São Tomé and Príncipe

This small, undiscovered paradise, located in the Atlantic Ocean near Gabon, has been a Portuguese colony for centuries. The islands remained uninhabited before the Portuguese arrived with their ships fully loaded with slaves from the African continent. The old plantation houses, canals, religion and colourful buildings are a few remains of their stay. Many plantations were led by Portuguese colonialists. They harvested lots of cocoa and coffee. During the nineteenth century it was a leading cocoa producing country. Since 1991 the country has been governed democratically and it still is a stable democracy.

The island of São Tomé is the larger of the two, and combines relatively well-developed infrastructure with rich natural wonders and a magnificent cultural heritage, while on the island of Príncipe, it is very easy to feel like the first explorer ever to have set foot on the island. On São Tomé you can visit the old city centre, the lively market and discover its dramatic landscapes of torrents and waterfalls and golden coloured sand beaches. On Príncipe you will tick endemic birds and plants of your list. Since scientists have discovered new species, it is quite possible you will spot some exotic, not really known organisms. The golden beaches and bright blue sea give you an opportunity to snorkel, catch fish, dive or relax. The island is also famous for its flying fish and blue marlin, which is the national symbol. There are great opportunities to catch a immense Wahoo or Sailfish too. You can also explore the magnificent cocoa plantations, hike through the rainforests or to the top of the famous volcano Pico Papagaio. During the hike it is very well possible to observe some parrots and primates. When you are in the bush the pure and wild sounds overwhelm you. The people are very hospital and friendly, so sharing a beer with them is really enjoyable. You can taste their homemade alcoholic drink, cacharamba, too.

Each season offers it’s own highlights. It is a great adventure to fish between May and October, because you can target the Blue Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna and Dorado, while the impressive humpback whales are swimming alongside the archipelago. São Tomé and Príncipe are home to several turtle species, like the Green turtle, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill and Leatherback, of which two are critically endangered at this moment and we are motivated to increase the numbers, so they will survive. Organised trips, from September till March, offer you an opportunity to watch these turtles laying their eggs or to observe some little turtles crawling to the ocean, setting their first steps in a long journey that only ends when they return years later to continue the life cycle on exactly the same beach.

Africa’s Eden is a company that organises trips all year round on these islands with great variety. They offer you an all-inclusive journey with their own luxurious accommodation on both islands. You can drive their quad bikes or cars to discover the island. This company works according the concept tourism pays for conservation, meaning profits generated by Africa’s Eden are reinvested in the area to ensure continued and economically sustainable protection. I am working for this company at this moment and will go to São Tomé and Príncipe very soon. During my stay I will report my activities on www.bushdrums.com. You already can visit our site to read our development plan for Príncipe (www.Africas-Eden.com). An article about this wonderful archipelago is recently published in a so-called magazine ‘Geographical’ (October 2010, www.geographical.co.uk)

Further updates about this project as well as room for questions and discussions are found in our Bush-Talk Forum by following this link: Introduction to São Tomé and Príncipe Sustainable Tourism Project

Silole Sanctuary

Just an hours’s drive from the city, the Silole Sanctuary is private land adjoining the Nairobi National Park, a rich landscape of rolling plains situated between the deep gorges of the Embakasi & Kiserian rivers.

The Sanctuary is an ideal location to get away from the city without travelling distances & sacrificing time & expense. Four hundred acres of private land, this periurban oasis is home to 60 species of mammal, species of birds & a rich diversity of flora reflecting the various habitats (riverine forest, grassland plain & valley thicket) found within it.

Things to do in the Sanctuary include walking (with or without guides), swimming at the Masai Lodge pool, rock climbing in the rocky river gorges, bird-watching and of course, game-driving in the Nairobi National Park, which is accessible through the Masai Gate, which opens on to the Sanctuary.

Silole Lodge

Masai Lodge is a 35-bed lodge marvelously situated within the Sanctuary on a cliff-edge overlooking the Embakasi river with fine views over the Nairobi National Park.Besides its comfortable accommodation in en-suite rooms, delicious food & excellent service provided by friendly staff, the Lodge boasts a beautiful swimming pool, a la carte restaurant & conference facilities.

Attractions & facilities include:

• Swimming pool
• En suite cottages
• Football pitch
• Trekking in the Sanctuary with Masai guides
• Game drives in the Nairobi National Park
• Transfers from JKIA Airport on a 24 hour basis with one hour access from airport to hotel through the Nairobi National Park.

Why suffer being stuck in the notorious Nairobi Park traffic jams getting into the city when you can be relaxing in Masai Lodge an hour after leaving the airport?
Ideal for team building weekends, conferences or just to get out of the city melee for a while, Masai Lodge is located in a quiet & peaceful natural environment very far from the city hubbub just an hour’s drive away.

For current tariff & charges for staying at the Lodge, please contact the Silole Sanctuary directly.

Silole Villa

Silole Villa is a very private 3-bedroom house with the most breathtaking views over the Nairobi National Park set in it’s own six acres within the Silole Sanctuary. Commanding the Kingfisher gorge, which runs into the Embakasi river, it is not uncommon to see wild black rhinos or other big game animals down in the valley below. Unquestionably, this is one of the best sited houses in the Nairobi area.

An experienced chef will ensure that you have excellent meals in between game-driving in the national park, walking in the Sanctuary, swimming at the Lodge or just relaxing at home. With hot water, electricity & a well –equipped kitchen, Silole Villa is all you need for a relaxing, and luxurious weekend retreat.

The villa contains two double bedrooms and a large studio space for children, with a single bedroom available in the Study as an extra if required.

Masai guides are available to take you walking in the Sanctuary where a wide range of creatures, both dangerous & benign, can be observed at close quarters.
Security in the Sanctuary is good, with day & night askaris discreetly on duty & the manager on the adjoining property.

You should provide your own alcohol, although all other food & beverages are provided.
To stay at this unique property, it will cost 20,000 Kenya shillings per night WITH FOOD & Chef OR 10,000 Kenya shillings on a self-catering basis. Catering terms apply to a maximum of 4 adults. Extra adults catered for at an extra 1,000 Kenya shillings each. All children are free.

Silole Cottage

Perhaps the ultimate Nairobi get-away, Silole Cottage is an idyllic 2 bedroom thatched cottage with wonderful views over the rolling plains of the Nairobi National Park.
In the middle of the Silole Sanctuary, with good security, hot water & a solar system backed up by a generator, Silole Cottage is all you need for a cheap weekend away from the city routine.

The cottage has loft spaces ideal for children above the two en-suite bedrooms & a cosy verandah overlooking the park.

Drive yourself here, just an hour from the city and you have the Nairobi National Park on your doorstep, the Masai Gate being just 5 minutes drve away.. Dikdik and warthog can be seen on the lawn & giraffe & eland (not to mention big cats) visit at night.

There are very varied walks within the Sanctuary: looking for pythons along the Embakasi or rock-climbing up the cliffs of the Kiserian gorge & Masai guides are available if you wish. The Masai Gate of the park is just 5 minutes drive away, ideal for early morning & late evening game-drives.

Silole Cottage has a small but well-equipped kitchen.
You should bring your own food & alcohol as required.

Contact Details

MAWENI & CAPRICHO BEACH COTTAGES

The Maweni & Capricho Beach Cottages are located on the Kenya's South Coast, 20 km from Mombasa town on a clean and unspoilt Tiwi Beach. The accommodation consists of 36 Cottages all en-suite, ranging from One Bedroom to spacious Four Bedroom Cottages.

Some of the cottages are sea facing while others are built amidst attractive gardens of exotic flowering trees and shrubs. They are all fully furnished & serviced. Our secluded beach guarantees privacy and undisturbed sunbathing.

Maweni and Capricho are enchanting beach cottages, with the elegance and romantic atmosphere of an African village, hence ideal for families and holidaymakers. Cottages are attractively sited in spacious grounds.

Swimming and goggling is safe at all tides making it the perfect destination for people who prefer to enjoy a peaceful setting at their own pace listening to the sea waves and being woken up by birds singing !

Other Facilities Available include:

:

• The Dhow Restaurant
• Swimming Pool
• Laundry Service
• Room service
• House Chefs (advance booking necessary)
• Beach Bon- fires
• Beach Barbeques

Fresh sea food is readily available from our local fishermen, a wide selection of fruits and vegetables are also available every morning.

Shimba Hills Game Reserve and Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary are merely less than 20km from the cottages thus making them ideal for day trips.

Fishing Trips, diving, Safarid and Day Excursion to Shimoni , Wasini & Kisite Marine Park can be arranged.

www.mawenibeach.com

Contacts:
Maweni & Capricho Beach Cottages,
P.O Box 277, Ukunda ,
Tel :+254 40 33 00012
Fax: +254 40 33 00041
Mobile Number: +254 722 328 365 or +254 720 998 258
Email: info@mawenibeach.com
Website: www.mawenibeach.com or www.caprichocottages.com

Satao Elerai Camp

Satao Elerai Camp is located in a quiet, unspoilt, unique setting on a 5000 acre private conservation area 10 kms south east of Amboseli National Park at the foot of Africa’s Largest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. The camp looks down onto the Amboseli National Park in one direction and up to Mt Kilimanjaro in the other direction, giving clients what is arguably the best location of any camp in Amboseli.

The camp currently has 5 large luxurious lodge style rooms with large bathrooms equipped with a bath and shower with hot water provided by eco friendly solar units. By end of this year there will also be 10 luxurious en suite mountain facing tents.

The Satao Elerai project is a community project that has been along time in the making. The project has been a concerted effort between the owners, The African Wildlife Foundation and The Elerai community. The concept is to provide a sustainable income from tourism for the Masai community in the area and to try and ensure that it is in the communities interest to protect the wildlife for generations to come. Amboseli has been a location where human-wildlife conflict has been an issue for many years, and it is projects like these that can over time ensure that communities start to benefit from wildlife and to ensure they invest in protecting and securing their future for their own benefit.

One of the biggest advantages of Satao Elerai Camp is that being located on its own private conservation area clients have the chance to view wildlife in private surroundings. In addition we also offer clients the chance to enjoy spectacular bush sundowners, night game drives and game walks on the conservancy,activities that are not available to the lodges located within the park.

Rooms

The rooms at Satao Elerai Camp were built and designed to ensure that your stay will be in complete luxury. Huge beds with top quality mattresses and pillows and a large luxurious duvet ensure that you will sleep through the night in total comfort. Large sliding doors open out onto your own private verandah overlooking the plains below and Amboseli National Park. Each room has its own bathroom with a view, equipped with bath tub, shower, sink and flush toilet. Designed using natural rock and acacia wood the bathrooms have a design and feel unique to Elerai.

All meals at Satao Elerai Camp are served a la carte. Using locally grown vegetables and fruit our chefs prepare a wide variety of dishes to suit all tastes. On a clear night tables are set out on the terrace where clients can enjoy a meal under the stars. Regularly the Mountain will be clear early evening and can be seen lit up by the moon from your dinner table. If you have any special requests for meals please let us know in advance and our chefs would be happy to meet your requirements.

Contact Details

Satao Elerai Camp
P.O. Box 90653
MOMBASA
KENYA
Tel: +254-11-475074/5/6
471948/60/71
Fax: +254-11-473533, 471257

SALA’S CAMP

LOCATION

Straddling the Sand River at the southern end of the Maasai Mara, Sala’s Camp lies within the spectacular Mara National Reserve itself. The Mara is the most famous and most visited reserve in Kenya, an area of savannah and grassland, approx 1510sq kms, at an altitude of 5000ft.

Being in a pristine wilderness area with prolific wildlife, the camp is situated in the centre of the Wildebeest migration routes. The camp nestled in a shaded forest looks southwards into the Northern Serengeti and Tanzania beyond.

ACCESS

By air: 40 minutes from Nairobi by Schedule or private charter into Keekorok airstrip.

By road: Four hours drive from Nairobi, along the Nairobi-Narok Road, and then towards Sekenani gate, past Keekorok and on towards Roan Hill (35 mins west of Keekorok airstrip).

DESCRIPTION

Sala’s Camp has the good fortune to be located on the convergence of 2 rivers, and in the heart of the Masai Mara. This secluded spot offers tranquility and tremendous views along the Sand River towards Tanzania and the Serengeti. From your tents you will be able to enjoy an abundance of birdlife and wildlife. The camp prides itself on its owner managed hospitality and impeccable service.

The camp is owned and managed by experienced safari professionals Mikey and Tanya Carr-Hartley. They have been operating luxury mobile safaris in East Africa for the last twelve years.

During the Great Wildebeest Migration in the months of early July to end October, Sala’s Camp is ideally located since many of the animals move back and forth from the Serengeti in search of lush grasslands in the Mara. The game viewing during this time is exceptional, with dramatic river crossings and attendant predators. The camp also lies adjacent to a designated Rhino conservation area.

THE ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is in 7 en-suite tents, one being a large family/honeymoon tent comprising of a double room with central sitting area. Tents are either twin or double. The spacious luxury furnished tents have en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets & safari bucket showers with plenty of hot water. Electricity is solar powered (via invertors), giving all tents plenty of light.

There is a standby generator for refrigeration and to charge any equipment, cameras etc.

CUISINE

Camp food is cooked in the traditional appetizing safari style, using a camp fire, and assisted with a gas cooker. Home baked pastries, breads and biscuits are a speciality. Produce is all farm sourced and free from artificial pesticides. We offer a combination of international dishes and a variety of food to suit all tastes. Children’s needs and special dietary requirements can easily be catered for.

THE SEASONS

The Camp is open from 8th July 2006 to 31st October, & 15th December to 15th March 2007 & also from 15th June 2007 to 31st October 2007. The camp reopens again on the 15th December 2007.

ACTIVITIES

Exceptional game viewing from 4WD vehicles within this unrivalled wilderness area. For the avid birdwatcher, the Mara offers exceptional avian diversity. The Mara is home to the Maasai people and from the camp traditional Maasai culture can be enjoyed.

Ballooning over the migration is also an exciting fun-filled activity in the Mara, offered as an optional extra from Sala’s Camp; lift off is about 25 minutes drive away.

CLIMATE

At 5000 ft above sea level Sala’s Camp offers cool nights and warm/hot days.

THE RATE

(valid from 15th December 2006 – 14th December 2007)

• USD 395 per person per night sharing
• USD 495 per person single occupancy
• USD 250 per child per night (12 & under in 3rd bed)
• Plus $50 park/conservation fees per adult.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Full board accommodation, house wines, beers, local spirits, soft drinks and bottled water, game drives, and laundry.

WHAT IS EXCLUDED

Champagne, ballooning, air excursions, gratuities, and health insurance.

WHAT TO BRING

Sun protection (hats, sun cream, glasses), ankle-length walking boots and trousers for walking, light windproof jacket, jersey, swimwear, binoculars, cameras, videos and film. The atmosphere is informal and relaxed so dress accordingly. We also prefer dress to blend with the environment so try to avoid exceptionally bright colours in the day.

CONTACT DETAILS

Private Wilderness Ltd

P O Box 6648 G.P.O 00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: + 254 20 882028/882598
Fax: + 254 20 882868
Mobile: + 254 721 733149
Email: info@privatewilderness.com
Website: www.privatewilderness.com

Sand Island Beach Cottages - Tiwi Beach

Only 30 metres from the Indian Ocean, set back in the cooling shade of palm trees, our six self-catering cottages are fully equipped for the perfect beach holiday.

Accommodating from two - eight people, each cottage has it's own private verandah - an idyllic spot to savor the colors of a tropical sunrise or escape the heat of the mid-day sun.

Linen, towels, mosquito nets and fans are all provided. There is also the option of a cook and maid - leaving you only to worry about your next swim!

Dining:

Delicious fish and seafood can be bought daily from local fishermen. Fresh fruit and juices of the season are available from Sand Island's very own orchards.

Basic sundries are also available. Only 15 minutes away, the town of Diani has a range of shops and supermarkets to cater for all needs.

Some of the numerous activities you can do:

Getting There:

Contact Details:

The Giraffe Manor

The Giraffe Manor, built in 1932 by Sir David Duncan, is surrounded by 140 acres of its own park and forest thirty minutes from the centre of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, with superb views of the Ngong Hills. In 1974 Jock Leslie-Melville, grandson of a Scots earl, and his American wife Betty, who also founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), bought the Manor. They then moved two highly endangered baby Rothschild giraffe to the estate, where they thrived and have produced several further generations of giraffe.

When Jock died, Betty decided to open her house, now called The Giraffe Manor, to visitors. It is the only place in the world where you can feed and photograph the giraffe over your breakfast table and at the front door, and even from a bedroom window.

Travellers from all over the world now make The Giraffe Manor part of their East African Safari. Some spend a week here and The Giraffe Manor has many repeat guests, who have become old friends. Personally hosted, The Giraffe Manor is an elegant and exclusive small hotel with a rich blend of welcoming accommodation, highly trained staff and one of Nairobi’s finest kitchens.

The Giraffe Manor also offers a uniquely untouched wilderness on the doorstep of one of Africa’s most cosmopolitan cities, the adjoining Jock Leslie-Melville Nature Education Centre, better known as the Giraffe Centre. Guided walks through its primeval forest enable you to learn about traditional uses of the varied flora, view some of the 180 bird species and perhaps meet a warthog or bushbuck.

 Accommodation includes:

• Double or Twin Rooms, each with a bathroom
• Full or half board, with wines
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Laundry services
• Airport and other transfers within Nairobi
• Sightseeing vehicle with chauffeur
• Entrance to the Giraffe Centre
• Personal hosting
• All taxes

There are five double/twin bedrooms at The Giraffe Manor.
In addition, the Master Room interconnects with the Giraffe Room, which has two beds suitable for family members, chargeable at half the standard rate.

The Karen Blixen Room is a larger room at ground level, containing a double bed, and two single beds which are chargeable at half the standard rate if occupied.

Location

The Giraffe Manor is situated 12 km west of central Nairobi, in the exclusive district of Karen. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is some 30 minutes’ drive, and the domestic Wilson Airport about 15 minutes away.

Within five minutes of The Giraffe Manor are several excellent shops and craft workshops of interest to travellers, and a little further on are Dame Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, and the Kenya Wildlife Service Animal Sanctuary.

Contact Details

telephone +254 (0)20 891 078
fax +254 (0)20 890 949
email giraffe@giraffemanor.com
website www.giraffemanor.com
postal address PO Box 15004, Langata 00509, Kenya

DIRECTIONS TO THE HOTEL:

The Giraffe Manor is on Gogo Falls Road in Hardy, 12 kilometres west of central Nairobi, in the suburb known as “Langata”.

From central Nairobi take Uhuru Highway going south towards Jomo Kenyatta Airport. The road goes over the railway about a kilometre from the centre of town; turn right at the second roundabout after this bridge, onto Langata Road, heading west.
Go straight over two roundabouts, leave Wilson Airport on your left, and carry on for about 6km. Three kilometers after emerging from a deep dip, turn left after the second petrol station (Caltex) on your left: this road is Langata Road South, and the signs indicate Giraffe Centre and AFEW.

Follow this road for 4km towards Hardy shopping centre and police station. Fifty metres before these shops and just after Kilimani Junior School, turn left, signposted to the Giraffe Centre and AFEW.

Go straight down this road for 1km, ignoring any corners, and slow down for two speed bumps. The Giraffe Manor is in front of you as the road forces you to the left.

Elsamere

Elsamere is a haven for lovers of nature, set in Acacia forest on the banks of Lake Naivasha, in Kenya's Rift Valley. It is the former home of the late Joy Adamson who, together with her husband George, became world famous for their pioneering conservation work and relationship with the lioness Elsa, as told in her best selling book and subsequent film, BORN FREE.

 The Adamsons devoted their lives to wildlife conservation and Elsamere continues to be maintained as a functioning conservation centre. By staying at Elsamere you have the unique opportunity to visit an active base for local conservation projects and a chance to experience life in one of Kenya's most historic homes. Many of Joy's paintings still decorate the house.

Rooms

The centre provides accommodation for 16 people in cottages set in the gardens around the main house. Each cottage has a veranda and faces towards the lake. The rooms are bright and attractive and all have ensuite bathrooms. Guests may also choose to stay in the main house in the Joy Adamson bedroom, which has easy wheelchair access. 

Meals

Elsamere prides itself on its warm hospitality and home like atmosphere. The day starts with a hot breakfast, lunch is buffet style with plenty of outdoor tables and chairs for alfresco dining. Dinner is hosted each night and it is the perfect opportunity to get to know other guests, many of whom may be visiting researchers and conservationists

Elsamere does not have a bar facility. Guests are invited to bring their own alcohol.

Afternoon Teas

Elsamere is open to the public each day between 3pm to 6pm. Visitors are invited to watch a video, "The Joy Adamson Story" and visit the museum and shop. A traditional afternoon tea is served at 4pm.

Activities

The museum contains a small collection of Joy's paintings and artifacts. Memorabilia from the film Born Free and a range of photos documenting Joy and George's work with wildlife are also on display.

The Elsa Trust shop stocks a variety of T-shirts, jewellery, books, earrings and prints of Joy's works are also for sale

The video library of conservation and wildlife documentaries.

Guests may hire boats or arrange a guided tour to view birds and other wildlife on the nearby Crescent Island.

Wildlife

Early mornings at Elsamere are a special time, the African Fish Eagles herald the dawn with their memorable ringing cry and the chorus of bird song continues through-out the day. Elsamere is a bird watcher's paradise, over 200 species of birds have been recorded and rare species such as the Verraux's Eagle Owl are regularly sighted. 

Morning boat rides are an ideal time to spot the many species of water fowl and brilliantly coloured kingfishers. The lake is home to the largest water fowl population in Kenya.

Elsamere has also become quite famous for its resident troop of black and white Colobus monkeys which visit the centre regularly. Guests may easily view the troop from the lakeside lawn. Other frequent visitors to the centre are a pod of hippopotami which often graze on the lawn at night. Lake Naivasha is of great ecological importance . 

The conservation centre provides information on the lake ecology and regularly hosts research programes to monitor the lake and the local wildlife.

Local Attractions

Elsamere is conveniently located near many local attractions.

Hells Gate National Park is one of the only parks in Kenya that permits walking. The park has a wide variety of game including a large number of raptors and the scenery is quite spectacular.

A trek up Mt. Longanot, a 2,800 metre extinct volcano, is another interesting day's outing.

Visiting Crater Lake with its emerald green coloured water is yet another option and there are  also many unique handicraft shops in the area.

Contact Details

    The Warden
    Elsamere Conservation Centre
    P.O. Box 1497
    Naivasha, KENYA

    Phone: (00254) 0311 21055
    Fax: (00254) 0311 21074
    email: elsa@africaonline.co.ke

    Field Study Centre (Education)

    The Co-ordinator
    Elsamere Field Study Centre
    P.O Box 1497
    Naivasha, KENYA

    Phone: (00254) 0311 21247
    Fax: (00254) 0311 21248

    elsafsc@africaonline.co.ke

Lake Naivasha Country Club

The highest of the Rift Valley lakes, Naivasha lies at about 1880 m. The lake level varies quite considerably - in 1926 it was reported 6 m higher. Eons ago it was a great deal higher than that and its waters gushed through Njorowa gorge now high above the lake and the dramatic entrance to Hell's Gate National Park.

Accomodation

Number of rooms:
50 twin rooms
1 executive lake cottage

Room Décor:
The old comfortable architecture is solid and comfortable with a variety of accommodation in rooms and cottages facing the rolling lawns and the lake

Restaurants/Bars:
Dining Room
The 100-seat dining room with its attractive timber ceiling is on two levels and is situated in the main building overlooking the garden. Windows on three sides give guests an excellent view of the gardens leading down to the lake.

Flamingo Bar
A full range of spirits, juices and liqueurs are served at the bar as is red and white Naivasha wine from nearby vineyards. The bar is open from 11.00am to 12.00pm.

Lake Lawns
Chairs and tables are arranged under the enormous shady yellow fever acacia trees. Here guests may order drinks or coffee whilst watching the numerous birds.

Pool Bar
Open between 9.00am and 6.00pm, this bar serves snacks from a small menu between meal times. Snacks can not be taken in lieu of lunch from the main restaurant.

Recreation Facilities

Swimming Pool
The pool area is enclosed with its own garden and children's pool. Showers, toilets and a bar are also incorporated into this shaded area as are chairs, tables and sunbeds. Other facilities

Verandah
The wide verandah running along the front of the bar in the main building overlooks the gardens. With leather and limed wood chairs and marble-topped tables, the verandah exudes an elegant and fashionable air.

Snooker Room
This adjoins the Flamingo Bar and houses a full sized Snooker table.

Residents Lounge
This large comfortable room with its enormous fireplace, tasteful furniture and warm colours gives the feeling of being in a family living room. The lounge is open to watch TV or video and also has a card table and backgammon for guest use. Board games are also available from the reception.

Children
Children are welcome at Lake Naivasha Country Club. Many bedrooms are easily large enough to accommodate an extra bed. A children's menu and early supper is available and babysitting can be arranged. Activities for children include a special play area and children's pool.

Business Services
The business centre is open from 7.00am - 9.00pm and offers laser printing, photocopying, fax and Internet access/email.

Shop
Two shops are available for personal toiletries and souvenirs.

Bureau de Change
The cashier can exchange reasonable amounts of foreign currency.

Credit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted.

History

Lake Naivasha Country Club opened in 1937 as a staging post for Imperial Airways' flying boat service from Durban to London. The 55-acre property boasts green lawns shaded by mature acacias and spreading fever trees, that stretch down to the lake's shore. The hotel offers a wonderful mix of tranquility in serene surroundings and a varied number of sporting activities for both the energetic and the more laid back. Lake Naivasha is the focus of activity but the abundant birdlife and several activities in the area mean there is never a shortage of things to do.

Lake Naivasha's main attraction is the prolific bird life. Many species including fish eating birds such as pelicans, herons, storks and kingfishers are resident throughout the year. However if there is one bird which characterises Lake Naivasha, it would have to be the African Fish Eagle.

You can see the lake in a different light on a romantic sundowner boat trip which combines a sumptuous sunset with exotic drinks. There's a swimming pool and conference facilities for up to 50 people.

Crescent Island is a private game sanctuary, which is home to zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, vervet monkeys, hares, genet cats, waterbuck and giraffe. The island is less than a 15 minute boat ride from the hotel. There are no fences and no predators and it is one of the few places in the world where one can wander on foot amongst wild animals.

Lake Nakuru Lodge

Lake Nakuru Lodge offers the sort of relaxation you have never experienced before and the surroundings are a sight too good to miss. For the visitor, this is Kenya at its best and the memories will linger for a lifetime.

Lake Nakuru Lodge is situated in a wonderland, which lies in the heart of one of Kenya's most densely populated wetlands National Park (Ramsar Site), only two hours leisurely drive - on first class roads - from Nairobi, through some of the most exciting scenery to be seen anywhere in Africa.

Accommodation

There is accommodation for 176 people either in family rooms, cottages or suites. The service is unmatched anywhere in Kenya, a country renowned for hospitality. Above all, the staffs are friendly and competent. There is excellent cuisine, which includes outside catering, bush barbeque, African night and sundowner.

Location

Situated in the southeast ecological niche of the Lake Nakuru Park is the Lake Nakuru Lodge, an oasis of comfort and excellent service, with commanding views of the lesser Flamingo dotted with the Greater Flamingo, for which Lake Nakuru is justly famous. It is another world for the visitor, one where a person easily forgets the hustle and the bustle of the city. The ÄLodge blends well with its surroundings and the animals often browse peacefully close to the lodge and the environs, much to the fascination of the visitors.

The 156 km Nairobi - Nakuru road gives the visitor an unrivalled view of the majestic Great Rift Valley, winding through a series of lakes and forested uplands all the way to the bustling market town of Nakuru. The views are equally impressive for the visitor who uses a charter aircraft for the 25 minutes flight to the Lake Nakuru National Park "Naishi" airstrip situated at the southern side of the park at the rhino sanctuary headquarters.

On the outskirts of Nakuru lies a truly remarkable National Park which has achieved international fame as an animal sanctuary. Both Black and White rhinos are being given a new lease on life in this 188 square kilometer, fully electrically fenced park and they are carefully proteced. The present rhino population is 100 and continues to multiply. The Rothschilds giraffe is another unique animal and the park has its fair share of the Buffalo, Leopard, Wild dog, Zebra, Eland, Waterbuck and the territorial Lion.

Activities

Activities available include horseback safari excurstions, game drives and bird watching. After a day's game watching, the spacious, logged Mama Nikki Bar and the cool, Upstairs Rhino paddock Cocktail Bar, overlooking the lake and the enticing blue swimming pool can be particularly inviting.

Evening entertainment and the slide shows for the guests are interesting and varied. In the park, the sites seem like a Walt Disney Fantasy. The Baboon Cliff lookout sits to honeymoon hill. The Acacia and the Euphorbia forests are havens for the animals during the heat of the day. Cormorant Corner is well named, as well as Pelican Point. The Hippo Pool at the Baharini springs is a favorite spot for picnics. In the center of the park, never out of view, sits the glittering 40 sq km lake with its large population of Lesser and Greater Flamingoes and the Pelicans which, in their own right, attract visitors from all over the world.