You Won't Believe These Actual Guest-Taken Photos From Kenya's Giraffe Manor Hotel

Published in HotelChatter.com

There is a process that goes along with writing about a hotel, and the photos we present on the site are a big part of it. We always strive to use original photos that we personally took, but because the most important thing is to show the hotel as accurately as possible, this travel writer also peruses the website of the property as well as the rest of the Internet to see if there is something that would better accomplish that goal.

So with a story in mind about the Giraffe Manor Hotel in Kenya, I made my way onto social media to look for some good photos.

Yet the problem most of the time with stock photos of hotels is that they don't represent reality, typically involving dramatized situations, like a woman whipping her hips across the edge of an infinity pool, a rose-petaled bedspread, or a picture of a random plant. They try to tell a story, but you can just feel the phoniness. The same goes for a hotel's social media pages since most hotels just repost whatever is on the website.

When I began to browse the Giraffe Manor's Facebook page, the interaction between the guests and the giraffes seemed so overdone. Until I looked up towards the right hand corner and realized the photos had all been posted on the hotel's wall by guests.

When I figured out that they are real and taken by a regular person and not a photographer hired by the hotel, I had trouble holding back a smile. I am not a big supporter of zoos or animal captivity, but it helps that the manor was originally set up as a breeding center for the endangered Rothschild Giraffe.

Today, it is a conservation center with 12 acres of private land and 140 acres of indigenous forest. Far from wild animals, the giraffes are extremely engaging and interactive, even sticking their heads in the windows of the hotel, albeit because the Manor allows guests to feed them. The hotel has 10 rooms and a nearby giraffe educational center.

Check out these photos below, all taken by guests. As far as novelties go, a stay seems like it would be an absolute hoot.

Rates at the Giraffe Manor start at around $562 during this summer's high season.

3 Things That Surprised Us at The Mara Plains Camp in Kenya

Published in HotelChatter.com

Before even laying eyes on our African safari camp in Kenya's Masai Mara region, we had quite a few beliefs and expectations for the property. We had heard so many terms to describe them - "glamping" comes to mind - and given the price tag that sits between $500-$1000 a night, we figured we would be completely out of touch with the wilderness, whisked away from reality and into another world as it tends to go at high-end luxury hotels in cities.

But that turned out to be far from the truth, and a few things surprised us about our stay at Mara Plains Camp.

1. It's luxurious, but it doesn't feel phony. It was a preconceived notion that luxurious safari camps took you completely out of the wilderness that had us full of false expectations. And we're happy to report that we were very, very wrong. Mara Plains was definitely luxurious, providing comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and high-quality service and guest attention.

Yet when you walk in, the first things you notice are the Hemingway-esque safari decor, the opened-aired sitting areas, the rivers and savannas right there and the rooms that are actually huge tents. Shine was to be found, but it was kept rustic in the form of muted-silver chalice cups and smoking-lounge leather. The inside-outside rain showers and copper tubs seem small in the gigantic rooms. It's not camping or basic adventure travel, however we were impressed with how the spirit of the safari was incorporated amongst the nice amenities.

2. It's run like a bed and breakfast... by a young couple. When we first arrived and were greeted by two people in their mid-20s named Sean and Amy, it took us a few minutes to realize that they were the ones running the place. Almost all safari camps are run in a similar fashion to a bed and breakfast, one person or one couple serving as your host. No offense to anyone else, but it was refreshing to see a young couple like Sean and Amy running the show.

After spending a few days, it was clear that being young was a definite advantage to the job. Up before the sun rose and asleep not until the last guest had gone to bed, Sean and Amy took care of every guest need and every basic operation of the camp - the only thing they didn't do was physically cook the meals. They even ate dinner with us, sharing stories and creating an atmosphere that made it seem like you were at their house for dinner. Considering they live on-site, you essentially are, and that might be the biggest surprise of a stay at a safari camp - how homey it truly feels.

3. The food was down to earth and healthy. Don't take this the wrong way - it's a good thing. Often times, luxury equates to small morsels of over-hyped food, and after a day in the sun and out in the savanna, the last thing you want is to come home to is a meal that misses the mark. All of the dinners we had at Mara Plains were appropriately portioned (small appetizer, main course with sides, dessert) and, more importantly, down to earth, meaning that when you ordered chicken with rice and veggies, that is exactly what you got - a hearty, well-cooked meal. While dinners were pre-arranged sit downs, breakfasts and lunches were served via buffets.

A Stay at This Camp in the Laikipia Reserve is Essentially One Giant Tax Writeoff

Published in HotelChatter.com

The first thing you'll notice upon arrival at the Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is the panoramic view of the Northern Kenya landscape. Filled with rolling hills and acacia trees, the camps of the Laikipia region offer travelers the chance to look down on a safari region, an incredible perspective that differs greatly from the scenery found on the flat savannas of the Masai Mara (see our bro Jaunted's breakdown of the two regions).

Because Laikipia is dry and hilly, it is unsuitable for many animals, such as lions. But what it lacks in wildlife it makes up for with sweeping views and cultural experiences not as easily accessed in other safari regions. Specifically, we're talking about the direct connection between the Sanctuary at Ol Lentille and the Maasai Tribe that inhabits the area.

When we first met owner John Elias and learned that he was originally from the UK, we asked him what he thought about living in Laikipia. His answer has remained with us ever since. "When I go back [to Europe], I go out to nice restaurants, go see shows, get my fill of that kind of civilization," he said. "But this is actually more civilized."

His response had nothing to do with the hotel - he was talking about the surrounding Maasai villages, a community that he supports with the proceeds of his property. When John and his wife Gill came to the area, they funded and built the lodge, then donated it to the community. Now, when a guest spends the night, a portion of the rate goes directly into a community fund. In each of the last four years, Elias has raised over $400,000.

And the good-hearted nature goes beyond money. While he understands guests come for a safari and some relaxation, he organizes and encourages them to visit the local schools and hospitals that their bed fees are supporting. Typically, guests are overwhelmed by the experience and the awareness that they gain, and often make additional donations, he said. In this, the team at Ol Lentille attempts to balance a three-legged approach of conservation, economic development, and community development along with its aspects of leisure travel.

The property has 14 beds across four houses, a pool, library, and spa. Each house is fully staffed with its own team, and features common rooms with dining areas, hot/cold tubs, outside seating, and fireplaces.

The interior of the rooms differs slighty as each is unique, but the common amenities include a door-less shower, private bath tubs (some inside, some outside), high ceilings, and large windows. There's a lot of detail put into the design, from the towel racks made of spears to the tribal decor and paintings that grace the walls.

We liked this camp for its beauty and luxury, but it was the community and charitable aspects of the property that made us fall in love. Often times, tourism ends up sucking money and resources away form local communities, so when you find one that is truly giving back, it's a special experience. If you're going to spend your money in Laikipia, a stay at Ol Lentille ensures that your dollar goes well beyond a safari and essentially doubles as a donation to charity. When it comes to the reasons people visit Kenya, the two most common are safaris and mission work. The beauty of a stay at Ol Lentille is that is accomplishes both.

Rates start at $925/night and include accommodations, food, wines, beers, game drives, bush picnics, sundowners, bush dinners, star walks, camel treks, mountain and quad biking, conservation and community work, and spa treatments.

Street Food Friday: What Big Game Meats Can You Eat in Kenya

Published in Jaunted.com

Despite a past where everything and anything was up for grabs, not many game meats are still available to eat legally in Kenya. Considered "protected game," it is illegal to eat a majority of the exotic animals these days, including lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, impala, wildebeest, warthog, and elands, among others.

The Kenyan government banned sport hunting in 1977, but allowed limited hunting to cull animals and harvest game meat until 2003 when it was shut down completely because of the on-going poaching problem. In other words, it's become a numbers game in Africa.

So, if you're looking for some culinary adventures while in Kenya, you might not get as far as you once could (which, to be fair, is the right decision in this writer's opinion). But there's still some game meat to be had if you poke around. Here's a rundown of the most typical served throughout the country:

Ostrich

Humans seem to do all right when it comes to eating birds, so it isn't exactly a surprise to see that Ostrich is still on the list of game meats available to the public in Kenya. It's actually pretty good for you, too, low in cholesterol and fat but high in protein. Look for it in burger, steak, or fried formats at a restaurant like Carnivore.

Crocodile

We're not sure an animal could look less appealing as far as the eye test goes, but crocodile meat is actually pretty tasty, very similar to a mild white fish in its texture and unseasoned flavor. It is typically fried and served with a sweet or creamy dipping sauce.

Ox Oysters

If you've ever had Rocky Mountain Oysters, you know that using the term "oyster" to describe this body part is simply common courtesy. Expect a pate/foie gras type of texture, and be prepared to indulge more for the story than for the taste.

Goat

Goat is one of the most widely eaten meats in the world, and for good reason. It is low in fat, high in protein, and relatively easy to raise. While it can be served roasted in a dish called Nyama Choma (Swahili for "roasted meat"), it is often prepared as a stew. It is one of the main sources of protein for many African tribes, including Kenya's Maasai people.

What’s the Best Month to Go on a Safari in Kenya?

Published in Jaunted.com

There are two types of safaris to be had in Kenya: One that occurs during the Great Migration, and one that does not.

The Great Migration starts in July and is one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Over a million wildebeests cross the plains and savannas of Eastern Africa, providing visitors with what would seem on the surface to be endless opportunities of interaction. But while it's true that animal activity in the region might be at its peak, it’s not necessarily true that you will get the most intimate interaction. The reality is that along with the abundance of animals comes thousands of tourists.

My guide painted me a picture of what it was like in the Masai Mara during the Great Migration. If you’re the first to spot an animal, he said, you won’t have it to yourself for long. He said dozens – yes, dozens – of cars can be found around a single river or animal at any given time, and the increase in demand from tourists during the Migration brings in a lot of inexperienced guides who work on tips and fail to respect proper positioning etiquette.

That said, to see that number of animals might be worth it to those who don't mind the crowds, and it’s an experience I definitely hope to have somewhere down the line. But I am glad my first safari did not take place during such a busy time, that I was able to get a more personal experience with the animals and the landscape. The general consensus of my experience as well as those I interviewed was that April/May and September/October were two of the best times to visit the Masai Mara. The reasons? Lack of crowds, intimate animal interaction, and lower prices.

The only risk you take in April is that it is the rainy season, so you have to be willing to put up with a storm or two and potentially cloudy conditions for photography. The other side of the coin is that you will have the place to yourself, and if it doesn’t rain, you will have hit the jackpot.

During my visit last week, I enjoyed beautiful 80-degree days, blue skies, and the park essentially to myself, as you can see in the cover photo. I got to experience the savanna the way it was meant to be – absent of humans. Because it is the low season for safaris (possible rain, kids still in school, etc.), flights and lodging are more affordable, with some camps offering rates that are hundreds of dollars cheaper than usual. With less people, you will also have less competition for the game, and when your guide leads you to a group of animals or a kill, it will be just you – not a dozen other vehicles.

September and October might just be the best months of all because they come at the tail end of the Great Migration, when the number of animals is still high but things begin to settle down again in terms of the crowds (end of Northern Hemisphere’s summer, kids going back to school, etc.). Prices once again take a dip, especially the closer you get to November, when another rainy season starts.

Wondering about a visit when it's winter in the States? Remember, Kenya is in the Southern Hemisphere, which means the seasons are reversed and temperatures will be in the 90s. If you can handle the heat, though, you will see a lot of kills as these months are when gazelles and wildebeests give birth, which means easy pickings for the cats.

Another Sweet View to Enjoy from the Medina Palms

Published in HotelChatter.com

Earlier this week, we gave you a look inside the Medina Palms on the coast of Kenya, showing photos of its beautiful property and relaxing rooms.

The sight of the ocean through the arch beyond the pool is impressive and could be considered a killer view, but the best view as far as the ladies are concerned is found inside the small fitness center at the north end of the property, where a former "Mr. Kenya" bodybuilding champion, Salim Kazungu, helps guests stay in shape.

Yoga and other fitness classes are an option, or you can simply ask him for some recommendations. His experience and fitness level will inspire some to seek his advice, while others' motivations may lie elsewhere. How's this for an alternative "killer view?"

This Safari Camp Amenity Should Be Used Everywhere in the Winter, Don't You Think?

Published in HotelChatter.com

During our trip to Kenya, we stayed in a variety of safari camps in the Masai Mara, Laikipia, and Nairobi reserves. As you'll see next week when we begin to highlight them, each camp is a little bit different in terms of what it offers in design, decor, service, and food.

Despite those differences, one amenity was common and consistent throughout. Because the camp rooms are all open air and the nights can get chilly, a hot water bag is placed in the sheets during turn-down service. The bag is soft and covered with a liner that keeps it insulated, welcoming those who return to their rooms after dinner with warm sheets. Depending on your preference, you can either lay on it, next to it, or simply remove it and enjoy the heat it has already created under the covers.

We thought this was a great amenity of comfort and looked forward to it every night. It seems reasonable that the concept could catch on here in the States at ski and mountain hotels, but it would probably work even at city hotels during the winter months. Regardless of where you are, laying in warm sheets seems like a universal desire when it's cold outside, isn't it?

If you agree, don't hesitate to sound off next time you walk by the suggestion box in a hotel.

Safari Beer and Elephant's Snacks: What to Drink in Kenya

Published in Jaunted.com

You know that you go to Kenya to digest the wildlife and the culture, but what should you wash it down with? In this addition of Monday, Five Thirty, we check out the common cocktails you’ll want to try during your trip:

Dawa Cocktails

The word “dawa” means “medicine” in Swahili, and this combination of gin, honey, and lime will definitely do wonders for your spirits. Most of the honey sinks to the bottom, so be sure to stir as you go. With the honey and the lime juice hiding the bite of the gin, this is a cocktail that goes down easy and tends to sneak up on you, earning it a reputation as a healer of whatever ails you.

Tusker Lager

Brewed in Nairobi, its light lager body and low alcohol content (4.2%) makes Tusker a great beer to drink during the heat of the day and on safari game drives. It is the top selling brew in East Africa and available everywhere and anywhere throughout the country.

Amarula

Think of Amarula as the Bailey's of Kenya, very thick and milky in appearance with hints of caramel in the taste. It is made from the fruit of the marula tree, which is eaten by elephants as a snack. Try this after-dinner sipper over ice or in coffee.

Dorman Coffee and Kenya Black Tea

For you non-alcoholic types, try a cup of Kenyan coffee from one of the country’s largest producers,Dorman’s. But if you want to drink like the locals, Kenyan Black Tea is the way to go, as it is by far the most popular hot breakfast beverage and one of Kenya's top exports.

Wish You Were Here: Bouncing Around the Camps of Kenya

Posted in Jaunted.com

This week, we've been hopping around Kenya, bouncing between safari camps and reserve regions to discover one of the most dramatic ecosystems in the world. We started in Nairobi, then circled through Laikipia, Masai Mara, and now the town of Watamu outside Mombasa. You can find Nairobi easily on the map above, and we've circled the three other areas to give you a sense of where our whereabouts.

Next week, we'll begin our coverage of the county, including how to get around, what to expect from the safari experiences and natural landscapes in the different regions, the food, culture and people, and some thoughts on the state of tourism in the country on a whole. Below, we provide a preview shot of the scenery.

Stay tuned, and wish you were here!

Our Four Favorite Photos from Kenya's Masai Mara

Published in Jaunted.com

We have many tales to tell about our trek through the safari camps of Kenya, but what better way to start than to show you the final product right off the bat. A trip to the game reserves of Africa is, after all, all about the interaction and insight you get with one of the world's most dramatic ecosystems.

The photos below were all taken in the Masai Mara, Kenya's most infamous and iconic national reserve. This week, we'll highlight it in more detail and compare it to other regions throughout the country, giving you the rundown on how they differ in terms of landscape, culture, wildlife, and appeal. For now, enjoy these photos we took on our game drive last week—getting up close and personal with lions, elephants, buffalo, and giraffe—and look for more within the stories to come.