Festus – Page 2 – Shalom Africa Destinations

Kenya Airways will launch direct flights from Nairobi to the Mozambican capital, Maputo, from June 14. The flights will operate on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Flight KQ740 will depart Nairobi at 09h50 and arrive in Maputo at 13h00. Return flight KQ741 departs from Maputo at 13h50 and arrives in Nairobi at 18h45. The new route is part of Kenya Airways’ larger expansion strategy, which includes increased frequencies to Accra, Lagos, New York and Paris, as well as a new domestic route between Nairobi and Eldoret. “The network expansion is reflective of our mission of propelling Africa’s growth by connecting its people, cultures and markets,” said Julius Thairu, Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer. ~ Lets Travel, Discover & Share Stories ~

Great Plains Conservation will open its new Mara Toto Tree Camp on July 1. The camp is located in a forest canopy of ebony trees in Kenya’s Masai Mara. “This was the original site of our Explorer-Collection Mara Toto Camp, setup at ground level and, as a result, prone to higher water levels at times. As such, it became a seasonal camp. Now, by lifting it above those periodic flood levels and into the trees, we can offer it as a year-round camp,” Great Plains said in a press release. Key features of the camp include: ~ Talk to us and let’s plan your Masai Mara trip together ~

Kenya has abolished fees to apply for its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for travellers from seven countries, including the key source market of South Africa. The eTA came into effect at the start of 2024, ostensibly as a part of President William Ruto’s promise of providing visa-free entry to travellers from all countries globally. The eTA has been met with mixed reaction from the tourism industry — particularly travellers from previously visa-exempt countries such as South Africa, who are now required to apply for the eTA and were paying a US$34 processing fee. The Ministry of Interior has subsequently exempted seven countries from paying the eTA fees, with effect from February 15, according to an in-house memo penned by Dr Dan Opon, Director of Immigration Services in the ministry. Nationals from South Africa, the Comoros, the Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mozambique and San Marino all fall under the exemption, due to the fact that these countries had “concluded visa abolition agreements or signed visa waiver agreements” with Kenya prior to the eTA’s introduction. Industry has responded positively to the move. Adam Bannister, Manager of the Mara Training Centre in the northern Maasai Mara, said the abolishment came as a “huge relief”. “As the South African rand is currently so weak, every little bit helps. We have family who live in South Africa and they visit us two to three times a year, so this will help a lot. They should be making similar efforts for key source markets and for other African countries where travellers don’t have much disposable income but who still love to travel across Kenya,” said Bannister. Before the introduction of the eTA system, citizens from 51 countries enjoyed visa-free entry to Kenya. Currently, passport holders from Kenya’s fellow East African Community member states – Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda – are the only travellers exempted from applying. ~ Talk to us & Lets Plan Your Safari Together ~

JW Marriot Masai Mara Lodge has partnered with Kosher Certified South Africa to introduce kosher cuisine to its menu. Rabbi Avigdor Bokow and his team, Velvy Bokow and Aharon Bogatie, have provided guidance and introduced a pool of Mashgichim (supervisors who ensure that food is produced according to the kosher requirements) for kosher clients. “Our special kosher kitchen stands as a testament to our dedication to cater for the unique preferences and dietary requirements of our esteemed kosher guests. Rooted in rich traditions and meticulous attention to detail, our kosher offerings seamlessly integrate with our lodge’s renowned commitment to rejuvenating your mind, body and soul,” the lodge said in a press release. The kosher kitchen was sourced from Tomer Gerichter and Rafael Hazan who are both Jewish Israelis and own a Kenyan company, Container Design Africa Ltd. They designed, manufactured, transported and installed the 40ft container kosher kitchen which is the first of its kind in East Africa. ~ Join us & lets design your Masai Mara Safari together ~

# Please read the two attached documents and plan your trip guided. KARIBU!!

https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en

East Africa is a magical place with some of the best safari experiences on the continent that will leave you breathless. The region offers incredible wildlife encounters and scenic landscape views ranging from mountains, and lush tropical forests, to the big five wonders and great apes. Words can’t do justice to the magnificence of the Safari experiences in East Africa. We dedicate this post to giving you the top most popular adventures you can have in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. 1. Big five game viewing safaris The big five animals, lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and hippo, are Africa’s most incredible wildlife and the main reason many tourists come to East Africa for safari holidays. The big five earned their name in the 20th century with wealthy big-game hunters from Europe who found it challenging to gun down these beautiful animals. 2. Wildebeest migration safaris Watching and following the Great Migration is one of East Africa’s safari experiences that no die-hard safari lover should miss. The spectacle is arguably wild Nature’s greatest show, with millions of wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra, traversing across the Serengeti in Tanzania and Maasai Mara in Kenya. 3. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Climb to the roof-top of Africa and experience East Africa’s picturesque landscape from the sky on the continent’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Summit (5,895 m)). You do not have to be an experienced mountain climber to conquer Kilimanjaro. You do not need mountain climbing equipment but a good pair of hiking boots and determination to climb to the top. 4. Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda’s rainforests is undoubtedly one of the best safari experiences in East Africa. Mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered animals on the planet. As few as 1000 live in a small East African region; being close to these magnificent primates is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. 5. Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is one of the most unmissable safari experiences in East Africa. Chimpanzees have for a long time been known to mimic human cultures and share the highest percentage of our DNA than any other animal. The trekking experience allows tourists to get the closest to these great apes and observe their exciting behaviors and body structures. 6.Zanzibar Island Zanzibar Island was once a bustling trading center and important spice route. Today, it is one of Africa’s most tranquil and idyllic vacation destinations. Zanzibar offers serene safari experiences strolling along the soft, delicate, white sand beaches. 7. Watching The Tree Climbing Lions Driving through the vast plains of Lake Manyara Park in Tanzania or Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda will reward you with scenic landscape views and one of the most unforgettable safari experiences in East Africa; watching the exceptional tree-climbing lions. A Safari in East Africa In Africa, there’s nowhere that you’ll get the most authentic wildlife experience than in East Africa. East Africa is a classic safari destination with seasoned experiences for all types of travelers, including you. However, planning a safari in East Africa can be a daunting experience if you do it on your own. That’s why we are here. Shalom Africa Destinations, specializing in planning and managing safari experiences in East Africa. We will give you the best advice, help you plan your safari, handle the local logistics and manage your confirmed trips. Send us an email at info@shalomafricadestinations.co.ke to ask for a free quote and start planning your experiences in East Africa.

Author: Festus

Nairobi to Maputo – Mozambique service launched

Masai Mara Toto Tree Camp to open in July

Kenya scraps eTA fees for seven countries

Masai Mara lodge introduces kosher cuisine

Planning a Kenyan Safari!!

Travelling to Kenya! Login for ETA

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