Sarova Spotlight Magazine ­ October 2010­January 2011

CONTENTS

Contents

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT // OCTOBER 2010 – JANUARY 2011

26

20

4

32

COVER STORY

4 A KENYAN CHRISTMAS

Shop and party until you drop

3

Foreword

Welcome to the world of Sarova

10 News 11 Rebranding

The new face of Sarova

12 Stately Stanley

Where excellent customer service is a team effort

14 Sarova Ozone Club

is published by

Land & Marine Publications Ltd 1 Kings Court, Newcomen Way Severalls Business Park, Colchester C04 9RA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Fax: +44 (0)1206 842958 Email: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com Contributing Editor: Denis Gathanju (www.gathanju.com) Photo credit: Denis Gathanju 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.

©2010 Land & Marine Publications Ltd

Where kids learn to play

15 Great North Road

Now, driving to Shaba National Reserve is a pure pleasure

16 Water purification

Water purification system is key feature of Sarova Shaba Game Lodge

18 Rugby sevens

The Shujaa are here

20 Thai cuisine

Savouring the experience of top-quality Thai cuisine in Nairobi

22 Ultimate ‘survivor’ challenge

Tough guys – and gals – relish the ultimate ‘survivor’ challenge

24 Running: Kenya vs Ethiopia

Who is the greatest?

26 Flamingos

Fabulous spectacle as flamingos perform their mating dance

30 Lake Nakuru

Birdwatching is a flight of joy

32 Small is beautiful

For an exclusive wildlife experience – small is beautiful

34 The Stately Chef

Sarova Stanley chef reveals his recipe for success

38 Sarova Hotels & Lodges Index 48 What’s Cooking

Roast goose, the perfect recipe

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

1

FOREWORD

Welcome to the world of Sarova

J

ambo to you all and welcome to Sarova Hotels, Resorts & Game Lodges. We are pleased to unveil our inaugural, new-look Sarova Spotlight Magazine, which seeks to capture the essence of true African hospitality. This publication will highlight the uniqueness of Destination Kenya while at the same time enabling you, our guest, to experience Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and lifestyle.

We have also lined up a series of exciting

the prestigious award of Kenya’s Leading Hotel

programmes for those children who will be

2010. This award was conferred at the World

accompanying their parents on holiday. The

Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean, held in

Sarova Ozone Club – whose mission is to

South Africa.

‘edutain’ (educate and entertain) children of all age groups – is the answer to your kids’ total

On behalf of the entire Sarova family, I would like

enjoyment during the Christmas holidays.

to take this early opportunity to wish you, your

Product upgrade

prosperous New Year.

Sarova Hotels is one of the most dynamic hotel

Thank you for choosing to stay with us.

family and friends a very happy Christmas and a

As we head into the festive season, Sarova

groups in the region; hence, we are continuously

Spotlight looks back at what Christmas used

upgrading and refurbishing our properties in

Jaideep S. Vohra

to be in Kenya and what it has become today.

order to heighten the overall guest experience.

Managing Director,

We look at how consumer shopping habits

Sarova Panafric is undergoing a refurbishment

Sarova Hotels, Resorts & Game Lodges

have changed with the times to embrace online

that will see the overhaul of its entire lobby and

shopping channels.

the installation of new security systems at the main entrance.

Christmas at Sarova

This refurbishment is in line with the rebranding

We have lined up a series of exciting activities in

exercise that we are undertaking, which will

all of our eight properties across the country with

also see our staff donning new sets of specially

an emphasis on the Christmas mood, which is

designed uniforms across all properties and

all about family, celebration and giving. We have

outlets.

also lined up some excellent culinary delights for guests to sample. In the spirit of sharing and giving, the Sarova family will be involved in

Customer service

giving something back to the environment and

Customer service has been the epitome of Sarova

the communities where we operate; and we

Hotels and we have endeavoured to act on the

also invite you, our guests, to partner us in these

feedback we receive from you, our guest. This

noble functions.

has culminated in The Sarova Stanley receiving

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

3

UNTIL YOU DROP

4

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

A KENyAN CHRISTmAS

C

ramped into an old grey Datsun saloon car whose engine had to be revved continuously for at least 30 minutes to warm up – this, for my sisters and I, often signalled the start of the festive season. The car would waken everyone on the estate with its loud belching noises, while the exhaust pipe spewed a thick cloud of black smoke.

roast meat and chapati (panfried bread) and the clinking of beer and soda bottles in the car boot would mark the beginning of Christmas for my family. For my sisters and I, Christmas was the crowning moment of the year.

Nowadays, at Christmas, the beaches of mombasa, diani, malindi and Watamu are filled

ON THE BEACH AND IN THE PARK

not only with tourists but with large numbers of

my dad would drive through the meandering hills

But that was then. Today, Christmas has taken new

such as the national game parks and reserves.

and valleys to our upcountry home accompa-

forms, and the way Kenyans celebrate this holiday

And, since a friendly family atmosphere is a

nied by the ‘golden oldie’ tunes of dolly Parton,

has become as diverse as Kenyans themselves.

central part of the festivities, many picnic places

Kenny Rogers and don Williams. Aside from

Gone are the days when the streets of major

and campsites across the country are occupied

being mesmerised by the land-

towns and cities across the

by Kenyan families and groups of friends in cele-

scape of green hills and valleys,

country would be deserted as

bratory mood.

I doubled as ‘tape jockey’, being

Kenyans rode in buses, cars and

assigned the role of rewinding

trains to their rural villages. even

In Nairobi, the City Park, Central Park, uhuru

or forwarding the tapes on my

though this is still a strong tradi-

Park and uhuru Gardens have become popular

fingers and a ballpoint pen.

tion, Kenyans today are opting

with city dwellers, and even some rural families,

for other ways to celebrate

as they head for picnic sites across the city.

When we arrived upcountry,

Christmas while still remaining

Nairobi’s many entertainment spots are filled

my grandparents were on hand

true to the spirit of family and

to the brim with revellers looking for fun and

to receive us. The smell of

friends getting together.

amusement.

Kenyan families. many more visit local attractions

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

5

A Kenyan Christmas

Prominent on the wide-ranging food menu is the

The gifts come in all forms, shapes and sizes. As

Kenyan favourite, nyama choma (roast meat).

the world becomes more aware of conserva-

Kenyans today are

This is washed down with plenty of beer and

tion issues, many Kenyans and tourists making

accompanied by a blend of music, blaring from all

shopping errands will have this in their mind as

opting for other ways

directions, as Kenyans dance away the Christmas

they buy their gifts. This has been the inspiration

to celebrate Christmas

behind OneWay; a local company that is involved

while still remaining

in the manufacture of eco friendly clothes for the

true to the spirit of

days and nights.

Eco friendly clothing

whole family.

Christmas is a time to exchange gifts with loved

According to Permod Malhotra, the director

family and friends getting together

ones and, in Kenya, the supermarkets, malls

of the company, many people nowadays are

and arcades are thronged with local people and

concerned about the environment and want

tourists celebrating the festive season and looking

to buy environmentally friendly products. With

Ecomind brand for its eco friendly clothing range.

to buy something special for their loved ones.

this in mind, the company came up with the

The clothes range from T-shirts to polo shirts to yoga pants and according to the director they are manufactured using 100 per cent organic cotton sourced in East Africa.

Environment “This ensures that we are taking care of the environment without polluting it as much, while at the same time supporting the local cotton industry,� says Malhotra.

This gives local people and foreign tourists visiting East Africa an opportunity to buy eco friendly clothes at reasonable prices.

In addition, Oneway offers high quality safari wear as well beachwear made from local kikoys.

Stunning colours matched with stylish garments are the perfect combination for the coast.

For cold nights, a fine collection of men’s and

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

7

A Kenyan Christmas

women’s fleeces is available as

have been displayed in the 2010

abroad to make purchases and even send mobile

well authentic caps with hand-

spring/summer collection under

phone airtime to friends and relatives in Kenya.

stitched Maasai beads.

an eco friendly clothing initiative

Mamamikes.com is yet another web portal that has become an instant hit with Kenyans

called The Green Room.

Original African designs can be

abroad. Not to be left behind is the new social

found embroidered and printed on best quality

Those looking to purchase other sorts of gift

networking craze that has seen Uza Nunua open

T-shirts for adults and children.

items are spoilt for choice when it comes to

a Facebook page from which Kenyans are able

Maasai Markets, based in Nairobi and with an

to order, purchase and send gift items to their

OneWay is located at Nairobi’s finest malls.

outlet in Mombasa, which offer a wide range

loved ones.

The firm has an outlet at major shopping malls

of gift items at very reasonable prices. From

including the Yaya Centre, the Sarit Centre,

beaded bangles and necklaces to batik shirts and

According to Andrew Mutua, one of the founders

the Village Market and a brand-new shop at

dresses to leather sandals, the variety of products

of babawatoto.com based in Dallas, Texas, with

WestGate in Westlands.

on offer in these markets is immense and there

a branch office in Lang’ata, Nairobi, the beauty

seems to be something for everyone.

of online shopping is that

Soko Kenya is yet another clothing outlet that is setting trends in eco friendly clothing. Soko

customers can order the

Online shopping

goods of their choice,

started with a small tailoring project in Ukunda

But while the shopping malls may be overcrowded

or credit card and have

on the South Coast. According to Maiden,

during the festive season, many Nairobians have

them delivered to the

the clothing company has sold some of its eco

taken to online shopping. This means they can

doorstep of their loved

friendly clothes on major fashion websites such

not only shop from the convenience of their

ones anywhere in Kenya.

as ASOS.com where more than 7,500 items

homes and offices, but can avoid making impulse

Kenya is an initiative of Joanna Maiden, who

pay for them via debit

purchases

as

well.

Overall, no matter how

Online shopping is also

you choose to do your

a huge shopping tool

Christmas shopping, or

that is helping connect

wherever you decide to

Kenyans in the diaspora

spend

with their friends and

thing remains for sure:

relatives

Christmas is always one

in

Kenya,

Christmas,

one

especially at Christmas

of the biggest partying holidays for Kenyans.

time, when everyone

And this enthusiasm is infectious, judging by the

expects to receive a gift

high numbers of tourists who opt to spend their

from a loved one.

Christmas holidays in Kenya, hitting the party dial well into the New Year while at the same time

Babawatoto.com

is

one such online portal that

is

being

enjoying the sights, tastes and smells of this great African nation.

used

especially by Kenyans

Merry Christmas, everybody.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

9

Sarova News Chairman in Nakuru Chairman Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha plants a commemorative tree in the grounds of the Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge during a recent visit to Lake Nakuru National Park. He is assisted

by Ken Korir, the lodge manager at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge.

Christmas 2010 at Sarova Christmas is time for celebration, family and giving. At Sarova Hotels, Resorts & Game Lodges, we have a perfect festive season programme that will keep guests entertained with various activities and culinary delights. We shall also take time to give something back to the communities and the environment where we operate and our guests will have an opportunity to be part of these initiatives.

Christmas on the Tropical Beach

A voice of hope to the children Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa makes a water donation to Speak2MoreTivate Grace Ogolla, the Tulia Spa, Gym & Wellness Manager at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, presents a water donation from the resort to Speak2MoreTivate founding president Judy Oyuyo in support of the Orphan and Young Adult Sponsorship Launch on Saturday, 4 September 2010. Looking on is Samson Odero. The outreach programmes create forums for sharing resources and necessities, motivation and offering the children a brighter future.

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa has a Christmas programme that takes you through a journey of fire and ice, highlighting two intriguing forces of nature.

It provides guests with a fusion of adrenalin-pumping action and a chill-out zone, all set with snowy white props. Get ready to go on a magical and adventurous 12-day journey from 23 December into the New Year.

Christmas at Sarova Mara Game Camp Guests will be treated to a fusion of culture and food at Sarova Mara Game Camp, retracing the footsteps of the magi in the traditional Christmas way. There will be culinary delights from different cultures as well as activities ranging from nature walks to kayaking, fishing and a mini golf challenge, all crowned by the legendary Maasai cultural performances. It all adds up to a perfect Christmas for the whole family.

Christmas at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge At Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, we shall celebrate a new dawn this Christmas.

Guests will enjoy the best that Kenya has to offer in terms of culinary delights influenced by both Western and Far Eastern cooking.

Activities will include daily cultural performances, nature walks, birdwatching and poolside activities, all designed to keep the whole family entertained in the spirit of Christmas. Guests will also have a chance to repay Mother Nature by planting commemorative trees within Lake Nakuru National Park.

Christmas at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge

Setting a healthy example Staff at Sarova Stanley recently took part in the Mater Heart Run charity race in Nairobi.

The Stanley Health Club team members pose for a group photograph at the Stanley’s Pool Deck Restaurant after they participated in the Mater Heart Run. From bottom left: Caleb Chirchir, marketing assistant (TSS); Jane Kagiri, a health club member; and Steve Muriithi, engineering (TSS).From top left: Thomas Mwalo, fitness instructor (TSS); Esther Gasha, fitness instructor (TSS); Aida Jooste and James Karanja, health club members; and Richard Shisia, health club manager.

10

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

The star of the north will shine on Sarova Shaba Game Lodge this festive season.

There will be an array of experiences including family activities at the inviting pool, cultural performances and dining under African skies while the local Samburu and Rendille belt out Christmas carols.

Christmas in the wild at Taita Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge and Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge will take you through a celebration of cultural and biodiversity in a changing world, ranging from different dining experiences to water sports and guided nature walks.

Christmas carols will be sung by local choirs. Guests will also have an opportunity to plant trees as part of the Green Tsavo initiative.

Christmas in the city Sarova Stanley and Sarova Panafric will have a wide array of culinary offers at all restaurants during the festive season with well choreographed Christmas Eve dinners, the ever-popular Christmas Day brunches, plus an elaborate New Year’s Eve dinner and dance to crown the season. This will be a perfect location to celebrate Christmas in a quiet city.

SAROVA REBRANDING

THE NEW FACE OF

Sarova T

he global hospitality industry is gradually changing as customers not only have a wider choice but are also in a position to express more defined needs. This is no different in Kenya, where the dynamism of the industry has led to a re-evaluation of business models.

At Sarova, one of the largest hotel groups in the

“At Sarova, we guarantee a common personal

of Nairobi as well as its status as a high quality

touch at all our properties, but provide a

executive hotel. The hotel’s new Victorian-style

completely different personal experience at each

logo is eye-catching and distinctive.

property,” says Cedric Mbiyu, brand development manager at the Sarova Group. “We want

The chic and trendy Sarova Whitesands Beach

to ride on the uniqueness of the destination.”

Resort & Spa will feature marine colours in its logo to emphasise its ocean-front location. The

At Sarova, there is an

region, there is an ongoing process of tailoring

ongoing process of

each product to the individual needs of its

tailoring each product

customers. No matter which Sarova property

to the individual

you visit, what really matters is the personal experience. However, every property is unique,

needs of its customers

not only in terms of location but also because of the personal experience of each visitor.

brand identity of this premier leisure resort is one of happiness, fun and partying.

The Sarova Panafric will further enhance its contemporary African status. Latest features will include an all-new lobby.

In the portfolio of Sarova game lodges, three

Under the branding programme, staff will be

main themes will be highlighted: property

given new uniforms, while the properties will

experience, people and location. These will be

With this in mind, the Sarova Group of Hotels

appear in new colours that highlight the destina-

enhanced by the brand values of each of the

has undertaken an ambitious branding exercise.

tion and reflect the brand values of the individual

game lodges: tranquillity, relaxation, enlighten-

The aim is not only to complement the ongoing

property and the entire group.

ment and conservation. The portfolio embraces

renovation and refurbishment of some of its properties, but also to give a fresh look to

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, Sarova Mara Under this initiative, notes Mbiyu, Sarova Stanley,

Game Camp, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge and the

Sarova’s personnel and properties across the

the group’s flagship property, will emphasise its

Taita properties Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge

country.

Victorian heritage and its key role in the history

and Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

11

WHeRe exCeLLeNT CuSTOmeR SeRvICe IS A

TEAM EFFORT

12

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

STATELY STANLEY

I

f you cannot win the race, then make the person ahead of you break the record, so goes the saying.

“Our focus is not on market penetration,”

says David

Gachuru, the hotel’s general manager. “Our focus is on

And, indeed, Sarova Stanley continues to break

market retention. We want

records as it passes one milestone after another

our

as the undisputed leading business hotel in the

on coming back, and that

heart of Nairobi.

customers

to

keep

can only happen when we provide the best customer

In recent years the Kenyan capital has not only

service. We have been tried

seen a progressive change in its physical

and tested for the last 109

infrastructure but has gained in stature

years and customer service has been an integral

to act quickly on their recommendations and/or

part of our rich heritage. That is what sets us

criticism. This has helped us identify the needs

apart from the rest.”

of our customers. Customer service, for us, is

communications and the diplo-

not mechanical; it is a fusion of many things that

matic service. In turn, this has led

success

range from customer feedback to staff dedication

as a regional hub for business, hospitality,

aviation,

manufacturing,

to a growing appetite for high quality business and hospitality products and services.

success over the year by focusing on excel-

As a result, Sarova Stanley was voted best hotel

lence in customer service. Its staff have always

in Kenya by thousands of satisfied customers.

century

been encouraged to appreciate and respond to

ago, Sarova Stanley has borne

the needs of its diverse client base. One way

Established

over

a

and input.”

According to Gachuru, the hotel has achieved

“For me, this is a big award for the hotel, the

witness to the changing face

of achieving this has been through customer

group and for the entire team at Sarova Stanley,”

of Nairobi and has undergone

feedback.

adds Gachuru. “I have put my faith and trust in them because I know they are professionals

physical changes of its own. Yet one thing has remained constant: its outstanding customer service.

Says Gachuru: “We have made it our solemn

who are true to our clarion call – excellence in

duty to listen to the voices of our customers and

customer service.”

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

13

SAROVA Ozone Club

C

hristmas is that magical season when the family spend more time together than at any other time of the year. It is a bonding session that is treasured the world over. And, as families make their holiday arrangements for the festive season, it helps to include their children in the programme so that they not bored stiff while their parents engage in all manner of fun activities.

It is with this in mind that the Sarova Group of Hotels has developed an elaborate animation programme for children staying at all its properties across the country. Under the Ozone Club programme, the theme is to entertain and educate children across various age groups that include four to 12 and 13 to 16 years.

animation Under this programme, the children take part in various indoor and outdoor activities within the grounds of the hotel or lodge under the supervision of well trained animation personnel. As well as taking part in engaging games and dances, the activities developed by the animation team include teaching the children about environmental protection while at the same time educating them

Ozone

the

where kids learn and play

about various natural attractions found close to the property and around the country.

as well as mentally engaging treasure hunt activi-

and free venue decoration when hosting a party

ties that require them to solve clues that they

at any Sarova property.

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa is one

find along the way to get to a hidden treasure

of the largest Ozone Club venues of all the

within the grounds of the holiday resort. There

What’s more, there are surprise treats from

Sarova properties across the country. According

is also a host of sporting activities that include

Sarova for its Ozonites every year in the form of a

to Everlyn Simaloi, loyalty manager at Sarova

board games, table tennis, darts, beach football

day excursion. Ozonites also get a free quarterly

Hotels, this is because the Kenyan coast is the

and volleyball for the teenagers.

newsletter and birthday e-card. Membership of the Ozone Kids Club attracts a fee of KES 1,500.

preferred holiday destination for most families and because of the fact that Sarova White-

The Ozone Kids Club is a membership

The children receive a free branded T-shirt and

sands Beach Resort & Spa commands a huge

programme that accords Ozonites (its members)

cap and an Ozone membership card.

compound where children can play and have fun.

a host of benefits. These include a 10 per cent accommodation discount at any Sarova hotel and

Whatever you do this Christmas, make sure your

Here, children can participate in a range of fun

lodge across the country, a 10 per cent discount

children have access to the ultimate in fun by

activities such as building sand castles and going

on Ozone-branded gift items, a free ice cream

joining the Ozone Kids Club for an unforgettable

on educational and walking tours around the area

scoop at meal times and a complimentary cake

Christmas season.

14

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Great North Road

Now, driving to Shaba NATIONAL RESERVE is a

pure pleasure T

he Cape to Cairo Road, the PanAfrican Highway or the Great North Road – however you know it, the road that runs intermittently from South Africa to Egypt is renowned as Africa’s ultimate journey.

Until now, the section of the road through Kenya has been notorious for its uneven surface and

many potholes. A combination of shuddering

a result of recent improvements. Newly tarma-

bumps, heat and the fine dust that penetrates

cked surfaces and enhanced infrastructure have

vehicles meant that travellers heading north from

reduced the travelling time as well as bringing

Nairobi faced almost undrivable conditions –

socio-economic benefits to people in the regions

especially without four-wheel drive.

through which the road passes.

wonderful sights

Guests visiting Sarova Shaba Game Lodge can

Currently the only route between Nairobi and

now drive all the way from Nairobi on excellent roads. Since the road improvements, Sarova

Samburu, this 300 km (185 mile) stretch of

now offers the ‘Shaba Express Package’, an all-

road takes about five hours to drive and offers

inclusive trip that includes road transport from

wonderful sights en route including Aberdare

Nairobi, discounts on drinks and wellness treat-

National Park and Mount Kenya. The journey

ments, full-board accommodation for two nights

by plane takes only 45 minutes, but air travellers

and three free game drives. For those who still

miss out on all that spectacular scenery,

prefer to go by air because of time restrictions, there is a good quality airstrip conveniently close

Today, the portion of road between Shaba Game

to the lodge with flights to and from Wilson

Reserve and Nairobi is far easier and smoother as

Airport (WIL/HKNW).

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

15

Water purification

water purification system is key feature of Sarova Shaba GAME Lodge

I

t is one of the most remote corners of the republic – a region where water scarcity is the norm; where communities trek for miles in search of life-giving water for them and their prized cattle; where daytime temperatures soar to 38 degrees C, sucking the life out of humans and animals.

Located in this semi-arid region is the Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, which has the good fortune to be in the vicinity of a natural spring from which saline waters trickle forth. This has proved a vital amenity for the lodge and its guests, who come from across the world to enjoy the magnificent views and experience the Born Free World from the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro.

water is a valued commodity that has become almost legal tender in the area

we have had the most severe of droughts. The purpose of this plant is to desalinate the water

The spring that never dries

and remove impurities in the water through

“The water from the spring is, however, very

only suitable for the water needs of the property,

salty, with lab tests indicating the water has many

but also fit for human consumption.”

various processes that will make the water not

impurities at 932 particles per million. This makes it unusable at the lodge,” says Sammy Makiniah, the property’s unit engineer.

Pre-treatment The lodge has installed a piping system through

Here, water is a valued commodity that has

Because of this, the lodge has built a modern

which water is pumped from the source to the

become almost legal tender in the area. Although

water recycling plant within the grounds of the

high rate solid contact calorifyer (HRSCC), a tri-

the Ewaso Nyiro River cuts through the area, it

property in order to purify water sourced from

segmented cylindrical concrete tank where water

is reduced to little more than a trickle when the

the natural spring within the compound.

treatment takes place. As the water is pumped

drought comes. This is the last river one encoun-

into the HRSCC, notes Makiniah, it is doused

ters before crossing the northern border into

Says M akiniah: “We believe there is a huge

with flocculation and coagulation chemicals to

Ethiopia and, for many, it remains their last hope

underground river or lake within this area since

encourage the large and medium-sized particles

for survival.

the water spring has never dried, even when

to settle at the bottom.

16

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

“Here,” explains Makiniah, as we climb to the top

is passed through a second filter consisting of

of the giant tank, “the water is pretreated and

activated carbon filters (ACF).

pumped into the first segment located in the middle of the tank.”

“When passed through the ACF, the water is

A corrugated iron partition is used to separate the

Makiniah. “From this stage, the water passes

first and second segments. The cylindrical parti-

through three cartridge filters at 0.5 micron

cleansed of any coloration and odour,” explains

tion runs from the top of the tank to within 1 ft of

before it is pumped by a high-pressure pump

the floor. This, explains Makiniah, is to allow the

through the reverse osmosis block to remove

more purified water, which is lighter, to escape

salts in the water.”

Sammy Makiniah, the Unit Engineer at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge explains the water purification process

from the bottom of the tank into the second tank partition of the HRSCC. A pump agitates the

By the time it reaches the desalination stage – the

The process is carried out in a special oxidation

water and allows the water with fewer impurities

final stage of the water purification system – the

tank. A third oxygen element is added to the

to flow into the second tank compartment while

total amount of dissolved solids in the water has

water by pumping it at high pressure through

the sediments are deposited at the bottom.

reduced from a massive 932 to 32, which is the

a vacuum. The water is then pumped into the

recommended level for human consumption.

kitchen to be used for preparing meals and drinks.

This continues until the water in the second

The water from this stage is used mainly around

compartment purifies further and flows into the

the property, especially in the laundry depart-

third and final compartment, which allows it to

ment and for lavatory flushing and gardening.

HRSCC. The water is retained and then pumped

Filtration and reverse osmosis From the storage tank, the semi-purified water is

of the purification process, the lodge takes a daily lab sample of the water and also employs

flow into a storage tank several metres from the into the recycling plant for further purification.

To ensure that the water is safe at every stage

a government chemist and an independent lab

Oxidation for human consumption

technician to take readings at regular intervals.

However, to ensure the water is safe for human

Currently, the water purification system is able

consumption, the lodge has gone a notch higher

to purify more than 10 cubic metres of water per

by purifying it still further by means of oxidation.

hour. The plant operates for 13 hours each day to

pumped into filters in a modern water treatment

meet the water demands of the property. So far,

plant. The water is circulated through a dual

“The oxidation process is not only hygienically

it is the most advanced system of its kind at any of the Sarova properties in Kenya.

media filter that sieves out smaller particles and

safe, but is more than 100 times more pure and

impurities. In order to do this, notes Makiniah,

safe than using the chlorination process,” explains

the water is pumped through the dual media

Makiniah. “And what is better is the fact that we

In its effort to empower the communities around

filter at a controlled pressure of 2 kg per square

are not using any chemicals, when the water can

the lodge, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge has sank a

centimetre. From the dual media filter, the water

be used for cooking or drinking.”

borehole to aid the local communities.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

17

RUGBY SEVENS

THE SHUJAA are here M

ention Kenya and throw in the key word “sports” into the sentence and images of our world-beating distance runners comes flooding to the mind.

Though rugby is not a new sport in Kenya, it has been an amateur sport that has, until recently, been the preserve of corporate and school teams. But the recent exploits of the Kenyan rugby sevens side (a limited form of the game)

For this reason, Kenya has found it tough in its

has elevated the status of the sport to new levels.

quest to break into other global sports. Football is big in Kenya, but with most Kenyans spending

For years, the national sevens side, who have been

lazy weekend afternoons following the top

nicknamed Shujaa to identify with their bravery

European leagues, Kenya’s Premier League has been the biggest casualty – yet there’s near-fanatical support for the national Harambee Stars.

This has for some years sidelined other sports in Kenya. For them, these were nothing but amateur sports. But throw in the new kid on the block and the equation changes. Kenya has a new sporting event that has swept this country.

So, what is the sport? You must be asking. Rugby. yeah, rugby.

18

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

and strong fighting spirit while on the rugby pitch,

The enthusiasm from both local and visiting

were only making, what is tantamount to, a tech-

rugby fans during the Safari Sevens is high. And

nical appearance at the International Rugby Board

when the games begin, it turns out to be one big

(IRB) World Series. This was so because when

party. Rugby fans from competing sides are seen

they faced other established teams such as rugby

hugging and kissing each other as they cheer on

powerhouse South Africa and other giants New

their favourite teams.

Zealand, Australia, England, France plus Sevens

Kenya has a new sporting event that has swept this country

specialists Fiji and Samoa, the Kenyan side was

Local and international rugby fans, some who

trounced in almost all matches. The team was

come all the way from Japan, South Africa,

only comfortable when it faced smaller rugby

England and France, all feel at home. They chant,

out in their numbers to cheer on the Kenyan side

playing nations such as the United Arab Emirates

sing and dance and share a beer and the signature

– turning it into one big party.

(UAE) and the USA to pool some points during

Kenyan delicacy nyama choma (roasted meat) as

the IRB World Series.

they soak in the rugby experience.

The Olympic dream

However, this changed as the team continued to

Global passion, global support

And while Kenya’s stature in the global rugby scene

and soon, they started causing one upset after

And as the local rugby fans lose their voices while

successfully campaigning for the inclusion of rugby

the other. The team gained in confidence and

cheering on the national sevens side, the enthu-

sevens into the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

stature so much so that it can today stare the

siasm has been infectious as Kenyans abroad

global rugby sevens powerhouses in the eye and

have charmed the local population wherever

With Kenya being one of the most successful

not blink.

the national team plays abroad. During the IRB

African teams to the Summer Games, the inclu-

World Series which kicks off every year in Dubai,

sion of the rugby sevens game is a huge shot in

Safari Sevens a sell-out

the huge Kenyan diaspora in the Emirate is on

the arm for local sports, which has had an over

hand to support the national team. This makes

reliance on track events to scoop Olympic medals.

The enthusiasm with which the Kenya sevens

the Kenyan national sevens side one of the best

rugby side plays, has been so infectious that

supported national sevens side on the IRB Sevens

Following the success of the national side, local

regional rugby derbies in Nairobi are a complete

calendar.

corporations have fallen over themselves to be

intensify its training and learn from its mistakes

sellout. And when the Rugby Football Union of

has been dramatic, Kenya has been instrumental in

associated with the teams’ success. The side is

East Africa (RFUEA) ground on Ngong Road,

The Kenyan side also enjoys massive support

currently sponsored by Kenya Airways, while

Nairobi, hosts the Safaricom Sevens, you could

when it plays in Hong Kong, Las Vegas and at

Safaricom has called in as the lead sponsor of the

be mistaken for thinking that Nairobi is hosting

London’s Twickenham stadium where there are

Kenya Safari Sevens tournament. Sarova Panafric

the Olympics.

huge populations of Kenyans and Africans come

is the official hotel of the national sevens side.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

19

Thai cuisine

S

awasdee kap. Sawasdee kha. Sabai dee reu?” (“Good evening, sir.

Good evening, madam. How have you been?”)

“

These are the greetings we receive as we pass through the giant doors that open up to a whole new world. For a minute, I think I am in the right place in the wrong city as I inhale a lungfull of the jasmine-filled air.

“I have never seen anything like this,” my dinner date says.

Savouring the experience “Wait until you get the experience,” says the very smartly dressed lady at reception as she ushers us deep inside.

of top-quality Thai cuisine in Nairobi

Nairobi, the fast-paced, bustling metropolis that is the Kenyan capital, is fast rising in stature as the undisputed regional hub for communications, manufacturing, banking, medicine, hospitality, aviation and – yes, you can say – fine dining.

Doubling as Kenya’s administrative and commercial capital, Nairobi today is not only home to more nationalities than any other city in the East and Central African region, but is at a geographical crossroads of diverse peoples and cultures,

Perched on the first floor

of

Sarova

Stanley, the Thai-Chi Restaurant is Nairobi’s best kept secret

20

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

where East meets West and South meets North.

However, the tables are distinctively Thai. The

has detailed variety. Thai cuisine, notes Katungi, is

These qualities have shaped some of the many

walls of the restaurant are decorated with teak

known and widely accepted around the world as

faces that Nairobi boasts of today, including a fast-

board markings as well as traditional Thai silk

it balances at least five fundamental tastes in every

changing culinary roster that is a true reflection

panelling. The Chiang Mai setting is not only unique

dish: hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty and bitter.

not only of Kenya’s rich cultural heritage, but also

and highly recommended for groupings of family

of its hospitable culture, which has welcomed

and friends, but is also ideal for couples, offering

Another important aspect, unique to Thai

distant and foreign cuisines to its shores.

the perfect preamble to a romantic evening. The

cuisine, is the social factor. While dining out with

waitress kneels to serve each dish, and dinner is

friends or family, there is an act of bonding as the

Fine dining restaurants are popping up in all

accompanied by candlelight and the soft sounds

guests get to eat from a variety of dishes. This

neighbourhoods across the Kenyan capital, from

of traditional Thai music playing in the background

further enhances the overall Thai cuisine experi-

Chinese to Japanese to Italian and Indian speci-

and helping to create a romantic atmosphere. This

ence for the guest.

ality restaurants, thus ensuring that the everyday

Chiang Mai setting also offers near exclusivity and

Nairobian, as well as the leisure and business

privacy from the main restaurant.

traveller transiting or staying in Nairobi, are spoilt for choice when it comes to quality food.

“For us, we did not want just a fine dining restaurant,” says Ben Katungi, food and beverage

But, towering head and shoulders above all is

manager at Sarova Stanley. “Our aim was to

the new Thai-Chi Restaurant; arguably the only

bring the authenticity of Thai cuisine, theme and

authentic Thai restaurant in East and Central

culture into the setting so that our guests, as well

Africa. Perched on the first floor of Sarova

as Nairobians, can get to sample the best in fine

Stanley, the Thai-Chi Restaurant is Nairobi’s

dining.”

best kept secret. The restaurant is a cut above its peers in the city simply because it is authentic and

But what makes the Thai-Chi restaurant truly

offers exactly what it says it does – fine dining.

authentic is not only the interior décor and Thai cultural symbols, which include the Buddha, the

Thai theme and décor

dragons, the water bodies and the typical Thai

My date and I never wanted the experience

slopping roofs with dragon-head supports; it is

to end. The service is not hurried, nor is it

Entry to the restaurant is through the Exchange Bar,

the food they serve in the restaurant that is really

delayed unnecessarily; everything seems to work

on the first floor, and, behold, a whole new world

a major attraction for many fine dining enthu-

perfectly and you lose all sense of time. You are

awaits the guest. The décor and ambience are

siasts. According to Katungi, some ingredients

simply absorbed in the entire setting. The expe-

distinctively Thai. A huge Buddhist statue watches

are imported from Thailand. This is in line with

rience we had was simply outstanding and it

as guests are ushered into the restaurant. There

the restaurant’s policy of offering authentic Thai

underlined what fine dining really is.

is also a tastefully themed waiting lounge where

cuisine that is not a blend of other cooking styles.

guests can relax while they wait for their meal.

The Thai-Chi Restaurant is open not only to According to Katungi, the restaurant employs the

guests staying at Sarova Stanley but to anyone

Entry into the main restaurant reveals a blend

services of three top-notch Thai chefs, assisted

wishing to sample Thai cuisine. The restaurant

of modern and traditional Thai styles; with the

by a team of highly trained support staff. The

opens at noon for lunch and at 7 pm for dinner. It

dining area being segmented into three levels.

menu is provided in both Thai and English and

is advisable to call ahead and reserve your table

The elevated side, on the right, is a great way to

the highly knowledgeable waiters and waitresses

to avoid disappointment, simply because many

experience Thai dining, because of the Chiang

are on hand to guide, advise and make recom-

people are queuing to sample Thai cuisine in a

Mai or sitting style adopted at the table setting.

mendations to guests.

truly Thai setting.

their meals are served on sunken dining tables.

According to Katungi, Thai cuisine places an

No wonder the Thai Ambassador in Nairobi has

The middle and left sections of the dining area

emphasis on lightly prepared dishes with strong

declared the Thai-Chi Restaurant to be the only

have the more traditional Western style of dining.

aromatic components and is balanced, healthy and

truly authentic Thai restaurant in the region.

Here, guests sit on padded floor cushions while

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

21

For

me,

the

most

gruesome – yet most exciting – challenge is the Msilima Gorges, the Kenyan version of the Grand Canyon

Tough guys – and gals –

relish the ultimate

‘survivor’ challenge

A

n irritating cracking sound from the wooden stair at my front door awakens me from my sweet, deep slumber. After driving north for more than five hours, I needed all the sleep I could get. I check my watch: it is just after seven. I cover my head with an extra pillow, but the noise gets louder. I roll over again, but no sooner do I get comfortable than new tapping sounds on the window pane disturb my sleep.

Two very innocent faces stare back at me. The

and voilà! My new friends are watching me from

baby baboons stretch their necks to peep into

the top. I have only a few seconds to stare at

my room. Their eyes move methodically from

them, however, before they jump onto the grass-

my face to the room and then back to me. I have

thatched chalet and out of sight.

never had such an experience in my life before and I could hear my heart pound with sheer

I almost dance across the room to the front door.

excitement and amazement. I slowly wave my

Impatiently, I turn the knob and yank it open. This

hand in the air, as if to say “Good morning”. But

catches a group of baby baboons by surprise.

they just sit there on the small rocks behind my

Some jump up the palms lining the pathways,

chalet, their eyes fixed on me. A few minutes ago

while others climb the staircase. With more than

I was sleepy, but now I am fully awake.

a dozen pairs of baby baboon eyes trained on me,

Half asleep, I slip out of bed and open the curtains. The bright morning sun almost blinds

I smile back to reassure them that I am only happy

NEW FRIENDS

to see them. I lift up my camera and start clicking

my fingers to catch a glimpse of the noise-makers

I think to myself, why not immortalise and freeze

baboons put on a show

that won’t let me sleep.

this moment on my camera? I turn slowly and

for me as they model and

head for my bag in the locker. I excitedly take out

pose for the camera a

Baboons

my camera and leap towards the window, only

couple of feet in the air, on

to find that the baby baboons have vanished. My

the well manicured lawns,

But when my eyes finally get accustomed to the

eyes roam the lawns in an effort to trace my new

on the electric poles and

bright light, my anger and frustration melt away

friends. Then I notice some fruit dropping from

on the staircase. This is

in an instant.

the giant palm tree behind my chalet. I look up

marvellous.

me and I have to cover my eyes and peep through

22

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

away, smiling as I capture every moment. The

Shaba Survivor

“Welcome to Born Free Country. Welcome to

the most gruesome – yet most exciting – chal-

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge,” I whisper to myself.

lenge is the Msilima Gorges, the Kenyan version of the Grand Canyon. The view from the top is

In front of my chalet, the palm trees cast giant

awesome. The gorges were named in honour of

shadows. Water lilies bask in the morning sun

Msilima Dansoye, front office supervisor at the

and stand tall from crystal-clear ponds that are

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, who tells me how

fed by natural springs within the grounds.

she completed the gruelling, energy-sapping survivor challenge through the gorges.

Adventure challenges

But what is so special about a woman completing

But while the peace and tranquillity are welcomed

the survivor challenge? She is not the first woman

by wedding and honeymooning couples, others

to do so. However, Msilima is the only woman to

are drawn to the lodge by a range of exciting yet

do so while eight months pregnant.

challenging activities. Family groups, friends and corporate entities have discovered this Jewel

“The survivor challenge is not only a very chal-

of the North and the many activities they can

lenging undertaking to participate in, but it is

undertake with a view to building stronger and

equally rewarding and exciting. So, when my

healthier family and corporate relationships.

workmates mooted the idea of doing the survivor challenge, I said to myself,

The lodge has introduced the Shaba Survivor

I will have to go,” she tells

Series – a range of activities and challenges

me. “And when I told

undertaken by competing individuals and teams.

them I was coming, they

In the process, new bonds are formed while

were dumbfounded. I was

The

existing bonds are strengthened.

eight months pregnant,

winning team is breakfast

but I wanted to under-

served in the waters of

And the challenges come fast and furious, with

take

physically

the Ewaso Nyiro River

varying degrees of difficulty, requiring a blend of

demanding activity. It was

at the end of the gorges,

tact, intelligence and teamwork. For team chal-

something my workmates

followed

lenges, the sessions begin early, before dawn.

could not fathom. They

viewing safari.

The challenge is to reach the top of a nearby hill.

had to call my husband to inform him what I was

From a distance, it looks easy: a small, rocky hill

trying to attempt, but my husband allowed me

Families staying at the lodge undertake equally

dotted with shrubs. If I told you it was easier to

to go and they agreed to come with me, though

engaging activities such as treasure hunting. The

climb Mount Kenya or Mount Kilimanjaro than

with serious reservations. But I proved them

lodge’s facilitator hides clues across the grounds

this nondescript, little hill, you would say I was

wrong when I crossed the finish line at the end

and the families must follow to get to the hidden

exaggerating. Compared with them, this little-

of the gorges, though they had to carry me and

treasure.

known Naturbi Hill is a dwarf. But attempting to

wait for me along the route,” she adds with a

reach the top will suck all the air and strength out

hearty laugh.

such

a

reward

by

for

a

the

game

It is said that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. The survivor series offers corporate teams

of you. Your legs will shake and tremble as you climb and slip, over and over again. And while

The survivor challenge embraces a series of

a perfect team-building opportunity that can be

you will be racing against your colleagues to the

activities and competitions that include mountain

undertaken after an out-of-town conference or

top, you will also be racing against the sun, which

and rock climbing. One of the competitions

brainstorming session. After participating in the

becomes more intense by the hour.

involves throwing stones and rocks across the

survivor series, the corporate teams head back to

Ewaso Nyiro River into small caves on the

work in a more motivated frame of mind. Thanks to

Climbing and descending Naturbi Hill is no

opposite side. The team with the highest number

the bonding session, they can work better as a team,

child’s play. But the fun has just begun. For me,

of hits wins.

and this makes them more productive at work.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

23

RUNNING: KENYA VS ETHIOPIA

Who is the greatest?

Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes outrun each other to earn titles

W

24

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

the world, but have attempted feats that other athletes would think twice about.

Kenya’s dominance in global athletics began at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, when

hen two bulls collide, so goes an African proverb, it’s the grass that hurts. And while this happens, expect to choke in the dust as you get entertained.

Kipchoge 'Kip’ Keino blew away the competition

Regarded as the greatest athletics nation on

In defiance of doctor’s orders, Keino enthusi-

earth, Kenya has dominated middle and long-

astically took to the track to attempt the 5,000

distance races over the past four decades. Our

metres. He crossed the finishing line behind

runners have not only been hailed as the best in

Tunisia’s Mohammed Gammoundi. But Keino

in the 1,500 metres. This despite the fact that Keino had a serious gall bladder infection that had disqualified him from the 10,000 metre race, when he collapsed with only two laps to go.

was not finished as he stepped onto the track yet

Nevertheless, Kenya has successfully defended

The race proved a tough nut to crack for 'The

again. The thirst for a gold medal was too much

the 3,000 metre steeplechase, in which it has

Lion of Addis', as Bekele is known in his native

of a temptation to resist.

won all major titles since the 1970s.

Ethiopia. The huge crowd that had descended on Mombasa Golf Course roared as they watched,

When the day came, the cattle herder from the

The growing rivalry between the two nations

on giant television screens, the mighty Ethiopian

hills of Nandi could hardly contain his burning

spilled over onto the streets of world capitals

athlete throw his arms in the air in frustration.

determination. Held up in a traffic jam on his way

in the races which culminated in Gabresselasie

from the hotel to the stadium, he jumped out of

going to Berlin to attack the world record set by

the car and ran two kilometres to the stadium to

Tergat in 2003. Gabresselasie was able to shave

take part in the 1,500 metres.

a few seconds off the Kenyan record.

determined

To rub salt into Kenyan wounds, Ethiopian

When the starter fired the gun, many expected

every major meeting. When Mombasa won

him to burn out as he had done during the 10,000

the rights to host the 35th IAAF World Cross

metres, but he was so determined to clinch the

Country Championships in March 2007, Kenya

gold medal that he smashed the Olympic record,

saw this as an opportunity to redeem itself.

athletes floored the Kenyan athletes at almost

coming only a few seconds short of breaking the world record.

backyard

Since that summer afternoon in Mexico City, Kenya

But when Bekele, who has taken Gabresselasie’s

has been the dominant force in world athletics. Its

mantle, announced that he would participate

athletes have not only made mincemeat of their

in the championships just two weeks before

competitors but have broken all records. This has

they began, Kenyans were not only infuriated,

produced a huge pool of talent such as John Ngugi

but saw this as a sign that Ethiopian athletes

and Paul Tergat, with 10 consecutive world cross-

were preparing to humiliate them in their

country championship titles between them.

own backyard. It was a do-or-die affair for the

no other country in the world has dominated middle and long distance races like Kenya

Kenyans. Losing to the Ethiopians in foreign But it was the entry of the Ethiopian runner

capitals was easier to accept, but tasting the

Along with hundreds of journalists from across

Haile Gabresselasie that changed the equation

dust on home soil was something they could not

the world, including Ethiopian sports writers

for Kenya. Gabresselasie was instrumental in

stomach. Looking at the strong Ethiopian team

and athletics officials, I was in the Media Centre

nurturing a new breed of high-flying middle and

that had landed in Mombasa, however, defeat for

watching the drama unfold. While almost

long distance athletes such as Kenenisa Bekele

the Kenyans seemed inevitable.

everyone else shouted for joy when a frustrated Bekele quit the race, the Ethiopian journalists and

and Tirunesh Dibaba.

When the races began, the tension among the

delegation burst into tears of disbelief.

The Ethiopians gained in stature to become an

30,000-strong crowd was palpable. Would

immediate threat to Kenya’s dominance. Their

Kenya lose to the great Ethiopians? Would

Kenyans did not care who won as Zersenay

strength and quality was displayed at the Atlanta

Bekele improve on his five consecutive wins in

Tardese from Eritrea raced to the finish line. For

Games in 1996 when Gabresselasie beat Tergat

the men’s 12 km and go one better than the two

the Kenyans, it was enough to win the team title

to take gold in a pulsating 10,000 metres. It

great Kenyan cross-country runners, Tergat and

and prove that the Ethiopians could not beat

happened again four years later in Sydney, further

Ngugi? Questions like these were in everyone’s

them on home soil. The rivalry between these

heightening the dominance of Ethiopian athletes,

mind when the last race of the day, the men’s 12

two neighbours is far from over as they continue

who went on to break almost every record that

km, was finally flagged off in the scorching heat

to recruit new and young athletes – not only to

the Kenyan athletes had broken.

of Mombasa.

take on the world, but to take on each other.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

25

26

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Flamingo fiesta

Fabulous spectacle as flamingos perform their

A

pink ribbon forms along the edges of the alkaline lake. A giant male rhino strolls lazily along the shoreline before rolling his big frame in the damp black soil to scratch his back against the hard surface as well as to wash off the irritating ticks that suck blood through his thick hard skin. A herd of buffalo watch from a distance, then slowly move closer, lingering on the edges of the water. With their eyes trained on the lake, they are oblivious to those of us watching the spectacle with them. Clearly, the animals are mesmerised by today’s activities.

dazzling performance happens only once a year – and sometimes not for several years due to prolonged drought – makes it all the more special.

It is an open-air theatre with several thousand performers; and the world is invited to watch.

We have the front-row seats as a dazzling mix of shades and colours come to life under the golden rays of the morning sun. This is an orchestrated masterpiece that only mother nature can perform.

Kenya has experienced one of its best years and the rains have come after a prolonged spell of drought.

The alkaline waters of Lake Nakuru have increased thanks to the rains. At this time of year they are rich

For a moment, nothing else seems to exist

in nutrients and the blue-green algae have blos-

in the world as man and beast stand side by

somed. The flamingos are here in their thousands,

side on the shoreline to watch one of the most

squawking and splashing in great excitement as they

thrilling performances in nature. The fact that this

savour the bountiful harvest. This year, it seems,

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

27

Flamingo fiesta

rains come and stop, the water pH

for their nestling. Beauty lies in the eye of the

is balanced. The blue-green algae

beholder, but it is not easy to determine what

flourish at these pH levels, just below

the females look for in a male. They surely look

the water surface, turning the waters

gracious in posture and their body movements

close to the shore into a rich algal

talk of strength and great health while their light-

broth that the flamingos can feast on.

pink colours and bright eyes that twinkle in the morning sun are bound to make any female fall in

Flamingos are filter feeders. The

love. Soon, the females spot their mates and they

lesser flamingos, in spite of their small

swim next to the lucky male.

size, are by far the greatest feeders.

Flamingos have tiny bristles in their

This heightens the dance performance as it

bills that they use to capture their

crescendos into a twosome that is out of this

prey from under the water. Lesser

world. With the ‘music’ playing, it gets very inter-

flamingos have the most, and finest,

esting when the male and female pairings join

the gods have remembered them and provided

filaments in their bills. At speeds of up to 20 times

into the mating dance. They nod and pop their

food in plenty. It is only a few months ago that the

a second, the flamingo’s piston-like tongue draws

heads up and down in rhythm before suddenly

lake’s flamingo population was almost decimated

water into the bill and forces it backwards to the

dipping their heads into the salty waters and

as a result of the prolonged drought endured by

filaments. This enables the lesser flamingos to eat

then popping them out again after a few seconds

Kenya over the past three years. Human activity in

really fast, consuming up to half a pound of the

in unison. The dance goes on in circles in the

the Mau Forest complex has aggravated the situa-

algal soup in a single day.

waters as male and female form a bond and are

tion as the rivers flowing from the forest into the lake were reduced to a trickle.

ready to mate.

With a population of over 1.5 million, the lesser flamingos are smaller than the greater flamingos,

Once the bond has been established, it signals

However, the skies have finally opened and the

which number about 300,000. And it is the

the start of the mating season. The birds take

flamingos are back in Lake Nakuru, their natural

bright pink colours of the lesser flamingos that

flight as male and female head south, flying side

feeding habitat. But while they feed on the

bring the shoreline to life when the mating dance,

by side. Once they land at Lake Natron, about

blue-green algae found in abundance in the lake

arguably the world’s best natural dance perform-

140 miles south of Lake Nakuru, the mating

waters, the lake plays another critical role in the

ance, occurs.

dance is continued, though for only a short time

development of the flamingo population.

Joseph Dadacha, deputy senior warden at the

until the female is ready to be mounted.

movement

The mating occurs and the male and female

national park, says the lake is a key factor in the

The males nod their heads and pop them up and

flamingos will call Lake Natron home for about

breeding process of the flamingos.

down rhythmically, as if dancing to some melodious

three months, at which time the new nestling is

tune that only they can hear and understand. Their

able to make its maiden flight across the border

“Immediately after the long rains, the waters that

body posture and movement is clearly meant to

and into Lake Nakuru, just in time for the short

wash into the lake provide a conducive environ-

attract the attention of a female and is highly indica-

rains in Kenya.

ment for the blue-green algae to flourish. This

tive of their strength and eagerness to sire a nestling.

means an abundance of food for the flamingos,”

But while the movement of their heads and bodies

says Dadacha. “The flamingos are therefore full

is well orchestrated and performed in unison, each

of energy due to the abundance of food and this

individual male is trying to outdo the other so as to

is the right time for them to mate.”

attract the attention of a ready female.

The blue-green algae thrive at certain water pH

The females watch from a distance, not only

levels. When it is very dry, the water pH level

delighting in the display of dance unfolding

in the lake rises and vice versa. But when the

before them, but looking out for a suitable father

Once the bond has been established, it signals the start of the mating season

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

29

fl ig�t �� ���

BIRDWATcHING IS A

AT LAKE NAKURU

i

wake up to the melodious chirping of birds. i take in a lungfull of fresh air as i step out of my room to enjoy the morning sun and feast my eyes on the amazing landscape. to my right is a wide, empty space with a background of many trees fading into the horizon. the foreground is dotted with thorny acacia trees. to my left is a rocky hill covered in shrubs and tall grass.

tranquillity wraps around me like a comforting blanket. The wilderness not only gives me a feeling of exclusivity, away from the bustle of everyday life, but builds a wild excitement in my heart. Like the pink birds on the lake, my emotions take flight.

“Welcome to the Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge,” says the friendly voice of Ken Korir, the lodge manager.

In the middle is a spectacle that makes me hold my breath. The blue waters of the alkaline lake,

Ken informs me that this is the best time to visit

a couple of hundred metres away, come to life

the lodge. The weather patterns are excellent,

with a pink ribbon of flamingos near the shore-

fairly warm, and the flamingos are here in their

line. From the hills behind, the golden rays of the

millions.

morning sun light up the waters below.

“The area is quite green and the lake is full of

30

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

All around me is life and energy. I am lost in my

life again, thanks to the long rains that we just

own thoughts as the atmosphere of peace and

experienced, and there is plenty to see and do

LAKE NAKURU at this time of the year,” he says. “The wildebeest

The national park is easily accessible, being

afternoon game drives because he knows the

migration is just starting in the Maasai Mara – and

situated less than 180 km west of Nairobi. The

terrain and is almost certain where the lions can

what a spectacle it is, to combine it with a visit to

tarmac road was recently upgraded. The park

be spotted.

the Lake Nakuru National Park.”

can also be accessed via Naishi Airstrip, located within its boundaries.

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is one of only two

Nestling in the foothills of Lion Hill, the lodge offers a quiet getaway for those in search of

game lodges situated within Lake Nakuru National

Today, the park is one of the most successful

peace and tranquillity in a wild location where

Park. The lodge has 67 ground-level rooms that

rhino breeding sanctuaries in Africa and is home

nature and the modern world interconnect in

cascade on four levels across the Lion Hill. They

to the endangered white rhino and black rhino.

comprise 46 superior rooms, 18 deluxe rooms

The natural environment is favourable and tight

and three suites that open into a spacious living

security is maintained within the park. The Kenya

room, a huge bedroom and a sunken bathtub.

Wildlife Service (KWS) manages and protects the park and its wildlife on behalf of the government.

unforgettable

For security reasons, the KWS does not publish details of the park’s rhino population.

Here, guests have one of the best views in the park while enjoying an unforgettable safari expe-

According to Ken, many local and international

rience and absorbing the wonders of nature all

tourists come to the park not only to enjoy the

around. The rooms are devoid of television sets,

pink flamingo ‘fiesta’ but also to view the more

telephones or an internet connection – a delib-

than 450 other bird species that can be found

erate effort that allows the visitor to live wild and

within its boundaries.

forget about everyday city life. Here, true relaxation is guaranteed.

Located on the southern outskirts of Nakuru

perfect harmony. Betty Chepkwony, the guest relations officer at the lodge, explains that the

“Birdwatchers love the park and it is possible to

hills have caves where a pride of lions spend their

spot up to 100 different bird species within one

day before coming out to hunt at sunset.

hour,” he says.

county, Lake Nakuru National Park is by any standards a birdwatcher’s paradise. The park has

The blue waters of the alkaline lake come to life with a pink ribbon of flamingos

While sunrise from behind the hills at the lodge

knowledge

is a breathtaking sight, the sunsets are even more

a Ramsar site. Owing to its small size (about 200

A man with a very high degree of knowledge

the western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley.

sq km), the park has a high density of wildlife and

about the park is David Ole Naso, resident natu-

visitors will not struggle to view game such as

ralist at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge. David takes

And as the tropical daylight is replaced by dark

buffalo and the endangered rhino.

lodge visitors on birdwatching walks around the

skies, the terraces behind the Rift Valley bar at

grounds. A member of the Njemps, a sub-tribe of

the lodge are illuminated by a bonfire. Its flames

the Maasai community from Il Ng’arua, he has a

dance in the air as a cool breeze from the lake

deep understanding of the various bird species in

sweeps past and up into the hills.

been designated an International Bird Area and is

spectacular as the golden rays slowly dip behind

the park that he has developed since childhood.

Coming from a community that has co-existed

Soon, the air is filled with the beat of African

peacefully with wild game, David is at home in

drums as a troupe of dancers make their way onto

the national park and is the best guide to spotting

the main terrace, ululating and chanting traditional

a rare bird here and a migratory bird there.

songs to celebrate a good harvest. With the night still young, various guests are enticed on to the

David can identify a bird by listening keenly to its

dance floor by the infectious rhythm of the music.

song high above the trees. To draw the attention of rare birds, David whistles in the air, chirruping

The nightly entertainment lasts about an hour

like the birds themselves. As well as being a bird

and then guests are ushered into the restaurant,

expert, David is invaluable on the morning and

with its African theme, for a buffet dinner.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

31

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

For an exclusive wildlife experience

small is

beautiful F

or an exclusive safari experience away from the crowds and main tourist trails, Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary offers the perfect location for visitors who appreciate sustainable game viewing in a well managed and animal-friendly environment.

I meet with a family in the tunnel at Sarova Salt

and water. Intensive farmland is all around the

Lick Game Lodge. They are from Newcastle,

sanctuary, and some fences have been erected

England, on their first trip to Africa and this is the

to protect the crops from buffalo and elephant

first time they are seeing wild game from close

damage, thus supporting the local communities.

range. Their teenage son and daughter are so overjoyed watching the large buffalo herd drink from the water pan. They are incredibly excited

Conservation

Established in 1972 and still privately owned, the

that at the Taita Wildlife Sanctuary, there is an

Respect and conservation of animals are a

sanctuary covers just 110 sq km – relatively small

abundance of wild game.

priority at Taita Hills. Visitors are asked to comply

compared with the neighbouring Tsavo National

with regulations to protect the environment.

Parks. However, the quality and quantity of

The craggy hills and natural beauty of the sanc-

Off-road driving is not permitted and some parts

animals at Taita Hills is impressive and the sanctu-

tuary are a fine backdrop to the abundant wildlife.

of the sanctuary are closed to vehicles, providing

ary’s small size makes it easy to spot the animals.

Home to three lion prides and a thriving elephant

a haven for shyer species. The sanctuary has an

population, Taita Hills is teeming with zebra,

extensive network of good roads. The 30 mph

hartebeest, Grant’s gazelle and eland which,

speed limit must be observed at all times on

in turn, attract leopard and cheetah. The sanc-

safari.

tuary also boasts of crocodiles that complete the overall safari experience. Other wild game such

More than 300 bird species have been recorded

as hippos and rhinos will soon make an appear-

in Taita Hills, which is a highly popular destination

ance.

for birdwatchers. The prolific birdlife includes resident species such as the southern banded

32

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

The sanctuary is mostly unfenced, which means

snake-eagle, Abbott’s starling and the extremely

that animal numbers tend to fluctuate throughout

rare Taita Falcon, which is recorded in early

the year according to the availability of food

Egyptian hieroglyphics.

The craggy hills and natural

beauty

of

the sanctuary are a fine backdrop to the abundant wildlife

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

33

The Stately Chef

SAROVA STANLEY chef reveals his

recipe for success C

ommanding an army is no easy task. Commanding an army while cooking and catering the best food is even more difficult. But commanding an army while, at the same time, cooking and catering for the commander-in-chief of the armed forces is an even more challenging task that is better left to those with a thick skin who can handle the heat in the kitchen.

These are the words of Godfrey Ouda, executive

“The pressure is unrelenting, the pace is fast and

Godfrey started as a steward, washing dishes

furious, the heat is enormous, the hours are

and mopping the floor. But a curious mind has

incredibly long; but at the end of the day, what is

helped him rise from menial tasks in the kitchen

on the table is the best – the product of a well-

to preparing dishes for the President of Kenya

oiled machine that revolves on perfection, no

and visiting heads of state.

matter the challenge.”

34

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

chef at Sarova Stanley, arguably the most prestigious business hotel in Nairobi. He goes on: “The food has to be served at the right temperature. If it is too high, then it is too high, if it is too low, then it is too low. Everything has to be procedurally right because we are the brigade and a brigade never makes mistakes.”

Right: Godfrey Ouda, executive chef at Sarova Stanley Above: A dish from the new Thai-Chi Restaurant at Sarova Stanley

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

35

At a time when the only chefs in Kenya were expatriates, the best description of a hotel in Godfrey’s own words were the ‘kiosk’ tin shacks in his village. The fact that these people were making a decent income out of cooking fuelled his determination to learn and succeed. Godfrey learned quickly, rising to executive chef at the age of 26. So determined was he to learn the culinary art that on three occasions he stepped down from the position of executive chef to that of chef de partie with the sole aim of becoming a better chef.

Under the tutelage of Rolf Smidt, his mentor at the Horseman Restaurant in Nairobi, this village boy has risen through the ranks to cook for presidents and royalty.

In the following excerpts, Godfrey talks to Sarova Spotlight contributing editor Denis Gathanju about what goes on in the kitchen.

Denis Gathanju: What is the brigade?

Godfrey Ouda: The brigade is the backroom team that works so hard in the kitchen to ensure that our clients taste only the best food when they walk through the doors at Sarova Stanley.

It is an efficient team that includes about 80 chefs dedicated to serving the best meals and providing an unrivalled outside catering service that is second to none. Our chefs function as a close-knit team with the efficiency and precision of an army unit and that is why we are called the brigade.

You simply have to work as a team in the kitchen.

You have to soldier on. There is no room for failure, as the consequences will most definitely leave a foul taste in the mouths of your clients.

DG: What makes you, and the brigade under your command, so successful?

36

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

The Stately Chef

GO: For me, I just do not get in the kitchen and

presidential functions. However, the presidential

In such situations, you have to gain the respect of

cook. No. And none of the chefs in the kitchen

detail liked what we were serving and we have

every chef in the kitchen lest you end up doing

will do that. We follow procedures. You must do

been catering presidential functions since January

everything yourself and serve a not-so-pleasant

everything procedurally right. Once that is done,

this year.

plate for the guests.

DG: Are you under pressure, knowing that the

The second situation is when I had to monitor

food you are serving will be eaten by the Presi-

and supervise two high-level functions which

dent of Kenya and other distinguished delegates?

were happening at the same time in two different

the standards we have set for ourselves so as to

GO: The pressure is there, make no mistake

tial delegation in Kampala, Uganda. At the same

ensure client satisfaction.

about it. But this is what I love doing. This is our

time, we had a corporate function at the Kenyatta

passion and we have got to do it to the very best

International Conference Centre. I was always

We have been doing this for a long time and we

of our abilities. For us, our focus is not on who is

on the phone with my team in Nairobi, issuing

have not had anybody complain of what we serve

eating our food, but on the quality of our food.

instructions and directions on what ought to be

on the plate.

Is the food delicious? Are the tastes great and

done, where and when.

then you cannot go wrong in the kitchen. There is no other way.

This way, our chefs are able to work fast without

cities in two countries. I was with the presiden-

compromising on the quality of the food and

natural? Is the spicing right? Are the food temperDG: Sarova Stanley outside catering team is

atures right for service? These are the factors that

The best part is that my team is fully capable and

regarded as the best in the business. How have

guide our cooking.

I have learned to delegate and I trust my team 100 per cent.

you been able to overcome the challenges that you and your team continue to face?

And you know you have done a great job when a person comes over and pats you on the back

GO: Nobody plans a function or ceremony to

for a quality meal. There was the time a presi-

fail. We always have to keep that into perspective

dential security guard came over to me, after he

when we are doing outside catering, be it for a

had tasted a Lamu sauce that I had prepared, and

presidential function or a corporate client.

said: “I have never eaten that sauce before, it was very delicious.�

But one of the most challenging aspects of outside catering is the fact that we are not working from

Such comments are very motivating and encour-

the comfort of our kitchens. Though every-

aging for the team, but you know you cannot rest

thing is prepared in the kitchen, service and last

on your laurels.

DG: Have you ever come to a situation where the pressure and heat were just too much and

touches are done at the venue, where all manner of challenges await the team.

you know you have done a great job when a person comes over and pats you on the back

DG: Since taking over as the official presidential

you thought you could not take it any more?

caterers, what has been the most challenging However, we are fortunate to have a state-of-

event?

I was cooking rice and it was time to serve, but

the-art outside catering van, branded Kitchens of Sarova, which has really helped complement

GO: Actually there are two.

I had put in too much water and it got soggy. It could not be served in its state. The waiters were

what we do in the kitchen to ensure that the food we serve our guests is the best anywhere.

GO: Yes‌. [Laughs heartily]. There was a time

The first was in Arusha, where regional heads

calling out for the order and the guests were

of state and government had gathered for an

becoming impatient. I almost walked out of the

DG: Sarova Stanley is the official caterer for presi-

East African Community meeting. I went alone,

kitchen in frustration. As the executive chef, you

dential functions. Explain how this came to be.

without the team that I am used to working with.

are in command of other chefs who are looking

This was new ground for me because I had to

up to you for direction. If you panic, they will panic

GO: First, we were asked to make some meals

get to the command of other chefs, whom I had

and the service will be affected. I soon gathered

for a presidential function. This we did as part

never worked with before. The menu was also

my composure and quickly cooked some more

of another team that was involved in catering for

diverse and the delegations were really huge.

rice and we were able to pull it off.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

37

SAROVA HOTELS & LODGES INDEX CENTRAL RESERVATIONS Tel: +254 (0)20 276 7000; 271 4444 Fax: +254 (0)20 271 5566 Email: centralreservations@sarovahotels.com

SAROVA LOYALTY PROGRAM SAROVA ZAWADI Tel: +254 (0)20 276 7440/276 7421 Fax: +254 (0)20 271 5566 Email: sarovazawadi@sarovahotels.com

Sarova Stanley, NAIROBI

OVERSEAS GENERAL SALES AGENTS

Tel: +254 (0)20 275 7000; 316 377 Fax: +254 (0)20 222 9388; 224 9757 Email: thestanley@sarovahotels.com

USA

SAROVA PANAFRIC, NAIROBI Tel: +254 (0)20 271 4444; 272 0802 Fax: +254 (0)20 272 6356 Email: panafric@sarovahotels.com

SAROVA WHITESANDS BEACH RESORT & SPA, MOMBASA Tel: +254 (0)41 212 8000 Fax: +254 (0)41 548 5652; 548 6536 Email: reservation@sarovahotels.com

SAROVA LION HILL GAME LODGE Tel: +254 (0)51 852 288; 850 238 Fax: +254 (0)51 221 0836

SAROVA MARA GAME CAMP Tel: +254 (0)50 22 386; 22 194 Mobile: +254 (0)773 610 405 Fax: +254 (0)50 22 371

SAROVA SHABA GAME LODGE Tel: +254 (0)64 32 030; 30 638 Mobile: +254 (0)728 603 590 Fax: +254 (0)20 271 5566

SAROVA TAITA HILLS GAME LODGE Tel: +254 (0)43 30 540; 31 271 Mobile: +254 728 608 765 Fax: +254 43 30 007

Henry Kartagener Kartagener Associates Inc 631 Commack Road, Suite 1A Commack, NY 11725 Tel: +1 631 858-1270 or Toll-Free Number: (800) 524-7979 Fax: +1 631 585-1279 Email: henry@kainyc.com UK Dendy Walwyn Market Places 12 Pummery Square, Poundbury Dorchester, Dorset DT1 3GW Tel: +44 (0)1305 751510 Fax: +44 (0)1305 751511 Email: sales@marketplaces.co.uk SOUTH AFRICA Anita Vernes Southern Spoor Marketing PO Box 691 Witkoppen 2068 South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 4695082/3 Fax.:+27 (0)11 4695086 Email: anita@southernspoor.co.za GERMANY Harald Alber Herzog HC GmbH Friesstrasse 3 60388 Frankfurt Germany Tel: +49 69 420890 22 (direct) Fax.:+49 69 420890 27 Email: harald.alber@herzog-hc.de FR ANCE Fanny Van Lierde Interface Tourism 11 bis rue Blanche - 75009 Paris, France Tel: +33 (0)1 53251111 Fax:+33 (0)1 53251112 Email: sarovahotels@interfacetourism.com INDIA

SAROVA SALT LICK GAME LODGE Tel: +254 (0)43 30 270; 30 243 Fax: +254 (0)43 30 007

38

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Ankush Nijhawan Nijahawan Group of Companies E77, South Extension New Delhi 110 049 Tel: +91 11 4134 9448 Email: ankush@nijhawangroup.org

SUDAN

ETHIOPIA

Lake Turkana

Malka Mari National Reserve

Sibiloi National Park

Chalbi Desert

Lodwar

Moyale Marsabit

Marsabit National Reserve Marsabit National Park

UGANDA

South Turkana National Reserve

KENYA

Kapchorwa Mt. Elgon Kitale Kampala

Jinja

Losai National Reserve

SOMALIA 6

Samburu National Reserve

Baringo

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Eldoret

Shaba National Park

Isiolo

Kakamega

Mount Kenya National Park

Nakuru

Kisumu

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Victoria Masai Mara National Reserve

5

4

Aberdare National Park

Bisinadi National Reserve

Meru National Park

Rahole National Reserve

Rahole National Reserve

Mt. Kenya

Garissa

Nyeri

1 2

Arawale National Reserve

NAIROBI

Nairobi National Park

Tana River Primate National Reserve Amboseli National Park

1. Sarova Stanley, NAIROBI

Wajir

Dodori National Reserve

Witu

Tsavo East National Park Chyulu National Park

Boni National Reserve

Lamu Kipini Ungama Bay

Kilimanjaro

2. SAROVA PANAFRIC, NAIROBI 3. SAROVA WHITESANDS BEACH RESORT & SPA, MOMBASA

Mt. Meru

Tsavo West National Park

4. SAROVA LION HILL GAME LODGE 5. SAROVA MAR A GAME CAMP 6. SAROVA SHABA GAME LODGE 7. SAROVA TAITA HILLS GAME LODGE 8. SAROVA SALT LICK GAME LODGE

7 8

TANZANIA

3

Malindi Watamu Kilifi

MOMBASA

INDIAN OCEAN

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Pemba I.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

39

WhERE VicTORiAN ELEGANcE mEETS AfRicAN hOSpiTALiTY close your eyes and imagine walking into a world of Victorian elegance; a world where the ancient and modern world blend seamlessly; where excellence has been the hallmark, a tradition that has been passed on for over 100 years. Now open your eyes, because you are at Sarova Stanley.

peace Laureate professor Wangari maathai. Everyone finds a special place at Sarova Stanley. The hotel enjoys a prime location within walking distance of major government ministries and businesses including the Nairobi Stock Exchange as well as tourist attractions in the city.

Since it opened its doors to the world in 1902, at a time when Nairobi was just a small railway outpost, Sarova Stanley has witnessed the progressive development of the city and has been tried and tested over its long history as the best hotel in Kenya.

While remaining true to its rich Victorian heritage, Sarova Stanley has continued to set standards with a strong emphasis on excellence in customer service; towering head and shoulders in terms of product development and innovation while remaining true to its African heritage.

AMENITIES

Located in the heart of Nairobi, Sarova Stanley has evolved over the years from being the only luxury hotel in the 20th century to being the best hotel in Kenya in the 21st century. choosing to stay at this landmark hotel, one joins a long list of respected leaders and icons of the past and present who have enjoyed African hospitality. These include the novelist Ernest hemingway, who penned some of his masterpieces from his hotel bedroom. The hotel has also hosted presidents, film stars and also the Nobel

40

SaROVa SPOTlIGhT

The Exchange Bar is regarded as the home of the Nairobi Stock Exchange. This spacious bar has a giant screen where data from the NSE is streamed live. The NSE is housed at Nation centre, a stone’s throw from Sarova Stanley.

The fifth-floor health club is open to guests and outsiders. it comes with a fully equipped gym, sauna and steam bath and massage beds. The pool is also located on this floor.

The open-to-the-street Thorn Tree Restaurant is an historic Nairobi landmark where friends and family still post notes and ‘letters’ under the thorn tree. The al fresco deck restaurant on the fifth floor serves buffets and salads and Tandoori specialities. The new Thai-chi Restaurant on the first floor is regarded as Nairobi’s best fine dining restaurant for Thai cuisine. it is the only authentic Thai restaurant of its kind in East and central Africa.

ACCOMMODATION Sarova Stanley has 217 individually air conditioned rooms on eight floors. These include: 1 Presidential suite 1 Penthouse 2 Courier single beds 16 Executive suites, 3 junior suites and 2 state suites 32 Club rooms 160 Deluxe rooms

The hotel has nine meeting and conference halls including a 227 square metre ballroom and provides free Wi-fi internet access to hotel guests.

SAROVA pANAfRic iS pAN-AfRicAN perched on a small hill overlooking the city of Nairobi is the Sarova panafric, a four-star city property that towers high above similar hotels in the city. its location in a quiet neighbourhood, a short walk from central Nairobi, is a big plus for leisure tourists making a stop-over to or from the safari circuit. its tranquillity is also enjoyed by business travellers staying in Nairobi who would like a quiet evening as they work from their hotel or relax in the evening after a hectic business day.

The hotel is named in honour of the pan African movement, which was championed by African independence heroes such as the late mzee Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya and the late Kwame Nkurumah of Ghana. it was officially opened by then Kenyan president Jomo Kenyatta in 1965 at the height of the pan African movement.

Leisurely meals can be enjoyed at the warm and lively flame Tree Restaurant, once a watering hole for freedom fighters, spies and foreign correspondents and named after the flame tree that holds pride of place in the gardens.

STATE-OF-THE-ART Sarova panafric offers state-of-the-art banqueting and conferencing facilities with a range of meeting and function rooms equipped with the latest audio visual and Wi-fi equipment. To wind up the day, guests can take a dip in the pool or go for a leisurely massage – or simply enjoy a cool drink to the soothing sounds of Africa’s rhythm.

ACCOMMODATION The Sarova Panafric has newly refurbished rooms and suites with separate air conditioning in every room. The spacious rooms are arranged on six storeys and include: 4 executive suites 2 rooms for the physically challenged 13 club including 3 twin and 10 double 69 superior including 14 twin and 55 double 71 standard rooms including 65 twin and 6 double rooms.

Sarova Panafric also has fully serviced apartments including 30 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom apartments.

SaROVa SPOTlIGhT

41

RELAX, YOu’RE AT SAROVA WhiTESANDS BEAch RESORT & SpA Boasting the longest beach front and being one of the largest and most luxurious hotels on the Kenyan coast is the popular Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, located in the popular north coast resort area, less than 20 km from mombasa.

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa is the epitome of luxury on the Kenyan coast. As well as providing a host of deeply relaxing activities for leisure travellers, it caters for business travellers during the day and helps them relax and unwind in the evening. The hotel has one of the most developed health spas on the Kenyan coast, guaranteeing the ultimate in relaxation for both leisure and business travellers.

The Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa has created a unique niche for itself as a location for beach weddings, honeymoons and wedding receptions at the coast. its long beach frontage, beautifully manicured green lawns, spacious ballroom and large pool play into the bigger picture of a truly successful wedding and honeymoon location.

This beach resort has some of the best conference facilities on the north coast and has hosted various high-level meetings and conferences. These have included an international conference by the Swedish-based cosmetic maker Oriflame which brought

42

SaROVa SPOTlIGhT

together more than 3,000 participants. The conference rooms include the makutano, fahari and Baraza halls, all of which are equipped with the latest audio visual equipment and LcD projectors. The resort has a wide range of restaurants and bars. These include the pavilion i and ii restaurants, accommodating up to 680 people at a sitting. Buffet breakfasts, lunches and themed dinners are served here. The mnazi café is open 24 hours a day and serves mouth-watering snacks and a children’s menu.

The Lido Seafood Grill, overlooking the pool, is the resort’s fine dining restaurant. With a capacity of up to 45 people, the restaurant serves some of the finest seafood menus on Bamburi Beach and is open every day except mondays. cocos Beach Bar is a favourite with guests. This open-air bar is sandwiched between palm trees overlooking the indian Ocean.

The Tulia health Bar serves health meals, fresh juices and salads.

The Tulia Spa, arguably one of the best health spas on the north coast, offers the leisure and business traveller a wide range of therapies to relax the mind, body and soul. Among the therapies on offer are Ayurvedic, Western and Oriental. Therapists can also tailor a spa experience to suit the individual needs of the guest or couple staying at the resort on their honeymoon.

ACCOMMODATION Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa is arguably one of the largest beach resorts on the Kenyan coast. The resort has a total of 338 rooms, spread over three storeys, including: 2 Presidential suites 3 Rooms for the physically handicapped 6 Executive suites 3 Premier suites 66 Palm rooms 125 Seafront rooms 133 Standard rooms.

All rooms have a complimentary coffee and tea making facility. They also have a private balcony opening to the sea or with a pool view.

EXpERiENcE ThE miGRATiON iN ThE mARA As one of the seven wonders of the natural world, where the largest wildlife migration is recorded annually, the famous masai mara National Reserve captures the imagination of every nature lover. Boasting a wildlife density and diversity like no other game reserve in Kenya, the masai mara is the epitome of a bush safari in Africa.

Africa. The biggest attraction, of course, is the wildebeest migration, which takes place every year between August and October.

The commotion that occurs as the wildebeest and large herds of zebra and gazelle cross the treacherous waters of the mara River, to the delight of the hungry crocodiles in the earth-coloured waters, is an impressive experience, to say the least.

When you combine the true spirit of an African safari with the refreshingly African hospitality enjoyed at the Sarova mara Game camp, you have a winner; because the Sarova mara Game camp offers not only wild safari excitement, but also front-row seats to the greatest show of all – the wildebeest migration. And what a spectacle that is.

ACTIVITIES

The camp is located deep inside the masai mara National Reserve, about five hours from Nairobi by road and a short 40-minute hop by plane. The camp is set on an elevation surrounded by two streams and is uniquely laid out over the sprawling grounds, which include rolling, manicured greens, a virtual mini forest of indigenous shrubs and exotic trees, a large pond stocked with fish, a bird sanctuary and an authentic maasai village adjoining the camp, all guaranteed to enhance the overall guest experience of

The camp also provides delightful bush dinners, breakfasts and lunches at numerous spots across the game reserve. it is a preferred destination for bush weddings and honeymoons.

ACCOMMODATION The camp has 20 Club tents, 51 standard tents, two family tents, a main restaurant, a bar and many bush dining options. The free-form swimming pool has its own pool bar.

The camp offers morning and afternoon safaris in the game reserve, where wild animals can be seen in their natural habitat.

The camp has an excellent eet of safari vehicles and deeply knowledgeable guides.

SaROVa SPOTlIGhT 43

WATch ThE fLAmiNGO DANcE iN NAKuRu Sitting on an isolated hill in the scenic Lake Nakuru National park, the Sarova Lion hill Game Lodge offers the ultimate weekend and holiday getaway. its location just a few kilometres from Nakuru and about two hours’ drive from Nairobi makes it an ideal family getaway location guaranteeing ultimate relaxation.

Thanks to its position, The Sarova Lion hill Game Lodge enjoys a spectacular view of the pink-ringed, alkaline waters of Lake Nakuru. Guests have an unobstructed view of the lake from the balconies of their chalets, arranged on four levels up the hill. The Sarova Lion hill Game Lodge is one of only two game lodges inside the Lake Nakuru National park.

Lake Nakuru National park is a birdwatchers’ paradise. The park is home to over 450 bird species and it is possible to spot up to 100 different bird species within one hour. Sarova Lion hill Game Lodge employs the services of David ole Naso, a maasai with deep knowledge of the resident and migratory birds within the park. David is a talented guide who takes guests on informative nature walks around the lodge.

Lake Nakuru National park is home to the world’s largest flamingo population. The flamingos come to feed on the lake’s algae-rich alkaline waters. Every year, immediately after the long

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rains, the famous mating dance, a well orchestrated routine conducted by the lesser flamingos, is worth watching.

As well as a birding haven, Lake Nakuru National park is a successful rhino breeding sanctuary with large numbers of endangered white and black rhinos. Owing to the park’s small size, it is easy to spot game.

ACTIVITIES Sarova Lion hill Game Lodge organises a range of activities within the grounds of the lodge and in the park. These include: • cultural dances each evening round a bonfire

ACCOMMODATION 67 Ground-floor chalets spread across four levels on the gently sloping Lion Hill.

46 Superior rooms 18 Deluxe rooms 3 Suites

• Bush breakfasts and off-site sundowner cocktails.

• morning and afternoon game drives

AMENITIES

• Animation programmes for children

• Two conference halls with overhead and LcD projector

• Nature and birdwatching walks in the lodge grounds

• flamingo Restaurant serving breakfasts, lunches and dinners

• Tree planting programmes as part of conservation efforts by the property in collaboration with various agencies including the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)

• Rift Valley Bar

• Bush weddings and honeymoons

• massage tent overlooking the lake.

A uNiQuE DESiGN iN A mAGicAL SETTiNG Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge, 7 km from the Sarova Taita hills Game Lodge, features a unique architectural design and style.

The entire property is built above ground, yet it conforms to the traditional homesteads of the local Taita tribe who inhabit the region. The rondavels, built on stilts, are an imaginative reproduction of the local ancestral abodes.

The lodge has 96 oval rooms, all overlooking a waterhole. practically every day, this attracts a large array of wildlife, including elephants, especially in the evenings, when they come to drink water and lick the salt.

The two game lodges lie within the privately owned Taita hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area consisting of 28,000 acres of semi-permeable terrain that forms part of Kenya’s greater Tsavo eco system, covering about 40,000 sq km.

The sanctuary is home to huge animal populations including large herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and resident lions. There are also more than 350 bird species within the sanctuary.

The sanctuary nestles on the lower zones of the surrounding Taita hills, forming part of the Eastern Arc mountains range, recognised by the international union for the conservation of Nature (iucN) and the World Wilde fund for Nature (WWf) as among the world’s leading conservation areas. moreover, it adds to the overall game viewing experience, since the sanctuary lies within the wildlife migratory corridors linking the Tsavo East and Tsavo West game reserves.

The underground tunnel at Sarova Salt Lick Game Reserve is a wonderful spot for viewing wild game such as elephants and buffalos that come to drink from the water pan near the lodge.

The sanctuary has a large dam and small ponds where young crocodiles are bred. Young hippos are to be introduced to the sanctuary, as well as rhinos.

As part of its conservation efforts, the property is keen to make local communities and guests more aware of conservation matters through an elaborate tree-planting programme within the sanctuary.

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GET cLOSER TO WiLD GAmE iN TAiTA Sarova Taita hills Game Lodge offers luxury accommodation and is the ultimate base from which to explore Africa’s largest game park. The creeper-covered stone buildings bring English country charm to the African plains and guests have the opportunity to enjoy first-class service and facilities in an unforgettable setting.

This magnificent property offers a wide range of business and entertainment options, with two conference rooms capable of accommodating up to 100 participants.

The lodge has 62 rooms with two suites, a swimming pool, a spacious lobby, a boutique, a restaurant, meeting rooms and a conference hall and is located next to a well maintained air strip.

ATTRACTIONS The Sarova Taita hills Game Lodge is located within the privately-owned Taita hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area consisting of 28,000 acres of semi-permeable terrain. This in turn forms part of the greater Tsavo eco system, which covers about 40,000 sq km.

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The sanctuary is home to huge animal populations that include large herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and resident lions. in addition, the sanctuary is home to more than 350 bird species.

The sanctuary nestles in the lower zones of the surrounding Taita hills. These form part of the Eastern Arc mountains range, which is recognised by the international union for the conservation of Nature (iucN) and World Wilde fund for Nature (WWf) as conservation area of global significance. moreover, the overall game viewing experience is enhanced, because the sanctuary is located within the wildlife migratory corridors that link Tsavo East and Tsavo West game reserves.

AMENITIES • Both lodges feature large restaurants and bars.

• Sarova Taita hills Game Lodge has a large pool and two conference halls.

EXpERiENcE ThE JEWEL Of ThE NORTh AT ShABA On the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, in the northern frontier county of isiolo, sits the jewel of the north – Sarova Shaba Game Lodge – arguably Kenya’s best-kept secret. The lodge is located in the Shaba National Reserve, about 8 km from the Great North Road that links cape Town in the south with cairo in the north via Nairobi. Thanks to the newly constructed tarmac road from isiolo to moyale on the Kenya-Ethiopia border, access to the lodge from Nairobi is now easy.

A natural spring lies within the grounds of the lodge and waters trickle down in small streams and fountains under footbridges and along footpaths in front of the single-storey chalets lining the river frontage. The well manicured lawns and the doum palms around the chalets provide the guest with peace and tranquillity.

This is Born free World.

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is the only game lodge within Shaba National Reserve. it stands on the picturesque banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Guests can watch the crocodiles at night and early in the morning as they feed on the banks. The crocodiles can also be seen basking on the giant rocks that line the river.

Known as ‘The Lover’s Nest’, the lodge has been synonymous with bush weddings and honeymoons, romantic bush dinners,

breakfasts and lunches. There are many places where such romantic getaways can be arranged, including The Beach, a large, sand-covered dry river bed at the bottom of a cliff where sundowners and dinners are served. The Boma, within the grounds of the lodge, is a spot where themed dinners are served. morning and afternoon game drives from the lodge to Buffalo Springs & Shaba National Reserve and Samburu National Reserve can be organised. Because the lodge works closely with the local Samburu, Turkana and Borana communities, visits to their traditional homesteads and villages are also organised.

The lodge is also a wonderful team-building and conference venue for corporates. The Shaba Survivor Series is a set of challenging activities that require individual and team spirit to complete successfully. it includes a range of activities such as mountaineering, rock climbing, clue solving and cook-outs at various venues including the magnificent msilima Gorges within the reserve. All this makes for a highly engaging team experience.

The lodge has a conference hall accommodating up to 150 people. The hall comes with audio-visual equipment and secretarial services are available.

ACCOMMODATION There are 85 rooms spread over the one-storey chalets, with each block having four rooms. These include: 1 Presidential suite with a private lounge and Jacuzzi. Private breakfasts, lunches and dinners can be served here.

4 Executive suites with private lounge 70 Standard rooms – 40 twin, 15 double and 15 triple 10 Deluxe rooms – 5 double and 5 twin.

Buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served at the Surpelei Restaurant, a large, tree-level restaurant. A pool and a lounge bar are also provided.

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What’s cooking

ROAST

GOOSE THE PERFECT RECIPE

INGREDIENTS: 1 Tablespoon ground pepper 1 Large onion, cut into 8 pieces 4 Bay leaves 6 Tablespoons armagnac, cognac or other brandy 1 Tablespoon butter, room temperature 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 Jar steamed or roasted chestnuts Chopped fresh parsley

Preparation:

goose 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350

liquid to roasting pan and bring to boil, scraping

deg F and roast 30 minutes longer. Remove fat

up any browned bits. Transfer to heavy medium

Combine prunes, stock, one to two cups

from roasting pan. Combine remaining 1/4 cup

saucepan. Add armagnac, remaining poaching

wine and 1 cup prune juice in heavy medium

wine and 1/4 cup prune juice and brush some

liquid and degreased roasting juices. Boil until

saucepan. Simmer 10 minutes. Remove mixture

over goose. Continue roasting goose until juices

flavours are intense, about 15 minutes. Knead

from heat. Transfer 12 prunes to small bowl using

run clear when pierced in thickest part of thigh,

butter and flour together. Whisk into sauce

slotted spoon. Preheat oven to 375 deg F. Pat

basting goose with wine mixture and removing

in small bits and simmer until thick, about 8

goose dry. Pull out fat from cavity. Rub inside

fat from pan occasionally, about 2 hours.

minutes. Add poached prunes and chestnuts and

and out with cut side of orange. Combine salt

heat through. Sprinkle with parsley.

and pepper and rub inside and outside goose.

Transfer goose to platter and tent with foil. Let

Place orange, onion, bay leaves and 12 drained

stand 20 minutes.

prunes in goose cavity. Tie legs together. Place

nuts, and prunes over.

goose on rack in roasting pan. Pierce all over

Strain prune poaching liquid, reserving prunes.

with small metal skewer or toothpick. Roast

Degrease roasting juices. Add 1/2 cup poaching

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SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Carve goose into thin slices. Spoon sauce, chest-

Yield: 8 servings