|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 30 March 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Travel & Tourism Kenya- a land of magnificent wildlife : "Safari" - means Journey 'Adventure' is its identity. And if it was not for the landscape teaming with wildlife, the Swahili word 'safari' meaning journey, would not have meant much to most people. Kenya, the land of magnificent wildlife parks, unsullied beaches, thriving coral reefs, memorable mountain scape and ancient Swahili cities... was the point of attraction of many for centuries, be it wondering Arab traders, enterprising Portuguese or the 'treaty-wielding' English. It is where humanity began they say, 'the cradle of humanity.' Ironically, it is not the humans that draw you there, but the wilderness. Kenya, the safari country is known world over for its 'great wildebeest migration' the annual mass migration of wild animals across the Mara river from July to October. This could be watched at the Masai Mara National Reserve, bordering the fertile fringes of lake Victoria. Two hundred and ninety square miles of open plains, woodlands and riverine forest, scattered with zebra, giraffe, gazelle, elephant, buffalo, hippos and crocodiles, Masai Mara is considered to be Africa's greatest wildlife reserve purely for the sight of the wildebeest migration. Known as the worlds greatest natural spectacle, more than 1.3 million wild animals pour across the border into the Masai Mara reserve. A sensational entrance, in a single massive herd, a surging column of life that stretches from horizon to horizon. Plunging forward through the raging waters of the Mara river, fighting against its swift currents and waiting crocodiles in a frenzy for survival. It is the promise of rain and the fresh, life giving grass in the North that brings them across the waters. But, that is not Kenya's only attraction. The most spectacular scenery could be enjoyed at the Rift Valley and the Aberdare highlands regarded as the backbone of the country. Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest mountain at 5,199 meters with its gleaming and eroded snow covered peaks is a sight to behold. The slopes of Mount Kenya is home to the tribes of Kikuyu, Meru and Embu people who have deified the mountain as god Ngai. Though it is the travellers dream to climb to the top, the highest peaks, Batian and Nelion can only be reached by mountaineers with technical skill. The third-highest, Point Lenana however, compensates the trekker with a delightful view of the surrounding countryside. Flamy flamingoes is another interest in Kenya. And the place to visit is the Nakuru National Park renowned for this spectacle. Flocks of flamingo fringe the shores of Nakuru lake, feeding on algae that form on the lake bed, and filling the sky over the lake with colour when they take flight. Rhinos are a bonus attraction of this park. Both black and white rhinos are often found resting under acacias by the shore. Waterbuck, zebra, buffalo, and the endangered Rothschild giraffe are other attractions. If a 'shifting' lake appeals to your senses, a visit to Lake Naivasha would satisfy you. This is a lake which changes its range between 114 to 991 square kilometres, depending on rainfall. At one time - early 20th century the lake completely disappeared, but heavy rains brought it back to existence a few years later. Though shallow, with an average depth of 5 meters, with wind and storm it becomes rough and produces high waves, which made the Masai name in 'rough-water' or Nai'posha which the British began to (mis)pronounce as Naivasha. The 'wild' attractions notwithstanding, a visit to Kenya is not complete without spending sometime in Nairobi, the capital. Known as Ewaso Nai'beri, 'the place of cold water' by the Masai, it was a highland swamp until railway construction workers reached the area in 1899. The transformation of Nairobi from a base camp and supply depot for railway constructions to a country capital is amazing in itself. Boasting of attractions such as the Nairobi National Park and the historical home of Karen Blixen, author of 'Out of Africa' which was made into a movie in 1985, it has become one of Africa's largest and most interesting cities. Truly cosmopolitan, it never seems to sleep and thrives with life and boundless energy. The people of Kenya are a mix of more than 70 tribal groups, and many are the tribal dialects. However, English and Swahili are the languages taught throughout the country. It is a true mix of cultures and religions where Christianity, Islam and tribal beliefs exist side by side. Kenyans love to party and 'benga' music originated among the Luo people of Western Kenya enhances the party moods. Though its cuisine could not be defined as gourmet, its thriving beer industry makes Kenya a haven for beer drinkers. - Vimukthi ************************* Hotel Club Oceanic to reopen soon The re-opening of Hotel Club Oceanic shortly will once again add to the glamour in aesthetic Trincomalee, once a haven for tourists in Sri Lanka's East coast, as this star holiday resort is set to give a fillip to the industry which is now picking up. Hotel Club Oceanic which is owned and managed by Keells Hotel Management Services Ltd., was closed from January this year for refurbishing to cater to the influx of tourists now flocking to Trincomalee. All rooms have been tastefully re-designed with colourful interior decor. The entire hotel has been given a modern look. Standing on a 28-acre land, Hotel Club Oceanic which has been built amongst thick foliage on one side and open to the sun, the surf and the sand on the other, is an absolutely peaceful holiday resort hotel in this sector. It has one suite, 19 superior rooms, 16 beach chalets with A/C, TV and telephone and 20 standard rooms with A/C and telephone.Hotel Club Oceanic, Trincomalee is a Keells Resort Hotel. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
