Thursday, August 29, 2013
Remembering the Lion Man of Africa (George Adamson)
This year marks 24 years since Adamson was
killed on August 20, 1989 in Kora, by Somali poachers when he responded
to a distress call from a group of German tourists near Kampi Ya Simba
(camp of the lions). His battered Land Rover was shot at
and he was killed alongside two of his assistants. Come join us as we
go celebrate the Life and times of Adamson, and appreciate what he did
for #NatureActivities:
• Camping at Adamson’s Camp and in Tana River Campsite
• Climbing of Kora Rock
• Visit to cultural manyattas and exhibition of cultural artifacts
from different cultures surrounding the Park
• Cultural night on Saturday,
• Watching of George Adamson films, Gallery Exhibition –
in the Adamson camp
• Visit to Kora Rapids
• Visit to George Adamson’s grave
• Cultural dance by communities at the grave side and also
in the campsite
Contact us today
Call: +254705-648246/+254-787-687800
+254-7032022687/0202587323
Email: info@fountainsafaris.com
See more at: http://www.fountainsafaris.com/events-offers-news
KAREN BLIXEN MUSEUM
KAREN BLIXEN MUSEUMFrom the Nairobi town centre, drive towards Ngong Hills to the Karen Blixen Museum. This museum was originally the home of Baroness Karen Von Blixen, a Danish author who settled in Kenya in the early years of the 20th Century.
The house, which was restored by the Danish government, was used during the filming of the Academy Award winning Film 'Out of Africa', which was based on Karen Blixen’s book with the same title.
With much of the original furniture is on display in the house, combined with the beautifully landscaped gardens and encompassing view of the Ngong Hills, the Museum continues to be very popular destination for international and local visitors
The original kitchen has been restored and is now open for viewing and it features a Dove Stove similar to the one used by Blixen as well as other Colonial period kitchen utensils.
Reconstruction of the coffee factory as an additional attraction is underway but some farm machinery from the Imperial Era is currently on display, depicting the early settler life in Kenya.
See more attractions here: http://www.fountainsafaris.com/tourist-attractions
Book a flight
Need a flight??? Let us find the best that suites your needs. Talk to us today
Email at info@fountainsafaris.com or Call: +254 - 787 687800 OR +254 - 705 648246 or you can also drop us an inquiry on our website by clicking this link
--->> http://www.fountainsafaris.com/flights
Email at info@fountainsafaris.com or Call: +254 - 787 687800 OR +254 - 705 648246 or you can also drop us an inquiry on our website by clicking this link
--->> http://www.fountainsafaris.com/flights
Ripples Meru Marathon
This years #RipplesMeruMarathon event has been organized by Ripples International in conjunction with #MeruCounty administration to help break the silence against #childsexualviolence mainly in Meru County but with consideration to also create awareness not only in this region of #Kenya but also to other regions. The #marathon is scheduled to take place on 29 September 2013, with the Chief Guest being His Excellency, the President #UhuruKenyatta , and will attract a cash prize of Sh1 million. The event aims to raise KES100m.
Ripples International cater for #violatedchildren who turn to them for support. Organizers are targeting 10,000 participants.The marathon event is intended to create awareness and raise funds for the protection of children against #sexualviolence. The project is run at Brenda Boone Tumaini Centre situated in Kithoka and has to date rescued 254 children since its inception in 2006.
After rescue, the sexual violence child survivors access diverse types of services with the basic ones being medical treatment, shelter, trauma counseling and legal services. The marathon will have four races – 42.2km, 21.1km, 10 km and 5km. In addition to the several races that individuals are set to participate in, there are other categories allowing for teams from institutions such as organizations’ executives, school parties, physically challenged individuals as well as the aged to run at a discounted rate.The event will attract over 10,000 participants including elite Kenyan, Catherine Ndereba and Patrick Makau Musyoki, and other international athletes as well as local spectators and other invited guests. Fountain Safaris-Tours and Travel is proud to support the cause and give back to our community......
Contact us today for details about the marathon and how you can offer support... TOUCH A CHILD'S HEART
Call: +254705-648246/+254-787-687800
+254-7032022687/0202587323
Email: info@fountainsafaris.com
See more offers and events here:http://www.fountainsafaris.com/events-offers-news
Travel Tips
Travel Tips 1. Always pack a hat. a brimmed hat will keep the sun off your face
2. Packing for a trip is infinitely easier when you’ve just done laundry.
3. Always carry a travel first aid kit
5. Pack a reusable water bottle that clips on to your bag. Bonus points if it’s collapsible.
6. Bags with wheels are amazing. That backpack might seem more agile, but have you ever seen someone trek across an airport with one of those on their back?
7. Don’t forget your camera charger. You will go through that battery in a second, esp. when your friends insist on flipping through all of the photos that you just took in order to relive something that happened 5 minutes ago.
8. Don’t pack clothes that require ironing. Hell, don’t buy clothes that require ironing.
9. If you are staying with someone, get them a present. Either bring it from home, or take them out during the trip, or send them something afterwards. Do it not only because you will likely be invited back, but because you will be so proud.
10. Never pack something that you haven’t worn before. Otherwise you’ll find your new shoes too uncomfortable, your new jacket too flimsy, your new underwear too wedgie-prone.
11. Buy that delightfully grotesque souvenir, even if you don’t know who to give it to. Odds are, you will think of someone for whom it would be perfect. Worst-case scenario, you’ll keep it for yourself. Which is a really great worst-case scenario.
12. If you hate wearing something at home, you will hate wearing it even more on a trip.
13. Pack those god-awful tennis shoes you only wear “jogging” (a.k.a., “to the store to buy ice cream”) At some point during your trip, you won’t care what you look like. You will only care about being comfortable. For me, that point is “Day 2.”
14. Always ask guides for tips. They’ll tell you what the best are, and what you can skip.
15. Tip your hotel housekeeping staff. While you can leave it every day on the pillow, most staff is instructed not to move money or personal items, so they might not pick it up. If this is the case, just leave it in a prominent spot when you check out.
16. Never carry your wallet in your back pocket, and never carry your purse on just your shoulder.
17. Take notes. As much as you believe the contrary, once you get home you will not remember your tour guide’s name, or the artist whose worked you loved so much, or even the city where you stayed. Write it down.
18. If you have an inkling that you should not be taking photos of something, don’t take them.
19. The second you think of packing something, PACK IT. If you wait, you will forget.
20. If you don’t speak the local language of the place you are heading, then at least learn the following phrases: Please. Thank you. I’m sorry.
21. Wherever you are, wherever you are going, bring snacks.
22. You will inevitably forget something, either at home or while on your trip. Accept this reality, and pray it is not your passport or your spouse.
23. Call your credit card company before you leave and put a travel alert on your card. While you’re at it, jot down their international customer service number.
24. Consider contacting the embassy and letting them know the dates of your trip. Or at the very least, have their contact info on hand.
25. Make photocopies of your passport and leave one with friends and another tucked into your bag. Or, better yet, scan your passport and email a copy to yourself.
26. Pack more underwear than you could ever conceivably go through. They don’t take up much room, and after a few days on the road, you will feel FRIGGING DECADENT when you put on a fresh pair in the morning and again in the afternoon.
27. Stuffing socks into your shoes can help you save space and ensure your loafers retain their shape.
28. No one will judge you for watching a dumb movie while on a plane. That’s what you’re supposed to do on planes.
29. When packing, try to match all of the pants/bottoms you are taking with all of the tops. This will prevent you from looking like a total goober by the end of your trip.
30. Dryer sheets remove static from your hair and clothing and make your suitcase smell awesome while taking up virtually no room.
31. Toilet paper is not a given in many parts of the world. Which is why those little packs of tissues they sell at drugstores are a godsend.
32. Border control agents do not get sarcasm.
33. If you can’t afford to lose it (either financially or emotionally), don’t pack it.
34. If you’ve selected the window seat, you’d better have a big bladder.
35. If you are starting a brand-new book on your flight, bring at least one other form of entertainment with you, because that brand-new book might suck.
36. Suffer from motion sickness? Ask for a drink that is half ginger ale and half club soda. It will help alleviate nausea without putting you into diabetic shock.
37. Wear sunscreen anytime you will be outside, regardless of the temperature or weather.
38. Regardless of size, never bring more than two bags with you- any more than that is unwieldy and difficult to keep track of.
39. Rolling non-wrinkable items before shoving them into your suitcase really does save space.
40. If you’ve forgotten something, check with the hotel before running to a drugstore. Most housekeeping departments carry toothbrushes, combs, sewing kits, shower caps, and disposable razors that they will give you free of charge.
41. Budget hotels almost always offer free wi-fi. Luxury hotels will charge you for it. This is almost always the case.
42. Sleeping in while traveling is only acceptable if there is absolutely NOTHING better to do. In other words, it’s never acceptable.
43. And, most importantly: never, EVER leave any valuables in your vehicle. I don’t care if it’s safely hidden in the trunk. I don’t care if you’re parked in the safest part of town. Don’t do it. It’s not worth the risk.
But what about you? Surely you must have some useful nugget of travel wisdom you’ve been dying to share. If so, leave your sage advice in the comments for all to see.
- See more at: http://www.fountainsafaris.com/gallery/fun-facts
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Facts About Ethiopia
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Ethiopian delicacy |
Being the cradle of mankind, Ethiopia is referred in every turning page of books on human evolution. Fossil findings begging with the ape like hominid to early Home sapiens proved that Ethiopia rift system is where it all began. Lucy at 3.2 million years old fossil young female, Selam, a fossil of 3 million years old female baby which is younger than Lucy and with the discovery of the first stone tools ever made by human beings are very few examples of the treasures in human evolution. But also there is new discovered fossil called Ardi.
There are about 83 nations, nationalities and people and as diverse as their back ground are their customs, languages and traditions. For all their exotic diversity the people of Ethiopia are united in their singular beauty and grace and in their infections sense of friendless and gaiety. Its people are welcoming and is a nation where smiling has still a meaning. It is a nation where travelers enjoy their every glance experiencing flashing smiles of people.
Ethiopia is the wonderland is land of verities, extremities, and uniqueness, freedom, colorful culture, religions, legends etc. Natural beauty and much more things which blooms Ethiopia to the public as a country so much to be told, a lot to be heard and still many more to be seen about. All proven with live testimonial ravels and still intact rocky seals.
Ethiopia ranks 3rd in population size from Africa with a population number of around 80 million tribal groups whom speak different languages and got their own cultural code. The cultural variation, which is a result of immense tribal differences, could be seen between every individual tribe.
Being rich in culture and speak different dialects, Ethiopia stands the only nation in Africa claims to have its own language and related alphabet “ Amharic” is the language and “Geez” is the root of the alphabet. Ethiopian lakes lead to build the 1st Christian church on the soil of Africa.
To the northern Ethiopia is found the town Axum with its former glory. Here is where the Axum Zion St. Merry church, the 1st on the Africa soil (4th C. A.D) is found. Also it’s in here that the famous pre Axumite obelisks are found. It is believed the erection of these obelisks dated back (300-200 BC). It’s in here that the tallest fallen (33.3ms) obelisks are found. These structures are the tallest structures on earth carved out of a singles rock. The 12th century founded town of Lalibela located north west of Ethiopia, possessed the extraordinary carved rock hewn churches during the reign of king Lalibela (1181- 1221 A.D ). This eleven rock- hewn churches are proposed to be the 9th wonder of the world by the UNESCO. The town of castles, Gondar, 17th C.A.D Ethiopian capital has a great historic significance. It’s a place where king Fasiledas took strong attempt to relocate the former tradition of building a permanent capital. Same was to signify the power of the dynasty by building the glorious castles as the steles stood for Axumite and the Lialibela rock hewn churches to the Zagwe dynasties. To the medieval period churches bets example is “Debre Birhan Selassie” which adds up to Gondar’s churches. South wards, the rift valley system is another ground touch where bunches of other attractions are sited.
The rift valley lakes which are more than 6 in number, home of mass bird and marine life. As they are paradise for natural lovers, water sport is also frequented on some of these beautiful lakes. National parks with their exotic bird, animal and plant life adds up to the beauty of the rift beautiful land scape and extreme nature made features are also the most enjoyable components make up the system. Salt lakes, active volcano sites and caravan routes still are among Ethiopia’s great attractions sighted in the rift valley.
Further south is the Omo Valley with its popular ethnic treasures. And a pace where about 50% of the total Ethiopia’s ethnic groups resided. It’s a part of the country where ethnicities observed with unique cultural practices. Among the Konso people with being rich in culture and speak different languages and got their own culture.
It’s general different world where supper attraction traits such as folk, music, rituals married, burial and other more practices are observed in their genuine manner.
Ethiopia is the 4th largest biodiversity zone in the world with verities of flora and fauna. There are 823 species of birds of which 16 are endemic and 277 species of mammals of which 7 are endemic. And all these are scattered over the country’s parks, game reserves and sanctuaries. This makes Ethiopia one of the best destinations for birding tour and wildlife safaris.
Ethiopia also owns nine worlds heritage sites named as Axum Obelisk, the rock hewn churches of Lalibela, the Semien Mountains National Park, the Castles of Gondar, Paleontological sites of the Lower Omo Valley and Middle Awash Valley, the Pre historical site of Tiya, the Walled city of Harar(Jogole) and the Konso Land Scape.Travelling in Ethiopia is like traveling in space and time where legend history, culture and nature were orchestrated to please it has a unique set of tourism resources that make it an exotic and Africa’s kept secret. Ethiopia offers all these attractions for the tourist world and Alpha Tour and Travel Agency and Fountain Safaris present them all with a professional manner in different packages.
(c) Alpha Tour and Travel Agency
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Turkana 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse
It's that time again where certain people on Earth are lucky enough to see an eclipse, or "Ring of fire." Solar Eclipses occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth and directly blocks
the light of the sun. Because the moon is located between the Sun and Earth the dark side of the
moon is facing Earth and is in a New Moon phase.
On November 3, 2013, a total solar eclipse will pass over Kenya, one of the major events on the global tourist scene. The total phase of the solar eclipse will only last for 15 Seconds alongside Lake Turkana. It is considered to be one of the most awe‐inspiring spectacles in all of nature, which is worth traveling to go see. The sky will take on an eerie twilight as the black disk of the Moon replaces the Sun’s bright face. Surrounding the Moon is a beautiful gossamer halo. The event is a singularly memorable experience which a story or picture can never ever describe the experience.
This event offers a chance for Kenya to showcase Northern Kenya as an additional tourism
attraction with the promise of adventure tourism and exploitation of Astro‐Tourism. The country
can be placed on the world map boasting as one of the best locations on earth to view this Hybrid
Total Solar Eclipse, which according to scientists is a rare occurrence.
Tourists will witness a 14 or 22‐second sunset total eclipse of the Sun by the shores of Lake
Turkana in a desert landscape. This gives Kenya an opportunity to showcase other parts of the
country not known to many. Tourists‐ both local and International, will have the chance to
experience world‐class desert safaris while visiting the Cradle of Mankind (Northern Tourist
Circuit). There is so much to tell and this safari could be sold so that everyone should try to go at least one time, on this pilgrim trip to Northern Kenya.
People on the ground in much of Northern Kenya, Gabon, Liberia and selected parts of the world, will be able to gaze toward the sky to witness the amazing eclipse. However, the rest of us, who aren't in that part of the world, all is not lost. There are various tour companies that can plan for you and deliver this once in a life time experience in Turkana County. One of the top tour companies that are planning for this spectacular event is Fountains Safaris.
Here are the details on the where and the time to view the eclipse:
Viewing locations (GPS Coordinates)
EXACT ECLIPSE SPOT WEST SIDE :
3° 35' 19.71" N <—> 3.58881°
35° 51' 28.81" E <—> 35.85800°
EXACT ECLIPSE SPOT EAST SIDE :3° 40' 57.68" N <—> 3.68269°
36° 14' 40.50" E <—> 36.24458°
3rd November ‐ Total Solar Eclipse – Sibiloi
National Park, Lake Turkana the Jade Sea
Start Partial Eclipse 16:13:03 EAT
Start of Total Eclipse 17:25:12 EAT
Sun Altitude 11.8°
End of Total Eclipse 17:25:26 EAT
Approximate Sunset 18:17 EAT
End of Partial Eclipse 18:27:47 EAT
Duration of Totality: 15 seconds
The partial eclipse will start at 16:25 local time.
The total eclipse will be at 17:25 local time.
The partial eclipse ends at 18.27 local time.
Tips for viewing a solar eclipse:
Try to spot a shadow band before and after totality. These are peculiar shadow effects visible on flat surfaces that aren’t too dark. They can be quite difficult to spot so keep an eye out for them.Bright, red dots will form around the moon. Use binoculars to spot these dots, known as prominences.
You can safely view a solar eclipse by making a pinhole projector which basically means projecting the image of the eclipse on something else and looking at that.
WARNING: Never look directly at the sun during an eclipse with a telescope or your unaided eye. Severe eye damage can result and scientists use special filters to safely view the sun.
Note: If you live in the observing area of today's solar eclipse and safely snap an amazing picture of the sun that you'd like to share for a possible story or image gallery, send photos, comments and your name and location to
Arrangements for the whole trip, including, accommodation and transportation to and fro can be done for you by our renowned Travel and Tours company Fountain Safaris.
To Book and Reserve yourself a front row seat, Contact Fountain Safaris through the following avenues:
Call: +254 – 705-648246/+254-787-687800
+254-7032022687/0202587323
Email: sales@fountainsafaris.com
View more Deals and Offers here: http://www.fountainsafaris.com/events-offers-news
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
PRESS STATEMENT from KQ CEO, DR TITUS NAIKUNI
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| KQ Flights Grounded |
Temporary Suspension of Kenya Airways’ Flights
Regarding the fire at Jomo Kenyatta International
Airport (JKIA) we would like to inform all our customers and
stakeholders that all our incoming and outgoing passengers are safe
There will be certain disruptions on our operations and as soon as we get clarity on the extent of the damage we will advise everyone on what we intend to do.
There will be certain disruptions on our operations and as soon as we get clarity on the extent of the damage we will advise everyone on what we intend to do.
Flights coming into JKIA have been diverted to
Mombasa. Transiting passengers have been taken to hotels. Other flights
from Nairobi have been temporarily suspended. Further updates on the
situation
will be provided in an hour. Please bear with us as we understand the situation more clearly.
Many thanks
Dr Titus Naikuni
Group Managing Director and CEO
Kenya Airways
August 7, 2013
Dear All
We
would like to inform all our customers and stakeholders that due to the
Fire at JKIA all our flights are currently cancelled till further
notice. All our staff and Customers
are Safe and there is no damage to the Aircrafts.5 Flights KQ 117,
KQ331, KQ311, KQ863, KQ203 have been diverted to Mombasa and our staff
on the ground are facilitating our customers. Here In Nairobi, all our
transit passengers are being facilitated to Hotels.
We will keep you updated as things unfold.
Titus Naikuni
PRESS STATEMENT from KQ CEO, DR TITUS NAIKUNI
Dear All
4th Update of Temporary Suspension of Kenya Airways’ Flights
Kenya Airways wishes to again advise and assure the public, its customers and stakeholders that following the fire incident at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Nairobi, all Kenya Airways passengers and staff are safe and sound.
Kenya Airways management is working closely with The Kenya Airports Authority management and senior government authorities to see how we can resume some operations at the earliest convenience.
Please note that no flights are expected to arrive or depart from JKIA until further notice. All other flights that were expected into JKIA have been diverted to Moi International Airport- Mombasa.
We further wish to share the following flight information as indicated below…………………………..
Flights diverted from Nairobi to Mombasa:-
Flights -->> Origin -->> Diversion TO -->> No. of customers onboard
KQ311 -->>Dubai -->> MOMBASA -->> 220
KQ117 -->> Amsterdam -->> MOMBASA -->> 312
KQ331 -->> Jeddah -->> MOMBASA -->> 110
KQ203 -->> Bombay -->> MOMBASA -->> 229
KQ863 -->> HKG/DXB -->> MOMBASA -->> 209
Flights that have safely landed at JKIA and passengers cleared from the airport premises:-
Flight Number Origin Number of customers
KQ765 JOBURG 100
KQ466 BJM/KIGALI 39
KQ221 DELHI 67
KQ101 LONDON 312
KQ625 MOMBASA 83
KQ887 BANGKOK 205
KQ732 LUSAKA/LILONGWE 48
KQ417 ENTEBBE 71
All our transiting guests are being taken care of and have been checked into hotels in Nairobi.
Any customers who require a change of reservation or an update on their connecting flights are kindly advised to contact the Kenya Airways contact centre or visit any of our Kenya Airways sales offices worldwide.
Our guests in Mombasa have been given the option of coming to Nairobi by road. About two hundred of the guests are already on the road to Nairobi.
We will in due course advice on Eldoret and Kisumu as we get more clarity from the ground.
Further updates on the situation will be provided in another two hours. Please bear with us as we provide regular guidance on the situation.
For more information please contact the Kenya Airways contact centre on;
Tel: +254 711024747, +254 734104747 or +254 020 6424747
Twitter handle: - @KenyaAirways
Facebook:-KenyaAirways
Sincerely,
Dr Titus Naikuni
Group Managing Director and CEO
Kenya Airways
August 7, 2013
Ethiopian Airlines Invests in New Malawi Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing airline in Africa, announced that it has become the strategic partner of the new Malawian Air with 49% equity shareholding. The remaining 51% of the shares will be held by the Malawian Government and Malawian private investors. The shareholder agreement for Malawi Airlines was signed between H.E. Dr. Cornelius Mwalwanda, Deputy Minister of Finance of the Government of the Republic of Malawi and Ato Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian in Lilongwe on Thursday, 11 July 2013. This new partnership with Malawi Airlines is part of Ethiopian Vision 2025 strategic roadmap of setting up multiple hubs in Africa. Thru this strategic partnership with Malawian Air, Lilongwe will become Ethiopian third hub on the continent after its main hub in Addis Ababa and its West Africa in Lomé. “This new agreement we have just signed with the Government of Malawi is a model for the type of African cooperation that is needed in the 21st century. It is a win-win partnership aimed at enabling the success of African aviation in a capital intensive, skill-driven and highly competitive industry. Today, Africa is booming and, with the economic growth of our continent, demand for air travel is also growing at a much faster pace than the global average. This growing demand and the uneven competition from foreign carriers, which currently dominate the African market, cannot be overcome by one single African airline. For indigenous African airlines to succeed and get their fare share of the market, partnerships between African airlines are a must. Ethiopian Airlines is first and foremost a Pan-African airline, which has been serving Africa in good and bad times for close to seven decades bringing Africa together and closer to the world.
 | |
| Ethiopian Airways |
It is with a win-win and Pan-African spirit that we have entered into a strategic partnership with Malawi Airlines. Thru this strategic partnership, Ethiopian and the newly formed Malawi Airlines will harmonize their flight schedules so as to provide seamless and best connectivity options for travelers within, to and from the Southern Africa region. The establishment of multiple hubs in Africa is an overarching strategy of our Vision 2025. We have participated in the establishment of a regional airline in West Africa, ASKY, which has been quite successful. I am confident that our new partnership with Malawi Airlines will also be successful and will greatly benefit the travelling public in the Southern Africa region,” said Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian.
As per its Vision 2025 multiple hubs strategy in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines aims to set up hubs inall regions of the continent and to become the leading aviation group in Africa generating 10 billion dollars in annual revenue by 2025.
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