Traffic in the Masai Mara

Traffic jams are inevitable even to the animal kingdom, during the Great Migration, one of the Wonders of the World, there seems to be a snarl up and congestion of wildebeests to get to the greener pastures.

Baboons

Baboons have long dog-like muzzles; heavy and very powerful jaws with sharp canine teeth.

Olive Baboons are the most widely spread of all baboon species. One major reason for its widespread success is that the olive baboon is not bound to a specific food source. It is omnivorous, finding nutrition in almost any environment, able to adapt with different foraging tactics. The olive baboon will search as wide an area as it can, and it will eat virtually everything it finds. The olive baboon will also hunt prey, from rodents and hares to foxes, other primates and sometimes even small antelope, such as Thompson’s Gazelle.

The olive baboon lives in groups of 15-150, made up of few males, many females and their young. There is a complex social hierarchy similar to that found in other primates, such as chimpanzees and gorillas. Each baboon has a social ranking somewhere in the group, depending on its dominance.

Infants are born with a black natal coat and bright pink skin. Females provide most of the care for infants but male may also take part. Infants are dependent on their mothers for food and traveling for their first several months of life. For the first few days of life the the infant may have difficult time grasping on its mother and relies on her for physical support. However, its grasp will soon strengthen and is able to cling to its mother's fur by itself. The infant begins to break contact with its mother and begin to explore their surroundings but only for some minutes and they are usually not far from their mothers. The distance that the infant spends away from its mother increases as it ages.

TRAVEL TIPS

DISCOVER KENYA

Kenyan Flag

About Kenya

Kenya is a country in the East of Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to the south east. Kenya is bordered by Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the north-west, Ethiopia to the North, and Somalia to the north-east.

Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city and largest city.

Kenya’s official languages are Swahili and English.

Currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES/Ksh.)

Climate:

Kenya being an equatorial country, the weather is generally pleasant all year round.

February and March are the hottest months while the coldest periods are July and August.

In the coastal region, the weather is generally humid with temperatures ranging between 21°C to 32°C.

The driest parts are in the low plateau areas to the North and Northeast parts of Kenya, where temperatures range from 19°C to 37°C.

The central region as well as Nairobi (Capital City) is generally much cooler with temperatures between 13°C and 25°C.

Safety Tips:

Kenya is relatively a safe country, although it advisable to avoid walking alone in isolated places and in the back streets during the day and night.

It is also advisable not to adorn valuables or use your mobile phone while walking in the streets. Most hotels have safes for keeping valuables.

Health Tips:

Vaccinations for cholera, tetanus and yellow fever should be taken before visiting Kenya.

To prevent malaria, prophylactics should be taken two weeks before arrival and continued two weeks after leaving. This also applies to those traveling to other areas within Kenya. Please consult your doctor before your trip.

Although tap water is available in all major towns, it is advisable to drink bottled water. A few chemists and supermarkets in the cities and major towns are open outside normal working hours.

Yellow Fever vaccination is strongly recommended, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported.

Cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Kenya. However, it is highly recommended to take precautions against this disease.

If one is trekking or hiking Mt Kenya one needs Diamox, a First aid kit and could carry water purifying tablets.

On a Kenyan Camping safari, mosquito repellents and/or mosquito net are necessary as well as first aid kits. Bushbuck Adventures provides this for all its clients.

Visa Requirements:

Visitors coming to Kenya from outside East Africa require a visa.

This can be done at the respective Kenyan Embassies, or at the airport upon arrival.

Time Zone:

The standard time zone in Kenya is GMT +3 hours.

Credit Cards:

Major international credit cards are accepted in Kenya and most Automated Teller Machines (ATM’s) accept international VISA and MASTERCARD cards.

ATMs are found in airports, banks, shopping malls, and some petrol stations. However, you will need some cash handy because smaller shops will only accept cash.

Traveler’s cheques are probably the best and safest way to bring money to Kenya and most hotels and service providers accept them.

Currency:

The unit currency is the Kenya Shilling (KES/Ksh.).

Bank notes are available in denominations of Ksh. 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 while Ksh. 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 are available in coins.

Good and efficient banking services as well as foreign exchange bureaus are available in all cities and major towns, and many urban centres.

The easiest currencies to exchange are the US Dollars, Sterling Pound and the Euro.

Traveler's checks are also accepted at restaurants, stores and major hotels. American Express and Visa are the most recognized brands of traveler's checks in Kenya. Always have a photo ID, and never sign the checks until you are ready to use them. If they are lost or stolen, contact the company that issued them. It may be wise to also contact the police as some companies that issue traveler's checks require a police report.

SERVICES:

Transport:

·         Air Transport:

Kenya has more than 50 airports in the country with the major international airports in Nairobi and Mombasa.

The Pride of Africa, Kenya Airways is the leading sub-Saharan airline operator connecting the World to Africa, and Africa to the World.

Other airline operators in Kenya also connect clients within the region.

·         Water Transport:

Water transport is found in the cities of Mombasa and Kisumu.

In Mombasa, ferry service connected the North Coast and the South Coast to Mombasa Island. This service is free for commuters but vehicles are charged a fee.

·         Road:

The road network is well-developed and extensive, with an efficient road transport system. Well established bus companies with comfortable coaches ply between various towns and cities.

In addition, there are numerous taxi services within the towns and cities.

Visitors can also bring their personal cars to Kenya and will receive a three months free passage at the border.

You can use your current permit/driver's license from your country for as long as it is valid and if you have held it for a minimum of two years. International driver's permits/licenses are also acceptable. If you do drive in Kenya, please drive on the left side of the road. Kenyan drivers are very rough, be cautious while driving.

·         Railway:

The railway system in Kenya is relatively well established in the country. It also has a story to it during the construction and this can be found in the Nairobi Railway Museum.

Steam Engine at Nairobi Railway Museum

NOTE: In case of a safari or any travel arrangements, most tour companies, like  Bushbuck Adventures organise for transportation.

Communication:

The communication network in Kenya is well established.

Internet services are available with hotspots/Wi-Fi available in the hotels, restaurants and with cyber cafés in most part of the city. However, internet access is limited in very remote towns and camping sites.

Kenya has a very accessible GSM cellular network. You can purchase a cheap handset in Kenya and buy local calling cards to make your international calls. Alternatively, if you own a handset that accepts SIM cards, you can buy local cards and save money, as long as you have "unlocked" your phone for international use. Before you travel to Kenya, call your carrier to ask for unlock codes or search the internet for instructions. When you convert your phone to the Kenyan cellular network, you do not pay for incoming calls, only the calls you originate.

You can also make international phone calls from your hotel, cyber cafés, phone booths and other places that offer international calling services.

Kenya has more than 3 licensed cell phone companies, and almost 1 in every 4 Kenyans has a cell phone.

Postal services are also available.

Health Services:

Kenya has generally good health service facilities so in case of any medical assistance contact the relevant services or visit the nearest hospital.

Interesting Facts about Kenya:

·         Kenya has a land area of about 580,000 km² with a population of about 41 million people.

·         Population is Kenya is about 41 million people.

·         Has 42 different peoples and culture.

·         Kenya is named after Mount Kenya, a significant landmark.

·        Mount Kenya is second among Africa’s highest mountains, (5,199m/17,057ft).

Mt. Kenya Summit

·         Known to be one of the world’s greatest destinations for safari.

·         It is the only country in the world with a National Park in the capital city.

Main Gate - Nairobi National Park

·     Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest fresh water is situated to the west of Kenya, (Lake Victoria is also the world’s largest tropical lake and the source to the Nile River)

·         Kenya is a British colony and attained independence in 1963

·         The economy of Kenya is the largest by GDP in East and Central Africa.

·         It’s the largest exporter of black tea in the world

·         Home to world class Athletes such as world champions Kipchoge Keino (Kipchoge Keino Foundation), David Rudisha, Paul Tergat, Catherine Ndereba and Tegla Loroupe.

Kenyan Athletes

David Rudisha - 800m World Record Holder

·         The country is bisected by the Great Rift Valley

·         Home to the 7^th Wonder of the World, the Great Wildebeest Migration.

·         Kenya is believed to be "the cradle of mankind" because of its long history with humanity.

·         Kenya boasts of the greatest varieties of languages and cultures in Africa, like the iconic Maasai.

·         Home to the world’s toughest rallies, the famous Safari Rally.

·         Kenya is also known for the Tsavo man-eaters, the two lions that attacked labourers during the building of the railway.

·     M-PESA which is a product based on mobile-phone money transfer service, entirely developed by Kenyans is the 1^st mobile money transfer service anywhere in the world.

Etiquette: Kenyans are very humble, friendly and social people. Shaking hands is a common greeting gesture and you are always welcome to strike a conversation with the person next to you. Just remember to respect Kenya's customs and culture in whatever you do and you will enjoy a pleasant relationship with its people.

Kenyan Flag

MASAI MARA MARATHON

Masai Mara Marathon

MASAI MARA MARATHON 2011

 

Masai Mara a place where lions 'rule' the land, the iconic Maasai people live on it and a marathon will take place, the “World’s Wildest Marathon”.

With about 600 runners poised to run the event, the Masai Mara Marathon combines the allure of the Masai Mara and the fame of Kenya's running tradition and spirit to attract local and international participants.

Set for the 19^th of November, 2011, the race starts in the early light, as the rays of sun shine on the vastness of Africa’s great lands. One can experience the Masai Mara on foot, and enjoy the thrill of running close to animals in the wild.

The race has been organized by the Masai Mara Marathon Ltd and the Rotary Club of Nairobi, where Kenya Airways among others are event sponsors.

The first inaugural Masai Mara Marathon was held in November 2009 with a total of 352 participants registering; 214 took part in the 5km race while 138 participated in the 21km.

The Marathon brings together legendary Olympian runners through the National Association of Kenya Olympians (NAKO), to mentor upcoming athletes.  This is a partnership project between the Kenya Olympians and the organizers aimed at benefitting the community.

Why Masai Marathon?

The Masai Mara National Reserve is home of the famous "Big Five" also famous for one of the Wonders of the World – the great annual wildebeest migration.

It is a charity event organized to raise funds for:

·         Literacy – upgrading facilities to mitigate environmental hazards.

·         Health, Water and Sanitation – try to avail clean drinking water. To be a catalyst to raise funds to address health and water and Sanitation problems.

The Masai Mara Marathon was created with the main objective of raising funds that would be focused on a few significant activities for the benefit of the community and the environment.

OBJECTIVES:

Conservation
To create a forum through which funds can be raised for the conservation of the Mara ecosystem. Funds and donations raised will be targeted at the climate change challenges, the drying rivers, the famine and hunger and education.

Support for our Kenyan Olympians
Kenyan sportsmen and women, performing in various sporting events in the world, have brought honor and glory to Kenya and have inspired others.

The aim of this run is to create continuity of purpose for Olympian legends by creating a mentorship forum where they can put their skills to good use and raise the next generation of Olympians in the communities where they live.

Water, Health and Sanitation for Communities
Communities living in the Ecosystem have serious issues to do with water, sanitation, healthcare, food security and education.

Sports Tourism Catalyst
Promote Kenya as a sports-tourism destination. Kenya is famous as a tourism destination and also as a sports hub for athletes. The Masai Mara Marathon will combine the allure of the Masai Mara and the fame of Kenya’s running tradition and spirit to attract local and international participants.

ACCOMODATION:

Bushbuck Adventures will be providing accommodation at Bushbuck Mara Camp which is located in the same conservancy (Lemek) where the Marathon will be taking place.

Bushbuck Mara Camp will also be available for private hire during this period (Bushbuck Adventures Special Offers).

For booking click here: ***Bushbuck Adventures Booking Form***

For more information the below are some links on the Masai Mara Marathon:

Masai Mara Marathon Facebook Page

3rd Annual Kenya Airways Masai Mara Marathon (Event | Facebook)

Masai Mara Marathon Registration

Masai Mara Participants

RUN, SO THAT THE RIVERS CAN DO THE SAME

Hide & Seek

Hide and Seek

The Masai Mara, a vastness of land enriched by the habitat; animals, birds and flora. Approximately 290,000 tourist to the Masai Mara National Park every year. One of Africa's greatest destinations.

A journey across valleys and plains. 

On this particular day, during an entire days game drive in the Masai Mara with Bushbuck Adventures, we ended up 'playing a game',a game of 'hide and seek'.

In the distance we spot vehicles circled next to some bushes, cameras on tripods for that steady shot, roof hutches open, people in whispers; one could even sense the excitement. One wondered why people would be so keen and gathered around some bushes. So we inquired....and soon we were also fixated on the same bush, all because of the elusive spotted one.

Engines off, binoculars out, eyes peeled, will the spotted one reveal itself, or do we have to eagerly search? Reminds me of hide and seek, but this time the one we are seeking has the advantage of camouflage. Under the croton bushes, it ‘hides’, unaware of the buzz around.

Patience pays, perseverance is the key, but we seem to lack both, so we drive off, and hope to be fortunate later.

After driving around the Masai Mara Game Reserve, we stop somewhere by the bank of the Mara River. Zebra’s to our left grazing, as others debate cautiously whether to have a drink. We are also debating where to have a picnic. Mwaniki, the driver looks to the right and spots a lioness stalking, hidden by the bushes. Focus changes, all attention on the lioness. Patiently, a lesson we are all getting to learn, we wait, then suddenly a cub walks past the mother’s hunt-path and the zebras spot it. In a mad dash the zebras scatter, dust in the air, zebra’s calling, the hunt terminated; seems to be ‘lunch break’ in the Mara. But just as i had written earlier in King of the Jungle, lions may be kings of Masai Mara but they don't always have it their way. Only 1 in 5 attempts will be successful.

We drove off yet again, but this time with just a bit of patience and perserverance, the elusive one crossed our path. Curiosity killed the cat, but in this case, curiousity revealed a cat, one of the 'Big Five' in Kenya.

*GAME OVER*