Excursion to East Africa - Videos of Kenya and Tanzania

We still have not lost interest in learning about Kenya and East Africa. In fact, we still want to go to Kenya and Tanzania to experience wildlife and safari in the country that still seems so exotic. When I originally started this blog in late 2007, I had come across the following videos by Daniel Sumarto I want to share with you today. These are three of his six videos. I will post the next three next month or you can also see them by going to his youtube profile.

These videos are inspiring. The photography is simply breathtaking and leaves an emotional imprint within me. All videos are embedded with permission from videographer, Daniel Sumarto.

Viajero Productions present
a film by Daniel Sumarto
Journey to East Africa

Leave comments for Daniel on his YouTube Page


I have taken liberty to write the script of this video.

After landing in Nairobi, I made my way to the eastern portion of the Great Rift Valley.
Here, next to the shores of Lake Nakuru was my first chance of encountering the wild life of East Africa.

It's been hailed as the greatest bird spectacle in the world!
Hundreds of thousands of flamingos gather in the warm lake waters to feed on the algae.
They are actually two species of flamingos. The lesser flamingos which are found in greater numbers and can be recognized by their deep red bills.
And the greater flamingos whose bills comprise of a black tip.

An estimated 250,000 kilograms of algae per hectare are consumed each year by the flamingos. The algae are permitted to thrive from the bird's droppings and the presence of plankton in the alkine waters.

I felt.. slightly outnumbered.

At the time, I didn't think anything could outdo the maginficient view of the lake shore.

But, after a short drive uphill, I was about to be proven wrong!



Viajero Productions present
a film by Daniel Sumarto
a trek through Kenya and Tanzania

Leave comments for Daniel on his YouTube Page


Travelling through Kenya.

Leave comments for Daniel on his YouTube Page


Daniel's commenteary: "A young Canadian's travels through Kenya and Tanzania. Scene from Kenya: African wood crafts, Lake Naivasha, and Hell's Gate National Park. "
This video has a few lessons on the language of Kenya (Swahili) and scenes from a wood carving studio, City life, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate National Park, and wildlife including giraffes, zebras and other wildlife.



Related Posts:
See all six videos in the East Africa Video series.
Website Wednesdays: Africa Expat Wives Club
Where in the World is Alaivani.com? Kenya!
Follow Up Fridays: The Carbon Footprint of a Localvore
Fun Fridays Episode 6 – Adventures in Africa
Wilderness Wisdom Wednesdays: Hippo

Safari-Free Zone?

Game reserves all over Kenya that are famous for providing accommodations and safaris to tourists are indeed suffering as documented in the article "Lonely tourists enjoy extra space at Kenyan game reserves."

In this article, it states that locations in Kenya are taking cancellations through to the end of this year. That is big news- a year is a long time. Also, for those tourists that maintain their itineraries, costs may rise. With roads blocked, the article reports supplies are being flown in. Costs will rise for these tourist operators. Will they decide to close down with rising costs even if only few tourists want to brave the chaos to reach their paradise?

If you have a safari or Kenya holiday planned for this year, are you planning to continue or not? Why? What would force to you cancel? What would entice you to continue on your trip? If you have not yet planned your trip, will you continue to plan or has your plans for planning been put on hold?

Updated news: January 16, 2008 - Kenya's Coastal Resorts Become Ghost Towns

Blogging is Where it's at!

In some circles in U.S., blogging has become synonymous with fluff or unimportant happenings.

But, on the other hand, in a country like Kenya, I find the blogging produced is truly noteworthy.

As the election happened, the crisis escalated and the media was shut down for some time, bloggers took to the net to share news with the rest of the world. What in the world was going on in Kenya? Don't look to the news outlets, look toward the bloggers. Sure BBC, Sky, Al Jazeera and some other foreign news outlets had the lion's share of the news market, but local voices were not heard. In that way, bloggers were able to tell their story from the ground.

Sure, some can argue to have a blog up and going, you need to have some stability in your life and basic amenities like food, water, housing, and clothing. Then, on top of that for the bloggers, the minimum of a computer, Internet connection and electricity are further requirements. Of course, not all these are basic necessities, but none the less are definitely required to blog- unless of course it is done through mobile phones. Even at the height of the crisis in Kenya (just after Christmas), mobile phone connections were flaky due to lack of connectivity and other factors.

I am impressed by the quality of information I find through these blogs, some located on the left bar of this blog. When you find time, do browse those links. If you know of other top-notch Kenya blogs, put them in the comments below. Thank you.

When to Cancel Trips to Kenya?

Last week many British and European tour operators announced cancelling tours to Kenya and encouraged those in Kenya to come back as soon as possible.

As yet, I have not heard such an announcement from U.S. tour operators.

Though I have been privy to few discussions regarding the possibility of cancelling study abroad tours to Kenya for this spring 2008 semester, I have yet to hear of formal cancellations.

The situation in Kenya is bad. Bad is putting it lightly. In addition to regional [African countries] refugees in Kenya, Kenyans themselves are now refugees in their own country. Those who are not refugees may not be returning to their normal routines soon as expected. Many schools, colleges and universities have postponed the first day back to class after Christmas holidays. Dates to restart some institutions have been posted, but they may not be set in stone, as one article eloquently stated, "The university management said the security situation would not make it safe for students to travel from their homes to their campuses." (source) In one blog I follow, a housekeeper of an expat refused donations of items out of fear of being looted. People in slums have few possessions, and coming into a slum with bulging bags makes someone a moving target for looters.

When I studied in India, I was in slums two to four days a week. This was in a country that was stable and safe. Like any big city anywhere in the world in slums and 'bad neighborhoods,' one's personal safety is always at risk. Taking advice of my advisers and professors, I was never in harm's way. Now, some are questioning whether to send their children to Kenya for study abroad to work in the slums with the poverty and HIV/AIDS stricken. If the election and it's aftermath had not occurred, then going to Kenya would be quite safe for these activities (as I know they have been going on for years now without reports of harm to aid workers). But, now I am not so sure this can be said.

Of course, guaranteeing a tourist or a student would not be harmed is impossible. However, after carefully assessing current information and predictions from pundits in the area, it is safe to say that going to Kenya now and at least for the next few months would not be a good idea.


Related articles:
Travel Q&A: Take extra precautions in Kenya, UW expert says
Study-Abroad Officials Keep Close Watch on Kenyan Violence
Kenya: Varsities Postpone Opening Dates
Amid Violence, Kenyan Universities Postpone Opening
British Tour Operators Cancel Kenya Holidays
Our ex-askari paid us a visit from Kibera today
Travel Warnings- U.S. Embassy Nairobi