kenya
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Kenya
Interest in Kenya from the UK has always been strong, making up 14% of all arrivals, but the country has suffered several lean years following political change and terrorist attacks. Jo Austin takes a safari around this remarkable country
playing it safe in
I
t’s time to take an educated look at Kenya. Its geography; its size; its opportunities; its safe regions; its
people. Situated in East Africa, far, far away from the ebola-hit region in the West, there are plenty of very good reasons to visit Kenya right now, not least being all the spectacular offers that operators and airlines are putting out there. Kenya-born and bred, Ash Sofat, Chief
Executive of Somak Holidays, observes: “Sales to Kenya are slow but those who know Africa and are well-travelled are still wanting to go on safari and we are seeing demand for tailor-made safaris to Kenya combined with Zanzibar. These clients know their geography and they know they will get value for money. In fact, there has never been a better time to go on safari in Kenya. This is a great time of year for game viewing with fewer vehicles in the parks and there are some good offers out there.” Bill Adams of Safari Consultants adds:
“Our business to Kenya is marginally down, but those who are travelling are loving the wilderness and the wildlife viewing, which is second to none. There are few countries in Africa which match Kenya for the diversity of its safari product and the friendliness of the local people. There is no place in the world which matches Kenya, and in particular, the Masai Mara for the exceptional quality of wildlife viewing.” Kenya’s spectacular coastal resorts, in
particular, are suffering a dramatic decline in visitor numbers following the FOC advice against all but essential travel to Mombasa island and within fi ve kms of the coast from Mtwapa creek in the south. But don’t write off the entire Kenya
coast! The super-modern Malindi Airport is extending its runway to receive international fl ights and is an important link to the ‘untroubled’ coastal resorts of its namesake and Watamu. It is also just a short hop to the magical ‘Arabic’ island of Lamu. Some of Africa’s most stunning properties
Elephants roam in the sunset below the escarpment on the western border of the Maasai Mara. Photo supplied by the region’s newest private luxury lodge, Angmara Mara
sellingtravel.co.uk
are to be found along this area of coastline, and attract families, honeymooners, fi shermen and divers. During a recent visit to the region I stayed within the secure compound of the uber-luxury Medina Palms. The property shares the pristine bay with the popular Hemingways and all-inclusive Turtle Bay Beach Club, perfect for families,
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