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Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association Guide 2013-14
The official guide of the Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association promoting the Mount Kenya region. Published by Land & Marine Publications Ltd.
GENERAL INFORMATION 03 FOREWORD 05 07 12 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF: 0° 0° Majestic scenery and royal connections DESTINATION MAP PARKS FACT FILE TRAVELLER'S INFORMATION Escape to the sights and sounds of tranquillity 16 18 23 24 26 30 31 FALLS OF ABERDARE Mt. Kenya Tourism Circuit Association Plaza, Kimathi Way P. O. BOX 2669 - 10140 NYERI, KENYA Office - Kimathi Way, Central Plaza, 2nd Flr. TEL: +254 020 2326170 E-mail:email@example.com Website: www.mount-kenya.org ROYAL DESTINATION LAKES In Diamond Jubilee year, there's nowhere more romantic to stay Who says you can't go fishing on a mountain? Come in out of the cold – the music's lovely Fascinating legacy of Kenya's secret wars Teeing off at the equator MOUNT KENYA TOURISM CIRCUIT ASSOCIATION 2nd West Wing, Central "A duo floor, hemisphere destination." PO Box 2669-10140, Nyeri Tel: +254 (0)20 232 6170 Email: REF: email@example.com MKTCA/GUIDE www.mount-kenya.org Dear Sir/Madam, We are pleased to announce that Mt. Kenya Tourism Circuit Association has appointed a PUBLISHED BY: specialist UK-based company; Land & Marine Publications to produce our new regional tourism guide. We have chosen Land & Marine for their excellent production capability and for its experience which extends to working with several tourism authorities and associations among them Zambia, Botswana, Seychelles, Uganda, Gambia, Emirates, Belize and here Kenya. We are confident they will deliver quality products to satisfy all. LANDin& MARINE PUBLICATIONS (KENYA) LTD Suite A5, 1st floor, Ojijo Plaza Mr. Ray Deekes, a representative of Land & Marine will be visiting you to seek 20 Plums Lane, off Ojijo Road, Parklands advertising support. Please feel freeVillage to contact us at anytime if you require any further information about this PO Box 2022, Market 00621 project. Nairobi, Kenya Yours (0)20 faithfully, 374 1934 Tel: +254 Fax: +44 (0)1206 842958 Email: Simon firstname.lastname@example.com Wachira, www.landmarine.com CEO NANYUKI BY NIGHT SECRETS OF MOUNT KENYA GOLF BADEN-POWELL AND NYERI FEATURES 33 34 36 38 40 41 42 SCC TROPIC AIR WHITE RHINO HOTEL KTDC KTB LADY LORI 34 CTDLT 35 LAIKIPIA WILDLIFE FORUM 37 KONGONI CAMP 39 SAFARI AIR EXPRESS 41 FALCON HEIGHTS 42 BATIAN HOTEL The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor nor of any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions. Photographs courtesy: Simon Wachira, Job Weru, Joseph Kanyi, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Solio, Ol Pejeta, and Kenya Tourist Board ISSN 2045-6476 © 2012 Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd Mt. Kenya Tourism Circuit Association. HIGHLANDS MINERAL WATER 43 MOUNT KENYA TRUST MEMBER INFORMATION 44 MEMBER INDEX 45 MEMBER LISTINGS MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 1 T here is a mindset we are trying to move away from here at Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association that tourism is all in the clear, fresh rivers and basically enjoy the serenity of nature. Try out Rutundu cabins up near Lake Alice and experience the true wonder of the wild. There is a rich relationship that royalty has had with the region over time and we have highlighted some of them in this issue. Apart from being a tourist destination, the region also offers some options for investments. For instance, the Secret Valley in Nanyuki, with its strategic location before Mount Kenya, is an attractive place where wild animals occasionally come to drink. This area once had a lodge that burnt down, but it's still a rich area begging for some investment and creativity. And there are countless areas like this scattered all over Mount Kenya. about wild animals, because it's not, fortunately. Take the Aberdare National Park, for instance – an area of beautiful landscape and topography covering 766 sq km. And, yes, there you will find some of the Big Five, such as leopard, elephant and lion; but in addition this area has some of the best waterfalls in the region. In this issue, we shine a spotlight on the waterfalls of the Aberdares and other falls scattered across the Mount Kenya region. We have fashioned this issue towards romantics, lovers and honeymooners. We have combed most of Mount Kenya for couples who are looking for romantic getaways. And we have suggested romantic wooden cabins where lovers can spend quality time doing nothing but fish for trout, swim Recommended For those who may find themselves in Nanyuki and want to go out for a drink and a good time, the question normally is, where to go? In this issue we have recommended our top five spots that will ensure you have great fun. Check them out. The turnaround in perception is what we here at Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association are struggling with. And once we change the direction of thought towards this region then we will know we are on the right track towards achieving full utilisation of the resources the region has to offer. The Mount Kenya region is indeed a duo hemisphere destination. So please, enjoy the issue and recommend it to someone who is looking to please a loved one. Happy reading. Simon Wachira CEO, Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 3 MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 5 T he Aberdares are an isolated range of volcanic mountains forming the eastern wall of the Rift Valley, running northand Twin Hills, moorland, Karuru Falls, Chania Waterfalls, Magura Falls and Queen's Cave, Karimu Circuit and Sapper Hut Falls, Kimathi Post Office and the Salient. Treetops Lodge and The Ark are legendary attractions. Activities: Mountain hikes and climbing, nature walks in the moorland, game viewing and night game viewing at Treetops and The Ark, trout fishing, birdwatching, camping, picnics and parties. Wildlife: The park is home to large mammals such as elephant, buffalo and black rhino. Endangered species include the rare mountain bongo, giant forest hog, wild dog, endemic mole rat and mole shrew, leopard, endemic bird species, reptiles and insects. Access: The park is readily accessible on tarmacked roads from Nyeri to Nyahururu on the eastern side (160 km from Nairobi) A road crosses the park to connect with another from Naivasha and North Kinagop in the west. Main towns from which the park can be approached are Nyeri (154 km from Nairobi), Nyahururu (188 km from Nairobi) and Naivasha (87 km from Nairobi). Airstrips: Mweiga is next to the park headquarters. south for around 100 km between Nairobi and Thomson's Falls. There are two main peaks, Ol Donyo Lesatima (3,999 metres) and Kinangop (3,609 metres), separated by a long saddle of alpine moorland at over 3,000 metres. The topography is diverse, with deep ravines cutting through the forested eastern and western slopes. There are many clear streams and waterfalls. The mountain is an important water catchment, supplying the Tana and Athi rivers and part of the Central Rift and Northern drainage basins. Location: Central Highlands west of Mount Kenya. Surrounded by Kiambu, Muranga, Nyeri and Nyandarua counties. Distance: 160 km from Nairobi to the park headquarters. Size: 767 sq km. Climate: Mist and rainfall throughout much of the year, with annual precipitation varying from about 1,000 mm on the north-west slopes to as much as 3,000 mm in the south-east. Major attractions: Ol Donyo Lesatima Peak, Kinagop Peak, Elephant Hill, Table Mountains Nyeri is 12 km from Mweiga. Park gates: Kiadongoro Gate is accessed via the Nyeri-Tetu road; Ruhuruini Gate accessed via the Nyeri-Ihururu road; Treetops Gate via the NyeriNjengu road; Ark Gate via the Mweiga-Amboni Lodges: The Ark, Treetops, Fishing Lodge, Ruhuruini, Tusk Camp, Sapper Hut, KWS hut at Treetops and KWS HQ bungalow. Campsites: Reedbuck, Ruhuruini, Wandare and Shamata. road; Wadare Gate via the Mweiga-Endarasha road; Shamata Gate via the Nyahururu-Shamata road; Mutumbio Gate via the Naivasha-Kinagop-Geta road. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 7 M ount Kenya is an impressive extinct volcano dominating the landscape of the Kenya highlands. The mountain salients extending lower to 2,450 metres along the Sirimon and Naru Moru tracks. Surrounding the park is the 2,095 sq km Mount Kenya reserve. Location: Mount Kenya lies about 140 km north-north east of Nairobi with its northern flanks across the equator. Distance from Nairobi: 175 km. Size: 2,800 sq km. Climate: Climate, f lora and fauna on Mount Kenya vary with altitude. Major attractions: Pristine wilderness, lakes, has three main peaks: Batian (5,200 metres), Nelion (5188 metres) and Lenana (4,985 metres). Its slopes are cloaked in forest, bamboo, scrub and moorland, giving way on the high central peaks to rock, ice and snow. Mount Kenya is an important water catchment area, supplying the Tana and Northern Ewaso Ngiro systems. The park contains a variety of habitats including higher forest, bamboo, alpine moorland, glaciers, tarns and glacial moraines. The park was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1997 and is also a biosphere reserve. It covers 715 sq km and includes the peak, consisting of all ground above 3,200 metres, with two small tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty, geological variety, forest, mineral springs, rare and endangered species of animals. Unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants. Wildlife: Giant forest hog, tree hyrax, white-tailed mongoose, elephant, black rhino, suni, black-fronted duiker, mole rat and over 130 species of birds. Access: The park can be reached via the NanyukiIsiolo road via Sirimon track or the Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naru Moru. The park is also accessible via Chogoria on the Embu Meru road, about 200 km north of Nairobi. Airstrips: Closest commercial airstrip to the park is at Nanyuki. Lodges: Serena Mountain Lodge. Various lodges offer accommodation in the region. KWS catering accommodation: Batian Guest House and Sirimon Bandas. There are also various bunkhouses and climbing huts on the climbing route. Activities: Mountain climbing, rock climbing, mountain biking, snow marathon, birdwatching, nature walks, wildlife viewing, camping, cave exploration and primate tracking. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 9 M eru is a savanna grassland national park, 35 km east of Maua town in the north-eastern lowland of the Nyambeni Hills. It is a complex of protected areas along the Tana River that includes the adjacent Bisanadi and Mwingi national reserves, Kora National Park and Rahole National Reserve. The wetter national reserve sector is hilly, with rich volcanic soils. The land f lattens towards the east, where grey alluvial volcanic soils appear. The area is crossed by many permanent streams, draining from the Nyambenes and flowing in parallel between tongues of lava south-east towards the Tana River. In addition to the many streams that cross it, the park is bounded by three big rivers: the Tana to the south, the Ura to the south-west and the Rojaweru to the east. There are several prominent inselbergs, notably Mughwango and Leopard Rock. A section of the park has been designated a wilderness area with no roads. The park is part of the domain made famous by the writings of Joy Adamson. Location: East-north-east of Mount Kenya in Meru district of the Eastern Province. Distance from Nairobi: 348 km. Airstrips: Main airstrip at Kina, Mulika next to Size: 870 sq km. Climate: The parks are in a semi-arid zone with irregular rainfall. Wet seasons are April to June and November and December. Rainfall is 635 to 766 mm in the west and 305 to 356 mm in the east. Major attractions: Former home of Joy and George Adamson and Elsa the lioness; views of Mount Kenya, Tana River and Adamson's Falls. Wildlife: Grevy's zebra, elephant, eland, bush pig, cheetah, leopard, reticulated giraffe, hippo, bohor reedbuck, hartebeest, python, puff adder, cobra, buffalo, gerenuk and over 300 recorded spices of birds. Lodges: Elsa's Kopje, Leopard Rock Lodge. KWS self-catering accommodation: Murera Nandas, Kinna Bandas. Special campsites: Kampi Baridi, Kitanga, Makutano, Rojoweru, Mugung, Ken Mare and Kanjoo. Public campsite: Bwatherongi. Activities: Wildlife viewing, camping. Meru Mulika lodge and Elsa's Kopje airstrip. Best time to visit: All year round. Access: Access from Nairobi (348 km) is via Nyeri-Nanyuki-Meru or via Embu all-weather roads. Access to the park from Maua to Murera Gate (35 km) and 348 km from Nairobi. The other access is via Embu to Ura Gate (120 km) 290 km from Nairobi (inaccessible at moment). 10 T he reserve was gazetted in 1976 and covers an area north-west of Kamburu Dam at the conf luence of the Tana and Thimba rivers. Two islands within Kamburu Dam, built in 1976, are in the protected area. The southern boundary is the Tana River, the eastern boundary is the Thimba River and the northern boundary is an electric fence that stops animals from invading Makima settlement. The earliest human settlement in Makima dates from 1914, although wildlife conservation intervention did not commence until 1972. Today, the Mwea National Reserve is co-managed by Kenya Wildlife Service and Mbeere County Council. The Mwea National Reserve Trust was founded in 1991 with the aim of soliciting funds to develop the reserve. Various projects have been funded through donations including a boat and outboard engine, energy-saving jikos and translocation of zebras. Location: Mbeere District, Eastern Province. Distance from Nairobi: 160 km north-east of Nairobi. Size: 42 sq km. Access: From Nairobi via Thika-Matuu-Masinda Climate: Semi-arid with annual rainfall of 510 to 760 mm. Major attractions: Game viewing; boat rides at Kamburu Dam; Hippo Point, realm of rare birds; walking circuit. Airstrip: Masinga airstrip near Masinga Lodge. Best time to visit: All year round. Activities: Game viewing, birdwatching, boat rides, canoeing, kayaking at Kamburu Dam and nature walks. Dam (160 km). This route is surfaced until Masinga Dam bridge. A further 10 km of dirt road lies between here and Makima Gate. Access is also possible via Embu-Machanga. Birds: Over 200 species of birds. Mwea is renowned for its water birds and waders. It is the only protected area in which the globally threatened and Kenya endemic Hinde's babbler is known to occur. Two other rare species are Pel's fishing owl and the white-backed night heron. Wildlife: Elephant, lesser kudu, Nile crocodile, hippo, giraffe, Burchell's zebra, buffalo, leopard, grey duiker, black-backed jackal, bushbuck, waterbuck, olive baboon, Sykes' monkey, serval cat, spotted hyena, warthog, rock hyrax, bush pig, impala and hartebeest. Rare animals include striped ground squirrel, genet, black-backed jackal and yellow baboon. There are no lodges, tented camps or self-catering accommodation options in the Mwea reserve. Masinga Lodge is located at Masinga Dam outside the reserve. Various camping facilities can be found outside the reserve. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 11 T his town is located in the scenic valley between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare range of mountains with perfect views of the snow-covered peaks of Mount Kenya and the plains of Laikipia. The valley is surrounded by hills and evergreen ranges with rivers and streams f lowing from the mountain to the plains below. Established by the British in 1907 in the early days of colonisation, Nyeri has many historical ties. It is the epicentre of Kenya's decolonisation through the Mau Mau struggle for independence led by Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi. There are displays of the British colonial presence in Kenya, the Second World War and the genesis of the worldwide Scouting Movement started by Lord Baden-Powell, who lived in the town with his wife and whose remains are both buried there. Nyeri has a wide choice of hotels, lodges and camps to suit every visitor, ranging from a five-star hotel to guest houses and hostels. 1. Outspan Hotel 2. Greenhills Hotel 3. Batian Grand Hotel 4. Banana Leaf Hotel 5. Ivory Resort 6. Mountain Lodge 7. Treetops Lodge 8. Mpeta Guest House 9. Annbell Guest House 10. Aberdare Country Club 11. Ark Lodge 12. Tusk Camp 13. Fishing Lodge 14. Solio Lodge 15. Rhino Watch 16. White Rhino Hotel 17. Westwood Hotel 18. Eland Safari Hotel 19. Imperial Hotel 20. Ibis Hotel 21. Mountain Palace 22. Tickle Hotel 23. Central Hotel 24. Paresia Hotel 25. Maru A, B, C Hotels 26. Bells Inn Hotel 27. Safari Paradise Guest house 28. Regency Guest House 29. Green Edge Guest house 30. Serene Guest House Down the years, Nyeri has retained its scenic beauty and a serene, homely atmosphere. It is surrounded by three game parks of international reputation – Aberdare, Mount Kenya National Parks, and the Solio game reserve and rhino sanctuary. 'Must see' attractions: 1. Paxtu Museum 2. Italian Memorial Church 3. Native Court (Ruringu) 4. Treetops Lodge 5. Karuru, Chania, Magura and Zaina falls 6. Kimathi Post Office/Mau Mau Caves 7. Coffee and tea farms. 12 © Aberdare Safari Hotels T he cosmopolitan town of Nanyuki lies on the north-western slopes of Mount Kenya along the A2 Nairobi Moyale via Isiolo domestic and international visitors who find it ideal for getaway excursions and retreats from the stressful daily routine of the city. Great North Road. The Kenya-Uganda railway from Nairobi to the north ends here. The town is right on the equator on the slopes of Mount Kenya with a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks and the plains of Laikipia. Its strategic location and spectacular views prompted the British settlers during the early days of colonisation to build a town. Many remnants and descendants of these early settler families still live on the ranches around the town. Today, the town is a multicultural market centre serving farms, ranches, game parks and wildlife conservancies. It is also a base for adventurers looking to climb Mount Kenya. Owing to its location on the equator surrounded by Laikipia high country and with picturesque Mount Kenya as a backdrop, Nanyuki is a destination for both Where to stay: Nanyuki has a wide choice of hotels, lodges and camps to suit every visitor, ranging from five-star to non-star-rated accommodation. 1. Mount Kenya Safari Club 2. Sportsman's Arms Hotel 3. Naru Moru River Lodge 4. Old House 5. Sweetwaters Tented Camp 6. Mount Kenya Leisure Lodge 7. Kirimara Spring Hotel 8. Falcon Heights Hotel 9. Kongoni Camp 10. Polini Camp 11. Equatorial Hotel 12. Mount Kenya Paradise Hotel 13. Joskaki Hotel 14. Ibis Hotel 15. Batian Guest Hotel 16. Bantu Mountain Rock Must-see attractions 1. Mount Kenya National Park 2. Ol Pejeta Conservancy 3. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy 4. Ngare Ndare Forest 5. Nanyuki and Liki rivers 6. The equator 7. Lily Pond Arts Centre 8. Mau Mau Caves 9. Mackinders and Teleki Valley Must-do list Mountain climbing and hiking Game drives Nature walks and birdwatching Horse riding and biking River fishing Primate tracking Picnic and camping Camel riding 17. Serenkang 18. Solio Gardens 19. Royal Cottages 20. Comfort Hotel 21. Nanyuki Sports Club 22. Lion's Court Hotel 23. Triple N Resort Hotel 24. Summer Garden Cottages. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 13 and the snowcapped peaks of Mount Kenya. The town lies strategically on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya. The Kathita River, flowing from Mount Kenya, passes through the town. S urrounded by a rich and fertile farmland, Meru is located in the eastern highlands of Kenya overlooking the Nyambene Hills A cosmopolitan culture has developed in Meru owing to its diversity of ethnic communities and a free flow of visitors. Must-see attractions 1. Meru National Museum 2. Njuri Ncheke Court 3. Gakoromone open-air market 4. Nkunga Sacred Lake 5. Rukunga's private museum 6. King Muhuru 7. Mount Kenya National Park 8. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy 9. Meru National Park 10. Murera Cultural Centre The equator is about five miles south of the town. Meru is the traditional home of the Ameru people with a rich cultural heritage spanning hundreds of years. This fast-growing urban centre is a hub for traditional foods and the hospitality of the Ameru people. Located on the edge of the forest, the town is close to Mount Kenya National Park, Meru National Park and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. In response to a growing number of visitors, Meru Town has many hotels lodges and camps. Classes range from five-star to starless accommodation. 1. Three Steers Hotel 2. Meru Incredible Hotel 3. West Wind Hotel 4. Transit Motel Chogoria 5. Royal Prince Hotel 6. Maua Basin Hotel 7. Meru County Hotel 8. Blue Towers Hotel 9. White Star Hotel 10. Meru Safari Hotel 11. Brown Rock Hotel 12. Milimani Hotel 13. Pig & Whistle 14. Rhino River Camp 15. Rhino River Lodge 16. Meru Mulika lodge 17. Ikweta Safari Camp 18. Kinna Guest House 19. Bwatherongi Bandas 20. Murera Bandas 14 E mbu town lies about 120 km (75 miles) north-east of Nairobi. Located on the south-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, the The town has a fast-growing hospitality industry with a diverse array of hotels lodges and other accommodation. 1. The Izaak Walton Inn 2. Masinga Dam Resort 3. Kwetu lodge 4. Gerish Hotels 5. New Thuci Lodge 6. Maina Highway Hotel 7. Valley View Hotel 8. Baraka Guest House 9. Philadelphia Retreat 10. Hotel Chakaka Sagana town has a population of 41,092. Embu plays host to adventures on Mount Kenya and to the north. Many expeditions set out from Embu each year to scale the slopes. From Embu, visitors can go water rafting on the mighty Tana River or canoeing at the Seven Forks Dam. This is an ideal base for trout fishing on the many steams that f low from Mount Kenya. From Embu there are spectacular views of Mbere Plains. The nightlife in Embu is accompanied by African drumbeats with a rhythm of real fun. Must-see attractions 1. Karue Hill 2. Ena River 3. Thenge Njeru Waterfalls 4. Njukiri Forest 5. Seven Forks 6. Kigari Church Bells 7. Bridge of God 8. Mau Mau Caves Must-do list Birdwatching Picnics Nature walks Bungee jumping Canoeing Camping Rock climbing River fishing MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 15 16 Although not as glorious as, say, Amboseli or the Masai Mara, Aberdare remains one of the richest parks in terms of topography. Covering an area of 767 sq km, the Aberdare mountain ranges consist of deep ravines that wedge through its forested eastern and western slopes. they jump off cliffs into the churning brown waters. The park was established in 1950 and it contains a rich animal population that includes black rhino, leopard, baboon, black-and-white colobus monkey and Sykes' monkey. A bonus for visitors is the park's many clear freshwater rivers, ideal for trout fishing, and there are also opportunities for camping on the sprawling moorlands. Then there are the waterfalls of Aberdare. Chania Falls, to all intents and purposes, is a tamed waterfall and man's friend. A berdare National Park, 100 km north of Nairobi, could be described as the stepchild of Kenya's national parks. Magura Falls In 1952 the present Queen Elizabeth lunched here at Magura Falls. She sat on a wooden structure overlooking the falls and enjoyed a fish delicacy prepared by Eric Sherbrooke Walker, the man who built the hotel Outspan. Apart from a fresh coat of paint, the structure has not been tampered with. Magura Fall, like most falls of its size and width, is loud. It is also unique, however, because of the cave under the falls. Visitors can walk through here provided they are wearing the right shoes. It is an ideal place for picnics. Karuru Waterfall This is one of the highest waterfalls in the region and probably the most awe-inspiring. Karuru plunges in three stages. The first consists of a 383 ft fall, followed by a second fall of 84 ft and finally a staggering 427 ft fall. This unique formation is magnificent, to say the least. A viewing platform offers great opportunities for photography and there is a series of amazing trails with viewing points leading up to the waterfall. Sapper Hut It has to be said that getting to Sapper Hut is tricky. The road that leads there – the Karimu circuit that goes from the airstrip to Kiandongoro gate – is a treacherous path that swallows four-wheel drives when it rains. Perhaps it should be this way; perhaps this is what safari is all about. The good thing is that, when you finally get to Sapper Hut, you will be glad you trudged through hell to get there. Sapper Hut is a modest two-roomed cabin house facing a nameless waterfall. It is removed from human interference; a place of quiet and calm where the only sound you will hear is the water. The hut accommodates only two people. Cooking equipment is provided and you can cook your own meals. The best activity here, apart from trout fishing, is skinny-dipping by the waterfall – that is, if you can stand the cold water. Chania Falls Chania is a boisterous, almost furious, waterfall. The water moves rapidly as it churns down a short fall. It is not uncommon to find rafters paddling through this stretch and enjoying the adrenalin rush; or naked children, screaming gleefully, as MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 17 © Aberdare Safari Hotels while on holiday at this lodge. Do you need any more convincing, in the year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, that Treetops is a special place? Lovers often visit places to make memories, but © Aberdare Safari Hotels O n the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952, the young Princess Elizabeth became Queen The original Treetops was built by Major Eric George Sherbrooke Walker, who had come to Kenya from Ethiopia. He settled in Nyeri and built Treetops in 1932. Treetops began with only three rooms and bunk beds. Now it is a luxury lodge, complete with fine dining, where lovers can enjoy excellent meals by candlelight. at Treetops the memories are already there. All lovers do is go there to be a part of them and to develop their own. Treetops is quaint and in its quaintness evokes a sense of raw romanticism. This is an old lodge dating from the 1930s. It was built during a tumultuous time of colonisation and it burned down during the ensuing colonial upheaval. The history is undeniably rich and lovers f lock there because of this – but also because it's in the middle of nowhere in the heart of Aberdare National Park. Romantic The showy at heart might impress their dates with their Wikipedia-informed knowledge of animals such as hyena and buffalo that come to the watering hole near the hotel to drink. But the truly romantic will show his date what the year 1951 might have smelt like. He will walk his date to the library, where a simple old bookshelf, running the breadth of the room, contains hard-cover guest books, marked according to the years from 1951 to 18 2012. He will then reach for the 1951 book, with its rustic-looking leather cover. When he opens the guest book, he and his date immediately notice the uniformity of the guests' handwriting and the fact that they always wrote in blue ink with fountain pens. Back in 1951 they wrote immaculately, as if they knew that many years later, people would marvel over their calligraphy. Now, he asks his date to close her eyes and then bring the book to her nose. They smell the pinewoody smell of 1951. "Smell that?" he whispers in her ear. "That's 1951." It smells untouched and uninitiated – the smell of lost time. If that doesn't impress his date, if that doesn't stay with her for a long time, then he will have to stick to memorising Wikipedia. Rutundu Log Cabins is breathtakingly gorgeous. It is a cosy, rustic private property characterised by open log fires and fresh air. Rutundu has only two log cabins, so that privacy is guaranteed. There is a sitting and dining room, a veranda, a kitchen and en-suite bathrooms. Given the cold climate of Mount Kenya, the cabins were built along the principles of the Alaska log cabin using large cedar logs, interspaced with moss to keep it warm. Take the lady fishing. Or for a long walk. Or just sit by the roaring log fire and rub her feet as she pretends to read a book. © Aberdare Safari Hotels Rutundu Log Cabins Prince William knew what he was doing when he took the lovely Catherine to the end of the world to propose to her. Reports indicate that he proposed to her at Rutundu Log Cabins near Lake Rutundu, overlooking the north-east face of Mount Kenya. You won't get a better place to go down on your knees because up there nature conspires to make every man a winner. © Aberdare Safari Hotels © Aberdare Safari Hotels MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 19 E ndemic to Kenya, the mountain bongo (Tragelaphus euryceros isaaci) is one of two recognised subspecies of the bongo in Africa. The other subspecies is the lowland bongo (Tragelaphus euryceros). Bongo conservations Fencing: Since 1988, Rhino Ark has supported conservation of the Aberdare ecosystem through fund-raising for construction and maintenance of fencing around the Aberdare National Park and surrounding forest reserves. The fence serves as a deterrent to would-be poachers and logging gangs, while keeping wildlife away from neighbouring farmland. It has provided a safer environment for wildlife. The Aberdares are home to most of the remaining mountain bongo population. Surveillance: The Bongo Surveillance Unit is a group of experienced trackers from local communities supporting conservation. They conduct regular patrols, collect evidence of bongo presence, report on illegal activity and remove snares and traps. Through their efforts, a clearer picture is emerging of the range and population size of bongo. Conservation status: The mountain bongo is an endangered species, found only in Kenya. Fewer than 200 are believed to survive in the wild. Their known distribution is restricted to parts of the Aberdare and Mount Kenya forests; east of the Rift Valley; and small, especially vulnerable, groups in the Mau and Emburu forests, west of the Rift Valley. The human population has increased considerably Physical characteristics: Bright chestnut colour with old males almost black; 12 to 14 vertical stripes; large and broad ears; spiral lyre-shaped horns (male and female). Swahili name: Bongo. Scientific name: Tragelaphus euryceros isaaci Size: Height (standing) 1 to 3 metres; length (nose to tail) 1.8 to 2.4 metres; Weight 240 to 400 kg (male) and 200 to 250 kg (female). Lifespan: 19½ years recorded in captivity. Habitat: Rain forest and dense undergrowth. Diet: Herbivorous browser. Gestation: About nine months. Predators: Humans, spotted hyenas, leopards. in the past decade in the areas surrounding the Aberdare Forest. This human increase has brought a greater demand for meat, regardless of the source. In recent years, poaching, together with illegal logging activities, have been a real threat to the bongo. Bongo are susceptible to diseases such as rinderpest and various predators have taken their toll. But certainly, the most serious of these predators are people living near the forest. Bongo education and awareness: Community awareness and education programmes for schools are organised through the Bongo Wildlife Club. Reintroduction: In the 1960s and 1970s wild bongo from Kenya were exported to zoos in the USA. In 2004 a project was initiated to introduce descendents of the exported bongo to Kenya. Male and female bongo have been repatriated to Mount Kenya under this project, which aims to establish a self-sustaining population in the bongos' native habitat. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 21 K enya is blessed with some beautiful lakes. Its diverse countryside provides an array of lakes that are not only scenic tarns', characterised by glacial water and a rich school of gigantic trout. Some of the best trout fishing happens in these waters, where you are likely to net rainbow trout, introduced to Kenya from Scotland. but offer excellent opportunities for fishing. These range from the cool highland trout streams of the Aberdare Mountains and the mountain tarns of Mount Kenya to Lake Turkana in the north. To the west there is also Lake Victoria, where Nile perch offer excellent sport fishing. Mount Kenya itself has small beautiful lakes that add to the grandeur of the area. High-altitude fishing is possible at over 11,000 ft in the 'blue Unique Lake Rutundu is situated on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya, 10,200 ft above the forest line. It is surrounded by alpine moorland, a home for unique birdlife and vegetation. This is a most stunning mountain tarn with crystal-clear water. You won't get much fishing done from the shores, but if you take a rowing boat (available) and row further inside, you will increase your chances of catching something big. Since the lake is quite deep, catching a big trout is a possibility. The wonderful scenery makes this lake a true fisherman's haven. Lake Alice is a different kettle of fish. Situated slightly higher up the mountain, inside the national park, this is undeniably one of the best places in Kenya for trout fishing. It has an amazing topography and the silence here is broken only by the sound of fish eagles and mountain hyrax. The waters are so clear that you can actually see the fish swimming about. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 23 N anyuki is deceptive at night. At 10 pm this town on the equator settles into an eerie quiet. There is an occasional highway. This old-style colonial farmhouse is built at the edge of the Nanyuki River in a setting of open pergolas that assures privacy. It gets nippy at night because of its proximity to the river. There is a pool table. The music here is beautiful. They play old Congolese music like Pepe Kale, Madilu System and the great Franco Makiadi. Most customers order their whisky or other spirits by the bottle and it's not uncommon to see others with thermos f lasks of tea in front of them. Laughter will occasionally fill the air, yes, but what mostly fills the air is nostalgia. boda boda zipping down the street, chasing a fare, or the odd truck trumpeting up the road towards Isiolo. An outrageously cold breeze blows into the town from the icecaps of Mount Kenya. It's a ghost town. But Nanyuki at night is a rough diamond, waiting to be turned into an adventure. Your voyage of discovery should begin at Old House Bar and restaurant off the Nairobi-Nanyuki Shiny dresses Before your beer freezes over in your glass, slip some money into the glass containing your bill and slip out. Drive to Sherlock's Den, just above Nakumatt supermarket. This is a bar you can never quite predict. Some days it will be spilling over with patrons and on others you will feel as if you're drinking in a cave in Tora Bora. If you go there on a good night – Fridays usually are – you will find a youngish crowd, no doubt drawn by the more conventional modern sound. Chris Brown will be holding court, and so will Beenie Man. Beers are fairly priced but the price of spirits might force you to break into a bank. You might see British servicemen from the barracks doing body shots, cheered on by frail girls in small shiny dresses. So, yes, it can get boisterous and loud at times, but 24 before it gets to that point because you can head down the staircase, zipping up your jacket against the cold, and hightail it out of there. Stop by the bar at the Falcon Heights Hotel, a fivestar boutique property, opened less than a year ago. Falcon Heights has gained a reputation as an alternative luxury venue for those looking for high-end accommodation in Nanyuki other than the conventional big hotels. There is a pool bar and on most weekends they will be roasting meat on the spit. The bar is simple, the music is hip and the patrons are upper-middle-class Nairobians who are staying over or passing through town. Because of the cold weather, patrons will sit around fires and bond. The cold brings night revellers together because when you're forced to share a fire with a total stranger over drinks, at some point you will feel obliged to say more than: " If this cold isn't about global warming, I don't know what is." Drinking dens Nanyuki by night is a bit like quicksand: you stay in one place for too long and you won't leave. So jump in a cab and tell the cabbie: "Take me to a place with the loudest music, loud enough to warm my frozen bones," and he will head towards the most famous joint in Nanyuki, the Sportsman Arms. This famous establishment has been there since God was a boy. It's synonymous with Nanyuki town. To put it graphically, if Nanyuki were a picture, the Sportsman's Arms would be its frame. There are a few drinking dens here, but the cabbie will point you towards the club. This is loud and packed like a sardine truck. Old air conditioners spit cold air above the club. The music is excellent, with modern hits. Everywhere is a dance f loor. You walk past revellers standing all over, clinging to their drinks as they sway to the music. It's great fun. It's electric. Just don't leave your drink unattended – not to say that it's likely to be spiked, but why take the chance? War stories The night, as all great nights should, will end in Kongoni Camp, a traditional lodge popular with patrons looking for that old quaint feel of huts and basic accommodation. With its fantastic two-storey wooden bar and restaurant, this is the home of the local Nanyuki mzungus. You will find lots of British soldiers there, enjoying a night on the tiles as they swig beers and trade war stories. They are loud and they drink like lads, but they won't bother you if you don't bother them. Fights are uncommon because civility reigns, somehow. The pricing is not easy on the pocket, but it's well worth the fun. Dancing, as you would expect of this group, is atrocious and hilarious, but somehow nobody minds, or even notices. Neither should you. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 25 26 T he history of the Mount Kenya region is bound up with the struggle for independence. It is a place of war secrets and untold tales, with places of interest that few outsiders know of and insiders often dismiss as normal. Yet these locations are an important part of the history of the region and its people. Below are a few: Kimathi Post Office, Nyeri This is not your conventional post office with postboxes and postmen. This is a post office without a key, a secret post office, if you will. Over 60 years ago, when the Mau Mau fighters were combating the British, they adopted ways of passing on messages between themselves. The mugumo tree, an important tree for the Kikuyu, was often used to hide messages for different squadrons of the Mau Mau soldiers. The messages were left between the thick curling trunks of the huge tree, away from the reach of the British. One of these trees can be found in the Aberdare National Park. It is well over 100 years old, the wardens believe, and represents a significant chapter in the struggle for Kenyan independence. The first missionary in that church, John Comely, received the bell on behalf of his f lock and it was hoisted up a tree. Years later, Comely fell gravely ill and was taken to King George's Hospital (now Kenyatta National Hospital) in Nairobi. Legend has it that, on the day Comely died, the bell started ringing on its own. Without prompting, it rang nine times as birds f luttered around his house and, it is said, outside his hospital window. This inexplicable event is still the talk of Embu. Although the tree from which the bell originally hung has since fallen, the legend remains alive. Bells of Embu In the compound of ACK Emmanuel Church in Kigari, a bell hangs. Weighing about 200 kg, this bell was a gift from the Church Missionary Society in Canada, who shipped it to Mombasa in about 1910. From Mombasa it was taken by rail to Thika, where nine strong men carried it on their shoulders to Embu. The 190 km journey took over a month. Secret Valley, Nanyuki To get here, you have to drive to up the forestry office and then many kilometres deep into the indigenous forest. You need a sturdy vehicle for this journey, and warm clothing, because Secret Valley overlooks Mount Kenya. Once upon a time this valley was home to Forest Lodge, which burned down. This is a beautiful valley with a calm watering swamp where wild animals congregate to drink. On a clear day, the view of Mount Kenya is clear and unobstructed. And it is silent – that loud silence. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 27 The beauty of this area inspired the making of the film 'White Mischief' which tells the story of a white millionaire coming to Kenya with his wife to find the British expatriates living a disreputable life, with drugs, wife swapping, horse racing, etc. Someone is murdered – but who fired the fatal shot? Well, like the valley, that's a secret. Embu Tunnel, Embu This actually looks like a cave at first glance; or rather, it starts as a cave but turns into a tunnel because it opens up on the other side of the mountain. The 3 km long Embu Tunnel lies next to Thege Njeru Waterfall and was used by the Mau Mau when evading the British soldiers. It is a monument to the struggle for independence. wooden lectern and antique features such as a British coat of arms, a gift from the Queen. St Phillip Church, Naro Moru In 1952 Princess Elizabeth attended a service at this church. The next day she was proclaimed Queen of England after the death of her father, King George VI. Recently, to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, CNN filmed the proceedings from this church and broadcast it to the world. The first stone of this church was laid by Major G. Baynes in 1949. Over time, the brick church has retained its different-era feel of wooden pews, a Italian Memorial Church, Nyeri Built in 1952, this church represents Italian martyrdom of a sort. Located about 5 km from Nyeri town, the church is special because it is the burial place of 676 Italian soldiers who were captured by the British in Ethiopia and transferred to Kenya as prisoners of war. Many of them died of malaria and tuberculosis in the war camps. There is a marble tomb of Prince Amedeo SavoiaAosta, the Duke of Aosta, a distinguished soldier who was appointed commander-in-chief of the Italian forces by Benito Mussolini. In a separate structure there are several vaults containing the remains of African soldiers, mostly from Somaliland, who fought alongside the Italians. Every year, on 4 November, a mass is held at the church to commemorate the soldiers' dedication to their country. This service is attended by Italian families, friends and government officials in Kenya. The Italian and Kenyan f lags are hoisted at the entrance and the interior walls of the church are decorated with green, white and red ribbons. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 29 A t Mount Kenya Safari Club you can drive off from any tee and land your ball in a millionaire's backyard. Kikuyu grass, which holds the ball well and offers a good – albeit slow – putting surface. Probably most memorable hole on the course is the third, which promises every golfer the longest drive of his life. While the hole measures only 174 yards, the tee is halfway round the world from the green. To put it more succinctly, the tee is situated in the southern hemisphere while the green is in the northern hemisphere because the fairway straddles the equator. The most difficult hole is the 144-yard sixth, where a high and straight drive is required in order to avoid the two large bushy trees located between the green and the tee. After the game, you can sit on the patio of your suite and watch the snowcaps of Mount Kenya. This can ease the pain of a poor round and a few lost balls. It's only a par three, nine-hole course, but Mount Kenya Safari Club attracts golfers from all over the world to this meticulously tended setting with its rich royal history and, of course, the enigmatic Mount Kenya. The course has recently been renovated to meet international standards and there has been a growing level of interest from corporates, with business people making their way to Mount Kenya Safari Club for a round or two. The picturesque landscape lends a serene atmosphere to the course and provides an ideal backdrop. The weather is perfect, never too hot or cold. This exclusive rich man's retreat opened in 1959 and Sir Winston Churchill is believed to have been one of its founding members. Celebrities and royal family members are known to be among its current members. The club is set in 37 hectares of pristine gardens and the area teems with wildlife. There are over 65 species of birds including marabou storks and peacocks. When you cross into the Mount Kenya Game Ranch you will find eland, zebra, Cape buffalo and other animals. Both on its fairways and its greens, the well maintained golf course is carpeted by indigenous 30 Baden-Powell of Gilwell – the founder in 1908 of the worldwide Scouting Movement. Today, Scouts are thought to number between 25 and 45 million. Aside from his famed association with the Scouting Movement, Baden-Powell was a man of many talents; excelling at fishing and polo while enjoying big-game hunting. He was also an accomplished watercolourist and sculptor and took a keen interest in cine-photography. O ne of the little known facts about Nyeri is that the town's St Peter's cemetery is the final resting place of Lord Robert Soldier Despite his dalliances with the arts, Baden-Powell was ostensibly a soldier at heart; rising to the position of Inspector General of Cavalry in the British Army. The Scouting Movement's roots and activities are firmly embedded in the bushcraft that Baden-Powell learned as a soldier during his time in southern Africa. Lord Baden-Powell first visited Kenya in 1906 and was immediately smitten by the area around Mount Kenya. So many years later and his work more or less done, Baden-Powell and his wife Olave decided the to live full-time in Nyeri. They rented a modest one-room cottage in the grounds of the Outspan Hotel close to the centre of Nyeri. BadenPowell named his humble dwelling Paxtu. His gravestone bears a circle with a dot in the centre which is the trail sign for 'going home' or 'I have gone home'. Otherwise, the headstone just states: 'Robert Baden-Powell, Chief Scout of the World' surmounted by the Boy Scout and Girl Guide Badges. It summed up the man who led a simple life and wanted for little in the way of material possessions. When his widow Olave died 36 years later in 1977 in the UK, her ashes were flown to Kenya and interred next to her beloved husband. It was Baden-Powell's second property named Pax (Latin for 'peace') as the great man had also lived in a property with same name in the UK, so it became known as Pax Two or Paxtu. Baden-Powell, who had earlier recuperated at Outspan after an illness, bought a share of Walker's hotel business to pay for his cottage. Baden-Powell once remarked that "closer to Nyeri, closer to bliss". Sadly, his final years in Nyeri were short-lived. On 8 January 1941, aged 83, the founder of the Scouting Movement died and was later buried in St Peter's Cemetery. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 31 THE SAFARI & CONSERVATION COMPANY T he Safari & Conservation Company (SCC) is a portfolio of lodges and unique safari experiences in Kenya with a significant presence in and around Mount Kenya – a prime location with a diversity of environments ideal for exploration and adventure. SCC offers its guests a chance to experience all the thrills and wonder of the mighty mountain. Guests can choose from a range of activities that includes tailor-made riding safaris with Riding Wild; helicopter and f ly-fishing excursions with Tropic Air; and luxury accommodation at Borana Lodge, Laragai House and the charming Rutundu Log Cabins. Borana Lodge and Laragai House are perfect bases for an African adventure on Mount Kenya, whether hiking, riding or f lying to the summit. Both lodges offer unparalleled panoramic views of the mountain with its white-tipped peaks and undulating foothills. Here, guests can enjoy some luxury before their epic mountain quest, encounter fascinating wildlife and revel in the astounding beauty of the area. Escape on foot, on horseback or by helicopter to the rustic-chic cabins of Rutundu, on the edge of Lake Rutundu, overlooking the north-east face of Mount Kenya. Located off the beaten track, the cabins are surrounded by pure wilderness, a paradise for hikers and fishermen, with heather forests and glacial streams teeming with brown and rainbow trout. Tailor-made Guests can enjoy their own tailor-made safari experience of the mountain with Riding Wild or Tropic Air. Ride across Borana Ranch and neighbouring ranches and journey through the rugged Laikipia Plains, lush fig and cedar forests and the moorlands of Mount Kenya with Riding Wild. Or take to the sky and soar above the scenery in a Tropic Air helicopter, witnessing a view fit for the gods. Embark on the ultimate adventure safari and become part of the exquisite landscape and wildlife with the Safari & Conservation Company. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 33 CTDLT C Vision atering & Tourism Development Levy Trustees (CTDLT) is established pursuant to the provisions of the Hotels The mandate of the organisation includes:• To collect, control and administer the training and tourism development levy fund. • To establish, equip and control such establishments for the training of persons for employment in the hotels and restaurants as the Minister may approve. • To establish and develop national standards for and Restaurants Act, Cap 494, Laws of Kenya. To be a lead source of funding for the sustainable development of the tourism industry. testing the skills required by the tourism industry. • To make such payments out of the Fund as may be necessary to enable the Kenya Tourist Board promote Kenya as a tourist destination both locally and internationally. Mission To effectively collect levy, establish and fund training institutions, facilitate destination, marketing and develop standards for testing skills in the tourism industry. TROPIC AIR base, Nanyuki Airfield, is a busy hub linking Samburu and other northern destinations with Nairobi, the Masai Mara and Meru. Tropic Air operates a fleet of Cessna aircraft and employs a team of experienced and knowledgeable pilots. In addition to charters, its services include aerial filming and photography, geo-survey, medical T ropic Air, located at the foot of Mount Kenya, is a leading air charter company with 20 years of f lying experience. Its evacuations and support for conservation initiatives. A decade ago, Tropic Air launched its helicopter division, pioneering heli-safaris throughout the region. Its tailor-made safaris cover wild and spectacular mountains, valleys, forests and deserts with a focus on 'remote and unknown, unexplored and unforgettable' destinations. The company operates Eurocopter AS 350 B3 helicopters, chosen for their superior performance in hot and high altitude environments, and for their flexibility to work on a wide range of tasks in the East African environment. Tropic Air is committed to supporting the Mount Kenya National Park, providing mountain rescue support. Its pilots are familiar with the mountain terrain, experienced in high altitude flying and trained in first aid. Every year Tropic Air, together with the park rangers, carries out a mountain clean-up operation to help conserve the natural environment. 34 LAIKIPIA WILDLIFE FORUM Kenya's wild northern rangelands, it stretches from Mount Kenya to the rim of the Great Rift Valley and is larger than all of Kenya's national parks and reserves except Tsavo. After Tsavo, Laikipia is Kenya's most extensive wildlife haven. All of the Big Five mammals can be found here. It is a sanctuary for over 80 species of mammal including black rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, aardwolf and wild dog. Laikipia is also renowned for the richness of its birdlife. Night game drives, guided nature walks, bike tours, horse-riding and camel treks – all prohibited in most parks – are just some of the exhilarating activities. In addition, visitors have privileged access to the cultures and customs of the region's Mukogodo, Maasai, Samburu, Pokot and other peoples. L aikipia is one of the world's most exciting wilderness safari and wildlife tourism destinations. Lying on the threshold of Large areas have been set aside by local communities for conservation and ecotourism developments. Tourism investments have been structured as jointly owned ventures, in the form of lodges or tented camps, between private investors and the local land-owning communities. These ventures include Il Ngwesi Lodge, Tassia, Koija Star Beds and The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille. There is a diverse range of facilities including small lodges, tented camps, ranch houses, community lodges and resorts/hotels. Based in natural wildlife areas, they focus on wildernessbased tourism. There are over 40 places to stay in the wider Laikipia area, many of which have won tourism awards. The Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF) is a member based environmental conservation organisation. LWF promotes the region's tourism internationally to help generate benefits from wildlife and to develop the local economy. It supports the sector in many different ways, with special attention to community owned tourism enterprises. For more information on Laikipia's tourism, visit www.laikipiatourism.com For more information on conservation in Laikipia, visit www.laikipia.org MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 35 WHITE RHINO HOTEL T here are many reasons why the White Rhino Hotel is special. First, there is the Aberdare National Park, not far from the hotel. This is an old volcanic mountain range with short peaks owing to long erosion. For a modest outlay, guests can go and experience the beauty of this park with its waterfalls, campsites and game viewing opportunities. Weather permitting, they will have an opportunity to see Mount Kenya and the Great Rift Valley. The rugged terrain of Aberdare, with its deep ravines cutting through the forest and its clearwater streams, make this national park a 'must visit' location. Be sure to visit the Karuru Falls with their spectacular drop of 272 metres. If you can, go fishing in those clear waters, where you may be lucky enough to catch a rainbow trout. The park is also home to endangered species that include the rare bongo as well as giant forest hog, wild dog, black rhino, leopard, reptiles and birds, so be sure to carry your binoculars. Location The White Rhino Hotel is an important fixture in Nyeri. It is located right in the town centre, yet has its own distinct identity. Accommodation consists of 11 tastefully furnished rooms, all en-suite with private balconies. The rooms feature a classic blend of rustic charm with a twist of modernity. All come with digital satellite TV. The rates are friendly, so if you are in town on business and need a comfortable place that does not compromise on quality, this is it. Five twin rooms and six double rooms are available, while 90 more rooms are being built and will open soon. 36 KONGONI CAMP K ongoni Camp Restaurant is a piece of paradise set in a forest glade with Mount Kenya as an iconic backdrop. Guests can by contemporary decor with a gigantic fireplace out on the porch. A display of classic 'retro' art, featuring showbiz personalities, adds to the special ambience. A spacious fully stocked bar is available with DSTV and Wi-Fi. A fine selection of wines from around the world can be purchased from the restaurant and natural organic products from the coffee shop. Guests can relax in sofas and armchairs round a huge open fireplace on the porch, or sit in the shaded garden and enjoy the bright sunny days and clean crisp air of Nanyuki. Kongoni Camp Restaurant is an ideal spot for mountain enthusiasts on a weekend getaway or looking to tour Laikipia. Nature walks, horse riding and camel riding can all be arranged. Its close proximity to Sirimon Park base, the gate to Mount Kenya, makes Kongoni Camp ideal for trekking. There are also excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with up to 75 species within the grounds. Guests can choose to camp or stay in one of the rustic double rooms. Kongoni has various accommodation options including five thatched double-bed rondavels, a rustic self-contained 17bed double-storey cabin and the option of a natural campsite surrounded by a forest landscape teeming with birdlife and offering views of Mount Kenya. enjoy a tranquil natural environment surrounded by cedars and cypress trees. The resort is situated off the Timau Road just outside Nanyuki town and offers quality accommodation in an informal atmosphere as well as a grill, pizzeria, bar and coffee shop. Kongoni and its staff pride themselves on being good hosts and offering guests a high quality of service. All the buildings work in harmony with the landscape. The restaurant is housed in a traditional double-storey cedar farm-style building and offers a warm and rustic dining experience surrounded MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 37 KTDC and there is no better time than now to invest in the continent. While opportunities for tourism development abound, the conference also addressed the challenges that face Tourism Development in Kenya and in Africa as a whole. The two-day conference was hosted by the Kenya Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) in partnership with Bench Events. It attracted government leaders and officials, financiers, entrepreneurs, architects, lawyers and transactional advisers. The Corporation's managing director, Marianne Jordan said the conference showcased to potential investors different locations with tourism potential and the distances between them hoping that they would consider investing in Kenya. Major projects now being fronted for funding by the KTDC under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) include a world-class convention centre in Mombasa and development of a marina at Shimoni. These and other projects are aimed at reducing poverty, creating jobs, boosting foreign exchange earnings and increasing GDP. This conference has been a catalyst for the realisation of these projects. Vision 2030 acknowledges the vital role played by tourism, stating that 'Kenya aims to be among the top 10 long-haul tourist destinations globally'. Achieving this involves addressing constraints facing the sector and implementing strategic projects to improve the quality and breadth of Kenya's tourist offerings at the coast, in game parks, in the conference sector, and in niche products such as culture and ecotourism. development financing for long-term investments in Kenya's tourism sector. A frica is the new frontier for tourism and development. The potential for growth is huge for both investors and stakeholders About KTDC KTDC is a Development Finance Institution (DFI) with a mandate to facilitate and provide About AHIF AHIF was a platform that brought together both local and global players in the tourism and hotel industry to share their expertise and who discussed best practices for hotel development. The forum also looked at how to conduct business across the whole continent and how to assess the potential risks and rewards of what is a hugely varied product base. 38 SAFARI AIR EXPRESS Wilson Airpor t. SA X is small enough to offer its customers a personal service, but large enough to accommodate all kinds of requests and requirements. S afari Air Express (SA X) is a proudly Kenyanowned airline operating f rom both Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and All of the company's aircraft are available for private charter. Diverse SAX operates from both Wilson Airport and JKIA and caters for a diverse and dynamic market. Its flights from Wilson Airport serve the domestic and international tourism market and are performed using B1900 and C208 aircraft. The airline's safari circuit operates to Amboseli, Masai Mara, Ukunda (Diani), Kilimanjaro, Vipingo, Nanyuki, Lamu, Meru and Malindi airports. SAX operates from a bright, happy and recently refurbished departure lounge alongside its own 40s café in Langata House at Wilson Airport. Its f lights from JKIA are performed using DC-9 and F28 aircraft and operate to regional airports in East Africa. These f lights operate from Unit 3. The airline's international f lights check in and depart from the international terminal at Unit 1. SAX foresees an exciting future in Kenya. Aircraft The SA X f leet comprises one 80-seat Douglas DC-9 aircraft, one 68-seat Fokker F28, one 19-seat Beechcraf t B1900 and two Cessna C208 Caravans seating 10 and 12 passengers respectively. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 39 KENYA TOURIST BOARD camps, our breath taking landscapes, all wrapped in the warmth of the Kenyan people. The Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) was voted Africa's leading Tourism Board 2012 in the Africa category during 19th World Travel Awards nomination ceremony held in September in the UK . Kenya is the original home of the safari and the ultimate destination for a world-class holiday. Sitting astride the equator, halfway down Africa's eastern coast, Kenya is the most accessible country in the region. With some 90 international flights arriving and departing Nairobi every week, visitors can be enjoying dinner and observing elephants and other wildlife within a few hours of leaving the office. Kenya offers a world of attractions and opportunities for the discerning visitor – more than any other destination. Visitors can expect to find stunning After the wonders of a wildlife safari, Kenya's beaches offer the ultimate in relaxation. With 480 km of beaches – 50 per cent of them sheltered by unspoilt coral reef – Kenya is the ideal destination for adventure and sports tourism. Kenya's wild assets are accompanied by the warmest of welcomes. Visitors can experience the vibrancy of Kenya's 42 cultures and become part of an extended national family. Home stays can also be arranged. In the Northern Laikipia area, ranches covering hundreds of thousands of acres offer private game viewing with eco-friendly private community lodges catering for only a couple of customers. Wherever you go in Kenya, you are delivered right to the heart of the action. Kenya's cosmopolitan capital, Nairobi, is the only city in the world with a national park attached to it. The city's famous hotels and restaurants offer the perfect start to a memorable vacation. But it is on the plains, beneath the majestic snow-capped mountains, that you will find Kenya's most memorable entertainment – the great annual migration of some 2 million wildebeest, half a million zebra and thousands of gazelle in search of pastures new. K enya is a destination of diversity: from safari, finest beaches on the Indian Ocean, entire spectrum of luxury hotels, tented landscapes, a diversity of culture and myths, sandy beaches, a range of adventure sport activities and, above all, the chance to observe rare wildlife. 40 FALCON HEIGHTS F alcon Heights is a small, luxury, boutique hotel, less than a year old, situated in Nanyuki town. Accommodation consists of Wi-Fi, hairdryer and shaving unit and plush lounge chairs as well as complimentary tea and coffee services. In addition, the hotel has a conference facility that is able to host up to 50 guests indoor and outdoors. There is a swimming pool and a separate baby pool where children can play. At night, the chefs bring out a grill and serve dinner by the poolside. The choice includes meats, salads and Continental cuisine. 16 luxury rooms and an executive two-bedroom cottage. The rooms have all the trappings of an upmarket hotel, with LCD flat-screen televisions, Intimate Falcon Heights is an alternative destination for those looking for something small, intimate and uncomplicated. LADY LORI a comprehensive range of air transport and support services in East and Central Africa. These range from scenic f lights and helicopter safari adventures to highly technical surveying and logistical support for the oil and gas industries and O ne of the best and more experienced operators of specialist helicopter services is Lady Lori, which provides from airport and city shuttle services to external load and fire suppression. In March 2012, when fires raged out of control on Mount Kenya, the pilots of Lady Lori played a key part in tackling the crisis. Award-winning Lady Lori operates a fleet of modern, well appointed helicopters, with cabins in mint condition. The helicopters are maintained by the company's awardwinning in-house engineering team. Every detail of each flight is meticulously scrutinised by this team. The company also operates a hot air balloon service in the Masai Mara and provides a tailor-made travel concierge service throughout East and Central Africa. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 41 BATIAN GRAND HOTEL & MPETA GUEST HOUSE services and amenities. Batian Grand Hotel, located in the heart of Nyeri town, is a favourite stopover for travellers on their way to the Mount Kenya highlands with its many fine features, including Mount Kenya National Park, the Aberdare Ranges, the Mau Mau Caves and the grave of Lord Baden-Powell. The two-star hotel offers warm hospitality in a friendly and tranquil B atian Grand Hotel and Mpeta Guest House offer visitors a choice of accommodation in Nyeri with ready to access to local environment. It is also an excellent venue for seminars, conferences, parties and other functions. The hotel has a 70-seat restaurant, a coffee shop, a residents' bar and a sports pub, all offering excellent cuisine and service. Mpeta Guest House Mpeta Guest House offers comfortable self-catering apartments for both families and business travellers. Located within easy reach of the central business district of Nyeri, the apartments are located in the lush green suburb with fine views of Mount Kenya and the surrounding farmlands. The smartly designed apartments consist of one- and two-bedroom units with a modern kitchenette, large living room and terrace. Each apartment has wireless internet, DSTV, intercom and personal safes. HIGHLANDS MINERAL WATER CO LTD in 1954 in Nyeri. As a world-class organisation with products conforming to Kenyan and international standards, it has been providing high quality soft drinks for over half a century Highlands offers bottled drinking water, certified by the Kenya Bureau of Standards Diamond Mark of Quality. O ne of the pioneers of Kenya's soft drinks industry, Kenya Highlands Mineral Water Co Ltd was established The company operates through distributors countrywide and in the East African region. Highlands is committed to giving something back to the community through corporate social responsibility projects. Highlands is the official supplier of water for the Safaricom Lewa Marathon and the Rhino Charge, supporting wildlife conservation. It also supports the East African Wildlife Society, East African Environmental Network and other conservation projects. Other events in which Highlands is proud to be involved include rally sport, the Diabetes Walk and Operation Smile. Highlands is continuing to expand its market share in Kenya and East Africa. Natural The Highlands range also includes still natural and fruit flavoured cordials and ready-to-drinks in orange, pineapple, tropical, lemon, strawberry and blackcurrant flavours. In addition, sugar-free Highlands Light Drinks, developed for health conscious individuals and suitable for diabetics, are available. 42 MOUNT KENYA TRUST M destruction. ount Kenya is recognised as a World Heritage Site and Biospehere Reserve. The Mount Kenya Trust has been working for 12 years in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service, the Kenya Forest Service, local communities and other non-profit organisations to help conserve Mount Government agencies, provides employment and community education, saves wildlife and sensitizes the public about habitat © Peter Coleridge Kenya. The Trust works with The Trust is wholly reliant on donations from individuals, local companies and the international community. HOTELS R Royal Prince Hotel 44 45 45 45 47 L Lorian Safaris 46 B Banana Leaf Hotel Batian Guest House Batian Grand Hotel Blue Hills Resort S Serena Mountain Lodge Sportsman's Arms Hotel Sweetwaters Tented Camp 47 48 48 N Nyeri Youth Mount Kenya Climbing Club 47 S Sagana Total Station 47 48 Slopes Mineral Water G Gerish Hotels Greenhills Hotel 45 45 T Thomson's Falls Lodge Transit Motel Treetops Lodge 45 45 48 48 48 U Uniq Shop 48 H Hotel Incredible Hotel Three Steers V Valleyview Prime Lodge 48 I Imperial Hotel Ivory Resort Hotel Ltd Izaak Walton Inn 46 46 46 W Westwind Hotel White Rhino Hotel 48 48 RESTAURANTS R Raybells Restaurant 47 K Kwetu Lodge 46 M Mark 5 Resort Masinga Dam Resort Maua Basin Hotel Mount Kenya Safari Club Mpeta Guest House 46 46 46 46 47 TOUR OPERATORS AND SERVICES A Africana Curio Shop 44 For further information regarding membership, existing members and their services contact: B Bongo Asili 45 0° 0° N Naru Moru River Lodge New Thuchi Lodge 47 47 E Embu Tourism Development Organisation 45 Mt. Kenya Tourism Circuit Association P. O. BOX 2669 - 10140 NYERI, KENYA Office - Kimathi Way, E-mail:email@example.com Plaza, Kimathi Way Website: www.mount-kenya.org TEL: +254 020 2326170 MOUNT KENYA TOURISM CIRCUIT ASSOCIATION Central Plaza, 2nd Flr. "A duofloor, hemisphere destination." 2nd West Wing, Central O Old House 47 K Kenya School of Adventure and Leadership 46 PO Box 2669-10140, Nyeri Tel: +254 (0)20 232 6170 Email: REF: email@example.com MKTCA/GUIDE www.mount-kenya.org Dear Sir/Madam, We are pleased to announce that Mt. Kenya Tourism Circuit Association has appointed a specialist UK-based company; Land & Marine Publications to produce our new regional tourism guide. We have chosen Land & Marine for their excellent production capability and for its experience which extends to working with several tourism authorities and associations among them Zambia, Botswana, Seychelles, Uganda, Gambia, Emirates, Belize and here in Kenya. We are confident they will deliver quality products to satisfy all. AFRICANA CURIO SHOP Location: Sagana Address: PO Box 1890, Sagana Tel: 061 72556; 0722-881991 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Conveniently located on the Nairobi-Nyeri highway, this is a one-stop shop for all African curios and gifts. BANANA LEAF HOTEL Location: Nyeri Mr. Ray Deekes, a representative of Land & Marine will be visiting you to seek Address: PO Box 2081, Nyeri advertising support. Please feel free to contact us at anytime if you require any further information about this Tel: 061-2031655 project. Email: email@example.com Web: www.bananaleafhotel.com Yours faithfully, Banana Leaf, on the main Nairobi-Nyeri highway, is a tranquil town hotel offering a Simon Wachira, blend CEO of comfort and luxury. Mt. Kenya Tourism Circuit Association. 44 MEMBER INDEX BATIAN GUEST HOUSE Location: Nanyuki Address: PO Box 1391-10400 Tel: 0718-635577 Email: email@example.com Situated in Nanyuki, on the main highway from Nairobi, this standard hotel is the town's newest landmark. BATIAN GRAND HOTEL Location: Nyeri Address: PO Box 12100-10109 Tel: 061-2030743/020-3535266 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.batianhotel.co.ke Located in the heart of Nyeri town, overlooking the stadium, this luxury hotel offers great views of the peaks of Mount Kenya and the plains of Laikipia. BLUE HILLS RESORT Location: Sagana Address: PO Box 41-00520 Nairobi Tell: 0722-581497 A country hotel located on the banks of Tana river, on Nairobi-Sagana highway with a perfect view of the meandering waters of Tana. BONGO ASILI Location: Nyeri Address: PO Box 873-10100 Tel: 0700-391203 Email: email@example.com Web: www.bongoasili.com As an international tour operator, Bongo Asili is familiar with the local terrain and offers top-ofthe-range services. EMBU TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION Location: Embu Address: PO Box 1760 Embu Cell: 0716376356/0725603231 Email: email@example.com ETDO is a community-based organisation that brings community members together with the aim of facilitating the growth of tourism in Embu. GERISH HOTELS Location: Embu Address: PO Box 1760-60100, Embu Tel: 06830440/0202056649 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Gerish Hotels is a budget hotel 2 km from the central business district of Embu town. Along with its convenient urban location, the hotel has the ambience of a rural setting. GREENHILLS HOTEL Location: Nyeri Address: PO Box 313-10100, Nyeri Tel: 061-2030604 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.greenhills.co.ke Located in the suburbs of Nyeri, this threestar town hotel is surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and enjoys stunning views of Mount Kenya. HOTEL INCREDIBLE Location: Meru Address: PO Box 2020-60200, Meru Tel: 0722-885511/064-30227 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.hotelincredible.com Located on Kirukuri Road in Meru, this town hotel is a magnet for business travellers and a popular venue for domestic and foreign visitors. HOTEL THREE STEERS Location: Meru Address: PO Box 21113-00505, Meru Tel: 0728-588005/0724-398935 Email: email@example.com Web: www.nairobipacifichotels.com This cosy and luxurious town hotel on the Meru-Isiolo road offers a wide variety of cuisine and accommodation to meet the demands of business travellers and domestic and international visitors. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 45 MEMBER INDEX IMPERIAL HOTEL Location: Nyeri Address: PO Box 2606-10140, Nyeri Tel: 0722853724 Email: email@example.com This town hotel in the heart of Nyeri offers luxury accommodation and is an ideal place for business. IVORY RESORT HOTEL LTD Location: Nyeri Address: PO Box 959, Nyeri Tel: 0722-929013 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Located on the Nyeri-Nairobi highway at Skuta, this town hotel is set in a lush green environment of coffee and tea plantations. IZAAK WALTON INN Location: Embu Address: PO Box 1, Embu Tel: 068-31128/9, 31237 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.izaakwaltoninn.co.ke The style of this historical masterpiece combines a flavour of bygone days with a touch of the future. The hotel is located 2 km from the town centre in the serene outskirts of Embu. KENYA SCHOOL OF ADVENTURE AND LEADERSHIP Location: Meru Address: PO Box 4055-00506 Tel: 020-237626 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.kesal.co.ke Established in 1990, the Kenya School of Adventure and Leadership (KESAL) offers a unique and highimpact range of experiential-based training solutions. KWETU LODGE Location: Embu Address: 1241-60100, Embu Tel: 068-30692 This lodge in the heart of Embu town is ideal for business travellers or those looking for a quiet place to relax., LORIAN SAFARIS Location: Nyeri Address: PO Box 2669-10140, Nyeri Tel: 0720-957881 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com For lovers of adventure, Lorian Safaris can provide skilled experts familiar with the local terrain and equipped to provide insightful community integration. MARK 5 RESORT Location: Embu Address: PO Box 65-60121, Embu Tel: 0705-585857 Email: email@example.com Web: www.mak5fresh.com A gateway to Mount Kenya and stopover on the main highway from Nairobi to Sagana equipped with a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. MASINGA DAM RESORT Location: Embu Address: PO Box 47309-00100, Embu Tel: 020-2096288 Email: email@example.com Web: firstname.lastname@example.com Located next to Masinga Dam in the Mwea National Reserve, this resort enjoys spectacular golden sunrises and sunsets all year round. MAUA BASIN HOTEL Location: Maua Address: PO Box 452, Maua Tel: 0617-21519 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com With its tranquil setting, affordable accommodation and excellent customer services, the Maua Basin Hotel prides itself on creating an atmosphere that is both relaxing and comfortable. MOUNT KENYA SAFARI CLUB Location: Nanyuki Address: PO Box 35-10400, Nanyuki Tel: 062-2030000 Web: www.fairmont.com A five-star club located on the slopes of Mount Kenya in the serene Mount Kenya Game Ranch. 46 MEMBER INDEX MPETA GUEST HOUSE Location: Nyeri Address: PO Box 12100-10109, Nyeri Tel: 061-2030743/ 020-3535266 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.batianhotel.co.ke Mpeta is a cosy and luxurious furnished apartment located on the Nyeri-Nanyuki highway with spectacular views of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains. NARU MORU RIVER LODGE Location: Naru Moru Address: PO Box 18-10105, Naru Moru Tel: 062-31047/ 062-31048 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.naromoruriverlodge.com This country lodge on the banks of Naru Moru River is an ideal base for climbing Mount Kenya, with splendid views of the snowcapped peaks. NEW THUCHI LODGE Location: Meru Address: PO Box 7-60100, Meru Tel: 020-2074549 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com New Thuchi Lodge is situated on the banks of the Thuchi River on the Nairobi-Meru highway on the eastern side of Mount Kenya. NYERI YOUTH MOUNT KENYA CLIMBING CLUB Location: Nyeri Address: PO Box 2669, Neri Tel: 0721-119708 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com This is a club of experienced and skilled young tour guides and porters serving mountain climbers and hikers on Mount Kenya. OLD HOUSE Location: Nanyuki Address: PO Box 340, Nanyuki Tel: 062 31556/ 020-3526007 Email: email@example.com A standard town hotel on the banks of Nanyuki River in the serene suburbs of Nanyuki. OUTSPAN Location: Nyeri Address: PO Box 24, Nyeri Tel: 061-2032424 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.aberdarehotel.com Located on Baden-Powell Road in Nyeri, the Outspan is a country hotel surrounded by beautifully kept gardens and lawns. RAYBELLS RESTAURANT Location: Nyeri Address: PO Box 1363-10100, Nyeri Tel: 020 2370035 Email: email@example.com Popular with both local people and international visitors, Raybells is a modern family restaurant in the heart of Nyeri specialising in Continental and African cuisine. ROYAL PRINCE HOTEL Location: Meru Address: PO Box 964-10200, Meru Tel: 064-30115/0722-508417/0701685455 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.royalprincehotel.com Located in the heart of Meru, the Royal Prince Hotel is a magnet for local and international tourists visiting this busy eastern town. SAGANA TOTAL STATION Location: Sagana Address: PO Box 317, Sagana Tel: 020-2033985/ 020-2737100 Email: email@example.com An ideal halfway gas station on the Nairobi Highway at Sagana town with a convenience store, restaurant and rest rooms. SERENA MOUNTAIN LODGE Location: Naro Moru Address: PO Box 123, Kiganjo Tel: 0711-109637/ 0711-109638 Email: email@example.com Email: email@example.com Web: www.serenahotels.com A forest lodge in the pristine tropical forest of Mount Kenya. The lodge faces a watering hole frequented by big forest game. MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 47 MEMBER LISTINGS SLOPES MINERAL WATER Location: Nyeri Address: PO Box 1290-10300, Nyeri Tel: 0723-878932 Email: email@example.com Serving the tourism industry in the Mount Kenya region, this bottled water company offers crystal-clear mineral waters. SPORTSMAN'S ARMS HOTEL Location: Nanyuki Address: PO Box 3, Nanyuki Tel: 062-2032348/7 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.sportemansarms.com A three-star hotel in the heart of Nanyuki town overlooking the snowcaps of Mount Kenya. SWEETWATERS TENTED CAMP Location: Nanyuki Address: PO Box 763, Nanyuki Tel: 062-32430/062-32409 Web: www.serenahotels.com A tented camp situated in Ol Pejeta Conservancy facing an animal waterhole with scenic views of Mount Kenya. THOMSON'S FALLS LODGE Location: Nyahururu Address: PO Box 38 ,Nyahururu Tel: 065-2022006/065-2032176 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.thomsonsfallslodge.com Situated at the world-famous Thomson's Falls, this Swiss chalet-style lodge is set in lush lawns shaded by African olive and cedar trees. TRANSIT MOTEL Location: Chogoria Meru Address: PO Box 190-60401 Chogoria Tel: 0733-573494 Email: email@example.com Web: www.transitmotelchogoria.com Offering a perfect base for climbing Mount Kenya, this motel has a rural location at the base of one of the three main routes to the summits of the mountain. TREETOPS Location: Nyeri Address: PO Box 24, Nyeri Tel: 061-2032424 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.aberdarehotel.com A five-star forest lodge located strategically overlooking a legendary waterhole visited by wild animals. The queen of England ascended to the throne while on holiday at this lodge and has revisited the lodge while on her visit to Kenya. UNIQ SHOP Location: Karatina Address: PO Box 412-10100, Karatina Tel: 061-72 343 Email: email@example.com Uniq Shop is a specialist in African designs and artefacts located on the main highway from Nairobi to Nyeri. VALLEYVIEW PRIME LODGE Location: Embu Address: PO Box 563, Embu Tel: 0721-813867 Email: email@example.com Suitable for business guests, this town hotel in the heart of Embu offers luxury accommodation and mouth-watering African cuisine. WESTWIND HOTEL Location: Meru Address: PO Box 730-60200, Meru Tel: 064-31980 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.westwindhotelmeru.com This town hotel on the Meru-Maua road at Makutano is a favourite destination for visitors to the mountain region, offering superb African cuisine. WHITE RHINO HOTEL Location: Nyeri Address: PO Box 3011-10140, Nyeri Tel: 020-202609198 /0726-967315/ 0736-046784 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.whiterhinohotel.com Located on the main highway from Nairobi, this newly refurbished hotel is the jewel of Nyeri town and a favourite spot for entertainment. 48 MOUNT KENYA TOURISM CIRCUIT ASSOCIATION GUIDE 2013-14 is the official publication of: 0° 0° Mt. Kenya Tourism Circuit Association P. O. BOX 2669 - 10140 NYERI, KENYA Office - Kimathi Way, Central Plaza, 2nd Flr. TEL: +254 020 2326170 E-mail:email@example.com Website: www.mount-kenya.org MOUNT KENYA TOURISM CIRCUIT ASSOCIATION 2nd f loor West Wing, Central Plaza, Kimathi Way, PO Box 2669-10140, Nyeri Tel: +254 (0)20 232 6170 • Email: firstname.lastname@example.com REF: MKTCA/GUIDE "A duo hemisphere destination." www.mount-kenya.org Dear Sir/Madam, We are pleased to announce that Mt. Kenya Tourism Circuit Association has appointed a specialist UK-based company; Land & Marine Publications to produce our new regional tourism guide. We have chosen Land & Marine for their excellent production capability and for its experience which extends to working with several tourism authorities and associations among them Zambia, Botswana, Seychelles, Uganda, Gambia, Emirates, Belize and here in Kenya. We are confident they will deliver quality products to satisfy all. Mr. Ray Deekes, a representative of Land & Marine will be visiting you to seek advertising support. Please feel free to contact us at anytime if you require any further information about this project. Yours faithfully,


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From the Publisher"The reader gets the immediate impression that they are being invited to contribute to real work, which is inspiring. The style is easy to read and the exposition of many difficult and confusing topics is very clear. Semantics in Generative Grammer is really an advanced introduction, and is a good example of how advanced-level texts should be organized...essential reading" Jennifer Spenader, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
"This elegant and thorough text will take the reader through many of the advances in linguistic semantics during the past 25 years of generative grammar. It is a fine achievement by two of the most prominent researchers, and teachers, of the subject." James Higginbotham, University of Oxford
"This book shows that natural language semantics has reached its maturity. A careful and enlightening discussion guides the reader through the intricacies of argument structure, quantification, and binding, some of the very central topics in semantics and in the syntax/semantics interface. Traditional techniques from logic are presented in a way aimed at bringing out what is really important to the study of language. An excellent introduction for the linguist-to-be." Gennaro Chierchia, University of Milan
"This superb new introduction to formal semantics in linguistic theory helps and invites teh serious beginner to think through arguments among potential alternatives right from the start. It's a great textbook." Barbara Partee, University of Massachusetts

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Be a champion for the health needs of children and families
A culture of quality and safety begins with diligence when selecting those who will be joining Children's. In addition to assessing skills, experience, culture fit, and readiness, we are responsible to do everything possible to make sure we hire talent that will ensure the safety of the children who depend on us. Effective May 26, 2015, Children's will add drug screening to our slate of pre-hire assessment processes for external candidates.
Work in an outstanding, family-centered hospital that's just for kids. Join colleagues who share your compassion for helping children, in a family-centered environment. Enjoy life in the Twin Cities, one of America's most livable urban environments. Is Children's of Minnesota right for you?
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Hoopla: Movies, Audiobooks & e-books
Live Oak Public Libraries card holders can now stream or download movies, television shows, audiobooks, and e-books. All are available for mobile and online access through hoopla digital – all you need is your library card!
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TumbleBooks: e-books for e-kids!
TumbleBookLibrary is an online collection of animated,
talking picture books which teach young children the joys of reading in a format they'll love.
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Zinio Digital Magazines
Zinio allows you to download popular magazines to your computer, tablet or mobile device! 125 magazines are now available including The Economist; Newsweek; Us Weekly; The New Yorker; Vogue; and many more!
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Keep him warm in a fully lined, buffalo-plaid shirt-jacket that embraces his rugged masculinity. Sherpa fleece in the body and a quilted lining in the sleeves offer a barrier from the cold without restricting movement. Cotton with polyester lining and fill. Machine wash. Imported. Sizes M(38-40), L(42-44), XL(46-48), XXL(50-52). Gray.Click here for sizing chart
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Notably, the three national organizations most closely associated with the public campaign against smokingthe American Lung Association, American Heart Association, and American Cancer Societywere "indifferent" or "skeptical" to initiatives of the state and local activists. The organizations' leadership thought other policies offered more promising ways to reduce smoking such as by raising cigarette taxes, imposing more severe restrictions on indoor smoking, and controlling tobacco marketing.
In New York City, advocates for a smoke-free city drew on a World Health Organization publication that said implementing 100% smoke-free environments is the only effective way to protect the population from exposure to smoking's harmful effects. But as Dr. Bayer notes, the health risk of exposure is far less certain than some supporters claimed.
In the argument for smoking bans in parks and on beaches, the most striking aspect, according to Dr. Bayer, is the assertion that just the act of smoking in public poses a threat to the well-being of children and adolescents because of the message it conveys. Protecting children has been an uncontested premise of public health, and the evidence clearly supports the claim that children model the behavior of a parent or other close adult.
"Banning smoking in public settings may have seemed beyond the pale 25 years ago, but with changes in the political context and in social norms, the public has increasingly come to consider them as interventions designed to serve the common good. However, local coalitions pressing for smoking bans need to be strong enough to overcome the opposition of the tobacco and hospitality industries and of people who invoke threats of Big Brother," writes Dr. Bayer.
While the rules for bans on smoking in public are gaining in popularity and the evidence may help to reduce tobacco-related illness and death in the short term, Dr. Bayer and co-a
|Contact: Stephanie Berger
Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health


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Skoal Kodiak takes on L.A. (VIDEO)
Categories: Concert video
As part of Marijuana Deathsquads' month-long residency in Los Angeles, the band was able to invite some friends out to play as well. Here's Skoal Kodiak (who share drummer Freddie Votel with MDS) taking on LA last Friday night with bleach bottle in hand and light show ablaze.
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text: Go ahead and approach the parties and explain your plan, be sincere but make it clear you are willing to accomodate whatever they stipulate to. Dont forget to offer portraits of the kids to the mother(gratis, of course). You could offer to photo the kids seperatly and give them their own page in the album. It wouldn't hurt to offer copies of all the family to them as well, as it is important for the children to know who their family is, and be able to put faces with names.


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Manufacturing Area
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Mid-Range Richmond hotels – hotels.com offers fantastic deals to be found from every corner of the globe, there's something for everyone. We've secured some amazing Mid-Range hotel savings for longer stays in some of our favourite destinations. But be quick – all sale deals are subject to availability and selling fast!
Mid-Range Richmond Hotels
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Executive Airport Plaza
Good 3.6 / 5 ( 763 reviews )
Most recent review
"It was for a brief layover for a connecting flight. The bed was a comfortable which was our goal for 5 hours. It is not possible for me to judge or comment on much more as far as the hotel goes. Bell hop service would be a great addition."
A Traveller, Apr 2015, CA
Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel
Excellent 4.0 / 5 ( 98 reviews )
Most recent review
"The room was amazing super clean very comfortable with a very nice double bed . The staff were amazing the concierge and he check in and check out team were excellent . Its a great hotel for easy access to the airport . Getting downtown was easy on the train and the recommendations for sight seei..."
A Traveller, May 2015, CA
Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport Hotel & Resort
Good 3.8 / 5 ( 645 reviews )
Most recent review
"It was an overnight stay before a flight out the next day. Handy to restaurants. Was disappointed in the lack of local tv channels."
A Traveller, Mar 2015, CA
Pacific Gateway Hotel
Excellent 4.3 / 5 ( 631 reviews )
Most recent review
"We arrived in the late evening. Very helpful service at the front desk. The clerk actually upgraded our room!! Food was good in the restaurant at 9:30pm. Very pleasant shuttle driver at 5;30am the next morning. We will return to this hotel when we have overnights before early flight times on the ..."
A Traveller, May 2015, CA
Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport
Excellent 4.1 / 5 ( 874 reviews )
Most recent review
"Paid for upgrade to penthouse. Which was just a small suite on top floor"
A Traveller, May 2015, US
Hilton Vancouver Airport
Excellent 4.1 / 5 ( 90 reviews )
Most recent review
"very pleasant stay had a very good meal when we landed at the restraunt"
A Traveller, Oct 2014, CA
Sandman Hotel Vancouver Airport
Good 3.6 / 5 ( 890 reviews )
Most recent review
"Great stay , Staff wonderful , Room Great , Restaurant great . Have nothing negative to say... I Would stay there again !!"
A Traveller, May 2015, CA
Vancouver Airport Marriott
Excellent 4.4 / 5 ( 42 reviews )
Most recent review
"The hotel was very nice. The staff was great. I was able to check in early with no problems. Very nice room with view of the city and balcony. If in the Richmond area, I would recommend staying here."
A Traveller, Dec 2014, US
Four Points by Sheraton Vancouver Airport
Excellent 4.1 / 5 ( 155 reviews )
Most recent review
"Great! Only an overnight stay but a nice hotel. Will stay again."
A Traveller, Mar 2015, CA
Best Western Plus Abercorn Inn
Good 3.8 / 5 ( 649 reviews )
Most recent review
"Great breakfasts! Very resonable, clean, helpful and met all of my needs."
A Traveller, Apr 2015, US