540 Magazine - Issue 6 - August 2012

ISSUE 06

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012

ABERDARE

COUNTRY CLUB

Iconic property springs back to life WORLD

Eco

MONKEY BUSINESS Happier times for chimps rescued from South Sudan

MALINDI SPARKLES

Casino Malindi welcomes Kenya’s first-ever Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament

FESTIVAL FEVER HITS ZANZIBAR

ZANZIBAR HOSTS EAST AFRICA’S LARGEST FILM, MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

ProductReview

Amazon hots up its eReader ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

KIDZ CORNER • 540 NEWS • ARUSHA CITY GUIDE

Issue 6 - AUGUST - OCTOBER

w.fl w w

14

34

27

SPECIAL FEATURES

27 ProductReview

03 IN THIs IssUE

28 LATEsT rELEAsEs

Amazon hots up its eReader

We welcome a new editor to the ‘flight deck’

04 540 NEWs

Arusha - Tanzania

16 ZANZIBAr INTErNATIONAL fILm fEsTIVAL

Suite A5, 1st Floor, Ojijo Plaza, 20 Plums Lane off Ojijo Road, Parklands, PO Box 2022 Village Market 00621, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 374 1934 Email: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com on behalf of

South Africa’s sweeping win at Zuku awards

30 COmmUNITY

09 SPORTREVIEW

The mecca of long-distance running

Riverside Green Suites, Palm Suite, Riverside Drive PO Box 10293-00100, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 445 2391/2/3/4/5 Email info@fly540.com www.fly540.com

Cover photo courtesy of: Peter Bennett 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

Does Malindi sparkle at night? You bet!

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

41 FeelingGood

Are you sitting comfortably?

- in-flight exercises

46 KIdZ COrNEr USEFUL INFORMATION

11 BUSINESSHub

36 THE fLY540 NETWOrK

12 MYWORLD

42 TrAVEL INfOrmATION

14 LOOKINSIDE

44 fLY540 fLEET

Business briefs

fLY540 AVIATION

34 CULTURE&ART 38 EcoWORLD

Kids and Kindles: School uses e-books to encourage young readers

REGULAR FEATURES

Coming to a screen near you...

33 CITYGUIDE

The latest news from the 540 family

LANd & mArINE PUBLICATIONs (KENYA) LTd

COST AIR L

AT: INE L m N K O 40.co BOO y5

16

is published by

OW

E IN

AFRICAS L

CONTENTs

You couldn’t make it up

Hogmead country home

Essential travel and visa information

48 fLY540 CONTACTs

18 PrOfILEr

Iconic property springs back to life

23 PHOTOFEATURE No juice is bad news

25 FOODFORTHOUGHT

Spoil yourself at Tatu – but leave room for dessert

CONNECT WITH fLY540 @fly540aviation www.facebook.com/pages/Fly-540

AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com

1

HERITAGE ADVERT

IN THIS ISSUE

IN THIs

IssUE

WE WELCOME A NEW EDITOR TO THE ‘FLIGHT DECK’

W

elcome to Issue 6 of ‘540’

magazine. In this edition we

cover a myriad topics and subjects

as we seek to provide customers of Fly540 with an entertaining and

informative magazine presented in an attractive format.

First of all, I would like to introduce

It may not be quite Cannes or Venice, but down at the Indian Ocean the Zanzibar Film Festival has been wowing audiences and we report on who cleaned up this year in terms of prizes. Remember to book early with Fly540 for next year.

We also profile the Aberdare Country Club, which reopened in July after a

our new editor, Jackson Biko. Jackson

major refurbishment. Take it from

has a wealth of experience and a compel-

me, it’s well worth a visit, even just for

ling writing style. I’m sure his editorial

Sunday lunch (in fact, especially for

influence and direction will be felt in

Sunday lunch).

coming issues.

rEVIEWs

LOOK OUT fOr...  Profiler: A closer look a the newly refurbished Aberdare Hills Country Club

Speaking of food – and writing this is making me hungry – we review Tatu, the extraordinary eatery

In our Sports Review we take a look at

at Fairmont The Norfolk. It is

Kenya’s altitude training camp at Iten, in

certainly worth a try as long as

the Rift Valley, and see how local athletes

your wallet will allow.

LATEST RELEASES

have been preparing themselves ahead of

Finally, there is the new

the London Olympics and why this other-

Kindle Fire, a bigger and better

wise insignificant town attracts so many

tablet for those who want their

runners from across the world.

reading matter to be in 2D. Personally, I

In this issue, and as part of our regular viewing of some of East Africa’s most desirable and iconic properties, we ‘look inside’ Hogmead in Karen. I thought I knew just about every boutique

still prefer old-style books, but it’s probably an age thing.

Anyway, enjoy reading ‘540’ and we wish you a safe and pleasant journey.

hotel in and around Nairobi, but this

Gary Gimson

place is new to me and looks impressive.

Publisher, 540 magazine

In our new “latest releases” section you can find up to date information and reviews for the latest film and book releases. One of the films featured in this issue is The Dark Knight Rises. Eight years after Batman took the fall for Two Face’s crimes, a new terrorist leader, Bane, overwhelms Gotham’s finest and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.

AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com

3

NEWs ‘Skating is becoming sPEEd sKATErs WIN very popular in Kenya 10 mEdALs IN UgANdA and I would urge young boys and girls to come and join the team’ groups and also received a silver in the enya’s Speed Dynamix skating

K

team won 10 medals in the

East African Speed Roller Skating

competition at the Mandela Stadium in Kampala.

The group was sponsored by Fly540, which flew the competitors from Nairobi to Uganda.

The Speed Dynamix sent a team

10,000 metre competition.

Evans Bett, aged 13, was awarded a

providing the team with seven return

bronze medal in the 12 to 13 category.

air tickets. Kenya was represented

Eleven-year-old Richard Owino also

by only five members, who managed

won two bronze awards in the 1,000

to bring back home 10 medals. These

metre and 500 metre classes.

young men have made us and the

AIr TICKETs

country very proud.

of its five best members including

Azarias Mehta, aged nine and the

AgA KHAN WALK

23-year-old professional skater

youngest member of the team, brought

“Skating is becoming very popular in

Richard Bett. He won three gold medals

home silver medals for the 1,000 metre

Kenya and I would urge young boys

in the 10,000 metre 1,000 metre and

and 500 metre divisions.

and girls to come and join the team. We

200 metre categories. Fifteen-year-old

Patience Mehta, an official of the

practise at the Aga Khan Walk sunken

Teddy Andanje won gold medals in

Speed Dynamix Skating Team, said:

parking and at the Kasarani Stadium.

the junior 1,000 metre and 200 metre

“We would like to thank Fly540 for

Richard Bett, who is our senior skater, turned professional in 2009. Teddy Andaje is the best junior record holder

 mEdAL WINNErs Nine-year-old Azarias Mehta (left) and 11-year-old Richard Owino, members of the Kenya Speed Dynamix Skating Team, show Sammy Nzoka, the Operations Manager of Fly540, their skating shoes. The two were among five competitors who won 10 medals in the East African Speed Roller Skating competition held in Kampala. They were sponsored by Fly540, who flew them from Nairobi to Uganda.

4

and won medals last year in competitions held in South Africa and China.”

Talking about skating as a sport, nineyear-old Azarias Mehta said: “Imagine being on skating wheels and moving at an incredible speed like a rally car, but without the help from a navigator. It is thrilling and this game gives us selfesteem. Skating also keeps us fit.”

NEWS

NEWs

‘This year we shall continue to respond to the needs of passengers with the introduction of more services domestically and regionally’

CONTINUED...

fLY540 mOVEs TO NEW PrEmIsEs AT KIsUmU AIrPOrT

F

ollowing the recent expansion of Kisumu International Airport,

ices have become very popular with government officials, business people

fast-growing regional airline Fly540

and tourists.”

new terminal.

Fly540, said: “The move to relocate the

has moved its offices to the airport’s

“Previously we were sharing check-in

Nixon Ooko, operations director of new terminal at Kisumu International

counters with other airlines,” said Jacob

Airport is part of the airline’s 2012

Otieno, the Kisumu manager of Fly540.

expansion plan. We are now able to offer

“This caused confusion and passengers

our passengers a comfortable waiting

would queue for a long time. With the new

area and better service. This year we

premises, Fly540 now has its own dedi-

shall continue to respond to the needs

cated counters. We also have a spacious

of passengers with the introduction of

sales, administration and dispatch office

more services domestically

and a luggage holding area.

and regionally.”

EXPANsION PLAN

in November 2006 with a

“Kisumu International Airport now has a

daily fl ight between Nairobi

longer runway and our CRJ twin jet is able

and Mombasa. The airline’s

to land and take off with ease. This has

value-for-money fl ights

increased the capacity on the services from

won instant popularity and

CONNECT WITH fLY540 ON TWITTEr ANd fACEBOOK Social media is a great way to keep passengers up to date with all the latest news. That’s why Fly540 have recently re-worked their online presence. You can now follow Fly540 on Twitter and Facebook.

Fly540 began operations

Fly540 now has 14 desti-

nations in Kenya with ‘We are now able to regional services to offer our passengers a Bujumbura, Entebbe, comfortable waiting area Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Zanzibar and better service’ and South Sudan.

Tickets for the airline’s Nairobi to Kisumu because the 50-seater

destinations are available

CRJ has replaced the smaller Dash 8 turbo-

from travel agents

prop aircraft. The airline operates two

and the Fly540

flights daily between Nairobi and Kisumu.

offices at Laico

“The Fly540 aircraft leaves Kisumu

Regency and ABC

via Eldoret at 7.40 am and arrives at

Place. Full infor-

JKIA at 8.45 am. The afternoon fl ight

mation on fares and services can be

departs from Kisumu at 7.30 pm and

obtained from the website fly540.com

arrives in Nairobi at 9 pm. These serv-

and passengers can book flights online.

AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com

7

8

Issue 6

SPORTREVIEW

I

t’s all systems go. The list of

Kenya’s Olympic marathon runners

is locked and this formidable team, led by London Marathon winner

Wilson Kipsang and the world’s best

half-marathon runner, Mary Keitany, will hopefully ensure a sweeping victory at the London Olympics.

All eyes will be on Kenya because of

HATC was founded by world champion Lorna Kiplagat in 1999.

The centre’s original vision was to provide young women with an opportunity to train and live under the best possible circumstances to nurture their athletic careers. That changed, however, and now HATC is open to athletes and tourists from all over the

its reputation for producing world-class

world including runners, triathletes

marathon runners. Part of the secret

and mountain bikers.

of this gold-winning machinery lies in

© Karue Wachira

The mecca of long-distance running

their technique. At any given time there are about 400 athletes training in Iten.

training in high altitude areas of Kenya

TECHNIQUE

such as the Ngong Hills, where the

At 2,400 metres above sea level, Iten –

world record holders. As well as offering

renowned Paul Tergat did his training,

characterised by hundreds of miles of

technical support for runners, the

and the High Altitude Training Centre

dirt roads and rolling hills – is the best

centre is equipped with a state-of-the-

(HATC) at Iten in the Rift Valley.

place for distance runners to refine

art gym, a fitness centre, a sauna, a 25

They include world champions and

© Karue Wachira

metre solar-heated swimming pool and a restaurant.

At HATC they train only the best – the best who have been discovered and the best who have yet to be discovered.

As resident coach Richard Mukche has been quoted as saying: “Here, if you can’t run a marathon in two hours 12 minutes, you don’t talk about it.”

 THE PLACE TO BE The training centre is at altitude

Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com

9

BUSINESSHub

BUsINEss BrIEfs

mAsTErCArd sETs UP sHOP IN NAIrOBI

LAPsETT Is LAUNCHEd

A

n important milestone has been

reached by Kenya with the deci-

sion to go ahead with construction of

a second seaport in Lamu. This major project will involve the construction

of a deepsea port that will open up the north of Kenya as well as serving the emerging economies of South Sudan

KENYA dIsCOVErs OIL

K

enya has discovered oil, it was announced recently by the

Minister of Energy, Kiraitu Murungi.

The oil was discovered by London-based Tullow Oil plc, the same company that discovered oil in Ghana and Uganda.

and Ethiopia.

Known as the Lamu Port, South Sudan and Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) corridor, this multi-billionrail link between Lamu Port and the South Sudanese capital, Juba, through a new resort city at Isiolo. An international airport will also be created in Isiolo. Another transport corridor will link Lamu with the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, through Isiolo. Kenya has

oil fi nd is expected to propel the nation’s

invited the Chinese government to build

vibrant economy to greater heights and

an oil pipeline linking Juba with Lamu.

The ground-breaking ceremony was

ambitions to become a middle-income

attended by Kenya’s President Mwai

economy by 2030.

Kibaki, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles

The oil was found in Turkana in northern Kenya.

The Nairobi office will act as MasterCard’s liaison office for customer banks, business associates and consumers in Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Uganda and the rest of East Africa, bringing to these markets the company’s knowledge of electronic payments best practice.

shilling project includes a new road and

Oil is Kenya’s largest import, so the

to help Kenya realise its Vision 2030

The global payments and technology company MasterCard Worldwide has established its East African regional head office in Nairobi. This brings to five the number of MasterCard offices across the African continent, along with Cairo, Casablanca, Lagos and Johannesburg.

Zenawi and South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir.

AIrTEL ENTErs rWANdA

WArId TELECOm TO EXPANd

The Indian telecommunications giant Airtel has officially entered the Rwandese market. Its decision is likely to usher in a new era of strong competition between mobile phone companies.

Rwanda currently has a mobile phone penetration of only 41.8 per cent, the second-lowest in the East African Community after Burundi. The entry of Airtel is expected to boost the numbers.

Airtel Rwanda intends to roll out a 2G and 3G GSM mobile service.

The telecommunications company Warid Telecom is to invest about US$2.5 million in an ambitious programme to expand its operations in Uganda and improve its services.

AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com

11

‘I was introduced to cosmetics as a career by chance. I always loved makeup and beauty and would dabble in my teenage years, experimenting on friends’

YOU COULdN’T mAKE IT UP? WELL, SUZIE DID AND FOUND SUCCESS

12

Issue 6

MYWORLD: Suzie Wokabi

S

uzie Wokabi’s entrepreneurial light-bulb came on when she

returned home from New York –

having spent eight years there as a makeup artist – and was unable to

fi nd decent makeup. That was back in 2001.

“I kept sending people abroad for makeup and at some point I tired of it and asked myself why I couldn’t start a Kenyan product for Kenyan women,” she says. And so, after months of feverish research and investment, the SuzieBeauty brand was born.

SuzieBeauty is unique because, according to Suzie, her products are made especially for African skin. The company specialises in the latest and most current natural products and exceptional colour ranges inspired by the African continent.

We caught up with her over coffee and picked her mind on the product.

Why cosmetics? What informed your

decision to venture into this industry?

‘My edge over the competition is that SuzieBeauty is the first Kenyan-created cosmetics brand that caters to the African woman in particular’

I was introduced to cosmetics as a career by chance. I always loved

comes in, as we offer a great quality,

with employees, investors, lawyers,

makeup and beauty and would dabble

affordable product with education on

accountants and growing the business

in my teenage years, experimenting

how to use it.

every day.

by Clinique and later by MAC in the

Isn’t less the better in makeup?

Who is your greatest competitor and

United States and trained by them, and

Less IS more. It’s always best to

what edge do you have over them?

the bug bit me. I was hooked and real-

start light and add on as required or

I would not be able to name any

ised how much I loved cosmetics and

preferred. That’s certainly one of

particular brand as my greatest

knew I wanted to pursue it as a career.

my mantras.

competitor. All products in the market

How big or important is the Kenyan

Does SuzieBeauty make business sense

The beauty industry (retail) is worth

other ventures?

created cosmetics brand that caters

well over KES 15 billion. The industry

SuzieBeauty is my only job. Before I was

to the African woman in particular.

itself is growing every day. We have

the CEO of my company, I was a freelance

For the quality of the product, there is

so many events all the time – fashion

makeup artist. Cosmetics has been my

no competition on SB pricing. We are

shows, expos and so on. The Kenyan

bread and butter for many years.

a pioneer brand and are off to a great

on friends. For work, I was fi rst hired

are my competition as they have cosmetic market?

or do you have to supplement it with

them is that SB is the fi rst Kenyan-

woman is defi nitely getting quite beauty-savvy.

Are Kenyans big on makeup?

existing customers. My edge over

start and foresee a promising future.

How challenging is it in the business of cosmetics?

The business of cosmetics is not chal-

That is still on the upward growth

lenging but exciting. The response we

curve. Many women I encounter do not

have received in our product sales has

wear any makeup, but for understand-

been very encouraging. Business in

able reasons: they don’t know how;

general is challenging. I no longer just

they don’t know which product is good

create beautiful products and colours

for them. This is where SuzieBeauty

and apply them on women; I deal

AVAILABLE NOW  BUY ONLINE: The company’s mission is to provide a wide range of high quality, affordable beauty products for all skin types and ages.

AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com

13

INTImATE, HOmELY VENUE WITH A TOUCH OF COLONIAL CLASS

By Jackson Biko

14

Issue 6

LOOKINSIDE

C

ertain things beg a question:

What do German-born architect

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and the luxurious Hogmead country home have in common? Well, Ludwig

coined the phrase ‘The devil is in the detail’ and Hogmead refi ned it.

Set in the leafier part of Langata, Hogmead shares an electric fence with Giraffe Park. It’s a small property, consisting of only six expansive rooms.

The aim was to offer guests a place with a homely atmosphere rather than the feel of a hotel.

TrANsfOrmATION They seem to have succeeded in that quest judging by the snazzy but laid-

and just the right touch of class to

back decor. There are vases of fresh

make it homely and highbrow.

flowers and bronze animal sculptures

mArA sUITE 

There is obsessiveness in their

Each of the six guest rooms is individually designed with unique soft furnishings

on every table. Numerous books on

attention to detail. For example, all the

safari are scattered about the lounge

sofa cushions and fabric in the rooms

Ghaui. His work simply trumpets out

area. The main sitting area has large

have delicately beaded decorations.

of the canvas. Apart from his bronze

sofas and rugs.

In the bar is an old colonial clock that

sculptures, he makes use of clean white

conjures up thoughts of times past

backgrounds and minimal strokes to

residential property owned by Peter

while continuing to tell modern guests

breathe life into wild animals on his

Henderson. The new owners, Safari

the correct East African time.

canvas. Most of his work at the lodge is

At the beginning, Hogmead was a

for sale.

‘Hogmead is an ideal place for couples who don’t want to travel too far out of town to spend quality time together’ and Conservation Portfolio, brought

EXECUTIVE Hogmead is a transition lodge, where people coming from safari make an overnight stop to catch their breath

But what makes the place seem to

while they head for another destina-

in Sarah Stevenson, an interior

pulsate – apart from the warthogs you

tion. Lately, however, owing to its

decorator, who, with a magic wand,

may see prowling the grounds – is the

private, homely atmosphere, it has

transformed it into a classic country

picturesque artwork by the revered

become an ideal venue for executive

home with an old British quaintness

Tanzanian wildlife artist Michael

business people looking for a private meeting place in an unobtrusive environment. In addition, Hogmead is an ideal place for couples who don’t want to travel too far out of town to spend quality time together.

Don’t miss the mornings on the balcony, ask for the upstairs rooms, overlooking Ngong Hills. Stand out there, with a cup of something hot and watch a cloud of mist slide across the hill, herded along by the sun.

 EVENINg ATmOsPHErE The exterior and grounds are lit up at night

AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com

15

© Peter Bennett

sOUTH AfrICA’s sWEEPINg WIN AT ZUKU AWArds 16

Issue 6

ZANZIBAR FILM FESTIVAL he Zanzibar International Film Festival – East Africa’s largest

film, music and arts festival –

continues to call out to the creatives

in the region. But whether those calls are heeded is a question with which, perhaps, the festival continues to

struggle year after year. And if the

skills. At hand to share their skills was Barry Braverman, a cinematographer with 30 years’ experience in TV documentaries and feature films, and Nicholas Stampe, a high definition (HD) editing specialist who provided theoretical and hands-on training in editing in both office and field environ-

region is making progress in film, is

ments.

festival’s 15 years of promoting this

marked by exciting activities like

it doing so at a pace that reflects the art form?

The principal guest at this year’s

As usual, the festival was also dhow races, music and dance, and children’s activities. In addition, against a

© Peter Bennett

T

star studded line-up 

event, the American director Mario Van

backdrop of famous buildings such as

Peebles, framed those concerns when

Stone Town, House of Wonders and Old

he enthused that African film could

Fort, the festival includes a huge open-

rise out of the ashes only if the players

air food market which comes alive

were ready to tell stories that “don’t win

at dusk. Here, countless vendors lay

tence, but even more poignantly, about

awards but tell your own tales”.

out Swahili and Zanzibar delicacies,

South Africa’s advantage. The festival’s

attracting throngs of curious foodies

chairman, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo,

keen to try new dishes. The mood is

explained the region’s disadvantage.

usually vibrant.

“They [South Africans] started earlier,

CHUNGU If there is any hope for the film industry, it must be illustrated by

Sultan King, one of Zanzibar’s most popular recording artists takes to the stage at the years festival

they have more broadcasting and

the fact that the festival continues to

AWARD WINNERS

receive many entries in various catego-

In a colourful closing night in the

ries. This year alone saw a total of 105

splendid setting of the 18th century

films from 35 countries, an improve-

Old Fort, this year’s festival experi-

ment on last year. What unified these

enced a notable upset. South Africa’s

films was their proclamation of African

filmmakers swept away with a stag-

cultures and a celebration of various

gering eight out of 14 awards. Man

Our local television channels are full of

art forms such as music, literature and

of the night was definitely the South

foreign productions, but not in SA; they

poetry. In addition, not to run away

African filmmaker Ndaba ka Ngwane,

support their own industry.”

from the realities of Africa, there were

who had a field day, walking away

themes crafted around politics and

with five awards. His film, ‘Uhlanga’,

Van Peebles’s sentiments about a more

bribery, as showcased in the movies

is about a Zulu boy whose life is turned

home-grown approach, it is perhaps

‘Chungu’ from Tanzania and ‘Malawi

upside down when he watches his

Ngwane who puts it in better perspec-

Awakening’ from Malawi.

father doused with petrol and burned

tive. “It’s about passion and belief,” he

to death. The film shows the boy’s life

said soon after receiving the awards.

advances made by the moviemaking

through his struggles with poverty,

“There are many reasons why I should

industry worldwide, this year’s festival

abuse, prejudice and hope in the face of

have given up on this project; because of

organised two film workshops aimed at

death and bedlam. Not only were three

lack of funding we would stop shooting

digital content producers who are keen

of the cast voted Best Female Actors,

after every three months only to start

to enhance their camera and editing

but ‘Uhlanga’ bagged the top award of

again. I put my house down as collat-

the night, the Golden Dhow for Best

eral in order to get funding because I

Feature Film.

believed in the movie. I and my team

In recognition of the technological

This sweeping win by South Afri-

marketing channels, yes; but also they take pride in their own productions.

‘Don’t win awards but tell your own tales’

Even though Kombo somehow echoes

believed in its quality and the fact that

cans undoubtedly raised questions

we were setting out to tell the story in a

about East Africa’s creative compe-

unique way.” The movie cost $235,000 to produce.

© Peter Bennett

 fAMILY AFFAIR Star guests included Mario van Peebles and his son Mandela, promoting their new film, ‘We The Party’

And so, as the festival’s ‘knight of long knives’ wound up with a sweeping triumph by South Africa, the region will hopefully pick up the gauntlet and have better luck next year.

Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com

17

PROFILER

icOnic PrOPerty sPrings BacK tO Life A

berdare Country Club, which has more or less been closed for the

past few years, sprang back to life in

July with the official reopening of one of Kenya’s iconic heritage properties.

There are many reasons to visit the region around Mount kenya, and the Country Club, with its fabulous location and wonderful views, is certainly one of them. Perched on the side of kamatongu hill at a lofty 1,970 metres above sea level, the Club is set in 1,300 acres that include a wildlife sanctuary as well as a nine-hole golf course.

 haven in the hiLLs Above: Horse riding is just one of the activity options available. All levels of riders welcome Left: VIP Suite

18

Issue 6

PROFILER

‘In its heyday, the 48-room Club was a homely weekend retreat for wealthy Nairobi people.’

The property was bought in poor shape in early 2011 by uganda’s Marasa Africa and it has taken nearly 18 months of planning, refurbishment and hard work to restore the Club to its former glory.

histOry In its heyday, the 48-room Club was a homely weekend retreat for wealthy

that they have bought a property with

Nairobi people as well as a delightful

a history that is regarded with affec-

one-night stopover for foreign tourists.

tion by many.

Formerly known as The Steep, it was

restOred  The property and the grounds have been restored to their former glory

built in the early 1930s as a private

eXteriOr

six-bedroom house by a British family

“Pretty much everything needed doing

and today the Aberdare Country Club

on the inside,” says general manager

still conjures up images of a bygone

kenneth Mugira. “But the exterior

age. The new owners are well aware

was sound and we really only needed

AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com

19

JIT ADVERT

PROFILER to mend a few leaking roofs. Now all the rooms are being sympathetically upgraded to retain the essence of the property’s colonial past, but with contemporary bathrooms. Our first priority is to bring the property up to standard, then to market it as good quality four-star; get the place profitable and then there’s a lot of room for expansion.”

Lush fairways A new spa and gym have been installed, the swimming pool has been rebuilt and there is a new play area for children.

In addition to the refurbishment work, Marasa has rehabilitated the par-66 golf course – not used in earnest since 2005 – and brought the stables back into use, taking delivery of a string of horses.

The golf course is an enjoyable but deceptively tough nine holes with postage-stamp greens and tight fairways comprising six par-fours and three par-threes totalling 2,412 yards. “It’s not as easy as it looks,” says Philip Nyagah, general manager at the nearby sister property, The Ark, who used to play the course.

Sanctuary The new owners will be looking to enhance the wildlife in the adjacent sanctuary. Although there seems to be no shortage of game in purely numerical terms, Marasa would like to expand the variety of animals on

‘The golf course is an enjoyable (both Thompson’s and Grant’s), impala, but deceptively tough nine ostrich, waterbuck and zebra as holes with postage-stamp well as warthog and bushpig.

The Country Club has greens and tight fairways’ seven peacocks and peahens view. At present, when walking out

living close to the main house. There

in the sanctuary, guests can expect

were just two when Marasa took over.

to see leopard (if they are lucky), giraffe (reticulated), eland, gazelle

Beautiful gardens  Above: Nine-hole golf course Below: Peacocks roam the green lawns

Thanks to an ever-improving road link, the Country Club is no more than three hours’ drive from Nairobi, and

PROPERTIES

Marasa is promoting it as a short-

In addition to the Aberdare Country Club and The Ark, Marasa Holdings owns Mara Leisure Camp, in Kenya, as well as four properties in Uganda: Chobe Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge and Silverback Lodge.

be greatly enhanced once Nyeri’s

break getaway – a package that will Nyaribo airstrip opens. But whatever way you get to the Club, it’s well worth the journey.

Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com

21

FOR MORE INFORMATION AS TO HOW YOUR COMPANY CAN ADVERTISE IN 540 MAGAZINE, PLEASE CONTACT:

land&MARINE TEL: +254 (0)20 232 4343 EMAIL: kenya@landmarine.com

www.landmarine.com

PHOTO FEATuRE

nO Juice is Bad news o

n a visit to Lake Nakuru

National Park, we came across

this male baboon struggling to open a plastic juice bottle he had found between the rocks at the park’s Baboon Cliff.

hoping for a juicy drink, the baboon tried unsuccessfully to unscrew the bottle top, then decided just to chew it open with his sharp canines.

Sadly for him, the bottle was empty, so he had to be content with licking the few remaining drops of juice.

AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com

23

FOODFoR THOUGHT

sPOiL yOurseLf at tatu

– BuT lEAVE RooM FoR DESSERT

W

hen it comes to fi ne-dining

awards, one top Nairobi eating

spot seems to garner these with consummate ease.

quail came with a tangy citrus salad

barter, thika pineapple, ginger sesame

and a rather interesting mango sauce.

soy and a fiery bullet sauce.

I have to confess I chose a mighty 900

Dessert was a truly massive mango

gram spiny lobster for my main course

crème brulée with vanilla bean

with a delicious tikka sauce (one of four

custard. Magnificent in itself, but argu-

The Norfolk. you can expect to pay

styles on the menu). This course alone

ably the portion size was just too large

top dollar for the experience, too – but

will set you back a hefty kES 5,300.

– at least for me, already wilting from

what an experience it is.

On reflection, a half lobster would have

the fi rst two courses.

This top spot is Tatu at Fairmont

The spoilt-for-choice menu brings

been more than adequate as

together a bewildering array of cooking

I struggled to finish the

styles, taking ideas from around the world

larger-than-anticipated

to fuse into Tatu’s own unique offering.

crustacean. A selec-

seafOOd seLectiOn

tion of neatly presented

‘The spoilt-for-choice menu brings together a bewildering array of cooking styles’

vegetables came as a side dish and,

For my starter I opted for the barbecued

if you like your greens served this way,

lavington quail (presumably reared

they were nicely al dente.

locally in the upmarket suburb of that

Anecdotally, Tatu appears more popular with well-heeled hotel guests

Alternatively, diners can choose

than with local people, which is a pity.

name) but I could easily have chosen

from four types of steak and a quartet

That is not to say that kenyans are

the lamu crab cake or the Indian ocean

of sauces. The same goes for the

avoiding the place. Au contraire, at the

tuna tasting (a plate of charred tuna,

seafood section, which offers no fewer

next table, a party of six expensively

tuna tartare and tuna sashimi). The

than five styles: pili pili, lemon garlic

clad and amply proportioned ladies, who clearly hailed from hereabout, arrived late and did not stint on the courses or fl inch at the bill.

Clearly, this is a great restaurant, hard to beat in Nairobi for style, ambience and good cooking. Another award will surely be coming Tatu’s way some time soon.

 cOntemPOrary Left: Interactive dining experience, featuring attentive service and open cooking stations

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25

ProductReview

Kindle Fire:

fOr the whOLe famiLy 

amaZOn hOts uP its ereader W

hen you hear the word Kindle, you think eReader, right? Well, yes,

you can indeed store thousands of books on the new Kindle Fire – but Amazon’s latest gadget offers much more.

The kindle Fire has been designed

plastic, making it extra durable and resistant to accidental bumps and scrapes. In general, the device feels exceptionally solid. Although smaller than other tablets, it is certainly comfortable enough

like a tablet or iPad, enabling users to

to hold in one hand. In that

watch movies and TV shows, download

respect, it remains true to its

apps, play games, listen to music and

eReader roots.

read magazines, with all content being stored on free cloud storage so you don’t

BOOKsheLf

need to worry about clogging up memory

The user interface certainly

space. you can also access the internet

differs from the norm. The

with the power of Amazon Silk, an ultra-

homescreen takes the form

fast web browsing over built-in Wi-Fi.

of a bookshelf with the top

gOriLLa gLass

recently viewed content and those beneath housing your

gone. The Fire has a vibrant 1,280

favourite apps.

Compared with Apple

screen is built from gorilla glass,

products and other tablets

chemically strengthened to be 20

currently on the market

times stiffer and 30 times harder than

(Motorola’s hTC or Sony’s

mOre tO cOme...  In addition to Kindle Fire, Amazon is set to release a six-inch E Ink-based Kindle reader.

Scheduled to hit the stores in the third quarter of 2012, the device will also feature an integrated backlight.

‘The kindle Fire has been designed like a tablet, enabling users to watch movies and TV shows, download apps, play games and read magazines’

shelf featuring your most

The kindle’s notorious E Ink is long x 800 pixel full-colour display. The

This Amazon Fire Tablet is great for parents and children. Stir your child’s imagination with over 1,000 beautifully illustrated children’s books, including favourites like Brown Bear, Curious George and Circus Ship

Tablet S), the kindle Fire is refreshingly cheap – less than half the price of an iPad 2. It does lack certain elements, however. There is no camera; and the built-in speakers are second-rate, so be sure to have a decent set of headphones handy.

When it comes to books, though, kindle is the king and this device doesn’t let down those long-time Amazon loyalists who have been itching for a colour touchscreen device.

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27

LATEST RELEASES

BookWoRM 

cOcKtaiL hOur under the tree Of fOrgetfuLness

the hairdresser Of harare

By Alexandra Fuller

By Tendai huchu

A story of survival and war, love and madness, loyalty and forgiveness, Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness is an intimate exploration of Fuller’s parents and of the price of being possessed by Africa’s uncompromising, fertile, death-dealing land. We follow Tim and Nicola Fuller hopscotching the continent, restlessly trying to establish a home.

28

Issue 6

Vimbai is a hairdresser, the best in Mrs Khumalo’s salon. Her situation is reversed when the good-looking, smooth-talking Dumisani joins them. However, his charm and desire to please slowly erode Vimbai’s rancour and when he needs somewhere to live, Vimbai becomes his landlady. So, when Dumisani needs someone to accompany him to his brother’s wedding to help smooth over a family upset, Vimbai obliges. The ambiguity of this deepening friendship collapses in unexpected brutality when secrets and jealousies are exposed.

lATESTRELEASES

BloCkBuSTERS  the darK Knight rises

Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary oldman, Tom hardy, Anne hathaway, Marion Cotillard, and Morgan Freeman Genre: Action, adventure Eight years after Batman took the fall for Two Face’s crimes, a new terrorist leader, Bane, overwhelms Gotham’s finest and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.

the amaZing sPider-man

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans Genre: Action, adventure Peter Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. His path puts him on a collision course with Dr Curt Connors, his father’s former partner.

the watch

Staring: Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah hill, Billy Crudup Genre: Comedy, Sci-fi Suburban dads who form a neighbourhood watch group as a way to get out of their day-to-day family routines find themselves defending the Earth from an alien invasion.

trishna

the ghOst Of sani aBacha

a mOuth sweeter than saLt

By Chuma Nwokolo

By Es’kia Mphahlele’s

The Ghost of Sani Abacha is a collection of 26 stories by the witty and satirical writer Chuma Nwokolo and has its setting in Nigeria.

Seventeen of the stories are published here for the first time. Contrary to its title, the book is not about Sani Abacha, the late president of the country, but rather it’s about the everyday occurrences of human life.

Toyin Omoyeni Falola, well known scholar of African history, has used his personal experiences to create a rich and innovative memoir, combining his growing up during that time with events in his community and the country as a whole. The resulting book gives the reader a vivid insight into a complex society with its intricate traditions, in particular those of the Yoruba culture.

Starring: Freida Pinto, Riz Ahmed, Anurag kashyap, kalki koechlin Genre: Drama The story of the tragic relationship between the son of a property developer and the daughter of an auto rickshaw owner.

ice age: cOntinentaL drift

Starring: Ray Romano, Denis leary, John leguizamo, Aziz Ansari Genre: Family, animation Manny, Diego and Sid embark on another adventure after their continent is set adrift. Using an iceberg as a ship, they encounter sea creatures and battle pirates as they explore a new world.

AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com

29

Kids and Kindles School uses e-books to encourage young readers

N

o other continent has embraced

adopted in schools in order to create a

heart of south-west Kenya on the edge

the potential of information

new generation of ICT-literate people.

of the Masai Mara National Reserve,

(ICT) as fully as Africa over the past

Kindles in a rural school

and communications technology

decade or so. Today, remote villages that formerly were linked only by

dusty footpaths are connected to the outside world via the internet.

Gone are the days when farmers in remote places were paid next to nothing for their produce. Today, thanks to the internet, they can check the latest market prices at the click of a button.

In recent years, Kenya has made giant strides in adopting new technology. Its entrepreneurial spirit led to the world’s first mobile money transfer platform – now replicated in other parts of Africa, India and Latin America.

One such initiative is being piloted at Ntimigon Primary and Pre-School, in

the adoption of new technologies such as Kindle makes a lot of sense compared with buying textbooks.

Head teacher Shadrack Lemiso said:

rural Kenya, where pupils have been

“Since we brought the Kindles, the

using e-book readers and Kindles supplied

children are devoting almost all their

'Since we brought the Kindles, the children are devoting almost all their time to reading. Even during the short and lunch breaks, the children will sit under the shade and read storybooks'

by The Kilgoris Project since 2008.

“Since we started the programme,

time to reading. Even during the short and lunch breaks, the children will sit

we have seen a huge improvement of

under the shade and read storybooks.

learning at the school since the chil-

This is a welcome technology, as the

towards Vision 2030 by identifying ICT

dren are keen to learn,” said project

children have really improved in not

as a key driver of the national economy.

director David Lemiso.

only their reading skills, but also in

Now, Kenya is taking another big step

Kenya wants to see this technology

This being a rural community in the

their sentence construction skills. It is a revolution.”

The fact that Kindle also has audio features has helped instil a reading culture in the children as well as in the teachers.

Feeding curious minds “World Reader worked with Kenyan publishers to digitise local text and story books,” said Caren McCormack, president and co-founder of The Kilgoris Project. “They trained our staff on the Kindles.”

© John McCormack

 NTIMIGON Primary school

30

Teacher assists pupil in using the new technology

Issue 6

Community

World Reader piloted the programme at a high school in Ghana before bringing it to Kenya, where it is now being used for the first time in a primary school.

“When we introduced the Kindles, we had hoped our students would read more and read better,” said Caren. “The results have far exceeded our expectations. The students are choosing to read for pleasure, choosing books over football at breaks. It is a sign that they are feeding their curious minds and developing a love of learning. We are investment.”

One-off investment The Kilgoris Project has invested US$ 15,000 in the programme and Caren

© John McCormack

seeing an exponential return on our

says they hope to add more Kindles and more e-books.

“Each device can hold up to 3,000 books. That is a whole library in a child’s hand,” explained Caren.

“Kindles and e-books hold huge potential for the Kenyan education system.”

Shadrack Lemiso points out that e-books are less expensive than printed books. “What is more, the e-books do not have to be shipped and, hence, they never wear out like traditional textbooks,” he said. “This means they can be used for generations.”

David Lemiso added: “The beauty of using the Kindles is that, since they can store many books, this could be a one-off investment for parents and the child can use the Kindle all the way to university level. This is a technology that needs to be adopted for our education system.”

The Kindles are linked with the internet via Safaricom, so the children can do research as well as accessing books.

To cap it all, the e-book reader will operate for up to three weeks on a single charge. That is a bonus, says David Lemiso, especially for rural schools like A total of 51 Kindles are in use at the school, which has about 250 pupils.

Enrolment at the community school has risen since the project began.

© John McCormack

Ntimigon with no mains electricity.

Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com

31

CITYGUIDE SOUTH SUDAN

UGANDA KENYA Arusha

TANZANIA

Worth a visit...  Mount Meru

Arusha

Visitors can climb this mountain in two to four days, depending on their level of fitness. Climbers are not required to take guides and porters up Mount Meru, but they must be escorted by armed rangers.

Temperatures can be freezing, so take warm clothing and sleeping bags.

- Tanzania

A

rusha is one of Tanzania’s fastgrowing cities and gateway to

the country’s northern safari circuit.

Nestling in the foothills of Mount Meru and surrounded by some of

Onesea House

Fantastic atmosphere and outstanding food.

The Arusha Hotel

www.thearushahotel.com

Africa’s most fascinating and varied

Boutique hotel in the heart of the city.

national parks, Arusha offers a wide

Arusha Crown Hotel

choice of activities and attractions for both local and foreign visitors.

Arusha is a multicultural city. In addition to the majority African population, it has large Arab and Indian minorities as well as many European and American expatriates.

A one-stop shopping area for handicrafts made by local people.

Very good value and friendly staff.

Tarangire National Park

www.arushabackpackers.co.tz

PLACES TO EAT & DRINK  2 km from the African Institute of Science and Technology, Tengeru Village, Arusha

• Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS) • Country code: +255 • Population: 1,292,973 • Climate: Mild • Transport: Main mode of public transport is daladala (minibuses). Note: accidents involving daladalas are common. Taxis are plentiful and cheap, but make sure you agree a price before leaving for your destination.

Maasai Market

Arusha Backpackers Hotel

Arusha Coffee Lodge

QUICK FACTS 

Showing the latest movies for TZS 5,000 to 7,000 (US$ 3 to 5), this cinema is part of a modern complex on Njiro Road that also contains upmarket restaurants.

The markets in the centre of town are not to be missed. Bargaining is recommended.

Excellent service and well located.

Christina House

A convenient and comfortable overnight stop at the start or end of a safari.

Njiro Shopping Complex, Arusha

Markets

www.arushacrownhotel.com

WHERE TO STAY  www.elewanacollection.com

Century Cinema

www.onseahouse.com

Cuisine: African

Set in 2,850 sq km of thickish bush and slightly off Tanzania’s main northern safari circuit, Tarangire National Park is home to one of Africa’s densest populations of elephant, especially in the dry season between June and December.

Because it receives comparatively few visitors, Tarangire offers unrivalled opportunities to view the abundant wildlife close up.

Ngurdoto Crater

Local food in a traditional atmosphere.

The Leaf Bay 102 Vijana Road, Arusha Cuisine: Contemporary, international Not cheap, but has a good selection of wines.

The Blue Heron Haile-Selassie Road, Arusha Cuisine: Continental Well priced, lovely gardens and great atmosphere.

The River House PO Box 13286, Arusha Cuisine: African Beautiful setting, but you need a reservation.

Located in Arusha National Park, this 400 metre deep volcanic caldera is the perfect destination for a walking excursion. In fact, Arusha is the only national park in northern Tanzania where walking is permitted (with an armed ranger). There is no road to the crater, which is under government protection, but visitors can view the crater floor from the rim and see Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Natural History Museum

Located at the Old German Boma in Arusha, the National Natural History Museum contains exhibits on early man, plants and animals of the Arusha region as well as the cultural history of the colonial period.

Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com

33

DOES mALINDI SPARKLE AfTER DARK? YOu bET!

By Jackson Biko

KENYA POKER TOuR ď‚€ Date for your diary: The Kenya Poker Tour 2012 will take place on Friday to Sunday, 24 to 26 august, at Casino Malindi

34

Issue 6

Culture&Art

O

n the morning of 24 August about 100 colourful ladies and gentle-

men will wake up in Malindi with

one thing in mind: winning €50,000.

That is the prize in Casino Malindi’s

first-ever Texas Hold’em poker tournament.

Of course it’s a big deal. The hype is already in the air and you could cut it with a knife. Invitations have been sent out to renowned players in Dubai, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya. On that day, these great minds will hold court at the newly refurbished casino and cross swords. It will be an epic.

musical legend

socially. In the 15th century there was

the Taliban, the post-election violence,

Casino Malindi – the only casino in

the Arab connection, influenced by

Al Shabaab. We are all aware of it, we

Malindi – is more than just a place to

trade. Then Vasco da Gama dropped

even prepare for it and there is faith in

gamble, it’s a local landmark and a

anchor in 1498, benefiting from the

the government’s security apparatus.”

mascot of the region. During the day it

relationship with the Portuguese.

Then she summarises her thoughts in

maintains a reserved demeanour along

Later, he was to leave for Mombasa,

a phrase: “We like our peace.”

the seafront. But night falls and the

resulting in the decline of Malindi.

chips call out to the gamblers, promis-

But by 1930 European settlers were

prizes

ing better fortune, you will see a beeline

on the increase in the area, putting

And peace is something the poker

heading to the doors of the casino.

Malindi back on its feet once more. The

players who arrive on 24 August will

first hotel was built in 1931 and now

need if they fail to win the tournament

the coast has about 75 hotels, casting

prize. But even if that prize remains

These tableaux will be soundtracked by soothing piano music wafting from the bar by a pianist who has been around as long as the casino. Francis Njoroge is Casino Malindi’s musical legend, one of its virtuosic treasures.

You have to sit at his feet, with a drink in hand, to fully comprehend his genius.

Malindi – just like its casino –

‘Of course it’s a big deal. The hype is already in the air and you could cut it with a knife. Invitations have been sent out to renowned players in Dubai, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya’

deserves the vibrancy. It seems to have

it as an ideal holiday resort. It wasn’t

elusive, they will be assured of fun.

done the full circle, economically and

long before the first charter flight

They will have the choice of indulg-

was launched in 1965. Malindi hasn’t

ing in deepsea fishing, Malindi’s most

looked back since.

popular sport, whose past enthusiasts

In Malindi, because of its huge

include Ernest Hemingway in 1934.

momentum in tourism, they seem not

And perhaps, later, they can sit in the

to be losing too much sleep over the

casino’s Shogun sushi bar, the only

latest terrorism cases. “We have been

floating sushi bar of its kind in East

dealing with different forms of terror-

Africa, and fence with chopsticks. Or

ism over time,” says Daniela Cellini,

perhaps just have another shot at the

of Malindi Casino, over a starter of

big time in the Salle Prive, the casino’s

grilled squid at the attractive La

private club, a first-class lounge bar

Griglia restaurant. “There has been

where guests can fix their own drink.

The people of Casino Malindi love to

 la griglia restaurant The outdoor garden atmosphere sets the mood for an enjoyable dining experience

say: “Go where the sun takes you.” It is more than an invitation to Malindi. It’s an assurance of freedom. So go ahead and follow the sun.

Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com

35

THE fLY540

NETWORK OW

COST AIR L

E IN

AFRICAS L

OVeR 15 DeSTINATIONS THROuGHOuT eAST AFRICA WITH MORe COMING VeRY SOON

AT: E N m NLI o O c .

K 0 BOO ly54

A FR

36

Issue 6

w.f w w

ICA

NETWORK

SOUTH SUDAN Juba

Lodwar

UGANDA KENYA

Kitale Eldoret Entebbe

Kisumu

Nairobi

Mwanza

Lamu Kilimanjaro Malindi

Mombasa

TANZANIA Dar es Salaam

Zanzibar

Mtwara

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37

EcoWORLD: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

HAPPIER TIMES FOr ChIMPs rEsCuED

FrOM sOuTh suDAN F

our chimpanzees were rescued from South Sudan in July 2011 after a

tip-off from a local tour operator. They

mEET THE NEW mEmbERS Of THE NgAmbA ISLAND fAmILY

had been smuggled by illegal pet traders.

When the authorities in South Sudan

learned of the chimps’ existence, they

arranged for the ugandan government

to fi nd them a secure home. And that is

how they came to join the community at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

mEDINA  Sex: Estimated age: Arrival at UWEC: Arrival at Ngamba:

Female 7 years 6 July 2011 2 March 2012

Medina is a relatively tall chimp with a pink-brown face and little hair at the back of her palms because of constantly sliding on the floor during play. Medina is very creative and spends most of her time observing so she can learn from her environment. at arrival, her canine teeth had been removed and her front teeth smashed. She was malnourished, her stomach was big and hard and she was believed to have worms.

Following treatment, however, she has recovered steadily.

Medina does not give room for boredom. She is very active most of the time and entertains herself. She is often observed washing her hands, face and feet with water from the drinking nipples in the holding facility. She also plays with any objects placed in the holding facility for enrichment. She likes picking items and handing them over to her carers, even if she expects nothing in return.

fuRTHER INfORmATION  Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust Plot 1 Bank Close, PO Box 884, Entebbe, Uganda Tel: +256 414 320662

www.ngambaisland.org

38

As well as striving to conserve this and endangered species, the sanctuary also offers a serene destination for tourists SARAH  Sex: Estimated age: Arrival at UWEC: Arrival at Ngamba:

Female 2 years 6 July 2011 2nd March 2012

NGAMBA ISlAND OffERS A SAfE HAVEN Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is managed by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust. The sanctuary

Sarah is a little chimp with a clear face. She was confiscated from a trader in South Sudan. at the time of her arrival, she was in poor condition. Her eyes were puffy due to dehydration and she had a big, hard stomach with no hair on it. at the moment she is healthy and active with a good appetite. Sarah wants to own everything. She screams until she is given what she wants, including sticks and other small enrichment materials. When she is scared, Sarah runs to Minni or Medina for reassurance until she discovers the cause of the problem. She likes riding on Minni’s back and also spends time with Medina. Carers help Sarah to eat her porridge.

Because of her age, she cannot hold the cup by herself. Because of her age, she cannot hold the cup by herself.

looks after the welfare of 48 rescued, orphaned chimpanzees in the heart of Lake Victoria, 23 km south-west of Entebbe. Covering a total area of about 100 acres, the sanctuary has 95 acres of forest for use by the chimpanzees.

As well as striving to conserve this and other endangered species of wildlife, the sanctuary also offers a serene destination for tourists. During the day, the chimps can be viewed at two feeding times – 11 am and 2.30 pm – from a raised viewing platform. You can also go on an excursion for two

COCOA  Female 6 years 6 July 2011 2 March 2012

tented camp, and have a closer experience with the chimps through organised forest walks and © Jack Jones

Sex: Estimated age: Arrival at UWEC: Arrival at Ngamba:

or more days, staying at our exclusive permanent

‘caregiver for the day’ arrangements.

bEAuTY

Cocoa is a well-built female chimp with a black mark on her face that makes it easier to identify her from the rest. at the time of her arrival, she was in fairly good condition compared with her companions.

The island is also home to other wildlife, including

Cocoa does not entirely trust people and when approached she tries to poke the person in the face before running off or climbing up high where she is out of reach.

Cocoa plays rough with other chimps as well as humans. She enjoys playing ‘chase and run’ with other chimps.

types of fish. Visitors can choose to enjoy a

spotted-necked otters (eight groups), over 120 identified bird species, monitor lizards and various guided trip around the island to view its beauty and richness. Other activities include volleyball, badminton, darts, shopping at the island shop, sunbathing – or simply relaxing in a hammock with a good book.

mINNI Sex: Estimated age: Arrival at UWEC: Arrival at Ngamba:

You can also stay overnight at our tented camp

Female 6 years 6 July 2011 2 March 2012

Minni has a slender face with a long chin. at the time of her confiscation she was very small, with her canine teeth removed and some others smashed. it was evident that she has been mistreated for some time.

Minni likes to greet her carers and selfishly scares Cocoa away by stamping on the floor whenever she sees her interacting with the carers. She also reacts to any intruder in a way she thinks is protective to Sarah. Minni is dominant among the four chimpanzees who were rescued from South Sudan and is the surrogate mother of the little chimp in the group, Sarah.

and enjoy a one-on-one experience with the baby chimps as you help introduce them to surrogate mothers in an integration programme. You can opt to help the carers as they clean, feed and write in the chimp diaries in our ‘caregiver for the day’ programme’ or be a special visitor and enjoy one or two weeks at the sanctuary in a long-stay visitor programme.

The satisfaction comes from the fact that your visit contributes directly to the orphaned chimps’ welfare as well as helping to conserve an endangered species.

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39

FeelingGood

Are you sitting comfortably?

I

t’s important to keep moving

TOP TIPS 

during short-haul and long-haul

flights to maintain your personal

comfort and well-being. Keeping your joints flexible and ensuring good

• Don’t cross your legs

more relaxed during your journey.

• Occasionally walk down the aisle

SHOULDER ROLL

• Gently bend your neck down towards each shoulder

blood circulation will make you feel

Hunch shoulders forward, then upward, then backward, then downward, using a gentle, circular motion.

ARM CURL

• Wiggle your toes and then raise one foot at a time

Start with arms held at a 90-degree angle, elbows down, hands out in front.

KNEE LIFTS 

Raise hands up to chest and back down,

Lift leg with knee bent while contract-

alternating hands. Do this exercise at

ing your thigh muscle. Alternate legs.

30-second intervals.

Repeat 20 to 30 times for each leg.

Take-off and landing:

FORWARD FLEX



Changes in air pressure can cause discomfort in ears and sinuses. To minimise discomfort:

• Move your shoulders upward, then lower slowly

• Exercise your calf muscles while seated by regularly flexing and rotating ankles for a few minutes

With both feet on the floor and stomach

NECK ROLL 

held in, slowly bend forward and walk

With shoulders relaxed, drop ear to

your hands down the front of your legs

shoulder and gently roll neck forward

toward your ankles. Hold the stretch

to the other side, holding position about

for 15 seconds and slowly sit back up.

five seconds. Repeat five times.

• Yawn or swallow frequently • Pinch your nostrils together and blow firmly into your cheeks with your mouth closed.

Warning: Don’t do any of these exercises if they cause you pain or cannot be done with ease.

Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com

41

FLY540 VISA

M FOR ATION N I

TRAVEL INFORMATION VISA INFORMATION

M

ost nationals require visas

KENYAN VISAS

from the five East African states

Visas are required for most nationals and cost US$50. A visa can be obtained on entry, however we recommended one be obtained before arrival to avoid airport lengthy queues. Visa Application Forms are available online.

Common Market of East and South-

A visa is required by all visitors travelling to Kenya with the exception of those holding a re-entry pass to Kenya and citizens of Ethiopia, San Marino, Turkey and Uruguay.

to enter East Africa. Citizens

require no visas while those from the ern Africa (COMESA) member states have relaxed entry requirements into East Africa.

However, East African member states have their own visa requirements for various nationals.

UGANDAN VISAS The easiest way of getting a visa to Uganda is by purchasing it at the entry point, Entebbe Airport or any border station. This is very possible for tourists coming into Uganda. All you need to do is pay US$50, fill in the application form with passport dates and information. The visa issued is valid for 90 days.

You can also get a visa by applying online if you a citizen of the following countries, USA, UK, South Africa, Russia, Japan, Italy, India, Germany, France, Denmark, China, Canada, and Belgium. All you need to do is to download the application from the embassy website of your country of origin.

42

Issue 6

Note that the reciprocal visa abolition agreements with Germany, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Spain, and Republic of Ireland no longer apply and nationals of these countries now require a visa.

Kenya Visa Requirements

•

• • •

•

Valid passport with sufficient number of unused pages for endorsements abroad. Passport must be signed and valid for at least six months.

Visa application form duly completed and signed by the applicant.

Two recent passport size photographs attached to the application form.

Valid round trip ticket or a letter from your travel agent certifying that the applicant holds prepaid arrangements.

A self-addressed stamped envelope for express mail, courier, registered mail, etc., if the visa is urgently required. Metered stamps are not acceptable.

• Home and work telephone numbers.

Please fill out the form correctly and enclose the photographs and payment to avoid delay and disappointment.

Standard Visa fees payable by cash to the Embassy of Kenya.

Visa fees charges:

• Multiple entry: US$100 • Single entry: US$50 • Transit Visa: US$20 1. Please note that all children below 16 years are not charged visa fees 2. The reduced visa fees were effected on 1 march 2009, as directive from ministry of tourism on attracting more tourists in to the country.

3. Passengers can pay in US dollars, British pounds, Euro or Swiss franc.

For more information and to download a Kenya visa application form visit: http://www.immigration.go.ke/index.php

TravelInformation

SOUTH SUDAN VISAS

Immigration regulations stipulate that anyone going to South Sudan and wishing to travel outside of Khartoum needs a travel permit from the Government of South Sudan. Those travelling to South Sudan from Kenya, should visit the South Sudan Embassy in Kenya.

VACCINA 0 T 54

Requirements:

All applicants to launch their visas in person Passport must be valid for at least six month and presented on submission of application Two recent colour passport-size photos Yellow fever vaccination card Letter of invitation and intent Standard Visa fees payable by balance transfer to: Government of South Sudan Special Permit Account Bank: Kenya Commercial Bank; Sarit Centre Branch A/C No. 402004247

N IO

• • • • •

Fees: • • • •

FO N IN RMAT IO

The Republic of South Sudan has missions in Kenya, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa, Australia, Norway, Belgium, the UK, Germany, France, Turkey, Libya, China, India, Italy, Canada and the USA.

FLY

Any visitor going to South Sudan through Khartoum requires a valid visa. Visas are issued through the South Sudan Embassy.

HEALTH

Multiple entry: US$250 (six months)/US$400 (one year) Single entry for countries with common boarder with South Sudan: US$50 Single entry for other African countries: US$100 Single entry for European and US citizens: US$100

Vaccination requirements for international travellers

Processing period: Two working days

• No cholera vaccination certificates are required of travellers coming from all over the world.

TANZANIAN VISAS All foreigners from non-Commonwealth countries are required to have a valid visa unless their countries have agreements with Tanzania under which the visa requirement is waived.

Exemptions: Citizens of Commonwealth countries are not required to obtain visas unless they are citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand or Australia.

Tanzanian visas are issued by the following:

• The office of the Director of Immigration Services, Dar es Salaam, and the office of the Principal Immigration Officer, Zanzibar.

• Entry points to the United Republic of Tanzania: principally Namanga, Tunduma, Sirari, Horohoro, Kigoma Port, Dar es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar Harbour and Zanzibar Airport.

• Any other gazetted entry point.

• From Tanzania High Commissions or embassies abroad. For more information on Tanzanian diplomatic missions visit: www.tanzania.go.tz/tanzaniaembassiesabroad.htm

• Only valid yellow fever vaccination certificates are required of all travellers over one year old, arriving from yellow fever infected countries mainly in central and West Africa, South and Central America South East Asia, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh.

• Vaccination for international travellers are obtainable from all international air and sea ports, city and major municipal councils NB: Make sure you get your yellow fever shot in good time since the yellow fever certificate is valid for travel use 10 days after vaccination.

Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com

43

F

ly540 operates modern

aircraft, and is constantly

Cessna Caravan C208

The company uses planes, such

Type: Single turboprop engine, fixed-gear short-haul regional airliner Number in service: One Capacity per aircraft: 10 passengers

updating and modernising its fleet. as the ATR 72-500, which burn half of the fuel other models of aircraft and in turn emit less carbon into the atmosphere.

This illustrates that Fly540 is a ‘green airline’ which cares for the environment.

The crew and engineering team are professionally trained and certified to ICAO standards.

Bombardier Dash 8 102 Series 

ATR 72-500

Type: Twin-engined, medium-range, turboprop airliner Number in service: Three Capacity per aircraft: 37 passengers

Type: Twin-engine turboprop shorthaul regional airliner Number in service: Two Capacity per aircraft: 78 passengers

208B Grand Caravan Type: Stretched version of the basic Caravan. Single turboprop engine, fixed-gear short-haul regional airliner Number in service: One Capacity per aircraft: 12 passengers

Fokker F27 Type: Turboprop cargo airliner Number in service: One Capacity per aircraft: 1336 x 210 x 190 cargo hold

44

Issue 6

FLEETINFORMATION

THE fly540

AIRCRAFT FLEET Canadair CL-600-2B19 Regional Jet  Type: Twin-engine regional jet Number in service: Three Capacity per aircraft: 50 passengers

Fokker F28 Type: Short range jet airliner Number in service: One Capacity per aircraft: 67 passengers

DC-9 Type: Twin-engine, single-aisle jet airliner Number in service: One Capacity per aircraft: 80 passengers

Hawker Beechcraft Airliner B1900C  Type: Twin-engine turboprop aeroplane Number in service: One Capacity per aircraft: 19 passengers

Africa’s low cost airline: www.fly540.com

45

KIDZCORNER

KIDZ CORNER SCHOOL LIFE A B R I A H C A WORDSEARCH Can you find the words listed below in the letter grid?

art computer school books desk maths pens teacher chair EXAM RIDDLE ME THIS...

I can be cracked,

I can be told, I can be played.

Issue 6

Answer: A joke

46

L O O H C S E T S K M B D H F G H S H A C

I

J K

T K L A X M S N A O E Q P E N S

I can be made.

What am I?

C O M P U T E R

M T R V D W X J

in association with

B

O

A

D

C

R

M

T

E

H

G

P

I

J

B C O M E T R A D O C A J E U R M F K R K N F T E H E S L A O H G S T A R L X P I

R E T

I

P U J

JOKE TImE! Q. What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?

A. Frostbite

Q. What dog keeps the best time?

A. A watch dog

Q. What did the water say to the boat?

A. Nothing, it just waved.

Patient: Doctor Doctor I think I’m a moth.

Doctor: So why did you come around then?

Patient: Well, I saw this light at the window...!

DRAWINg

gRID

Be an artist and learn how to draw a lion…

Copy the drawing of the lion by making your lines cut through the boxes exactly the same as they do in the original.

DID YOU KNOW For all of their roaring and growling, lions are family animals and truly social in their own communities. They usually live in groups of 15 or more animals called prides. Prides can be as small as 3 or as big as 40 animals. In a pride, lions hunt prey, raise cubs, and defend their territory together.

Heritage Hotels believes in the future of our youngsters. That is why we have highly trained and dedicated naturalists to educate and entertain your children while on safari. There is always something new for the youngsters to learn or explore at the Heritage camp or lodge on your African safari. Our clubs – Adventurers for children aged four to 12 and Young Rangers for 13 to 17-year-olds – are free at Mara Intrepids, Samburu Intrepids, Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, Voyager Beach Resort and Voyager Ziwani Tsavo.

Learn more at www.heritage-eastafrica.com/kids-teens

AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com

47

Contacts

CONTACT INFORMATION FIVE FORTY AFRICA – HEAD OFFICE

Riverside Green Suites, Palm Suite, Riverside Drive PO Box 10293-00100 Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 (0)20 445 2391/5 Fax/Tel: +254 (0)20 445 2396 Sales: Tel: +254 (0)737 540 540 Email: info@fly540.com

WILSON AIRPORT 540 SAFARI CIRCUIT SALES Ground floor, Langata House

Tel: +254 (0)20 254 0206 Tel: +254 (0)729 540 540 Tel: +254 (0)735 540 540

Email: 540.safaris@fly540.com

ELDORET 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS Tel: +254 (0)53 203 3570/80 ELDORET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

540 Ticketing & Reservations Office

Tel: +254 (0)53 203 0814 Tel: +254 (0)53 206 3823 ext 658

540 CALL CENTRE

ABC Place, off Waiyaki Way

Tel: +254 (0)20 445 3252/6 Cell: +254 (0)722 540 540; (0)733 540 540 Fax: +254 (0)20 445 3257

JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE, Unit 3 (Domestic Departures)

Tel: +254 (0)20 827 523 Tel: +254 20 827 366 Cell: +254 727 532 273

Unit 1 (International Departures)

Tel: +254 (0)20 827 521

KAKAMEGA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS Holden Mall - above Nakumatt

MOI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, MOMBASA Tel: +254 (0)41 343 4821 Tel: +254 (0)32 540 540; (0)722 555 730 MOMBASA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE

Ground Floor, Mombasa Trade Centre, Nkrumah Road

Tel: +254 (0)41 231 9078/9 Mob: +254 (0)728 540 540; (0)710 540 540

UKUNDA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS

Barclays Centre, Diani Road

Tel: +254 (0)20 354 6532 Tel: +254 (0)726 453 246

TANZANIA DAR ES SALAAM 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE Plot No 767/39, Samora Avenue

Tel: +255 (0)22 212 5912/3 Sales: Tel: +255 752 540 540; (0)788 540 540 Cell: +255 754 292 675; (0)784 292 675

ARUSHA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE

Blue Plaza Building, Indian Street

Tel: +255 (0)27 254 5211 Tel: +255 (0)784 410 233

540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS BELGIUM AVIAREPS AG

J.E. Mommaertslaan 16b (2nd floor), 1831 Diegem

RESERVATIONS Tel: +32 (0)2 712 04 93 Fax: +32 (0)2 725 83 92

Email: Res540.BRU@aviareps.com

SALES Tel: +32 (0)2 712 05 84 Fax: +32 (0)2 725 83 92

Email: Sales540.BRU@aviareps.co

GERMANY AVIAREPS AG

Kaiserstrasse 77 60329 Frankfurt am Main

RESERVATIONS Tel: +49 (0)69 770 673 076 Fax: +49 (0)69 770 673 028

Email: Res540.FRA@aviareps.com

SALES Tel: +49 (0) 69 770 673 077 Fax: +49 (0)69 770 673 235

Email: sales540.FRA@aviareps.com

ITALY AVIAREPS AG

Via Monte Rosa, 20 20149 Milan

KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Tel: +255 (0)756 540 540 Tel: +255 (0)27 255 4282

RESERVATIONS Tel: +39 02 4345 8346 Fax: +39 02 4345 8336

ZANZIBAR 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE

SALES & MARKETING MANAGER

Cine Afrique Building, Stone Town

Tel: +255 (0)24 223 5110 Tel: +255 (0)762 540 540

Email: Res540.MIL@aviareps.com

Maria Rosa Cappelli

Mobile: +39 335 778 5936

Email: mcappelli@aviareps.com

UGANDA

NETHERLANDS

ENTEBBE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

AVIAREPS AG

Tel: +254 (0)770 639 429 Tel: +254 (0)724 457 374 Tel: +254 (0)735 540 547

Tel: +256 (0)314 540 540 Tel: +256 (0)315 540 540 Sales: Tel: +256 (0)713 540 540

RESERVATIONS Tel: +31 (0)20 654 79 29 Fax: +31 (0)20 623 01 51

LAICO REGENCY – 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS

KAMPALA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE

Tel: +254 (0)20 224 3211/3/4 Cell: +254 727 540 540; (0)737 540 540 Fax: +254 (0)20 224 3219

Tel: +256 (0)414 346 915/999 Tel: +256 (0)312 540 540 Sales: Tel: +256 (0)712 540 540; (0)776 540 540

LAMU – NORTH COAST TRAVEL SERVICE Tel: +254 (0)42 213 0312 Tel: +254 (0)42 463 2054 Tel: +254 (0)725 942 444

SOUTH SUDAN

Tel: +254 (0)734 540 550 Tel: +254 (0)711 908 330

KITALE TICKETING & RESERVATIONS

Terminal Building, Kitale Airstrip

Mezz. floor, Shopping Arcade

Email: nctslamu@swiftmalindi.com Email: nctsmalindi@swiftmalindi.com

48

Issue 6

540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE

1st Floor, Oasis Mall

JUBA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE Tel: +211 959 540540; +211 999 540540 Email: Sales.juba@fly540.com

Beechavenue 104 1119 PP Schiphol

Email: Res540.AMS@aviareps.com

SALES Tel: +31 (0)20 520 02 82 Fax: +31 (0)20 623 01 51

Email: Sales540.AMS@aviareps.com

RUSSIAN FEDERATION GSA AVIAREPS AG

Prospect Mira, 39 Bldg 2 129110 Moscow

RESERVATIONS Tel: +7 (495) 937 59 50 Fax: +7 (495) 937 5951

Email: Res540.MOW@aviareps.com

SALES Tel: +7 (495) 937 59 50 Fax: +7 (495) 937 5951

Email: Sales540.MOW@aviareps.com

SOUTH AFRICA AVIAREPS (PTY) Ltd

38 Wierda Road West Wierda Valley Sandton, Johannesburg

RESERVATIONS Tel: +27 (0) 11 722 0229 Fax: +27 (0) 11 783 8135

Email: Res540.JNB@aviareps.com

SALES Tel: +27 (0) 722 0229 / +27 74 177 1596

Fax: +27 (0) 783 8135 Email: Sales540.JNB@aviareps.com

SWITZERLAND AIRLINE & TOURISM CENTER GmbH Badenerstr. 15, CH-8004 Zürich RESERVATIONS & SALES

Tel: +41 (0) 44 286 99 62 Fax: +41 (0) 44 286 99 63

Email: 540-Switzerland@aviareps.com

UNITED KINGDOM FLY540

c/o AviaCircle, 28-29 The Quadrant Business Centre, 135 Salisbury Road London, NW6 6RJ

RESERVATIONS Tel: 0870 774 2250 Fax: 0870 777 7172

Email: res540@aviacircle.com

SALES Tel: 0870 774 2250 Fax: 0870 774 2250

Email: Sales540@aviacircle.com