Sunday, March 25, 2012

Wildlife Kenya Safaris Day Trips Review

We had a wonderful safari trip of 9 days in late December and early January, covering several national parks in the southeast and southwest of Kenya. The sceneries are unbelievably beautiful and wildlife is amazing. Thanks to our driver Sammy, we saw all big five and many more. At Tsavo East, we even saw a lion in action hunting impalas. We highly recommend this company for your upcoming African trips:

- Booking. Antony was very professional and always responded quickly. It was a smooth and safe process to wire the deposit.

- Accommodation. The lodges and permanent tent camps selected by Antony are very clean and comfortable and provide excellent food.

- Itineraries and vehicle. The itineraries were a good balance of interesting activities and sufficient free time. The vehicle (a Nissan safari van) was comfortable and safe.

Thanks to our wonderful driver Sammy, who took good care of us and made our trip a memorable experience.

P.O Box 5326 | Diani Beach, Mombasa, Kenya
254-403204011

Madiba Restaurant Review

Sometimes the atmosphere of a place is worth paying for. I feel that way about Madiba. Walking into the place isn't quite like being transported to South Africa, but to a fun and funky, hip Brooklyn version of South Africa. Anyway, kudos to the interior designer. I love it.

The food lives up to the decor, as well. The curries are excellent, and the "monkey gland" sauce is delicious! No, no monkeys were harmed... it's a rich, sweet and tangy sauce that involves apricots and raisins.... This most recent visit, I wanted to keep it light, so I got the vegetable platter. I have to admit, I got envious of my dining companions' orders - it was a big plate of fresh, tasty veggies... but it was just veggies. And it was heavy on the asparagus, which I hate (yes, I'm weird.)  I'd particularly recommend the Bobotie or the "Bunny Chow" (it's a curry, not a carrot!).

We also got a pitcher of sangria (excellent, and plentiful), which I followed up with a "Black Diamond" cocktail (Kahlua and Amarula). My friend got the "Obama Mama," which involves a 'liberal' pour of rum!

195 Dekalb Ave
(between Adelphi St & Carlton Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11205
Neighborhood: Fort Greene
(718) 855-9190

J & S Imports Review

Looking for African handmade crafts, masks, figurines, and pottery then look no further.  this place has been providing for the union square area for 36 years.  mostly items from Congo area, ivory coast, west Africa, and Kenya.

Very popular are the nkissi (fetishes) of which i own several.  these are wood carved figures that are covered with nails or metalic objects or appear anthropomorphic with horns or feathers.  after they are carved the nganga (fetishist) performs rituals that give the figurines the supernatural powers to transform negativity and illness into healing energy.  they are very auspicious and make great gifts.

There are also some baule female figurines which are meant to improve fertility.  the couple, especially the woman, can touch the belly of the figurine daily to increase fertility.  in this day of $10K IVF treatments, can't hurt to add this ritual to improve the odds. If you decide to go in a few months and don't see the store front, it is because they moved to the 4th floor because like most businesses in union square that are getting squeezed for premium rents, they are in the transition process.  i still miss zen palate, no veg place in union square compares. 

865 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Flatiron
(212) 242-7212

Devachan Salon Review

I had just spent two weeks volunteering in the bush in Kenya, where I slept in a tent. I wanted to treat myself and I'm glad I did. I have naturally curly/kinky hair that I usually flat iron straight. I am going to do that less, so I decided to go to the pros to get a decent curly cut.

The $100 starting price that I was quoted over the phone for a cut scared me. The receptionist was talking to a woman who has been doing her own hair since middle school and who can count the number of times she's been to a hair salon on two hands. But I decided to keep my appointment.

When I walked in, I was promptly greeted and offered water, tea or juice and was told to go change into a champagne-colored robe. I was in and out in two hours -- and I'm black!! Virtually unheard of. And I didn't regret going, unlike some other experiences I've had in this city. They did try to sell me on some products -- somewhat annoyingly, but not overly aggressive -- and I went ahead and purchased one. But I didn't feel bad doing it. I walked out of there beaming, knowing that I can rock my hair in its natural state and look damn good.

560 Broadway
Lower Level
(between Spring St & Prince St)
New York, NY 10012
Neighborhood: SoHo
(212) 274-8686

Braai Review

Came and ate tapas at the bar after the ballet.  I had been wanting to eat here for ages, and was not disappointed. Got a platter of three tapas: biltong brushetta, peri peri wings, and lamb empanadas.  The biltong on the brushetta was more shreddy than I would have likes, but still packed the delicious flavor that I recall from South Africa.  I have an obsession with peri peri sauce and the wings fit the bill pretty well.  Shame that they didn't have any South African beers, but I would definitely suggest the beer from Kenya.  It was a unique and rich deliciousness.

You'll need to take a few steps down from street level to find Braai. Once in, you'll be immersed in a wonderfully decorated and thoughtfully stocked retreat. The ambiance is fantastic and the staff is warm and inviting. The menu feels like it has a mixture of everyday staple foods and inventive interpretations of the classics. For someone who's never had Southern African, it was a joy to explore the options. Start with a cocktail while you ponder the menu and move onto wine... Lots and lots of Southern African wine.

329 W 51st St
(between 8th Ave & 9th Ave)
New York, NY 10019
Neighborhoods: Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West, Theater District
(212) 315-3315

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Tourism Industry Kenya

The tourist industry is by far the largest single export earner in Kenya. Tourism forms a vital foundation for the country's economy and is highlights two of Kenya's most unique features: wildlife and beaches. Careful planning and proactive leadership have maximized the tourism potential as Kenya continually outpaces it's East African neighbors. A solid infrastructure coupled with a devotion to wildlife conservation has propelled Kenya to the forefront of the regional tourism industry.

Ecotourism Kenya Review

Ecotourism Kenya is a civil society organization that was founded in 1996 to promote ecotourism and sustainable tourism practices in Kenya. Founded with enormous industry support, the society was charged with the responsibility of providing the required support for the development of ecotourism and sustainable tourism in the country.

Today, the society continues to pursue the vision of making Kenya’s tourism sustainable, in terms of concern for the environment and the welfare of local populations. As a membership organization, Ecotourism Kenya brings together individuals, community based organizations (CBOs) and corporate organizations in a forum where they can discuss the concept of ecotourism and use this knowledge to improve practices in their respective fields.


KATO place, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi.
P.O Box 10146-00100
Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone: +254 20 2724755/2724403
Fax: +254 20 2724755