Sarova Spotlight - November 2011 - February 2012

NOVEMBER 2011 - FEBRUARY 2012

BEST OF KENYA:

A CULINARY EXPERIENCE

PEOPLE&PLACES TAITA PEOPLE

ICONS

DR. EDDAH GACHUKIA

OUT&ABOUT THE BATTLEFIELDS OF TAITA

WHAT’S COOKING CHRISTMAS PUDDING

FOREWORD

WELCOME

J

ambo! Welcome to the fourth edition of Sarova Spotlight magazine, marking a year of capturing the essence of truly ‘Refreshing African Hospitality’®.

globally acclaimed monuments, landscapes and locations. Discover this historically significant monument when you next stay at Sarova Whitesands.

At the same announcement, the Kenyan lakes in

The year 2011 has been an exciting one at Sarova

the Great Rift Valley were also declared a Unesco

Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges. For the second

World Heritage Site, extending from Lake

year running, the Sarova Stanley brought home

Naivasha, Lake Elementaita, Lake Nakuru and

two of the most coveted awards in the travel and

Lake Bogoria to Lake Baringo. This is a recogni-

tourism industry:

tion of Kenya’s conservation efforts so far; and also a further challenge to maintain biodiversity

• Kenya’s Leading Hotel at the 18th World

and expand conservation measures along the

In this issue of Sarova Spotlight, we highlight

Travel Awards – recognised and respected

Rift Valley floor around the lakes to ensure that

places of interest – such as the historical battle-

worldwide as the definitive hallmark of excel-

their water sources – especially critical for Lake

fields of Taita – worth exploring during your stay

lence. The Wall Street Journal has heralded

Naivasha and Lake Nakuru – remain intact and

at Sarova Taita Hills & Sarova Salt Lick Lodges in

World Travel Awards as ‘the ‘travel industry’s

water is not ‘harvested’ for irrigation to the point

the expansive Taita Wildlife Sanctuary.

equivalent of the Oscars’

where the lakes are starved of inflow.

For the festive season, which is almost upon us,

• Kenya’s Luxury Business Hotel at the 2011

CONGRATULATIONS

we have put together a series of exciting expe-

the pinnacle of achievement for luxury hotels

But, for now, it’s congratulations to Kenya for this

country, placing great emphasis on Christmas

worldwide.

remarkable achievement, which will go a long way

cheer and New Year merriment dedicated to

towards supporting the country’s drive for more

celebrating with family and friends. Scrumptious

TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site,

tourists visiting all corners of the republic. Sarova

culinary delights are guaranteed by our signature

‘enabling travellers to plan and have the perfect

Lion Hill Lodge in Nakuru National Park is your

specialty brand – Sarova’s Best of Kenya.

trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real

perfect base to explore this ornithological paradise.

World Luxury Hotel Awards – accepted as

riences at all eight of our properties across the

On behalf of the entire Sarova family, I would like

travellers’. We are delighted to announce that TripAdvisor has awarded Certificates of Excel-

In line with our corporate social responsibility

to take this early opportunity to wish you and

lence to six Sarova establishments. We thank

charter, we continue to work with communities

your family and friends a very merry Christmas

you, our esteemed patrons, for taking the time

within the destinations where we operate. To this

and a prosperous New Year.

to share your experiences with us.

end, we recently launched Sarova Cares Initiative, a campaign that involves our stakeholders in

Thank you for choosing to stay with us.

Kenya’s position as a top-notch tourist destina-

raising funds to enhance sustainable food security

tion has been cemented by Unesco’s latest round

among the communities we support. This

of declaring sites of significant importance to the

campaign revolves around the purchase of ‘virtual

Jaideep S. Vohra

world’s cultural heritage with the inclusion of Fort

stay’ and ‘virtual drink’ at any of our properties.

Managing Director

Jesus in Mombasa in the list of now protected and

We invite you to partner us in this worthy cause.

Sarova Hotels, Resorts & Game Lodges

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

1

Contents

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT // NOVEMBER 2011 - FEBRUARY 2012

30

A publication of Sarova Hotels and designed by

Land & Marine Publications (KENYA) Ltd Suite A5, 1st floor, Ojijo Plaza Plums Lane, off Ojijo Road, Parklands PO Box 2022, Village Market 00621, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 374 1934 Cell: +254 (0)722 731 003 E-mail: kenya@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com Contributing Editor: Denis Gathanju Sales Manager: Linda Gakuru Photo credits: Denis Gathanju, Sarova Hotels 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.

Š2011 Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd

CONTENTS

12 4

50 COVER STORY

30 best of kenya: A culinary experience

40

46

4

OurHeritage

36 GivingBack

Rail museum

8

Valentine

40 Gone Fishing

This Valentine’s idea is a real gem

10 Sarova News 12 OUT&ABOUT

Secret lake where beauty abounds

16 OUT&ABOUT

Visiting the sites of World War I conflict in East Africa

18 PEOPLE&PLACES

Special rites and customs of the Taita people

24 ICONS

Dr Eddah Gachukia

34 Celebrating the New Year

- in lively Kenyan style

Cycling to save the rhinos You’ve tried game safaris before - but what about a fishing safari?

46 Faces of Sarova

Steve Kinguli and Suzanna Odipo

50 Awards

Tourism industry pays double tribute to Sarova Stanley

51 Sarova Accolades

Sarova enjoys a rewarding year and scoops numerous local and international awards

52 Christmas at Sarova 54 Sarova Hotels & Lodges Index 64 What’s cooking

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

3

The

‘Lunatic Express’ Museum celebrates the railway that created a nation

4

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

OurHeritage: RAIL MUSEUM

T

ucked into a corner of the Uhuru Highway and Haile Selassie Avenue is a little-known building that holds the secrets to the formation of Kenya and the development of Nairobi, the nation’s bustling capital. While its existence is not so well known, those who have walked through its doors have come out considerably better informed.

The Nairobi Railway Museum is full of historical artefacts that put together a picture of Kenya’s development. Above all, it highlights the importance of a railway whose construction led to the birth of a new nation, Kenya.

The museum was opened in 1971. Credit is due to its first curator, Fred Jordan, who realised how quickly things were changing and decided to preserve as many links with the past as possible.

Fred, who had worked on the railways in East Africa since 1927, started gathering the items that now form the heart of the museum’s fascinating collection, which includes steam engines and rolling stock.

library The museum has four main sections: the Resource Centre, housing a library and a photographic section; the Main Gallery, containing small items; the auditorium; and the outdoor gallery, with its collection of locomotives, carriages and wagons.

The Main Gallery contains items of general interest to the railway enthusiast. Company crests, displayed on one wall, help trace the history of the railways in East Africa. Among the crests are those of the Uganda Railways 1896, the Tanganyika Railways 1919, the Kenya and Uganda Railway 1926, East African Railways 1969 and, most recent, Kenya Railways 1978.

On another side of the gallery are exhibits relating to track and bridge equipment. Also on display is an oil-burning headlamp from a steam

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

5

OurHeritage: RAIL MUSEUM

locomotive as well as a steam-operated bell. A

There is also the Queen’s Special Seat, which

trains up the steep gradients of Kenya. This loco-

notable item is the bench seat that could be fitted

was used by Queen Elizabeth II during her

motive was designed by the British engineer W.E.

to the front of an engine, above the cowcatcher,

marathon journey through Kenya by Royal Train

Bulman ahead of a visit to Kenya by the Duke

to give distinguished travellers an unobstructed

in 1959 along with the Queen Mother. During

of Gloucester in 1950 when he gave Nairobi its

view of the scenery and wildlife of East Africa.

their travels, the Queen described the section

city status. A total of 34 of the Class 59 engines

The VIPs who have used the seat include United

between Nakuru and the equator as the most

were built and today they still have a worldwide

States President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909

beautiful in the world.

following.

outdoor display

The Class 59 engine on display at the Nairobi

But the highlight of the museum is the outdoor

machine’ was driven for nearly two decades by

the

display of locomotives, which include some

Kirpal Singh Sandhu, who personally delivered

of the heaviest and most powerful ever built.

the engine to the then curator of the museum,

outdoor display of

According to the curator, some of these locomo-

Fred Johnson, in 1978. Kirpal passed away in

tives can only be found today in this museum.

2010 only a day before he was to visit his beloved

locomotives,

They include a class of engines named after East

locomotive.

and the Prince of Wales in 1928.

the the

highlight museum

is

of

which

include some of the heaviest

and

most

powerful ever built

museum is called ‘Mount Gelai’. This ‘mean

African tribes, such as the Maasai and Karamoja, and a class named after governors.

The ‘Lunatic Line’

The largest and most powerful of the engines on

Nicknamed the ‘Lunatic Line’, the railway from

display is the legendary Class 59, an articulated

Mombasa to Kisumu was built between 1896 and

Beyer-Garratt locomotive, which was developed

1901. Its construction was a feat of human endur-

after the Second World War to pull heavy freight

ance since the work was carried out without the use of automated machines.

Until then, the interior of most of East Africa, in what is now Kenya and Uganda, was part of the unknown territory referred to as the ‘Dark Continent’. The railway cost thousands of pounds to build and most British Members of Parliament regarded its construction as a very bad idea.

George Whitehouse was tasked with building the line from the Port of Mombasa. He was chosen because of his experience in India, where he had overseen the construction of a 1 metre gauge line. To achieve the feat, Whitehouse brought in more than 300,000 Indian labourers to work on what at the time was the largest construction project in East Africa.

The project was riddled with challenges, but one of the most stark was the notorious Man-Eaters of Tsavo. These lions from the Tsavo Plains were a nightmare for the Indian workers, attacking by night and killing many men.

6

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Nicknamed

the

‘Lunatic

Line’,

Its construction was a feat of human

endurance

since

the

work was carried out without the use of automated machines In the face of this menace, Captain Charles Ryall,

soldier volunteered to stay with Captain Ryall.

were buried in a nearby cemetery at the corner

the Superintendent of Police, volunteered to

In the dead of the night, the three men lay in

of Bunyala Road and Uhuru Highway in Nairobi.

kill the man-eaters. One carriage was detached

wait. They had the carriage door open to allow

from the rest with a view to luring the man-

the lion to walk inside. The three men took it in

There is no doubt, however, that the building

eaters into an ambush. A German and an Italian

turns to keep watch, but when it was Captain

of this railway opened up the Dark Continent,

Ryall’s turn, he unfortunately dozed off. Attracted

paving the way for the present-day Kenya and

by the snores and the smell of human flesh, the

Uganda and helping to establish new settlements

lion took its chance, leaped into the carriage and

such as Nairobi, then known as Nyarobi, and

pulled Captain Ryall through the window.

Kisumu, then Port Florence.

reward

This achievement is summed up in the words of

The British put a £100 reward on the head of the

said: ‘‘It is not uncommon for a country to create a

lion. It was soon killed and its claws are on display

railway, but this line actually created a country.’’

Sir Charles Elliot, then British Commissioner, who

at the museum. The carriage from which Captain Ryall was dragged from by the lion is among

Visits to the Nairobi Railway Museum can be

many on display at the museum. His remains

arranged from Sarova Stanley and Sarova Panafric.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

7

Thisidea Valentine s ’ is a real gem A ROMANTIC GETAWAY TO THE MINES OF TAITA COUNTY

8

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

VALENTINE

E

very woman dreams of romance when it’s that time of the year – a time for red roses, chocolates and a romantic candle-lit dinner. that is the ideal setting for many a couple as they celebrate Valentine’s day. But why settle for the routine approach?

Women love rocks, those of a special kind. And

Tucked deep inside the wide-open spaces of

This coming Valentine’s Day, Sarova Hotels will

Taita County are rugged landscapes that offer the

be offering a wide range of packages to celebrate

perfect solution for those seeking to celebrate

love. A tour of the mines can be arranged from

and show love in a more unconventional form.

the Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge. Some of the

once a man gives his woman this special rock on such a romantic date, and pops the question, the answer is already written on the face of the lady.

It has to be Yes.

PACKAGES

mines are abandoned, while others are still being used to mine for precious stones.

WHY NOT TAKE YOUR PARTNER ON A WEEKEND GETAWAY AND SHOW SOME LOVE

The area is known for its abundance of gemstones of various kinds including green garnets, rubies, sapphires, tanzanite and tsavorite. With such precious stones in plenty, the romantic outing could not be better.

GEtAWAY If you are the type of person who wants to think

This Valentine’s Day, why not take your partner

outside the box, the kind of person who wants

on a weekend getaway and show some love.

to show love in a unique and natural setting that

There can be no clearer expression of romance

is undisturbed and will ensure that you spend

than the precious stones from the mines of Taita,

quality time together, then read on.

and many couples have taken to this route as a way of demonstrating their affection.

It would even be a bonus for the guy looking for that perfect location and getting set to pop the

Within the abandoned mines, couples can enjoy

question.

a romantic breakfast or dinner. And, what’s more, they can have some of the precious stones

And, what’s more, the romantic setting is further

cut for them and set in necklaces or rings as a

heightened by the rocks found in the area.

token of their love.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

9

WINE REVIEW

SAROVA NEWS

DARLING CELLARS Chardonnay (White)

This is a dry table wine that resembles Chablis and is made from Chardonnay grapes.

It is a South African wine.

The well-structured Chardonnay flaunts a lemon and/or lime character that also evokes the floral notes of the acacia, mandarin or orange blossoms.

This is a great-tasting wine that can be savoured independently or at the dinner table.

AUSTRALIAN DOCTORS CONVENE AT SAROVA MARA GAME CAMP A group of 50 medical practitioners from Australia, together with their spouses, were guests of the Sarova Mara Game Camp recently. The group of surgeons, dentists, general practitioners and nurses and other specialists were attending a five-day symposium for Australian doctors.

During their stay, the doctors partnered with Sarova Mara Game Camp to organise a two-day medical camp at which over 300 members of the community were attended to.

Sarova Mara Game Camp took a frontline role in mobilising the community, liaising with local authorities and setting up the temporary clinic.

At the end of their stay, the group donated items of medical equipment including a digital blood pressure machine, a digital blood sugar machine, stethoscopes and assorted dental forceps as well as medicines for to the local health centre.

DARLING CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon (Red)

This dry red wine is made from selected Cabernet Sauvignon vines that are grown on reddish-coloured Hutton soils.

The grapes are matured in French oak to make the wine full-bodied.

This wine has characteristics of ripe forest fruits, cassis and/or blackcurrant.

Supplied by Kafra Wines (K) Ltd Email: info@kafrawines.com

10

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

SHEBA MILES MEMBERS TO EARN MILES AT SAROVA HOTELS, RESORT & GAME LODGES In partnership with Sheba Miles – the frequent flyer programme of Ethiopian Airlines – Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges launched a participation programme on 15 July that enables Sheba Miles members to collect miles for their eligible stay at any Sarova property.

Ethiopian Airlines flies to a growing range of destinations throughout Ethiopia, across Africa and on to Europe, the USA, Asia and the Middle East. The airline has daily flights to Nairobi and Mombasa.

SAROVA NEWS

Sarova Cares Initiative Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges has launched a three-month campaign called the Sarova Cares Initiative.

This will involve the company’s partners and guests in supporting the communities in the destinations where it operates and helping them to become food sufficient.

Participants will purchase a ‘virtual stay’ or ‘virtual drink’ at any Sarova property. The virtual night is valued at KES 700 and the virtual drink KES 200. Participating guests will make individual contributions by paying for a ‘virtual night’ on top of their actual stay or by ordering a ‘virtual drink’ at any of the restaurants.

Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges has made an effort to integrate social and environmental concerns in its business operations. This is reflected in its mission: ‘To work with the communities in locations where we operate in improving their lives through leadership-driven corporate social responsibility charter.’

The Sarova Cares Initiative is in line with the company’s drive to promote responsible and sustainable tourism.

Sarova Shaba GAME LODGE linked to national grid Sarova Shaba Game Lodge has become the first lodge in the Shaba, Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves to be connected to the national electricity grid. Previously, the lodge had relied on a diesel-powered generator.

Commenting on this new development, the lodge’s manager, Anthony Kashero, said it would not only help to improve the lodge’s operations but would also enhance the guest experience. Community projects such as schools along the transmission lines will also benefit.

Recently, the road to Sarova Shaba Game Lodge from Nairobi was fully tarmacked, reducing the travel time for guests. The lodge will continue with its energy conservation measures, including the use of green energy in some of its operations, thus reducing its carbon footprint.

My Sarova Safari application on Nokia Ovi Store Sarova Hotel, Resort & Game Lodges has partnered with Nokia to launch a mobile application that can add value to the traveller experience. This exciting application seeks to promote Kenya and inform travellers about things to see and do at various destinations in Kenya.

My Sarova Safari will act as a concierge service and will form a social map, providing an itinerary at the click of a button. For instance, users will be able to locate such items as restaurants, malls, cultural markets and market-day calendars, game parks, night spots, boutiques and museums.

This is another ‘first’ for Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges in adapting interactive technology to enhance the travel experience. Sarova has an active presence in the social media where guests share their experiences as well as inquiring about products and services.

Earlier, Sarova became a leader in adopting mobile payment solutions by integrating M-Pesa as a payment option, making it convenient for guests who could also book and pay through the Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges website.

Sarova is also set to launch a new ‘look and feel’ website that will enhance visitor interaction as well as ease of access and navigation. Look out for the new site and let us have your feedback.

To download My Sarova Safari application, visit Nokia Ovi Store and start travelling. Experience our beautiful country.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

11

OUT&ABOUT

Secret lake

where beauty abounds

I

t is mid-morning as we leave the Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge after travelling by road from Nairobi the previous day. The sun is out but the strong morning winds make it feel chilly as we set off along the bumpy and dusty road towards Taveta township on the Kenya-Tanzania border.

migrated into the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary or into the nearby Tsavo West National Game Reserve,� explains Richard Obanda, a senior game warden at the Taita Hills Game Lodge.

Covering more than 28,000 acres, the game sanctuary is a private conservancy rich in wild animals and birdlife. The sanctuary is enclosed

Taveta is only 20 km from the lodge, but on

by an electric fence, but has migratory corridors

poor roads the journey takes about an hour.

that allow game to move to and from Tsavo West.

The long dry spells have not spared this area.

The vegetation is dry and we can see the

Just before Taveta township we turn right and

effects of wildfires.

head down a dusty earth road and through tiny villages. The flat plains stretch to the foot of

12

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

On the drive to Taveta we spot a giraffe here

Mount Kilimanjaro, but clouds on the horizon

and an eland there. “Most of the wild game has

prevent us from seeing the famous white peaks.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

13

OUT&ABOUT

Suddenly, we turn left and start a gradual ascent.

The mid-morning sunshine is weakened by cold east winds and there are dark clouds hovering.

Magnificent views As we continue to ascend, the plains below come into clear view. We see a group of young children

The lake sits in a bowl-like crater on a small hill at the border of Kenya and Tanzania

watering a herd of goats and sheep. Then, suddenly, the view on the left side just opens up.

We are now at the hilltop. I hold my breath and

to prove his love for a woman called Gertrude

it takes me a few seconds to digest the magnifi-

Watt. This feat earned Colonel Grogan not only

cent view before me. We drive straight on while

the woman of his dreams, but also a place in the

I continue to stare at the calm waters of Lake

roll of great explorers at the Royal Geographical

Challa below. The lake sits in a bowl-like crater on

Society. Colonel Grogan went on to marry his

a small hill at the border of Kenya and Tanzania.

sweetheart on 11 October 1900 in London.

So secret is the lake that few people visit it.

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital in Nairobi is named in honour of Colonel Grogan’s love.

Formed thousands of years ago by volcanic activity, the lake is part of a complex under-

Colonel Grogan, who owned much of Taveta,

ground water system that feeds the water body.

imported pygmy crocodiles from Madagascar to

It is believed the lake is fed by an underground

keep as pets on his vast estate, which included

river that emanates from Mount Kilimanjaro.

Lake Challa. At the time, his estate covered some 9, 650 square miles. Local people killed many of

Water is said to exit the lake via an underground

these crocodiles after they became a nuisance. In

channel that empties into Lake Jipe, several kilo-

fact, the whole crocodile population of the lake was

metres lower. Not much is known about the tiny

thought to have been exterminated until the attack

lake, which covers 4.5 sq km and is said to be 95

that led to the death of Amy Nicholls in 2002.

metres deep. Local people go there to fish but not to swim. A few years ago a tragedy occurred when Amy Nicholls, a British teenager, was devoured

Afternoon swim

by a crocodile while on an afternoon swim in the

So, was I game for an afternoon swim? Ask me

lake. Her body was found on the Tanzanian side

that question next time I visit the crater lake.

and a post-mortem revealed she was the victim of a crocodile attack. But with no ground surface

Access to Lake Challa is via a network of narrow

water flowing in and out of the lake, the question

footpaths descending to the calm turquoise waters

is: where did the crocodile come from?

of the lake. I take my time as I suck in a lungful of fresh air and admire the scenery before me.

vivid characters

There are deep volcanic walls around the water

One of the most vivid colonial characters in

around its rim. The picture is completed by a lone

this region was Colonel Ewart Grogan, who at

African fish eagle, which perches on top of a tree

the age of 24 decided to trek through some of

and then takes flight into the skies.

of the lake and a forest of fig trees and euphorbia

Africa’s most unforgiving territory, from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa to Cairo in Egypt,

14

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

What a sight! Life is a dream.

Formed thousands of years ago

by

volcanic

activity,

the lake is part of a complex underground water system that feeds the water body

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

15

OUT&ABOUT

The battlefields of Taita

VISITING THE SITES OF WORLD WAR I CONFLICT IN EAST AFRICA

Picture courtesy of Frédéric Blard

16

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

OUT&ABOUT

A

s most of Europe was turned into a huge battleground during the First World War, the plains of East Africa had a taste of that great conflict as British and German forces tore into each other.

Another place name that bears testimony to

With the British firmly in charge of the East Africa

The hills and plains of Taita Hills and Taveta

Protectorate – embracing present-day Kenya

County are littered with battle sites including

and Uganda – the Germans controlled what was

military installations, bunkers, caves and trenches

then Deutsch-Ostafrika, now Tanzania. The two

where the remains of fallen soldiers have been

European powers fought it out, with each side

found and munitions unearthed.

these battles is Salaita Hills. This is a corruption of Slaughter Hill, so called by the British after they lost hundreds of men in a surprise attack by German forces.

seeking to dominate the other, drive out the enemy and thus extend its territorial influence.

Most of these battles were fought in the hills and plains around Taveta. Today, towns and villages in the area still keep these memories though names and battlefield finds.

The hills and plains of Taita Hills and Taveta County are littered with battle sites

British forces For instance, Mwakitau, a dusty roadside township

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) is

not far from Taveta, is where the British forces

conducting a programme of research with a view

marked time as they waited for arms and supplies

to having some of these places designated as

from Voi. According to historians, the railway exten-

national heritage sites. The NMK is liaising with

sion from Voi to Taveta was built by the British in

the Ministry of Tourism to open up some of the

response to the attacks by German forces.

sites as places of interest for both domestic and foreign visitors.

The British established the rail link in record time so as to allow the quick movement of munitions

The NMK study, begun in 2008, has revealed

and supplies from the Port of Mombasa through

many sites with a significant historical and military

Voi into Taveta. These items would then be

value that is unattached to any other discovery.

transported by porters to the battlefront.

Traversing the area, we find a giant baobab tree not far from the small hill now known as Salaita Hill where the military trenches are still intact.

The tree was used by the Germans as a sniper point when they launched a surprise attack on the advancing British forces. Hundreds of British soldiers died in the heavy battle that ensued.

However, the British were finally able to drive out the German forces after the building of the railway extension from Voi to Taveta, which hastened the supply of weaponry. They also benefited greatly from the experience of the South African general, Jan Smuts.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

17

PEOPLE&PLACES

18

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Special rites and customs of thE

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

19

PEOPLE&PLACES

B

lessed with a unique mixture of people and cultures, Kenya is home to more than 40 communities who speak different languages and keep different customs.

and the Warukuma, leaving only the Wanyamba.

cision, that of the male child is celebrated and

Why this happened is not known.

is carried out between the ages of seven and 11. Normally, the families plan an elaborate

With time, the region witnessed the interaction

ceremony after the operation, with everyone

of the Wanyamba with other tribes from far and

feasting and dancing and the men drinking beer.

The Taita people are one such community.

wide. This explains why the present-day Wataita

Living in the south-east of the country close to

(Taita people) have a close cultural and linguistic

the Kenya-Tanzania border in what was formerly

connection with the Wapare and the Wachagga

the Coast Province, the Taita are known for their

from Tanzania. The Wataita and the Wachagga

As in other communities, marriage is another

striking looks. They are a mixture of dark and

cultures developed along different lines. The

important cultural activity for the Taita. The

chocolate-skinned people and their women are

Wachagga community became strong in tradi-

arrangement normally takes a while to conclude

known for their beauty.

tions and customs while the Wataita did not.

as the process is as long as it is engaging. To

Marriage

The Wataita culture is also linked closely to the

begin with, the family of the young man who

However, little is known about the history of the

culture of the Wakamba, their immediate neigh-

wants to get married would initiate investigations

Taita people. This is assumed to be because of

bours to the north.

to determine the character not only of the girl in question, but also of her family, especially her

the lack of homogeneity created by the various clans of the Taita people and the fact that these

The mixed origin of the Wataita people led to

parents. To do so, they would send an elder –

clans shared a limited ancestral background.

various sub-tribes and dialects including the

typically an aunt of the groom – to visit the girl’s

Ki-kasigau, Ki-mbololo, Ki-mbale, Ki-mgange,

home. When she visits the girl’s family, she does

Ki-sagalla and the Ki-wusi.

not reveal her motive, as she is there to learn

It is believed that the hills around the Taita Hills

more about the family.

were previously inhabited by pygmies. The arrival of the Taita people into the area led to intermarriage between the two communities. The local

rite of passage

pigmy population was gradually phased out as

As in most African cultures, circumcision is

a result of intermarriage and migration to other

viewed by the Wataita people as an important

areas. This explains why some Taita people are

rite of passage into adulthood. The Wataita are

so small. The pygmy people were divided into

known to circumcise their boys and girls.

three clans, the Wanyamba, the Wambisha and the Warukuma.

However, no elaborate ceremonies are held to mark the circumcision of a Taita girl. The opera-

Legend has it that the hills around Taita were

tion is kept secret and is carried out in the early

invaded by a mysterious tribe called the Wasasadu

years of the girl’s life, normally in the first week

who poisoned the entire clans of the Wambisha

after birth. The operation would be carried out

The Wazuri were the rich men, with their wealth measured by the numbers of their cattle and wives

by an experienced circumciser. But, in contrast with other communities, female circumcision

After initial contact, the family of the groom sends

among the Taita did not involve excessive mutila-

in other elders, again to investigate the character

tion of the genitals.

of the family and the girl to their satisfaction.

Once it has been ascertained that the character

Picture courtesy of Frédéric Blard

20

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Today, even though it is still carried out in some

of the girl and the family is in order and accept-

families, others have opted to do away with the

able to the family of the groom, negotiations are

practice.

ready to start.

Male circumcision, on the other hand, is widely

But before the formal marriage negotiations can

practised in the community and is viewed as

begin, the family of the bride is invited to a beer-

an important milestone in the transition from

drinking ceremony. No marriage negotiations are

boyhood to manhood. Unlike a girl’s circum-

discussed at this point. A second beer-drinking

PEOPLE&PLACES

ceremony follows, called kukurua, during which the boy’s father would seek gifts from the visitors – one of their fields or one of their cattle. Such a request would send hints to the girl’s family that their daughter’s hand was being asked for.

Negotiations over the dowry would begin after consent had been granted. All this while, the girl would not be informed that she was being married off. Once the negotiations were concluded, the boy would arrange with his relatives to ‘kidnap’ the girl on a given day, probably while she was working in the fields or fetching water.

The boy and his relatives would carry her to her future mother-in-law. Whether or not the girl approved of her suitor, she would scream and try to fight them off with all her strength. While at the boy’s village, the girl would refuse to eat until food was sent from her parent’s house or she was granted permission by her parents to eat food from the village. However, if this did not happen – and it rarely occurred – then she would have to be returned to her village.

This was followed by seven days of feeding. Food

Wandu wa Irika and Waghosi, but there were no

thatching would be planted, which fields would

and drink would be brought to her and she was

special rites of passage from one age group to

be used for pasture and what areas would be left

required to do nothing else. At the end of this

the next. Before marriage, youths were called

as woodland. The powers of the Wafighi were

period, her mother-in-law would present her

Wadawana. At about the time of marriage, a

vested in charms and taboos with which they

with strings of beads known as ngange or kidala.

man would be known as Mundu wa Irika and as

guarded the land.

This would be followed by a ceremony in which

he aged and his hair turned grey he would be

the village women would mix oil with a special

considered a Mghosi.

The Waghanga were the community’s doctors and rainmakers. They were called in to prescribe

type of red earth known as ilongo and this would

rich men

treatment in the cases of illness. The Walaghui

groom was then required to shave off some of

Among the Taita, however, those with the greatest

were called in on almost every occasion of

the girl’s hair and vice versa. The shaved hairs

influence in each clan were the Wazuri, the Wafighi

animal sacrifice and also acted as interpreters to

would be buried between the hearth-stones in a

and Waghanga and the Walaghui. The Wazuri

the people of the wishes of the clan spirits.

ceremony known as kida. This signified the union

were the rich men, with their wealth measured by

of groom and bride.

the numbers of their cattle and wives.

The Taita are a Bantu community. Their tribal

The Wafighi, on the other hand, were respon-

in contrast to the Wasawi, or witch doctors, who

structure is based on the clan, with each clan

sible for seeing that land was used to the best

were frowned on by the community because

deriving its name from the local hills. The Taita

advantage. They were responsible for allocating

they dealt wholly in black magic. For this reason,

have three age groups, namely, the Wadawana,

land for cultivation and dictated where grass for

the Wasawi practised their craft in secret.

be applied to the depression at the top of the breast-bone of both the bride and groom. The

were the diviners of the Taita community. They

The Wafighi, the Waghanga and the Walaghui enjoyed the respect of the Taita people. This was

22

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

A TE ACHER AT HE A RT,

A TEACHER

FOR LIFE 24

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

ICONS: DR. Eddah Gachukia

Question: How many of you have fond memories of your school teacher?

W

hile the answers would be varied, I am sure many of us had their favourite teachers in school. I had my fair share of the same and an equal share on the flip side. But one thing is for sure – teachers can have a profound impact on people’s lives, no matter who they are.

a niche for herself in the education sector. For her, the passion to teach and impart knowledge to young children – the thought of moulding a young and naive brain into a great, problemsolving mind that will later move, shake and shape the economy of this country – is her strongest driving force.

While teachers remain the unsung heroes in our lives, the people who vanish in the background while we pursue careers and enjoy family life, they ought nevertheless to be recognised and celebrated as important cogs in the economic engine that shapes the future of our great country.

As we continue to profile and celebrate ordinary people who have made extraordinary strides towards the success of this nation, Sarova Spotlight contributing editor Denis Gathanju sat down with Dr Eddah Gachukia, academic director at Riara Group of Schools.

“I am a teacher by choice,” she says. “My exper-

A teacher by choice

tise is in the field of education, a profession that

Eddah Gachukia is arguably one of the most cele-

enthusiasm, though I have been called to serve

brated women icons in Kenya who has carved

in other spheres.”

I have performed with a dedicated passion and

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

25

ICONS

With a career spanning more than four decades, Dr Gachukia today stands tall and walks with her shoulders high, knowing she has championed a noble cause that has greatly helped this nation.

“I love teaching and I believe that I have had a very positive impression in the lives of many people. That alone is to me the most amazing and rewarding achievement of my teaching career,” she says as her face lights up at the thought.

EXCELLENCE As a teacher, Dr Gachukia was not only tasked with leading her pupils towards academic excellence, but was also given various responsibilities, especially in women groups. Among the matters she had to handle while leading the women groups was to champion the empowerment of the girlchild through the provision of a good education.

'Today, we have many role models that young girls and women can look up to.

This is very encouraging and is helping to lay the groundwork for future generations to emulate and even better' for the country and continent,” she says. “They should be empowered through education to “As most African societies deemed the boy-

role models that young girls and women can look

scale new heights to help push the wheels of

child to be more important than the girl-child,

up to. This is very encouraging and is helping

economic growth on the continent.”

I and many other people and organisations that

to lay the groundwork for future generations to

I worked with fought for the empowerment

emulate and even better.”

Her passion and dedication on girl-child and women issues did not escape the political class

of the girl-child through education,” she says.

“We addressed this issue through advocacy and

According to Dr Gachukia, African women are a

and she was nominated to parliament by the

advisory roles that we assumed to help shape

key resource that plays a critical and integral role

late President Jomo Kenyatta to help represent

and better education policies that ensured that

in the development of this nation and the whole

women there. Dr Gachukia served a full term

the girl-child was not discriminated against.

continent. African women, says Dr Gachukia,

under the Kenyatta administration. Her critical

should not be seen as mere producers of food

thinking and educational innovation saw her

“Today, I am happy to see that what we fought for

in Africa. “They should be empowered through

nominated to parliament once again under Presi-

has paid off handsomely. Today, we have many

education so that they can produce more food

dent Daniel arap Moi.

26

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

DR. Eddah Gachukia

While serving in parliament, Dr Gachukia was not only the voice of the ordinary women in the legislature but was, according to herself, given a golden to teach herself gender analysis and to critically analyse the needs of women in Kenya – a move that helped her draft policies that would make life for Kenyan women better though enactment of policies and laws that protected and empowered them.

While, through her unrelenting contribution, Dr Gachukia has helped change the fortunes of the girl-child, she regrets that her passion and concentration on the girl-child have somewhat segregated the boy-child, who has not received as much attention.

“In light of what is happening in our society today, I think we should not leave behind the boy-child,” she says. “We need to place an emphasis on the boy-child to ensure that we bring up responsible men who will take care of their families and positively contribute towards the economic wellbeing of this country.”

Free primary education Aside from her efforts to help empower the girl-child, Dr Gachukia prides herself on the role she played with many other educationists and policy-shapers both in the government and private sector to help conceptualise and make free primary education a reality.

“Today, millions of children are going to school and getting a basic education,” she says. “This is such a huge step for this country and we now need to make sure that the system works and we improve on the quality of the education we provide.

“We need to improve, first and foremost, the quality of our teachers. We need to employ teachers who have a passion to teach; those who have a calling to imparting knowledge on young and developing minds. And to complement this,

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

27

ICONS: DR. Eddah Gachukia

we need to remunerate our teachers very well to keep them motivated to do what they do best and this country will develop far much faster. Such an investment will yield so much for this country.”

Dr Gachukia believes that a high quality education is one of the key pillars that will help this country realise its dreams of becoming a middleincome nation under Vision 2030. This, she says, can be achieved through the production of a curriculum that is wholesome and geared towards nourishing the mind, the body and the spirit of the learners.

disadvantaged background Born 75 years ago, Eddah Gachukia did not have it easy. She was born into a disadvantaged family.

Having lost her mother at the tender age of six, the young Eddah soldiered on with education. Her mother had just enrolled her in school

in her quest for knowledge. The fact that she was

It is the thought of having come from such an

before she died.

the only girl in a class of older boys did nothing to

environment and having had to surmount many

deter her from her quest for academic excellence.

challenges that makes Dr Gachukia so passionate about what she does. For her, it is also the

“For me, I would not be here today had it not been for my mother and father,” she says. “My

After completing her primary education, the

thought of “the achievement that every child can

father made sure that I went to school since he

young Eddah joined the African Girls High School

learn that makes me tick”.

was a strong believer in education. He was a

(now Alliance Girls High School).

staunch Anglican and he encouraged my siblings

common denominator

'We need to place an emphasis on the boy-child to ensure that we bring up responsible men who will take care of

Dr Gachukia sits on the board of Starehe Girls Centre and Embakasi Girls High School, two learning institutions that are worlds apart but have a common denominator in that they seek to empower the girl-child through education.

As academic director at Riara Group of Schools, Dr

their families'

Gachukia is fondly referred to as cucu (grandmother) by the pupils and even the teachers and the parents.

Riara Group of Schools includes two kindergartens,

and I very much. This was a huge advantage for

She recalls: “My father would sit me down and

me and I did not let it slip through my fingers. I

ask me: ‘Do you know you can be so educated

was hungry for an education.”

that one day you would be called Dr Nelson?’

During her varied career as an educationist, Dr

He was known as Nelson and I thank God that

Gachukia has taught at primary and high school

Like many young children growing up in the 1940s

I made it. I thank God for my father’s encour-

level as well as lecturing at the University of

and 1950s, the little girl from the village would have

agement, for it is the influence of our father that

Nairobi. She is happily married with four children

to walk more than 20 km from Kiambaa to Karura

made my siblings and I what we are today.”

and nine grandchildren.

28

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

two primary schools and one girls’ high school.

'I thank God for my father’s encouragement, for it is the influence of our father that made my siblings and I what we are today'

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

29

Best of Kenya: A CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Fusion Food A culinary journey

30

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

I

t’s long overdue, but Kenyan cuisine is coming of age and finally getting the recognition that many believe it deserves..

What’s more, Sarova Hotels is at the forefront of a well calculated move that is set to promote the use of fresh local produce and to showcase the varied cooking styles of Kenya, which over the years have been influenced by varying historical and cultural traditions that have enriched the overall dining experience.

This drive to enhance the image of Kenyan food is being channelled into a promotion known as Best of Kenya (BoK), a concept that draws on the country’s intriguing culinary history and its status as one of Africa’s biggest exporters of fresh fruit and vegetables. Moreover, the beef, pork, lamb and chicken served in Kenya are all locally reared.

Until now, Kenya had been uncharacteristically shy about its culinary riches. Visitors have often been pleasantly surprised by the quality of food and sheer variety of dishes on offer, but no-one thought of highlighting the culinary heritage.

PROMOTION Sarova’s group director of food and beverage, Shailender Singh, said: “When I first came to this country five or six years ago there was no promotion whatsoever of Kenyan cuisine.” Now, he has taken a lead in highlighting Kenyan cooking, both locally and internationally.

So what is Best of Kenya? First of all, it draws inspiration from the influence of early travellers to Kenya, with their distinctive cooking styles, and attempts to mould them into a single and recognisable theme.

Mr Singh said: “The more I thought about it and analysed things, the more I realised that Kenya was a country with many immigrants and that these immigrants had greatly influenced the way food was cooked and eaten. And these were

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

31

Best of Kenya: A CULINARY EXPERIENCE

fused with other culinary styles, both imported

the quality and variety of the food it prepares and

and local. So we have African, European – or,

serves to its guests.

more strictly English – and Indian as the basis for BoK.”

So, for the food fair in Malaysia, Mr Singh took some existing dishes and gave them a contem-

He added: “The Indian food here is really only

porary twist as well as drawing inspiration from

from two regions of the subcontinent, Punjab

some imported dishes to come up with, say,

and Gujarat, and both of these have different

polenta with char-roasted goat jazzed up with

cooking styles. But these have also changed and

salsas. “People really related to it,” said Mr Singh.

been adapted over the last 100 years or so since

“Then there was buttermilk and coconut milk to

Indians first came to Kenya. Being from India

accompany these new dishes. When I got back

myself, I was surprised to find a kind of ‘bastard-

from Malaysia, I discussed with colleagues the

ised’ Indian cooking here like no other that I

new dishes that I had created and thought how

had tasted.”

On his travels to the Kenyan coast, Mr Singh noticed a contrast with the cooking he found in Nairobi – a Swahili-style cuisine making greater use of beans, curries and chapatis. Local ingredients such as ugali (corn meal) also varied from

Kenyan vegetables have their own taste and flavour, gener ally much sweeter than vegetables found elsewhere

region to region within the country, he noticed.

Food Fusion

best Sarova and our guests could benefit from

thus enhancing the splendid mixture of cuisines

Best of Kenya as a concept.”

that can be enjoyed in Kenya. In the restau-

In terms of its origin, Best of Kenya can trace

rants, Sarova Hotels has brand ambassadors at

its roots to a Kenyan food festival in Malaysia

In Bangalore, Mr Singh had launched Raj’s Pavilion,

the food stations. The brand ambassadors are

in which Mr Singh was a key participant. This

a coffee shop offering a range of cuisine including

knowledgeable about the foods on offer and are

festival was such a success that Best of Kenya was

dishes introduced to India by the British, and this

able to enhance the overall dining experience by

adopted as a new, fresh way of dining and subse-

formed the genesis of Best of Kenya. In Kenya,

explaining to guests the origins of some of the

quently taken up and enhanced as a concept by

however, English cuisine did not add the spices

foods and how they have been blended with

Sarova Hotels, which has always prided itself on

used in India, but featured other local ingredients

other cuisines to create wholesome yet deeply

such as pan-African favourites like ugali.

satisfying and delicious dishes.

Local produce

Mr Singh said: “The restaurants in our hotels

“Kenyan vegetables have their own taste and flavour,

of Kenya seal and logo which state, for example,

generally much sweeter than vegetables found else-

that certain dishes are Kenyan with, say, Indian

where,” said Mr Singh. “Sarova also recognises the

influence.” He added: “Kenyan cuisine using

specific qualities of locally grown vegetables and

Kenyan ingredients is a way of showing a pride in

we decided to create our own vegetable and herb

local products and produce.”

and lodges all have small posters with the Best

kitchen gardens across all of our properties, with each specialising in produce peculiar to the region in

Sarova now aims to take Kenyan cuisine a step

which our hotel or lodge was located.”

further by launching a speciality Best of Kenya restaurant. “We want Best of Kenya and also our

32

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Sarova has opted to use and promote the Best

Kitchens of Sarova to be our trademarks,” said

of Kenya as an enriching culinary experience,

Mr Singh.

In terms of guest reaction, Mr Singh said they

Because of Kenya’s long-standing relationship

very much appreciated the use of local fresh

with foreign settlers and its colonisation by the

produce. “Our buffet hosts explain to guests

British, the taste, cooking methods and presenta-

about Best of Kenya and what Sarova is trying

tion of Kenyan foods have been greatly influenced

to achieve in terms of using local ingredients and

by Indians, Arabs and Europeans.

promoting local dishes,” he said. “We even use local ingredients in our award-winning Thai Chi restaurant at Sarova Stanley.”

Vegetables of Kenya Kenya is a rich agricultural land with a mixture

Then there are the Kenyan desserts with their

of large and small farms. The vegetables served

Swahili/Arab influences, many of which tend to

at Sarova properties are delivered fresh to the

be on the sweet side, and of course Kenya’s

hotels, resort and lodges. They are sourced

world-famous teas and coffees.

mainly from local farmers within the communities where Sarova operates. Common Kenyan

So what does Mr Singh hope will be the result

vegetables include kale (sukuma wiki), cabbage,

of his efforts to make the world sit up and take

spinach, tomatoes, carrots and leafy greens. The

notice of Kenyan cuisine? “I think we have a very

Best of Kenya seal assures guests of the freshness

real opportunity to make Kenya a 12-month-a-

of vegetables served at all restaurants.

year destination based on food and wine, just like South Africa has become,” he said, adding proudly: “Quite honestly, there’s far more to Kenyan food than most people would appreciate.”

Fruit of Kenya Kenya is a tropical country producing a variety of fruit for the local and export markets. Fresh

Best of Kenya line-up

fruit sourced from local farms includes oranges, mangoes, bananas, pineapples and paw paws. in to construct the Kenya-Uganda railway. Subse-

One delightful element about Kenya food is its diverse flavour. Kenyan cooking draws on a variety of ethnic traditions merged with the seasonings and tastes of outside countries.

Swahili cuisine

quently, the railway brought Indians engaged in

The Swahili culture is unique to the East African

One can find curries, lentil dishes, chapatis and

coast. As a culture and language, it is a blend of

pickles brought by Indian settlers.

trade from the coastal cities into the interior.

Arabic, native African, European and Indian cultures.

Swahili cuisine is also a perfect blend of these

Mzungu influence

cultures. It is influenced by the Arabic and Indian

The word mzungu was coined to describe

sailors who introduced dried fruits, dates and

European traders who travelled through East

spices. It also uses locally sourced herbs. There

African countries in the 18th century. The

is a rich Arabic influence in the use of saffron,

word became synonymous with ‘white person’

cloves, cinnamon and steamed rice; and a native

because of the traders’ complexion.

African influence in the use of coconut milk to prepare rice and fish.

European traders, explorers and missionaries arrived in Kenya in the 18th century. Because

Indian influence

Kenya was colonised by the British and owing

Kenyan cuisine has a strong Indian influence,

settlers, its food presentation, cooking methods

dating back to the 19th century. Indentured

and tastes are greatly influenced by European

labour from Britain’s Indian empire was brought

and other Western cultures.

to its long-standing relationship with foreign

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

33

Celebrating the New Year – in lively Kenyan style

34

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

NEW YEARS EVE

A

friend from Finland recently spent a two-week holiday in Kenya. She was fascinated by the sight of wild game in the national parks and enjoyed relaxing on the beaches of Mombasa; but I also showed her a different kind of life: our nightlife.

make merry. While the bashes come in all sizes, a

have seen off one year and welcome a new one;

crescendo is reached on the last day of the year.

others stand in silent thought as they ponder what to expect in the new year; others hug and kiss.

In the run-up to the New Year celebrations, Nairobi starts to fill up. This is in contrast with

In the pubs, revellers sing and dance to the latest

Christmas, when the capital is almost deserted

tunes and clink their glasses in celebration.

and looks like a ghost city as most people travel We had been out together for three consecutive

to the coast or up country to celebrate with

nights and she had obviously had more fun in that

friends and family.

Dazzling fireworks These scenes are repeated across the country. At

time than in the previous 12 months. “How do you Kenyans manage to party so hard during the week

As Nairobi comes to life on 31 December, prepa-

the coast, known for its hospitality and vibrancy

and yet remain productive at work?” she asked.

rations are made across the city as Kenyans get

at this time of the year, the scenes are similar.

set to usher in the new year in style. Most of the

In Mombasa, the first family entertains distin-

ADVERT

And there it hit me. I had never asked myself that

city’s entertainment spots are filled with revellers

guished guests at the State House. Moments

question, let alone realised that we party so hard

as hotels, pubs and restaurants do brisk business.

after the New Year has been ushered in, the

yet remain some of the most productive workers in

The streets remain largely deserted as most

president addresses the nation.

Africa. Without thinking much about it, I responded:

people are holed up in their neighbourhoods.

“Kenyans are unique and unlike any other people in the world. Kenyans are just Kenyans.”

Musically speaking

With that aside, I would want to say that Kenyans

As night falls, the streets of Nairobi are brightly lit

are good at partying. Be it a birthday party, a

and abuzz with life and activity. As in other major

baby shower, a weekend getaway, a company

cities across the world at New Year, local people

end-of-year party, Christmas, Easter, New Year

and tourists alike congregate in a big square or

or whatever party you want to call it, Kenyans

near an iconic building. In Australia, New Year

will make the most of it.

is associated with Sydney Harbour Bridge, while

A giant clock ticks down the final few seconds as the crowd roars out cheers of joy and laughter

in France it’s the Eiffel Tower in Paris and in the From the nation’s capital to the beach resorts of

United States it is Times Square, New York, the

Mombasa and Malindi to the upcountry towns

Kenyans congregate in front of Nairobi’s most

One of the most exciting events at on the coast

of Nakuru, Kisumu and Eldoret to rural villages

recognised building, the Kenyatta International

this time of the year is the numerous beach

lit by solar lanterns and music systems charged

Conference Centre in the heart of the city.

parties. Some of these are hosted by hotels on the beachfront while others – such as the one at

from car batteries, Kenyans will make a feast and a party and it will be unlike any other.

Within the grounds, the people are entertained

the Jomo Kenyatta public beach popularly known

by local and international musicians. The musical

as Pirates – are one huge party. Floodlights and

As the year comes to a close, people want to let

menu is every bit as varied as the crowd and

disco lamps are bright against the night sky. The

off steam and make merry. Having worked so

includes both live bands and recorded music.

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa hosts an

hard over the entire year, most people want to

Local artists charge up the crowds by playing hits

elaborate fireworks display, while at the same

unwind and have fun.

from the various music genres such as kapuka and

time, offering an elaborate dining experience and

bongo from Tanzania. And since this is a night for

fun activities during this time of the year.

Most companies will throw end-of-year bashes

many people with different musical tastes, local

and invite their employees, friends, colleagues

gospel musicians are on hand to belt out songs of

and business partners to recap on a good year and

praise as the midnight hour approaches.

As the hours clock down towards another year, the entertainment reaches fever pitch. New Year arrives and the entire beachfront is lit by

A giant clock ticks down the final few seconds as

a dazzling display of fireworks to the rapturous

the crowd roars out cheers of joy and laughter.

roars of the revellers.

Some are overcome by emotion and start to cry; others fall on their knees and pray, thankful to

Happy New Year!

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

35

36

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

GivingBack

Cycling to save the rhinos

Annual race in wildlife park in aid of conservation

C

ycle With Rhinos is considered one of the premier fund-raising activities in the conservation calendar. Having started a couple of years ago, it is growing in stature as a key activity that helps to protect and preserve not only the environment but also one of a highly threatened animal species.

ecosystem. Since this park was rebranded, it has been continuously in the spotlight in terms of visits and conservation efforts.

fund-raising Cycle With Rhinos is one of the park’s most important conservation activities. This fun-filled event is held each September in aid of efforts

Since the rebranding of the national parks by

to conserve the black rhino and white rhino.

the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) a few years

The KWS hosts the event, which takes place in

ago, the status of national and game reserves

various sections of the park.

has continued to rise. Lake Nakuru National Park, only 3 km from Kenya’s fourth-largest

The event is held in collaboration with various

city, Nakuru, is among the smallest of the

organisations and corporations involved in raising

national parks, but represents a vitally important

funds for rhino conservation. This year, Cycle

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

37

GivingBack

with Rhinos was supported by the Standard Char-

cyclists paid KES 10,000 per rider while amateur

tered Bank, Coca-Cola, Sarova Lion Hill Game

cyclists paid KES 2,000 each. The children’s fun

Lodge, Safaricom, Kenya Pipeline Company and

race attracted KES 500 per child under 18 years

Kenya Tourist Board.

of age. Corporate teams paid KES 50,000 and were allowed to enter no more than five riders.

PARTICIPATE

This year, the Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge

The races are organised in various categories

entered a two-man team in the amateur race

including the 74 km elite race, the 57 km amateur

consisting of David Kamau from the food and

race and the 10 km junior race. This year, elite

beverage department and Patrick Kigen from the housekeeping department.

Kenya has the thirdhighest

number

of

proceeds Initially conceived in 2003, the Cycle With Rhinos

rhino in the world

event has gone a long way towards improving

and it is vital to offer

National Park. Proceeds from the race and fund

residents are now assured of minimal invasion of

drive go towards the erection of a baboon-proof

their farms and properties by the baboons.

them

the

protection

utmost

conservation efforts in and around Lake Nakuru

fence around the park. This prevents the baboons from roaming outside the park and into commu-

The electric fence around the park also helps to

nity farms and neighbourhoods. Over the years

ensure that two of its residents, the black rhino

this has greatly aided community participation as

and white rhino, are protected. According to Julius Kipng’etich, the KWS director, Kenya has the third-highest number of rhino in the world and it is vital to offer them the utmost protection as rhino populations worldwide are falling sharply.

SUCCESS Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most successful rhino breeding and conservation area in the world. This is mainly because its small size allows close monitoring. The favourable climate and grazing lands in the park are also conducive to the growth and development of rhinos. It has also been noted that rhinos bred in the park are far healthier and larger than elsewhere.

The park has more black and white rhinos than all the other game parks and wildlife conservancies in East Africa combined. For security reasons, the KWS does not publish the actual rhino population in the park.

38

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is involved in the rehabilitation and restoration of the environment at Lake Nakuru National Park.

The staff and guests, partners and clients of the Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge plan to plant at least one million trees by the end of 2012.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

39

Gone fishing

40

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

you’Ve tried gaMe safaris Before – But what aBout a

By denis gathanJu

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

41

GONE FISHING

S

port fishing and fish safari tourism is the next ‘big thing’ for Kenya. With our first-rate facilities, we are quickly gaining a reputation as the biggest and hottest fishing destination not only in Africa but in the world.

I watch Mangi cut thin slices of fish that will be used as bait. Meanwhile, Hassan is putting some plastic fish onto hooks before casting them into the ocean.

“They are called teasers,” says Gai, in response to the blank look on my face. “We use them to

Kenya ranks the highest in Africa when it comes

attract the fish closer to the surface so that we

to fishing safaris. The South Africans are a distant

can catch them.”

second as they do not have a lot of game fish left in their waters and the weather is less tranquil than at the equator.

perfect weather “The weather conditions are somewhat perfect and

I head for the resort town of Watamu, just

terribly wrong at the same time,” says Garry when

outside Malindi. On arrival at the beach resort, I

I join him and Ali on the bridge. “At this time of the

am warmly welcomed by Garry Cullen, my host.

year, we expect to have the south-east monsoon

He asks if I have ever been fishing or out to sea

winds or the Kusi that blows from the south, but the

before, and I have to tell him I haven’t. “Then, in

wind is blowing from the north today.”

that case, it is quite rough out there at this time of year and I would advise you to take some sea

Garry explains that the fish swim with the ocean

sickness tablets before we set off,” he says.

currents that meet the wind blowing in the opposite direction. In such conditions, you are

the fish swim with

assured of a good catch.

the ocean currents

“We are heading for the banks,” says Ali as we sail

that meet the wind

of undersea mountain with a flat ‘roof’ extending

blowing

in the south. On the top they are very shallow at

in

the

opposite direction I am nervous and excited all at the same time as

further out. The banks, he explains, are a kind for 11 miles from Malindi in the north to Watamu 60 ft but they drop to well over a 1,000 ft on the south side.

shallow waters

Garry brings me the pills and a document that I

“It is on the deeper side that most of the bigger

have to sign to exonerate the operator from any

fish are situated,” says Gai. “Smaller fish swim and

responsibility in the case of serious injury or death.

feed in the shallower waters on the edge of the banks while the larger fish mill around the area

Garry introduces me to Ali al Harazi, our skipper,

and come close to the surface to feed on the

and his wife. Gai Cullen, who is coming with us.

smaller fish.”

From the beach, a dinghy takes us to the fishing boat

Garry explains that the fish, which are constantly

‘B’s Nest’. The big 35 ft, twin-engine Bertram 35

migrating from north to south and back, make a

vessel bursts into life and Ali steers it expertly out

stopover at the banks to feed. “As they feed we

of the reef into the ocean as crew members Hassan

get to catch them and make a meal out of them

and Mangi check and prepare the fishing lines.

as well,” he says.

42

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Come and join the fun Over the next few months tourists from all over the world will flock to the Kenyan coast for the joy and fun of sport fishing.

Kenya offers a wide variety of fish. On a typical expedition, one can expect to catch double figures of different fish species in a day.

From the banks of Lamu and Manda islands down to Malindi and Watamu and on through Mtwapa, on the outskirts of Mombasa, to the Pemba Channel, there are over 30 fish species to be caught. They include yellow fin tuna, barracuda, dorado, kingfish, wahoo, shark, sailfish, broadbill swordfish and the ‘royal family’ of marlin comprising the striped, blue and black marlin.

While most of these fish are not resident off the Kenyan coast, the monsoon trade winds that brought the Omani Arabs from the Persian Gulf to the African east coast are credited for bringing the fish here.

Fishing is possible throughout the year in Kenya, but the main season begins in July and goes on until the following May. The south-east monsoon blows from March to November and is cooler than the north-east Kaskazi, which blows the rest of the time. The seas are warmer and calmer during the Kaskazi months.

Game fishing is great fun, and not just for seasoned anglers.

With practice, anyone can enjoy this magnificent sport.

Kenya offers some of the finest deepsea fishing in the world, with a huge variety of species close to shore. A day spent fishing is an adventure in itself.

There is a choice of professional fishing clubs along the Kenyan coast offering a wide range of fishing trips. Vessels can be charted for about KES 39,000 for a five-hour trip and KES 72,000 for a 10-hour trip in high season.

Reputable angling companies offer packages that include fishing equipment, soft drinks and lunch within the price.

All you need to bring are high factor sun cream, sunglasses and a hat.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT 43

GONE FISHING

Garry points out the seagulls, terns and pelicans flying over the ocean. “This is an indication of there being fish around these waters,” he says.

Our boat is equipped with a fish locator and depth sounders. On the screen, I can see the deep ocean cliff and locate a shoal of fishing swimming on the deeper side of the banks.

casting the bait Hassan and Mangi cast the bait into the ocean.

We have six fishing lines at the back of the vessel, two lines attached to the centre rigger and two on each side of the outriggers.

We are now about seven miles out. Ali slows the engines and the boat moves in slow circles

line as Mangi stands by with a gaff ready to bring

the engines again. The fish returns closer to the

around the edge of the banks. It is silent on board

the fish aboard.

surface and this time Ali easily pierces its side and hoists it quickly on board. Garry, Gai, Mangi

as we await our first catch of the day.

Hassan moves forward and grabs the fishing line

and Hassan come to congratulate me on my first

“It gets exciting even if you have been fishing

at the leader – the piece of line between the

catch – a 7 lb Kawakawa or bonito.

for years,” says Gai. “You never know what to

hook and the tip of the rod. With lighting speed,

expect, you never know what lurks deep under

Mangi attacks the fish with the gaff, piercing its

“Would you like to have that for dinner tonight?”

side before pulling it onboard to wild ululations

she asks.

from Gai, Garry, Ali and myself.

‘You never know what to expect, you never know what lurks deep under the water’

Before the excitement has died down, a second

tiger shark

line reels and everyone moves into action.

After 10 hours at sea and five attempts from the

Hassan dashes forward and takes the rod from

chair, I came out with four catches: a dorado and

the rod bucket as Mangi quickly pulls the teasers

three yellow fin tuna. I had caught a tiger shark

back onboard.

on light tackle, but it was too powerful for me and got away.

Garry suggests that I try my hand and I jump at the opportunity. Mangi hands me the rod and Ali

We headed back to shore with over 385 lb of fish

the water. The uncertainty and suspense that

and Gai show me how to use the line from the

including a 30 lb wahoo, a 15 lb dorado and a 60

goes with it is exhilarating.”

chair. I struggle with the rod for about a minute

lb sailfish that we tagged and released.

or so before I finally locate the hooked fish close Suddenly, the middle line reels and our excite-

to the surface. With my heart pounding, I angle

“Of all the places that Garry and I have gone fishing,

ment hits the roof. Hassan quickly fastens a

harder and harder.

both here in Africa and elsewhere in the world, I would say that Kenya has the perfect weather and

harness around Gai’s waist and I watch her struggle with the fish at the end of the line.

Ali grabs a hook and moves closer as Mangi pulls

most varied fishery of them all,” says Gai.

the line towards the boat. Ali attacks the fish, but Ali stops the boat and it is now up to Gai to bring

it ducks back into the water. Gai tells me to wind

Game fishing expeditions on the Kenya north

the fish on board. Gai has been fishing since she

in my line quickly. Garry, who is watching from

coast can be arranged from the Sarova Whitesands

was six years old. She expertly angles her fishing

the bridge, pushes the vessel forward and stops

Beach Resort & Spa.

44

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

FACES OF SAROVA

THE FACES OF SAROVA Steve Kinguli Head concierge, Sarova Stanley

H

e has such an infectious smile when you meet him. When he speaks, he oozes passion and enthusiasm. And when you see him walk, you know he is a confident man who goes about his daily life doing what he loves best.

a thoroughly reliable person who can be trusted

Meet Steve Kinguli, who heads up the concierge

demanding

team at the Sarova Stanley in Nairobi. The

by total strangers.

‘The moment I report to

“You have to trust yourself to be trusted by

work, I switch off my

others,” says Steve. “Trust, is like virginity – you lose it once and you lose it forever.”

moment a guest walks through the century-old

The job of head concierge is as demanding as any

revolving doors of the Sarova Stanley, he or she

other, but what makes it exciting for Steve is the

is met by well trained and professional members

fact that he loves doing what he does.

of staff. This is the team of porters and concierge

myself

in

what

I

supposed to do’

way to making my job easier when I am knowledgeable on current affairs because of the kind of

“I normally cannot wait for the next working day,”

staff that is headed by Steve.

cellphone and I immerse

clientele and guests that come to stay with us.”

he says emphatically. “The moment I report to “The concierge is the person who makes things

work, I switch off my cellphone and I immerse

As well as heading the concierge team at Sarova

happen for the guest staying at the hotel,” says

myself in what I am supposed to do. If someone

Stanley, Steve is in charge of the hotel’s porters

Steve. “That is the reason why I do what I do with

wants to get in touch with me, then they can reach

and limousine drivers.

the level of dedication and passion that I have.”

me on the office line – or after working hours when I get home,” he adds with a radiant smile.

awards

A passion for the job

The high standards set by Steve in his working

Having joined Sarova when the group owned the

Sarova. These include Sarova Employee of the

Ambassador Hotel in downtown Nairobi, Steve

Year 2004, a gold award for customer service in

has served with a passion and dedication like

2009 and a silver award in 2010.

A question of trust The concierge is one of the key members of staff, in constant touch with guests staying at the hotel.

For this reason, says Steve, the concierge must be

‘Working

to

exceed

a

life have led to him receiving various awards at

no other. He goes out of his way to ensure that guests staying at the Sarova Stanley receive the

“Working to exceed a guests’ expectation is

guests’ expectation is my

best attention at all times.

my passion,” says Steve. “My team and I are

passion, My team and I are

“In this job, you need to be not only composed

the guest’s name and maintaining eye contact. It

and focused, but also very knowledgeable on

is like a song.”

committed to this’

committed to this. But the magic of it all is using

many issues,” says Steve. “You need to know what is happening around the hotel. It goes a long

46

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Steve is happily married with four children.

am

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

47

FACES OF SAROVA

THE FACES OF SAROVA Suzanne Odipo Front office m anager, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge

S

uzanne Odipo went to school to study international business administration.

Like many who attended university, she was still not sure what she wanted to do with her life and what career path was best suited for her.

“After I graduated from university, I secured jobs

But she soon found her feet when she applied

Management trainee

for a variety of jobs and a leading hotel in Nairobi

with different companies in Nairobi in the hotel and restaurant business,” she says. “I remember one of my internship programmes at Sarova Shaba

‘I knew I was making the right choice and I do

Game Lodge as being one of the most challenging

not

yet rewarding experiences.”

regret

it.

sacrifice was worth it’

asked her to step in for a receptionist on maternity

After a stint with various restaurants in Nairobi,

did not agree with me, they allowed me to fail.

leave. Suzanne just wanted something to keep

Suzanne joined Sarova Hotels as a management

This made me into the person I am today because

her busy and out of mischief during her three-

trainee between 2006 and 2007. This gave her

I learned a lot from my mistakes.”

month summer break from university. Looking

the opportunity to comprehend the intricate

back, however, Suzanne has no regrets. She had

and delicate balancing acts that go on behind the

found her calling. This is what she wanted to do.

scenes to make the hotel successful and the stay of a guest worthwhile.

Sacrifice At Sarova, Suzanne attributes her success to the mentorship programme that has infused a strong

switched

Her first deployment after completing the

sense of teamwork. It is this teamwork that helps

When she went back to university, she knew that

management trainee programme was at the

to ensure the success of the hotel and above all,

she wanted to do a totally different course. She

Sarova Panafric, where she served as hotel

guarantees a comfortable and hassle-free stay for

immediately switched to hotel and restaurant

assistant manager. She then moved to the position

its guests.

management and, ever since then, the sky has

of assistant front office manager at Sarova Panafric

been the limit for Suzanne.

before being deployed as front office manager at

However, working at a game lodge was a big chal-

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in 2010.

lenge for Suzanne.

choices

“I sat myself down and thought deeply about it. It

While Suzanne is happy with the choices she has

would have wanted,” she says. “I had to sacrifice a

made, she is quick to note that this could never

lot, but since this is what I wanted and was passionate

have happened without the support and encour-

about, I knew I was making the right choice and I do

agement of her parents and family.

not regret it. The sacrifice was worth it.”

“They supported me and they allowed me to

When not working, Suzanne relaxes by watching

make mistakes and learn from them,” she says. “I

a movie and listening to music. “Music keeps me

experimented a lot and, even though my parents

sane. It motivates me and renews my energy.”

‘I remember one of my internship

programmes

at

Shaba

Sarova

Game

Lodge as being one of the most

challenging

yet

rewarding experiences’

48

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

meant that I would not see my family as often as I

The

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT 49

A Rewarding year it has been

T

he continuous commitment to deliver exemplary service at Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges has not gone unnoticed. Throughout the year, we have received key awards recognising various aspects of our practices that go towards ensuring guest satisfaction.

The Wall Street Journal has described World

Double tribute to Sarova Stanley

Sarova Stanley was also feted at a gala event on

For the second year running, Sarova Stanley has

is committed to raising the bar of excellence in

brought home two most coveted awards in the

the luxury hotel industry. Only hotels, lodges

travel and tourism industry. It was recognised as Kenya’s Leading Hotel at the 18th World Travel Awards and Kenya’s Luxury Business Hotel at the 2011 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

Preferred Business Partner 2011 award by Hayes & Jarvis

World Travel Awards is the most prestigious,

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa won the title of Preferred Business Partner 2011 for its outstanding contribution and service excellence. Hayes & Jarvis is a leading international tour operator based in the UK.

in 1993 by the founder and president, Graham

comprehensive and sought-after award in the global travel and tourism industry. Established E. Cooke, to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the industry, World Travel Awards is recognised and respected worldwide as the definitive hallmark of excellence.

50

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Travel Awards as ‘the travel industry’s equivalent to the Oscars’.

Evidence is growing that consumers are increasingly using the portfolio of WTA winners to help them make their personal choices for travel and leisure.

16 September in Zagreb, Croatia. Established in 2006, the World Luxury Hotel Awards (WLHA)

Sarova Accolades

and resorts operating in a luxury niche market are able to participate in the WLHA. Sarova Stanley has retained its Victorian heritage character while offering modern hotel services and amenities to create Nairobi’s most special city hotel experience. It is truly a place where heritage meets contemporary taste in perfect harmony.

recognised Earlier in the year, Sarova Stanley was recognised as Best Accommodation Facility – City Hotel Category when the Kenya Tourism Federation joined hands with the Kenya Tourist Board to present the first-ever Kenya Tourism Awards on 23 June 2011.

Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges garnered four of the top awards, the highest number achieved by a single organisation at the event.

The awards are: Best Accommodation Facility Award – City Hotel - Sarova Stanley

Sarova Whitesands wins Energy Management Award Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa scooped top position in the energy management awards – service sector for the third year running. The resort has also implemented in all aspects of its business practice environmental policies such as appointing an energy champions in each department who is responsible for implementing innovative actions aimed at energy conservation. Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges, through its energy conservation policies, has managed to ensure that all the properties within the group embrace energy conservation as a best practice at all times. Sarova Whitesands has yet again emerged as the flagship of Kenya’s hospitality industry.

Best Accommodation Facility Award – Beach Hotel - Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa Best Investment Award in Human Capital Development Best Domestic Tourism Award.

The ceremony, at a colourful gala dinner in the grounds of the Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi, was graced by Dr Taleb Rifai, secretary general of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN-WTO), who was chief guest. The ceremony drew together tourism players and stakeholders both in government and in the private sector.

For more details on our awards, visit us on:

TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence As a leading hotel group in Kenya, Sarova Hotels has also been recognised by TripAdvisor with Certificates of Excellence. Among the Sarova properties noted are: Sarova Stanley, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, Sarova Mara Game Camp, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge and Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge.

Qualifying hotels must have maintained an average rating of four or higher out of a possible five, as reviewed by travellers on Trip Advisor. Additional criteria include volume of reviews and how recently they have been submitted by TripAdvisor travellers. The accolade is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. We are indeed proud that we achieved this for the above properties.

And to cap the awards this year, the Thai Chi Restaurant at Sarova Stanley has been awarded the Thai Select Award for 2011.

Thai Select certifies that the food, the hospitality and the atmosphere of the restaurant is authentic.

Chefs must be carefully trained in the preparation of Thai meals. Winning this prestigious award is not easy. The bar is set high and the guidelines are strict. Still, through training and inspections, high standard Thai restaurants worldwide have achieved this distinction.

www.sarovahotels.com

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

51

SAROVA cHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS AT SAROVA o

ur favourite festivities are with us again. at Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges, we promise our guests a seasonal programme to complement the well-deserved break. our guests will also have a chance to participate in our various environmental conservation efforts and make this christmas a ‘conscious christmas’.

christmas to enjoy the fun and make your

festive season, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge has

evening a memorable one during this festive

brought in a fusion of cultures of the world for

Season 2011. There are 12 wonderful themes

you to come and experience in style. from the

for christmas this year that you and your

rich cuisine, the eye catching modes of dressing

friends and family can enjoy. The show will be

to the irresistible Rhythms of the world.

a combination of various techniques used to bring a world-standard performance and activities put together to enlighten your evening.

cHRiSTMaS aT SaRova SHaba GaMe LoDGe Here begins the story of Ltasat in the heart of

cHRiSTMaS in THe ciTy

cHRiSTMaS aT SaRova MaRa GaMe caMP

Sarova Stanley and Sarova Panafric will have

brace yourself for a unique exploration of all

adamson. Join us at the breathtaking Sarova

an array of culinary offers and exciting themes

that the Mara represents – from Kenya’s most

Shaba Game Lodge, where we take you back in

at all restaurants during the festive season.

exotic community, their culture and their

time on the banks of the Lorian Swamp bound

at Sarova Stanley you are in for a winter

co-existence with the wild, to the essence of

crocodile infested uaso nyiro River through a

wonderland themed christmas party that is

wild unscripted safari.

great carnivore trek through Kenyan history.

cHRiSTMaS aT SaRova Lion HiLL GaMe LoDGe

cHRiSTMaS aT THe wiLD TaiTa

cHRiSTMaS by THe beacH The elements of Light beyond Sound are

we are living in a diverse world which is

Lodges will take you through a celebration to

brought together this festive season only

enriched with traditions and culture. This has

remember. from different dining experiences to

at Sarova whitesands beach Resort & Spa.

been passed on from generation to generation

water sports and guided nature walks. christmas

come along with your friends and family this

as history tells us. To embrace and celebrate this

carols will be sung by local choir groups.

Kenya’s ‘born free’ country and home of the legendary conservationists, Joy and George

sure to put everyone in a festive mood.

52

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

Sarova Taita Hills and Sarova Salt Lick Game

2011 FESTIVE SEASON RATES SaRova wHiTeSanDS beacH ReSoRT & SPa Standard Room: Single – Ksh 26,800 / Double – Ksh 32,500 Sea front Room: Single – Ksh 29,300 / Double – Ksh 35,000 Palm Room: Single – Ksh 29,800 / Double – 35,500 Suite – 1 bedroom – Ksh 43,500 Suite – 2 bedroom – Ksh 96,500 Presidential Suite – Ksh 148,500

SaRova SHaba GaMe LoDGe Standard Single – Ksh 12,100 Standard Double – Ksh 16,300 executive Suite – Ksh 23,000 born free Suite – Ksh 27,000

SaRova MaR a GaMe caMP Standard Single – Ksh 19,400 Standard Double – Ksh 25,800 club Tent – Ksh 35,000 family Tent (4 pax) – Ksh 56,000

SaRova Lion HiLL GaMe LoDGe Standard Single – Ksh 19,400 Standard Double – Ksh 27,000 1 bedroom Suite – Ksh 32, 500 2 bedroom Suite – Ksh 60,000 Ziwa Suite – Ksh 67,000

SaRova TaiTa HiLLS GaMe LoDGe Standard Single – Ksh 12,100 Standard Double – Ksh 16,300 Suite – Ksh 22,000

SaRova SaLT LicK GaMe LoDGe Standard Single – Ksh 14,20 Standard Double – Ksh 18,400 * Validity 23rd december 2011 to 2nd January 2012 * Five nights minimum stay at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa

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

SAROVA LOYALTY PROGR AM 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

Kartagener Associates Inc 14 Penn Plaza, Suitte 2223 New York, NY 10122 Toll Free: (800) 524-7979 Tel: 212 239 7979 Fax: 212 239 7479 E-mail: henry@kainyc.com Skype: Kai-nicole www.kainyc.com UK

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 (0)728 608 765 Fax: +254 (0)43 30 007

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

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SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

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, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND Harald Alber ATMS Stresemannstrasse 17 63477 Maintal Germany Tel.: +49 6181 4244 229 Fax: +49 6181 4244 205 Email: gh.alber@t-online.de INDIA Ankush Nijhawan Nijahawan Group of Companies E77, South Extension New Delhi 110 049 Tel: +91 11 4134 9448 Email: ankush@nijhawangroup.org

SOUTHERN 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 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

IN DIA N O C EAN

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Pemba I.

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

55

VICTORIAn HERITAGE AddS CHARM TO LUXURy In FLAGSHIP HOTEL Located in the heart of nairobi’s Central Business district is one of the city’s oldest and most elegant hotels. Rising eight floors above the busy streets of the Kenyan capital, this landmark building has a long heritage of hospitality.

As you go through the revolving doors into the wide lobby of the Sarova Stanley, the rich Victorian elegance of the hotel’s interior is unmistakable. Here, the heritage of the 19th century blends easily with the modern ways and technologies of the 21st century. It conveys a nostalgic feeling of years gone by while at the same time offering modern standards of luxury and comfort. Whether you are on a business trip or in transit to or from the safari circuits, the guest experience here is like no other in nairobi.

Over the years, Sarova Stanley has evolved from being one of the only luxury hotels in nairobi to the best hotel in Kenya.

Guests who choose to stay at this landmark hotel join a long list of respected leaders and icons of the past and present who have enjoyed its hospitality. They include the novelist Ernest Hemingway, who penned some of his masterpieces from his hotel bedroom. The hotel has also hosted presidents, film stars and the nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Wangari Maathai.

Everyone finds a special place at Sarova Stanley. The hotel enjoys a prime location within walking distance of major government

56

SAROVA SPOTLIGHT

ministries and businesses including the nairobi Stock Exchange as well as tourist attractions in the city.

The Exchange Bar is regarded as the ‘home’ of the nairobi Stock Exchange and is located only a stone’s throw from nation Centre, where the nSE is housed. This spacious bar has a giant screen with real-time data from the nSE.

aL fReSco The fifth-floor health club is open to guests and outsiders. It comes with a fully equipped gym, sauna, steam bath and massage beds. The pool is also located on this floor. The Thorn Tree Restaurant, open to the street, is a historical 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.

accoMMoDaTion Sarova Stanley has 217 individually air conditioned rooms on eight floors. They 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 Thai Chi Restaurant on the first floor is regarded as nairobi’s best fine dining establishment for Thai cuisine. It is the only authentic Thai restaurant of its kind in East and Central Africa.

Sarova Stanley, which is the flagship of Sarova Hotels, Resorts & Game Lodges, has recently completed construction of a portecochère. This new entryway gives an impressive look to the hotel’s front, while offering guests a more spacious area for driving in.

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

Patrons at the Thorn Tree Café will also enjoy an enhanced sense of privacy and security.

A nAME InSPIREd By KEnyA’S MOVEMEnT FOR PEACE And HARMOny As many nations across Africa achieved independence and the Pan African Movement began to gain traction among African leaders at the time, it has to be remembered that one hotel, perched on a small hill overlooking nairobi, opened its doors and welcomed African leaders who were inspired by the dream of a harmonious continent.

Sarova Panafric has lived up to its billing. Inspired by the Pan African Movement, the Sarova Panafric has remained true to its calling. Today, the hotel features a unique blend of colours and shades inspired by various African leaders and nations who embraced the movement. It was officially opened by the then Kenyan President, Jomo Kenyatta, in 1965 at the height 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 nkrumah of Ghana.

Towering above other hotels in the city, this four-star property benefits from a unique location in a quiet neighbourhood, only a short walk from central nairobi. This makes it ideal for leisure tourists stopping over on their way to or from the safari circuit.

Its tranquil atmosphere is equally well suited to 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 schedule.

Guests at Sarova Panafric can now experience a redefinition of refreshing African hospitality. The hotel has a brand-new entrance foyer, lobby and reception area, all themed in neo-African decor and tone. The comfortable and spacious lobby offers a pleasant working environment for business executives and other guests staying at the hotel. The lobby’s architectural theme is complemented by newly commissioned uniforms for all staff, designed as a blend of African prints and contemporary fashion trends. To further enhance the arrival experience for guests, the hotel has installed a state-of-the-art security feature and a new gatehouse that will ensure minimum inconvenience and a smooth flow of guest vehicles into the hotel.

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.

confeRence 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.

There are 164 spacious bedrooms, well spread on six storeys: 5 Suites 14 club (3 twins, 10 double) 65 Superior – 14 twin and 51 double 46 executive rooms 36 Standard rooms.

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

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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

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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 Minazi Café is open 24 hours a day and serves mouth-watering snacks and a children’s menu.

The Lido Seafood Grill, overlooking the ocean, 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 66 Palm rooms 128 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 fleet of safari vehicles and deeply knowledgeable guides.

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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 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.

accoMMoDaTion Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge has 96 rooms built over two oors.

55 Twin-bed rooms 41 Double-bed rooms

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.

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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.

SPaciouS 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.

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 Wide 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 • The lodge features a large restaurant and bar • Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge has a large pool and two conference halls.

accoMMoDaTion Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge has 62 rooms spread over three-storeys.

2 Suites 20 Twin-bed rooms 31 Double-bed rooms 9 Triple-bed rooms

EXPERIEnCE THE SAMBURU SPECIAL FIVE 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.

It is in this location that guests can see and experience the Samburu Special Five. These include: gerenuk, Samburu ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and Oryx.

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 Sarova Shaba Survivor challenge 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.

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.

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

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What’s cooking

Christmas pudding

Enjoy the flavour of old England

S

arova’s tasty and stylised Christmas pudding, shown here, owes its roots to a traditional and varied English recipe going back many centuries.

In England, many households have their own unique family recipe; but, in essence, all use sweet spices, dark sugars and treacle moistened with citrus fruits and fortified with brandy.

The puddings can sometimes take many weeks to make as the ingredients are slowly soaked and mixed together.

Traditionally, a Christmas pudding has a small silver coin for keeping by the person whose serving contained it.

INGREDIENTS

Method: In a large bowl mix together all the

Remove the bowl from the steamer and, once

‘dry’ ingredients. Beat the eggs and stir them into

the pudding has cooled, remove the grease-

the mixture along with the lemon zest and brandy.

proof paper.

100 g chopped almonds

Place the mixture into a well greased bowl and

Storage: Re-cover with new greaseproof

200 g mixed peel

cover with two pieces of greaseproof paper,

paper and store until needed.

Rind of 1 grated lemon

ensuring the paper is double-folded across the

75 ml brandy

middle of bowl.

200 g sultanas 200 g raisins 200 g currants

1 tsp mixed spice

Serving: Before serving, steam for a further three hours, again ensuring the pan does not

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Note: For individual puddings, divide the

Pinch of bicarbonate of soda

mixture into four well greased 1/2 pint (850 ml)

250 g white bread crumbs

bowls and follow the same method.

Cooking time: 6+ hours.

50 g unsalted butter oil

Cooking: Steam the pudding mixture over a

Serves: 4.

2 eggs

pan of water for six hours, making sure the pan

boil dry.

75 g flour

never boils dry.

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