SIT, STRETCH, RELAX
YOGA MOVES TO DO DURING YOUR FLIGHT
MELODICA MUSIC STORE
NAIROBI'S LINK TO A GOLDEN AGE WITH COMPLIMENTS OF SAFARILINK | OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2026
GUARDIANS OF THE ZEBRA
HOW THE SAMBURU ARE HELPING PROTECT ONE OF KENYA’S MOST ICONIC ANIMALS
DRINK IN THE VIEWS
NAIROBI'S BEST ROOFTOP BARS
FEATURES
CONTENTS
REGULARS
7 Melodica
29 Airline marketing
4 Foreword
12 Inflight yoga
32 Lamu life
6 News 23 Competition
19 Samburu
34 Researchers Rest
Record store a reminder of Kenya’s musical golden age Stay flexible while you fly The warriors watching over Kenya’s rarest zebras
25 Nairobi's rooftop bars Capital's finest views now come with a drinks list
When service becomes the strategy A community on camera The house that science built
39 ForestFoods
Farming the future
44 Safari to the sands
Beach and bush adventures
Welcome aboard
Win a two-night stay and more at Saffron Garden
SAFARILINK INFO 48 Destinations 50 Route map 51 Our fleet/Contacts 52 Passenger information Read The Link online: www.qrs.ly/jlhhlux
Cover image: © Harriet James
flysafarilink Phoenix House, Wilson Airport PO Box 5616-00506, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 6690000 / 730 888 000 E: res@flysafarilink.com www.flysafarilink.com 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. ©2026 Land & Marine Publications Ltd.
2 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
The Link is published by: Media & Design House Ltd A Subsidiary of Land & Marine Publications Ltd Park Place, 2 Parklands Road, Off Limuru Road Nairobi, Kenya Head Office: Land & Marine Publications Ltd 6 The Square, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 3SL, UK T: +44 (0)7714 448059 E: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com
Managing Editor: Mark Edwards E: markedwards@landmarine.com Advertising sales: Antony Gathi, Country Manager T: +254 (0)721 584 465 E: antonygathi@landmarine.com Terryann Mutindi Digital marketing and communications strategist E: terryann@flysafarilink.com Printed in Nairobi.
Foreword
PROUDLY KENYAN Welcome to this new edition of The Link. As I reflect on Safarilink’s journey, I am filled with a deep sense of pride and gratitude. What began as a vision to connect people to Kenya’s most remarkable destinations has grown into one of the country’s leading aviation success stories. Today, Safarilink operates around 40 per cent of all flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport, making us the largest airline at the airport by both flight frequency and passenger numbers. Each year, we have the privilege of carrying more than 300,000 passengers across Kenya and beyond. We are proud to be Kenya’s third-largest airline while remaining a wholly privately owned and operated company. This independence has allowed us to remain agile, focused on service, and committed to long-term investment in the country we call home. Our contribution extends far beyond aviation. Through passenger taxes, Safarilink is among the significant contributors to Kenya’s economy, supporting the infrastructure and services that benefit us all. Equally important, we are proud to provide employment for more than 500 dedicated team members whose work supports countless families and dependants across the country. Looking ahead, we continue to invest confidently in our future. This year alone, we are committing millions of US dollars to new aircraft, including the latest Cessna Caravan additions to our fleet. By the end of the year, we aim to operate 13 Caravans, strengthening our ability to deliver the reliability, safety and flexibility our passengers expect. Growth also means expanding the destinations we serve. As part of our five-year strategy, we are broadening our domestic network with services to Lodwar, Eldoret and Kitale, creating new opportunities for travel, commerce and connectivity. Beyond Kenya’s borders, Rwanda is firmly within our sights as part of our regional expansion plans, bringing East Africa closer together through enhanced air links.
We are proud to provide employment for more than 500 dedicated team members
4 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
The aviation industry continues to face significant challenges, not least the dramatic rise in global fuel prices. Despite fuel costs having doubled, we have worked hard to absorb much of that increase, introducing only a modest surcharge and avoiding passing the full burden on to our customers. We believe that maintaining accessibility and value remains central to our responsibility as an airline.
ALEX AVEDI | CEO
thenews. SAFARILINK WELCOMES 12TH CESSNA GRAND CARAVAN TO GROWING FLEET Busting the myths of safari air travel Captain Pritul Raithatha, Safarilink’s chief pilot and head of training, tells it like it is. 1. “It’s only a 40-minute flight, so it’s easy.” Myth: Short flight equals easy flight. Reality: A short flight can mean more work per minute. There may be very little time between take-off, climb, cruise, descent, approach and landing.
Safarilink Aviation has expanded its fleet with the arrival of its 12th Cessna Grand Caravan, registered locally as 5Y-SLS. The aircraft landed at Nairobi Wilson Airport on July 10 after completing an approximately 13,000 km, six-day delivery journey from Wichita, Kansas in the United States, through Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The new Caravan marks another milestone for the airline as it continues to strengthen its regional network. With the addition of 5Y-SLS, Safarilink’s fleet now stands at 17 aircraft, comprising 12 Cessna Grand Caravans and five De Havilland Canada Dash 8s. The expanded fleet will enhance the airline's capacity, flexibility and reliability, supporting services to key tourism and remote destinations across Kenya, including the Maasai Mara, Ukunda (Diani) and Lamu. Safarilink also expects to
6 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
The shorter the flight, the less time you have to make a mistake – and fix it. Consequently, our training is tailored and very detailed to our operation.
Cessna Grand Caravan specifications Maximum cruise speed: 343 km/h Maximum range: 1,689 km Maximum operating altitude: 7,620 metres Exterior length: 12.7 metres Exterior height: 4.7 metres Wingspan: 15.9 metres Seating Capacity: 10 to 14 occupants (1 to 2 crew, 9 to 12 passengers)
take delivery of another aircraft before the end of the year, further supporting our growth plans.
2. “We're going to the bush, so there can’t be much traffic.” Myth: There are no other aircraft out there. Reality: The bush can have aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, medevacs, military traffic, safari aircraft and other operators – all operating in the same airspace. The bush isn’t empty. It just doesn't have traffic lights. We are like a family we give way and ensure we take turns and this sometimes causes some delays too. That can be the cost of being nice!
Melodica
Melodica
THE LAST LINK TO EAST AFRICA’S MUSICAL GOLDEN AGE Abdul Karim, Owner of Nairobi record store Melodica Music Stores, talks to Mark Edwards about a lifetime spent preserving the sounds of the city's musical golden age and connecting a new generation of collectors to its rare vinyl treasures.
M
elodica Music Store’s story begins in 1964. Then known as Bonanza Records, it opened a year after Kenya's independence, as Nairobi emerged as a magnet for musicians from across East and Central Africa. Abdul Karim, the store’s current owner, has known the shop almost his entire life. As a toddler, he spent his days alongside his father, Daudia, who ran the business. At nap time, Karim recalls, his father would make a bed for him under the counter. “The records were always spinning and I would drift off to the beautiful sounds that surrounded us,” he remembers.
The music that lulled the young Abdul to sleep was the soundtrack to the optimism and artistic freedom that followed independence. Nairobi became one of the continent's most dynamic musical crossroads. New sounds emerged as local traditions mixed with Congolese guitar styles and international influences, helping to shape genres such as the guitar-driven dance sound of Benga that would come to define Kenyan popular music.
rare records at melodica include original pressings from the bonanza label
eager to support its burgeoning music scene. Bonanza Records was located in Nairobi’s River Road district, the beating heart of the city’s music
Abdul’s father was swept up in the excitement. Born in Eldoret to a third-generation Kenyan Indian family, he was deeply proud of his homeland and
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 7
Melodica
“My father was the first to get a permit to play music onto the street,” says Abdul. Loudspeakers mounted outside the shop would fill River Road with the latest recordings. Curious passers-by stopped to marvel at the technology and listen to the music, while others began dancing in the street. Crowds often grew so large that they blocked traffic, forcing police officers to periodically clear the road before vehicles could pass. The bustle continued inside Bonanza. “It was a small store so the atmosphere was quite intense,” says Abdul. “There were always customers in and out, so it often got quite packed.”
A champion of music Daudia became one of Kenyan music's most important champions. Beyond running a record store, he launched the Bonanza label to support emerging local talent. As his ambitions grew, he expanded into East and Central
8 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
know a lot of famous musicians that fondly remember him for his kindness and support.”
African releases through labels including Melodica, Sulwe, Bana Moja and Zigo, helping to bring a diverse range of artists and musical styles to wider audiences. “My father used to call Kenya ‘the best of lands’,” Abdul says. “He was proud that it is a country of 44 tribes and he would record in all available languages and genres. Whether it was traditional or benga, cha cha, rumba, bukusu and or any other beat, all musicians were welcomed to record and have their music released.” His labels launched the careers of artists such as George Ojijo, Herbert Misango, George Mukabi, Ochieng Kabaselleh, Gabriel Omollo, and Leonard Omedo. Daudia became known for helping young musicians who otherwise could not afford studio time. “Surprisingly my father did not know how to play any instrument. I heard him play the conga once and he was totally out of beat,” laughs Abdul. “I guess that’s why he appreciated the young musicians that could play. Generally, most of the youth and musicians of the time were not well off. He always took the time to hear their playing. I still
Owner Abdul Karim is preserving the legacy of his father and east african music
The store's popularity only grew after it relocated to larger premises a few streets away, a move that coincided with its rebranding as Melodica. “It was a central spot for anyone who loved music to meet and gather,” recalls Abdul. “At any time of day there were customers, musicians, producers and visitors dropping by. Abdul says “countless” artists passed through the shop over the years were Benga pioneer Daudi Kabaka, Congolese bandleader Pepe Kalle, Kenyan folk musician
melodica_music_stores
industry. The neighbourhood was packed with clubs, recording studios and record stores. Musicians came in search of gigs, recording opportunities and audiences, while major labels such as EMI and PolyGram established operations to capitalise on the boom. Bonanza quickly became one of the district’s most beloved gathering places.
Melodica
Nairobi where visitors can buy a brand-new record player, allowing newcomers to the hobby to leave not only with rare vinyl, but with everything they need to hear it.
melodica_music_stores
Rare records
George Mukabi, Metric Jazz Band leader Leonard Omedo, and legendary Kenyan musician Kabaselleh Ochieng.” When Daudia died in 1980, keeping the business alive became a family effort, with all seven of his sons playing a part. But no one embraced the responsibility more fully than Abdul. Just 18 when his father passed away, he dedicated himself to preserving and expanding the legacy his parents had created. “It’s an honour to still be standing strong as an archive and source for African and world music.” Today, Abdul runs Melodica from its third home, a combined shop and family residence that
the business moved into in 2024 just one block from the store's former home. Surrounded by shelves of what he estimates to be "around 10,000 records", Abdul sees himself not simply as a shopkeeper but as a custodian of one of Nairobi's most remarkable cultural archives. Comfortable armchairs invite customers to sit, listen and lose themselves in the music before making a purchase. Melodica is also the only shop in
melodica today with its shelves of records and comfy chairs to enjoy the music
It’s an honour to still be standing strong as an archive and source for African and world music.
The Melodica label ceased operations decades ago as the music industry moved away from vinyl. Abdul admits he and his brothers lacked their father’s expertise in this area, and chose instead to focus on the retail business. Yet the shop still holds a substantial archive of Melodica's own releases. “They are still stacked in their original boxes of 25 and remain in mint condition,” says Abdul. There are also surviving singles from the original Bonanza pressings, which Abdul counts as his most prized possessions in the store. They are not for sale, despite regular offers from collectors eager to get their hands on them. “I’m a fan of world music and sometimes I get too attached to records,” he admits. “It’s not easy selling some of them. Occasionally I do, and then I go through a period of utter regret.” Melodica is a treasure trove for record collectors, DJs and fans of world music who come to discover obscure, physical releases that are rarer than ever in a digitised world dominated by streaming.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 9
Melodica
“dedicated diggers” across East Africa who spend hours hunting through stacks of vinyl in homes and markets around the region. The stacks of 7-inch singles by the shop entrance are a crate-digger’s dream. “Customers seem to like that it’s unorganised because it allows them to dig through a bigger variety of styles in music,” Abdul says. “Holding a physical record has a deep appreciation for music lovers. The label, the print, the artwork, the sleeve all adds up to a special, tactile experience.” Further inside the shop there are more orderly arrangements of albums filed according to country, genre, band, and artist as well as boxed 7 inches are stored according to country and language. The massive collection is topped up by finds from what Abdul terms his
Global following On top of walk-in trade, Melodica channels the resurgence of the global vinyl record market by using the Discogs marketplace as an online storefront. “It’s an honour seeing our East African music being sought all over,” Abdul says. “It would have made my father even more proud to know the reach that he was part of towards world music.” Abdul also supports his worldwide record-collecting community by setting up a WhatsApp group chat he has named ‘Music is Universal’. “We have people from all over as far away as Colombia, Japan and
Abdul estimates melodica houses around 10,000 records
even Australia. All are allowed to exchange and share their views and love of music and only music.” More than 60 years after Bonanza first opened its doors, the records are still spinning. The River Road studios are quieter now, many of the musicians who once crowded into the shop are gone, and music itself has largely migrated into the digital world. Yet inside Melodica, their voices endure in stacks of vinyl, preserved by a man who first encountered them as a child drifting to sleep beneath the counter. “Every time the doorbell rings it’s a joy,” says Abdul. “Music brought all these people together then, and it still does today.”
melodica_music_stores
Melodica Music Stores is located in Mfangano Street on the first floor of Rumwe House in Nairobi’s Central Business District. Instagram: melodica_music_stores
10 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
Inflight yoga
12 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
Inflight yoga
THE INFLIGHT
RESET
Simple in-seat stretches and breathing exercises to help you relax, improve circulation, and arrive feeling refreshed. Devised and illustrated by Nairobi-based movement coach and yoga instructor Coco Flow. Whether you're flying to the coast, the bush, or back home, a little movement can make a big difference. This simple seated sequence is designed to release tension, encourage healthy circulation, and bring a sense of calm to your journey. Move gently, breathe steadily, and enjoy the view.
1. ROOT AND 2. OPEN SKY RISE (ANKLE (SEATED SIDE CIRCLES AND BEND) PUMPS)
3. THE 4. SPIRAL SOFT HOLD RELEASE (CROSS-BODY (SEATED ARM HUG) SPINAL TWIST)
Lift the feet slightly off the floor, rotate each ankle in slow circles, then flex and point.
Wrap the arms around yourself, hugging the shoulders, alternating which arm rests on top.
Place one hand on the opposite knee, the other behind you, and gently rotate the torso.
Hold five breaths each way.
Hold five breaths, switch sides.
Benefit: Releases tightness in the shoulders and upper back, areas that often become tense while travelling.
Benefit: Improves spinal mobility, relieves back tension, and can help ease post-meal discomfort.
Reach one arm overhead and lean gently toward the window, other hand resting on the seat.
Hold five breaths, switch sides. 10 reps each direction. Benefit: Encourages blood flow in the lower legs and helps reduce stiffness during the flight.
Benefit: Stretches the sides of the body, eases tension in the torso and supports deeper breathing.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 13
Inflight yoga
5. ANCHOR POINT (SEATED FIGURE-4 HIP STRETCH)
6. RISING CURRENT (SEATED KNEE LIFTS (MARCHING))
7. SOFT LANDING (SEATED NECK RELEASE)
8. THE RESET EXHALE (CLOSING BREATH (BOX BREATHING))
Cross one ankle over the opposite knee, sit tall, fold gently forward.
Lift one knee toward the chest, lower, alternate sides. Ten reps per leg.
Gently tilt the head to one side, ear toward shoulder, resting a hand lightly on the head for a deeper stretch.
Hold five breaths, switch sides.
Benefit: Activates the leg muscles, boosts circulation, and helps reduce feelings of sluggishness.
Hold five breaths, switch sides.
Close the eyes or shift your gaze down. Inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds. Repeat for one to two minutes.
Benefit: Relieves tension in the neck and shoulders and can help reduce stiffness after long periods of sitting.
Benefit: Slows the breath, promotes relaxation, and helps the body feel calmer and more grounded.
Benefit: Opens the hips and glutes, helping counteract the effects of prolonged sitting.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 15
Inflight yoga
BONUS: THE PRESSURE RELEASE RITUAL Feeling blocked ears on descent? Try the Valsalva manoeuvre – pinch your nose, close your mouth, and gently blow as if clearing your nose. Helps equalise pressure in the ears during descent and can reduce discomfort caused by altitude changes.
ABOUT COCO Coco is a certified fitness coach and cofounder of Coco Flow and Happy Hour Fitness in Nairobi. Her movement practice is rooted in strength and functional training, and has evolved to encompass yoga, mobility, and breathwork practices. Today, she brings that philosophy to diverse spaces in Nairobi, from gyms and corporate environments to experiential wellness events. Upcoming Coco Flow experiences include corporate and private sessions, yoga for runners, experiential yoga, breathwork and meditation, and pop-up wellness events across Nairobi Email: Cocoflowfitness@gmail.com Follow: @the_coco_flow @cocoflowfitness 16 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
Saruni Basecamp
Advertisement feature
STAR BEDS AND THE SPECIAL FIVE IN SAMBURU Safarilink flies directly into Kalama Conservancy, a community-owned wilderness bordering Samburu National Reserve, where Basecamp Samburu offers an ideal introduction to the landscapes, wildlife and culture of Kenya's wild north.
B
asecamp Samburu sits in the shadow of Ololokwe, a flat-topped mountain the Samburu have considered sacred for generations. You'll spot it from the air long before you land, rising alone out of the plains inside the community-owned Kalama Conservancy. You will feel the shift the moment you step off Safarilink’s Cessna Caravan. Northern Kenya’s air is drier and warmer, carrying the scent of dust and wild sage. A Samburu guide meets you at the airstrip, and the transfer to camp doubles as your first game drive. A reticulated giraffe, its coat a neat geometry of white lines. A herd of Beisa oryx. Perhaps a gerenuk standing on its hind legs to browse. This is the country of the Samburu Special Five, species found almost nowhere else in Kenya, and sightings often begin before your bags are unpacked.
guide offers a completely different perspective on the bush. The landscape becomes a storybook of tracks, scents and subtle signs that are easily missed from a vehicle. What appears at first to be an empty stretch of sand can reveal the movements of predators, prey and livestock from just a few hours earlier. The connection to Samburu culture is equally important. Visits to nearby communities provide an opportunity to learn about traditions that have shaped life in this part of Kenya for generations. Through storytelling, song and shared experiences, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between the Samburu people and the land they call home. As daylight fades, attention naturally turns to the views. Sundowners overlooking
the conservancy offer a chance to watch the landscape soften into evening colours before darkness settles across the plains. With little artificial light and vast open skies, northern Kenya reveals some of the clearest stargazing in the country. That makes the camp's star beds a fitting way to spend a night. Positioned on hilltops apart from the main camp, the openair sleeping platforms place guests directly beneath the night sky. On moonless evenings, the Milky Way stretches overhead in remarkable clarity, while the sounds of the bush drift through the darkness. A hyena calls in the distance, wind rustles through the acacia trees, and Ololokwe stands silhouetted against the horizon. By dawn, the first light begins to spread across the conservancy below, offering a front-row seat to one of northern Kenya's most memorable sunrises. What lingers long after departure is a sense of connection to a place that feels both wild and deeply lived in. The partnership between the conservancy and local Samburu communities is visible throughout the experience, from the guides who share their knowledge to the people whose livelihoods are tied to protecting this landscape. More than a safari destination, Samburu is a chance to experience a distinctly different side of Kenya, one where wildlife, culture and conservation remain inseparable.
Life here unfolds at a slower pace. Ololokwe dominates the horizon, changing colour as the light shifts from dawn to dusk, while the surrounding conservancy offers vast open spaces where encounters with other vehicles are rare. It is a place that encourages you to pause, watch and absorb the rhythms of the landscape. Days are shaped by exploration. Game drives traverse both Kalama Conservancy and neighbouring Samburu National Reserve, revealing a surprising diversity of wildlife and habitats. In the conservancy, guides can continue after dark, when the bush reveals a different cast of characters, from bat-eared foxes and genets to the occasional leopard moving through the shadows. Some of the most memorable experiences happen on foot. Walking with a Samburu
Basecamp Samburu is part of the Saruni Basecamp collection. Stays are exclusive-use and fully inclusive of meals, selected house drinks, day and night game drives, bush walks, bush meals and sundowners, with a private vehicle, safari guide. For more information, visit www.sarunibasecamp.com
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 17
Samburu's zebras
THE WARRIORS WATCHING OVER KENYA’S RAREST ZEBRAS
Image © Harriet James
Harriet James spends a day with the Samburu morans protecting the region’s population of one of the world’s most endangered sub-species of zebras.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 19
Samburu's zebras
"S
hh… move quietly or you'll scare them.”
Lmangesian Leanderi, a Samburu moran (young warrior), motions for us to slow down. “Just stay low and don't make any sound,” he adds, his eyes fixed ahead. Beyond a scattering of dry bushes and rocks, a herd of Grevy's zebras grazes quietly across the open plateau. We had risen long before sunrise to travel across the arid landscape around Laisamis in northern Kenya. Even then, the air already carried the promise of heat. When we finally spotted them, the zebras stood out beautifully 20 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
Image © Harriet James
against the dusty terrain – tall and elegant, with narrow stripes and large ears constantly turning to catch the faintest sound. About 95 per cent of the world's Grevy's zebra population is found in Kenya, mainly across the northern rangelands. Once widespread, their numbers have fallen dramatically because of habitat loss, drought, competition with livestock and increasing human pressure. Today, only around 3,000 remain in the wild. As we watched from a distance, Lmangesian Leanderi quietly recorded sightings and behaviour on his smartphone. Across the region, Samburu warriors use
Samburu morans record changes in behaviour among Grevy’s zebra
mobile technology to log zebra movements, monitor water sources, record births and deaths, and track changes in the environment Their work forms part of a wider conservation programme led by the Grevy's Zebra Trust, with long-term support from the Lewa Safari Marathon, organised by Lewa Conservancy and the Tusk charity. Warriors spend hours each
“There are lava fields, valleys, and areas where water is extremely limited”
Samburu's zebras
FLY WITH US:
Image © Harriet James
THREE FLIGHTS DAILY
day crossing remote, unforgiving terrain to track herds, gather data and speak with local herders about grazing patterns and water availability. Before joining the programme, Lmangesian Leanderi worked as a camel herder. Today, conservation is his full-time job. “We usually start early in the morning,” he says. “Then we go out for surveys, asking people in the community what they have seen and following up on sightings.” The work is physically demanding. Warriors often walk long distances under intense heat, while recurring
droughts place increasing pressure on both wildlife and livestock. Young animals are especially vulnerable when water and pasture become scarce. During severe dry periods, conservation teams sometimes provide supplementary grass and maintain water at key points along wildlife routes. For many morans, the programme has become an important source of income and stability. “It helps me take care of my family,” says Lmangesian Leanderi. “Now I have a job, and I am part of something meaningful.” Community leaders say the initiative has also helped create opportunities for young men while strengthening
the tracking aims to protect the remaining 3,000 grevy's zebra in the wild
local stewardship of wildlife and natural resources. “Laisamis is a very vast place with very difficult terrain,” explains Joshua Labarakwe, regional coordinator for the Grevy’s Zebra Trust. “There are lava fields, valleys, and areas where water is extremely limited. Vehicles cannot reach many of these places, and that is why the warriors matter.” As the zebras gradually disappeared into the shimmering heat, it was easy to understand his point. Across a landscape too vast and rugged for vehicles, Samburu warriors remain the eyes and ears protecting one of Africa's rarest animals.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 21
Competition
WIN S
thelink.
A TWO-NIGHT STAY AND MORE AT SAFFRON GARDEN
tep into Saffron Garden and discover a little slice of paradise. Set in the heart of Malindi – one of the most enchanting destinations on the Kenyan Coast – this boutique retreat is home to 15 beautifully designed bungalows; all nestled within a lush 5-acre oasis. Blending nature, fine dining, art and tradition, Saffron Garden is a place to slow down, switch off and soak up the magic of the coast. From its distinctive surroundings to its laid-back atmosphere, it has become a favourite gathering spot for those looking for a unique Malindi experience. Enter for a chance to experience it for yourself. The winner will enjoy a
two-night stay plus a guest of their choice, with plenty of time to relax, explore and enjoy this extraordinary coastal retreat. But the good things don’t stop there. The prize also includes a shopping voucher to spend at the exclusive store ‘The White Shop Malindi’, inside Billionaire Resort and Retreat, giving our lucky winner the perfect excuse to indulge in a little retail therapy during their coastal escape. And, to round off the experience, the winner and their guest will be treated to an outdoor movie night beneath the stars – the perfect way to spend an evening in Malindi. The prize does not include transport to and from Malindi.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: One entry per person. Entrants must be 18 or over. The prize excludes travel to and from the venue and is subject to availability. Employees and relatives of Safarilink, Land & Marine Publications Ltd, and Saffron Garden are not eligible. The winner will be announced in the next issue of The Link and contacted directly.
How to ENTER
To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, simply email a photo of yourself holding this issue of The Link while to competition@landmarine.org by 10th December 2026.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 23
Nairobi's rooftop bars
NAIROBI’S BEST
Rooftop Bars
Nairobi’s finest views now come with a drinks list. travel and tourism marketing professional Adam Maina reveals the city's high life.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 25
Nairobi's rooftop bars
THE ONE WHERE YOU DRESS FOR THE OCCASION Mr. Pang Sky Bar and Lounge, JW Marriott Hotel, Chiromo Lane, Westlands Thirty-one floors up, this is the highest lounge in Nairobi. The kitchen is Pan-Asian, the room is adults only, and the house keeps a written dress code alongside a minimum spend. It’s worth the expense.
THE ONE WHERE YOU DRINK THE BEST COCKTAILS IN AFRICA Hero, Trademark Hotel, Limuru Road, Gigiri At the World’s 50 Best Bars awards in 2025, Hero was named the finest bar on the continent and placed sixty-ninth on the planet. Nine floors above Gigiri, it commits fully to a comic-book conceit, with the menu filed under heroes, sidekicks and villains and the non-alcoholic drinks grouped as law enforcement. The view runs north across the diplomatic quarter toward the hills. Reserve ahead, the whole city has worked this one out. 26 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
THE ONE WHERE YOU FINISH DINNER UNDER THE STARS Upepo, Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton Upepo does something no other rooftop in the city can. Floor-to-ceiling glass puts you level with the treetops of Karura Forest, and once the light has gone the roof slides back, so the last hour of dinner happens under open sky. The kitchen is Pan-Asian and was refreshed this year. Arrive for golden hour, order slowly, and stay until the ceiling opens.
THE ONE WHERE YOU WATCH AIRCRAFT AND WILDLIFE Sky Lounge, Emara Ole-Sereni, Mombasa Road Built along the fence line of Nairobi National Park, with an infinity pool pointed straight at it and a waterhole across the way. City skyline on one flank, plains game on the other, aircraft descending into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport overhead. No other capital in the world offers all three from the same seat. Come at dusk, when the animals move to water and the lights come on behind you.
THE ONE WHERE YOU WATCH THE RUNWAY FROM YOUR TABLE Tazama, Four Points by Sheraton, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Ten minutes from the terminal, Tazama looks over Nairobi National Park on one side and the airport runway on the other. Combine the panoramic views with grills, craft beer and a heated rooftop pool. For anyone with a sunrise flight, this is the most enjoyable possible way to spend the evening before it.
Nairobi's rooftop bars
THE ONE WHERE YOU EAT YOUR WAY AROUND THE MEDITERRANEAN
THE ONE WHERE YOU CAN DECIDE ON THE NIGHT Sarabi Rooftop, Sankara Nairobi, Woodvale Grove, Westlands Sarabi is the rooftop OG running a poolside deck on the eighth floor of the Sankara since long before the rest of the skyline caught on. Live music and guest DJs several nights a week, doors open daily until midnight, and walk-ins genuinely welcome.
Troy, Gem Forest Hotel, MGallery, Limuru Eight floors above Limuru Road, Troy runs a long mezze menu that wanders between Greece, Turkey and the Levant, with forest canopy in every direction. Ask for The Helena, the house cocktail, and order more small plates than you think you need.
THE ONE WHERE YOU EAT NYAMA CHOMA IN THE SKY Kilele Nyama, Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands, Rhapta Road Kenya’s national dish, served under a 360 degree view, with the Ngong Hills visible on a clear afternoon and live jazz on Friday evenings. Char-grilled cuts done properly, families very welcome, no ceremony required.
THE ONE WHERE YOU TAKE SOMEONE SPECIAL Tambourin, Villa Rosa Kempinski, Chiromo Road, Westlands Cabanas, soft light and Levantine food served across a whole evening rather than a sitting. Tambourin is the most unapologetically romantic room on any Nairobi roof, and the Kempinski name still means exactly what it has always meant. This is the anniversary booking, and it knows it.
THE ONE THAT COMES WITH A FILM SCREENING Unseen Nairobi, Wood Avenue Plaza, Kilimani Twelve floors above Kilimani, Unseen pairs a garden-style terrace with an independent cinema seating around 80 people in cheerfully pink chairs. Screenings run most evenings at seven and the ticket comes with a cocktail, popcorn and wireless headphones. The kitchen leans Asian, bao buns and Korean fried chicken, and on Sunday mornings they screen for children. It is the most quietly original thing on any roof in the city.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 27
Nairobi's rooftop bars
THE ONE WHERE YOU KEEP THE VIEW WHATEVER THE SKY IS DOING THE ONE WHERE YOU GET THREE EVENINGS IN ONE Fifteen, The Curve by the Park, off Mombasa Road Fifteen floors up with Nairobi National Park and the Ngong Hills held in the frame, and three separate spaces on the same roof, a sunset lounge, a chef’s table and a bar. The evening can change direction twice without anybody leaving the building.
The Location, Alta Towers, Ring Road, Kilimani Thirteen floors up with the full panorama wrapped in floorto-ceiling glass, so the view is yours in every season. The drinks list is the strength here. Ask for a window table when you reserve.
THE ONE WHERE YOU PLAY Horizon, The Glee Hotel, Northern bypass, Runda Seven floors above Runda with treetops on every side, Neapolitan pizzas and grill skewers, live music and rooftop games running most nights. Over-18s only, and open from early afternoon at weekends.
Need to know
• 5pm to 7pm is the golden hour (ok, two hours). Nairobi sunsets move quickly and the light is the whole point. • A collar and closed shoes will comfortably get you into every room on this list. • Reserve ahead for Hero, Upepo and Mr. Pang. Sarabi and Kilele Nyama will happily take you as you arrive. • Book the film as well as the table if you are heading to Unseen. • Staying near the airport? Tazama makes the evening before a flight the best hour of the trip.
28 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
THE ONE WHERE YOU SING SOCIAL Nairobi Street Kitchen, Mpaka Road, Westlands Live bands, karaoke and the big matches on screen, sitting on top of a complex holding nearly a dozen kitchens and bars that you wander through on the way up. Come hungry and come with people.
Adam Maina is a travel and lifestyle expert based in Nairobi. He has worked in Kenyan travel and tourism for over 15 years and is marketing manager at Bountiful Safaris.
Airline marketing
WHEN SERVICE BECOMES THE STRATEGY
What happens when an airline treats customer experience as a marketing strategy rather than a support function? Drawing on patterns observed across several African carriers, this case study by Safarilink Digital Marketing and Communications Strategist Terryann Mutindi explores what that shift looks like in practice.
The starting point: a trust problem Picture a mid-sized regional carrier facing a familiar challenge: solid aircraft, competitive fares, and a loyal core of business travellers, but a growing reputation for unpredictability. Delays were not unusually frequent by industry standards, but when they happened, communication was poor. Passengers learned of cancellations at the gate rather than on their phones. Complaints piled up on social media faster than they could be resolved. Internally, customer service and marketing operated as separate departments, one managing crises, the other managing the brand’s public image, with little coordination between them. The airline's leadership recognised that no advertising campaign could outrun this reputation. So instead of commissioning a new tagline, they redesigned the experience itself and treated that redesign as the campaign.
The intervention Three changes anchored the initiative. 1. Communication moved from reactive to proactive. Instead of waiting for passengers to notice a delay, the airline began
pushing real-time updates via SMS and WhatsApp the moment a disruption was confirmed, paired with a clear next step: a rebooking link, a compensation policy, or simply an honest explanation. The goal was not to eliminate disruptions, which is rarely possible in African aviation given infrastructure and weather realities, but to eliminate the silence around them. 2. Frontline staff were brought into the marketing conversation. Customer service agents and cabin crew received training not only in problem resolution but in the airline’s brand voice, with the understanding that their tone during a stressful
Customer service agents and cabin crew receive full training
rebooking was doing more brand work than any billboard. Staff were also given more discretion to resolve issues on the spot, rather than escalating every exception up a chain of approval that left passengers waiting. 3. The marketing team began mining service data for stories. Instead of designing campaigns purely around destinations and fares, marketing started listening to recurring service feedback and using it to shape genuine improvements, then communicating those improvements honestly, including admitting what had gone wrong previously.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 29
Airline marketing Happy passengers are an airline's most effective marketing channel
The Results Within a year, the airline saw measurable movement on the metrics that matter most to loyalty: complaint resolution times fell, repeat bookings among business travellers rose, and social media sentiment shifted from predominantly reactive complaints to a mix of complaints and unprompted praise for how issues were handled. Perhaps most tellingly, word-of-mouth referrals, tracked through a simple “how did you hear about us” prompt at booking, increased notably, suggesting that passengers themselves were becoming the airline’s most effective marketing channel. None of this required a large advertising budget. It required treating operations, customer service, and
as a cost centre and start treating it as brand-building. For a Kenyan or regional carrier, the practical takeaways are straightforward: 1. Audit the silence, not just the service. Look at where passengers are left without information during disruptions, since that gap does more reputational damage than the disruption itself.
marketing as a single connected system rather than three separate functions competing for resources and attention.
The lesson for Kenyan and regional carriers This composite case study is deliberately generic, because the pattern it describes is not unique to one airline; it recurs across the continent wherever leadership makes the decision to stop treating service recovery
“Let marketing listen to service data before it writes a campaign”
2. Give frontline staff a script that reflects the brand, and the authority to use judgement within it. 3. Let marketing listen to service data before it writes a campaign. The most persuasive messaging is often the honest story of a problem solved, not a problem denied. 4. Measure loyalty, not just satisfaction. Repeat bookings and referrals are the real test of whether an experience investment is working. The broader point, consistent with what we explored last issue, is this: in African aviation today, the campaign is not something a marketing team designs and then hands to operations to execute. It is something operations and customer service build every day, and marketing's job is to notice it, protect it, and tell it honestly. As part of the Safarilink team, Terryann Mutindi combines her background in Strategic Management & Marketing with a passion for digital innovation and customer experience. She is dedicated to crafting authentic stories that elevate the passenger journey every step of the way.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 31
Lamu life
Lamu life
FLY WITH US: DAILY FLIGHTS
CAUGHT ON CAMERA Artist Anna Mokeira’s photographs of friends and family offer an intimate portrait of daily life on Lamu Island beyond the tourist gaze.
F
or many visitors, Lamu Island is defined by its beaches, dhows and centuries-old architecture. But beyond its appeal as a tourist destination lies a living community whose traditions, faith and daily routines have shaped life here for more than 700 years. As East Africa’s oldest living Swahili settlement and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Lamu remains a place
32 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
in which history is woven into everyday life: in its narrow streets, car-free rhythms, religious observances and close-knit neighbourhoods. Artist Anna Mokeira was born and raised on the island and is part of a vibrant local creative community. Through these candid phone photographs of family and friends, she turns the camera away from the postcard view
anna mokeira's images chronicle the daily rhythms of life on lamu island
and towards the people who call Lamu home. Her images offer an intimate glimpse into a community bound by shared traditions, creativity and mutual support, revealing the human stories that sustain this remarkable island beyond the gaze of visitors. To see examples of Anna’s artwork and to arrange a viewing in Lamu, visit @mokeiraanna on Instagram.
Lamu life
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 33
Researchers Rest
The house
THAT SCIENCE BUILT
FLY WITH US: THREE FLIGHTS DAILY
How a modest Arusha guesthouse became a home for generations of researchers, and why its story is far from over.
A
rusha today is a city of choice. Luxury hotels, safari lodges and boutique guesthouses cater to the steady stream of travellers bound for Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro. But hidden among gardens and old coffee trees in the quiet neighbourhood of Kiranyi is a place that recalls a very different era. In the early 1990s, when email was still in its infancy and reliable accommodation for visiting researchers was surprisingly hard to find, a British expatriate named Jo Driessen found herself at the centre of an unlikely community. From a small office in town she operated one of Arusha's first email services, typing messages for scientists returning from the field and printing out replies when they eventually arrived via a temperamental dial-up connection. Listening to their stories, she heard the same complaint: there was nowhere comfortable and affordable to stay. Her solution was Researcher's Rest, a house that would become a home away from home for generations of wildlife researchers, conservationists and adventurers passing through northern Tanzania.
Home away from home What Jo and her lifelong friend Judith created was far removed from a conventional guesthouse. 34 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
Estes to anthropologist Terrence McCabe and cheetah conservationist Sarah Durant. For many, the house became a second home, a place where fieldwork was discussed, collaborations were forged and friendships endured for decades.
Reinvention
Researchers Rest quickly became a gathering place for the people trying to understand East Africa's landscapes, wildlife and communities. Word spread through personal recommendations rather than advertising. Scientists arriving from months in the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro highlands or Maasai villages would find not only an affordable bed, but also a table around which ideas, observations and stories were shared long into the evening. Over the years the guest list came to include some of the most influential names in African conservation and research, from Serengeti ecologist Anthony Sinclair and ‘guru of the gnu’ wildebeest expert Richard
Jo Dreissen and judith jackson opened their home to intrepid academics
...AND, ACCORDING TO THE RESEARCHERS REST HISTORY, EARNED THEM A LOCAL NICKNAME OF THE “TWO CRAZY BRITISH WOMEN”.
Yet the most remarkable chapter in the story of Researchers Rest may be its most recent one. Following Jo’s death and Judith’s return to Britain, the future of the house hung in the balance. The solution emerged from the people who had long been at the heart of daily life there. Eddie and Helen had worked alongside Jo and Judith for decades, helping to create the warmth and hospitality for which the house had become known. Discussions with couple Ben Jennings and Aurélie Sivadier, who had themselves lived on the property for several years, led to a new arrangement: the Tanzanian team would become owners of the business. Today, profits are divided between maintaining and improving the historic property and rewarding the staff who sustain it, ensuring that the benefits of its success remain within the community that Jo spent decades nurturing. The character of Researchers Rest owes much to the remarkable women who created it. Jo’s African journey began when she
Researchers Rest
followed her husband, doctor Fritz Driessen, to university posts in southern Africa and later Dar es Salaam. When he eventually decided to return to his native Netherlands, Jo made an altogether less conventional choice. Having fallen in love with Tanzania, she stayed. Drawn to Arusha by its temperate climate and position at the gateway to northern Tanzania's great wilderness areas, she planned to make the town her permanent home. Soon after, her lifelong friend Judith arrived from Britain to join her. The pair quickly became fixtures of Arusha life. Between running their various ventures, they could often be found heading off into the Serengeti, occasionally losing their way, or holding court at the Club Safi bar and restaurant they co-owned in town. Their appetite for adventure became legendary and, according to the Researchers Rest history, earned them a local nickname of the “two crazy British women”.
Much about the Researchers Rest remains unchanged from those times. The guesthouse has just five rooms, a mixture of en-suite accommodation and rooms with shared facilities. At its heart is the lounge and library, where guests gather much as generations of researchers have done before them. Shelves are lined with books, many written by former residents, while the walls are decorated with photographs and mementoes that hint at the property's long association with wildlife research and conservation.
The Researchers Rest has five rooms and common areas for guests
a philosophy that continues to shape the menu. Much of what appears on the table comes from the property’s own garden, where fruit and vegetables are grown according to the rhythms of the weather. A typical meal begins with a homemade soup, followed by a main course served with seasonal vegetables and fresh salad, before ending with a dessert. As in the house's earliest days, the food serves as the backdrop to the real event: the sharing of stories between travellers, researchers and hosts.
Communal dining The communal dinners are perhaps the clearest expression of the spirit that Jo and Judith fostered. They are prepared by Eddie, who first worked at the house in the 1990s, when ingredients that are commonplace today were often difficult to obtain in Tanzania. Out of necessity he learned to cook creatively, making the most of seasonal produce and raw ingredients,
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 35
Researcher's Rest The appeal is not just historical. Located on the western edge of Arusha in the leafy Kiranyi area, Researchers Rest sits conveniently for travellers heading towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti. Yet despite its proximity to northern Tanzania's busiest safari routes, the property feels a world apart from the bustle of the city.
guests at researchers rest often have interesting stories to tell
Historic home In a city transformed by tourism and development, Researcher's Rest offers something increasingly rare: a genuine link to an earlier era of exploration, research and conservation in East Africa. Guests may arrive as safari-goers rather than scientists, but many leave having discovered a deeper connection to the landscapes they have come to see. The books on the shelves, the photographs on the walls, the stories shared over dinner and the quiet continuity of the house itself all speak to a remarkable legacy. More than thirty years after Jo Driessen first welcomed researchers through its doors, Researcher's Rest remains what it has always been: a place where curiosity, conversation and a sense of adventure feel at home. For more information on the Researcher’s Rest and to book your stay, visit www.theresearchersrest.com
Researchers’ reviews: Visiting academics recall their time at Researchers Rest
Amy Quandt US environmental social scientist whose work examines how farming communities in Tanzania and beyond adapt to climate change and environmental uncertainty. “I have been staying at Researchers Rest as a hub for my field research in northern Tanzania for the past four years. I visit twice a year: once in January and once in May/June. I always look forward to my stays. Researchers Rest is a peaceful hub for research projects and is also a great place to think, collaborate, and write while not collecting data in the field. “The wi-fi is excellent and I love working in the living room space and staring out the large picture window at the trees and the tortoises that wander the yard. After a few days camping in Simanjiro or Hanang, I always look forward to coming back to a hot shower and the wonderful meals. It feels more like a home than a hotel. The staff are very welcoming and know all the guests by name.”
Professor Terence McCabe US anthropology professor and author of the book ‘Cattle Brings Us To Our Enemies’ about the Turkana of northwestern Kenya. The Researchers Rest in Tanzania served as his base while analysing land-use strategies and livelihood diversification among East African pastoralists like the Maasai. “I have been staying at what is now Researchers Rest since the late 1990s or early 2000s when it was just known as ‘Jo and Judith’s’. I have spent about two months of every year since there and have watched the transitions from a place that researchers – mostly from Serengeti – stayed when they came into Arusha to the guest house that it is today. You can still see many of the books and publications on the bookcase from the various researchers that have stayed there – including my book on Turkana. I first met Jo at her secretarial service office in the Arusha International Conference Centre as it was the first place in town where you could receive faxes. “Researchers still stay at the house. One of the best and most famous safari guides, Paul Oliver, lived upstairs for a time.”
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 37
ForestFoods
Farming THE FUTURE
How ForestFoods is growing food, restoring landscapes and building climate resilience in Kenya
W
hat can forests teach us about farming? According to ForestFoods, a Kenyan regenerative agriculture enterprise and organic food delivery company, the density and diversity of a woodland ecosystem create ideal conditions for growing food without the need for chemicals. Its CEO, Sven Verwiel, explains how these natural principles are helping deliver fresh produce to Kenyan consumers while contributing to the fight against climate change.
How a farm can work like a forest… Most farms are built around a monoculture of a single crop. ForestFoods takes a different approach. Drawing inspiration from the way forests regenerate naturally, it combines vegetables, fruits, timber species and
ground-cover plants within the same growing space. The system, known as syntropic agriculture, mimics how natural ecosystems grow and regenerate, with different plants supporting one another and enriching the soil.. Fast-growing species provide shade, organic matter and protection for slower-growing crops. Plants of different heights and life cycles work together, while regular
Forest cover can provide farms with a healthy growing environment
pruning returns nutrients to the soil and helps maintain a healthy growing environment. Unlike conventional agriculture, which often relies heavily on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, ForestFoods focuses on building healthy soils through biodiversity. The aim is to create farms that remain productive while reducing external inputs and improving resilience to drought, heavy rainfall and other environmental pressures. It's not about planting a few trees alongside crops. It's about designing an ecosystem where food production and regeneration happen at the same time.
Why Kenya needs a different farming model… Kenya's farmers face increasing challenges from climate change. Rainfall patterns have become
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 39
ForestFoods
ForestFoods has already planted tens of thousands of trees across its operations and partner programmes, creating farms that produce food while increasing tree cover and restoring degraded landscapes.
Nothing goes to waste…
less predictable, with droughts and floods sometimes occurring within the same growing season. At the same time, concerns about soil degradation and pesticide use are growing. ForestFoods believes agriculture can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. By keeping soil covered year-round and maintaining a diverse mix of plants, its farms are designed to retain moisture during dry periods and absorb water more effectively during heavy rains. Healthy soils rich in organic matter act like a sponge, storing water and supporting beneficial microorganisms. The company says this allows farms to remain productive during challenging weather conditions while reducing dependence on synthetic inputs. The broader goal is to create farming systems that are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable for farmers, helping them remain productive as climate pressures intensify.
Growing food and growing trees… Trees sit at the heart of the ForestFoods model, but not in the way many people might expect.
ForestFoods sees itself as more than a farming business. It is building a value chain that connects growers, consumers and hospitality businesses through a shared commitment to sustainable food production.
WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN A FARM AND A FOREST WHEN THE SAME PIECE OF LAND CAN BE BOTH?
As pressure on land to feed a growing population increases, space for dedicated reforestation becomes scarcer. Rather than setting aside separate areas for reforestation, the company integrates thousands of trees directly into food-producing landscapes. Alongside crops such as vegetables and fruit, forests of the future are being established one planting at a time. Emphasis is placed on indigenous tree species, many of which support local biodiversity and help preserve valuable ecological and cultural heritage. These trees provide habitat for pollinators and wildlife while contributing to healthier soils and greater landscape resilience. The approach is designed to prove that land does not have to be divided between conservation and food production. Both goals can be pursued simultaneously.
The organic produce is sold to hotels, lodges and camps
Customers range from households ordering fresh produce online to hotels, lodges, camps and restaurants seeking food that aligns with their environmental goals. For many hospitality operators, locally grown produce with a strong sustainability story has become increasingly attractive to guests. The company is also tackling one of the food industry’s biggest challenges: waste. Produce that does not meet retail cosmetic standards is diverted into products such as juices, sauces, relishes and pickles through Solutions Kitchen, a zero-waste processing facility located in Limuru. By finding additional uses for imperfect produce, ForestFoods generates extra value from each harvest while preventing edible food from being discarded. Material that cannot be processed is returned to the land through composting, helping to close the nutrient cycle. The result is a system designed to maximise the value of every crop while reducing its environmental impact.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 41
ForestFoods
Training a new generation of farmers Education is a major part of the ForestFoods mission. Since its inception, the company has welcomed more than 4,000 visitors through farm tours, training courses and specialist events. Participants include farmers, extension officers, NGO staff, landscape managers, chefs and sustainability professionals from across Kenya and beyond. Many travel specifically to learn about regenerative agriculture and syntropic farming techniques. Every visitor leaves with practical ideas that can be applied elsewhere, whether on a commercial farm, a smallholding or a landscape restoration project.
Imperfect produce is pickled rather than discarded
Its next major project is a 10-hectare nucleus farm in the Shimba Hills in Kwale County, surrounded by hundreds, and potentially thousands, of acres belonging to smallholders and private landowners who could ultimately participate in the wider production system. The goal for the farm is that it becomes the anchor for a new regenerative agricultural supply chain for the Kenyan coast, which currently relies heavily on fresh food transported from the country's interior.
WE HAVE SPENT YEARS TRYING TO CONTROL NATURE. WHAT IF THE FUTURE OF FARMING IS LEARNING TO WORK WITH IT?
The wider landscape ambition includes a productive agroforestry and restoration corridor through the landscape between the Shimba Hills National Reserve and mangrove forest surrounding Funzi Island. In this way productive farming becomes part of the mechanism through which the wider landscape is restored.
Find out more For more information about the work of ForestFoods and to book a farm visit, go to www.forestfoods.co.ke
A vision for Kenya’s future… Looking ahead, ForestFoods hopes to establish flagship farms across Kenya's seven major agroecological zones. These hubs would serve as centres for production, training and innovation while supporting networks of local farmers. The company believes this model could eventually expand beyond Kenya, helping other African countries develop farming systems that produce food, create jobs and restore ecosystems simultaneously.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 43
Safari to the sands
FLY WITH US:
10
TWO FLIGHTS DAILY
REASONS TO DOUBLE UP FOR A BEACH AND BUSH ADVENTURE Peak season is here and to mark this holiday high point Safarilink has introduced direct flights from Kenya’s iconic safari destinations Amboseli and the Mara to the country’s coastal gems of Mombasa and Diani.
44 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
Safari to the sands
1. FROM KILIMANJARO VIEWS TO THE INDIAN OCEAN IN A SINGLE HOLIDAY Few destinations on Earth let you photograph elephants beneath Africa's highest mountain one day and swim in warm turquoise waters the next. Amboseli and the coast are a dream pairing.
2. TRADE THE BIG TUSKERS FOR A BIG SPLASH Amboseli is famous for its magnificent elephant herds, while Diani is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. One adventure brings you face to face with two of Kenya's most celebrated natural wonders.
3. WITNESS ONE OF NATURE’S GREATEST SHOWS, THEN UNWIND ON THE SHORE After tracking wildlife across the plains of the Mara, reward yourself with lazy days beneath the palms of Diani or along Mombasa's beaches. Action and relaxation have never made a better couple.
CK-TravelPhotos / Shutterstock.com
4. COLLECT KENYA'S MOST ICONIC PHOTOGRAPHS The Mara's endless golden plains. Amboseli's elephants framed by Kilimanjaro. Diani's dazzling white sand. Mombasa's historic waterfront. Your holiday album will practically create itself.
5. SWAP SAFARI VEHICLES FOR SNORKELS After days scanning the horizon for lions, leopards and cheetahs, why not look beneath the waves instead? Diani's reefs reveal a colourful underwater world that's every bit as captivating.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 45
To book flights: 020 6690 000 | 0730 888 000 ecommerce@flysafarilink.com www.flysafarilink.com Follow us: flysafarilink
Safari to the sands
RabbitHolePhoto / Shutterstock.com
6. EXPERIENCE TWO CULTURES, ONE COUNTRY Meet Maasai communities in Kenya's famed safari country, then immerse yourself in the Swahili and Mijikenda traditions, flavours and history that have shaped Mombasa's coast for centuries.
7. CHASE THE GIANTS In the Mara, it may be vast herds of wildebeest and zebra stretching across the horizon during the Great Migration. In Amboseli, it's some of Africa's most celebrated elephant populations. Along the coast, it's the endless Indian Ocean. Kenya does everything on a grand scale.
8. ENJOY THE BEST SUNRISEAND-SUNSET DOUBLE ACT Start the day watching dawn break over the Mara or Kilimanjaro and end it with the sun sinking into a blaze of colour over the ocean. Some holidays give you one perfect golden hour. This one gives you plenty.
9. DISCOVER FOUR ICONS IN ONE TRIP The Masai Mara. Amboseli. Diani. Mombasa. Each is a bucket-list destination in its own right, but together they showcase the extraordinary diversity that makes Kenya unlike anywhere else.
10. BECAUSE THE JOURNEY IS NOW PART OF THE PLEASURE With Safarilink's new direct connections between Amboseli, the Mara, Mombasa and Diani, Kenya's greatest safari landscapes and coastal escapes are now closer together than ever before. Less time travelling means more time exploring.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 47
Our destinations
From Kenya’s premier national parks through Africa’s highest mountain to the best beach resorts of the Indian Ocean coast, Safarilink’s network of 17 destinations showcases East Africa’s finest attractions. NAIROBI The non-stop Kenyan capital is also Safarilink’s hub with our operations centred at the city’s Wilson Airport. Nairobi is the place to soak up Kenya’s contemporary culture with its vibrant food, music and art scenes. If you want to escape the bustle, head to the capital’s ‘green lungs’, Karura Forest, or make the most of Nairobi being the world’s only wildlife capital with a visit to Nairobi National Park.
ARUSHA (Three flights daily) Arusha is a vibrant city with a growing cultural scene, offering diverse music, food, and art experiences. Known as the ‘Safari City’, it’s the gateway to Tanzania’s world-renowned
48 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
Northern Circuit of wildlife reserves such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park. For those short on time, Arusha National Park offers game drives, walking safaris, and canoeing on the city’s doorstep.
ENTEBBE (Seventeen weekly flights)
Entebbe is a welcoming lakeside town on the shores of Lake Victoria, offering a relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals. It’s not just a charming destination itself, but also the gateway to Uganda’s prime animal adventures. From here, embark on unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking or head to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa, for
thrilling activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping.
TSAVO WEST (Daily flights) Tsavo West National Park offers some of the most magnificent game viewing in the world with its safari staples including elephant, rhino, hippos, lions, cheetah, leopards and buffalo.
NANYUKI (Three flights daily) The gateway to the wilderness of Mount Kenya National Park where wildlife includes leopards, giant forest hogs and more than 100 bird species. The town is also the starting point to trails ascending Africa’s second-highest peak, Mount Kenya.
MOMBASA (Two flights daily)
Kenya’s historic second city is a living museum that reflects its time as a trading hub linking Africa with China and India. It is also an excellent starting point for Kenya’s renowned beach resorts.
MALINDI (Daily flights) The town of Malindi sits amid a string of tropical beaches dotted with hotels and resorts. Much of the spectacu-
LOISABA (Three flights daily)
Laikipia Plateau, it is home to East Africa’s largest rhino population as well Grevy's zebra, Sitatunga antelope, cheetah, lion, elephant and reticulated giraffe.
LAMU (Daily flights) Sun, sea and Swahili culture. Lamu is a true island escape. Wander the labyrinthine streets of its Unesco-recognised town – the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa – take in the spectacular sunset from a traditional dhow fishing boat or just explore the stretches of footprint-free beaches that ring the island.
(Three flights daily)
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is famous for the variety of rare wildlife it protects. Set in a valley in the middle of the
(Three flights daily)
The Samburu National Reserve is known for its abundance of rare northern specialist species such as the Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and the Beisa Oryx – also referred to as the ‘Samburu Special’.
NAIVASHA (Daily flights)
KISUMU (Five flights daily) Kenya’s third-largest city is situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. The lakeside vantage point offers some spectacular sundowner opportunities as well as boat rides and fishing trips. For animal adventures, head to the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary that shelters herds of impalas, zebras, cheetahs and baboons.
Mount Kilimanjaro provides the stunning backdrop to the Amboseli National Park, framing your safari views of huge herds of elephant as well as leopard, lion, cheetah, giraffe and more than 600 bird species.
ZANZIBAR
MASAI MARA
MIGORI (Two flights)
(Two flights daily)
(Four flights daily)
This vibrant Indian Ocean island offers visitors a taste of Swahili culture old and new. In the ancient port of Stone Town coral and limestone houses, palaces, and forts survive from its 19th century trading heyday while the island’s coastline is a blend of sleepy fishing villages and swanky beach resorts. Inland
The wild and rugged landscapes of the Masai Mara offer Kenya’s premier safari adventures. From July to October, it hosts the world-famous Great Migration of 1.5 million wildebeests with the Mara river crossings a dramatic highlight. The park also hosts all of the Big Five animals.
The high altitude and clean air of this city nestled in the highlands of western Kenya has produced some of the world’s best distance athletes. It is a place that rewards the outdoor life with natural attractions such as the Rift Valley, Kakamega Forest, Kerio Valley and the Nandi Hills nearby.
(Two flights daily)
LEWA DOWNS
SAMBURU
The calm, glassy waters of Lake Naivasha contain a huge hippo population. Boat trips are available, some that take you to the privately owned game sanctuary of Crescent Island, which is walkable and will reveal giraffe and zebra. Far more wild animals are to be found in the neighbouring Hell’s Gate National Park with herds of buffalo and all manner of antelope roaming amid the dramatic Rift Valley landscape.
AMBOSELI
lar coastline is protected by the Malindi Marine National Park and there is more untouched natural splendour at the nearby Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, which is home to elephants and more than 200 species of birds.
follow your nose for the heady perfume of the spice farms.
The Loisaba Conservancy in Northern Kenya is a haven for over 260 bird and 50 mammal species, including endangered Grevy’s zebra. Big cat lovers will also find prides of lions, cheetahs and leopards. African wild dogs, thought for many years to be extinct in the region, are returning.
DIANI BEACH (Two flights daily)
The Kenyan coast is blessed with beautiful beaches galore, but Diani may be the fairest of them all. With 15 km of powdery white sand and waters calmed by an off-shore coral reef it provides ideal conditions for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, kite surfing, and water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding.
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 49
DA
Our destinations Lodwar Routes
UGANDA Kitale Entebbe
Eldoret Kisumu
KENYA Samburu Loisaba
Laikipia Lewa Downs
Nanyuki Naivasha
Migori
RWAN DA
Planned Routes
Masai Mara
Lamu
Amboseli
Arusha
TANZANIA
Tsavo West
Malindi Mombasa Diani Beach
Zanzibar
50 /
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
Our fleet
The 14-strong Safarilink fleet includes aircraft suited to the remote airstrips and short flight times that make up the majority of the destinations we serve. We also have four twin-engine Dash 8s to fly more passengers on longer routes
CESSNA CARAVAN
DEHAVILLAND DASH
DEHAVILLAND DASH
DEHAVILLAND DASH
DEHAVILLAND DASH
C208BS
8-106 (5Y-SLD)
8-315 (5Y-SLK)
8-311 (5Y-SLC)
8-202 (5Y-SLO / MRE)
Number of aircraft: 11 Engine type: Turbo-prop single engine Manufacturer: Textron Inc (formerly Cessna) Crew: Two pilots Maximum passengers: 12
Number of aircraft: One Manufacturer: DeHavilland Canada Engine type: Twin engine Crew: Two pilots and one flight attendant Maximum passengers: 37
Number of aircraft: One Manufacturer: DeHavilland Canada Engine type: Twin engine Crew: Two pilots and two flight attendants Maximum passengers: 52
Number of aircraft: One Manufacturer: DeHavilland Canada Engine type: Twin engine Crew: Two pilots and two flight attendants Maximum passengers: 50
Number of aircraft: Two Manufacturer: DeHavilland Canada Engine type: Twin engine Crew: Two pilots and one flight attendant Maximum passengers: 37
▪ This workhorse of the fleet is
▪ This Pratt & Whitney 120A
▪ This Pratt & Whitney
▪ This Pratt & Whitney
▪ This Pratt & Whitney
powered aircraft is well known to commuter travellers around the world. Its pressurised cabin enables it to fly above the weather on the longer routes and its all-leather seats provide a touch of luxury.
PW123E powered aircraft has a pressurised cabin which enables it to fly above the weather on the longer routes. It features all-leather seats for each passenger.
PW123B powered aircraft has a pressurised cabin which enables it to fly above the weather on the longer routes. It features all-leather seats for each passenger.
PW123D powered aircraft has a pressurised cabin which enables it to fly above the weather on the longer routes. The interior is with all leather seats to provide a touch of
a rugged fixed under-carriage aircraft that is ideal for landing on the ‘dirt’ airstrips common in game parks. Its high wings and large windows allow exceptional viewing of the unfolding scenery and animals while in flight. Our Cessna Caravan fleet now totals 10 after the arrival of two new aircraft in March 2024.
SAFARILINK CONTACTS NAIROBI PHOENIX HOUSE, WILSON AIRPORT
luxury.
ENTEBBE
CELL: +254 730 888 000
TELEPHONE: +256 792 171 846 EMAIL: ENTEBBEOFFICE@FLYSAFARILINK.COM
DIANI
KAMPALA
KISUMU
MOMBASA
EMAIL: RES@FLYSAFARILINK.COM
TELEPHONE: +254 793 500 500/ 757 500 500 EMAIL: KISUMUOFFICE@FLYSAFARILINK.COM
WEBSITE: WWW.FLYSAFARILINK.COM
MALINDI
ZANZIBAR
ADDRESS: PHOENIX HOUSE WILSON AIRPORT, PO BOX 5616 NAIROBI 00506, KENYA TEL: +254 20 6690 000 TEL: +254 730 888 000
CALL CENTRE: 020 669 0000 TWITTER: @FLYSAFARILINK FACEBOOK: @FLYSAFARILINK INSTAGRAM: @FLYSAFARILINK
TELEPHONE: +254 710 772 222/ 735 697 410 EMAIL: DIANIOFFICE@FLYSAFARILINK.COM
TELEPHONE: +254 769 700 700 EMAIL: MALINDIOFFICE@FLYSAFARILINK.COM
TELEPHONE: +256 792 170 946 EMAIL: KAMPALAOFFICE@FLYSAFARILINK.COM TELEPHONE: +254 769 000 444/ 101 888 000 EMAIL: MBAAIRPORT@FLYSAFARILINK.COM TELEPHONE: +255 674 308 858 EMAIL: ZNZOFFICE@FLYSAFARILINK.COM
LAMU
TELEPHONE: +254 769 600 600 EMAIL: LAMUOFFICE@FLYSAFARILINK.COM
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM / 51
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
Passenger
information BOOKINGS
Book your flights at www.flysafarilink.com and pay by credit card or mobile money. Alternatively, email res@flysafarilink. com for other payment options such as credit card payment links‚ or bank transfer options.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN Children of two years of age and above but not more than 12 years of age are charged at 75 per cent of the applicable adult fare‚ depending on the class booked. Infants under two years of age are not charged providing they are not occupying a seat. Infants are not entitled to a baggage allowance.
ONLINE CHECK-IN Save time at the airport and check-in online between 18 hours and two hours before your flight. You can also checkin and download your boarding pass on your phone. When you check-in online‚ you can choose your seat for free. Once you have checked in online you will be required to present yourself at the check-in counter to confirm your presence.
CHECK-IN TIMES Check-in counters will close 60 minutes prior to departure time on international flights (to/from Zanzibar, Arusha, Entebbe and Kilimanjaro) and 30 minutes prior to departure time on other services. After these cut-off times passengers will not be allowed to check-in.
52 /
SAFARI LOUNGE Our Safari Lounge is an extension of our main dedicated lounge and is located at our head office on the first floor at Wilson Airport‚ Nairobi. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure‚ you can relax in our executive lounge for up to four hours before your flight. While here passengers can enjoy the services of a personalised barista with coffee roasted by hand. They can also take advantage of the shower facilities and
the drink and snack bar. The Safari Lounge opens daily from 0600hrs to 1600hrs and can be booked for passengers on both private charters or scheduled flights at a fee of US $40 per person. It must be booked at a minimum of six hours prior to departure time. Children under 12 years will not be permitted unless booked as part of a private charter group. To book‚ contact our reservations team at res@flysafarilink. com or call +254 730 888 000.
FREQUENT FLYER ▪ Safarilink’s frequent flyer programme, ‘Safari Bonus’, allows passengers to earn reward points on every Safarilink scheduled flight. To sign up complete the online enrolment form on our website. ▪ Once you have signed up you will get a membership number, which you will need to quote at the time of booking or upon checking in. ▪ Points can be earned on both one way or return Safarilink scheduled flights. The number of points earned are subject to the class of travel and fare paid. ▪Points cannot be earned on complimentary tickets. Children upwards of two years old can register as members. Points earned can be transferred to a registered member. ▪ Once you have sufficient points‚ book your reward ticket to any of our 17 amazing destinations ▪ Requests for award tickets should be sent to safaribonus@ flysafarilink.com‚ quoting your membership number and name. For any queries or clarifications‚ please send an email to safaribonus@flysafarilink.com
thelink. FLYSAFARILINK .COM
Zanzibar‚ Kisumu‚ Diani‚ Lamu, Entebbe, Mombasa and Malindi: 20kg max All other destinations: 15kg max ▪ The baggage allowance is inclusive of hand luggage. Infants not paying for a seat are not entitled to baggage allowance. Excess baggage will only be carried‚ at the sole discretion of the captain of the aircraft‚ if the payload of the aircraft and/or space permits and will be charged at the prevailing rate for carriage of freight.
BAGGAGE FAQ: Is there anywhere I can store any excess baggage? ▪ Yes‚ there is a complimentary secure store at our Wilson Airport Office. Please ask at the Check-in counter.
Is the 15kg baggage allowance inclusive of hand luggage? ▪ Yes. If passengers have significant excess baggage they can book a ‘freight’ seat at an adult rate‚ which permits confirmed carriage of an extra 75 kgs.
What happens if my baggage is over the weight limit? ▪ In most circumstances our check-in staff will use their discretion and allow a leeway of up to two kgs. However additional excess baggage will only be carried‚ at the sole discretion of the captain of the aircraft‚ if the payload of the aircraft and/or space permits and will be charged at the prevailing rate for carriage of freight (currently KES350 per kg on domestic flights; US$5 per kg between Mombasa and Zanzibar; and US$10 per kg on flights between Nairobi and Zanzibar).
Why do you ask that my luggage is in a soft bag? ▪ Most of our flights are operated by aircraft whose luggage compartments have limited volume and are of an irregular shape. It is thus more difficult for us to stow large rigid suitcases‚ which in an extreme situation‚ might have to be carried on the next available flight.