How Safe is Kenya for a Safari Vacation?

Published in Jaunted.com

Those who have been following the news are aware that Kenya has been the target of Somali terrorist groups and, obviously, the attacks have been incredibly heartbreaking. Considering we are covering so much of the good coming out of Kenya, this writer doesn't think it's fair to leave that elephant completely out of the conversation. Admittedly, before deciding to make the journey from my home in Denver, I too wondered if it was safe to visit Kenya.

On my trip it was confirmed that, in terms of taking a safari, the answer is absolutely yes it is safe. Therisk of danger in the national reserve areas like the Masai Mara and Laikipia are no greater than encountering a problem in any of America's national parks. Like here in the States, terrorism in Kenya has thus far been limited to populated places like Nairobi and Mombasa.

This is not to imply that you should be scared of visiting either. The chances of something happening to you are extremely rare, and you should not be under the impression that you are entering a war zone. That said, if you have had a Kenyan safari in mind and are a bit worried about what you've been reading, here is my advice:

Nairobi may be worth a look from a cultural standpoint, as it is the country's capital, but it doesn't necessarily behoove American travelers to spend a lot of time there. The city is still very much in transition, suffering from instability and some of the worst traffic I've ever seen. I'm not saying a visit wouldn't be enjoyable -- you would certainly learn a lot -- I'm simply saying that you could feel good about yourself if you went to Kenya and spent a majority of your time upcountry and in the reserves. In most cases, that's the primary reason you're shelling out the time and money it takes to visit from the States -- for a safari. And as you can see in the cover photo, places like the Masai Mara are about as connected to Nairobi as New York City is to the Finger Lakes.

For the record, I bookended my trip with nights in Nairobi and felt perfectly safe, but it was then that I realized it doesn't even necessarily have to be a huge part of your trip. That leaves us with the big picture: If you have dreams of a safari vacation, don't let the recent tragedies in the cities make you cross Kenya off the list. The Masai Mara is still one of Africa's premier safari destinations, and, if you feel so inclined, you can simply pass right on through Nairobi until it turns the corner.

[Photo: Will McGough]

Dreaming of Africa? Consider The Safari Camps of Kenya

Published in HotelChatter.com

This week, HotelChatter's Will McGough is touring around Kenya to check out the latest happenings at some of the safari camps throughout the country. The tour started and will finish in Nairobi, but there will be visits to the Laikipia, Masai Mara, and Watamu (Mombasa) regions along the way.

Next week, we'll feature a few properties and give you the scoop on what to expect in terms of lodging within the different regions. We'll also pass on anything unique about specific properties, from service to decor, and of course have plenty of photos. But for now, feast your eyes on this incredible view from theSanctuary at Ol Lentille.

[Photo:Will McGough]

Kenya Ramps Up Its Wildlife Conservation Campaigns

Published in AdventureTravelNews.com

New York, NY – This Spring, the Kenya Tourism Board introduces its campaign for conservation in the U.S., in an effort to demonstrate the importance of wildlife conservation in Kenya.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), along with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), will host a wildlife conservation-focused media luncheon for key media, trade partners and industry executives at the Harvard Club in New York on April 15, 2014.

The event will feature new programs and current initiatives being implemented in Kenya.  A number of conservationists, research scientists from the KWS, and community cultural ambassadors will participate in the event.  Featured speakers include scientists Shadrack Mumo Ngene and Dr. Charles Musyoki, and cultural conservation ambassadors, Samson Parashina and Josephine Ekiru from the Maasai and Samburu communities.

“Wildlife tourism is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, therefore wildlife conservation is critical to Kenya’s tourism industry.  It is important that we increase awareness for wildlife conservation efforts to ensure that Kenya remains the premier wildlife and safari destination in Africa,” said Al Merschen, Regional Director for the Kenya Tourism Board in the U.S.

The Kenyan government has increased its campaigns and awareness efforts for wildlife conservation, including placing stiffer penalties on poachers, as the threats of animal poaching and wildlife extinction remain throughout the region.

Kenya Ramps Up Its Wildlife Conservation Campaigns

Published in Eturbonews

This Spring, the Kenya Tourism Board introduces its campaign for conservation in the U.S., in an effort to demonstrate the importance of wildlife conservation in Kenya.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), along with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), will host a wildlife conservation-focused media luncheon for key media, trade partners and industry executives at the Harvard Club in New York on April 15, 2014.

The event will feature new programs and current initiatives being implemented in Kenya. A number of conservationists, research scientists from the KWS, and community cultural ambassadors will participate in the event. Featured speakers include scientists Shadrack Mumo Ngene and Dr. Charles Musyoki, and cultural conservation ambassadors, Samson Parashina and Josephine Ekiru from the Maasai and Samburu communities.

"Wildlife tourism is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, therefore wildlife conservation is critical to Kenya’s tourism industry. It is important that we increase awareness for wildlife conservation efforts to ensure that Kenya remains the premier wildlife and safari destination in Africa," said Al Merschen, Regional Director for the Kenya Tourism Board in the U.S.

The Kenyan government has increased its campaigns and awareness efforts for wildlife conservation, including placing stiffer penalties on poachers, as the threats of animal poaching and wildlife extinction remain throughout the region.

Stir It Up!

Published in Upscale Magazine