Source: www.coastweek.com
LOCALS TOURISTS SHOULD SAVOUR THE MOMENT AND TAKE
ADVANTAGE OF BARGAIN BASEMENT ACCOMODATION OFFERS
Coastweek - - Remember the 'good old days' before tourism really took hold in Kenya ? The days that you could view an animal in peace without 50 mini buses crowding round to take a peek, the days when the lodges attracted game, not just for the water, but for the browsing of the cropped grasses and the haven of peace they provided ?
Well those days are back and what a joy they are, writes CAROL HARDMANN
Having just returned from both Tsavo East in January and Tsavo West last week I can testify that we had the best ever safaris without any chattering hoards, any mini buses full of loud, ill-mannered tourists who always manage to show up at the most inopportune moments, with the camp staff bending over backwards to make sure we enjoyed our unique stay.
It is well worth shopping around for the best deals available but with tourism almost non-existent this is the time for locals to savour the moment and take advantage of what will probably never come again.
Staying at Tahri Camp in Tsavo East is always a pleasure but with just we four and a small group from the South Coast is was wonderful - you can even enjoy sundowners round the bar without the constant cry of 'due mummia di elefanti' echoing around the place.
With only approximately 35 cars in the Park the whole of last week the animals were relaxed and looking healthy having been allowed to hunt undisturbed for the past month or so...just as it should be.
[Phone Margrit on 0722 682892 for further details.]
Tsavo West last week was truly magnificent.
Empty, majestic, untamed Africa at its best.
The Severin Kitani Camp did us proud and even though we had booked the tents furthest away from the bar, there was absolutely no need as we were their only guests.
The camp offers excellent facilities with superior tents and great cuisine.
[For further details phone 041 472213.]
Maybe you might like to venture further so why not try Duma Camp in the Mara.
They are currently doing a fantastic package with three nights for the price of two.
Included in the package are return flights from Mombasa/ Mara on Fly540 Aviation or Mombasa Air Safari, full board accommodation, laundry, airstrip transfers, Mara airstrip main-tenance fee, game drives and mineral water on game drives.
Non residents US$820, while residents are only Kshs.39,500 per person sharing, this offer is for a minimum of four people.
Excludes: Park fees, items of a personal nature, all alcoholic beverages and sodas.
Package is valid from now until 15th June 08.
[Contact Jmar Safaris Ltd at info@jmarsafaris.com]
With the new Mombasa - Nairobi road all but completed the Parks are a mere two and a half hours drive away ... so go on, what are you waiting for, take that safari that you have been promising yourself for ages and seize the moment.
There has to be an upside of Kenya's sad state of affairs and for the residents of Kenya, this is it.
But what if you don't want to go that far a field ?
Don't forget all the wonderful touristy things to do right here in Mombasa.
Last week on Valentine's Day we took our intrepid UK visitors on the Severin Dhow trip around Mombasa Harbour for the Mombasa by Night extravaganza - and what fun it was.
Tudor Creek looks so different from the water and the staff on the dhow were great.
I was particularly taken with the minstrels.
Landing at the jetty in Old Town we wandered up through the deserted streets in the evening twilight to Fort Jesus where we enjoyed an excellent Son et Lumière showing the history of the Fort and Mombasa Town in general - I even feel I know a smidgen more about the fabulous history of the place.
An excellent dinner was served in the grounds of Fort Jesus and we all enjoyed the dramatic torch bearers which concluded the performance.
[The Severin Dhow can be booked through JM Booking Office on 041 5487368 please note ten people are required for this trip so either get a private party together or phone and see when others are booking as well.]
