BUSH ‘N BEACH “FAM-TASTERS†IN KENYA

 

 

L – R: Victoria Cox (Virgin Holidays), Nicola Poole (Travelbag), James (Serena guide), Louise Sword (Titan HiTours), Melanie Dawson (Rainbow Tours), Zohra Fraine (Travel 2) and host Kevin Keating (Ethos Marketing).

April 2008 saw Kenya Airways and Ethos Marketing, the UK office for Serena Hotels, kicking off some of the first trade fam trips to re-launch Kenya with a series of three 5-day ‘bush and beach’ itineraries. With just 3 days on the ground, the trips were brief “tasters” of what Kenya has to offer – and that the country is again safe, operational and waiting for business to return to normal!

The first group of operators departed on 14th April 2008 and headed straight from Nairobi to the Sweetwaters Tented Camp and Ol Pejeta House for their first night on safari, then down to Serena Beach Hotel and Spa, north of Mombasa for 2 nights on the beach. The group included Victoria Cox (Virgin Holidays), Zohra Fraine (Travel 2), Melanie Dawson (Rainbow Tours), Nicola Poole (Travelbag), Louise Sword (Titan HiTours) and host Kevin Keating from Ethos Marketing, Serena Hotels’ UK office.

The next group departed on 22nd April, jetting off for their first night in the luxurious Mara Serena Safari Lodge , before heading down for 2 nights of sand, surf and sun at the Serena Beach Hotel and Spa. This group included Adam Parker (Virgin Holidays), Maxine Paul (Travel 2), Lindsay Willis (Titan HiTours), Oliver Lomas (Travelbag) and Rebecca Barnes (Trailfinders).

The last group departed on 29th April, travelling to the Serena lodges in Amboseli and Kilaguni in Tsavo West for one night each and then driving on to Serena Beach and Spa for their last night. The group included Jodie Rudd (Virgin Holidays), Jonathan Cooper (Travel 2), Melanie Wilson (Saga Holidays), Sarah Phillips (Travelbag) and Jeremy Thompson-Smith (Trailfinders).

Some Comments:

Ø Kenya Airways surpassed all expectations. Business Class was fantastic!

Ø The spa and pool facilities at Serena Beach were fantastic.

Ø On our glass bottom boat excursion, the guides were fantastic at finding us wonderful fish on our snorkelling adventure. We even managed to see a turtle through the boat

Ø I can’t wait to go back!

Ø Sweetwaters was very unique – the first tented camp I have ever stayed in. Facilities for a tent were excellent

Ø The Chimpanzee Sanctuary at Sweetwaters was one of the best ‘game’ experiences I have ever had. I could have watched them for hours. Morani the friendly rhino at Sweetwaters… Wow – another amazing experience, I recommend people put ‘touching a rhino’ onto there list of things to achieve in their lifetime.

Ø The Nairobi Serena is the right market for our clients. The hotel has a high standard, features great facilities and has a great location.

Ø At Mara Serena the Hippo Breakfast was sensational.

Ø The accommodation at Amboseli Serena was luxurious and of a very high standard. It had everything I required and I felt very comfortable there. The food was generally excellent.

Ø Kilaguni Serena has a spectacular location right in the heart of the park. The game viewing was excellent and we were offered plenty of opportunities to see the animals

Images can be downloaded from http://s276.photobucket.com/albums/kk18/kevkeating123/. Click here for the Photo Above .