09 November 2011


 
Discover the exciting sensation of the Tsavo National Park, let yourselves go by the emotions stimulated by the African day and night.
 
See the park accompanied by a qualified guide and enjoy the African magic given off by having breakfast in the savannah or by discovering the star constellation of the southern hemisphere, in front of a bonfire that emits the typical acacia and wooden scent.

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Discover the exciting sensation of the Tsavo National Park, let yourselves go by the emotions stimulated by the African day and night. See the park accompanied by a qualified guide and enjoy the African magic given off by having breakfast in the savannah or by discovering the star constellation of the southern hemisphere, in front of a bonfire that emits the typical acacia and wooden scent. Mashariki Camp is the first Ora Lodge of the Ora Hotels chain. It is a camp with tents located in the heart of the TAITA HILLS, right on the border with TSAVO NATIONAL PARK.

Mashariki Camp, Kenya

Accomodation at Mashariki

The camp has 5 tents and 2 lodges immersed in the savannah. Each tent and lodge is furnished in a very simple and informal manner. It provides a good quality standard level with private bathrooms, also embedded within the rocks, equipped with a shower and hot and cold water.

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Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared in the kitchen next to bar /restuarant area, offering International cuisine with a hint of swahili flare. The owners will always be available and at the client’s complete disposal.

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Kenyan Menù
Bean soup with coconut
Chicken curry with chapati (bread African)
Matok (potatoes and bananas in pan)
Timanga (mango, cassava and beans)
Nyama Choma (grilled goat meat) with ugali (polenta)
Coconut barfi

For our guests we offer international cuisine buffet for lunch, the evening before the fire instead serve some Italian dishes and swhaili.

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- Once a minivan with English speaking guide 
- Duration 1 night, starting with a guaranteed minimum of 4 members 
- Departure every day of the week 
1° day: Malindi o Watamu / Tsavo Est 190 km 
After breakfast departure to Tsavo East Arrival and accommodation at the camp and after dinner out for the first game drive to observe the animals of the savannah. Return to the 18.00, time to relax under the stars, dinner and overnight. 
2° day: Tsavo Est/ Malindi o Watamu 190 km 
After breakfast, start the safari in the Tsavo East National Park with lunch at the lodge during the journey. In the afternoon to Malindi, a street full of scenic villages. Arrival at the selected hotel and dinner. 
 


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TSAVO EAST 
 
Tsavo National Park is divided between Tsavo East and Tsavo West, and is the 'great national park in Kenya and one of the' big in the world. The west of Tsavo has a volcanic landscape and is the home of the "Big Five" animals. It also offers a temporary home to a huge number of migratory birds between October and January. Tsavo East, across the main road has many hills and is familiar to large herds of elephants and buffalo.

Other places of interest in the area are: The small village of Makindu with the Sikh temple, and its cooperative of artisans. The languages of solidified lava Shetani and Chaimu that offer fun excursions cave. Taveta, which can be used as a basis for experiencing great emotions swimming with the crocodiles in Lake Chala pygmy. Lake Jipe that can be explored by speedboat or traditional Dugout canoes.

Tsavo is the largest destination for safaris in Kenya and one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world! With 10 million square acres is bigger island of Jamaica. During the safari in the Tsavo Park will see large herds of elephants, red, covered by fine red dust delloTsavo Park. There are many natural attractions in Tsavo, such as waterfalls Lugard and the sources of Mzima, where an underwater observatory observe hippos and crocodiles the catfish. Kilimanjaro dominates the western horizon and is a spectacular view from the other side of the plains. A safari in Tsavo is an ideal destination for people looking for solitude and adventure.

With its proximity to Mombasa is also an ideal safari for those who are on vacation in the coastal towns such as Malindi and Watamu.

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08 November 2011


 
A world of infinite horizons, dramatic vistas and fascinating flora and fauna… Do you believe that travel should be about more than “just looking” – and that every journey should be a life-enriching experience? Do you yearn to go off-the-beaten-track and experience unspoilt nature? If you answered YES, then you MUST experience the Namib. 
 
 
 
 
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World’s Oldest Desert: Reported to be the oldest desert on earth, the Namib is approximately 80 million years old. Completely devoid of surface water, it is bisected by several dry riverbeds and is characterised by extensive, undulating dunes. The Sahara may be larger and Gobi more isolated, but the Namib is the very oldest, so on this trip, prepare for the best desert experience possible! 
 
The Living Desert: At first glance, the Namib’s interior appears totally devoid of fauna & flora but look closely and you’ll find that apart from the diamonds and uranium that have been mined here, the desert’s unique plant and animal life is definitely another of its infinite treasures. One outstanding living wonder is the famous Welwitschia mirabilis, a plant that can live for up to five hundred years. Although its tenacity and longevity are remarkable, the fact that it has the appearance of a heap of garden refuse means that instead of an earthshattering visual experience you may want to concentrate on its remarkable 
age when taking pictures! 
 
The “Sheltering” Desert: At the start of the Second World War, German Henno Martin and his colleague and friend Hermann Korn, feared internment in a camp for Nazi’s. Consequently, they escaped into the Namib Desert. For two and a half years they eked out a living in this harsh environment. In later years, Martin published his account of this experience, titling his book, The Sheltering Desert and later their story was also made into a film. As you drive along, or when setting up camp, imagine trying to survive here without the luxuries offered to you on this trip. You may see the Namib in a different light!
 
* The Diamond Desert: The discovery of diamonds in 1908 around Kolmanskuppe initiated an uncontrolled rush of prospectors into the region. The German Government was forced to establish the so-called “Sperrgebiet” between 26-degree line of latitude and Namibia’s southern border, stretching 100-kilometres inland. As a result, independent prospectors were forced to turn northwards beyond this area. This resulted in the discovery of diamonds at Spencer Bay and between Meob and the Conception Bay area (Diamond Area no. 2) during December 1908. A total of 5000 diamond claims were registered in 1909 and hopeful fortune hunters tried their luck at Saddle Hill and Spencer Bay, also traveling via Swakopmund and Sandwich Harbour southwards towards Meob Bay. However, the small yields of diamonds from these claims meant few were successful in their pursuit of riches.
 
* Custodians of the Desert: the Topnaar community: The !Nara fruit, a wild melon that grows in the Kuiseb River bed, is unique to the Namib Desert. For more than a thousand years it has been the traditional staple food of the Topnaar or ≠Aonin-people, one of the oldest communities of Nambia. The Topnaars belong to the Nama tribe, a Khoi group. Traditionally, the Topnaars acquired a lot of their food from the sea, spearing fish in the shallow water and hunting seals, birds and turtles. For this reason, they were also called Beachcombers by European settlers. Eventually, members of the tribe settled around the Kuiseb River, harvesting the !Nara and keeping livestock. Prepare to learn more about these fascinating people and their way of life as we journey.
 
If this is your introduction to the Namib Desert, expect the exceptional. The emphasis of the tour is not only on the adrenaline thrill of dune driving, but a huge part of its focus is studying the plants, small creatures and wildlife all of which make this desert their home. Enjoying the Namib’s incredible views and history is also emphasized. Our guides will capture your imagination with their knowledge on the fauna and flora of the desert or historical facts. They will also wow you with their cooking skills, preparing three mouth-watering meals each day and make you chuckle! Equally, if you are a seasoned desert
traveller you will find our Faces-tour to be both an unparalleled adrenaline rush and a journey of discovery. The dunes along this stretch of the Namib are higher and more challenging than elsewhere. Driving here requires good technique and discipline to manoeuvre from one dune strait to the next. The magnitude of what awaits you is difficult to express in words. Although the tour’s emphasis is not solely on 4x4 and off-road driving, driving on and over the world's highest sand dunes means previous experience and a proficiency in off-road driving are recommended. Beginners will be talked through each
phase of the journey.
 
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DAY 1: Overnight Solitaire
 
We assemble at Solitaire, preferable by nightfall. This is the time to get last minute supplies and fill fuel tanks to the brim. Remember-you need fuel for six days. Since many group members may have been to Sossusvlei (one of the highlights of Namibia), a visit her is not included in our current itinerary. Tonight you will have the opportunity to meet guides and fellow travellers. After a detailed briefing of what to expect the next couple of days, you will be treated to a lovely meal around the campfire.
 
 
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DAY 2: Solitaire to Kuiseb River Canyon
 
We depart from Solitaire and enter the Namib Nauklüft Park, 35kms north of town - restricted Namib area. This is the start of a unique adventure offering you aspects of the Namib seldom experienced by the “normal” tourist. We cross the Namib plains more or less on the same ox-wagon route followed by early settlers, German Schutztruppe (on horseback & camels) and ‘transport ryers’ in the late 1800s. 
 
The route leads to the Kuiseb River. The landscape gradually changes from the typical Namib Plains into a colourful landscape of red sand dunes separated by grassy plains. The Kuiseb Canyon offers unique scenery. Its southern bank is formed by massive red sand dunes and northern bank by pitch black rock formations, while the riverbed itself is overgrown by massive endemic trees. The dry sand bed creates a kaleidoscope of green and white tones. We now proceed westwards along the edge of the canyon until we reach a spot were the dunes fall right into the river, near Homeb.
 
Depending on the status of the river (which may be in flood) we will ‘slip’ into the river enjoying its unique eco- system. This includes a variety of trees and an abundance of birds. We will cross over onto the northern bank of the Kuiseb Canyon, enjoying breathtaking views. On the northern side of the Kuiseb we will come across the southernmost examples of the Welwitschia mirabilis plant, endemic to the Namib Desert. Although the plant looks as if it has many leaves, it has only two, shredded by the wind over the course of centuries. The plant’s scientific names are a combination of the first European to describe it, a Slovenian botanist named Friedrich Welwitsch, and “Mirabilis” which comes from Latin and refers to its marvellous ability to survive in harsh, apparently waterless conditions. The night is spent under the desert sky!
 
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Day 3: Desert Crossing!
 
The Namib Desert follows the coast of Namibia for approximately 2000 kilometres. It varies in width from 80 to 200 kilometres where it meets the Namib Escarpment. The most important climatic feature of the Namib Desert is its sparse and highly unpredictable annual rainfall which ranges from 5 mm in the west to about 85 mm along its eastern limits. Our aim with this trip is drive across the desert from east to west experiencing the dramatic change in the environment. From Homeb, we head southwest into the “sand sea”. On the way to Conception Bay massive dunes are negotiated. Once again ever-changing scenery and beautiful landscapes are enjoyed. Drivers’ skills are bound to be improving as the dunes offer greater and greater challenges. The dune straits are massive, and the dunes themselves even more impressive. Most are in 
excess of 150m high. We once again make camp amongst them, enjoying the unique thrill of desert camping.
 
 
Days 4 & 5: Conception Bay and Ghost Towns
 
In the area between Conception Bay and Meob Bay the mining settlements of Holsatia, Charlottenfelder and Grillenberger were established during the heyday of diamond mining. No form of engine-driven transport was available during the first 15 years of exploration. Transporting supplies and mining equipment happened mainly by ship from Swakopmund or using the cutter, Viking, traveling via Sandwich Harbour, Conception and Meob Bays. Various shipping casualties occurred, such as when the Eduard Bohlen was stranded near Conception Bay in 1909. This rusty wraith is something exceptional to behold! During 1912/1913 a light railway from Conception Bay to Conception Water, and an 80-kilometer pipeline linking the settlements, were constructed. It is not clear how many pre-fabricated buildings were erected at the various settlements, as only the foundations of some of these are still visible today.
 
The exploration of Namibia by Europeans commenced from this coastline as early as 1485, although the inhospitable Namib Desert barred access to the interior. Probably the first European to set foot on Namibian soil was the Portuguese explorer, Diogo Cao or Diogo Cam, followed by Bartholomew Diaz two years later, on 8 December 1487. This date represented the holiday of "Maria's Conception". Therefore the bay received the name" Santa Maria da Conceicao" (Conception Bay). Today you will most likely see vast flocks of birds, drive past Cape Fur seal colonies, visit the wreck of the Eduard Bohlen near Conception Bay and see various relics dating back to the diamond mining era. In November 1914 all the people in this area were requested to stop operations and to proceed to Swakopmund. This order came as a result of an expected invasion of allied troops. This part of the journey is something history buffs will particularly enjoy…Keep a look out for wandering ghosts! Tonight you will be camping in the Conception Bay area, either at “Leeukoppie” (Lion’s Head) or at “Conception Water” – depending on progress and/or weather).
 
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Day 6: “Langewand” to Walvis Bay
 
The dune belt opens up between Meob Bay and Conception Bay, but immediately after Conception it stretches right onto the beach. From Conception Bay you will be driving on the beach. Scenery is truly magnificent. You will also experience driving freedom – BIG TIME!! We are heading northwards towards Sandwich Bay passing the wreck of the Shawnee and negotiating the famed Langewand where massive dunes come straight down into sea. There are only two or three places in the world to see this natural phenomenon. Due to the tides, there is only a very limited time span to negotiate this stretch of beach. After Langewand the trail once again leads into the dunes, circumnavigating the salt pan ‘extensions’ of Sandwich Harbour. The dunes are still getting progressively larger, offering drivers an ever-changing dune driving experience.
 
From Sandwich Harbour the trail enters the roller coaster, a series of massive ‘roaring’ slip faces, not only giving you a thrilling experience but also offering breathtaking views of the harbour and a panorama of sandscapes on the way to Walvis. The trip concludes over dinner at the Yacht Club. Accommodation in Walvis Bay (or close it, at Lauberville)) is included in the package. The time has sadly come to say your good-byes to new friends made during this adventure of a lifetime. 
 
OPTIONAL: Before returning home, make use of a unique opportunity to view the Namib from the air. A scenic flight over the Desert is a great way to experience the desert you have just negotiated from another angle- well worth the expense!
 
 **Please note: Although some experience of dune driving and previous ‘wild camping’ (no formal facilities at camp) are recommended this does not mean that this will be a “Dakar Rally”. The emphasis is definitely on what the Namib has to offer but crossing massive dunes and doing a lot of off-road driving forms a large part of this experience. Participants must definitely have off-road endurance and a taste of adventure.
 
Faces of Namib
 

 
 
Essentials 
 
The following items is mandatory for each participation vehicle:
·  Spade
·  60 liters water in total of which 20 liters will be used by the kitchen and the remainder will be for showering
·  bottled water for drinking
·  Tyre pressure gauge
·  Toilet paper & matches
·  Plastic bags to carry waste (e.g. empty cool drink tins, etc)
·  Brake fluid
·  Gear oil
·  Engine oil
·  Fuses
·  Spare V- Belt set
·  Sufficient Petrol/Diesel to cover the distance – 550KM. Heavy sand driving conditions 
     (+/- 3 km/litre and +/- 5 km/litrer consumption for larger petrol and diesel engines respectively) will be experienced.
·  Vehicle to be fitted with points to attach tow ropes both in front and at the rear.
 
    NB!!
·  All equipment and luggage must be strapped in and securely fastened
·  Vehicle must be loaded in such a way to ensure that the vehicle is not “Top Heavy” – e.g. only light items, camping gear on     roof carriers
·  2 Large bags of firewood per vehicle.
·  The trail passes through heavy dune area, which requires high flotation tyres ("fat takkies").
 
Optionally:
   Hi lift Jack & Q20 Spray
   Extra Spare wheel (no 6)
   Small broom & Small spade
 
We supply:
¨  Communication radios for all participating vehicles
¨  Meals (Only Tea/Coffee and fruit juices supplied with meals)
¨  “Communal” camping equipment (e.g. braai grid, cooking facilities & equipment, tables, wash-up facilities, shower, toilet etc.)
 
All you need:
·  Tent, folding chair & sleepwear (bedroll, tent etc.)
·  Eating utensils (cutlery, plate, bowl, glass & mug)
·  Own snacks & refreshments (alcoholic beverages, cool drinks etc.)
·  Torch & batteries
·  Camera (extra films & battery)
·  Sunglasses & sun tan lotion
·  Clothing (very hot and very cold), toiletries & towels.
·  Prescribed medicine
·  Small bowl or collapsible wash basin
 
 
PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
Days/Nights Adults
5/6          R6,500/p
 
 
The above prices include concession fees, levies and accommodation per person. We can arrange 4x4 and camping equipment rental on your behalf.
 
Travel insurance and medical evacuation: 
In case of a motor vehicle accident your medical evacuation is included in the price. You need your own travel insurance and medical evacuation service in case of a hart attack or any other medical emergency etc. 
 
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03 November 2011


Experience the tropical beaches of Watamu, Kenya, with Twiga Resort. The resort is located in the magical setting of Watamu and will offer you one of the most relaxing and enjoyable stays in Kenya...
Starting From R 11,550 per person sharing 
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INCLUDED IN PACKAGE:
Duration: 7 Nights at Twiga Resort in Kenya
Destination: Watamu, Kenya
Accommodation: Standard double rooms on a full board basis (Soft Inclusive)
EXCLUDED FROM PACKAGE:Travel insurance & Medical insurance, Items of personal nature, Gratitude’s, Laundry & Telephone calls and Meals & Beverages not specifically mentioned.  Please note that flights, car rental & transfers can be added to this package.



A brand new construction, Ora Resort Twiga Beach is situated in the Watamu area, in one of the most beautiful places of the whole coast of Kenya, to about 20 minutes by car from Malindi and attainable on asphalted road. The Resort directly leans out on a marvelous beach in front of the famous fetch denominated "Sardinia Two", that appears or it disappears according to the development of the tides. You will be spellbound from the thousand tonalities of blue of the Indian ocean and from the white beach, where you will take some pleasant and relaxing walks, with the low tide, admiring beautiful sand-banks.


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The 65 rooms of the Resort are all with sight on the Indian ocean and its enchanting colours, thanks to an intelligent architectural game, they develop on two bodies built on two floors, in an enchanting Arabic style . Each room is elegantly furnished and it is endowed with balcony or garden, matrimonial bed with mosquito net, desk, closet and mirror, luggage holder, air conditioned, television, safety box, refrigerator cafe and hair dryer. There are also communicating quadruple rooms available, ideal for the families.
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The management of the Ora Hotel Group guarantees an excellent level of quality. The Resort’s meeting place is the spectacular roof top in makuti where water games are held, where you can also find the reception, the information desk, the boutique and the main bar with the living area where you can get away from the animated games and just simply read to relax or play games such as billiard, table soccer or ping pong with your friends. The restaurant offers a buffet service and is located in front of the pool overlooking the sea. It offers Italian and the typical local cuisine, made up mainly by fresh home made pasta dishes, fresh grilled fish, sweets an plenty of tropical fruit sliced at the moment it is requested. Every week there is a typical Zanzibar theme dinner and a gala dinner. It is also possible to reserve a romantic lobster dinner (with an additional cost involved). You may also find an open-air and covered relax area that is located by the poolside where the second bar is situated and dedicated especially for you. Following the pool, where you can find many water activities along the resort, you arrive all the way on to the beach, where the third and beautiful soft Beach Bar is located. Sun loungers with cushions and beach towels are available for the clients by the pool or at the beach, provided by the resort with a deposits.
The internet connection is free of charge within the designated areas of the hotel, while upon payment you may purchase items at the boutique, use the massage center, the laundry and the telephone. All major credit cards are accepted (with a commission applied). The resort staff organizes many different events during the day. The evenings are usually organized with typical local shows and other various forms of entertainment.
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MEDICAL SERVICES
There is medical assistance within the resort run by a doctor of the hotel.
The large beach in front of the hotel makes it easy to organize and to practice many games such as : Beach Volley, Five-a-Side soccer, Lawn Bowling, Beach Tennis. Moreover, mountain bikes are available to the clients of the resort. Possibility to practise diving and snorkelling in the convention center, provided with assistance of Italian personnel. To disposition for Ora Resort clients loving excursions, there’s a rich program that allows visits to the Sea Park, to the Ruins of Gedi, besides the Blue Safari and to the possibility to effect splendid safaris in the parks situated inside the country. All experiences that you can try thanks to an excursions program to your disposition, at the sale point, located at the lobby, in front of the reception of the Resort.

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