Zerotwonine

Karen Blixen and Robert Redford were long the “international representatives” of Kenya. From all over the world, tourists travelled to the country not only to have their own “Out of Africa” experience, but also to smell the Kenyan air. With the election of Barack Obama as the US President, who now out of nowhere, has many relatives from this East African nation - the homeland of his father – Kenya reckons it will again gain strength from an international travel and tourism boom.

We took a non-stop night flight from Frankfurt to Mombasa with Condor and then to Nairobi with Kenya Airways. With a view of the legendary, partially snow-covered, partially cloud-covered Kilimanjaro, the feelings of “Hakuna Matata” were already there.

A clear selection of unique overnight possibilities lay outside of the tourist centres with high international standards. The Naivasha Sopa Lodge, near the border of the Massai Mara Game Reserve or the Mara Sarova Camp Lodge, located within the park, embody the original British big game hunting atmosphere of the late 1920’s.

The numerous hotel amenities on offer, the countless complimentary services offered and the always cheerful “helpful spirit” continuously confirm that our choice was worthwhile. Even more impressive and compulsory are the early morning game drives, accompanied by local game keepers and drivers, or the spectacular sunsets in the savannah of the Massai Mara in the luxury camps of the Mara Simba Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge, Mara Intrepids Camp and in both Governer’s Camp – all cater to the every wish of even the most demanding traveller. This type of travel has its price, but it’s worth it. Nowhere is luxury and nature so harmoniously united and where you can experience an unforgettable and real adventure.

If the “Obama Boom” brings about even the slightest of what its people and land have actually been promised, then the outlook of Kenya’s future is remarkable.

Annette-Constanze Posch