Want to Safari?

Excursion to East Africa - Videos of Kenya and Tanzania

2009-05-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-01-13T18:46:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-01-09T23:16:00.001-08:00

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?

2008-01-09T22:21:00.000-08:00

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

Chaos Continues in Kenya

2008-01-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

by: Jennifer Kumar

The news reports overwhelm me. People forced from their homes, or padlocking themselves inside. Leaving the house is not an option for some as leaving means their home would be looted and burned. Though that seems to happen to some even if they are staying home.

Though I don't know the particulars, the streets have been quiet and many shops closed, or open for few hours. Many shops have been looted, and so supplies are short. People are running out or have ran out of food, as one man said in the video report below, that he has not eaten for three days. I further would guess that dead roads coupled with a lack of supplies can only increase tensions. (In fact as I write this, the situation has got worse as reported in the Thinker's room, where it is stated, "Goods are being held at the port at the request of buyers for fear that they will be looted/destroyed en route." source)

This violence is not confined to Nairobi, though most reports I have read or seen originate from Nairobi. For instance, a British family living as expats in Kimusu, [Western] Kenya report they were forced to flee the home with their three week old baby, leaving everything- clothes, food, and identification papers, behind. (video)

I found a few good blogs to follow, one of which, the RSS feed is in the left column- Kenyan Pundit. The other site is Thinker's Room - there is first hand and second hand reports of what is going on enhanced with many photos. I give the author of this blog a lot of credit for taking those photos. Click here for the blog.

Uncertainity Remains Heavy in the air in Kenya

2007-12-31T08:51:00.000-08:00

by: Jennifer Kumar

I am open to learning and changing my mind about things. That is why I started this blog; to learn about something new and open my mind’s borders, so to speak. Kenya is a country that is foreign, exotic and leaves a lot to my imagination since I have not learned much about it before I started this blog. I say this being 32 years old.

I have lived abroad for two years in India. I was in India during several elections and political violence. Yet, somehow knowing what happened there was dangerous, I definitely downplayed what I reported from my findings so far in the Kenyan elections. Therefore, I am making it up in this post, and deleting the ending of my previous post because it is not what I think now, less than one day later.

What I experienced when I lived in India was the following:
- On election days the roads were barren, eerily silent. No stores were open, including many public telephone operators (pay phones operated by workers). No souls including wandering dogs could be seen in the road. I had to go out to the doctor on that day, and I was definitely shaken by the silence that surrounded me.
- I don’t remember the particulars; I think the local leader at the time was going to be sentenced to jail for breaking the law and her supporters did not agree. This led to busses and trains being stoned and a few busses being set on fire- during rush hours. I was out that day as this news was reported in the mid day, and we were not informed because we were doing field work in the slums, were there were few radios and televisions. I was not affected, but a few classmates had shared stories of being in trains that unexpectedly stopped on the tracks and hearing stones hitting the sides of the trains. They did reach home safely.
- The next day or two after those incidents (stoning and busses ablaze) colleges, schools, government offices and many places were closed and people were told to stay inside and only leave for emergency purposes.

After remembering this in detail, and then reading more about what is going on in Kenya, I agree that what I said in yesterday’s post was naïve and ignorant. How can that compare with election violence in U.S.? In U.S., we can go outside during elections. Election days are unlike any other, work goes on as usual without any fear at all. Though there has been election turmoil, it have never seen it result in closing of towns, cities, government offices, colleges, being unable to go to buy food and supplies, fires being lit in streets, killings, ‘gun rapes,’ looting, people being unable to return home because their houses had been burned/looted/occupied by bandits, and the many other terrors that are happening in the streets of Kenyan towns and cities since the election results were announced yesterday. These responses forced all media outlets to freeze reporting, and the majority (or all) of news is being reported by foreign news sources outside Kenyan borders. This current turn of events is in stark contrast to the image Kenya has portrayed to its African and world neighbors, as it has held the reputation of a haven of peace and stability in the region.

We all wish for peace, health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year for all. I send my sincerest wishes for this to all in the world, but especially in Kenya during these uncertain times.

More Information:

Al Jazeera

Videos from BBC - Sky News
Wandering the World Blog - Lock Down

Africa Expat Wives Club- Look for Monday, December 31, 2007 (no title link)

Kenya Death Toll rises to 103- Zee News India

I want to go on Living in Kenya - One story from a localite

Hon. Mwai Kibaki Accepts Second 5- Year Term as Kenyan President

2007-12-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

by: Jennifer Kumar

Today, December 30, 2007, the results of the Kenyan presidential election were announced three days after the election commenced.

Though, Hon. Mwai Kibaki has completed his election acceptance speech, there are Kenyans not happy with the result. Our friends blogging at Wandering the World, in fact, report one hour after results were announced and Mr. Kibaki's speech, fires are being set in the city and Mr. Odinga "demanding" a recount (source).

In trying to understand the reasons for the ongoing violence throughout Nairobi city and slums and other towns in Kenya. I have formulated some ideas for why this is happening:

1. The election tallies were released very late, forcing most to assume election rigging.
2. The thought of rigging enticed violence, making going out to stores and running errands
impossible for most. (Read "Still Waiting" and "Election violence as many feel they have been
robbed ", both written by expats living in Nairobi, Kenya.) Some even have yet to celebrate
Christmas for reasons I have yet to fully understand.
3. The Winner hails from a different tribe (Kikuyu) than his challenger Raila Odinga (Luo tribe).
With the suspected rigging and voting tallies so close, this increases the tension and,
incidentally reports of looting. (Source article from UK
Telegraph.)
4. Kenya gained independence in 1963 from Great Britain. The country is a relatively young
democracy, struggling to identify themselves and also incorporated a multi-party democracy
which is only 15 years old (source), which would entice growing pains (including a rumor that
the challenger's name may have been left off some rosters - source).

I find it ironic that though this process the American government has been releasing communication (VOA is one source.), but I have not heard this information on local or cable news. I also read that during the tally process, local media [in Kenya] outlets were shut down and news intentionally not released to prevent more violence. Our expat friends on Wandering the World recently returned to Nairobi from abroad and did not know they would encounter "empty streets," closed shopping centers, and people on streets with clubs because, "...updates have been hard to come by on international news channels due to Bhutto’s assassination on Thursday. Her death has been the primary story on every news outlet, making channel surfing a necessity."

In learning about this Kenyan election, I am learning more about the world.

[Last paragraph intentionally deleted by author.]

Further sources: Kenya's Kibaki back in the lead, riots flare | BBC Focus on Africa- Listen now!

Women's Role in Kenya's Elections

2007-12-27T19:47:00.000-08:00

by: Jennifer Kumar

December 27 was the Kenyan elections. I don't know much about Kenyan elections, so I am not sure if this date is annual or not. Since most of the population celebrates Christmas, it seems odd to me that this election date would be annual because of possible election violence. It was also stated in some reports that some have not yet celebrated Christmas and will do so once the election, hence tensions, decrease.

I became interested in this topic because of a few news articles related to women's role in elections. Violence is common against women candidates. I wonder if there is violence against women voters as well.

Al Jazeera

Sources: League of Kenya Women Voters Female Candidates in Kenya Say They Face Discrimination, Violence (with video) Kenyan General Election Voting Today

Kenya – New Outsourcing Hub?

2007-12-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

by: Jennifer Kumar

Not just a land of lions, giraffes, wildebeests and hippos, but also a land of outsourcing and call centers? Of course wildlife will take center stage over technological infrastructure, but as Kenya’s internet infrastructure has big expansion plans over the next two years, many world business leaders will be coming to Kenya to invest in call centers and hopefully see a lion or two!

I guess it was just a matter of time. Anyhow, maybe Indians are getting sick of working in call centers. Or, their skills are surpassing the original forecasts, and people are demanding more- more in wages, better hours, raises and overall better working conditions?

Of course, now bandwidth cost and availability are major problems in Kenya. To remedy this major players are teaming up with telecom companies in Kenya to improve infrastructure and allow Kenya to stand distinctively as the major telecom hub of East Africa.

As we talk to our friends, family and neighbors about Kenya, it is surprising how many stereotypes abound about Kenya- that it’s only rural, people don’t speak English, it is a poverty-stricken country, only wildlife is to be seen, there is no infrastructure, there are no bustling, modern cities, and the education system is neither good or in English. All these stereotypes are of course, false. Many items on that list do need improvement, just like in any country, but shouldn’t be a barrier to development. This vision coming to fruition will demonstrate that Kenya can offer more than those stereotypes to its citizens and the world.

Kenyans are hard workers and I am sure they will make the best out of the call center culture and surpass international expectations. In the meantime, you can judge for yourself by reading the articles that inspired this post below.

Call Centres Set to Benefit From Cheaper Bandwidth in Kenya Kenya wants to grab piece of outsourcing pie World's next outsourcing hub: Kenya? ICT Park Safaricom Kenya: Plans underway to Create 30,000 Outsourcing Jobs in Varsities

Resident of Nairobi Slum Graduates from University of Manchester, U.K.

2007-12-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

by: Jennifer Kumar

Question everything. Anything is possible. Dare to expect the unexpected. Take the path less traveled. Go against expectations.

This is the life story of Sammy Gitau, a lifetime resident of one of Nairobi, Kenya’s poorest communities- a slum in the middle of the city. The story of his life is commendable. He has definitely seen times most of us are afraid to talk about let alone experience first hand.

He knew his studies would take him places. Though he has had only few years of formal schooling, he is now a proud college graduate from the University of Manchester in U.K. with a MSc in International Development Project Management (IDPM).

His story teaches us many things. One of the things that it teaches me is that “there are many ways in and many ways out” and some of those ways are far from conventional. I am sure, for instance the University was ridiculed for accepting such a student. After all, plenty of students ‘formally schooled’ and highly ranked also applied. What did the students think? But, the university took a risk on experience over test scores! How novel!

How did Sammy get to go abroad? Being from a slum, how could he afford the travel and living expenses abroad? Over his lifetime (currently at the ripe old age of 35), he has inspired his neighbors and fellow ‘slum dwellers’ to rise up and have better lives. Without studying books, but knowing his community, his people, and his country he created his own community development programs. These programs had international visitors over the years. His superior networking abilities roped in insurmountable international moral and financial support. It was through his track record on the ground, his grassroots effort paid off, literally. Now, to return to Kenya foreign educated at one of the world’s top institution.

So, two days after Kenya’s 44th Independence Day celebration, one of Kenya’s hardest working ‘regular Joes’ has achieved a new freedom of his own for himself and his people. I wish Sammy all the best in using his new found knowledge to enhance his family, his community, his country and his world!

For the entire article, titled From Slum Dweller to Miracle Graduate click here.
University of Manchester

Carbon Footprint of Kenyan Farmers

2007-12-14T05:59:00.000-08:00

by: Jennifer Kumar

As the debate over carbon footprints heats up worldwide, Kenyan farmers are in the spotlight in the U.K. Growing, purchasing and eating local produce is a hot topic in most western countries, such people called localvores are popping up everywhere it seems. Being a localvore, many think equates with having less of a carbon footprint. Is this really true? I explore this in more detail in a full length article called - The Carbon Footprint of Localvores. Read the full length article by clicking here.

Social Security in Kenya

2007-12-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

by: Jennifer Kumar

I doubt Kenyans have social security numbers. It may be possible in some places in Kenya, people do not know their own birthdays. It may not be part of their culture.

So, what is the social security I am referring to? It is polygamy.

I guess the Christian missionaries in Kenya will continue to ban this practice. On some levels it is a good practice (not for me, but for them), and on some levels it needs updating.

Why do I think it's good? A wife having to raise kids all alone without help is challenging. Ask any mom in the modern countries, and she'll tell you she wants a break. Imagine living in a compound with other wives and their kids, you can at least go to the bathroom in privacy! Of course, living in Kenyan villages is also tough work- hauling water long distances, farming, caring for house and children- the more help the better!

Why it's not good? Well two reasons. Ironically, I endorse this for the woman and not the man! What pressure the man must have in Kenya! Firstly, he needs to provide dowry, then on top of that provide for many wives and even more children! Now if that is not stressful, what is?

But, what happens when the man of the house dies? In [some sections] of Kenyan society, the man's surviving wives - now widows- are 'inherited' by his brother or a male family member. Wow! Increasing stress for the man of the house! But, what does that mean?

The women become members of the household in all ways- even physical intimacy between the new 'wives' and the man of the house commences. Often times, it is thought this is how AIDS is spread, because birth control is non-existent or not utilized.

It is said that presently as more people follow Christianity and polygamy is slowly leaving the social structure, that women don't want to participate in this social security system anymore. This is easier said than done. If a woman is educated and a wage earner (as in most societies) she has a better chance of living without the extended family as an 'inherited' wife in her widowhood.

I am not sure what this means for widows in general. What is the status of widows? Are they accepted socially? Are attitudes changing? Do widows in the countryside fare differently than in the cities? Do widows in different spiritual traditions in Kenya fare differently?

I found this fascinating. To read more about Kenyan culture, pick up the book Kenya (Modern World Nations) by Joseph R. Oppong and Esther D. Oppong. In fact, this post is based on information on pages 52-55. It's a kid's book I think, but I like the way it is written. An enjoyable read.

CARE in Africa

2007-12-11T15:11:00.000-08:00

by: Jennifer Kumar

I picked up Bill Bryson's African Diary in the library and recently read it. It's a one hour read (I read slow, though) of about 50 entertaining, heartfelt, intensely emotional, suspenseful pages.

Bill, the Hanover, New Hampshire native, travelled to Kenya to travel far and wide on behalf of Care International to learn about the efforts of CARE in Kenya. He went to Nairobi slums, Mombasa beaches, Gedi ruins of Muslim traders of the past, a secluded desert refugee camp and before leaving, a short safari full of color and wild animals.

Since I spent two years in India, traversing Chennai slums helping residents through Udavi, Asha Nivas and World Vision, many of Bill's descriptions of Nairobi slums ignited memories. Mostly, the intense balance between disparity and hope has influenced me intently. It was the raw humanity of the situation that would affect anyone who experiences these settings. Despite the physical conditions of these places, the people have amazing resolve and always greet you with a smile!

If you decide to buy this book, it seems that the entire profit will go to CARE to help the Kenyans gain a better life.

Thanks for doing what you did Bill, and sharing it with the world!

Read two case studies of clients I worked with in India:
Thenmuzhi, The Sweet Language of a Tragic Situation
Thirumani: Changing the life tune of a great bell

Culture of the 24 hour Shopping Center

2007-12-11T03:45:00.001-08:00

by: Jennifer Kumar

Nairobi now has three 24 hour shopping centers, owned by an Indian. The locals have taken to this new concept in a novel way. Since families in Nairobi are just as busy as anyone else in the world, they prefer to shop as a family at night. Parents put their kids to bed in the early evening to wake them late in night for a midnight family shopping trip. A new family bonding experience.

Follow this link for the full article.

Matatus, Kenya's Public Transportation in the News

2007-12-10T05:50:00.000-08:00

by: Jennifer Kumar

Informative article on the history and present concerns of the matatu industry in Kenya. Matatus are mini buses, infamous for overcrowding, used as public transportation. The article seems to make me think fares are quite constant across the board. However, I have read several travel blogs that highlight the opposite - that bargining is done both by foreigners and locals alike.

From the article: "Matatu is the Swahili word for three - early fares for a trip in the capital, Nairobi, were just three of Kenya's smallest coins, said Gerishon Ikiara, a top official in Kenya's transport ministry."

See the article here: http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iFa-iZPVYGI1Iyj2xyyEaYcXLoEg

Read an engaging post on public transportation in Kenya on the blog "A Vermonter in Kenya."

Budget Safaris

2007-12-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

by: Jennifer Kumar

Today I found this site with 'budget safaris' to Kenya - Tanzania and of course other travels around the world.

The following are the thoughts on the site -Kenya Safari Listings

I browsed a few itineries on the site to Kenya and Tanzania and am really curious how they are so cheap. Maybe the accomidations maybe mostly in campsites. Also, are the itineries guaranteed (ie. if all the slots in a particular tour don't fill) do they proceed or cancel? Anyhow, I sent away for a brochure of one of the tours.

One thing about the site was quite unique is they offer travel blogs for their customers. I browsed some tagged Personal Trip Journals for Kenya,
and was impressed by the amount of blogs available to see, but from my point of view, two things can be improved - Titling the blogs on the index page can be improved by using the name of the country/tour and the dates attended. Far as I could tell, there were no recent blogs from 2007. But, I found a few intriguing I want to share.

Ulmius-Gestrelius Origins of Man Safari Nov 2005
We are making a somewhat different safari in Kenya and Tanzania: to take a look at some sites where findings from the origin of man have been discovered. However, we will not miss the opportunity to watch some wild life also.

Nancy & Tony's Little Break
Excerpts from two days:
“Arusha has the usual problems, ie touts bugging the hell out of you for everything, and can't walk anywhere at night, but we are used to all that now . Interesting place to wake up with 5am start of mosque blaring next to hotel followed about an hour later by cockerels crowing - yes even the big towns have chickens wondering the streets - no bird flu here - yet!” 20 Mar 2006 - Arusha via Moshi

“Lunch was also a highlight as the picnic was next to a beautiful lake full of hippos and zebras grazing nearby but poor Nancy lost her chicken leg to a large brown kite (like an eagle) that swooped from nowhere to scoop the chicken from her hands without laying a scratch on her - she got a big fright though - quite funny to watch though!! hence I ate my chicken in the landrover! (-:” 26 Mar 2006 - Ngorongoro Crater

Please leave your feedback on the blogs or if you have attended any travels - specifically safaris through this site - adventurecenter.com.

Thank you for reading.

Greetings Friends

2007-12-06T04:41:00.000-08:00

Greetings. My name is Jennifer.

We have been in process of planning a safari in Kenya and Tanzania for the past two months. I wanted to open this blog to:

1. Share and discuss research I have found.
2. Get others interested in talking about their safari experience including the researching of going on safari, the actual trip and any other details.
3. Share our safari experience (possibly to happen sometime in next one year).
4. Anything related to safari.

Looking forward to your contributions!

Jennifer