15 day Wright Safari Adventure in Kenya

It's a new year. Make 2011 the year when you get to go on a Safari. You can take a Safari any time of the year. We have two planning periods January - June 2010 and July - December 2010. You have several Safari options,so start planning now!

A 15 day adventure that will make all your dreams come true. Start with a Wildlife Safari to get your heart beating, relax on the coast with the Beach Safari, savor the local food and sights and sounds with a Culture safari and do some good with the Jenga Safari

Beach Safari - 3 days 4 nights
Spend time on the north or south coast of Mombasa. This town has history going back to the times of Arabic, Indian and Chinese trade routes. Today the coast offers many beautiful tropical beach resorts, where you can enjoy a cool and calm breeze from the Indian Ocean, while dining outdoors, with local music in the background and taking in the breathtaking sights of blue sky, warm sun, silky sand, soothing water.

Wildlife Safari - 3 days 4 nights
Visit the national parks of Tsavo, Amboseli or Maasai Mara and get ready for lions, zebras, buffalo, giraffe, topi, gazelle and other wildlife. You will marvel at the beauty of the Savannah and have opportunities to take pictures or video that will be the envy of your family and friends.

Culture Safari -1 day 1 night
Nairobi /Mt. Kenya / Great Rift Valley - Nakuru / Naivasha
Take a day to explore the local culture and be fascinated with the People, Food and Places. Discover the history of Kenya at the Museums, Parliament, Karen Blixen's home, or take a walk on the wild side at the Giraffe Center, Safari Walk or the Animal Orphanage, or visit L.Nakuru and see the pink flamingoes for yourself. A treat you will cherish forever....

Jenga Safari - 2 days 2 nights
Nairobi /Central /Kisumu
Go do some good... For this Safari you can decide to visit a children's home in Nairobi, a special needs children's workshop in Nairobi, a mixed boarding school at the foot of Mt. Kenya or an orphanage in the Kisumu/Lake Victoria area. We take you to where your heart lies.

Remember you can also mix and match the Safari you would like to take.
Choose from our Beach Safari, Culture Safari, Wildlife Safari or Jenga Safari.
Any of these safari packages can be tailored to meet your needs. Services include assistance with visa, immunization, air ticket, meals, accommodation, transport, guides, foreign exchange etc.

These tours fill up quickly. Book today!

Call/email us now.... and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
405-514-0087
mysafari@wrightsafaris.com or visit our website: www.wrightsafaris.com

Read about the Wildlife Safaris, Beach Safaris, Culture Safaris and Jenga Safaris on this blog: wrightsafaris.blogspot.com

Power of One, Omekongo, Going North, Invisible Children..Look who is Doing Good.. for Africa

This week: Jenga Safari News

Jenga: swahili word meaning "To Build"

Jenga Safari - Be part of the Jenga Safari Mission... Do Good for the people of Kenya and people of Africa. You can do this by supporting any of the causes or by taking a Safari and visiting/supporting local communities. TWENDE.... LET'S GO!

Power of One Project
Organized by the Dialogue, Start One Inc. See the November Issue of Distinctly Oklahoma. ....The event helped raise awareness for the disadvantaged children and adults of Kenya, Congo and other countries in Africa. The ideas was to End the Silence and use the Power of One to make change...There was good food, music and dance! You should have been there!

.....Omekongo performed some serious and powerful poetry-rap-spoken word that made us all realize what is happening in the Congo is just as bad as DARFUR and yet we are all SILENT!

.....Xola Malik /Kid Sensation was there.. singing Live United, Change, End the Silence , and the best one of all Power of One . They rocked the house...

Maisha International was there too and was raising hope for the orphaned children of the Kisumu area in western Kenya.

.....We were there to support the causes. It was powerful event. Made me ask.. What are you going to do? All of us can make the change if we work together..the Power of One!

Experience Omekongo !
.....If ever you get a chance, go listen to Omekongo.You will experience the powerful spoken word in hip-hop! The lyrics will stir your insides out and motivate you to do something that will bring about Change...

.....He is a Ph.D. student in International Education Policy. His first CD, "A Young Black Man's Anthem: Love, Afrika, and Revolution Revisited" won the 2003 Cambridge Poetry Award for "Best CD". His love for Congo is something you cannot deny.

Going North.org
Mark a graduate from Oklahoma University, has been visiting Kenya including several other countries in Africa with his video camera documenting stuff! He inspires us to do something..not tomorrow, next month or next year...but, Today...NOW! Here are some of his awesome projects.

.....His most recent project Going North has inspired him move to South Africa. Listen to why, how and when all this will happen. This will motivate you to make a change just like he said watching the Invisible Children story, changed his life.

.....His goal is to mobilize local organizations in different countries: Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe etc to work together by sharing resources, sharing ideas so as to maximize their potential and reach their goals more effectively and effeciently.

Invisible Children
Bringing awareness to the hundreds of child soldiers of Northern Uganda. This organisation came about when three young filmmakes travelled to Uganda and saw the unbelievable.

.....Now, they go around regions of conflict documenting the lives of those living in conflict and injustice. They aim to educate and inspire you to make a difference by using your voice of change... read their story.. It is truly amazing..

Ultimate Uganda Adventure - Equator, tropical rain forest, tree climbing lions and more...

Classic Uganda- 14 day Wright Safaris Wildlife Safari
You've got time and want to take a whole two weeks off. Take this two week safari and explore the game parks of Uganda. You won't be disappointed! This adventure is offered in partnership with Dynamik Safaris.

Tour highlights
Five national parks, wildlife, boat ride, water falls, tropical rain forest, camping, nature walk, bird viewing, rhinos, tree climbing lions, Lakes, gorges, Equator.. what a trip!!!

Day 1-2: Kampala /Jinja
On arrival you will get an adventure brief, before a city tour of Kasubi tombs, tea and sugar plantation and exhilarating day white water rafting on the Nile.

Day 3: Kampala – Murchison Falls NP
Take a trip to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary see Black and White Rhinos, learn about Uganda's history and culture , guided forest walks . Trees are over 30 m high, 335 types of birds.

Day 4: Murchison Falls NP
Go on a morning game drive in the north sector of the park. You will see giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, big herds of elephants, Water bucks, lions and leopards. The bird world is, among others, represented by Goliath heron, African fish eagles, African harrier-hawk and various falcon types.

After lunch, a two hour boat trip on the Nile to the lower side of Murchison Falls. Here, a spectacular scene awaits you: Millions of liters of water rush with deafening noise through a 7 meter rock gap creating magnificent foam. During the boat tour you will see hippos, crocodiles, and buffalos and with a lot of luck, one of the rare Shoe bill storks. This two hour boat ride on the Nile is likely to be one of the most memorable experience you will take from Uganda.

Day 5: Murchison Falls NP – Kibale Forest NP
Visit Lake Albert , Fort Portal and the fascinating Rwenzori Mountains.

Day 6: Kibale Forest NP
Go chimpanzee tracking in a tropical rain forest and spot Red and Black-and-white colobus, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’hoest's monkey and of course chimpanzee families.
Trees are 30 to 40 meters high and provide the rain forest with a majestic covering, 335 types of birds are scientifically home here.

Day 7: Kibale Forest NP – Queen Elizabeth NP
Take a 2 hour drive and arrive in time for a game drive
Spend the days on a game drive. The park is famous for its lions, Topi antelopes, Uganda kobs, Water bucks, elephant herds, and leopards Camp overnight on the Mweya peninsular.

Day 8 and 9: Queen Elizabeth NP
You will go on a morning game drive and later take part in a bird sighting tour around the lodge. After lunch, Take a fantastic boat tour on the Kazinga Channel, which joins Lake George with Lake Edward. Your tour guide will explain where to sight hippo herds, crocodiles and an enormous variety of water birds.

Visit the Kyambura gorge for a fantastic nature walk.
The gorge has steeping slopes and on it's edge is a large forest that extends out into the wide savanna grassland of QENP. You will see chimpanzees and other types of primates, like the Black-and-white Colobus and Vervet monkeys. There is also an abundance of birds too. Here, hippos lie lazily in water, elephants and antelopes come to drink and cool themselves at the river.

Day 10: Queen Elizabeth NP- Bwindi Imprenetrable NP
Next day take a 2-hour journey to the Ishasha sector of QENP. Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions. Your guide would know the best spots. Of course the park has a lot more to offer: You will see Topi antelopes, Uganda kobs, Water bucks, elephant herds, before leaving for Bwindi.

Day 11: Bwindi Impenetrable NP - gorilla tracking
This is a full day of sighting primates like golden monkeys, or special mountain birds, like the African Paradise-Flycatcher. After this wonderful experience, your Safari-Guide will drive you back to your lodging. Here you can relax and reflect on the fantastic experiences of the day, while having a drink.

Day 12: Bwindi Impenetrable NP – Lake Mburo NP
1/2 day visit with the locals. Visit plantations and enjoy the local produce. Meet the locals and eat local dishes. Fun fun fun!

Day 13: Lake Mburo NP – Entebbe
Visit the Lake and enjoy an hour ride on quad bike and later enjoy a bonus trip to the Equator.

Day 14: Entebbe
Last day of your safari. Your guide will transfer you to Entebbe for your departure and organize for any last minute shopping trips you need to take.

White water rafting, horseback riding, bungee jumping on the River Nile

Crazy on the Nile Adventure: A Wright Safaris River Adventure offered in partnership with Dynamik Safaris.

3 days: Kampala-Jinja-The Nile-Kampala

Tour highlights
White water rafting, ATV/quad bike, Horse back riding, Bungee jumping, Boat ride, River, Jungle, Cliffs, Hilltops, Sugar and Tea plantations

Day 1: Kampala - Jinja
Leave Kampala early in the morning and journey to Jinja the adventure capital of East Africa. Jinja is even more popular because it sits on the banks of the great River Nile. The Longest and arguably the most adventurous river in the world.

FULL DAY RAFTING - Start on full day of grade 5 white water rafting. As the river meanders through the beautiful scenery, we guide the rafts into the mighty challenges of some of the best grade 5 rapids in the world. Twelve major rapids are rafted plus lots of lower grade runs; all selected to maximize your safety and fun.

BBQ Dinner-relax and watch the day’s action recorded on DVD. You can purchase a personal copy.

DAY 2: JINJA
QUAD BIKE SAFARI (3 hours + practice)– Embark on a guided ATV (quad bike) game-viewing safaris and discover the Nile on the morning ride of your life as you ride through the beaten tracks. This will could be the biggest dose of fun anywhere in East Africa.

Have a sumptous lunch. Explore the local menu and enjoy!

NILE HORSE BACK SAFARI (3 Hours)- Nile horse back riding is one of the latest adventure activities to be introduced in Jinja. All horses are calm natured, thorough bred, well schooled and very experienced for horse back trekking. There are few fences in the area we ride so we have access to all types of terrain from river frontage, forest, jungle, hill tops overlooking the Nile and Lake Victoria and the sugar and tea plantations in the area. So bring your camera for some amazing photography opportunities.

SUNSET BUNGEE JUMP – Put your wits to the test. Stretch your imagination. Imagine taking the plunge into 44 meteres of nothingness or just do it. Imagine the bragging rights you'd have.I touched the world’s longest river in a bungee jump spree.

DAY 3: BOAT RIDE and VISIT SOURCE OF THE NILE (2 hours)
Bird lovers will enjoy this boat ride to the source of the Nile. You will get a breathtaking view of multiple species of birds. Thereafter you will go to Kingfisher Resort for lunch and later depart for Kampala arriving some time in the afternoon.

At the end of your trip, you will have a chance to do some City shopping before our departure.

Visit Uganda! Wildlife Safaris, Gorilla Trecking, The Nile and more...

Uganda sits on the west of Kenya. You can get to Uganda by air from Nairobi, or across the western Kenyan border by car or bus. Uganda has some surprises in store for the Safari enthusiast. Sample these deals and other packages we offer in partnership with Dynamik Safaris.

Bike, Ride and Trek Adventure
Feel like something new, something different. This adventure in the heart of Uganda is for you!

4 days: Kampala -Lake Mburo National Park -Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- Kampala

Tour highlights
safari escort, game viewing, ATV bike ride, boat ride, tented camp, campfire dinner, bird sighting, Gorilla trek sumptuous meals.


Day 1: Kampala - Lake Mburo National Park
Leave Kampala early in the morning and take a four hour journey through the breathtaking countryside, with a stop over at the famous equator line before arriving at the Lake Mburo National Park.
Quad Bike Safari(2 hours)– At the park, embark on a guided ATV (quad bike) game-viewing safaris that will give you a real taste of Africa. Feel the warm breeze on your face, savor the sights, sounds, smells of this unique adventure! This is your ride with the animals close by... this is the ride of your life!

Take a break and enjoy a local lunch.

Boat Ride (2 hours)– - The afternoon boat trip takes approximately 2 hours, but if you are the only group on the boat you can choose when to return. You always see Hippo and Crocs and often a big Python as well as many bird species including the rare shoebill stork. Leopards and many other mammal species have been sighted from the boat.

Enjoy dinner by the camp fire (on request). Retire to bed in the tented Banda style accommodation.

Day 2: L.Mburo N.Park - Bwindi Impenetrable N Park
Game Drive(2 hours)– – After breakfast, you will go on a game drive within the park. The park has some spectacular views. The morning is the best time to view the wide variety of game and birds that you missed on the quad bikes and boat ride. This is a great time to see the hyenas returning to their den and hippos returning to the water.

Set-off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a lunch stop in Mbarara town.

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Gorilla Trek
Wake up early to start on our gorilla trek through the thick forests with experienced guides and trackers who will get you as close as possible to these rare primates. This will surely be an unforgettable encounter.

Day 4: Depart for Kampala
After breakfast, head back to Kampala. Don't forget to get some gifts for your loved ones.

Jenga Safari - Do good for Kenya while visiting Kenya

Would you like to go on a safari and do some good at the same time? We advise that you take the Jenga Safari package. Jenga is a swahili word meaning "To Build".

Jenga Safari - Be part of the Jenga Safari Mission... Do Good for the people of Kenya and people of Africa. You can do this by supporting any of the causes or by taking a Safari and visiting/supporting local communities. TWENDE.... LET'S GO!

The Jenga Safari package allows you to mix and match your interests in vacationing and volunteerism. You can take a well deserved vacation with your family or friends and at the same time help people in the communities that you visit.

Some great places to visit on your Jenga Safari:

Jacaranda Special School
Located in Nairobi, Jacaranda Special School is a school for children with special needs. The school has a workshop where graduate students make beautiful jewelry pieces from scratch. Visit and see how they make the jewelry step by step. You can get the jewelry for yourself or as a gift for a loved one. If for some reason you cannot wait to get to Kenya, then just make an order and purchase products online.

Combine this visit with a trip to Village Market - Kenya's premier shopping mall. Make sure you go when the Maasai Market is open so that you may have a chance to purchase local art work and gifts for your family and friends. See here what else you can find in Nairobi .

Maisha International Orphanage
Located in Kisumu area, with an office in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, their vision is to see orphans, destitute children, widows, widowers in Africa succeed in life.

Visit and help children during the The Maisha Arts and Cultural Camp . The children who have lost their parents will be delighted to see you there! Enjoy the arts camp and help with their day to day activities. This life changing camp takes place every summer.

Combine this gig with a trip to Lake Victoria, one of the largest fresh water lakes in Africa that borders Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania. You can get to Lake Victoria within an hour by plane from Nairobi. Our partners Cruizero Safaris will put together a marvelous day of fishing, bird watching and a delightful lunch!

Masters Education Center
Located on the foot of Mt. Kenya, Masters Education Center is a boarding school for 200 students aged between 9 and 15 yrs old. The school focuses on tapping into the talents of the students in order to educate them, to bloom into responsible citizens of the global village.

The school is looking for pen pal or students exchange opportunities with schools in the U.S.A and other countries as well.

Email:mec@kenyaarise.co.ke

Combine this gig with a trip to the surrounding country side. Visit a coffee plantation and learn where your morning coffee truely comes from.. and where your afternoon tea truely comes from....

If you like, you can also check out Mission Trips that are offered by your local church. Combine the mission trip with a Wildlife or Beach Safari and create the ultimate Jenga Safari for you and your loved ones.

Beach Safari:10 reasons to visit Mombasa and neighboring North and South Coast

1. It has rich history dating back to the 14th Century when the Portuguese landed on its shores. Today, Fort Jesus and the town continue to showcase Arabic and Bantu influences to provide an Arab-Swahili flair that is sure to entice you to return over and over again.

2. Fantastic weather.Eight hours of warm sunshine. Just enough for you to customize your own swimming escapade. Take a dip into the sensational beach resort pool or into the warm Indian Ocean. You won't regret it.

3. The warm beach waters and soft white sands are a great surprising gem of the Indian Ocean. This is unlike your cold water, grey beaches of California. Enjoy the coconut and palm trees. Lavish in the bright blue sky and soft ocean breeze.

4. Luxurious hotels and beach resorts, like the Bamburi Beach Hotel offer an array of unparalleled comfort and intoxicating "this is the life" lifestyle, if only for a few days.

Check out a comprehensive listing of Mombasa hotels . This site was recommended by a one of our readers. (See the recommendation/comment posted on 5 Great Websites about Kenya). Thank you blog friend!

5. The islands on the South Coast , Chale, Funzi and Wasini are an absolute marvel. Eating fresh crab and sea weed at Charlie Claw's is an adventure in itself. See for yourself.

6. Great activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, glass bottom boat tours and game fishing if you like that kind of thing.

7. Old coastal towns are a delight. For local food and culture, visit Malindi , Watamu, Ukunda and Lamu. Here you can read about efforts to conserve culture in Lamu, but before you go, check out the retreats in the area. You will be suprised!

8. Visit historical sites like Fort Jesus, Gedi Ruins and imagine what it was like way back when.... Don't forget to go by the Mombasa Tusks. Take your souvenir picture here. It will be a keeper.

9. Friendly and courteous tour guides like those at Monaco Safaris are at your service 24-7. They will pick you up from the airport,drive you to your hotel. Take you on local and cultural tours and provide information that you cannot get anywhere else. Not even your local Kenya tour guide book. Look them up!

10. Its easy to get there. Take a flight (only 45 minutes from Nairobi) or hit the road (about 5 hours by car, 8 hours with an overnight bus). The train is not recommended. It has been known to break down in the middle of nowhere on Christmas Day! If you are coming from the US, UK , Canada, Australia or New Zealand, check this out!

Pictures are linked to original individual sites, so as to give credit to those who posted them.We do not in any way claim to own or possess these pictures. We have posted them for public information purposes.

Kudos to everyone who loves Kenya!

Culture Safari: 10 reasons why you should visit Nairobi

1. It is the capital of Kenya and heartbeat of Sub-Saharan Africa.

2. It will take your breath away. What with it's modern city look, a vibrant culture, different restaurants with surprising offerings such as the local Kenyan cuisine, German, Chinese Indian and more.....

3. It has a great history and is the seat of Government. Check out: Parliament buildings, the High Court of Kenya, City Hall and more....

4. Your curiosity will get the best of you at the Maasai Market where you can buy beautiful carvings, handmade jewelry and unbelievably beautiful pieces for your friends and loved ones.

5. Feel the beat of the city. Walk along the streets and enjoy the sites and sounds and scenes of a growing capital with 3 million people.

6. Enjoy the city streets named after great political personalities:
• Kenyatta Avenue (Jomo Kenyatta -1st President of Kenya)
• Moi Avenue (Daniel Arap Moi- 2nd President of Kenya)
• Kimathi Street (Dedan Kimathi- Freedom Fighter who fought against British colonialism)
• Koinange Street (Mbiyu Koinange - Member of Parliament)
• Ronald Ngala Street (leader of political party KADU that later merged with KANU)
• Haile Selassie Avenue (former Emperor of Ethiopia)

7. A real "Green City in the Sun". This place is as modern as it gets. Skyscrapers, concrete pavements, roads, street lighting, traffic worse than that of Chicago or New York, lush green park and sprawling suburbs that will make you want to stay forever...

8. Considered the Safari capital in the world, offering luxurious hotel accommodations like the Hilton, Holiday Inn, Nairobi Serena Hotel, Panafric Hotel and The Stanley. Go have a business conference, take a mission trip and as always enjoy a safari to the Nairobi National Park.

9. A Great Place for Sport. Here you can enjoy Rugby at the Impala Club, Football (Soccer) at the Coca Cola National Stadium, Cricket at the Nairobi Gymkhana, Horse Racing at the Ngong Race Course and Golf at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Karen Country Club, Muthaiga Country Club or the Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club.

10. You get to go to the world famous Carnivore Restaurant. This is a must visit.Here you will eat more meat that you've ever had in your life and live to tell the tale.

Enjoy!

Here are some of the beautiful scenaries you might enjoy when you are in the Capital City and beyond. Pictures courtesy of site owner.

Pictures are linked to original individual sites, so as to give credit to those who posted them. We do not in any way claim to own or possess these pictures. We have posted them for public information purposes.

Kudos to everyone who loves Kenya!

5 Great Websites on Kenya

Kenya on Flickr
Check out these wonderful pics of Kenya and other places in Africa. I was excited to see the High Court in Nairobi, KICC, City Hall, Mombasa Tasks, Hilton Hotel, Maasai Market and more....You are invited to join this group and post some of your own pictures.

Obama visits! Kenya.com
These pics are the happiest I have seen of our President Barack Obama. Check him out and see the love that he has for his Grandma!

Kenya on Lonely Planet
You will feel the vibe at these top five hot spots. Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Hell's Gate, Tsavo and Mombasa Old Town. Maasai Mara a must visit is listed as number 13!

Kenya on Trip Advisor
You will love these top five hotels: Voyager Beach Resort, Serena Beach Hotel and Spa, Funzi Keys, Travellers Beach Club and Hotel, Castle Royal Hotel. My favourite, Mombasa Beach hotel is 6th out of 20. Yeah! I am not sure why the Whitesands Hotel, another favourite,is not listed.

Kenya on Virtual Tourist
Wow! you are going to love these Nairobi hotels: Hilton Nairobi, Sarova Stanley, InterContinental Nairobi, Holiday Inn Nairobi, Norfolk Hotel, and Jacaranda.

I must mention my dream hotel, Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club. This is where I wanted to spend at least one day and night on our wedding anniversary in 2007. Maybe next time.

The Kenya you don't know!

Wright Safaris is committed to sharing positive images and stories about Kenya.

"The Kenya you don't know"gives you an idea of what the local people do in in their day to day activities.

what the locals do for work
Lawyers, Professors, Politician , Firefighters, Doctors, Nurses, Engineers, Bankers and Bank Tellers, Teachers, Sales Managers, Architects, Secretaries, Program Coordinators, Hair Stylists, Business Owners, Farmers, Agricultarist, Restaurant Owner, Waiters, and more..... The country has to run right?

Where locals get services
Money? Banks, Forex Bureau
Sick? Hospitals, Clinics
Education? Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary/ High Schools, Colleges, Universities
Food? Farms, Supermarkets, Local Garden, Restaurant, Hotel
Cars? Car Dealers, Classifieds
Car Repair? Auto Shops/ Car Repair
Gas? Petrol/ Gas Stations
Medicine? Pharmacies, Clinic, Hospitals
Hair? Hair Salon and Barber Shop
Transport? Taxi, Matatu, Bus, Car Rental
Cell Phones? Cell phone provider
Clothes? Shops, Boutiques
TV? Local or Cable subscription
Radio? Local
Books? Bookstore
Insurance? Insurance providers
Houses? For rent, for purchase advertised
Photos? Photo Studios, Photographer
Internet? cybercafes, home, offices
and more......

what the people do on Saturdays

go shopping at the supermarket
take the kids out
go out and meet friends
attend a wedding
go upcountry to visit the family
spend sometime in the garden
and more.....

what the people do on Sundays
go to church
hang out with family
relax at home
read the Sunday paper
and more.....

what children do on a daily basis
go to school
play with friends
read books
eat lunch at school
eat dinner with their families
and more.....

where people work
at banks
in hospitals
in offices
at restaurants
at home
in schools
and more......

where people get their food
in their gardens
at the market
at the supermarket
at kiosks
and more......

where people go to have fun
the park
the restaurant
the club
the garden
the movies
the soccer game
a friend's place
the families
and more......

what events take place
Pre-Wedding
Weddings
Family get together
Birthday parties
Market days
Graduations
Evangelical crusades
Religious events
Agricultural show
Car show
and more.....

what holidays to the people enjoy
most people get these days off and relax at home with family, go out for a treat or watch TV.
New Year's Day
Easter Holiday - Good Friday, the weekend and Easter Monday - 4 solid days
Madaraka Day ( June 1st, 1963)
Kenyatta Day ( October 20th)
Jamuhuri Day ( Dec 12th, 1963) Kenya gained independence from Britain
Christmas (25th December)
New Years (26th December)
and more......

what people do on Christmas Holiday - typically shops and offices shut down for about two weeks in December and about one week on the New Year
Have a feast - huge dinner with family on Christmas Day.
Relax on Boxing day with family and friends
and more.....

what do the kids when on a school break - School Holidays are in the entire months of April, August and December
borrow and read books from the libraries
tend to a garden
work the farm
visit with friends
watch movies
play games
and more......

If you have anything you wish us to add, please let us know.

Travelling to Kenya

Things you need to know before traveling to Kenya:

What you need to carry:
Before you leave home: You will need:

• Passport
• Visa
• Money
• Clothes
• Vaccinations.
  
• You may need wide beamed hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, flash light, medical kit for emergency situations. Don't worry much though, you can get the basic stuff at a local supermarket.
  
  Electricity:
  220/240v if using an electric appliance like a hair dryer, shaver, i-pod or cell-phone use an appliance adapter and a 3 point square available at Walmart, Radio shack and airports, and local supermarkets.
  
  Kenya the country:
  
  A Beautiful country! Independent and sovereign
  Kenya is a former British colony. (1920-1963). It has a lot of British influence
  
  Location: Eastern part of Africa, off the coast of Indian Ocean.
  
  Neighboring countries: North- Sudan, South- Tanzania, North East- Somalia , East, Indian Ocean, West Uganda and Lake Victoria.
  
  Size: 586,600km sq.
  
  Population: 30 million
  
  Languages: English and Kiswahili are the official languages.
  Religion:Christianity with various denominations. Baptist, Anglican, Protestant, Catholic.
  Islam.You will find Churches, Mosques and other religious centers.
  
  Cities:
  The major cities are Nairobi, the capital city, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Naivasha
  

Local airports :Wilson Airport, Eldoret airport and Kisumu Airport

Arrival: International Airports:
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport- Nairobi and Moi International Airport- Mombasa
Local airlines provide air services within the country. 45 minute flight from Nairobi to Mombasa or Kisumu
Other transport: taxi/cab, matatu, bus, car/van rentals.

Climate and weather:

Temperate weather mostly comfortable
No winters or summers, just like spring or fall
Rainy season April/May and October/November
Coastal region: warm and humid
Highlands: cool and humid
North/ North East: hot and dry

Dress:
Male: Formal occasions: Shirt, tie, dress suit, belt, shoes and socks. For casual occasions full pants or jeans, casual shirt, casual jacket, sweater, sweatshirt.

Female: Formal occasions: skirt suit or pant suit with blouse, dress with jacket and shoes. Casual occasions: blouse, tee, skirt, dress, pants, jeans, sweater, sweatshirt, jacket.

Church attendance, eating out or going out is considered a formal occasion. People generally dress up. Older people typically dress formal. Younger people however dress casual.

At the coast you find towns like Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu. These areas and the south coast the weather is warmer. Remember that while on the beach and at the hotels/resorts, it is okay to wear shorts, tees, slippers (flip flops) swim suits and tie ups. Cover up if leaving the hotel.

Money
Currency: Kenya Shilling. The exchange rate varies. Check out the yahoo-finance for exchange rate information. Range between $1= Ksh 67-80 (depending on the economy)

Forex Bureaus are available for currency exchange. It is advised that you carry little cash ( small denominations) and the rest of your money in travelers cheques. Forex Bureaus can be found at hotels, shopping areas. Banks also have foreign currency counters.

Public display of money is not advised. Wallets, handbags and valuables should not be in sight.

Accommodation
Depends on your budget and your personal interests
Hotels/Resorts/Safari Lodges Different star ratings and in various locations, full or half board
(breakfast, lunch or dinner included). Hotel rates vary with each hotel or resort.
Camping - private camps offer fully furnished tents and related amenities available
Look out for beautiful traditional art and decor.

Amenities: Rooms with shower, bath tub, toilet, restaurants and pubs, swimming pools, spas, gyms, shuttle service to and from tour sites.

Eating out: Most hotels have restaurants. To experience local tastes, go to the privately owned mom and pops restaurants. Food is served buffet style or a la carte.

Cuisine: Local Kenyan and English
Other: Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Ethiopian, Italian, German.

Food you will find:

Chips (fries) and sausage or humburger, fruit salad (delicate mix of local fresh fruit), Rice and beef stew, fried fish or fried chicken, mukimo (mashed corn, peas or kale and potatoes), mashed potatoes, soups ( tomatoe, pumpkin, carrot).

Food you must try:

• chapati (tortilla like)
• samosa (spicy ground beef bound in pastry)
• meat pie (beef in pastry)
• kidney pie ( kidney in pastry)
• mandazi ( a bit like a donut)
• mutura (local sausage)
• ugali (white corn bread)
• porridge (brown or white malt o meal)

Drinks you must try
fresh orange, passion and pineapple juices

Where to go for a local experience:

• visit a school (the children will sing and dance for you)
• visit a game park (see the animals in the wild),
• beach ( enjoy the ocean and white sand)
• visit local tea and coffee farms (and buy some coffee and tea)
• go to local market ( buy fresh fruits and vegetables)
• maasai Market (buy some gifts for your family)
• attend a wedding
• stay with a family for a night or two

Movies
Major movie theaters show the latest movies and can be found downtown Nairobi at Kenya cinema, Nairobi cinema 20th Century, Sarit Center, Westlands, Village Market, Gigiri, Nairobi cinema,

Shopping and Entertainment
City shops
Nairobi offers great mall experiences at: Village Market- Gigiri has an outdoor food court
Sarit Center-Westlands has an in door food court, The Mall- Westlands

Supermarkets
Nakumatt and Uchumi- carry typical supermarket products
Kiosks can be found in most neighbourhoods (Estates). They sell basic items and in smaller proportions.

Souvenior shopping
Maasai market is very popular. Locally made items known as Curios,(wood and statue carvings), batiks, belts, key rings, art work, sandals and clothing are sold at good prices.

Radio
24 hour radio
Radio shows you might hear: Capital FM,

TV
local channels, cable
News broadcasts in English and Kiswahili
TV shows you might see: 24, Desparate Housewives, Prison Break, Days of our lives, Oprah

Newspapers
Local: Daily Nation, East African Standard, Kenya Leo, Taifa Leo
International newspapers can be found at a local newpaper stall
Local magazines as well as magazines from Europe and America can be found at local magazine stands

Internet
Internet cafes can be found all over the city. It costs about 1 kshs / minute
Hotels offer business centers with internet access.

Telephones
Cell-phones are cheap and can be bought in any supermarket and cell-phone company outlet:
Phone credit can be purchased for as little as Ksh250 (under $4.00)
Calling Kenya: 011254 + your local number cell phone ( 0722-xyz-abc) 011-254-722-xyz-abc
Calling from Kenya remember to put in your international country code
Post Office
You can mail letters, postcards and parcels at any Post Office to any country in the world.

The night scene
Clubs are popular, restaurants open late. Always make sure you have a taxi to get you to your hotel.

Words you might want to know
English words with different meaning
Soda - pop/soda
Boot- trunk
Bonnet-hood
House- apartment, townhouse, bungalow
Chips- Fries
Biscuit- cookie
Petrol- Gas
Petrol station- Gas station
Brolley- Umbrella


Kiswahili words commonly used
Sasa! Hi
Ndiyo! Yes
Hapana! No
Sina pesa! I don’t have money
Jina Langu ni Bob . My Name is Bob
Unaitwa nani? What is your name
Busi- Bus Gari- Car
Numbari - number
Chakula- food
Maji-water

Business:
Employers. Government, Banks, City Council, Insurance companies, Accounting firms, Private law firms, Medical Institutions, Research, Mortgage companies, Universities, Restaurants, Schools, Hospitals, NGO (non for profit),Churches, News, Radio and TV companies etc

Industries: Farming, Tourism, Finance, Education, Medical, Transport, Sport, Retail, Manufacturing, Housing development, Food and Entertainment, Media and Communication

Embassies: Most countries have an embassy or consulate in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya

Camping Safari by Key Safaris

Our in country travel specialist provides this package. Check this out! It's a safari full of drama and adventure!

9 DAYS: MOMBAS- TSAVO WEST- AMBOSELI - LAKE NAKURU- MASAI MARA-NAIROBI

DAY 1: MOMBASA - TSAVO WEST

From Mombasa, your guide will pick you up and drive on the North Great Road to the Tsavo National Park. This park is the location of Africa's most famous and tragic story. "The Man Eaters of Tsavo". Two lions attacked and ate over 500 men during the building of the Kenya - Uganda railway. This railway was named the "Lunatic Line " by it's opponents in the British Parliament in 1898. This true and sad story is detailed in the 1996 movie "The Ghost and the Darkness."

Today, this 21,000 sq km park, divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, is safe and is a magical paradise! It is one of the largest parks in the whole world, a haven to over 1000 plant species, 400 bird species and more than 60 major mammal species.

On your guided game drive, you will see Lions, huge herds of Buffalo, the solitary and ill-tempered Rhino and at least 7000 Elephants

Lunch will be served at the Kilaguni Serena Lodge, situated in the heart of the park (Tsavo West). Relax and enjoy a quite afternoon in your own room or read a magazine or your favourite book on the verandah (patio) overlooking the famous waterhole and the breathtaking snowcapped Mt. Kilimanjaro. Each of the 53 rooms has a private bathroom with sink, shower and toilet.

Dinner & overnight at are all taken care of courtesy of KILANGUNI SERENA LODGE or similar (BLD).

DAY 2: TSAVO WEST- AMBOSELI

After an early morning breakfast, drive to Amboseli National Park through the statan lava plateau. Beautifully situated beneath the foot of Africa's highest mountain Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m), the park was where famous writers like Sir Ernest Hemingway and Robert Ruark tailored their stories of big game hunting in the wilds of Africa.

Experience their stories on your own personal tailored game drive. You will see huge herds of Elephants, Giraffes, Bushbucks, Kudu, Warthogs, Zebras and over 425 species of birds. You will also visit with and get to know the Masai people, native to this land. These tall and brave, nomadic people live in close harmony with the environment and the wildlife that surrounds them.

Lunch at the Ol-Tukai Lodge. The lodge is camouflaged in a forest of fever trees, yellow barked acacia trees, palms and dramatic artistic cottages with rooms that offer a breathtaking view of the magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro and the surrounding wetlands. Relax in the Acacia tree shaded swimming pool, or enjoy a book from a well-stocked library all in view of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

After an afternoon game drive, have a relaxing drink at the open-air bar and after dinner return to enjoy the night sounds of the forest. Ol- Tukai Lodge (BLD)

DAY 3: AMBOSELI

Take your cameras and get ready for an early morning game drive. This is the perfect time to take pictures to share with your loved ones back home.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and some R&R "rest and relaxation", sunbathing, swimming quite time. Lunch is served before your next afternoon game drive. Dinner is served while you relax and share your experiences with friends and family. All meals and overnight at Ol-Tukai Lodge or similar. (BLD).

DAY4: AMBOSELI - LAKE NAKURU

After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru, located in the Rift Valley of Kenya. The lake sits 1750m above sea level and is a natural habitat for birds and wildlife. Birdwatchers come from all over the world to see the greatest bird spectacle on earth: over one million pink flamingos spread across the lake, like a pink blanket on water.

This area is a national preservation for the protection of over 450 species of birds, endangered wildlife such as the Rhino and is also home to Columbus monkeys, Leopards, Giraffes, and a variety of plain Antelope. Enjoy Lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge, which provides comfortable accommodations that blend perfectly well with the natural surroundings. Animals come close enough and provide captivating unforgettable moments for photos and video. Enjoy numerous amenities, the open air bars overlooking the lake or take a dip in the glittering swimming pool.

Take an afternoon game drive around the lakeshore and return to dinner at the lodge where you can enjoy a peaceful night sleep (BLD).

Day5: LAKE NAKURU - MASAI MARA

After breakfast, drive to the world famous Masai Mara Game (Wildlife) Reserve. This park is a must see. It’s rolling grasslands and acacia savannah have time and again been part of a great safari itinerary. This is home to the "Big Five" (Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Rhino) and over 450 bird species. In July and August the spectacular annual migration takes place. Over a million wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and other animals cross the Mara river into southern Kenya from the Serengeti in northern Tanzania. This is a scene to behold. During the crossing, hundreds of animals jump into the river, clamoring on top of each other, each trying to get across the ferocious and fast moving river waters. Others are killed by the ferocious African crocodiles.

Many make it through to provide an exciting opportunity for Photo Safari in the months before they head south again. This crossing gives true meaning to the phrase "Survival of the fittest". Enjoy lunch at the luxurious Mara Sarova Tented Camp. This camp is a combination of luxury and adventure. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with trees and flowers inhabited by a collection of exotic birds and butterflies.

After lunch enjoy the scenery, read a book, sunbathe or take a refreshing dip in the pool. All luxurious tents have permanent roofs, electricity, and en-suite bathroom facilities. Take an afternoon game drive and search of the shy and elusive leopard. Enjoy the rugged roads and watch out for birds larking in the trees.

In the evenings look out for the stunning sunsets. The sun gives out a beautiful glow of orange and yellow as it dips into the African horizon. This will sure warm your heart. This is the perfect opportunity for you to capture the beautiful Mara landscape on film.

After dinner, enjoy the warmth of a roaring log fire, and the star lit African sky before going to bed. All meals will be served at the Mara Sarova Luxury Tented Camp.

DAYS 6 & 7: MASAI MARA

Take an early morning game drive and return to camp for breakfast. Relax and enjoy your quite time, at the swimming pool, or around the camp. Later, in the afternoon return to the wilderness in search of wild game, such as Thomson's and Grant's Gazelle, Elephants, Lions, and Rhinos. All meals will be served at the Mara Sarova Luxury Tented Camp.

DAY 08: MASAI MARA - NAIROBI

After breakfast, your guide will drive you back to Nairobi arriving in time for lunch.
Later in the evening, enjoy a complimentary dinner at the world famous Carnivore Restaurant, considered " Africa's greatest eating experience" This is barbecue at its best. Dance the night away at the "Simba Saloon" one of the cities most popular night clubs.

Spend the night at the Nairobi Safari Club an all-suite hotel in the city. Enjoy the amenities. Swimming pool, sauna, exercise gym are there for your pleasure. Do your last minute shopping in the gift shop located in the lobby (BB).

DAY 09: NAIROBI - AIRPORT

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your scheduled International departure flight.

Enjoy your Safari!

Note:
All meals are provided as part of your Safari. They are provided in comfortable dining setting with china and silverware. The lodges/camps named in this itinerary may change according to availability.

Beautiful Sceneries by Exotic Expeditions

Travel Seasons

High Season: 3rd January - 31st January 2009 /1st March - 31st March 2009/ 1st June - 30th June 2009
Peak Season: 1st February - 28th February 2009 / 1st July - 31st October 2009 / 23rd December 2009 - 2nd January 2010
Low Season: 1st April - 31st May 2009 / 1st November - 22nd December 2009

We offer this popular Wildlife Safari with our preferred travel partner, Exotic Expeditions.


NAIROBI – MT. KENYA - SWEETWATERS – SAMBURU – NAKURU – MAASAI MARA
8 nights 9 days

BB – Bed & breakfast
HB – Half Board
FB – Full Board
AI – All Inclusive

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

On arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met by an Exotic Expedition representative, who will transfer you to your overnight hotel to relax, unwind and have a meal. FAIRVIEW HOTEL / COUNTRY LODGE (BB)

Day 2: Nairobi – Mt. Kenya
0700 hrs: You will be picked up from your hotel, for a drive north to the Mt. Kenya region viewing the coffee, pineapple and tea plantations. Stopover at the largest open air market south of the Sahara (The Karatina Market). Meals and overnight at SERENA MOUNTAIN LODGE or similar lodge (FB)

Day 2: Mt. Kenya – Sweetwaters
After breakfast drive northwards to Samburu Game Reserve where you get to see animals only found to the north of the Equator including Grevy’s Zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beissa Oryx, gerenuk, Somali ostrich and also the ‘Big Five’ among other plains game. Meals and overnight at SAMBURU SERENA LODGE/ SAMBURU SOPA LODGE (FB)

Day 4: Samburu
Full day in the reserve to enjoy game drives at your leisure. Meals and overnight at SAMBURU SERENA LODGE / SAMBURU SOPA LODGE (FB)

Day 5: Samburu - Sweetwaters
After an early morning game drive have an early lunch and depart south to Sweetwaters Game Reserve, a privately owned 22,000 acre reserve. Enjoy magnificent views across the game-studded plains to the snow capped peaks of Mount Kenya. The camp offers an overlooking waterhole. Guests have the unforgettable opportunity of watching and photographing animals in their natural habitat. Enjoy an evening game drive in the reserve. Meals and overnight at SWEETWATERS TENTED CAMP. (FB)

Day 6: Sweetwaters - Nakuru
After breakfast visit the one of a kind Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Shortly after, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park to arrive in time for lunch. After lunch depart for your first game drive in search of Rhino, Lion, Baboons and not forgetting the famous greater and lesser flamingoes which are the spectacle of Lake Nakuru. Meals and overnight at SAROVA LION HILL LODGE or similar lodge. (FB)

Day 7: Nakuru – Maasai Mara
Drive to the famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve which is famous for the wildebeest’s migration. Have an afternoon game drive. Meals and overnight at MARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE / MARA SOPA LODGE (FB)

Day 8: Maasai Mara
Full day in the Mara with game viewing. Game to be seen includes Zebra, Giraffe, Antelopes, Hyena and virtually every type of wildlife available in Kenya. Its home to all the big five (Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, and the Rhino). Besides mammals, over 350 bird species have been recorded here. Visit the Maasai Village where you learn about the Maasai culture and their way of life. Meals and overnight at MARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE / MARA SOPA LODGE. (FB)

Day 9: Maasai Mara - Nairobi
Have an early morning game drive and return to your lodge for a scrumptious breakfast. After breakfast drive back to Nairobi. Drop off at your hotel or transfer to the airport for departure back home.

For this type of Safari, plan for about $1999 (2 pax) or $1599 (7 pax)

If you plan on taking a shorter trip, we will customize the safari to suit your needs.

5 Easy Steps to planning your Safari!

Its really that simple. Only 5 easy steps!

Step One:

Check out the basic Safari information

Wildlife, Beach, Culture and Jenga Safaris

Read about the Summer 2007 Safari Adventure and get a feel of what you might get.

Step Two:

Set up a General Information Session

via email

Step Three:

Safari Itinerary Design

A representative will help you work out an Itinerary to suit your needs

Groups

Couples

Individuals

Step Four:

Safari Consultation

• Airtickets
• Visas
• Passport
• Vaccinations
• Hotel and Lodge Bookings

Step Five:

Final Briefing and you are on your way.

Coming next: About Kenya: The Wright Safari series!

To book your safari: mysafari@wrightsafaris.com

visit our website: www.wrightsafaris.com

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