Just got back from Kenya
Feb 13th, 2008, 09:26 AM
#21
Join Date: Mar 2007
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As many countries are now doing, Kenya has over the past few years implemented some very stringent requirements for outsiders (non-Kenyans) to work in-country. Work permits aren't easily obtained. Unless the individual is requested for a position that a Kenyan cannot qualify for, those hoping to work in Kenya are out of luck.
Yes, there are many ex-pats, whom have been in-country since before these restricted regs, who have jobs that would be attractive for outsiders, but it's not easy any longer.
Those working for charities/missions/NGOs, especially, are probably being paid by their home country from where the organization originated. Likewise, for other positions if generated by a company based outside of Kenya. For positions in tourism, there should be plenty of qualified Kenyans or those who can be trained to fill such positions.
Yes, there are many ex-pats, whom have been in-country since before these restricted regs, who have jobs that would be attractive for outsiders, but it's not easy any longer.
Those working for charities/missions/NGOs, especially, are probably being paid by their home country from where the organization originated. Likewise, for other positions if generated by a company based outside of Kenya. For positions in tourism, there should be plenty of qualified Kenyans or those who can be trained to fill such positions.
Feb 13th, 2008, 09:38 AM
#22
Join Date: Oct 2004
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Alejandra
I stayed six nights at Royal Mara. It is a six tent camp in the Koiyaki area - we were on our own for three nights and had a Mexican couple for company on three other nights. On the day we left two more guests arivved and three were due today. From the other vehicles we saw in the area, I estimate that the bigger camps such as Kicheche had around 8 guests, Mara Safari Club around 12 and Mara Buffalo around 15. David Livingstone (an 80 room lodge) had 7 guests. A bit further South, from word of mouth, Kichwa Tembo had around 6 guests and Governors had moved evryone from main camp to IlMoran so probably had around 12.
Hope this helps.
Phil
I stayed six nights at Royal Mara. It is a six tent camp in the Koiyaki area - we were on our own for three nights and had a Mexican couple for company on three other nights. On the day we left two more guests arivved and three were due today. From the other vehicles we saw in the area, I estimate that the bigger camps such as Kicheche had around 8 guests, Mara Safari Club around 12 and Mara Buffalo around 15. David Livingstone (an 80 room lodge) had 7 guests. A bit further South, from word of mouth, Kichwa Tembo had around 6 guests and Governors had moved evryone from main camp to IlMoran so probably had around 12.
Hope this helps.
Phil
Feb 13th, 2008, 09:57 AM
#23
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Simbakubwa, Village Market is next to the UN complex where you find lots of extremely well paid foreigners. I was going there once, but couldn’t find the right matatu. There are quite a few expat looking people at Sarit Centre as well.
I’ve never got a job being honest and safari camps have no shortage of Kenyans that can be as honest as they feel like.
So, you don’t have a secret to tell me.
Bob,
You don’t have any new information and the risks are not “substantial”.
I’ve never got a job being honest and safari camps have no shortage of Kenyans that can be as honest as they feel like.
So, you don’t have a secret to tell me.
Bob,
You don’t have any new information and the risks are not “substantial”.
Feb 13th, 2008, 11:13 AM
#24
Join Date: Apr 2006
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no tourists killed?
Two Germans killed in Kenya, Nairobi police say 28/01/2008 00:00
Two German nationals have been killed in Kenya in what Nairobi police called an armed robbery south of Mombasa.
28th January 2008
Nairobi/Berlin (dpa) - A police spokesman in Nairobi said the two victims were men, aged 51 and 54 years, who were returning with their wives after dining out.
When they entered a private property, they were surrounded by about 10 men demanding money. When the Germans resisted, a fight broke out and the two men were killed with machetes and a blunt weapon, police said
A guard and a mini-bus driver rushed to their assistance, the police spokesman said.
Police took two suspects, while searching for the other attackers. The two wives were being questioned as witnesses, but were suffering from shock.
The spokesman said the 51-year-old victim lives in Kenya.
Earlier, the German Foreign Ministry in Berlin had said it was investigating reports that two Germans had died in the wave of post-election violence sweeping Kenya.
A spokesman said the German embassy in Nairobi was trying to verify reports that a Kenya-based German businessman and a tourist were beaten to death by armed robbers.
Germany's n-tv news channel quoted Kenyan police as saying the pair was attacked at a holiday village 5 kilometres south of the coastal city of Mombasa.
The German government has been advising its nationals to avoid unnecessary travel to the east African nation, following ethnic clashes triggered by the outcome of last month's disputed presidential election.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga claims to vote that returned President Mwai Kibaki to power was rigged.
Two Germans killed in Kenya, Nairobi police say 28/01/2008 00:00
Two German nationals have been killed in Kenya in what Nairobi police called an armed robbery south of Mombasa.
28th January 2008
Nairobi/Berlin (dpa) - A police spokesman in Nairobi said the two victims were men, aged 51 and 54 years, who were returning with their wives after dining out.
When they entered a private property, they were surrounded by about 10 men demanding money. When the Germans resisted, a fight broke out and the two men were killed with machetes and a blunt weapon, police said
A guard and a mini-bus driver rushed to their assistance, the police spokesman said.
Police took two suspects, while searching for the other attackers. The two wives were being questioned as witnesses, but were suffering from shock.
The spokesman said the 51-year-old victim lives in Kenya.
Earlier, the German Foreign Ministry in Berlin had said it was investigating reports that two Germans had died in the wave of post-election violence sweeping Kenya.
A spokesman said the German embassy in Nairobi was trying to verify reports that a Kenya-based German businessman and a tourist were beaten to death by armed robbers.
Germany's n-tv news channel quoted Kenyan police as saying the pair was attacked at a holiday village 5 kilometres south of the coastal city of Mombasa.
The German government has been advising its nationals to avoid unnecessary travel to the east African nation, following ethnic clashes triggered by the outcome of last month's disputed presidential election.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga claims to vote that returned President Mwai Kibaki to power was rigged.
Feb 14th, 2008, 12:33 AM
#27
Join Date: Oct 2004
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Alejandra
I think ther camps that are open are operating at around 15% capacity but the overall percenatge probably drops to 10% when you take into account camps that have closed. At this time of year it should be over 90% occupancy.
I'll write a detailed report in the next few days but can confirm that the Royal Mara camp was very good and you can get an excellent rate at the moment (certainly if you contact them directly). I have to admit that it was a bit spooky the the first night on our own as we were the first guests for a week - after that it was fine and, ironically, this will be the best opportunity ever to visit the Mara and see cats without lots of other vehicles. On one occasion we had around 6 vehicles at a sighting but, apart from this, never more than two others. In fact we had a sighting of a cheeath with two 18 month cubs (Hari take note !), a leopard with two 3 month cubs and numerous lion sightings where we were the ONLY vehicle around. Also a wildebeest giving birth with only two other vehicles watching. Everyone has to make their own decision but I would whole heartedly recommend a visit to the Mara at this time.
Phil
I think ther camps that are open are operating at around 15% capacity but the overall percenatge probably drops to 10% when you take into account camps that have closed. At this time of year it should be over 90% occupancy.
I'll write a detailed report in the next few days but can confirm that the Royal Mara camp was very good and you can get an excellent rate at the moment (certainly if you contact them directly). I have to admit that it was a bit spooky the the first night on our own as we were the first guests for a week - after that it was fine and, ironically, this will be the best opportunity ever to visit the Mara and see cats without lots of other vehicles. On one occasion we had around 6 vehicles at a sighting but, apart from this, never more than two others. In fact we had a sighting of a cheeath with two 18 month cubs (Hari take note !), a leopard with two 3 month cubs and numerous lion sightings where we were the ONLY vehicle around. Also a wildebeest giving birth with only two other vehicles watching. Everyone has to make their own decision but I would whole heartedly recommend a visit to the Mara at this time.
Phil
Feb 17th, 2008, 04:51 PM
#28
Just got back today from Kenya & Tanzania. Stayed at Tortilis Camp in Amboseli...first night they had about 20 guests..second night there were 6 of us...fantastic camp, great food& driver guide....took awhile, but we finally found the idyllic scene of giraffes in front of Kilimanjaro...which cleared a few times.
Next, Joy's Camp in Shaba...both nights 6 people...exquisite camp and food...got private driver/guide...not as much wildlife, because they seemed to have moved to the Samburu side, but the ambiance and scenery were great.
Finished Kenya at Little Governor's...they had the most people in camp...over 20 and we had to share the game drive...but by far saw the most animals...cheetahs, lions and leopards! They offered a 2 for 1 balloon ride, due to the lack of tourists...so for $415 got the ride of a lifetime...actually, got 4 rides for the price of 2, because the first ride had no wind that am...and we went in the wrong direction and landed in Maasai land...after narrowly missing landing in a swamp. Next am...it was the classic flight over the Mara River, just clearing the treetops and landing just in front of a hyena burrow....followed by champagne breakfast. Lovely! When I'm over jetlag...will write more in a trip report.
Next, Joy's Camp in Shaba...both nights 6 people...exquisite camp and food...got private driver/guide...not as much wildlife, because they seemed to have moved to the Samburu side, but the ambiance and scenery were great.
Finished Kenya at Little Governor's...they had the most people in camp...over 20 and we had to share the game drive...but by far saw the most animals...cheetahs, lions and leopards! They offered a 2 for 1 balloon ride, due to the lack of tourists...so for $415 got the ride of a lifetime...actually, got 4 rides for the price of 2, because the first ride had no wind that am...and we went in the wrong direction and landed in Maasai land...after narrowly missing landing in a swamp. Next am...it was the classic flight over the Mara River, just clearing the treetops and landing just in front of a hyena burrow....followed by champagne breakfast. Lovely! When I'm over jetlag...will write more in a trip report.
Feb 23rd, 2008, 04:56 AM
#29
Hi backfromkenya,
If you look at these photos, you'll recognize some familiar faces! Check out the second last photo in the group.
http://www.photoshopshowcase.com/Go....mp;ABID=298965
I'm glad you had a great rest of your trip!
If you look at these photos, you'll recognize some familiar faces! Check out the second last photo in the group.
http://www.photoshopshowcase.com/Go....mp;ABID=298965
I'm glad you had a great rest of your trip!
