reflections magazine - issue 5
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Reflections Magazine is the official magazine for Mada Hotels published by Land & Marine Publications Ltd.TRANSCRIPT
YOUR COMPLIMENTARY TAKE-HOME COPY
M A G A Z I N E
ISSUE 05
KARURA FORESTA protected forest on Nairobi’s doorstep
KILIFI FISHERMENStill using traditional methods
THE BEST SPOT IN THE MARA
FIG TREE CAMP
UGANDA’S COMEBACK KID
JINJA
Reflections
M A G A Z I N EISSUE 05
PO Box 40683-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 20 2500273Cell: +254 722 202564, 733 621532
Fax: +254 20 2651890
Email: [email protected]: www.madahotels.com
Refl ections is published by:
Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd Suite A5, 1st fl oor, Ojijo Plaza.
Plums Lane, off Ojijo Road, ParklandsPO Box 2022, Village Market 00621
Nairobi, Kenya
Telkom (wireless): 020 232 4343Fax: +44 (0)1206 842958
Email: [email protected] Website: www.landmarine.com
The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor nor
any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any
inaccuracies or omissions.
Printed by: Ramco, Nairobi
©Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd 2012
ISSN: 1366-851x
land&MARINE
3. new ProPertieS add to aPPeal oF our Brand
4. Fig tree caMP Original jewel of the Mara
10. Mada newS
13. karura ForeSt A protected forest on Nairobi’s doorstep
18. Meet tHe Mada teaM The tick behind the tock
22. traVel trade SHowS A perfect ‘shop window’
24. tarangire elePHantS Lesser-known national park has special appeal
26. JinJa: uganda’S coMeBack kid
28. tHe nile eXPlorerS
30. a StitcH in tiMe
32. uS StudentS ForM SPecial tieS witH kenya
34. kiliFi FiSHerMen Still using traditional methods
37. tHe Mada Hotel FaMily
38. adVentureS aloFt
41. Hotel la Mada
44. tHe oakwood Hotel
46. kiliFi Bay BeacH reSort
49. BaoBaB Sea lodge
52. Balloon caMP
55. Fig tree caMP
58. kiliMa SaFari caMP
61. JinJa nile reSort
64. wHat’S cooking
contents
24
4
34
28
26
1
Reflections
But this is just improving and expanding
the hardware. Running hotels and oper-
ating balloons is about people – both our
highly trained and experienced staff and our
esteemed guests. As such, I feel confident
that we have just the right combination of
people and places to make each stay at a
Mada property a memorable one and each
flight in one of our balloons a trip that will
be treasured.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank
you for being one of our honoured guests
Welcome to Reflections, the annual in-house magazine of the Mada Hotels Group.
It has been a very busy 12 months since
we last published Reflections, with lots of
exciting new projects either under way or in
the pipeline for the growing Mada brand.
As a group, we have moved forward
on several fronts as we embark on the
construction of a new hotel on the spice
island of Zanzibar and we finally take over
and then give a much-needed upgrade
to The Hunter’s Lodge, on the Nairobi-
Mombasa Road, the newest member of the
Mada family.
At the same time we have undertaken and
recently completed the refurbishment of our
two charming Kilifi properties and our vener-
able downtown Nairobi hotel, The Oakwood.
Aside from hotels, the group is also involved
in balloon operations through our subsidiary,
Adventures Aloft. So, in addition to our
long-standing presence in the Masai Mara,
I am pleased to report that we have a new
ballooning operation over the border in Tanza-
nia’s Tarangire National Park, where our first
Kenyan pilot is in charge. We have also opened
an exclusive tented camp in the same park.
We have just the right combination of
people and places to make each stay at a Mada property a
memorable one
new properties add to appeal of our brand
and we very much look forward to seeing
you again at one of our properties or aboard
one of our balloons.
Tinu MhajanChief Executive, Mada Hotels
3
A tiny seed that is sowed in fertile ground and with proper care grows
into a giant tree – that has been the success story of Mada Hotels,
a growing hotel group in East Africa
original jewel of the MaratHe tinY seeD tHAt GAVe BiRtH to MADA Hotels
4
Reflections
The Masai Mara National Reserve is regarded by many as the ultimate holiday destina-
tion. And tucked away in this dream location is the original jewel of the Mara – a property that has witnessed its transformation into a natural wonder.
For many years, Fig Tree Camp was a base
camp for the renowned hunter Miles Burton.
He chose one of the best vantage points in
the Mara for viewing game and searching
for trophies.
The ban on game hunting changed all this,
however, and after Burton’s untimely death
in a plane crash, his family began looking for
a new owner for the camp, which had only
10 tents at that time.
aPProacHed
“Burton’s family approached my uncle, who
owned the Westlands Green Grocers and
was a supplier of greens to the camp,” says
Tinu Mhajan, chief executive of Mada Hotels.
“My uncle asked my father if he would be
interested in taking over the property.”
5
Reflections
Tinu’s father, Tochi Mhajan, decided to buy
the camp, mainly as a weekend retreat for
his family, which already ran a camera shop
in Nairobi.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
weekend getaway
From a small property with only 10 tents,
Fig Tree Camp has metamorphosed to form
the cornerstone of one of the leading hotel
groups in East Africa. According to Tinu, the
small camp laid the foundations of what
Mada Hotels has become in the regional
tourism sector.
The fledgling tented camp took off with
the fame of the Masai Mara in the late
1970s. An investment in human capital
further enhanced the appeal of the camp
and made it the ideal place to stay when
visiting the Mara.
unique location
Moreover, its unique location beside the
Talek River, overlooking the open grasslands
of the Mara, has made Fig Tree Camp an
ideal place to view game.
Since it was acquired in 1978, the camp
has steadily expanded to include 26 lodge
rooms, 38 safari tents and 10 Ngaboli
luxury tents.
The two fig trees that gave the camp
its name are located within the 90-acre
property. A hot air balloon operation began
on site in 1985.
“My father did not intend to venture
into the hospitality industry,” says
Tinu. “He mainly acquired the
property as a family weekend
getaway. However, due to the
constant demand, he was forced to
rethink his strategy and work towards
having a fully fledged tented camp. At
the time, there were only a few proper-
ties in the Masai Mara and the Fig Tree
Camp was among the key camp sites.”
This led to a gradual expansion of the
operation, which acquired a reservations
desk, a reception facility, constant improve-
ments in service, and product upgrades.
‘My father did not intend to venture into the hospitality industry. He mainly acquired the property as a family weekend getaway.
However, due to the constant demand, he was forced to rethink his strategy’
7
Reflections
Although the camp is just beyond the
river boundary of the Masai Mara National
Reserve, its central location ensures ready
access to all parts of the Mara. The advan-
tage of this is that guests can go on a game
drive in the northern part of the reserve
in the morning and another game drive
in the southern part of the reserve in the
afternoon – thus maximising the chances of
seeing as many wild animals as possible.
The camp offers guests a variety of
experiences including nature walks, bush
breakfasts, dinners and night game drives.
Its close proximity to communal areas
outside the game reserve is a welcome
feature for guests interested in experiencing
the local culture, especially that of the
Maasai community.
Guests can go on a game drive in the northern
part of the reserve in the morning and another
game drive in the southern part in the afternoon
9
FTEXT
bODY TEXT
Barnabas Mudi was recently sponsored by Adventures Aloft to train as a balloon pilot. He spent almost two months training in California and obtained both his US private and commercial balloon licence. Barnabas is now converting his licences so he can be licensed to fly in Kenya and Tanzania.
Once his conversions have been completed, Barnabas will be building his hours with the support of Adven-tures Aloft at their two sites in Kenya and Tanzania.
CApTAin BArnABAS geTS BAllOOn liCenCe
priMe MiniSTer viSiTS JinJA nile reSOrTKenya’s prime Minister, raila
Odinga, recently visited Uganda’s Jinja nile resort.
Mr Odinga was in Jinja in December with Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni, to attend a fund-raising ceremony at nearby Busoga University. it was part of a drive to raise UgX 22 billion for a new multipur-pose building at the university that will house a library, computer and science laboratories, a research centre and an assembly hall.
During his stay at Jinja nile resort, the prime Minister met with members of the Kenyan Diaspora Movement living in Uganda and updated them on developments in Kenya in areas such as infra-structure and the new constitution. The meeting was followed by a cocktail party at the property.
Mr Odinga planted a tree at the resort to commemorate his visit.
MADA HOSTS FirST nATiOnAl BAnKSouth Africa’s First national Bank recently chose Mada’s Kilima Safari
Camp in Amboseli for a two-night stay for 60 of its top executives. The trip to Amboseli late last year formed a key part of an action-packed visit to Kenya.
The trip was organised by nairobi-based naked Wilderness Afrika, which chose Kilima Safari Camp because it could provide the resources and services to cater for a large party of demanding guests.
During the bank executives’ stay at Kilima Safari Camp, the Mada group’s executive chef produced an outstanding poolside seafood barbecue as well as a bush dinner.
Highlight of the trip was a heli-copter ride over the border to the ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. Six helicopters flew to Amboseli from nairobi to take the group from the camp to the crater and back – a truly memorable experience.
MAJOr UpgrADe FOr MADA’S KiliFi prOperTieS A major renovation of Kilifi Bay Beach resort began last year and will continue through the summer. All guest rooms will be upgraded, with more spacious bath-rooms and elegantly designed Swahili furniture. The rooms now have flat screen Tv and modernised dressing areas. it is hoped the upgrade will cement Kilifi Bay Beach resort’s position as the premier property in the area.
Baobab Sea lodge has also been given a facelift, with renovated bathrooms and new soft furnishings. With only 30 rooms, this boutique property is perfect for guests who enjoy luxury and personalised service.
Mada newS
10
Reflections
The Hunter’s lodge, a famous stopover at Makindu, about 160 km from nairobi on the
Mombasa road, now forms part of the Mada Hotels group.
The lodge has traditionally offered good, reasonably priced accommodation and inexpen-sive camping, but will now be modernised and expanded. new management will be installed.
For early starters heading for Mombasa from nairobi, it is the ideal place for a late breakfast, while for late starters, The Hunter’s lodge is perfect for lunch. The property traces its origins to Dennis Hunter, son of J.A. Hunter, a famous white hunter and author. in 1958 J.A. Hunter, with his son David, built Hunter’s lodge at Makindu, where he died in 1963. David and his mother Hilda ran the lodge and they were later joined by Dennis.
The existing 12 rooms will be totally renovated and enlarged and there are plans for an addi-tional 24 rooms. A new conference centre will be added.
Mada Hotels is to build a new hotel in Zanzibar. located
near the village of Michamvi Kae, on the island’s east coast, the new property will occupy a 25 acre plot with 500 metres of beachfront.
Once complete, the hotel will comprise 100 rooms of which 60 will be provided in the first phase and a further 40 at a later date.
Work is due to start in May 2012 and construction is likely to take 18 months.
Mada Hotels has chosen to build in Zanzibar because of its exotic character. it also adds to the group’s growing presence within Tanzania.
nairobi’s Oakwood Hotel has recently upgraded its services
with a new business centre and Wi-Fi connection now available throughout the hotel. guest rooms have been renovated with new soft furnishings and lounge furniture. The Oakwood Hotel also offers takeaway lunches for customers in the central business district.
neW lOOK On WAY FOr THe HUnTer’S lODge
MADA TO Open in ZAnZiBAr OAKWOOD HOTel OFFerS neW ServiCeS
Reflections
11
A protected forest on nairobi’s doorstep
Environmental conservation and living in harmony with nature has become a fad for many
corporations around the world. Today, people are more aware of the ways in which they can help protect the environment and preserve biodiversity than at any other point in history.
So when the late Professor Wangari Maathai
ventured into La Mada Hotel off the
busy Thika Road in the northern suburbs
of Nairobi, she knew little of what was
happening behind the gates of this unique
hotel near the entrance to Karura Forest.
The story was told to me by Martin Thinji,
general manager at La Mada Hotel, as he
walked me through the open-air restaurant
in its attractive forest setting.
“Professor Maathai was just making a stopover
here for tea,” he said. “But she was surprised at
what she saw and she really commended our
work in helping preserve the environment.”
By Denis Gathanju
The world over, people are more
aware today of the ways in which they
can help protect the environment and
preserve biodiversity than at any other point in history
Reflections
13
Reflections
The rays of the midday sun,
penetrating through the tree canopy to the ground below, further heighten
this special dining experience
Sitting here, in this beautifully located
restaurant, enjoying the natural sounds and
colours of the forest, you are bound to feel
the same free-living spirit that Professor
Maathai felt that July afternoon.
reStaurant
Martin tells me this is the only forest restau-
rant in Nairobi and perhaps in Kenya.
Known as The Lion’s Den Restaurant, it is
unlike any other you may have experienced.
The restaurant has wooden tables and
benches that further enhance the forest
theme. The open-air kitchen gives you a
feeling of the great outdoors as you watch
your meals being prepared.
The rays of the midday sun, penetrating
through the tree canopy to the ground below,
further heighten this special dining experience.
The floor of the restaurant is a combination of
soft earth, dried leaves and twigs. You could be
forgiven if your mind begins to roam as it takes
in the amazing views.
nature
Says Martin: “The concept behind this restau-
rant is to help us merge with nature seamlessly.
This also helps us offer our guests a rather
unique dining experience that allows them to
spend quality time with nature and appre-
ciate our contribution towards environmental
conservation. With that in mind, we work
closely with the Kenya Forestry Department
in our quest to maintain a clean and healthy
© M
aggi
e H
ardi
e / R
ex F
eatu
res
15
way down a path leading to the bottom of a
small cliff and, voilà, a whole world opens up
before your eyes.
roMantic
If you are ever looking for a quiet evening,
be it a romantic outing or a serious dinner,
then this is the place to come and enjoy an
out-of-this-world dining experience. Picture
the scene. You are dining under a canopy
of trees and, instead of the sometimes
distracting sounds of a pianist in the back-
ground, you have the humming sounds of a
cool, clean stream playing the music for you.
Doesn’t it sound like heaven on earth?
If you are ever looking for a quiet
evening, be it a romantic outing or
a serious dinner, then this is the place
to enjoy a great dining experience
environment around us. We get indigenous
tree seedlings from them that we plant within
the grounds. We never cut down any trees and
we plant at least six trees for every tree that
falls down naturally.”
Protection
Martins tells me that the protection and
maintenance of this forest environment
within the grounds of La Mada Hotel has
gone a long way towards protecting the
biodiversity within the grounds and the
nearby Karura Forest. Look out for squirrels
and listen to the melodious chirping of the
birds. Listen to the sound of the trees swaying
against the midday breeze and watch out
for white-ringed monkeys jumping from one
branch to the next. Also within the grounds is
a new addition – a family of dik diks.
Doesn’t it sound like paradise in the heart
of a bustling metropolis?
Apart from The Lion’s Den Restaurant,
La Mada Hotel is in harmony with the
surrounding environment in other ways.
From the car park, you will hear a sound
that you may have heard a long time ago if
you grew up in a village. This is the sound of
spring water flowing down a small channel
under a canopy of tall trees. We make our
16
Meet the Mada teaM
‘ The tick behind
the tock’behind
the tock’
Rajeev RajanGroup fi nancial controller
Mada Head Offi ce
Rajeev is responsible for the full-cycle accounting and fi nance operations of the
Mada group, including periodic fi nancial reports and the keeping of accounting
records. He is also responsible for dealing with outside stakeholders on behalf of
the company and advising them on fi nancial and strategic plans.
Since he began working for Mada in 2009 Rajeev has established new systems
and procedures to deal with Mada’s unprecedented growth in recent years. He
has overseen the implementation of new advanced software and an ERP-based
accounting package in order increase the operational effi ciency of the fi nancial
department.
As a proactive member of the Mada team, Rajeev says: “I enjoy the freedom to
take fast decisions. I always fi nd the management very supportive and willing
to stand by my side.” He praises the management for giving him the freedom to
put his ideas into motion.
‘Meeting new
people is the most
enjoyable part
of my job‘
‘I enjoy the freedom to take fast decisions’
the tock’
When Rakesh started working at Jinja Nile Resort in 2000 the property had just 36
rooms. Since then it has expanded into a 140-room resort with six conference rooms,
four restaurants, an Italian coffee shop and fi ve bars. During this time the property
has also been voted Best Country Hotel for four consecutive years and Best Weekend
Getaway in 2005, 2006 and 2008 by Travel News magazine.
Rakesh, who is in charge of accounts and fi nance for Mada Holding Operations in
Uganda, has thrived in this environment of rapid growth and has subsequently been
put in charge of Mada’s expansion projects in Kigali and Zanzibar.
“I like challenges, and running a fi ve-star resort is full of challenges,” says Rakesh.
“Meeting new people is the most enjoyable part of my job.”
Rakesh enjoys spending his free time relaxing with his family.
Rakesh PantFinancial controllerJinja Nile Resort
18
Reflections
Ray EwingHot air balloon pilotFig Tree Resort, Masai Mara
“I may have the best job in the world,” says Ray, describing his job
as a balloon pilot for Mada Hotels,
Based at Fig Tree Camp in the Masai Mara National Reserve, he joined the
Mada team seven months ago and has acquired a detailed knowledge of
the local region and its landscape. He describes the Mara as “safe, serene
and full of wildlife”.
Ray had always dreamed of being a balloon pilot in Africa and obtaining his
Kenyan Commercial Balloon Licence was, he says, the biggest achievement
in his life so far. He enjoys every aspect of his job, particularly getting to meet
guests from around the world.
In his spare time, Ray keeps active with physical exercise and dirt biking
and also plays the guitar.
‘I may have
the best job
in the world’
Stella PesiPurchasing offi cerMada Head Offi ce
Stella joined the Mada group fresh from school in 2005. Her interest in working within the hotel
industry stems from her father, who worked as a hotelier for over 20 years.
Her role as purchasing offi cer covers a range of tasks, such as scheduling supplies to Mada properties in
Nairobi, the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Kilifi . She must also ensure that the goods used in the hotels
are good quality and of a high standard.
Like all Mada employees, Stella underwent an intensive course of training and she continues to learn
and to grow into her role every day as she takes on more responsibility. “I have learned how to interact
with people from different communities and backgrounds,” says Stella. “I have learned how to be
responsible and independent.” She enjoys working in an environment that is peaceful.
When she is not working, Stella spends much of her time socialising with friends. Dancing is her hobby
and she goes to dance classes, both for fun and for exercise.
‘I have learned
how to be
responsible and
independent’
Lawrence loves to spend quality time with his
family
When she is not working, Stella spends much of her time socialising with friends. Dancing is her hobby
and she goes to dance classes, both for fun and for exercise.
Lawrence SilaHuman resource manager
Mada Head Offi ce
Lawrence has been working for Mada for almost 30 years. As one
of the oldest serving members of staff , he has seen a lot of changes
during his time with the company.
A trusted member of staff , Lawrence has the fl exibility to manage his
own time and workload. His daily tasks include managing human
resources and providing the company with legal advice.
Outside of work, Lawrence loves to spend quality time with his family
and friends in Nairobi.
19
Reflections
Positive feedback is key motivation
Margaret Matee General manager
Oakwood Hotel
Margaret’s main responsibility is to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day
operations at Mada’s Oakwood Hotel in Nairobi.
She decided to join the hotel industry because she genuinely enjoys meeting
people and exchanging ideas with them. As a hotel manager, Margaret aims
to foster a positive team spirit in her staff while maintaining the high standard
of customer service that guests expect from the Mada group.
“The customer is always right” is a philosophy instilled as part of staff training,
and Margaret runs the Oakwood on this basis. She says that positive feedback
from satisfi ed guests is her biggest motivation to keep working hard.
For such a busy person, it is no surprise that in her spare time Margaret enjoys
some ‘alone time’. However, she also attends church services and enjoys
seeing her friends.
Reflections
Paul WanyekiExecutive chefKilima Safari Camp
Paul started working for the Mada group 18 years ago as a trainee at Fig Tree
Camp. He soon showed a keen interest in becoming a chef and his genuine
talent and drive soon promoted him to head chef at La Mada in Nairobi.
Today Paul is the executive chef at Kilima Safari Camp, where he enjoys
working with his team to prepare delicious food and creative displays.
“I can proudly say that we run the best kitchens in Kenya,” he says.
Working for Mada Hotels has allowed Paul to build his confi dence and
experiment with creativity. “Starting as a trainee, I had no idea my job
would take me to so many places,” says Paul. “I think this was pure luck that
I managed to get in the Mada Hotel chain.” Paul has received consistent
training from professional chefs throughout his time with Mada and he
receives all the latest top chef magazines for reference. receives all the latest top chef magazines for reference.
Moses MsuyaCommercial hot air balloon pilotBalloon Camp, Tarangire National Park
and Fig Tree Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve
Moses has worked as a balloon pilot for 17 years and joined the Mada team in 2009. Obtaining a commercial
balloon pilot licence is no easy task. Moses underwent years of intense training and still receives biannual fl ight
checks, base checks and medicals.
Most recently, Moses has been involved in setting up operations at Balloon Camp in Tanzania where his daily
duties include creating new procedures, coordinating with management and maintaining a good rapport with
the balloon staff. A lot of his time is also spent on balloon maintenance and paperwork. As someone who loves
fresh projects, this opportunity to work in Tanzania has been an ideal experience for Moses.
Asked about fl ying in Africa, his response is: “Where else in the world can you fl oat over Jurassic Park a few
hundred feet above the Big Five?” He is passionate about his job and loves meeting Mada guests.
‘Where else in the
world can you
fl oat over
Jurassic Park?’
‘I can proudly say
that we run the best
kitchens in Kenya’
21
travel trade shows provide a perfect ‘shop window’
22
Reflections
When it comes to Indaba – attended by
Mada only since 2010 as Kenya did not have
a national stand until two years ago – it has
been a case of attracting a new market and
new operators. “Indaba is the biggest Africa
show there is,” says chief executive Tinu
Mhajan. “It’s great for inbound operators, but
also for South African outbound operators.
It’s a strong show for the coast and a strong
show for safaris. We’ll certainly be going
back in 2012.”
The open-air and informal Karibu Fair is
pretty much a regional show, but features all
the main operators in the Tanzanian market
– and, of course, it’s here that Mada Hotels
owns a camp, a property under construc-
tion in Zanzibar and also has a ballooning
business. Says Tinu: “In 2011 it was just the
right place to launch our new Tarangire
Balloon Camp and our fl ights in Tarangire
National Park.”
The two local shows are diff erent again and
are timed to maximise exposure ahead of
Kenya’s two main holiday periods, Christmas
and Easter. “These local shows are fantastic,
as we are meeting people who are making
real bookings,” says Tinu.
The face of Mada Hotels at these gather-
ings is Betty Olwenyi, the group’s marketing
manager. She is sometimes joined by Tinu
himself, in particular at ITB. “What’s more,
many of these bookings turn out to be
repeat business through the years for friends
and family,” he says.
Attending big international shows requires
meticulous planning in order to attract the
maximum number of visitors to your table
on the national stand. “Preparation is the
key and the diff erence between a local
show, where people just walk up to you on
the stand, is that you have to prearrange
meetings,” explains Tinu.
For a start, attendance at the big shows is
arranged by and through the Kenya Tourist
Board (KTB) and preparation for each exhibi-
tion begins about eight months in advance.
Then there is the cost of attending. “It’s
expensive,” admits Tinu. “But it’s important
to meet people and fi nd out what people
are planning for our destination and have an
ear to the ground.”
Another important factor for Mada Hotels at
these high-profi le international gatherings
is that all the major players from Kenya’s
tourism sector are on hand. This provides
an ideal opportunity to meet and socialise
on an informal basis with key personnel
from across the industry, including big
names such as the Minister for Tourism, the
Hon. Najib Balala, and KTB’s chief executive,
Muriithi Ndegwa.
attendance
Over the years, Mada Hotels has also
attended shows in Moscow, Rimini (Italy)
and Tokyo and this year will participate in
the fi rst Uganda Tourism Day in Jinja.
As Betty can testify, the merry-go-round of
travel trade shows never seems to stop. As
one show closes, planning is already under
way for the next.
No single hotel or hotel group can expect to succeed in the highly
competitive hospitality sector without a well organised and carefully thought through marketing campaign – espe-cially in kenya, where visitors have a huge range of proper-ties from which to choose.
Apart from providing guests with a great
product and a memorably stay, the key
to success often lies in promotion. Clearly,
Mada Hotels did not become one of Kenya’s
leading brands without getting out and
about, spreading the word and pressing
the fl esh.
top shows
So each year, Mada Hotels can be seen
at the international travel industry’s top
shows – ITB in Berlin (held in March),
London’s World Travel Market (scheduled
for November) and, more recently, Indaba in
Durban as well as the Karibu Fair in Arusha.
These almost global exhibitions are in
addition to important local shows held at
Nairobi’s Sarit Centre in November and April.
From Mada’s perspective, each of these
shows has a slightly diff erent focus.
For example, ITB is a business-related show
and is timed perfectly just before the main
contracting period for air charter operators.
The show attracts trade buyers from across
Europe, but especially from the key German
home market. ITB is the world’s biggest
travel show with about 15,000 exhibitors
and enough fl oor space to ensure that no
part of the world is unrepresented.
By comparison, WTM is more social and is
used by Mada to keep in contact with its
clients. This is the next most important show
after ITB. It is not just for the UK market,
however, and it attracts small and some-
times highly specialised companies from
across Europe.
Durban as well as the Karibu Fair in Arusha.
These almost global exhibitions are in
addition to important local shows held at
Nairobi’s Sarit Centre in November and April.
From Mada’s perspective, each of these
shows has a slightly diff erent focus.
For example, ITB is a business-related show
and is timed perfectly just before the main
contracting period for air charter operators.
The show attracts trade buyers from across
Europe, but especially from the key German
home market. ITB is the world’s biggest
travel show with about 15,000 exhibitors
and enough fl oor space to ensure that no
part of the world is unrepresented.
By comparison, WTM is more social and is
used by Mada to keep in contact with its
clients. This is the next most important show
after ITB. It is not just for the UK market,
however, and it attracts small and some-
times highly specialised companies from
Apart from providing guests with a great
product and a memorably stay, the key
to success often lies in promotion. Clearly,
Mada Hotels did not become one of Kenya’s
leading brands without getting out and
about, spreading the word and pressing
the fl esh.
top shows
So each year, Mada Hotels can be seen
at the international travel industry’s top
shows – ITB in Berlin (held in March),
London’s World Travel Market (scheduled
for November) and, more recently, Indaba in
Durban as well as the Karibu Fair in Arusha.
across Europe.
product and a memorably stay, the key
to success often lies in promotion. Clearly,
Mada Hotels did not become one of Kenya’s
leading brands without getting out and
about, spreading the word and pressing
the fl esh.
top shows
So each year, Mada Hotels can be seen
at the international travel industry’s top
shows – ITB in Berlin (held in March),
London’s World Travel Market (scheduled
for November) and, more recently, Indaba in
Durban as well as the Karibu Fair in Arusha.
These almost global exhibitions are in
addition to important local shows held at
Nairobi’s Sarit Centre in November and April.
From Mada’s perspective, each of these
shows has a slightly diff erent focus.
For example, ITB is a business-related show
and is timed perfectly just before the main
contracting period for air charter operators.
The show attracts trade buyers from across
Europe, but especially from the key German
home market. ITB is the world’s biggest
travel show with about 15,000 exhibitors
and enough fl oor space to ensure that no
part of the world is unrepresented.
By comparison, WTM is more social and is
used by Mada to keep in contact with its
clients. This is the next most important show
after ITB. It is not just for the UK market,
however, and it attracts small and some-
times highly specialised companies from
It requires meticulous planning in order to
attract the maximum number of visitors
to your table on the national stand
23
This park, in which Mada Hotels now offers
both hot air ballooning and luxury tented
accommodation at its own camp, remains
well off the mass market radar as tourists
flock to visit the better-known Serengeti and
Ngorongoro reserves to the north.
discreet
Tarangire has just a handful of small and
discreet camps, all carefully secreted
throughout the park. There is a real feeling
of remoteness and that authentic Africa
sensation that is sometimes lacking in the
region’s bigger and busier reserves.
Set in 2,850 sq km of thickish bush and
slightly off Tanzania’s main northern safari
circuit, Tarangire is home to one of Africa’s
densest populations of elephant, espe-
cially in the dry season between June
and December. Visitors can expect to see
impressive herds of up to 300 animals and
marvel at the huge number of elephants
– as many as 2,300 of them – roaming the
park at any given time.
Because it receives comparatively few
visitors, Tarangire offers an unrivalled
opportunity to view the abundant wildlife
close up and without encountering many
other safari vehicles during the main
morning and evening game drives. In
essence, this is how safaris should be, with
extraordinarily high game densities and a
minimal human presence.
In fact, Tarangire is Tanzania’s sixth-largest
national park. It is criss-crossed by the
Tarangire River, the area’s only year-round
Want to be in on a secret? Well, those who really know East Africa and where
to find the most perfect places to view wildlife believe that Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park is a true gem.
Tarangire is home to one of Africa’s densest
populations of elephant
lesser-known national park has special appeal
24
Reflections
months as well as taking advantage of more
attractive accommodation rates.
It hasn’t always been this way. When one visits
the park today, it is hard to appreciate the
contrast between its present-day calm and
what happened in the not-too-distant past.
poaching
During the dark days of the 1960s and
1970s, Tarangire suffered from exces-
sive poaching and many of the park’s
elephants were killed. This carnage also
impacted on migratory patterns, so
that elephants preferred to stay in the
park rather than just pass through or
visit during dry periods.
Thankfully, large-scale poaching
is no more and Tarangire’s huge
elephant population is a testament
to this situation.
Praise is due to the Tarangire Elephant
Project (TEP), which since 1993 has been
committed to the conservation of elephants
by way of field research. TEP was started by
Charles Foley who today, with his wife Lara,
works closely with Tanzania National Parks
(Tanapa) to ensure that elephants are well
protected. And, today, they certainly are.
source of water and a haven for animals
during the unrelenting dry season. The river
attracts wildlife from far and wide.
Apart from its abundant elephant popula-
tion, Tarangire is home to a variety of other
wildlife including buffalo, eland, gazelle,
hartebeest, impala, wildebeest and zebra. It
is also probably the best place in Tanzania
to view the rarely sighted fringe-eared oryx
and gerenuk. There is also a good selection
of big cat predators.
Tarangire and its elephants are the main
attraction for the safari cognoscenti, and
rightly so. In addition, however, the park
itself offers a special kind of solitude. This
is matched by a diverse landscape that is
unique to the region, featuring hills, a profu-
sion of mighty baobab trees, and tall grass
that provides exceptionally good cover for
local wildlife.
The park looks particularly splendid during
the green season from January to May.
Although it may not offer the same high
numbers of elephant at this time of year,
there is still plenty of game, and visitors can
enjoy a greater tranquillity during these
25
Whoever created Jinja’s original town plan
came up with a masterpiece comprising
grand tree-lined avenues neatly laid out on
an easy-to-navigate grid system.
By the late 1940s Jinja must have been a
thriving community and many of the finer
houses date from this period as spacious
new dwellings adorned a town prospering
in the immediate post-war years.
powerhouse
Jinja soon became the industrial powerhouse
of Uganda as businesses set up to benefit from
energy generated by the new hydroelectric
Nalubaale Power Station. Probably the biggest
of the new businesses was Nyanza Textile
Industries (Nytil), which at its peak employed
about 3,000 people to spin and weave cotton
for the immediate East African market.
The expatriates who lived in Jinja enjoyed a
truly idyllic lifestyle, occupying large houses
in expansive gardens – often with uninter-
rupted lake views – and, of course, basking
in a fabulous climate.
Close by was the inevitable club. As was
customary, the Jinja Club was a social centre
and provided the usual sports and pastimes:
a nine-hole golf course, tennis and squash
courts and a swimming pool. There were also
separate sailing, rugby and football clubs.
A somewhat faded Jinja Golf Club remains a
relic of this bygone age and is best known for an
arcane local rule that allowed players a free drop
Few towns in East Africa have endured the mixed fortunes of Jinja.
Once-thriving Jinja grew, blossomed and
then sadly wilted as a combination of politics,
outright tyranny and changing business
patterns hit the town hard. Today it continues
with a slow, painful yet inexorable recovery
from its glory days in the 1950s and 1960s.
At the start of the 20th century Jinja was a
popular base for Indian traders, mostly from
Goa, who arrived in the town to run small
businesses in what was then a British colony.
They established and helped to develop
what became a beautiful small town.
The expatriates
who lived in Jinja
enjoyed a truly
idyllic lifestyle
Jinja Uganda’s comeback kid
26
Reflections
perhaps long to restore their now faded and
dilapidated family homes. Some properties
have been restored to their former glory, adding
to the growing attractiveness of the town.
But Jinja has yet to regain its importance or
influence it enjoyed in the past as Kampala
has emerged as the nation’s commercial
heart. Some members of Jinja’s local business
community have moved to the capital
– only 87 km away to the west – in order to
be closer to the nation’s decision makers.
decision
An early sign that Jinja was returning to its
former glories was the decision by Mada
Hotels to build the Jinja Nile Resort just outside
the town. In fact, the hotel has mirrored Jinja’s
improved fortunes of recent times and the
property has been developed and expanded.
Tourism has taken off as Jinja has carved a role as
an away-from-it-all retreat for conferences and
if their ball came to rest in a hippo footprint. While
the rule may still apply, the hippos have long gone.
Then everything went horribly pear-shaped.
Jinja’s sudden demise, from which it has still
to recover fully, came when former president
and bloody dictator Idi Amin chose, in 1972,
to expel Indians from Uganda. With their
expulsion, Jinja fell into a long spiral of decline
as maintenance of buildings dropped and the
management of local industries suffered.
Recovery has not been painless and many
once-prosperous industries ceased operations
altogether or moved production elsewhere.
Sugar, agricultural produce, leather, edible
oil, coffee and a large brewery now form the
backbone of the local economy – and, in
recent times, tourism has created some jobs.
What’s more, pioneers from Jinja’s once-domi-
nant Indian community have returned, while
others probably still harbour dreams of doing
so from exile in Canada, the UK or Australia and
seminars as well a base for daredevil activities
such as white water rafting and bungee jumping.
Jinja’s long-defunct airstrip (although it has
a 1,300 metre long runway, ‘airport’ is perhaps
too grand a term) has now been rehabilitated
by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and there
is talk of direct services to, for example, Nairobi.
A new service would obviate the need to travel
though busy Kampala or across the border to
Kisumu and would save many hours of travelling.
Its reopening would be a sure sign that
Jinja, the comeback kid, once again means
business.
Jinja Uganda’s comeback kid
upon a rustic church and beyond it a little
swamp with a small hill rising from the centre.
That, he declared, was the source of the Nile.
the white nile
By the mid 19th century, nothing obsessed
explorers more than the quest for the source
of the White Nile. It was the world’s most
elusive secret, the prize coveted above all
others, and the challenge was accepted by
adventurers such as Richard Burton, John
Hanning Speke, James Augustus Grant,
Samuel Baker, Florence von Sass, David
Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley.
In 1856 Speke and Burton went to East Africa
– a strenuous journey during which both
men fell ill from various tropical diseases.
Speke temporarily became deaf after a
beetle crawled into his ear and he tried to
remove it with a knife. He also later went
blind for a time. At the end of this arduous
journey, the two became the first Europeans
to reach Lake Tanganyika. They heard of a
second lake in the area, but Burton was too
sick to make the journey. Speke went alone,
and found the lake, which he christened
Lake Victoria. This lake eventually proved to
be one of the sources of the Nile.
Speke returned to England before Burton,
on 8 May 1859, and made their trip famous
in a speech to the Royal Geographical
Society, in which he claimed to have discov-
ered the source of the Nile.
returned
Together with James Augustus Grant,
Speke returned to East Africa in 1860. Speke
reached Lake Victoria on 28 July 1862. He
found the River Nile flowing out of the north
side of the lake and discovered the Ripon
Falls. Later, he sent a celebrated telegram to
London: “The Nile is settled.”
The history of Nile exploration is filled with legendary stories. Even in Ancient Greece, the source
of the Nile was considered one of the earth’s most compelling mysteries, written about extensively by the histo-rian Herodotus (484 to 425 BC).
Between the 4th and 17th centuries, the rest
of the world largely forgot the Upper Nile in
Ethiopia. Only missionaries, merchants and
adventurers reached the Ethiopian highlands.
Padre Páez, a Spanish missionary, wrote about
seeing the source of the Blue Nile on 21 April
1618: “I confess I feel fortunate and happy
for seeing what Alexander the Great, Julius
Caesar and the Kings Ciro and Cambesses
desired to see in the past but never accom-
plished.” Páez was recognised in 2003 by the
Ethiopian authorities as the first European to
visit the source of the Blue Nile.
In 1768 the Scottish explorer James Bruce
disputed Páez’s claim and endeavoured to
discover for himself the source of the Blue
Nile, which he believed to rise in Ethiopia.
After a long and difficult and journey, during
which he contracted malaria, the final
march was made on 4 November 1770 and,
following a 9,500 ft climb, Bruce’s party came
ModErN-dAy fACTs:• The River Nile has two main tributaries, the White Nile and Blue Nile
• The White Nile is longer and rises in the Great Lakes region of central Africa, notably Lake Victoria
• The Blue Nile is the source of most of the water and fertile soil. It begins at Lake Tana in Ethiopia.
tHe nile exploReRs
28
Index of explorers • PAdrE PáEz: Spanish missionary sent to Ethiopia in the early 17th century to convert the Ethiopian Orthodox Church to Catholicism. First westerner to ‘discover’ and describe the source of the Blue Nile.
• JAMEs BruCE (1730-94): Scottish explorer who set off from Cairo in 1768 and arrived at Lake Tana in 1770. He established for the first time that this mountain lake was the origin of the Blue Nile.
• sAMuEl BAkEr (1821-1893): English explorer who became the greatest expert of his day on Egypt and Sudan. His 1860s hunt for the source of the Nile led to the European discovery of Lake Albert in Central Africa.
• JoHN HANNiNG sPEkE (1827-1864) ANd riCHArd BurToN (1821-1890): Army officer Speke joined up with legendary explorer Burton in 1858 to search for rumoured great lakes in Central Africa that might be the source of the Nile. Their journey took them to Lake Tanganyika and the challenging Mountains of the Moon. In mid-journey, Burton took ill and rested, while Speke pressed on. He became the first European to lay eyes on Lake Victoria, then considered the main source of the Nile.
• JAMEs AuGusTus GrANT (1827-1892): Joined John Hanning Speke in a memorable expedition in 1860 in which they believed they had solved the mystery of the Nile sources.
• BruCkHArT WAldEkkEr: Little-known German explorer who quietly proved in 1937 that the main source of the Nile was the Ethiopian highlands, which contribute some 85 per cent of the water, while Lake Victoria provides only 15 per cent.
t may come as a surprise to visitors to East Africa, but the Mhajan family business empire stretches beyond
ownership of Mada Hotels and a successful hot air ballooning operation.
One of these divergent interests is Mills
Industries, a textile and garment business
that is run, seven days a week, with unre-
lenting verve and energy, by Mrs Mhajan,
the mother of Mada Hotels Group chief
executive Tinu Mhajan.
Mills Industries is an independent business
with retail premises, known as Valley
Tailors, at Valley Arcade Shopping Centre in
Kilileshwa, a suburb of Nairobi. The shop –
sometimes known simply as Mrs Mhajan’s
– provides the kind of personal service that
has been lost in other parts of the world.
Here, the philosophy is that no job is too
small and every customer is important.
In addition, and in sharp contrast, Mills
Industries operates a busy garment
factory within the Mada Hotels’ head offi ce
complex near Mombasa Road in Nairobi.
Since the business started in 1980,
Mills Industries has grown from a small
workshop of just 15 or so specialist tailors
at Valley Arcade to a company employing
some 250 workers and exporting its goods
to markets beyond Kenya’s borders.
Tinu Mhajan explains how Mills Industries has
developed rapidly in recent years: “In the 1970s
my mother undertook repairs and alterations
here in Nairobi for the upmarket UK fashion
retailer Richards Shops, which later become
Empress Fashions. She ran a small workshop
that was also able to stitch dresses and this
operated from Valley Arcade.”
Mrs Mhajan adds: “Initially the shop would just
make alterations and home furnishings on an
individual order basis. But we invested in good
staff and we had experienced designers come
out from the UK to sell in the store.
The shop will tailor anything from
staff uniforms to evening gowns
30
was to set up a factory within the spacious
Mada Hotels Group head offi ce complex.
So, while there remains a team of qualifi ed
cutters and designers working from the
shop in Valley Arcade, Mills Industries is busy
fulfi lling orders for a range of major clients,
including some of Kenya’s most exclusive safari
operators such as Governors’ Camp, Cheli &
Peacock, Ker & Downey and Rekero Camp.
The mix of state and private sector clients
seems to work well. Mrs Mhajan says: “The
demand from security companies is year-
round, while our hospitality customers
order during their low season [April-June]
and government tenders tend to revolve
around budgets and fi nancial years.”
Mills Industries now exports across the
region, making uniforms for customers
in South Sudan and Uganda, and has
branched out into new areas. For
example, Mills Industries made all the
tents for Mada Hotels’ spectacular Kilima
Camp in Amboseli, as well as soft furnish-
ings and bed linen. The company has also
supplied mosquito nets to the Jinja Nile
Resort in Uganda.
So it seems that work never stops for Mrs
Mhajan, a lady who has just celebrated her
70th birthday and clearly enjoys life to the
full. She is an inspiration to us all.
“Even today, the shop at Valley Arcade
will tailor just about anything from staff
uniforms to evening gowns and cushion
covers. Or we can make a copy of a
favourite item of clothing or come up with
a completely new design. The shop’s team
of tailors is there to help.”
About eight years ago, Mrs Mhajan took
the bold step of moving into the industrial
clothing sector and began to tender for
highly competitive government and other
similar work – special order uniforms for the
police, the Kenya Defence Force and the large
parastatals as well as for private sector security
fi rms. Clearly, this is a completely diff erent
market, with all the complexities and formal-
ities involved in tendering for contracts.
As this more industrial-scale business began
to take off , it become apparent that, in order
to handle larger orders, Mills Industries
would need larger premises. The solution
Reflections
Students from Michigan state university in the united states have been in kenya and
enjoying all this wonderful country has to offer. Msu has also been sampling the warm hospitality of kenya’s people and the delights on offer at Mada properties in the Masai Mara National reserve and Amboseli National Park.
The man behind this close relationship
between Michigan, Kenya and Mada Hotels
is Dr Gabe Ording, who runs a course at MSU
entitled ‘Society and Ecology of Kenya’. This
course has been running for eight years and
is co-sponsored by MSU’s colleges of Natural
Science and Social Science.
It benefits from relationships with MSU’s
Kenyan co-instructors. Gabe is responsible
for teaching the natural science component,
while Dr Dorothy Mutsiya from Nairobi’s
South Eastern University College handles
the social sciences.
teaching
Gabe was originally asked to become
involved in teaching the course because he
had previously lived in the Mara for a year
conducting research on spotted hyenas.
During this time he met Tinu Mhajan,
chief executive of Mada Hotels, and stayed
at Mada’s Fig Tree Camp. Gabe recalls a
two-day walk that he and Tinu undertook,
following a Maasai livestock herding trail all
the way to Narok, gateway to Masai Mara.
On his return to academic life in the US,
Gabe thought it would be good if the MSU
students could visit the Mara during the
wildebeest migration and stay at Fig Tree.
Tinu learned that Gabe and his students
were visiting Amboseli, so he naturally
invited them to use Mada’s Kilima Safari
Camp on the edge of the national park.
MSU is said to have more International Study
Abroad programmes than any other US insti-
tution. Gabe has personally been involved
in trips to Alaska, Costa Rica, Switzerland, the
Us students form special ties with Kenya
32
Reflections
Virgin Islands, New Zealand, the Canadian
Rockies and Borneo. “I can confidently
say, from my perspective, that our Kenyan
programme is without a doubt the most
academically valuable and culturally rich of
any that I’ve been involved in,” he says.
The MSU programme allows students to
explore the most attractive areas of Kenya,
with multiple trips to national parks, and
also to gain an appreciation of the nation’s
political structure.
Gabe says: “We actually developed a
relationship with – and visit each year – the
Hon. Mutula Kilonzo [Minister of Justice]. He
has hosted our group for afternoon tea. This
has been a highlight for students.”
Gabe is keen on community interaction. “We
visit several rural communities, and students
conduct social science investigations and
are given several opportunities to interview
groups of Maasai elders, morans [warriors]
and women,” he says.
At the same time, Gabe wants his students to
give something to Kenya. “We are involved
in reforestation at a location about one hour
south of Nairobi, where students have helped
in planting trees for the past three years.”
organisation
Furthermore, the MSU programme is
linked to an on-campus student organisa-
tion known as STOMP (Students Taking on
Malaria and Poverty). In order to help, the
students throughout the academic year
collect books, school materials and feminine
hygiene products. These are then delivered
to a range of rural schools where MSU has
developed long-standing relationships – in
particular Loitokitok, just outside Amboseli.
‘The Hon. Mutula Kilonzo has
hosted our group for afternoon tea’
With the Kilifi Bridge providing
a perfect backdrop, the fishermen arrive at the crack of dawn
fishermen still using traditional methods
KilifiBy Denis Gathanju
34
reflectionsreflections
I love fish. It is the kind of delicious food that I would want to have for dinner after a day relaxing by the
beach or after a hard day’s work.
The Kenyan coast is blessed with an abun-
dance of fish varieties. The local Mijikenda
people have been fishing the waters of the
Indian Ocean for many centuries now using
mostly traditional fishing methods that have
been passed down from one generation to
the other.
dotted
The entire length of the Kenyan coast is
dotted with numerous fishing villages and
landing sites that are used by the Mijikenda
people. In the resort town of Kilifi, sand-
wiched between Mombasa to the south and
Malindi to the north, the old ferry landing
site is one of the biggest fish landing sites
used by the Mijikenda.
Today, Idriss Ali, one of the fishermen in
Suleiman’s boat, has brought home some
big fish. He smiles as he watches the young
men waiting on shore to jump into the
wooden boat to offload two big stripped
marlins, a giant sailfish and a load of yellow
fin tuna.
Suleiman takes note of the day’s catch as
the young men go on to slice the fish on
the wet rocks by the shoreline. The men
With the magnificent Kilifi Bridge providing
a perfect backdrop, the local fishermen
arrive at the crack of dawn in their wooden
boats, called jahazi. Anxiously waiting on the
shores is a crowd of men and women of all
ages. It is market day.
For those who have been to other markets,
especially in Mombasa, this market is unlike
any other. I am surprised at how orderly and
procedural it is. Suleiman Abdalla, the owner of
one of the boats, tells me that the fishermen,
who have just returned from the deep seas,
have recorded a not-so-impressive catch.
ocean gods
“You never know what the fishermen will
bring in the morning,” he says. “We are at the
mercy of the ocean gods. Sometimes we get
a good catch, other times an average catch
and other times a bad catch. But we remain
grateful for whatever the seas give us.”
and women watch silently. The fish is then
cleaned and taken to a small room near the
shore for weighing and onward purchase by
the buyers. Sale is by auction.
Once the fish is sold, it is transported to other
markets in Kilifi, Malindi or Mombasa or sold
directly to the many hotels and resorts in the
area. Local people also buy their fish from this
seaside market.
Idriss says they use various fishing methods,
depending on the type of fish they want
to catch. There is both daytime and night
fishing. They also fish in the shallow waters
along the ocean shore and in the creeks,
again to catch different kinds of fish.
overnight
For deepsea fishing, the men prefer to fish
overnight. They leave the landing sites in the
late afternoon and sail up to 5 km out into
the ocean before casting their nets. To catch
big fish such as the marlins and sailfish, they
use long lines up to 20 metres in length. The
fisherman dips into the waters to set up the
hooks with the bait. The hooks are spaced
out at intervals of 3 to 5 metres.
The lines are left overnight and before dawn,
the fishermen dip into the waters again to
check if they have any fish. The fishermen
also use bigger nets called jarife as well as
ring nets and lamps.
In addition to nets, traditional fish traps
are used. These are set up mainly near the
shoreline and creeks. The fishermen use
wooden dugouts to access these areas. At
low tide, the men set up fish traps using
mangrove sticks pierced into the moist
sands. They then weave other sticks in
between to create mesh-like structures.
The fish move into these traps at high tide
and are left trapped as the waters recede.
The fishermen use this method to catch
smaller fish and prawns.
crab hoLes
To catch other sea creatures such as crabs,
the fishermen scout the shoreline for crab
holes in the sand and dig them out with
their bare hands.
“Can the crabs not easily chop off your
fingers?” I ask.
“No they cannot,” answers Idriss. “Normally,
the claws are folded
when the crab is in a hole. So, we just grab
them first and then pull them out
of the hole.”
To catch big fish such as marlins and
sailfish, they use long lines up to 20
metres in length
36
reflections
heading
the Mada hoteL FaMiLY
1 2
5
64
973
8
the Mada hotels group operates
eight properties, six in Kenya, one
in Uganda and one in tanzania.
the six properties comprise: a tented camp
in the Masai Mara, two beachside hotels,
two hotels in nairobi and a resort in
Jinja in Uganda plus a new hotel under
construction in Zanzibar and another to
be taken over in Kenya.
1. Kilifi bay resort, Kilifi
2. baobab Lodge, Kilifi
3. Kilima safari camp, amboseli
4. oakwood, nairobi
5. La Mada, nairobi
6. Fig tree camp, Masai Mara
7. Jinja nile resort, Jinja
8. adventures aloft, Masai Mara
9. balloon camp, tarangire
Pemba I.
Ungama Bay
ChalbiDesert
LakeTurkana
Mt. Kenya
Kilimanjaro
Mt. Meru
LakeVictoria
Mt. Elgon
Mombasa
NAIROBI
Kisumu
Lodwar
Eldoret
Kitale
Baringo
Kakamega
Moyale
Garissa
Malindi
Kipini
Witu
Wajir
Nakuru
0 200 Miles
0
100
300 Kilometres200100
Watamu
Tsavo EastNational Park
Tsavo WestNational Park
ChyuluNational Park
LosaiNational Reserve
MarsabitNational Park
MarsabitNational Reserve
SibiloiNational Park
South TurkanaNational Reserve
Mount KenyaNational Park
Buffalo SpringsNational Reserve
SamburuNational Reserve
HabaNational Park
RaholeNational Reserve
RaholeNational Reserve
BisinadiNational Reserve
MeruNational
Park
NairobiNational
Park
MasaiMara National
Reserve
Shimba HillsNational Reserve
ArawaleNational Reserve
Tana RiverPrimate
National Reserve
BoniNational ReserveDodori
National Reserve
Malka MariNational Reserve
Lake NakuruNational
Park
Lamu
Kilifi
AberdareNational
Park
Nyeri
AmboseliNational Park
INDIANOCEAN
Jinja
Kapchorwa
Kampala
46
9
7
12
5
TANZANIA
ETHIOPIA
UGANDA
KENYA
3
8
37
adventUres aLoFt In operation for more than 25 years, Adventures Aloft is proud of its perfect safety record. All its
pilots are highly experienced and are commercially rated on the large-size balloons used by the company. The collective skills and knowledge of the staff ensure that guests feel completely safe and able to enjoy the experience knowing they are in good hands.
The weightless feeling you experience
in a hot air balloon creates a sense of
freedom and tranquillity. Over the years,
Adventures Aloft has become an expert
in creating memorable experiences for its
passengers. Each flight is planned with
precision so that all passengers have to do
is enjoy the view. Since operations began
in the Masai Mara, the company has built
a reputation for professional and friendly
service. The business has expanded as a
result of its growing popularity. Last year
FLYing high across east aFrica
38
reflections
the company began flights from Tarangire
National Park and added a new balloon to
its Masai Mara operations.
bird's-eYe view
Flights typically take off at 06.30 but passen-
gers are woken early so they can freshen up
and have some coffee and cake. Flights last
an hour and allow guests a phenomenal
bird’s-eye view of the landscape. A chase
crew follows the balloon, carrying equipment
and ensuring a smooth landing.
After landing, the balloon crew sets up a
champagne-style breakfast complete with
butler service, an open bar serving Bloody
In 2010 Adventures Aloft began operations in Tarangire, where it uses an A-415 Cameron balloon with a capacity of 16 passengers.
Apart from the pilot, it takes a fleet of vehicles and several members of staff to make the flights run smoothly – especially in the first year of operations. The balloon crews have years of expertise and knowledge, thus helping to ensure a continuation of the high standards that passengers expect from Adventures Aloft.
Bookings should be made in advance to avoid disappointment. Guests can either contact Adventures Aloft directly or book through a tour operator or via staff at their own camp.
Company staff collect passengers from lodges and camps throughout the park and bring them to the launch site. Typically, flights take off at sunrise. Take-off sites can vary depending on the weather, but all are easily accessible.
The balloon path is led by the prevailing winds, but mostly follows the meandering Tarangire River. The flights are peaceful and offer passengers a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife that comes to drink and cool off by the river.
On landing, guests are served breakfast on the riverbanks as they enjoy panoramic views of the Tarangire River and the cool breeze through the baobab trees. Following a hearty breakfast guests are taken on a game drive en route back to their lodge or to the drop-off point, as agreed by the tour guide.
tarangire
Guests are served breakfast on the riverbank with
panoramic views of the Tarangire River
39
Mary cocktails and a hearty English-style
breakfast. To mark this once-in-a-lifetime
adventure, each passenger receives a
certificate from the pilot as a memento of
their flight. The experience is completed by
a game drive back to camp.
Adventures Aloft abides by eco-friendly
practices and all operations are carried out
with minimal impact on the environment.
The company expects its passengers to
follow a similar code of conduct.
Each passenger receives a certificate
from the pilot as a memento of
their flight
Since 1997 Adventures Aloft has been creating memorable balloon safaris in the Masai Mara National Reserve and is now flying five balloons, with a total capacity of 76 passengers, on a daily basis.
Balloon safaris are the most outstanding way to see the annual wildebeest migra-tion, for which the Masai Mara is famous. Whatever the time of year, passengers are guaranteed a spectacular view across the reserve.
There are daily flights from two separate locations at Fig Tree Camp and Siana Springs Intrepids departing at approximately 06.30. For guests not staying at Fig Tree or Siana Springs, Adventures Aloft offers a transfer service to and from most of the camps and lodges in and around the Mara.
The company has a fleet of Cameron balloons, consisting of four A-415 balloons with a flying capacity of 16 passengers each and one A-315 balloon carrying 12 passengers.
Masai Mara nationaL reserve
40
reflections
hoteL La Mada
With just 35 guest rooms, the hotel is intimate and
friendly with many personal touches
tranqUiL haven in a bUstLing citY
It is hard to believe that La Mada Hotel is just 8 km from Nairobi city centre. This small four-star
boutique hotel is surrounded by the lush Karura Forest, home to a rich birdlife and several monkey colonies.
Ideal for those wanting to escape the noise
of the city, La Mada is a great place to relax
and unwind. The property is set in seven
acres of land with a tranquil stream running
through the grounds.
Location
With just 35 guest rooms, the hotel is intimate
and friendly with many personal touches.
There are 25 double rooms, six twin rooms
and four executive suites. All accommodation
is luxuriously furnished with crisp white linen
and towels, large wooden beds and spacious
en-suite bathrooms.
Guests can choose from a variety of
culinary delights at La Mada. In addition
to the elegant à la carte dining room, the
newly opened The Lion’s Den Restaurant
serves barbecue lunches and is located in
the forest. There is also a charming coffee
shop, perfect for an afternoon beverage,
and the pool bar serves refreshing drinks in
a picturesque setting.
Thanks to its location, the hotel has become
more and more popular for business
meetings and conferences. In response to
demand and its growing popularity, there are
now four conference halls. In addition, there
41
is a well equipped executive boardroom with
LCD projectors, computers and a secretarial
and photocopying service.
Staff are experienced in terms of organising
functions and making every conference a
success. Activities on offer include special
events in The Lion’s Den Restaurant, poolside
cocktails and live band entertainment.
There is a range of facilities aimed at making
every guest’s stay as relaxed as possible.
For example, the large swimming pool is
great for a revitalising swim, while the airport
shuttle service helps take the stress away from
travelling. In addition, there is free Wi-Fi to keep
guests fully connected.
Impressive conferencing
star rating: ****
Location: Nairobi, Thika Road
nUMber oF rooMs: 35
LeisUre: Swimming pool
dining: Two restaurants
bars: Pool bar
conFerencing: Four conference halls, one meeting room and a boardroom
entertainMent: Live bands
nearbY attractions: Karura Forest
additionaL FaciLities: Curio shop, airport shuttle service, business centre and free Wi-Fi.
Fact FiLe:
There is a range of facilities aimed at making every guest's stay as
relaxed as possible
42
reflections
Thika Road
Utalii Hotel Fox Drive In
Shell Station
Choma Zone
G.S.U.
NSISGate
From Nairobi
to Kiambu
distance estiMated tiMe
City Centre 10 km 15-20 mins
JKIA 25 km 20-40 mins
Wilson Airport 18 km 25-35 mins
43
steeped in historY
The Oakwood Hotel is a small, exclusive and perfectly located property. In fact, it’s the ideal
accommodation for guests who enjoy the hustle, bustle and non-stop nightlife of Nairobi.
The Oakwood resides in the Elite House
building, formerly Livingstone House. The
property was built in the 1950s and although
it maintains its colonial architecture it has
recently been refurbished for the comfort and
convenience of its guests. The hotel retains
some of the original features, including the
Otis lift, which is manually operated and has an
open-cage design.
popULar
In the heart of the business district, the
hotel has become increasingly popular with
business travellers who want the conven-
ience of a central location with all the
benefits of a comfortable boutique hotel.
The hotel is great for easy connections and
shuttle services to other major cities and
towns in East Africa and near the railway
station. Also in close proximity are the many
bars, restaurants and evening entertain-
ment that make Nairobi one of Africa’s most
exciting cities.
Aptly named, The Oakwood is decorated
with traditional wood furnishings and
fixtures that create a homely and warm
atmosphere.
The property was built in the 1950s and
maintains its classic old-style colonial
architecture
the oaKwood hoteL There are just 20 self-contained rooms,
all with telephone, TV, in-house video, mini
fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities.
stYLish
The hotel has a stylish bar and a restaurant with
an à la carte menu. A full traditional English
breakfast is included in the room rate.
The Oakwood offers a wide range of facili-
ties, including a business centre with Wi-Fi
connection and ample parking (at an addi-
tional cost). There is also a laundry service for
guest convenience.
Fact FiLe:
star rating: ****
Location: Kimathi Street, Nairobi
nUMber oF rooMs: 20
dining: One restaurant
bars: One bar
nearbY: Close to all business facilities.
44
reflectionsreflections
Hilton Hotel
Kimathi Street
The Stanley
Moi Avenue
Kimathi Street
Kimathi StreetKen
yatt
a A
venu
e
distance estiMated tiMe
City centre 0 km 0 mins
JKIA 12 km 20-30 mins
Wilson Airport 8 km 20 mins
45
a LUxUrY hideawaY
Kilifi Bay Beach Resort is a four-star property on the beautiful white sandy beaches of Kilifi.
The resort is small and exclusive with unspoilt panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Since it is the only hotel on this beautiful stretch of beach, guests can be sure of total peace and quiet.
The hotel gardens contain hundreds of palm
trees creating shade while the cool breeze
blows in from the ocean. All the buildings
and guest accommodation has recently been
refurbished and are painted white and the
interiors are fresh and modern.
With only 50 rooms, the resort puts
emphasis on personalised service, ensuring
that all guests are well looked after during
their stay. Each room has its own private
balcony where guests can relax with a
sundowner or just read a book.
sUndowner
To help guests unwind, a free massage
service is available. There are also two
swimming pools, perfect for a relaxing dip.
The main restaurant serves buffet breakfasts,
light lunches and sumptuous evening meals.
The dinner menu is a selection of international
cuisine, with themed nights and barbecues
throughout the week. In addition, the Tepen-
yaki restaurant offers an exotic mix of Japanese
cuisine and delicious seafood.
The resort puts emphasis on
personalised service, ensuring that all guests
are well looked after during their stay
KiLiFi baY beach resort The Coconut Bar on the beach serves snacks
and drinks throughout the day. There are
two further bar areas within the resort: one
in the lounge reception area, popular for
pre-dinner cocktails, and the Pool Bar, ideal
for a refreshing beverage while guests relax
and soak up the sun.
The hotel boat ‘Baobella’ departs throughout
the day on scenic excursions through Kilifi
Creek, with soft drinks and snacks provided.
Other water sports include snorkelling,
diving and canoeing, all of which are avail-
able from the beach.
Kilifi Bay Resort is a well established conference
venue. The atmosphere is quiet and the staff
are trained to cater for large groups. Various
activities are available for special functions,
including beach dinners, day trips to Malindi
and beach cocktail parties.
46
reflectionsreflections
Fact FiLe:
star rating: ****
Location: Kilifi
nUMber oF rooMs: 50
LeisUre: Two swimming pools, snorkelling, windsurfing, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat, big game fishing, cruises in the creek
dining: Two restaurants
bars: Three bars
conFerencing: Facilities and capacity for up to 80 delegates
entertainMent: Acrobatic shows, discos, live music and traditional African shows
nearbY attractions: Kilifi Harbour and Creek
additionaL FaciLities: Massage service
47
The atmosphere is quiet and staff are trained to cater
for large groups. Various activities are available for
special functions
Kenya
Malindi
Kilifi
Mombasa
Lamu
I N D I A N O
CE
AN
distance estiMated tiMe
Mombasa Airport 64 km 1 hr 20 mins
Railway station 58 km 1 hr 15 mins
Mombasa town 56 km 1 hr 15 mins
Malindi town 55 km 1 hr 15 mins
Malindi Airport 50 km 1 hr
48
Reflections
A little piece of pArAdise
from all-inclusive to basic bed-and-breakfast
available, guests can eat in the hotel as little
or as often as they want. The main restau-
rant serves a variety of good-tasting cuisine
and has themed nights with live enter-
tainment throughout the week including
acrobatics, discos, live music and traditional
African shows with dancers. Guests who
prefer a quieter and calmer evening may
choose to have a cocktail in one of the two
bars, or catch up on the latest news in the
TV lounge.
UltimAte
For the ultimate in relaxation, visitors can
enjoy a free massage, which is available
to all hotel guests. More active types can
BAoBAB seA lodGe Set in seven acres of tropical gardens and with 60 metres of ocean frontage, this is the ideal
place to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy the magic of the Kenyan coast.
This boutique hotel, which has recently
undergone refurbishment, is located in the
old coastal town of Kilifi, halfway between
Mombasa and Malindi. Kilifi is small, pictur-
esque and self-sufficient, with fruit markets,
small shops, two banks, a post office, a
pharmacy and a hospital. Kilifi also has many
grand houses, both alongside the creek and
overlooking the ocean.
When it comes to dining at Baobab, every
meal is fresh and unique. With meal plans
Kilifi is small and picturesque
and self-sufficient, with fruit markets, small shops, two
banks, a post office, a pharmacy and
a hospital
49
enjoy the large variety of water sports on
offer, including snorkelling, deepsea fishing,
windsurfing, scuba diving, canoeing and
a glass-bottom boat. The hotel’s boat, the
‘Baobella’, is also available for excursions in
and around Kilifi Creek.
With so much on offer, it may come as a
surprise that Baobab Sea Lodge has just
30 guest rooms. What’s more each of the
rooms has recently been refurbished for
maximum comfort. The philosophy here is
‘quality not quantity’ so that guests are well
attended by friendly and professional staff.
The Baobab Sea Lodge is a perfect venue
for conferences with a theatre-style room
available for up to 200 people. Banquets
can also be arranged in either indoor or
outdoor settings.
Star rating: ***
Location: Kilifi
number of roomS: 30
LeiSure: Two swimming pools, including a children’s pool, tennis, snorkelling, windsurfing, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat, game fishing and creek cruises
Dining: One restaurant, banquets on request
barS: Two bars and a swim-up pool bar
conferencing: One conference room, public address systems, LCD projector and computers
entertainment: Live music, theme nights and traditional African shows
nearby attractionS: Kilifi Harbour, Kilifi Creek, fruit markets and curio shops
A perfect venue for conferences with a
theatre-style room for up to 200 people
fAct file:
50
Kenya
Malindi
Kilifi
Mombasa
Lamu
I N D I A N O
CE
AN
distAnce estimAted time
Mombasa Airport 63 km 1 hr 20 mins
Railway station 55 km 1 hr 15 mins
Mombasa town 53 km 1 hr 15 mins
Malindi town 52 km 1 hr 15 mins
Malindi Airport 47 km 1 hr
Reflections
51
sky’s the limit At top qUAlity resort
The aptly named Balloon Camp, in the heart of Tarangire National Park, provides the
ultimate balloon safari experience.
The new camp, which opened in July 2011, is
a luxurious boutique-style property situated
on Boundary Hill with spectacular views
across the national park.
The philosophy at Balloon Camp is one
of quality over quantity. Accommodation
consists of just six grand safari tents with
king-sized four-poster beds and large open-
plan bathrooms. Each tent is raised on stilts
with spacious verandas from which to enjoy
Tarangire’s famously beautiful sunsets.
Of course, the camp’s main attraction is the
availability of hot air balloon safaris. Flights
depart daily from a take-off area near Tarangire
Sopa Lodge. Operations are run by the Mada-
owned company Adventures Aloft, which has
years of experience in creating memorable
adventures for its clients.
chAmpAGne
Flights typically take off at 6.30 am and
last for about an hour. On landing, the
balloon crew sets up a full English breakfast,
complete with Bloody Mary cocktails and
champagne, on a site next to the Tarangire
Each tent is raised on stilts with
spacious verandas from which to enjoy Tarangire’s famously
beautiful sunsets
BAlloon cAmpRiver. Each passenger then receives a
certificate from the pilot as a memento of
the flight. This special morning is rounded
off by a game drive en route to the lodge or
main gate.
An impressive fleet of 4x4 vehicles is
stationed at the camp, allowing guests to
enjoy games drives throughout the park.
In the evenings, guests are treated to a
gourmet meal before retiring to the lounge
bar where coffee, whisky and other drinks
are served.
52
ReflectionsReflections
fact fiLe:
Location: Tarangire, Arusha
number of roomS: Six
LeiSure: Balloon safaris
Dining: One restaurant / champagne break-fast in the park
53
An impressive fleet of 4x4 vehicles is stationed at the camp, allowing guests to
enjoy game drives
TarangireNational Park
ArushaMoshi
NabereraBabati
Mt KilimanjaroNational Park
Arusha National Park
Lake ManyaraNational Park
Boma Ngombe
Kingori
T A N Z A N I A
distAnce estimAted time
Arusha 115 km 2 hrs
Kuro Airstrip 15 km 30 mins
54
Only from Fig Tree can visitors enjoy the
special experience of moonlit champagne
bush dinners. This is a truly magical, once-in-
a-lifetime opportunity that involves a night
game drive and a candle-lit barbecue dinner
in a special conservation area.
moonlit
Breakfast, lunch and dinner (all of which are
inclusive in guests’ room rates) are served in
the main dining area. Each meal offers a huge
selection of food from a large buffet. Evenings
are lively, with local Maasai to sing and dance
for guests after their meal. The charming
tree-house coffee deck is ideal for afternoon
relaxation surrounded by trees and wildlife.
In terms of accommodation there are 35
classic safari tents and 10 superior Ngamboli
tents, all with single and double beds and
fiG tree cAmp
AdVentUres Aloft
Fig tree camp is located on the banks of the Talek River in the heart of the world-famous
Masai Mara National Reserve.
The camp has a fleet of four-wheel-drive
vehicles, all driven by professional guides who
are highly knowledgeable and always available
to answer questions. Fig Tree Camp also offers
guests a more in-depth understanding of
the local area with lectures by naturalists and
game walks led by Maasai morans.
Only from Fig Tree can visitors enjoy the special experience of moonlit champagne
bush dinners
The balloon safari company Adventures Aloft is a member of the Mada Hotels group and is based at the camp. Flights depart each morning at 06.30. The experience offers guests a bird’s-eye view of the Mara as they watch the sun rise over the plains. To top off this special occasion, a full champagne-style breakfast complete with open bar is organised on the landing site to celebrate the flight.
55
Reflections
A wArm welcome to the mAsAi mArA
private patio on the banks of the Talek River.
Guests looking for a more luxurious travelling
experience could choose to stay in one of
the 27 garden chalets, each with its own
private balcony. The rooms are tastefully
furnished with modern facilities.
conference
New additions at Fig Tree Camp include
conference facilities, offering a perfect
venue for those seeking a private retreat
in a safari setting. Equipment includes LCD
projectors, computers and a secretarial and
photocopying service.
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve
number of roomS: 70
LeiSure: Balloon safaris, game drives, nature walks, massage service and a swimming pool
Dining: One buffet-style restaurant, bush dinners
barS: Two bars and a tree-house coffee deck
conferencing: Two conference rooms
entertainment: Champagne bush dinners and guest lectures
acceSS: Airstrip nearby. Guests can fly in from either Nairobi or Mombasa
Guests looking for a more luxurious
travelling experience could choose to stay
in one of the 27 garden chalets
fAct file:
56
Kenya
Tanzania
Mara River
Talek Gate
Talek River
SekenaniGate
Masai MaraNational Reserve
distAnce estimAted time
Nairobi 240 km 4 hrs 30 mins
Narok 110 km 2 hrs
Keekerok airstrip 24 km 40 mins
Ol Kiombo airstrip 14 km 30 mins
Reflections
57
spectAcUlAr Views of moUnt kilimAnjAro
Located in Amboseli National Park, the newest addition to the Mada portfolio, Kilima
Safari Camp, is set in 360 acres and has commanding views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
In terms of accommodation, there is a choice
of 50 classic safari tents, 10 superior tents and
12 luxury lodge rooms. Clients can view game
from the comfort of their own room as they
come to drink at the nearby waterhole, which
attracts a wide variety of animals and birds.
There is an impressive fleet of 4x4 vehicles
so that guests can enjoy game drives in
comfort and style. The professional driver
guides are very knowledgeable, allowing
clients to get the most from their safari
experience.
Kilima Safari Camp offers a great selection of
activities. In addition to classic game drives,
Maasai morans are available to take clients
on game walks, while a local naturalist offers
free lectures about the local environment.
Those looking to relax and unwind can
make use of the massage room, which
offers a variety of treatments. Alternatively,
the ornate swimming pool is perfect for a
refreshing dip after a morning game drive.
Kilima’s culinary delights include moonlit
bush dinners, a magical experience that
In addition to classic game drives, Maasai morans can
take clients on game walks
kilimA sAfAri cAmpoffers guests the chance to dine under
the stars in the Amboseli. The camp also has
a fine restaurant serving a hearty breakfast, a
buffet lunch and delicious evening meals.
splendid
For guests at Kilima, the three-storey
Kibo Lounge is a true high point, in more
ways than one. Situated in the centre of
the dining room, the lounge is actually
a look-out tower with splendid views of
Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park
and the waterholes in front of the camp.
This is a perfect place for guests to relax,
watch the sunrise with a morning cappuc-
cino or just gaze at the stars after dinner.
58
ReflectionsReflections
fact fiLe:
Location: Amboseli National Park
number of roomS: 72
LeiSure: Game drives and nature walks
Dining: Restaurant and bush dinners
entertainment: Guest lectures
nearby attractionS: Mount Kilimanjaro
aDDitionaL faciLitieS: Resident nurse, massage service, excursions
59
The camp has a strategic location with panoramic views of Mt Kilimanjaro
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Nairobi
to Mombasa
AmboseliNational Park
Emali
distAnce estimAted time
Nairobi 235 km 5 hrs
Namanga 80 km 2 hrs
Amboseli airstrip 12 km 20 mins
60
Reflections
the ideAl weekend GetAwAy
public areas and the colonial-style accom-
modation have been designed to give
guests Nile-facing views.
options
There are various dining options. The
elegant main restaurant seats up to 150
guests at a time. It has a terrace overlooking
the swimming pool and offers an excellent
view of the River Nile and the surrounding
countryside. The equally spacious Confer-
ence Dining Room is located near the
conference halls for fast and efficient service
to delegates. It has an independent bar for
serving refreshments to conference and
workshop attendees.
jinjA nile resort
It’s easy to see why Jinja Nile Resort has been voted ‘Best Weekend Getaway’ and ‘Best
Country Hotel in Uganda’ by Travel News magazine for five years in a row.
The resort commands a strategic location
providing a panoramic view of the River Nile
and offers some of the finest accommoda-
tion and hospitality in Uganda.
lUsh GArdens
Popular with both business travellers and
tourists, the resort is spread over 75 acres of
lush gardens with beautifully landscaped
lawns, palm trees and tropical plants. All
The elegant main restaurant seats up to 150 guests and has a terrace with
excellent views61
The newly opened Nile Palace is a restaurant
and bar located on a 20 metre cliff over the
river. With its unique location and exquisite
food, the restaurant has become popular as
a venue for special events.
eqUipment
The heath club features Italian Technogym
equipment as well as a sauna, a steam bath
and a massage room.
In terms of business facilities, the resort
has three conference halls, three meeting
rooms and a boardroom. For larger events
and outdoor concerts, Jinja Nile Resort has
a large amphitheatre, facing the river, with a
capacity of 3,000 people.
Star rating: *****
Location: 4 km from Jinja town centre
number of roomS: 134
LeiSure: Gym, health club, swimming pool, badminton, three pool tables, squash court, sauna, steam bath, massage service and a tennis court
Dining: Three restaurants, plus two private dining rooms
barS: Five bars
conferencing: Three conference halls, three meeting rooms and a boardroom
entertainment: Weekend discos
nearby attractionS: Nine-hole golf course
aDDitionaL faciLitieS: Children’s park, experienced nannies and gift shop
The resort has three conference halls,
three meeting rooms and a boardroom.
There is also a large amphitheatre facing
the river with a capacity of 3,000 people
fAct file:
62
Luwero
Kampala
Mpigi
Port Bell
Entebbe
Jinja
distAnce estimAted time
Entebbe Airport 105 km 1 hr 30 mins
Kampala 75 km 1 hr
Jinja town 4 km 15 mins
Malaba 135 km 2 hrs
Reflections
63
mark kumara Group executive chef
inGredients:
• Duck breast
• Red wine
• Onions
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Pumpkin
• Pickled onion
• Orange
• Honey
• Fresh breadcrumbs
• Mixed herbs
• Soy sauce
• Salt
• Pepper
honey GlAze crispy dUck with orAnGe And red wine emUlsion
whAt’s cookinG
1. Take the duck breast and season with herbs. After seasoning, make some cross-cuts with a sharp knife on the duck skin.
2. Add honey and grill until lightly cooked. In a shallow baking tray, put the duck in the oven to cook until crispy.
3. Take a thick-bottomed pan and add sugar, orange juice and red wine and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and then grate fresh bread crumbs and mix with herbs.
4. For the pumpkin base, boil the skinned pumpkin and make into a purée. Season according to taste. Lightly spread some of the purée on to a dinner plate, place the sliced duck breast on top of the purée.
5. Sprinkle with herbs and crumbs and put in the oven until brown. Remove from oven and lightly dress with red wine sauce. Garnish with pickled onion and herbs. Serve hot.
method
64
M A G A Z I N E