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

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

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

Social Security in Kenya

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

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

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

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

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

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