholic, and non-alcoholic) are included from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm.

We spent our days lounging on the beach, and playing and swimming in the ocean and pool. The hotel provided entertainment in the evening, which included local dancers, and singers.

Some of the local artists were also singing songs we all know from La Bamba, to Beatles songs, to Frank Sinatra songs. We were all very entertained. In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner, there was also tea at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm also included in the package.

After four days and three nights of relaxation, we flew on fly540 back to Nairobi on another enjoyable flight with another spectacular view of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Coming next: Wright Safaris Summer 2007 : Culture and all its splendor!

Book your very own special adventure: email us: mysafari@wrightsafaris.com

Part II: Let the Safaris Begin!

Our Safaris were an amazing journey into the wild savannah coupled with a stay on the serene and magical coastal beach resort off the Indian Ocean. All the while we met, talked and enjoyed the company of plenty of hospitable people who can truly boast a diverse cultural heritage.

Our first Safari was a three day, two night action packed wildlife adventure. It began around 8:00 am at the Wilson Airport in Nairobi. We boarded an Air Kenya Dash 7, and flew to the Maasai Mara. The flight lasted about 45 minutes, and we were met at the landing strip by our driver/guide, who drove us to the lodge which was about 20 minutes away.


We received a very warm greeting from the reception staff, and were given a fresh glass of mango/orange juice. After we were checked in, and our bags were carried to our rooms, we relaxed a bit before heading to the dining room for lunch.


All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in the price of the safari, and they are buffet style (all you can eat). The food consisted of local and international cuisine, and all the tea or coffee you can drink. Water and soft drinks are available for about a dollar.

After lunch we did a bit more lounging, sight seeing around the lodge before going on our first game drive.


We had a total of four game drives, and were amazed at the things we were seeing. We saw many lions, elephants, buffalo, antelope, gazelle, topi, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, zebras and giraffes among many others.

Probably the coolest thing was when we saw a pride of lions take down a buffalo. That was better than anything you can see on television. The whole time we were there, we couldn’t believe we were actually seeing these things in person.

On one of the days, we were able to visit a Maasai village called Ol Boma. That was an amazing experience, and one that we won’t soon forget. We were able to see how the Maasai people live, and learn about their culture, and interact with the people. The Maasai are one of the few tribes that still live in the traditional ways of their ancestors. Our guide spoke English, and we enjoyed wonderful conversations with him.

On the third day, we had to say good-bye to the wonderful people at the lodge, and after another brief Air Kenya flight, we were back in Nairobi.

If you like, a Balloon Safari can be arranged by our partners. Coming next: Part III: Wright Safaris Summer 2007 . Chillin' on the Beach!
To book your very own customized safari, email us:
mysafari@wrightsafaris.com

Wright Safaris Summer 2007: Part I Getting There!

Wright Safaris Summer 2007, Wow!! What a trip. Our trip began at O’Hare Airport in Chicago, aboard an Air India 747-400 bound for London Heathrow Airport. We departed at about 10:00 pm, and flew all night. We were served dinner and breakfast on the flight (hot meals by the way!), which were very good. The service and entertainment were also great. We landed around 11:00 am London time (approximately an 8 hour flight).We couldn’t believe we were actually on the way, and on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. After hanging out in the International Terminal, and scoping out the many different places to eat, drink, and shop, we went on a Duty-Free shopping spree before boarding our flight to Nairobi, Kenya.

We found ourselves on a Virgin Atlantic A-340, which is a comfortable and relaxing place to spend another eight and a half hours for the flight to Nairobi. Virgin Atlantic had actually just started service from London to Nairobi the previous week. We were also served dinner and breakfast on this flight, also hot meals, and also very good. The service on this flight was exceptional, and far beyond our expectations, especially after flying domestically around the U.S. for so long.

ARRIVAL!!!!! .....We have arrived in Nairobi, Kenya!! After landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and a brief line at passport control ( we already had acquired our visas before we left the USA), we were off to baggage claim. Since most of us had never been on a long international flight before, we were a little anxious to see if our luggage had all arrived with us. Of Course it did, and after securing a couple of luggage trolleys, we loaded up and headed off to customs. The line at customs was amazingly short, and we were through there in less than ten minutes. Now it’s off to find our transportation.

Our hosts were there to pick us up, and drive us to our accommodations. There are plenty of hotels available for all budgets, within the city of Nairobi with all the regular amenities. Taxis and buses are also available to take people wherever they need to go. A taxi ride from the airport to the City Centre will cost less than $20.00.

Coming next: Wright Safaris Summer 2007 Part II: Safari Time!!!

To book your Safari e-mail: mysafari@wrightsafaris.com

Services especially for you.

Why take a Safari?

Vacations Holidays Family Reunions Honeymoons Birthdays Anniversaries Getaways Class Reunion

Whatever the reason, we will:

Help you plan, organize and manage a safari that suits your needs and your budget

Help you plan the safari of a lifetime
Help you obtain all necessary travel documents
Give you estimated costs prior to your safari, to help you plan for your safari
Help you choose a payment plan suitable to your budget
Help you make payment arrangements for your safari
Arrange for experienced tour guides to make your safari memorable
Be committed to making this and other safaris as enjoyable as possible

Once you select a Safari package, we will also include:

Itemized itinerary
Meet and greet at the Airport in Nairobi
Transfer to hotel in the Nairobi city center
Food and accommodation at all hotels and lodges
In country flight and transfers
Safari game drives
Visit to local markets for gift and souvenir shopping
Access to seasoned guides
Many photo opportunities
Accompanied local tours
Visits to local homes, farms, schools etc
Visits to local restaurants

Take the Wright Safari for you! Email us today: mysafari@wrightsafaris.com

Jenga Safari

Jenga is a kiswahili word that means "to build"

A portion of the proceeds from each Safari will go towards helping those who are disadvantaged in the communities that you visit. We believe that in partnering together we can all help make this world a better place.

Jenga Safari will take you to visit local workshops in local communities. You will see beautifully crafted items, made by special needs children or families from low income families. Observe how the products are made step by step and have an opportunity to purchase gifts and souvenirs.

You won't want to miss this!

Jenga Safari Specials

Mission Trips:

Taking a team to Kenya?

Let's help you make your mission trip the best ever! A Safari with a Mission that no one will ever forget. Create awareness for your church or organisations programs through this special. We will work out your Mission trip from start to finish.

Check out this Mission trip in Kenya:

Maisha Art and Cultural Camp Summer 2009

organized by

Maisha International Orphanage, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

www.maishaorphanage.org

Our goal is to make every mission trip a success!

Edu Safari: Schools and Universities

Student Cultural Exchange Programme

Designed for school Children, Teens and Young Adults. Let them have a blast on this educational, entertaining safari.

The Edu Safari includes pairing up with local children at local schools.

Taking classes together for half a day.

An exciting day trip to the national park or local museum, accompanied by the "host" children.

Learning through adventure, discovery and communication is a wholesome experience you won't them to miss!

For details and how to plan this for your school, church or organization:

Email us today: mysafari@wrightsafaris.com

Culture Safari

Experience the diversity and hospitality of a country with people from 42 different ethnic tribes. Everywhere you go, you will be greeted with “Jambo!” This means "Hello"!





Visit local farms in the Mt. Kenya region and learn how to pick coffee and tea. See if you can fish in Lake Victoria.

Tour the cities and sample the wonderful local cuisine.


Visit historic sites and learn about the people's heritage.

Go to the local mall and have a wonderful meal and then shop for souvenirs.

It will be the experience of a lifetime!









Take the Wright Safari for you! Email us today: mysafari@wrightsafaris.com

Beach Safari

Relax on a peaceful, white sandy beach with a fresh soothing breeze and ocean surf, at any of the luxury resorts scattered along the coastline of the Indian Ocean.

Enjoy the sunny day and treat yourself to a swim in the pool or in the Indian Ocean. The warm spa like water and beautiful palm trees are sure to relax you.





Marvel at historic and architectural beach resorts.The ulitmate tropical paradise!









Take the Wright Safari for you! Email us today: mysafari@wrightsafaris.com

Wildlife Safari

Spend the day exploring the grasslands of the African Savannah and see Kenya’s “Big Five”. Elephants, Buffalos, Lions, Hippopotamus and Leopards in their natural habitat.

Stay in luxurious accomodations, surrounded with beautiful lawns.

Enjoy walks to and from your individual cabin rooms decorated with tasteful african decor.

In the evening enjoy a beautiful sunset and dig into a sumptuous buffet of international and African cuisine.

Take the Wright Safari for you! Email us today: mysafari@wrightsafaris.com