As we approach the end of the year, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to all our partners who have greatly contributed to the success of this year.  2011 was yet another good year marked with significant growth in Kenya’s tourism.

The results were notably higher than 2010 recording 16% growth by end of October 2011. Arrivals were at 1,039,852 compared to 896,228 for the same period in 2010. This was seen as a result of efforts on diversification of source markets, ventures into emerging economies, incoming new charters and scheduled airlines. Consequently, the end of October closed at Kshs. 81.96 Billion compared to Kshs 56.72 Billion in the similar period last year marking an increase of 44.4% compared to the same period last year.

Although we were faced with a number of challenges including famine in the Northern horn of Africa, and hiccups brought about by the Al Shabaab attacks in the coastal region, tourism has remained on its feet and this growth is expected to continue. Private Safaris achieved a number of milestones notable from increased sales and acquisition of new partners across the globe.

We are optimistic that 2012 will mark further growth and in spite being an election year, we are hopeful to share a fruitful year.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous Happy New Year!

Thomas Iten
Managing Director, Private Safaris East Africa

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Air Uganda Starts Mombasa & Zanzibar Service

Air Uganda has introduced a new service to Mombasa and Zanzibar from 11th December 2011. The overall frequency to Mombasa is twice weekly, but is scheduled to increase to thrice from 17th January 2012. Consequently, Zanzibar service is operating twice weekly, but will reduce to once effective 13th January 2012.

Swedish Charter Begins Flights to Mombasa

Kenya’s tourism has received a major boost since the introduction of Novair weekly flights from Stockholm, Sweden to Mombasa from 1st Dec 2011. 
The charter flights operate from Stockholm, Sweden to Mombasa once a week with 211 seats, among which 106 seats of these are operated by Apollo - Kuoni.

1time Airline to begin flights from Mombasa to Johannesburg

1time airline has announced to begin operations between Johannesburg and Mombasa’s Moi International Airport. 1Time will have flights to Mombasa and back twice a week from Johannesburg, starting early March 2012. This is the only carrier that will be flying directly between the two cities and is expected to cost a lot cheaper.

New flights from Nairobi to Jordan

In addition to the existing network in the African continent, Royal Jordanian, Jordan’s National Airline has introduced flights from Nairobi to Amman the capital city of Jordan. Effective 16th December 2011, the airline operates four weekly flights between Nairobi and Amman. The new route is expected to attract tourists keen to visit the many important religious sites in the region.

Departmental Growth

In line with the growth experienced this year, there was notable expansion in various departments across the company with most enrolling new employees to add value or ease the burden of the increasing tasks, all in a bid to offer client value.

Under the Management of Mr. Michael Njogu, The Sales and Marketing department particularly was revamped to a now fully-fledged department comprising of 5 employees. This growth is expected to increase the client base and market share both locally and internationally.

New Heads of Department

Mr. Arnold Muteti took over as the head of Information Technology in June 2011 to spearhead IT functions. Among this, immediate projects were the upgrade of systems to the latest Microsoft platform and core databases all aimed at enhancing the efficiency of operations.

John Chege joined the Private Safaris team to head the finance department. Since his engagement in July 2011, His vast experience is expected to go a long way in implementation of key functions within the department.

End of Year Party

The Private Safaris East Africa team marked the end of the year with a fantastic Christmas party themed Sun Sand Party on the 11th of December 2011. The party brought together staff from all branches together to a fun filled day of activities. To start off the day, was a boat ride excursion into the deep seas where activities such as snorkeling, fish and coral viewing on glass bottomed boat took place.

Swimming with the fish on the clear blue waters under the African sun was an awesome experience for many while the experience of high tides on the way back gave mixed feelings of thrill and panic. Various sports including beach soccer, volley ball and water sports engaged the staff throughout the afternoon.

In the evening a cocktail party was held and Mr. Thomas Iten, the Managing Director of Private Safaris gave a speech whose highlight was appreciating everyone for the performance throughout the year stating that until October it had been an indeed a successful year. He went on to give awards to the longest serving employees in various departments who worked on an average of 14 years. Among these, were Moses Kenga & Dominic Achevi, Administration department. Stanely Kibwanga and Grace Mwathi, Finance department. Rueben Ludope & Joseph Mburugu, Stephen Wang’anga, Kiprop Kimetto, Kaingu Mae Maere and Francis Nyambu, Operations department. Medline Ndung’u, Sales & Marketing. Ruth Chege M.I.C.E department. Elizabeth Ogolla Product department and Mary Mutuku IT department.

The day was wrapped up with a beach party set within a relaxed setting where the staff interacted extensively through dining and dance, a moment that only takes place once a year.

Private Safaris Babies

This year, the team of Private Safaris celebrated with colleagues from Nairobi and Mombasa offices who were blessed with beautiful bundles of Joy. Among them, Mr. Cleophas Mong'are, Rahab Wamaitha, Nelly Sawe, Nicholas Kioko, Anne Mwaura, Christopher, Carol Muriungi, Grace Mwathi, Florence Mwanje, Bikao Kadrow, Edwin Chumo, Eunice Omido and Faith Kibe.

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Clients Feedback - Pick of the month.

Tsavo Safari - Better than excellent
Ravenel Allain & Seity Valerie,

Big Five Safari - Friendly reception and perfect timing.
Meyer, Christian & Claudia, Germany

Abentuer Busch - Highly recommended and many thanks to David. Kurzdorfer/ Mattausch

Upcoming Public Holidays

The Private Safaris offices in Nairobi and Mombasa will remain closed for Christmas Holiday i.e 25th, 26th December 2011.

Also, 1st & 2nd January 2012, will be public holidays here in Kenya. For any urgent matters, please contact.

Nairobi:    +254 720 611 611
Mombasa: +254 722 509 894

The Management & Entire team of Private Safaris wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.