sarova spotlight - march - june 2012
Post on 11-Mar-2016
224 Views
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
LET’S PLAYKEEPING ACTIVE
WHILE ON HOLIDAY
MARCH - JUNE 2012
OURHERITAGEMOMBASA OLD TOWN
ICONSABBAS GULLET
OUT&ABOUTHELL’S GATE
WHAT’S COOKINGTHYME AND GINGER CHICKEN
J ambo and Karibu to the fifth issue of ‘Sarova Spotlight’. The tourism sector is once again celebrating news of an increase
in tourist arrivals. Making the announce-ment, Tourism Minister Najib Balala said the results indicated that the period January to October 2011 had marked a 16 per cent increase in growth.
After a rewarding 2011, Sarova Hotels, Resort
& Game Lodges is geared up for an even more
exciting year in 2012. Last year saw the completion
of various property upgrade projects, key among
these being the major refurbishment of Sarova
Panafric. The hotel gives a whole new meaning
to the term Afro-chic without taking away from its
glorious 46-year legacy of pan-African splendour. It
gives us great pleasure to receive positive feedback
from our distinguished patrons on the Panafric’s
enhanced ‘Refreshing African Hospitality’ experi-
ence. Our focus in continually improving the guest
experience across the group, through the adoption
of new and innovative services and products, was
recognised through the numerous international
and regional awards we brought home last year.
We shall continue to reinvest in our portfolio in a
bid to ensure our guest experience resonates to
world-class standards. To this end, major room
refurbishment at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort &
Spa in Mombasa has commenced. We are also in the
process of enhancing internet data connectivity across
the group’s entire portfolio, which will see our guests
access stable and speedy internet services.
Our commitment to giving back to the commu-
nities we work with is well enshrined in our
Company Mission. We are grateful to various
partners that have come on board to work
with us in uplifting the living standards of the
communities around us. One of the communi-
ties that has benefited from such a partnership
is the Daaba community in Shaba, where Sarova
Shaba Game Lodge joined hands with Well
Aware and Nobility Project in the rehabilitation
of a borehole as well as the construction of class-
rooms at Daaba Primary School.
ECOTOURISM
Sarova Shaba Lodge has been awarded Silver
Certif ication under Eco Tourism Kenya’s Eco-
Rating Scheme. This is a great achievement, as Eco
Tourism Kenya commends the lodge’s commit-
ment to promoting responsible and sustainable
tourism through ecotourism best practices. The
criteria for certif ication cover environmental and
socio-economic issues. Emphasis has been given
to sustainable use of resources, protection of the
environment and support to local economies
through linkages and building of capacity of local
communities and employees.
The Sarova Cares Initiative, launched in partner-
ship with the Kenya Red Cross Society last year,
continues to enable our esteemed guests to
become important partners in Sarova’s community
uplifting projects, centred on the areas of health,
education and environmental conservation.
On the lighter side of life, a major factor in
making a holiday or break truly memorable is
in the joy-filled memories that stay with us long
after we return home. In this edition of ‘Spot-
1SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
FOREWORD
light’, we highlight some of the fun activities that you
can engage in at Sarova. Our entertainment and
animation squads are always on hand to ensure a
captivating break for our leisure and business guests.
We have also put together incisive features on
‘Destination Kenya’, allowing one to appreciate
Kenya’s rich cultural heritage as we quench the
wanderlust for places to visit and things to do
during your valuable time as our guest.
Easter offers a tempting escape for much-needed
body, mind and soul rejuvenation. As you plan your
holiday this Easter, we have lined up irresistible
offers for the entire family. Please visit www.sarova-
hotels.com for details on what is on offer at each of
the Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges.
As we look forward to your continued patronage,
I would like to sincerely thank you, on behalf of the
entire Sarova family, for choosing to stay with us.
Jaideep S. VohraManaging director
Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges
WELCOME
ContentsSAROVA SPOTLIGHT // MARCH - JUNE 2012
A publication of Sarova Hotels and designed by
LANd & MARINE PUBLICATIONS (KENYA) LTdSuite A5, 1st floor, Ojijo Plaza Plums Lane, off Ojijo Road, Parklands
PO Box 2022, Village Market 00621, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 (0)20 374 1934 Cell: +254 (0)722 731 003
E-mail: kenya@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com
Contributing Editor: denis Gathanju Sales Manager: Linda Gakuru
Photo credits: denis Gathanju, Sarova Hotels, Shutterstock
The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, or any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions.
©2012 Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd
16
3SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
CONTENTS
36 PEOPLE&PLACES A cultural homogeneity?
42 Faces of Sarova Dzombo Mwadzombo and Jayne Mbaya
46 GivingBack Pupils enjoy a normal school life thanks
to well-wishers
50 Menengai Crater Could this be the devil’s mountain?
54 Sarova Hotels & Lodges Index
64 What’s cooking
4 OUT&ABOUT Hell’s Gate
10 Sarova News
12 OurHeritage Fort Jesus
24 Nakurro Where nature, fun and adventure meet
history and culture
28 OurHeritage Mombasa Old Town
30 ICONS Abbas Gullet
35 Easter at Sarova Special offers during the holidays
30 4 34
24
12
COVER STORY
16 LET’S PLAY KEEPING ACTIvE WHILE ON HOLIDAy
4 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
RIFT VALLEY TOWN IS THE PERFECT GETAWAY
OUT&ABOUT
ExPErIENCE THE NEW
‘COAST’IN NAIvASHA
5SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
The small town of Naivasha, on the floor of the Rift Valley, is now regarded as ‘the other coastal town’
after Mombasa. But with an obvious lack of white sandy beaches and an open ocean, why is this so?
For many Nairobians seeking a quick holiday away
from the city, yet close enough to dash back on a
Sunday afternoon and be in the office on Monday
morning, Naivasha offers the best option.
Situated about 90 km north-east of the capital,
Naivasha is quickly gaining a reputation as a
favourite holiday destination.
UNIqUE NATIONAL PARK
Another notable feature that attracts both local
and foreign tourists to the town is its park. Hell’s
Gate National Park is unlike any other national
park in Kenya because of the range of options
for getting around that include driving, walking,
hiking, rock climbing, cycling and horseback.
Thanks to its rich biodiversity, the park is a favourite
spot for nature lovers. And when you add in the
OUT&ABOUT
spectacular views of cliffs, rock towers, deep gorges,
scrub-covered volcanoes along with plumes of
geothermal steam, then you have a dream destina-
tion for an exciting weekend getaway.
Whether you are alone or with friends, family or
colleagues from the office, there is plenty to see
and do at Hell’s Gate. The park is dotted with
picnic sites and viewpoints from which to see the
various spectacular features of the park.
If you enter the park via the Elsa Gate and drive
further down the road, you will reach one of the
park’s major attractions, Fischer’s Tower. This 25
metre high rock tower is a perfect place for lovers
of action sports, notably rock climbing. Novices,
amateurs and experienced rock climbers are all
welcome and there is an experienced crew on
hand to give assistance to visitors.
FISCHER’S TOWER
Fischer’s Tower, named after the German
explorer Gustav Fischer, is a giant volcanic plug,
the remnant of an ancient eruption. Fischer was
the first white man to set eyes on the rock plug in
1883 after being commissioned by the Hamburg
Geographical Society. He was met with Maasai
hostility, however, and forced to turn back.
Maasai folklore has it that the volcanic rock is the
petrif ied figure of the daughter of a tribal chief.
According to legend, the young girl was on her
way to get married and was warned not to look
back until she arrived at her future husband’s
manyatta (traditional abode).
As she reached the spot, however, she decided
to take one last look at her village, and at once
turned into the rock plug that stands in the middle
of the park.
Today, Fischer’s Rock is a favourite venue for
climber, while the rocks around it provide a habitat
for rock hyraxes and other small animals. The open
plains around the rock tower have excellent trails
WHETHER yOu ARE
ALONE OR WITH
FRIENDS, THERE IS
PLENTy TO SEE AND
DO AT HELL’S GATE
6 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
FISCHER’S TOWER, NAMED AFTER THE
GERMAN ExPLORER GuSTAv FISCHER,
IS A GIANT vOLCANIC PLuG, THE
REMNANT OF AN ANCIENT ERuPTION
where visitors can walk or cycle within view of wild
game such as gazelle, giraffe and zebra.
In addition to Fischer’s Tower, the park contains the
Central Tower or Ol Basta. Like Fischer’s Tower,
this began life as semi-molten rock that was forced
through a fissure and later cooled and solidified to
form a tall rock plug amid the grasslands.
NATURE-LOVER’S PARAdISE
The park has two nature trails: Ol Basta Rock
Tower and Hobley’s volcano. The park has many
picnic sites where visitors can take a break and
enjoy the magnificent views. Picnic sites are
provided with benches, water taps and shower
blocks, rubbish bins and pit latrines.
7SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
For campers, Hell’s Gate National Park offers
some of the best sites in Kenya – secure, scenic
and easily accessible. However, campers are
advised to bring their own water and other
essential items such as walking boots, sun screen
and electric torches. The park contains at least
f ive campsites.
BIRdWATCHERS
The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers,
providing a habitat for over 100 species. Here,
visitors can catch a rare glimpse of the endan-
gered Lammergeyer vulture (gypaetus barbatus)
which was reintroduced into the park in a bid to
save it from extinction.
A drive deeper into the park will take the visitor
to the lower gorges, with an opportunity to
explore the long and winding deep caves that
OUT&ABOUT
or leaving the park via the Ol Karia Gate, visitors
will pass by the Olkaria Geothermal Power
Station, where the main road is lined with giant
pipes from the sunken geothermal wells.
While the park’s spectacular views are a magnet
for nature lovers, the spectacular scenery of
8 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
Hell’s Gate has brought film crews knocking on
its gates for the past 50 years. Among the notable
films containing scenes that have been shot within
the park are ‘Born Free’, ‘King Solomon’s Mines’,
‘Tomb Raider’ and ‘Where No vultures Fly’.
KENyA IS THE ONLy COuNTRy IN
AFRICA TO HAvE A FuLLy TAPPED
GEOTHERMAL ELECTRICITy SOuRCEare the Ol Njorowa Gorge. The gorge has hot
water springs which, according to the Maasai,
have medicinal value, especially for treating skin
diseases and infections. The hot springs are the
result of volcanic activity deep inside the earth.
From within the park, plumes of white steam
are visible. These are some of the geothermal
wells that are scattered across the park. Kenya is
the only country in Africa to have a fully tapped
geothermal source of electricity. When entering
Sarova’s Group Marketing Manager Peter Waweru scales Fischer’s Tower at Hell’s Gate
SAROvA NEWSINvESTMENT IN ICT INFRASTRuCTuRE REWARDEDSarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges continually seeks to enhance the guest experience by adopting new and innovative services and products. Over the past few years, this has included harnessing the power of information and communication technology (ICT) with a view to enhancing the overall guest experience at Sarova.
Every year, the CIO 100 Awards honour 100 companies that demonstrate excellence and achievement in ICT. The 2011 awards gave recognition to Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges for using ICT in an innovative way to deliver value to customers.
Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges scooped the following awards:
• Special Award – Security: this award recognised the security enhancements put in place by Sarova in regard to e-commerce transactions, specifi cally online bookings.
• PlusOne Award – Hospitality: Sarova was given the award for leadership in the use of ICT in the hospitality industry.
• Group IT Manager: John Muthiora, of Sarova Hotels, received the Top 100 award for achieving excellence in enterprise ICT deployment and was admitted as a ‘CIO 100 Honoree’.
In a fi eld of over 600 companies from across the East African region, Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges emerged in 40th position, thus securing a place in the CIO Top 100 Club.
SAROvA STANLEy PROvIDES CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR CHILDREN IN HOSPITALChristmas is a time for sharing. Sarova Stanley associates took time off during the festive season to visit the pediatric ward at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where they spent time with recuperating children. All members of the Sarova Stanley family made a personal contribution and the money was used to buy items on the pediatric ward’s Christmas wish list. The donation of room heaters, stationery, plastic chairs, diapers, a water dispenser, rechargeable lanterns and tea urns was well received by the hospital community.
Nyekundu means red in Swahili. This is a bold yet easy-drinking wine packed with rich fruit fl avours, especially raspberries.
The wine is made from a blend of at least fi ve distinctive grapes. Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot stand out.
Mara Nyekundu is a dry red wine with an invitingly strong
taste that goes hand-in-hand with a range of Kenyan cuisines,
especially beef, to further heighten the dining experience.
The bottle of the Mara Nyekundu – like that of the Mara Nyeupe – is adorned
with a colourful Kenyan bead amulet made by rural women.
In this way, tourists can support rural enterprises by buying the amulets and thus providing the women with a
regular income to support themselves and their families.
Nyeupe means white in Swahili. This is a lovely white wine with a rich tropical fruit fl avour and a distinctive passion-fruit fl avour that really stands out. The wine has a splendid feel on the tongue, with underlying hints of lemon. This is a relatively new wine that goes particularly well with seafood.
Like the Mara Nyekundu bottle, the Mara Nyeupe bottle comes adorned with a bead amulet made by rural Kenyan women.
Supplied by MIA Wines and Spirits International Email: sales@miainternational.co.ke
WINE REVIEW
MARA NYEKUNDU (Red)
MARA NYEUPE (White)
Nyekundu means red in Swahili. This is a bold yet easy-drinking wine packed with rich fruit fl avours, especially raspberries.
MARA NYEKUNDU
SILvER ECO-RATING FOR SAROvA SHABA GAME LODGESarova Shaba Game Lodge has been awarded Silver Certifi cation under Eco Tourism Kenya’s Eco-rating Scheme. Eco Tourism Kenya praised Sarova Shaba Game Lodge for attaining this level of certifi cation and commended its commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable tourism through ecotourism best practices.
The criteria for certifi cation cover environmental and socio-economic issues. Emphasis has been placed on sustainable use of resources, protection of the environment and support for local economies through linkages and building of capacity of local communities and employees.
SAROvA MARA GAME CAMP DISPLAyS MASTERy IN HOSTING INCENTIvE GROuPSIn January, Sarova Mara Game Camp exclusively hosted the Africa, Middle East and Asia diagnostics sales team from Abbott, a leading pharmaceutical company with branches worldwide. Over 170 participants attended the special conference and the Sarova Mara Game Camp team was on hand to provide the signature African hospitality.
From spectacular Maasai welcome dances to exquisite dining in the champagne-coloured plains of Mara, the guests had the time of their lives in this majestic setting. Each day had a different theme that was complemented by fi rst-rate cuisine. Activities included visits to Maasai cultural villages and hot air balloon rides.
The crowning event was a gala dinner at which guests, dressed in their national costumes, were treated to an array of delicacies, after which they danced the night away at a ‘disco in the wild’.
CORPORATE LEADERSHIP AWARD FOR SAROvA WHITESANDS BEACH RESORT & SPASarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa won the Corporate Leadership Award at the inaugural National Ability Awards in Nairobi in December. The award recognises a business that demonstrates leadership and commitment to enhancing accessibility, inclusion, universality and the elimination of barriers that may impede the full participation of persons with any type of disability in community life.
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa was nominated by Sweet Waves Band, which performs at the resort, for its keen support of the disabled, among other Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. Sweet Waves is a talented group of Kenyan musicians who play a wide selection of African and contemporary music. They share more than a musical bond, however, as they are all visually impaired. But this does not stop them producing some of the fi nest live music in Kenya.
SAROVA NEWS
11SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
SILVER ECO-RATED
12 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
OuRHErITAgE: FORT JESuS
An enduring symbol of the great struggle to control Mombasa
Kisiwa cha Vita (‘Island of War’) was the name given to Mombasa in its formative years. The title underlines
the violent and turbulent times witnessed by this ancient city as it constantly changed hands between various occupiers.
There is no doubt that Mombasa was an object of
desire; and the legal tender to own this strategic
island was blood, sweat and tears. Thousands of
lives were lost, and every time a ship appeared
on the horizon, the occupiers of the island braced
themselves for battle. you never owned the island;
you were merely a tenant until another occupier
arrived with bigger guns and more firepower.
For Mombasa, this was the case for many years.
Then came the Portuguese, who were deter-
mined to hold on to the island. In order to do so,
they built what at the time was an almost impen-
etrable garrison that would afford them security
from enemy fire while offering a clear view of the
harbour and ocean beyond. The new building
was named Fort Jesus.
CONSTRUCTION OF FORT
The fort was built in 1593 on the orders of King
Philip I of Portugal, who also ruled over Spain.
The aim was to protect the Portuguese from
Turkish invasion and to protect Mombasa, an
important stop on the trade route to India. The
fort was designed by an Italian architect and built
by African labourers. Seldom had so many nation-
alities come together to construct one building.
During the ground-breaking ceremony on 11
April 1593 the fortress was named Fortaleza de
Jesus de Mombaca by the Portuguese resident
captain, Mateus de Mendes de vasconcelos. Built
in the shape of a man, the fort was completed
in 1596 with four bastions named S. Felipe, S.
Mathias, S. Alberto and S. Mateus.
The fort was provided with a double gate
system as a barrier against enemy forces. Today,
13SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
this houses the ticket booth for the Fort Jesus
Museum. There is also a curved antechamber
with an alcove at the top – a reminder that the
men who built the fort were Catholics.
The fort is said to have at least three secret
passages including the Passage of Steps and the
Passage of the Arch. The latter has a tiny side-
room that was used to store ammunition. The
entrances to these secret passages, one of which
was used by enemies in 1631 to sneak into the
fort, are closed off by iron grates.
Bearing witness to the turbulent years of the
past are four canons, called carronades, after the
Scottish company Carron which made them. Any
enemy vessel sailing into the old harbour was
within range of these powerful guns.
A BLOOdY PAST
Fort Jesus witnessed a long series of battles for
control and possession of Mombasa Island, which
changed hands no fewer than nine times between
1631 and 1875. The Omani Arabs attacked the fort
many times, most notably between 1696 and 1698.
The Portuguese managed to hold on to the fort partly
because of their superior military skills and deadly
firepower and partly thanks to the cordial relations
they had established with the Sultan of Mombasa.
However, this relationship began to deterio-
rate after the departure of Captain Mateus de
Mendes de vasconcelos. In 1626 Muhammad
yusif returned to Mombasa from Goa in India.
He was baptised as Dom Jeronimo Chingulia and
made Sultan of Mombasa. On 16 August 1631 he
surprised the Portuguese when he entered Fort
Jesus and killed Pedro Leitao de Gamboa, the
Portuguese captain.
Sultan Chingulia went on to massacre the entire
Portuguese population of Mombasa – 45 men,
35 women and 70 children.
There was a fast and furious response from the
Portuguese, who sent in a military force from
OuRHErITAgE: FORT JESuS
14 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
Goa to retake the fort. The battle lasted two
months between 10 January 1632 and 19 March
1632 when the Portuguese abandoned the siege.
However, the Sultan abandoned the fort two
months later to become a pirate and the Portu-
guese retook Mombasa and its fort on 5 August
1632 under the command of Captain Pedro
Rodrigues Botelho.
FIRST FORT OF ITS KINd
The fort was designed by Giovanni Battista
Cairati, of Milan, who was chief architect of all
Portuguese installations on the east coast of
Africa. The earliest known plans for construc-
tion of the fort are in a manuscript dated 1610 by
Manuel Godinho de Herédia.
Fort Jesus was the first European-style fort to be
built outside Europe and was designed to resist
canon fire. Today, the fort is testament to the
FORT JESuS WAS THE FIRST EuROPEAN-STyLE
FORT TO BE BuILT OuTSIDE EuROPE
15SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
quality of 16th century Portuguese military archi-
tecture. The building has also been modified by
Omani Arabs and by the British, who captured
the fort at one stage.
For military commanders who wanted to
control Mombasa and the regional trade routes,
capturing Fort Jesus was paramount. When
the British colonised Kenya and proclaimed it a
protectorate in 1895, they captured Fort Jesus
and turned it into a prison.
Fort Jesus ceased to be a prison on 24 October
1958 when the British declared it a national park
and placed it in the custody of the trustees of the
Kenya National Parks.
Excavation was carried out by James Kirkman
and Fort Jesus became a museum in 1962. The
Fort Jesus Museum was built with a grant from
the Gulbenkian Foundation. Within, the exhibits
include finds from archaeological excavations at
Fort Jesus as well as archaeological f inds from
other ancient Swahili city states such as Gede,
Manda and ungwana.
Today, the fort is an important historical landmark
in East Africa and was recently added to the
World Heritage list by unesco.
Over the years, a variety of banners have flown
from the citadel on one section of the fort to
identify the occupiers of the fort and rulers of
Mombasa. Today, Fort Jesus is a place of calm
and tranquillity as the modern metropolis buzzes
with life further up the road. And on the citadel
is a banner that everyone hopes will dance to the
tune of the ocean breeze forever – the Kenyan flag.
THE FORT WAS RECENTLy
ADDED TO THE WORLD
HERITAGE LIST By uNESCO
Excursions to Fort Jesus Museum and Mombasa Old Town can be
arranged from Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa
ANIMATION
16 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
17SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
FuN AND GAMES FOR FAMILIES
AND BuSINESS GuESTS
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and the old saying could not be more true than in today’s
fast-paced world.
We can all benefit from some time off for recrea-
tion – and the Kenyan coast is the ideal place.
Everyone who has visited the coast will agree
that the pace tends to slow down, allowing
visitors to ease up a little. Some say it is because
of the balmy climate, while others point to the
fact that Mombasa is a resort city.
Enter the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort &
Spa and the equation changes. Here, business,
holiday and play go hand in hand. While everyone
is rushing to beat business deadlines and taking a
quick holiday before returning to work, Sarova
Hotels has a unique programme aimed at making
your stay, especially at the Sarova Whitesands
Beach Resort & Spa, even more relaxing and
enjoyable. Whether you are here on business
or holiday, the resort has a great animation
programme that could be your formula for a
perfect stay.
According to Nicholas Ladu, the Entertainment
Manager at Sarova Whitesands, the programmes
are arranged and developed according to the
taste and achievement needs of its customers.
CUSTOM-MAdE
“Our programmes are aimed at providing our
guests with a deeply relaxing holiday or business
trip that further complements the excellent facili-
ties and services at the resort,” he says. “They
are therefore custom-made to suit the needs of
our guests. The duration of such programmes is
dictated by the desired end-result for the guests.”
The animation programmes are not discriminative
since they suit all age groups and all the various guests
staying at the resort, where on holiday or on business.
18 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
To cater for these age groups and offer them
physically and mentally engaging programmes,
the animation team has come up with four main
groupings:
• Ozone Kids Club
• Team Building
• Evening Entertainment
• Daytime Sporting Activities.
The Ozone Kids Club is one of the most popular
animation programmes at the resort and across
the entire Sarova Hotels group, offering a
unique programme for children and making the
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa the
ultimate family destination on the Kenyan coast.
Programmes are designed to ensure that children
on holiday at the resort are kept busy and spend
quality time away from their parents, allowing
them to relax.
PREMIER CLUB
“The Ozone Kids Club is the premier club for
young children at Sarova Hotels,” says Nicholas.
“The club is most active at the Sarova Whitesands
Beach Resort & Spa for a number of reasons, key
among them being the huge space we have at
the resort. This gives us enough playing space –
and kids love space and they love coming here
because they can be themselves away from their
parents. The parents also love coming here with
‘OuR AIM IS TO
PROvIDE GuESTS
WITH A DEEPLy
RELAxING HOLIDAy
OR BuSINESS TRIP’
ANIMATION
Members of the Team A animation team perform at Cocos Beach Bar
19SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
their kids because they need not worry about the
kids. They can have a wonderful time together.
This makes Sarova Whitesands the ideal resort
for that family vacation.”
According to Nicholas, the Federation of Tour
Operators has identif ied Sarova Whitesands as
the ultimate resort for parents travelling with
young children.
“The federation has high compliance standards and
we have passed this test many times and continue
to do even better,” he says. “Moreover, the
positive feedback we always get on various travel
websites such as TripAdvisor has gone a long way
to positioning us as the best of the best and we are
continually doing more in that area to ensure guest
satisfaction that cannot be matched by anyone else.
This has made us a magnet for families.”
Activities at the Ozone Kids Club are divided into
various categories. They include Ozone Kids for
members of the Kids Club, Ozone Tree House,
Ozone Playground and Ozone Swimming Pool.
MEMBERSHIP
The Ozone Kids Club is a membership
programme for children aged four to 12 who are
enrolled in a one-year renewable membership.
The children normally meet every first Sunday of
the month for fun and games, commencing at 10
am and concluding at 5 pm. Sarova Hotels also
helps Kids Club members to celebrate their birth-
days at the resort. They normally receive a free
birthday cake from Sarova Whitesands.
“We have watched these young kids grow, not
only in age and height, but in every facet of their
21SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
ANIMATION
lives,” says Nicholas. “We have watched the kids
develop into more responsible people and we
have watched others discover their God-given
talents that they would otherwise have not
discovered had it not been for such informative
yet engaging programmes that we have devel-
oped under the Ozone Kids Club.
“One such kid is an eight-year-old boy called
Samir. We have watched this child develop his
singing talent since he joined the club four years
ago. Samir will soon be recording his f irst song in
a professional studio and we are happy that we
have played a role in helping identify the hidden
talent in the young lad at such a tender age. We
THIS IS A FAvOuRITE
D E S T I N A T I O N
THANKS MAINLy TO
THE ANIMATION
PROGRAMMES FOR
CHILDREN
22 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
A mini golf course at the Sarova Mara Game Camp
“Over the Easter holidays, we have a five-day
programme that is equally as exciting as the
Christmas programme. The activities run from
6 am to midnight depending on the tasks to
be undertaken and the number of children and
adults participating.”
CRAzY OLYMPICS
As well as animation programmes, the team
conducts daytime sports that have been nick-
named the Crazy Olympics – physically engaging
programmes targeted mainly at adults staying
at the resort on business and/or on holiday.
Programmes include tennis and basketball.
Sarova Whitesands has four well-kept lawn tennis
courts and one basketball court. These have
proved popular with teenagers and adults staying
at the resort. Courts are floodlit, allowing guests
to go on playing after dark.
Another action sport covered by the Crazy
Olympics is archery. The resort has basic archery
equipment and is in the process of acquiring
professional-level equipment.
Darts is a popular activity that can be enjoyed
over a beer or a soft drink at the popular Cocos
Beach Bar. Also at the Cocos Beach Bar, adults
and children can jointly participate in brain
teasers and puzzle-solving activities, especially
over afternoon coffee or during a tea break.
Table tennis is another sport that can be enjoyed
near the pool deck, with two tables available.
WATER SPORTS
Water sports can also be enjoyed across the other
Sarova properties, especially at the game lodges.
A host of other engaging fun and games are also
available at the lodges. These include table tennis,
badminton, darts, pool and board games. For those
staying at the Sarova Mara Game Lodge, you can
23SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
ANIMATION
try your hand at traditional archery courtesy of the
rich Maasai culture at the lodge. While here, you
can also take to boat rides in the massive pond
within the property or engage your family, friends
or workmates to a game of golf at the lodge’s mini
golf course. you can also engage in a sport fishing
competition in a race to catch and release the catfish
in the pond within the Sarova Mara Game Camp.
If staying at the Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, a camel
safari would be an added activity that would take
you and your friends and family through the wild
trails of a Samburu settlement and into the wide
open bushlands of the north. The camel safari is
not only a great way to experience the beauty of
the north, but an incredible way of learning the
Samburu culture. While at it, you can compete
against each other in a lighting fire competition
using the age-old tested traditions of the Samburu
and the Maasai communities.
No matter where your travels take you, it is by
now an open secret that engaging the mind in a
playful mode helps our minds and bodies relax
and reinvigorate better.
So, go on and explore, experience and play.
‘THE PROGRAMMES
ARE WELL THOuGHT
THROuGH AND EvERy
DAy WE OFFER THE KIDS
AND THEIR PARENTS
DIFFERENT TASKS’
wish him all the very best like we do for all the
children that come here.”
CHRISTMAS ANd EASTER
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa has proved
a favourite destination for both local and foreign
tourists staying at the coast thanks mainly to the
animation programmes it provides for children.
Other animation programmes at the resort are
timed and tied to the two main holiday seasons
and are targeted mainly at families, especially
during the Christmas and Easter holidays, when
most families travel to the Kenyan coast to spend
time together in a relaxing atmosphere.
“We normally have dynamic programmes over
these two main holiday seasons,” says Nicholas.
“The Christmas programme is mainly a 12-day
affair that is deeply engaging for both the children
and their parents. It is mainly spread out for that
duration because most families are on a long
holiday and they stay here longer.
“The programmes are well thought through and
every day we offer the kids and their parents
different tasks. We never repeat the programmes
to avoid boredom and so as to bring out the best
in everyone at the end of their stay.
Archery at the Sarova Mara Game Camp
NAKUrro
24 SAroVA SPoTLIGHT
WhERE NATuRE, fuN ANd AdvENTuRE MEET hISTORY ANd CulTuRE
NAKUrro
25SAroVA SPoTLIGHT
26 SAroVA SPoTLIGHT
Nakuru County, home to one of Africa’s fastest growing cities, is a land of bountiful harvests and
amazing contrasts. A natural crossroads for traffic and trade, Nakuru is in the agricul-tural heartland of the nation, thus earning the nickname of ‘Kenya’s bread basket’.
Known to the Maasai people as Nakurro or
a place of whirlwind dusty winds, Nakuru is
today Kenya's fourth-largest city. The city offers
residents and visitors alike a host of interesting
outdoor activities that can be sampled within a
driving distance of only 30 minutes in all direc-
tions. To start with, the city lies between the
world’s second-largest volcanic crater to the
north and the alkaline lake that is home to one of
the world’s largest f lamingo populations.
The majestic Menengai Crater is the second-
largest of its kind after the better known
Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania.
located on the northern outskirts of Nakuru,
the Menengai Crater covers an area of 90 sq km
– only 10 sq km less than Ngorongoro Crater.
GETTING THERE
Access to the crater is off the main Nairobi-
Nakuru highway via the leafy residential area
of Milimani and then a dirt road. Kenya forest
Service charges an entrance fee to see the
crater. The road is very narrow in parts and you
must give way to oncoming vehicles. Owing to
constant rain showers, the road is lined by deep
and narrow trenches.
for those keen to have a proper work-out, you can
leave your car at the entrance and trek all the way to
the pinnacle of this magnificent crater. The stunning
views from the summit will crown the day for you.
woRld-fAmous
To the south of the city is the world-famous lake
Nakuru National Park. Owing to the small size of
the park, which covers 188 sq km, it is easy to spot
game. The lake’s greatest attraction is the more than
2 million greater and lesser flamingos that feed there.
Another big attraction is the park’s huge population of
endangered black rhino and white rhino.
Today, lake Nakuru National Park provides one
of the safest locations in Africa for endangered
rhino as well as the best conservation sites for
endangered species.
Just across the Nairobi-Nakuru highway is
another important place of interest, the Karian-
dusi Prehistoric Site. The national museum here
has a display of artefacts excavated from the site
in 1928 by archaeologist louis leakey.
The stone tools displayed at the museum are
believed to have been made by Middle Stone
Age inhabitants between 700,000 and 1 million
years ago.
Closer to Nakuru you will f ind the hyrax hill
Museum, just 5 km from the Central Business
district. This museum has a display of cultural
NAKUrro
ThE ClOSE PROxIMITY Of lAKE NAIvAShA
TO NAKuRu ANd NAIROBI hAS TuRNEd ThIS
ONCE SlEEPY TOWN INTO A hIvE Of ACTIvITY,
ESPECIAllY AT WEEKENdS
27SAroVA SPoTLIGHT
artefacts from the Sirikwa people, a sub-tribe of
the larger Kalenjin community who inhabited the
area. The Sirikwa people lived in the Iron Age
and iron tools have been found at the site.
driving out of this bustling city towards the
western escarpment of the Rift valley, you will
f ind the lord Egerton Castle just a few kilome-
tres outside Nakuru. The castle is a monument
to what a man in love can do. It was built by lord
Egerton for the woman he loved and wanted
to spend the rest of his life with. however, she
declined to give her hand in marriage and a bitter
lord Egerton swore he would never marry.
Today, the 52-room castle stands in its grandeur
and plays host to numerous tourists and even
wedding parties.
There is no doubt that a trip to Nakuru County will
be deeply rewarding in all respects, whether you’re
a birdwatcher, a nature lover, a rock climber, a cyclist,
a horse rider or just about anyone who wants an
exciting, educational and rewarding getaway.
Whether travelling alone, with friends and
family or with office colleagues, Nakuru County
beckons. Why not come and visit?
28 SAroVA SPoTLIGHT
Mombasa’s
Old Town has a special charm
OuRHeritage: MOMBASA Old TOWN
The Kenyan coast is rich in historical and archaeological sites that bear witness to the formative centuries of
swahili culture. Across the coastal strip there are remnants of mosques and other buildings that show the various styles of Islamic archi-tecture using lime, coral stone and timber.
like other medieval Swahili city states on the east
coast, Mombasa retains some remnants of its
ancient past. A stone’s throw from the majestic
fort Jesus is Mombasa’s Old Town.
CulTuRAl
While the Old Town lacks the medieval charm
of lamu or Zanzibar, it still offers a rich cultural
and historical outing that will transport the visitor
several centuries back. The houses in the Old
Town are characteristic of the ancient coastal
Swahili architecture, which was heavily influ-
enced by the Omani Arabs. It consists of ornately
carved doors and window frames and fretwork
balconies that were designed to protect the
modesty of female inhabitants.
In tandem with Muslim-influenced architecture,
the Old Town has traces of its Indian and British
colonial past. Many houses in the Old Town are
modelled on ancient Swahili designs in which the
defining feature was the intricately carved designs
on their doors.
Today, you will f ind some of these designs on the
furniture of upmarket hotels in Mombasa, Malindi
and lamu. A walk through the Old Town will
reward the visitor with some fascinating insights
29SAroVA SPoTLIGHT
into the traditional Swahili culture as well as clear
signs of the Muslim influence on the town and its
inhabitants.
The only downside to this is that many of the
ancient houses are starting to disappear. Many
are literally falling apart through years of neglect,
while others have been modernised. All is not
lost, however. There is now a preservation order
on the remaining doors, balconies and houses in
order to help preserve this historical heritage.
The National Museums of Kenya organisation
has been working closely with the Mombasa
Old Town Conservation Society to preserve and
restore this ancient city state.
vIbRANT
The best times to tour this part of the city are
early morning and late afternoon when the streets
are more vibrant and colourful and the sun is less
harsh and draining than at midday. The narrow
winding streets lead into residential quarters away
from the bustle of the modern metropolis with
its skyscrapers. A tour of the Old Town takes
between 30 minutes and an hour depending on
how many stops you make along the way.
In addition to the Old Town and the fort Jesus
Museum and historical site, Mombasa contains
many more interesting sites and monuments.
They include fort St Joseph, the Mbaraki Pillar,
the Mazrui Cemetery, the ruins at Allidina
visram School and other minor remains of great
interest to tourists.
hOuSES ChARACTERISTIC
Of ThE ANCIENT COASTAl
SWAhIlI ARChITECTuRE
30 SAroVA SPoTLIGHT
MAN WhO hAS MOvEd KENYANS TO ShOW MORE
care and compassion
31SAroVA SPoTLIGHT
At the headquarters of one of Kenya’s most active aid organisations, sarova spotlight Contributing Editor denis
Gathanju met the man who has changed the humanitarian landscape of the country. He is Abbas Gullet, secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross society (KRCs).
Whenever and wherever there is a crisis, the staff
and volunteers of the KRCS are at the forefront.
But even amid such dedication to the relief of
human suffering, Abbas Gullet stands out. Born
52 years ago in a small town in Garissa County,
he is driven by a quest to bring hope to those
who face disaster.
“We are the first ones in and the last ones
out whenever there is a natural or man-made
calamity,” he says. “The Kenya Red Cross is today
not only the best-known humanitarian organisa-
tion, but the most dedicated to helping alleviate
human suffering in Kenya. We work tirelessly
icons: ABBAS GullET
to see that our people are able to cope with
whatever disaster they are faced with.”
CAll To ACTIoN
Abbas Gullet and the wider KRCS are well
known for calling Kenyans from all walks of life
into action during the famine situation in 2011.
They helped bring together corporate giants and
persuaded Kenyans to donate selflessly to the
famine-stricken communities of northern Kenya
under the Kenyans4Kenya initiative.
Abbas opened our eyes to what was happening
right in front of us.
Orphaned at a young age, Abbas Gullet grew up
in Mombasa, where his adopted family lived.
“I was adopted at a very tender age and I never
lacked or missed anything in my life while growing
up – maybe my biological parents, but nothing
else. I grew up a happy child and I was loved by
my adopted parents as if I was their own,” he says.
“And for that I am most grateful to God Almighty.
“The ethnic background of my adopted parents
was different from mine, but they loved me as
if I was their own,” he says. “This is what that
made me harbour great respect for human life
and dignity. It made me tolerant of other people
who were culturally and ethnically different.”
Abbas first came into contact with the Kenya Red
Cross while a high school pupil in 1973 when he
participated in the President’s Award Scheme.
icons: ABBAS GullET
32 SAroVA SPoTLIGHT
As part of this scheme, he was required to learn
volunteer skills such as basic first aid – and this
actuated his volunteering spirit.
voluNTEEREd
he volunteered to work with the Kenya Red
Cross in Mombasa every evening and at
weekends between 1973 and 1975. This led to
many training opportunities and the chance to
travel extensively.
'ThIS IS A GREAT COuNTRY ANd CAN BE
EvEN GREATER, BuT WE NEEd TO hAvE
TOlERANCE fOR EACh OThER'
fired with the volunteering spirit, the young
Abbas devoted his spare time to visiting the
sick and weak in hospitals across Mombasa. he
worked with community-based organisations in
the city on many programmes.
fulfIlmENT
“This was a critical time for me because it opened
up my eyes and I was able to better appreciate
human life and share the little that I had with the
less fortunate in the society. When I devoted my
time, I felt a new level of achievement and fulf il-
ment. I was happy helping others.”
And so, for a man who has witnessed human
suffering at its worst, what has been the most
moving incident in your life, I ask.
“Well, there have been numerous incidents,” he
says. “I will forever remember the post-election
violence in Kenya since it was unlike anything I had
ever witnessed in Kenya in my life. In the region,
the events that happened in western Tanzania after
the genocide in Rwanda are etched in my mind.
This was when the Tanzanian government force-
fully sent back the more than 700,000 Rwandese
refugees across the border into Rwanda.
“I will never forget the utter hopelessness I saw in
the faces of the many men, women and children
who were being sent back home by gun-toting
military personnel, knowing all too well that
they would be ‘welcomed’ across the border by
armed militia that was hell-bent on killing them.
It was a sad moment for me and all the humani-
tarian personnel that witnessed this.”
33SAroVA SPoTLIGHT
' I WAS AdOPTEd AT
A vERY TENdER AGE
ANd I NEvER lACKEd
ANYThING IN MY lIfE'
Abbas Gullet is credited with reviving the once
run-down organisation. he came in when the
KRCS had lost credibility with the Kenyan people
and the donor community. Moreover, the organ-
isation was up to its neck in debt.
After working for the International federation
of the Red Cross in Geneva, he was concerned
about what was happening back home and
offered his services to the KRCS. Employing
near-military precision and discipline, Abbas
has succeeded in transforming the organisation,
which has gone from a uS$500,000 debt to a
surplus of uS$50 million in just over 10 years.
“Today, the Kenya Red Cross is one of the most
respected humanitarian organisations in Kenya
and around the world,” he says proudly. “The
Kenya Red Cross is tops in Africa in terms of
good governance, management of resources,
credibility and a positive image.
“But I did not do this alone, I pay tribute to all
the men and women who have served and
continue to serve the organisation selflessly. I am
very proud of the entire team that we have here.
These are men and women who have dedicated
their lives to help the less fortunate in society.
They are the kind of people who would lay down
their lives for the sake of another.”
Today, he says, the KRCS has an 800-strong
workforce and more than 70,000 volunteers
across the country, and has, in that respect,
continued to play a critical humanitarian role in
the interest of the Kenyan people.
fAmIly mAN
As a busy man, only a phone call away from
responding to a disaster, Abbas values the time
he spends with his family. he is married with four
children, two boys and two girls.
“I am forever grateful that I have such a loving and
understanding family,” he says. “They give me all
the support they can and I am very proud of them.”
An ardent sports fan, Abbas tells me he loves
watching almost all sports. But with football being
one of the best followed sports across the world,
he could not hesitate to inform me that he loves and
supports Arsenal football Club of london. Being a
die-hard Manchester united fan myself, I fail miser-
ably to convert him to join the winning team.
“I follow Arsenal, not because of the titles they win,
but because of the attractive soccer they play,” he
says with a big grin on his face.
however, I feel that I have to ask him one last
question. This being an election year, why can he
not run for President?
My question is met with a deep laughter. he is flat-
tered, I can tell.
“I believe that you can achieve more and make an
impact in people’s lives without being a politician.
What I am doing here is public service and I am
helping transform the lives of many Kenyans out
there through my work. No thanks,” he sums it up.
34 SAroVA SPoTLIGHT
' I AM fOREvER GRATEful
ThAT I hAvE SuCh A
lOvING ANd
uNdERSTANdING fAMIlY'
icons: ABBAS GullET
easter comes as a well deserved break after a busy fi rst quarter of the year. At Sarova hotels, resort & game lodges,
the easter holiday is a family affair. it’s a time for your family to meet our family and savour the delights we have prepared to complement this long-awaited season. from our signature Best of Kenya culinary offers to a wide array of cultural and contemporary entertainment, we have left nothing to chance in ensuring a memorable stay for you and your loved ones.
what’s more, in keeping with tradition, our easter
egg hunt will provide fun for the whole family.
eASter in the city
a quiet city in the sun is what nairobi will be this
easter – the perfect setting for a well deserved
city break at one of the two sarova hotels: sarova
stanley and sarova Panafric.
experience a traditional easter in nairobi’s
heritage hotel, sarova stanley, taking you back to
the edwardian era but with trappings of modern
luxury. The hotel offers a selection of dining
options; from the legendary Thorn Tree restau-
rant to the Thai chi restaurant.
you can enjoy easter with a neo african touch
at sarova Panafric, where drumbeats and the
strumming of strings will serenade your party as
you savour our chef’s creative delights.
eASter By the BeAch
at sarova whitesands beach resort & spa the
fun never ends. This easter, bring along your
friends and family for a memorable break at east
africa’s most fun-filled venue. you can enjoy the
culinary mastery of our talented chef and have a
great time with the whole family, courtesy of the
fun a animation team. meanwhile, we also have
the clues to an exciting easter egg hunt.
To crown your easter break, why not relax and
rejuvenate at our Tulia spa, where the signature
Tulia treatment is simply heavenly.
eASter At SArovA gAme loDgeS AnD cAmP
Thinking of taking a classic safari? easter is a
perfect time to explore the wild and unique
surroundings of sarova game lodges and camp.
brace yourself for a range of unique adventures,
from getting to know exotic communities, their
35SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
EASTER AT SAROVA
culture and their co-existence with the wild,
to splendid wilderness safaris. you can sample
our renowned cuisine, whether in the wild
masai mara, in the heart of Kenya’s ‘born free’
country, by the banks of the crocodile-infested
uaso nyiro river or in the land of maneless
lions at Taita wildlife sanctuary. each of our game
lodges and camps provides the perfect backdrop
for an exciting easter for you and your family.
enjoy special treats ranging from legendary game
drives to energetic cultural dances – or just relax
by the swimming pool with a tall cocktail. be
sure to take part in the easter egg hunt with a
safari touch.
tree PlAnting
during your stay at any of the sarova game
lodges and camps, you will have a chance to plant
a commemorative tree and thus help to conserve
our environmental heritage. To enjoy all these,
contact our central reservations office or book
and pay online at:
www.sarovahotels.com
EASTER BRingS A RAngE OF BLESSingS AT SAROVA
36 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
The great ocean to the east, the great lake to the west, the great desert to the north and the great mountain to the south: these are the physical boundaries that mark the great nation in the middle, Kenya.
Kenya is known for its wonderful landscapes. It is a land teeming with wildlife like no other nation on earth and, most of all, a land of contrasting peoples and cultures.
A culturAl homogeneity? PeoPle from The norTh borrow culTural TradITIons from each oTher
Sarova Spotlight contributing editor Denis gathanju has been writing the People & Places column with a view
to demystifying these unique and fascinating cultures. in this edition, Denis goes north to investigate how cultural diversity has influ-enced the way people live and relate to each other. Although they speak different dialects and come from various tribal groups – cushites, river lake nilotes, Plain nilotes and Bantus – these communities have much in common.
The northern frontier district, which starts
from the future resort city of Isiolo, is one of the
least explored regions of our country. while the
area has little in the way of historical heritage,
it has one of the largest diversities of wildlife in
the country.
37SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
In addition, this large region contains a wide
range of communities that are rich in culture and
tradition. while most of these communities are
nomadic, others, such as the meru, are agrarian.
They have managed to co-exist for many years
and share limited natural resources such as water
and pasture.
To many of these communities, the town of
Isiolo, with its wide range of services, is a natural
meeting point.
for instance, the trading outpost will soon help
transform the livelihoods of the meru people,
who live on the slopes of mount Kenya and to
the east of Isiolo town.
The Kenyan government is in the process of
establishing a resort city in Isiolo. This city will
PEOPLE&PLACES
be at the crossroads of two major trading routes
which the government is seeking to open up
to enhance commerce with its northern
neighbour, ethiopia, and the new republic of
southern sudan.
for the meru community, that will go a long
way towards enhancing exports of the miraa
(khat) which they produce from their farms. The
Kenyan government is building an international
airport in Isiolo town.
culture of the meru
The meru community live in the upper mid
eastern region of the country, north of mount
Kenya, in a rich agricultural region.
PEOPLE&PLACES
38 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
merians (meru people) are a bantu-speaking
group who are mainly agrarian and keep some
domestic livestock. The word meru is used to
refer to the people as well as their location, since
the main trading and commercial capital of the
meru people is called meru.
The meru have a detailed yet confusing and
intriguing history and mythology. legend has it that
the meru were once enslaved by the ‘red people’.
however, they managed to escape from their
masters and, in their exodus, came across a large
water body that they called mbwaa. legend has it
that they managed to cross these waters magically.
once across the water, they followed a route
that took them to the hills of marsabit. They
continued their travels further down and eventu-
ally reaching the Indian ocean. They stayed there
for a while but, owing to the poor climatic condi-
tions and constant threats from the arabs, the
community was forced to travel inland through
the Tana river basin until they finally reached
the mount Kenya area, where they settled and
remain to this day.
PASSAge into ADulthooD
as in most african cultures, male and female
circumcision is an important rite of passage into
adulthood for the meru. however, it must be
noted that this rite of passage was embraced by
the meru only after they had settled into their
current location, perhaps owing to the influence
of other neighbouring communities such as the
Kikuyu to the south, the Turkana, the samburu
and the borana to the north.
nonetheless, male and female circumcision has
since been deeply engrained in the meru culture
and has become a mandatory path to adulthood.
circumcision was preceded by two prepara-
tory ceremonies, namely, the igiita ria kugerua
matu (the ritual for marking the spots where ear
merus are a banTu-
sPeaKIng grouP and
are maInly agrarIan
and KeeP some
domesTIc lIvesTocK
The meru have a somewhaT
deTaIled, yeT confusIng
and InTrIguIng hIsTory
and myThology
perforation would be performed) and the igiita
ria guturwa matu (the ritual of the actual ear
perforation). after these rituals came the actual
circumcision, following the same customs as
performed by the Kikuyus.
council of elDerS
apart from circumcision, the age-set system
among the meru, which is known as mwerega,
was heavily influenced by its neighbours, mainly
the borana, the Turkana and the samburu. under
the system, young circumcised boys and girls would
enter a particular age group, dictated largely by the
actual time or season they were circumcised.
The meru council of elders, known as the njuuri
ncheke, is perhaps the most august institution
among the meru people. The decisions made
by the njuuri ncheke were largely binding. The
council of elders mainly ruled and continue to
rule on matters that touch on the meru culture.
colourful SAmBuru
The samburu, to the north-west of the meru
community, are a community that has influenced
meru culture in one way or another.
The samburu were given this name by their
neighbours because of their colourful traditional
garb. The name samburu means ‘butterflies’.
before they acquired this name, the samburu
were known as the loikop. like their maasai
39SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
cousins, the samburu have an intricate and fasci-
nating culture. however, the samburu have a
deeper appreciation of beauty and this is shown
by the amount of attention and detail they
put into physical appearance and personal
adornment.
This delicacy and beauty is in deceptive contrast
to their fearsome reputation for hunting and
fighting prowess. warriorhood and initiation
are the backbone of the samburu community.
age-sets of youths initiated together maintain
lifelong bonds. The meru community has
borrowed this age-set system from the samburu.
The samburu pass cultural traditions from one
age-set to the next through a custom known
as olpiroi (f ire stick). Thus a fire stick is liter-
ally handed down through the ages, setting up a
system of age hierarchy and respect for tradition
that bolsters the whole society.
intermArriAge
and, just like the meru people who have
borrowed some cultural attributes, the samburu
have borrowed cultural practices from the
rendille, a community that lives further north.
most recently, the samburu have taken to
keeping camels. over the years, the samburu
have formed a close relationship with the Turkana
and the rendille communities from the north.
however, one of the common denominators
that have successfully brought these communi-
ties closer together has been intermarriage. The
PEOPLE&PLACES
40 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
samburu people, for instance, have always advo-
cated marrying people outside their clans and
even from other communities. They do not mind
marrying people from different communities
such as those of the Turkana, rendille, borana
and maasai.
communitieS
such marriages are not treated as special by the
respective communities. for the Turkana, for
instance, if one of their girls is being married off to
a person from a different community, then they
(the community of the man) would have to follow
the dowry negotiations and marriage customs of
the Turkana people. This stance is adopted by all
the communities, including the samburu, borana
and meru.
41SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
The samburu were gIven ThIs
name by TheIr neIghbours
because of TheIr colourful
TradITIonal garb
42 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
THE FACES OF SAROVARashid dzombo mwadzombo
RESidEnT ARTiST, SAROVA WHiTESAndS BEACH RESORT & SpA
he dropped out of school for lack of school fees, but armed with a deep determination and a positive
outlook on life, he has managed to overcome the odds and a poor background to stand tall.
Today, his works evoke a sense of awe and
amazement at the same time. he has achieved
this through sheer hard work and a strong sense
of self-belief. This soft-spoken fellow is humble
and, when you couple that to the high team spirit
he has in him, you have a winner.
meet rashid dzombo mwadzombo. while not
many people have had the pleasure of meeting
this ever-smiling young man, many have been
impressed by his work. Take a walk at the sarova
whitesands beach resort & spa and you will see
many examples of his work.
rashid and his team are the brains behind these
inspiring works, from the well decorated ozone
Kids club hall on top of the pavilions to the
awesome giant works that are displayed at the
entrance of this beach resort.
If you are attending a business conference at the
sarova whitesands beach resort & spa and you
notice the giant conference logo of your company
and other insignia strategically positioned in the
conference hall, you can be sure that rashid is the
man behind that creation.
rashid’s story is one of hard work, determina-
tion and a passion to excel in his field. The young
rashid did not let his lack of completing school tie
him down. Instead, he decided to acquire technical
skills as a motor vehicle mechanic in mombasa. It
was while he was working in a garage that he acci-
dentally discovered his hidden talent. The young lad
would chew on coconut sticks which turned into a
brush and he did some signwriting.
PAinting
soon, he started making money from his sign-
writing as the owners and drivers of matatus – the
local minibuses – kept asking him to paint designs
on their vehicles to make them attractive. having
discovered a trade thanks to his hidden talent,
rashid decided that the sky was his limit and he
never looked back.
“my big break came when I did a painting at the
sarova whitesands beach resort & spa staff
canteen,” says rashid. “a friend of mine who had
been working at the hotel asked me to work on
the painting. The painting was loved by everyone
and soon I started getting small jobs from sarova
and other hotels at the coast.”
with time, rashid was able to buy professional
brushes that allowed him to do the job with more
precision and achieve better results.
In order to improve his skills and ensure he was
at the top of his game, rashid enrolled for a tech-
nical course in signwriting at the christian Industrial
Training centre in 2003. he also did a course in 2005
at the mombasa Industrial Training college, where he
sat for his Trade Test III in Painting and decoration.
“I started working with sarova soon after I did the
staff canteen painting in 1998,” says rashid. “first
I worked with sarova whitesands beach resort &
spa as a casual before I was given a work contract
with sarova in 2002. however, the work here
continued to increase and I became a full-time
employee in 2007.”
Today, rashid heads the creation team at sarova
whitesands. he has learned a lot from the whole
team at sarova whitesands and this has improved
his interpersonal skills both as an individual and as
a professional.
“one of my proudest moments was when I did a
portrait of a repeat guest at sarova whitesands,”
he says. “I never knew that someone would be
moved to tears by a painting I had created. but
the most important thing was that I had made
someone feel appreciated through my works.”
rashid is married with two boys, aged 14 and four,
and says he is proud to be part of the sarova family.
FACES OF SAROVA
rashId and hIs Team
are The braIns behInd
These InsPIrIng worKs
43SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
‘I never Knew ThaT someone
would be moved To Tears by
a PaInTIng I had creaTed’
44 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
THE FACES OF SAROVAJane mbaya
ASSiSTAnT EnginEER AT SAROVA pAnAFRiC
i am Jane mbaya, the unit assistant engineer at Sarova Panafric hotel. i was very articulate and loved debate when i was
young and my parents encouraged me to be a lawyer. But, in actual fact, i did not know what i wanted to become.
This changed one school holiday while I was
upcountry. I had pretty nothing much to do and I
just wanted to keep myself busy. It was then that
I noticed a spoilt radio in the house. out of sheer
curiosity, I opened it up and investigated.
curiouS
I knew nothing about radios and how they
operated and I was curious to see if I could
make it work. It was all purely trial and error. of
course, my father wasn’t happy about this, but he
said nothing. after struggling with the radio for a
while, I was able to make it work.
The excitement that came with this achieve-
ment was immense for me. and I would say that
that opened a new door in my life that no-one
could shut. my next encounter with things tech-
nical also happened at our rural home when
we were installing a solar lighting system. I was
so engrossed in what the solar engineers were
doing and I followed all the wiring and connec-
tions that they did. and it was then that I realised
that I had a liking for making things work and I
thought to myself, why not be an engineer?
Degree
The thought fascinated me so much that I shared
it with my parents. They did not discourage me,
but I remember my dad asking me to take time
and think it through.
but I already had made up my mind when I
was called to moi university to do my degree
programme in production and mechanical
engineering. The programme was tough and
challenging, but I enjoyed it all along.
I joined sarova hotels almost immediately after I
graduated and, admittedly, I was thrust right into
the deep end. however, the favourable work
environment that I encountered here helped me
a great deal.
overhAul
sarova Panafric was in the process of undergoing
a major refurbishment programme that would
overhaul the lobby and some of the rooms. I
had to oversee this, and when you throw into
the works a new administration block that was
simultaneously being erected at the head office,
you have at your hands a huge challenge. and to
cap it all, I was eight months pregnant. The entire
process was energy-sapping as it involved a lot of
walking around to supervise the works.
but the joy of it all is that I managed to pull it
through and I delivered my first baby a month
after the completion of the refurbishment of
the lobby.
FACES OF SAROVA
‘afTer sTrugglIng wITh
The radIo for a whIle, I
was able To maKe IT worK.
The excITemenT was
Immense’
It is often said that machines and women never mix. But one determined lady was willing to go the extra mile and prove the critics wrong. The funny thing is, she had no clue in the world that she wanted to be an engineer
‘I joIned sarova hoTels
almosT ImmedIaTely
afTer I graduaTed and
I was ThrusT rIghT
InTo The deeP end’
45SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
I have come across. for these children, going to
school is fun and affords them a better chance to
achieve a bright future in spite of hardship.
It was not always so rosy for the youngsters,
however. just a few years ago, learning was not
much fun at this outpost. a few years ago, the big
tree that stands in the middle of the compound
was the main classroom for the young minds.
here, they were at the mercy of the elements.
The scorching sun would make it almost unbear-
able, the strong morning and afternoon winds
would blow away their books, and the occasional
rains would make the bare ground, where they
sat and wrote, muddy and uncomfortable.
PuPils enjoy a normal
school lifethanks to well-wishers
46 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
givingBack
education, it is often said, is the key to a better and brighter future. this could not be truer than in a fast-paced world
that has been changing by the day, thanks to the advancement of technology.
In a remote corner of Isiolo county, on the
western edge of the shaba game reserve, the
midday sun seems to roast everything in the
open. a cloud of dust swirls through the dry, open
rangelands. The peace and quiet is interrupted by
the noisy cheers of young minds at work.
This is daaba Primary school, a remote institu-
tion in the middle of nowhere. however, the
pupils are as enthusiastic about learning as any
Children at Daaba Primary School play football in the school’s dusty playground
47SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
fast forward to today, and the children at this
school can boast of superior classrooms that
have been provided through donations from
well-wishers.
some of these well-wishers include the staff of
sarova shaba game lodge, who have gener-
ously contributed to the building of two new
classrooms. furthermore, the staff have donated
desks for the children, and this has gone a long
way towards enhancing education standards at
the institution.
charles lokosio, the head teacher at daaba
Primary school, says the institution has made
giant strides from what it was just f ive years ago.
“we are most grateful to the sarova shaba game
lodge for facilitating the construction of this
new block of classrooms in our school,” he says.
“Their support means a lot for us as a school and
community and we will remain forever grateful
for their continued support.
“five years ago, we did not have a single class-
room, our students attended their classes under
the cover of trees and learning was very diff icult,
very unpleasant. sarova hotels and other well-
wishers are helping change and shape the future
of these young children though the construction
of these classrooms and donation of books.”
with the completion of these two new class-
rooms, the school now has permanent
classrooms for all the children from class 1 to
class 8.
SolAr-PowereD
adding further to their fortunes, sarova shaba
game lodge has teamed with nobility Inter-
national to provide a new solar water pumping
system at a borehole located only a stone’s
throw from the school.
“This means that the school and the entire
community can now gain access to clean and
safe drinking water and most of the kids can now
devote more time to their studies,” says charles.
before that, he says, the youngsters would break
from school early to fetch water from an open
48 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
borehole. This proved a dangerous undertaking
because the wells are deep.
“we lost a six-year-old girl in 2009 when she fell
into one of the open wells while trying to draw
water from the well,” says charles. “another boy
was serious injured when he fell into another well
while fetching water. The new solar-powered
water pumping system comes as a relief to the
school and the entire community at daaba.”
with this new development, charles hopes the
school will one day benefit from a solar lighting
system that will enable it to hold evening classes.
“we currently have only four teachers, including
myself, catering for about 228 children from class
one to eight,” he says. “with the installation of
a solar lighting system at the school, we would
be in a better position to have evening classes
so that we can teach in shifts. and since this is
the only school within this area, we expect to
have a larger number of children enrolling at the
school.”
for now, however, the sky’s the limit for these
children because they can have their lessons in a
better, cleaner and more secure environment –
thanks to sarova shaba game lodge and other
well-wishers.
givingBack
49SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
‘The new solar-
Powered waTer
PumPIng sysTem
comes as a relIef
To The school
and To The enTIre
communITy’
50 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
51SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
MenenGAI CRATeR
COULD THIS BE
THE DEVIL'S MOUNTAIN?Menengai cRaTeR insPiRes aWe and adMiRaTiOn in eQUal MeasURe
52 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
To some, this is the most beautiful landscape on earth; to others, it is a place occasionally visited by the gods,
and where prayers are quickly answered. To other people, however, these ‘mountains’ are shrouded in mystery and provide a place for demons to roam freely.
Whatever your views or beliefs, one thing is certain:
the Menengai Crater is breathtakingly beautiful. But if
you put its sheer beauty aside and question the local
people about the mysteries that surround the crater,
you may be surprised by the responses you get.
The devil’s kiTchen?
I recall on two occasions, while still in primary
school, when I overheard one of our Swahili
teachers mention that this crater was full of evil
spirits. He said that every time he had gone to the
crater, there were spots down there that were
always emitting smoke, even on rainy days.
“That is the devil’s kitchen,” a frightened me
would say. And to be honest, the mere thought
of superhuman creatures and ghosts roaming the
very grounds I stood on would scare the living
daylights out of me.
FOlklORe
According to the local people, these theories are
true. For them, this is not a holy place. They speak
of various unexplained and often incomprehensible
occurrences to justify their claims.
Other people, say the locals, have come to
explore the crater, but have become confused
while looking around and have got lost for hours
before finally resurfacing, without having any clue
about what transpired during their disappear-
ance. Their memory is hazy. This unexplained
confusion, say the locals, is the work of the devil
and the evil spirits that roam the crater.
Other mystery theories put forward by the locals
including sightings of the devil riding a motor-
cycle in the early morning and evening. There is
also the widespread allegation of an unexplained
‘f lying umbrella’ which, according to the locals,
appears across the crater whenever it rains.
They say the umbrella belongs to the devil as he
shelters himself from the pouring rain.
It is such legends and mysterious stories that
have earned the crater the title ‘Kirima kia ngoma’,
meaning ‘the mountain of the devils’. It is said that in
the late 1950s and early 1960s ghosts used to farm
on a fertile strip of land on the floor of the crater.
viOlenT baTTles
Mysteries aside, historians say the area around
the crater was a scene of violent battles between
the Laikipia Maasai, who did not recognise the
authority of the Laibon, the spiritual leader of
the Maasai, and the Ilpurko Maasai. In one of the
defining battles, the Laikipia Maasai morans are
said to have been thrown into the caldera by the
Ilpurko Maasai morans.
THe THOugHT OF SuperHuMAn CreATureS
And gHOSTS rOAMIng THe grOundS WOuLd
SCAre THe LIvIng dAyLIgHTS OuT OF Me
53SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
MenenGAI CRATeR
The Menengai Crater is described as a collapse
caldera, which means it was formed as a result of
volcanic eruption. Little research or available data
is available about the crater, but it is believed to
have been formed over 3 million years ago and to
have first erupted about 20,000 years ago. The
last eruption is said to have occurred about 1,400
years ago.
vOlcanic
geologists regard a collapse crater as an important
volcanic structure because it has a huge geothermal
potential and could have rich mineral deposits.
even though it is classified as a dormant volcano,
the crater has signs of deep volcanic activity. The
Kenya electricity generating Company (Kengen)
has identified new geothermal wells to generate
power, while new wells are constantly being
explored.
The main viewpoint at the peak of the crater gives
visitors an astonishing panorama of the caldera
and the rift valley. Lake Baringo lies north of the
crater and to the south is Lake nakuru. At the
peak, 2,300 metres above sea level, is a signpost
giving distances to world capitals such as new
york, London and new delhi.
While the crater is the subject of numerous
theories, it has a rich biodiversity that it supports
within the greater Menengai Forest ecosystem.
However, no comprehensive research has been
conducted on the resident flora and fauna within
and around the crater.
Among the animals found in and around the
Menengai Crater are rock and tree hyraxes, olive
baboons, black-faced vervet monkeys, reedbucks,
bush squirrels, tortoises, porcupines and dik diks.
It was this battle of the Maasai that gave the crater its
name. ‘Menengai’ is a Maasai word meaning ‘corpse’
in reference to the Maasai morans who died when
they were throw off the cliff into the crater. Histo-
rians believe this battle took place in 1854.
It is said that if you stand still by the rim of the
crater, you will hear the moaning spirits of the
dead Maasai cry out in the wind.
Mysteries aside, the Menengai Crater is a
wonderful place to explore. For many, hiking up
to the crater’s peak offers a unique opportunity of
seeing this gem in nakuru while at the same time
offering quality bonding time for families, friends
or workmates on a weekend getaway.
WORld’s secOnd-laRgesT cRaTeR
In geological circles, the Menengai Crater is the
world’s second-largest crater in size. It covers an
area of about 90 sq km – only 10 sq km less than
the world’s largest crater, the ngorongoro Crater
in northern Tanzania. The crater has a diameter
of about 12 km and a depth of 485 metres.
excursions to Menengai crater can be organised from sarova lion hill game lodge
cenTRal ReseRvaTiOns
Tel: +254 (0)20 276 7000; 271 4444 Fax: +254 (0)20 271 5566 email: centralreservations@sarovahotels.com
saROva sTanley, naiRObi
Tel: +254 (0)20 275 7000; 316 377 Fax: +254 (0)20 222 9388; 224 9757 email: thestanley@sarovahotels.com
saROva PanaFRic, naiRObi
Tel: +254 (0)20 271 4444; 272 0802 Fax: +254 (0)20 272 6356 email: panafric@sarovahotels.com
saROva WhiTesands beach ResORT & sPa, MOMbasa
Tel: +254 (0)41 212 8000 Fax: +254 (0)41 548 5652; 548 6536 email: reservation@sarovahotels.com
saROva liOn hill gaMe lOdge
Tel: +254 (0)51 852 288; 850 238 Fax: +254 (0)51 221 0836
saROva MaRa gaMe caMP
Tel: +254 (0)50 22 386; 22 194 Mobile: +254 (0)773 610 405 Fax: +254 (0)50 22 371
saROva shaba gaMe lOdge
Tel: +254 (0)64 32 030; 30 638 Mobile: +254 (0)728 603 590 Fax: +254 (0)20 271 5566
saROva TaiTa hills gaMe lOdge
Tel: +254 (0)43 30 540; 31 271 Mobile: +254 (0)728 608 765 Fax: +254 (0)43 30 007
saROva salT lick gaMe lOdge
Tel: +254 (0)43 30 270; 30 243 Fax: +254 (0)43 30 007
54 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
saROva lOyalTy PROgRaM - saROva ZaWadi
Tel: +254 (0)20 276 7440/276 7421 Fax: +254 (0)20 271 5566 email: sarovazawadi@sarovahotels.com
OveRseas geneRal sales agenTs
Usa
Kartagener Associates Inc 14 penn plaza, Suite 2223 new york, ny 10122 Toll Free: (800) 524-7979 Tel: 212 239 7979 Fax: 212 239 7479 e-mail: henry@kainyc.com Skype: Kai-nicole www.kainyc.com
Uk
dendy Walwyn Market places 12 pummery Square, poundbury dorchester, dorset dT1 3gW Tel: +44 (0)1305 751510 Fax: +44 (0)1305 751511 email: sales@marketplaces.co.uk
sOUTh aFRica
Anita vernes Southern Spoor Marketing pO Box 691 Witkoppen 2068 South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 4695082/3 Fax: +27 (0)11 4695086 email: anita@southernspoor.co.za
geRMany, aUsTRia, sWiTZeRland
Harald Alber A T M S Stresemannstrasse 17 63477 Maintal germany Tel.: +49 6181 4244 229 Fax: +49 6181 4244 205 email: gh.alber@t-online.de
india
Ankush nijhawan nijahawan group of Companies e77, South extension new delhi 110 049 Tel: +91 11 4134 9448 email: ankush@nijhawangroup.org
SArOvA HOTeLS, reSOrT & gAMe LOdgeS IndeX
55SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
From the day in 1902 when it f irst opened its doors, Sarova Stanley, a f ive-star hotel in nairobi, has been making history by hosting royal safaris and a long line of living legends. The moment you pass through the century-old revolving doors, you enter another world. The heat and bustle of modern nairobi are left behind as you adjust to the cool victorian elegance of Sarova Stanley. The spacious foyer, with its patterned marble f loors, chesterfields, antique clocks and ancient photographs, will take you back in time.
Sarova Stanley is more than a hotel. It is the home of great events, wonderful memories, legendary characters and an enduring legacy. Indeed, the history of nairobi and Sarova Stanley Hotel are inextricably linked. As Kenya’s f irst luxury hotel, it has always occupied a special place in nairobi’s heart.
Kenya’s f irst locally brewed beer was served at the hotel’s long bar in 1923. ewart grogan, who walked from the Cape to Cairo to prove his love for a woman, slaked his considerable thirst here. So, too, did ernest Hemingway, denys Finch Hatton and edward, prince of Wales. At Sarova Stanley, the stars came out at night. Cinema legends such as Ava gardner, Clark gable and Stewart granger have all stayed here.
Today, Sarova Stanley has preserved its heritage character while offering modern hotel services and amenities to create nairobi’s most special city hotel experience. This is under-lined by the accolades that the hotel has continued to receive. They include Kenya’s Leading Hotel at World Travel Awards 2010 and 2011; Kenya’s Luxury Business Hotel at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2010 and 2011; and Kenya’s best City Hotel at Kenya Tourism Awards 2011.
aUThenTic
Sarova Stanley has 217 guest rooms on eight fl oors in various categories including Heritage Suites, executive Suites and Club rooms. dining facilities include the legendary Thorn Tree Café, the Thai Chi restaurant (voted the most authentic Thai restaurant in east Africa), the exchange Bar (former venue for nairobi’s fi rst stock exchange), the pool deck restaurant and 24-hour in-room dining. Business facilities include wireless internet, a fully equipped business centre, meeting rooms of various sizes and secretarial services. The heated pool on the fi fth fl oor adjoins a fully equipped health club with gym, steam, sauna and massage facilities. Sarova Stanley’s mini shopping arcade houses gift shops, a newspaper stand, a beauty salon, a bookshop, a boutique, a curio shop, a chemist’s, an optician’s,
LuXury HOTeL WITH A dASH OF edWArdIAn SpLendOur
56 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
a locksmith, an art gallery and car rental outlets. guests can ask for a historical tour of the hotel to view old photographs and heritage suites.
Sarova Stanley, part of Sarova Hotels, resort & game Lodges, is a member of the preferred Hotels group (pHg), a prestigious selection of privately owned and managed hotels worldwide.
accOMMOdaTiOn
sarova stanley has 217 individually air conditioned rooms on eight fl oors. They include:
1 Presidential suite
1 Penthouse
2 courier single beds
16 executive suites, 3 junior suites and 2 state suites
32 club rooms
160 deluxe rooms.
A nAMe InSpIred By KenyA’S MOveMenT FOr peACe And HArMOnyAs many nations across Africa achieved independence and the pan African Movement began to gain traction among African leaders at the time, it has to be remembered that one hotel, perched on a small hill overlooking nairobi, opened its doors and welcomed African leaders who were inspired by the dream of a harmonious continent.
Sarova panafric has lived up to its billing. Inspired by the pan African Movement, the Sarova panafric has remained true to its calling. Today, the hotel features a unique blend of colours and shades inspired by various African leaders and nations who embraced the movement. It was offi cially opened by the then Kenyan president, Jomo Kenyatta, in 1965 at the height of the pan African Movement, which was championed by African inde-pendence heroes such as the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya and the late Kwame nkrumah of ghana.
Towering above other hotels in the city, this four-star property benefi ts from a unique location in a quiet neighbourhood, only a short walk from central nairobi. This makes it ideal for leisure tourists stopping over on their way to or from the safari circuit. Its tranquil atmosphere is equally well suited to business travellers staying in nairobi who would like a quiet evening as they work from their hotel or relax in the evening after a hectic business schedule.
57SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
guests at Sarova panafric can now experience a redefi nition of refreshing African hospitality. The hotel has a brand-new entrance foyer, lobby and reception area, all themed in neo-African decor and tone. The comfortable and spacious lobby offers a pleasant working environment for business executives and other guests staying at the hotel. The lobby’s architectural theme is comple-mented by newly commissioned uniforms for all staff, designed as a blend of African prints and contemporary fashion trends. To further enhance the arrival experience for guests, the hotel has installed a state-of-the-art security feature and a new gatehouse that will ensure minimum inconvenience and a smooth fl ow of guest vehicles into the hotel.
Leisurely meals can be enjoyed at the warm and lively Flame Tree restaurant, once a watering hole for freedom fi ghters, spies and foreign correspondents and named after the fl ame tree that holds pride of place in the gardens.
cOnFeRence
Sarova panafric offers state-of-the-art banqueting and conferencing facilities with a range of meeting and function rooms equipped with the latest audio-visual and Wi-Fi equipment. To wind up the day, guests can take a dip in the pool or go for a leisurely massage – or simply enjoy a cool drink to the soothing sounds of Africa’s rhythm.
accOMMOdaTiOn
The sarova Panafric has newly refurbished rooms and suites with separate air conditioning in every room.
There are 164 spacious bedrooms, well spread on six storeys:
5 suites
13 club rooms
65 superior – 14 twin and 51 double
81 executive rooms
sarova Panafric also has fully serviced apartments including 30 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom apartments.
58 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
reLAX, yOu’re AT SArOvA WHITeSAndS BeACH reSOrT & SpAOne of the largest and most luxurious hotels on the Kenyan coast, with one of the longest beach fronts, is the popular Sarova Whitesands Beach resort & Spa, located in the popular north coast resort area, less than 20 km from Mombasa.
Sarova Whitesands Beach resort & Spa is the epitome of luxury on the Kenyan coast. As well as providing a host of deeply relaxing activities for leisure travellers, it caters for business trav-ellers during the day and helps them relax and unwind in the evening. The hotel has one of the most developed health spas on the Kenyan coast, guaranteeing the ultimate in relaxation for both leisure and business travellers.
The Sarova Whitesands Beach resort & Spa has created a unique niche for itself as a location for beach weddings, honeymoons and wedding receptions at the coast. Its long beach frontage, beautifully manicured green lawns, spacious ballroom and large pool play into the bigger picture of a truly successful wedding and honeymoon location.
This beach resort has some of the best conference facilities on the north coast and has hosted various high-level meetings and conferences. These have included an international conference by the Swedish-based cosmetic maker Orifl ame which brought
together more than 3,000 participants. The conference rooms include the Makutano, Fahari and Baraza halls, all of which are equipped with the latest audio visual equipment and LCd projec-tors. The resort has a wide range of restaurants and bars. These include the pavilion I and II restaurants, accommodating up to 680 people at a sitting. Buffet breakfasts, lunches and themed dinners are served here. The Minazi Café is open 24 hours a day and serves mouth-watering snacks and a children’s menu.
The Lido Seafood grill, overlooking the ocean, is the resort’s fi ne dining restaurant. With a capacity of up to 45 people, the restau-rant serves some of the fi nest seafood menus on Bamburi Beach and is open every day except Mondays. Cocos Beach Bar is a favourite with guests. This open-air bar is sandwiched between palm trees overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The Tulia Health Bar serves health meals, fresh juices and salads. The Tulia Spa, arguably one of the best health spas on the north coast, offers the leisure and business traveller a wide range of therapies to relax the mind, body and soul. Among the therapies on offer are Ayurvedic, Western and Oriental. Therapists can also tailor a spa experience to suit the individual needs of the guest or couple staying at the resort on their honeymoon.
accOMMOdaTiOn
sarova Whitesands beach Resort & spa is arguably one of the largest beach resorts on the kenyan coast. The resort has a total of 338 rooms, spread over three storeys, including:
2 Presidential suites
3 Rooms for the physically handicapped
6 executive suites
66 Palm rooms
128 seafront rooms
133 standard rooms.
all rooms have a complimentary coffee and tea making facility. They also have a private balcony opening to the sea or with a pool view.
59SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
eXperIenCe THe MIgrATIOn In THe MArA
As one of the seven wonders of the natural world, where the largest wildlife migration is recorded annually, the famous Masai Mara national reserve captures the imagination of every nature lover. Boasting a wildlife density and diversity like no other game reserve in Kenya, the Masai Mara is the epitome of a bush safari in Africa.
When you combine the true spirit of an African safari with the refreshingly African hospitality enjoyed at the Sarova Mara game Camp, you have a winner; because the Sarova Mara game Camp offers not only wild safari excitement, but also front-row seats to the greatest show of all – the wildebeest migration. And what a spectacle that is.
The camp is located deep inside the Masai Mara national reserve, about fi ve hours from nairobi by road and a short 40-minute hop by plane. The camp is set on an elevation surrounded by two streams and is uniquely laid out over the sprawling grounds, which include rolling, manicured greens, a virtual mini forest of indigenous shrubs and exotic trees, a large pond stocked with fi sh, a bird sanctuary and an authentic Maasai village adjoining the camp, all guaranteed to enhance the overall guest experience of
Africa. The biggest attraction, of course, is the wildebeest migra-tion, which takes place every year between August and October. The commotion that occurs as the wildebeest and large herds of zebra and gazelle cross the treacherous waters of the Mara river, to the delight of the hungry crocodiles in the earth-coloured waters, is an impressive experience, to say the least.
acTiviTies
The camp offers morning and afternoon safaris in the game reserve, where wild animals can be seen in their natural habitat. The camp has an excellent fl eet of safari vehicles and deeply knowledgeable guides.
The camp also provides delightful bush dinners, breakfasts and lunches at numerous spots across the game reserve. It is a preferred destination for bush weddings and honeymoons.
accOMMOdaTiOn
The camp has 20 club tents, 51 standard tents, two family tents, a main restaurant, a bar and many bush dining options. The free-form swimming pool has its own pool bar.
60 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
WATCH THe FLAMIngO dAnCe In nAKuru
Sitting on an isolated hill in the scenic Lake nakuru national park, the Sarova Lion Hill game Lodge offers the ultimate weekend and holiday getaway. Its location just a few kilometres from nakuru and about two hours’ drive from nairobi makes it an ideal family getaway location guaranteeing ultimate relaxation.
Thanks to its position, The Sarova Lion Hill game Lodge enjoys a spectacular view of the pink-ringed, alkaline waters of Lake nakuru. guests have an unobstructed view of the lake from the balconies of their chalets, arranged on four levels up the hill. The Sarova Lion Hill game Lodge is one of only two game lodges inside the Lake nakuru national park.
Lake nakuru national park is a birdwatchers’ paradise. The park is home to over 450 bird species and it is possible to spot up to 100 different bird species within one hour. Sarova Lion Hill game Lodge employs the services of david ole naso, a Maasai with deep knowledge of the resident and migratory birds within the park. david is a talented guide who takes guests on informa-tive nature walks around the lodge.
Lake nakuru national park is home to the world’s largest fl amingo population. The fl amingos come to feed on the lake’s algae-rich alkaline waters. every year, immediately after the long
rains, the famous mating dance, a well orchestrated routine conducted by the lesser fl amingos, is worth watching.
As well as a birding haven, Lake nakuru national park is a successful rhino breeding sanctuary with large numbers of endangered white and black rhinos. Owing to the park’s small size, it is easy to spot game.
acTiviTies
Sarova Lion Hill game Lodge organises a range of activities within the grounds of the lodge and in the park. These include:
• Cultural dances each evening round a bonfi re
• Morning and afternoon game drives
• Animation programmes for children
• Nature and birdwatching walks in the lodge grounds
• Tree planting programmes as part of conservation efforts by the property in collaboration with various agencies including the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)
• Bush weddings and honeymoons
• Bush breakfasts and off-site sundowner cocktails.
aMeniTies
• Two conference halls with overhead and LCD projector
• Flamingo Restaurant serving breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• Rift Valley Bar
• Massage tent overlooking the lake.
accOMMOdaTiOn
67 ground-fl oor chalets spread across four levels on the gently sloping lion hill.
46 superior rooms
18 deluxe rooms
3 suites
Sarova Salt Lick game Lodge, 7 km from the Sarova Taita Hills game Lodge, features a unique architectural design and style. The entire property is built above ground, yet it conforms to the traditional homesteads of the local Taita tribe who inhabit the region. The rondavels, built on stilts, are an imaginative repro-duction of the local ancestral abodes.
The lodge has 96 oval rooms, all overlooking a waterhole. prac-tically every day, this attracts a large array of wildlife, including elephants, especially in the evenings, when they come to drink water and lick the salt.
The underground tunnel at Sarova Salt Lick game reserve is a wonderful spot for viewing wild game such as elephants and buffalos that come to drink from the water pan near the lodge.
61SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
A unIQue deSIgn In A MAgICAL SeTTIng
The sanctuary has a large dam and small ponds where young crocodiles are bred. young hippos are to be introduced to the sanctuary, as well as rhinos.
As part of its conservation efforts, the property is keen to make local communities and guests more aware of conservation matters through an elaborate tree-planting programme within the sanctuary.
accOMMOdaTiOn
sarova salt lick game lodge has 96 rooms built over two fl oors.
55 Twin-bed rooms
41 double-bed rooms
62 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
geT CLOSer TO WILd gAMe In TAITA
Sarova Taita Hills game Lodge offers luxury accommodation and is the ultimate base from which to explore Africa’s largest game park. The creeper-covered stone buildings bring english country charm to the African plains and guests have the opportunity to enjoy fi rst-class service and facilities in an unforgettable setting.
This magnifi cent property offers a wide range of business and entertainment options, with two conference rooms capable of accommodating up to 100 participants.
sPaciOUs
The lodge has 62 rooms with two suites, a swimming pool, a spacious lobby, a boutique, a restaurant, meeting rooms and a conference hall and is located next to a well maintained air strip.
The Sarova Taita Hills game Lodge is located within the privately owned Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area consisting of 28,000 acres of semi-permeable terrain. This in turn forms part of the greater Tsavo ecosystem, which covers about 40,000 sq km.
The sanctuary is home to huge animal populations that include large herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and resident lions. In addition, the sanctuary is home to more than 350 bird species.
The sanctuary nestles in the lower zones of the surrounding Taita Hills. These form part of the eastern Arc Mountains range, which is recognised by the International union for the Conservation of nature (IuCn) and World Wide Fund for nature (WWF) as conservation area of global signifi cance. Moreover, the overall game viewing experience is enhanced, because the sanctuary is located within the wildlife migratory corridors that link Tsavo east and Tsavo West game reserves.
aMeniTies
• The lodge features a large restaurant and bar
• Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge has a large pool and two conference halls.
accOMMOdaTiOn
sarova Taita hills game lodge has 62 rooms spread over three storeys.
2 suites
20 Twin-bed rooms
31 double-bed rooms
9 Triple-bed rooms
63SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
eXperIenCe THe SAMBuru SpeCIAL FIve
accOMMOdaTiOn
There are 85 rooms spread over the one-storey chalets, with each block having four rooms. These include:
1 Presidential suite with a private lounge and Jacuzzi. Private breakfasts, lunches and dinners can be served here.
4 executive suites with private lounge
70 standard rooms – 40 twin, 15 double and 15 triple
10 deluxe rooms – 5 double and 5 twin.
On the banks of the ewaso nyiro river, in the northern frontier county of Isiolo, sits the jewel of the north – Sarova Shaba game Lodge – arguably Kenya’s best-kept secret. The lodge is located in the Shaba national reserve, about 8 km from the great north road that links Cape Town in the south with Cairo in the north via nairobi. Thanks to the newly constructed tarmac road from Isiolo to Moyale on the Kenya-ethiopia border, access to the lodge from nairobi is now easy.
It is in this location that guests can see and experience the Samburu Special Five. These include: gerenuk, Samburu ostrich, grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and Oryx.
A natural spring lies within the grounds of the lodge and waters trickle down in small streams and fountains under footbridges and along footpaths in front of the single-storey chalets lining the river frontage. The well manicured lawns and the doum palms around the chalets provide the guest with peace and tranquillity. This is Born Free World.
Sarova Shaba game Lodge is the only game lodge within Shaba national reserve. It stands on the picturesque banks of the ewaso nyiro river. guests can watch the crocodiles at night and early in the morning as they feed on the banks. The crocodiles can also be seen basking on the giant rocks that line the river.
Known as ‘The Lover’s nest’, the lodge has been synonymous with bush weddings and honeymoons, romantic bush dinners, breakfasts and lunches. There are many places where such romantic getaways can be arranged, including The Beach, a large, sand-covered dry river bed at the bottom of a cliff where sundowners and dinners are served. The Boma, within the grounds of the lodge, is a spot where themed dinners are served.
Morning and afternoon game drives from the lodge to Buffalo Springs & Shaba national reserve and Samburu national reserve can be organised. Because the lodge works closely with the local Samburu, Turkana and Borana communities, visits to their traditional homesteads and villages are also organised.
The lodge is also a wonderful team-building and conference venue for corporates. The Sarova Shaba Survivor challenge is a set of challenging activities that require individual and team spirit to complete successfully. It includes a range of activities such as mountaineering, rock climbing, clue solving and cook-outs at various venues including the magnifi cent Msilima gorges within the reserve. All this makes for a highly engaging team experience.
The lodge has a conference room accommodating up to 150 people. The room comes with audio-visual equipment and secretarial services are available.
Buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served at the Surpelei restaurant, a large, tree-level restaurant. A pool and a lounge bar are also provided.
MeThOd: Blend the garlic, ginger, onion, paprika,
salt and corn oil together to create a smooth paste.
put the mixture in a bowl.
place the whole chicken into an insert and add
the paste until the whole chicken is covered in it.
Leave the chicken covered in the paste overnight
in a refrigerator. This will ensure that it absorbs all
the flavours from the paste. remove the chicken
from the paste and braise in the oven at 180°C for
between 30 to 45 minutes.
64 SAROVA SPOTLIGHT
Boil the potatoes and drain immediately. Mash them
to a smooth paste. To infuse the peanut flavour, add
the peanuts to the mixture and cook over a low
heat. Add salt to taste.
Serve the main dish with the cold herb salad on the side.
Bon appetit!
seRves: 4
ingRedienTsgarlic – 4 cloves
ginger – 2 pieces (grated)
Onion – 1 piece (whole)
Paprika – 1 tablespoon
salt – 1 tablespoon
corn oil – 400 ml
Thyme – 5 sprigs
herb salad
Rocket leaves (shredded)
chives – cut into 3 to 4 pieces
dill leaves
basil leaves
Peanut mash potato
Mashed potatoes – 6 medium-sized
ground peanuts – 100 ml
salt – a pinch
sauce
Thyme and ginger
WhOle Oven bRaised ThyMe and gingeRchicken WITH peAnuT MASH
pOTATO And HerB SALAd
WHAT’S COOkInG
top related