The Collection

We are proud to have donated two nights for 2 at Elewana Kifaru House and Elewana Elsa’s Kopje as part of an online raffle organised by The SAFARI Company to raise money for stem-cell transplant surgery for Al.

Al is a little boy, who at the tender age of six, was diagnosed with aggressive, life-crippling cancer for the second time. To save Al, KSh 8 million (USD 80,000) was required. Doctors had not only to treat his cancer he also  needed stem-cell surgery to prevent it from recurring (his brother, Jack was his stem cell donor).

We are delighted to report that over ½ of the required money has been raised and as a result of our combined fund raising, Al is now free from cancer and his stem-cell treatment is taking effect, such a huge and emotional moment! The amount is rising daily though, so we need to continue to raise funds.

Thank you to all those that entered and your generosity and kindness in supporting this initiative to save Al and bring a little relief to this brave and tenacious family.

Elewana Collection would like to announce that Andrew Kuria, who has been successfully leading the team at Elewana Kifaru House, will now take on the role of General Manager for Elewana Elsa’s Kopje in Meru, which recently received recognition in the Condé Nast Traveler annual Readers’ Choice Awards being rated as number 11 in 50 Best Resorts in the World and  number 5 in Top 30 Resorts in Africa.  

Andrew has been fortunate to call home a place just outside Nairobi at the foot of the Ng'ong Hills made famous by Karen Blixen’s famous opening words to Out of Africa - “I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills. The Equator runs across these highlands, a hundred miles to the north, and the farm lay at an altitude of over six thousand feet. In the day-time you felt that you had got high up; near to the sun, but the early mornings and evenings were limpid and restful, and the nights were cold.” . 

The streams, acacias and the scenery sparked his interest in nature and the varied ecosystems of Africa. Weekends were spent cycling along scenic routes with the Giraffe Centre in Karen oftentimes being a choice destination. Although he doesn't cycle as much nowadays, his other interests are table tennis, cooking and travelling to new destinations with his wife Brenda.

Having honed his hospitality skills in Kenya Utalii College and worked in five African countries applying his appreciation of nature, culture and enthusiasm towards giving our guests delightful experiences has grown even more.

As he takes on the General Manager role in Elewana Elsa's Kopje, he looks forward to leading the team in giving our guests memorable experiences while in that special part of Kenya.

Please join us in welcoming Andrew to his new role at Elewana Elsa’s Kopje.

Solo travel is on the up and women are leading the way. Almost two-thirds of travelers are now female, according to George Washington University School of Business, and Hostelworld saw a 45 percent increase in solo women’s bookings between 2015 and 2017. But embarking on a solo adventure, whether a man or woman can be daunting and, at times, challenging but when staying at an Elewana property we go out of our way to embrace the solo traveller and make them feel at home. We share a few tips for those planning to travel alone;

Tip 1: Single rate Supplement

The Elewana Collection offers competitive rates, especially when it comes to the solo traveller.

Single Room Policy:

1st Single Room per booking and/or file >> No Single Room Supplement Charge*

3 or less Single Rooms per booking/file >> Contracted Single Rate applies

4 or more Single Rooms per booking/file >>Double Room Rate applies

*Excludes Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge & Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar

Tip 2: Making the most of a Solo Safari

Be adventurous and explore, make the most of your visit by indulging in all your favourite activities, whether it is a game drive, riding a camel, visiting a local village and experiencing new cultures or simply relax and unwind with a soothing massage. It’s time to do what you want when you want. There are so many different experiences to enjoy while staying at the Elewana Collection you will be spoilt for choice.

Tip 3: Have fun learning a new language

Good solo travellers should at least get familiar with the conversational basics of the destinations’ official language; the everyday essential phrases. Travel + Leisure recommended some of these Best Translation Apps for Traveller. English is widely spoken in both Kenya and Tanzania so no need to fret about having a conversation with someone and the Elewana team can help you learn. These few words will get you going and elicit wide smiles of appreciation:

• Hello = jambo / hujambo / ​salama
• How are you? = habari gani
• Fine (response) = nzuri
• Goodbye = kwa heri / kwa herini (more than one person)
• See you later = tutaonana
• Nice to meet you = nafurahi kukuona
• Welcome = Karibu
• Goodnight = lala salama

Tip 4: Some useful Apps

There is an App for everything these days so have some fun trying out different ones that suit your needs. One in particular is a Currency Converter, to quickly find out what the value is of the local currency compared to what you know back home - try XE Converter. Another useful App is TripIt for planning your trip - upload all your flight and hotel information into one itinerary, this can be shared with friends and family so they can follow your journey.

Tip 5: Try something new

Time to get out of your comfort zone and try something different, although if it’s traveling to Kenya or Tanzania for the first time then you have already ticked this box and you are in for such a treat. Very few experiences compare to the excitement of visiting a new destination and a journey of discovery. However, if you have travelled to East Africa before then find an experience that you have always wanted to do, whether it is a bush walk across the open plains surrounded by wildlife, floating high above the treetops in a hot air balloon or mountain biking through the wild, whatever experience excites you then do it. The Elewana Collection offers a multitude of different experiences to enjoy for every type of solo traveller.

Tip 6: Safety Always

Our Guests safety is paramount day and night, whether in the property or exploring the wilderness nearby, we have a team of people to look after you from the Elewana Guides that take you out on morning and afternoon game drives to the askari’s (watchman) that escort you to and from your room. 

Tip 7: What to bring

When planning a trip we recommend you add the following to your packing list;

• A fleece or thick sweater is recommended for early morning and evening game drives.
• Lightweight waterproof jacket.
• Swim and beachwear (Most of the Elewana properties have a pool).
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Sunblock with high SPF.  Hat, moisturizer and lip-salve are all essentials.
• Strong insect repellent.
• A good quality pair of sunglasses (tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light)
• If you wear contact lenses, bring enough solution & a pair of glasses in case your eyes get irritated.
• Multi- purpose travel pillow when flying, on game drives or any time you need a little extra padding for your lower back, behind your neck or just to lean on.
• A few good books to read

For additional Travel Information, please click here.

Tip 8: Friendly & Professional Team

East Africa is renowned for its hospitality and each of the Elewana Collection properties has a friendly team of professionals who are there to assist you, from the Guides that will share their knowledge and passion for Africa as you explore the surrounding area, to the waiters who will serve you at each meal or bring you your favourite beverage to the General Managers always available to ensure you have the best experience. There is always someone around should you like some company and a friendly face if you want to chat. It’s not all about being alone. Going on safari is an adventure and a time to meet like minded people that share the same interests. There is nothing better than sitting around a campfire in the evening sharing one experience of the day, the excitement, the encounters and listening to others sharing the same.

Instagram has changed travel forever – with instant access to images from around the world showing numerous experiences and many people now choose their next destination based on its instagrammability. With over 346 million posts on #travel, it’s clear that Instagram is not only a getaway from our day-to-day lives — but a gateway to an actual destination as well. A Facebook study found that 67 per cent of travel enthusiasts on Instagram use the platform to look for inspiration for new places to travel to. And a similar number (62 per cent) used Instagram to build excitement for new trips.

Travel brochures and adverts in newspapers were once the only means of enticing people to travel, but not anymore. As social media advances, people go online and ‘research’ their next destination through Instagram, Facebook and a whole host of other sites to find out what friends, family or influencers recommend, to inspire their next travel adventure. Nowadays, a single post about a beach getaway or exotic destination is enough to fuel the ‘travel bug’ in anyone. Knowing that other people have enjoyed an experience is more than enough reason for travellers to plan one themselves.

There are countless places in Kenya and Tanzania, which should be on every ‘most instagrammable’ list as both countries offer spectacular landscape, wildlife and a variety of experiences that can be captured and shared.

Departures listed Zanzibar as one of the places in This Year's Most Instagrammable Destinations;

‘The first rule of Instagram in Zanzibar is to rise early—because the sunrises are unreal, and the island looks beautiful right as it’s waking up. Visiting Stone Town is also essential for any photographer—amateur or professional. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town has Instagram detail for days, from the narrow streets to the unique doorways made mostly of carved wood. Still on the rise as a photogenic destination, now is the time to head to Zanzibar to experience the wonders of Darajani Market and Old Fort.’

Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar is the ultimate romantic destination, the perfect place to enjoy the harmony of the ocean and spend time with the one you love. Set in a picturesque tropical garden with its secluded beachfront, the luxurious Pavilion suites embrace wide-arched glassless windows affording spectacular views over the Indian Ocean.

Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp made it all the way to the 'Elite Eight' (Round 4) of Luxury Travel Advisors World's Most Instagrammable Hotel Award. The competition was intense with leading hotels from around the world seeded so we feel privileged to be listed amongst the very best and proud to claim Most Instagrammable Hotel in Africa!

If you would like to follow regular updates, access instant inspiration and get useful tips then follow The Elewana Collection;

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@elewanacollection  #TheElewanaCollection  #ElewanaMoments  #InHarmonyWithAfrica  #ElewanaKnows  #EncounterElewana  #ElewanaFoodies

Facebook
@elewanacollection  @skysafariafrica  @afrochicdianibeach  @arushacoffeedodge  @elephantpeppercamp  @elsaskopje  @kifaruhouselewa  @kilindizanzibar  @lewasafaricamp  @lodosprings @loisabastarbeds @loisabatentedcamp  @sandrivermasaimaracamp  @serengetimigrationcamp  @serengetipioneercamp  @tarangiretreetops  @themanorngorongoro

From Our Partners

By Hannah Campbell

When people think of African wildlife, the first term that comes to a lot of peoples’ minds (and therefore what they want to see most on safari) are the “Big Five”: elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo.

What many people don’t know is that the phrase comes from an old hunting term, which lists the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. Since trophy hunting was banned in Kenya in 1977, it turned into a list of species to ‘tick off’ on game drives.

While Loisaba is currently home to four out of the five, with an ambition to add the eastern black rhino to the list, several other wildlife species can also be found here – many of which can only be seen in areas such as Northern Kenya…

Gerenuk (Litocranius walleri) IUCN Status: Near Threatened Population Trend: Decreasing Found in northern Kenya, these unusual antelopes are easily distinguishable by their extremely long necks – the name ‘Gerenuk’ comes from the Somali word ‘garanuug’, meaning “giraffe-necked”. They are extremely well adapted to the dry areas of the horn of Africa, due to the fact that they get the moisture they need to survive from the plants they eat – meaning they can go their entire lives without having to drink water!
	Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi) IUCN Status: Endangered Population Trend: Stable Once found across Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti and Kenya, Grevy’s zebras have undergone one of the most substantial reductions of range of any African mammal – now only found in parts of southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya. Their population has reduced from around 6,000 in the 1980’s to an estimated 2,800 today. As well as habitat loss and competition for grazing resources, Grevy’s have also been hunted for their striking skins. They are much larger than the Burchell’s zebra, with narrower stripes and huge rounded ears.
Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa reticulata) IUCN Status: Endangered Population Trend: Decreasing It was once thought that there was only one species of giraffe, with 11 different subspecies. Recent research has suggested that there are in fact four completely separate species of giraffe that are as genetically different as a polar bear is to a black bear! The reticulated giraffe is listed as endangered by the IUCN, primarily due to habitat loss. This species can only be found in Somalia, southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya. Loisaba has partnered with San Diego Zoo Global on their “Twiga Walinzi” (giraffe guards) initiative in order to help save this species from extinction.
	Beisa Oryx (Oryx beisa) IUCN Status: Endangered Population Trend: Decreasing The name ‘oryx’ is from the Greek word for pickax, an appropriate name for these striking ungulates. The myth of the one-horned unicorn may be based on oryx that have lost one horn. Aristotle and Pliny the Elder held that the oryx was the unicorn’s “prototype”. From certain angles, the oryx may seem to have one horn rather than two, and given that its horns are made from hollow bone that cannot be regrown, if an oryx were to lose one of its horns, for the rest of its life, it would have only one.
Laikipia Hartebeest (Alcelaphus lelwel x A. cokii) IUCN Status: Unknown Population Trend: Unknown Also known as the Kenya Highland hartebeest, this antelope is considered to be a cross between the Coke’s and endangered Lelwel hartebeest. They are darker in colour and larger than the Coke’s species, with longer heavier horns than both ‘parent’ species. Formally distributed throughout Kenya’s highlands between Lake Victoria and Mount Kenya, they are now believed to be restricted to fragmented areas in Laikipia and nearby regions.

Staying at Elewana Collection’s Loisaba Tented Camp, Loisaba Star Beds and Loisaba Lodo Springs helps ensure Loisaba Conservancy remains a catalyst for conservation, wildlife research and community development. 

Loisaba’s mission is to protect and enhance critical wildlife diversity, abundance and habitat in the landscape, which sits on the western edge of one of Kenya’s most important elephant movement corridors. The profit from Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp, Elewana Loisaba StarBeds and Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs, along with revenue from livestock, brings Loisaba Conservancy closer to achieving the ultimate aim of creating a sustainable conservancy providing protection of endangered species and their habitat, as well as over 300 jobs to the local community.

Our partners: Loisaba Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, San Diego Zoo Global, Space for Giants, Lion Landscapes, Northern Rangelands Trust

Incredible work by Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Tusk who hosted 60 conservation delegates from 17 African countries to discuss the protection of key species in their respective countries.

From Senegal to Zambia, the delegates are all part of conservation organisations at the forefront of protecting key species in their countries.

Faith Riunga, Head of Education Programme, spoke about why a participatory conservation model that empowers people should be Africa’s focus. She spoke about the education programme’s work and impact.

The delegates also met the anti-poaching team to discuss factors that have led to the anti-poaching success of zero poaching in 6 years, such as partnerships with the Kenyan government and neighbouring communities.

Karibu tena to the 60 delegates, and to the Tusk Team for creating such an important platform that is fostering critical, continental-level conservation dialogue around issues that affect us all.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy covers 65,000 acres of pristine African wilderness. With dramatic views of snow-capped Mt Kenya to the south, and the arid lands of Tassia and Il Ngwesi to the north, Lewa showcases a range of wild habitats from highland forests, wide open grasslands, melt-water mountain springs and acacia woodland and supports over 440 bird species. More than 70 different animal species roam the vast grasslands at the foot of Mt Kenya.

The Elewana Collection has two properties located in the Conservancy, Elewana Lewa Safari Camp and Elewana Kifaru House, which are the only two tourism properties owned by the Conservancy itself, with the aim of boosting the conservancy’s revenue through camp occupancy. All profits and conservancy fees generated by each camp are reinvested directly into the conservation and community efforts of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

For the leaders of the Randilen Wildlife Management to take an active role in directing and driving their sustainable management approach, where they are capable of playing their role as leaders and providing the oversight function for their management team, they need to understand the three pillars of sustainability and develop a long term vision.  Honeyguide helps the leaders of Randilen to build their understanding and knowledge of sustainability, strengthen and empowering them to lead. Recently we held a 3-day training workshop with support from the Nature Conservancy and funded by USAID; listen to some of the leaders' feedback in the short video below.

Watch Video

Source: HoneyGuide

Elewana Tarangire Treetops - Tarangire National Park

Situated in a community led Wildlife Management areas, known as Randilen, guests of Elewana Tarangire Treetops enjoy a secluded and private safari experience. The luxury tree-top rooms, elevated above the ground afford incredible views over the tops of surrounding marula and baobab trees. With a wide private balconies, each are lavishly furnished using natural materials that are blended with contemporary Africana décor, to provide guests with a unique and most memorable safari experience. 

Encasing an impressive baobab tree, the spacious and tranquil reception, lounge and dining room overlook the swimming pool and a waterhole that sees a steady flow of wild animal visitors. As the camp is located in the WMA, activities such as bush walks and night game drives are possible, which are not permitted in many other areas. Bush walks allow guests to get “up close and personal” with nature, and experience the bush to a more intimate degree. Alternatively, a night game drive with the option to go off road, in the African bush affords the opportunity to see an array of creatures who prefer the cover of darkness, the African bush hosts a different assortment of creatures after the sun goes down.

In The Community

4th of October will be a day that the little ones attending Morijo Primary School will never forget when they received a number of visitors who came to spend the afternoon with them - playing football and skipping rope with them and brought lots of goodies.  Just two weeks prior, the Land & Life team had a chat with Ms Benedette Mwongeli the Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs Assistant Manager, to discuss Morijo as a new addition to the Land & Life supported projects. Having visited the school themselves the team had a meeting with the school administration to find out what the children’s needs were, the priority being food and water.  Listening pensively Benedette promised to speak to the General Manager, Murad Habib and staff to see how they could help. True to her word they organised a visit to Morijo and donated food supplies and water!  

There is only one teacher at Morijo, John who had this to say after their visit, “We were overwhelmed with emotion, we were not expecting this… no other camp or lodge has ever done this for us.  You are the first. The children were so excited and happy to receive the visitors. We are very grateful for your support. Please come back again.”

Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs staff have shown how an act of kindness can truly make a big difference!  We take this opportunity to send our biggest thanks to all Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs staff! Thank you for showing up when we needed you; thank you for blazing the trail!

Evans is a storyteller and driving force behind “My Africa”. He approached Shanga to consider being included on his social media platform. He found out about Shanga while researching places of interest based in Arusha that fit the brief for his short documentaries. My Africa's platform is to highlight positive and inspiring stories behind organisations across Africa. We can all agree Shanga is such a place.

The resulting video highlights Shanga’s history, our focus on ability over disability, some members of the Shanga family and their achievements. The beautiful presentation demonstrates Evans ‘artistic talents while illustrating the Shanga Story including part of our mission which is to spread kindness to everyone.

Watch Video

Shanga is a successful social enterprise which employs people with disabilities to create unique, high quality and handmade jewelry, glassware and homewares, incorporating recycled materials into many of our products. Shanga products are sold in Tanzania and around the world, with all profits being reinvested back into the development of new products; researching and implementing additional recycling methods into our activities.

Shanga’s purpose-built, open workshop is located in the grounds of Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge and is a wonderful experience for visitors to meet the inspirational staff, to view and participate in the creative process behind Shanga products. 

In 2019 Shanga was selected as one of 3 finalists for the ‘Investing in People’ Tourism for Tomorrow Awards from the World Travel & Tourism Council.

Training & Guiding

The team at Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp celebrate as they conclude two days of interactive Responsible Tourism Training this month. The Elewana Collection is committed to sustainable tourism, ensuring future generations can enjoy the wonders of Africa and safari adventure. The origin of the name Elewana is the Swahili word meaning “harmony”, a concept that underpins our company philosophy and influences the way we deliver unforgettable safari experiences. We continually strive to leave as little impact as possible on our surrounding environment, while creating a positive impact on local communities.

Conducting the training is Johannes Solar Obeto (Solar for short), who is an advisor for Travelife in addition to a Coach and Audit Coordinator for RTTZ (Responsible Tourism Tanzania). He has years of experience in sustainable tourism and responsible travel.

The Elewana staff are key ambassadors for the company and for their country, interacting with guests and their local communities and carrying the message of sustainable operations with them. We believe that staff deserve to be in-the-know and well equipped with the right skills, the latest knowledge and a depth of information at their fingertips!

Responsible Tourism Tanzania (RTTZ) is a non-profit organization that encourages and promotes a more sustainable tourism industry within Tanzania. RTTZ was established in 2011 as a trusteeship with a governance and membership base that includes the key stakeholders within the tourism industry, providing various services or functions to support the industry to manage their business in a sustainable manner. 

Awards

Elewana Collection properties recognized with six Condé Nast Traveler’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards including elewana elsa’s kopje as #11 resort in the world and elewana elephant pepper camp as #30 resort in the world

The esteemed awards honor the World’s Best Hotels, Resorts, Countries, Cities, Islands, Spas, Airlines, Airports and Cruises

Condé Nast Traveler announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards with four Elewana Collection properties recognized with six prestigious awards including; 

• Elewana Elsa's Kopje at #11 in 50 Best Resorts in the World and #5 in Top 30 Resorts in Africa
• Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp at #30 in 50 Best Resorts in the World and #8 in 30 Top Resorts in Africa 
• Elewana Tarangire Treetops at #12 in Top 30 Resorts in Africa
• Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp at #17 in Top 30 Resorts in Africa. 

More than 600,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the globe submitted a record-breaking number of responses rating their travel experiences to provide a full snapshot of where and how we travel today. 

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel.” 

“We are thrilled that four Elewana Collection properties have received such prestigious acclaim by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. The awards are a testament to the wonderful efforts by every team member at each Elewana Collection property to deliver an unmatched level of personal service, exceptional experiences and genuine hospitality to our guests,” comments James Haigh, Director of Sales and Marketing for Elewana Collection.

Each of Elewana Collection’s camps and lodges has its own individual look, style and feel. Located to take maximum advantage of East Africa’s magnificent and varied environments and the astounding diversity of species for which East Africa is renowned - each property offers a range of exciting activities designed to ensure that guests remain enthralled and engaged with each and every element of their safari.

The 2019 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler's website at www.cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler US and UK print editions.

Trade Shows

Cabinet Secretary of Tourism for Kenya, Najib Balala, opened MKTE on 2 October 2019, sharing his passion for the sector and its growth as the Kenya Tourism Board opened the 9th edition at the KICC in Nairobi. This year the organizers of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo paid extra attention to offering added value by ensuring a number of tourism trade seminars throughout the event to discuss topics of relevance to the industry.

James Haigh, Elewana’s Director of Sales & Marketing and an Atta Advisory Board Member was invited to attend and met Jane Marriott OBE, the newly appointed British High Commissioner to Kenya, as she was introduced to a tourism industry delegation convened by Atta - African Travel & Tourism Association. 

The team from Elewana Collection had a successful event with back to back meetings to showcase the ultimate African Experience. Thank you to all those who took the time to visit us and we look forward to developing strong partnerships to enhance the East African offering.

SkySafari by Elewana

Family and multi generation travel has become more and more popular over the years. The world is far smaller than just a generation ago. More excotic destinations and travel fantasies are now realistic as multitude of experiences amaze all ages. As children wake with feverish excitement, parents live out their dream travel and the entire family creates memories of a lifetime. 

At SkySafari we are intimately aware of just how important family time is in this increasingly hectic and distracting world.

SkySafari Team would love taking your family groups to the bush to disconnect, focus on what is important and block out the rest.

The bush is a wondrous place and there can be fewer more gratifying experience than witnessing your child waking up to the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world.

Our SkySafari itineraris take guests to the highlights of East Africa, visiting Elewana camps in a wide variety of environments, presenting a huge range of wildlife species and a plethora of activities to keep all families members engaged and busy.

Travel Updates

By *Sally Peters, Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways (KQ) has introduced a seat product - Economy Comfort, which is set to enhance customer comfort and experience.

Economy Comfort features increased seat pitch of 8cm more than the average Economy Class seats. The Economy Comfort seats are located in the first three rows of Economy Class hence availing 27 seats per aircraft. Additionally, passengers travelling in these seats will enjoy more benefits such as a dedicated overhead cabin for their carry-on luggage, quicker exit as they are at the front of the cabin thus they save time, and travel extras which include a complimentary amenity kit and special pillows.

The product offering will support the airline’s network expansion initiatives. KQ now has more long-haul routes on its network such as New York, Rome and Geneva in addition to Amsterdam, London, Paris, Bangkok and Guangzhou.

Due to the high demand for Extra Legroom Seats in Economy Class since the introduction of Preferred Seat Selection in Economy last year, Kenya Airways have decided to enhance the service even further. Our new Economy Comfort with increased seat pitch will ensure passengers have an additional option on how to travel. The B787 Dreamliner aircrafts have therefore been modified accordingly to what is called Economy Comfort.

The upgrade of the 27 Economy Class seats to Economy Comfort makes it first of its kind to be experienced among the African carriers.

Air Italy will introduce four weekly flights to Mombasa, Kenya, and also introduce flights to Zanzibar from the end of October.

The new direct flights to Mombasa and Zanzibar will be operated by an Airbus 330, with 24 seats in business class and 228 in economy. Kenya Tourism Board MD, Betty Radier, welcomed the news. “The number of passengers on an Air Italy flight will average between 150 and 190.”

Previously known as Meridien Fly, the airline was the first carrier to enrol in Kenya’s Charter Incentive Programme when it was launched by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala in January 2016.

In a related development, Polish holiday operator, Rainbow Tours, started weekly charter flights to Mombasa on October 12, bringing 189 tourists from Warsaw. During the winter season of 2019/20, the charter company will operate charters, with weekly flights from October 12 until the end of December, says a statement from KTB.

The Elewana Collection has two beach properties, Elewana AfroChic located in Diani Beach, not far from Mombasa and the second in Zanzibar, Elewana Kilindi offering the best these destinations have from unique and personalised stay to a variety of activities for all.

Air India will launch its Nairobi-Mumbai service on November 19.

The flight will operate four times a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Flight AI 961 will depart Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 04h05, arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 07h30. Return flight AI 962 will depart Nairobi at 09h00, arriving at Mumbai at 17h30.

Qatar Airways will be adding a fifth flight between Doha and Mombasa, effective 20th of December, when the number of weekly services will increase from four to five a week.

The additional flight will remain in effect until the end of March 2020, effectively covering the high season for the Kenya coast which runs from the the Christmas / New Year period until Easter each year.

A 132 seat Airbus A320 in a two class configuration is deployed on the route to the Kenya coast.

Departure times from Doha and the arrival of the return flight from Mombasa are scheduled to open up connections from and into the entire Qatar Airways network, allowing passengers from around the world to reach Mombasa with but one stop enroute.

Mombasa is only an hour’s drive down the beautiful Kenyan coast to Diani Beach, a magical location of white sands, rustling palm trees, and warm Indian Ocean waters. Located on a secluded section of the beach, Elewana AfroChic enjoys beach front ocean views and delicious sea breezes. Each en suite room is uniquely designed with coastal furniture and fabrics, and amenities to take care of your every need. The crystal clear fresh water pool laps up against the terrace where guests have the option of dining or relaxing with the view of the ocean across the pool and shaded garden. The hotel has earned itself a reputation for a “home away from home” atmosphere, excellent seafood and friendly service.

Voted as one of the top 25 beaches in the world in the Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice awards, Diani Beach is the ultimate holiday destination with a wide variety of activities and excursions on offer. A plethora of water sports from scuba to snorkelling; deep-sea fishing to sailing; day trips to Shimba Hills National Reserve and Mombasa City, are just a few of the many activities available. And of course there is always the favourite coastal pastime of relaxing and soaking up the sun. With such a variety of options, visitors to Diani have the ability to make their holiday what they want.

Written by Roxanne Reid

Tanzania is one of East Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Think of conservation areas in Northern Tanzania like Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the backdrop against which the Great Wildebeest Migration takes place. Here are 10 reasons to go on safari in Northern Tanzania.

1. Game drive in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is perhaps best known for its high numbers of elephants, its unusual baobab trees and the termite mounds that dot the landscape. In the dry season (June to November) you can see thousands of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra here, as well as predators like lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah. Giraffe and antelope like Grant’s gazelle are regulars. Elewana Tarangire Treetops is perfectly located to enjoy the wonders of both the Park and the community led Wildlife Management area, known as Randilen, guests enjoy a secluded and private safari experience.

2. Safari in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Almost three million years old, this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Highlands is named after the 600m-deep Ngorongoro volcanic caldera/crater. Wildlife gathers in the crater in great numbers. You can see animals like lion, leopard, black rhino, buffalo, cheetah, wild dog, zebra and wildebeest, and many types of antelope. Thousands of flamingo flock to Lake Magadi on the crater floor. The Crater can easily be combined with a stay at Elewana The Manor, located in the north west Tanzania. One of the first safari lodges of its kind to blend East African hospitality with old-world Afro-European architecture and decor.

3. Safari in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti is 14 750 square kilometres of savanna, grassland, riverine forest and woodland in Northern Tanzania. It is home to the Big Five and more than 500 bird species. Although best known for the Great Wildebeest Migration (see point 5 below), Serengeti offers good game viewing tours all year round, especially Big Cats, buffalo and elephant.

4. The Great Wildebeest Migration

This natural wonder of Serengeti sees millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate northwards from southern Tanzania to Kenya and then back again each year. June/July is rutting season in the western Serengeti. From the end of July to October is crossing season, when the herds cross rivers from Serengeti into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Predator-prey interactions are common. If you want to see the dust as the herds move and listen to the wildebeest grunting, make sure your travel operator books camps in the right areas for the month you’re travelling. Just remember that even in peak season (June to October) you’re not guaranteed to see a river crossing; this is nature, after all.

5. Bird watching

Tanzania is home to more than 1000 bird species, so a safari here is a great chance to indulge your passion for bird watching. If you’re really keen, tell your guide so s/he can be sure to keep an eye out for some of the local specials.

6. Maasai cultural visit

The Maasai have lived in here for hundreds of years. Don’t miss a visit to a Maasai village to learn about their culture and customs, the importance of their livestock. Challenge them to a jumping contest at your peril – you will lose!

7. Scenic landscapes

Wildlife takes centre stage in this northern part of Tanzania, but the landscapes make for wonderful vistas and photographs too. From grassland plains with umbrella trees, savanna and woodlands as well as granite outcrops, you’ll enjoy the diversity of landscapes.

8. Hot air balloon safari

Take to the skies at dawn and look down on wildlife as you float with the wind. After you land, enjoy a slap-up bush breakfast.

9. Bush dinner or sunset picnic

Succumb to the beauty of your natural surroundings while having a romantic sunset picnic as the heat seeps from the day. Or enjoy a hearty dinner by the light of paraffin lamps. Listen to the sounds of the night and marvel at the stars overhead.

10. Luxury camps

Stay at Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp and experience the intimacy of safari camp tented rooms but with all the comforts of a top hotel. Enjoy luxurious touches, superb views and top-notch service. Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp can easily be combined with Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp, recently voted in the Condé Nast Traveler annual Readers’ Choice Awards at #17 in Top 30 Resorts in Africa. The location of the camps makes it possible to cover 90% of the Serengeti and maximize the game-viewing opportunities.

Special Offers

Take Advantage of our Stay 7 Nights and Only Pay for 5 at any of our Bush properties. With so many places to explore and so much to experience, take a little longer and get the most out of your stay with us. With nine unique bush properties in Kenya and four stunning bush properties in Tanzania, each in an iconic location, the choice is yours. Either enjoy the entire 7 nights at one or combine two or three properties, should you want a little variety.

• Valid for travel from 01 November 2019 to 31 May 2020 (Excludes Festive Season).
• Valid for bookings made between now and the 31st December 2019

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Taken by Taro Croze - Elewana Activities Manager at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp