Dear Partner,

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, Kenya's revenue from tourism closed at Kshs. 81.96 Billion in October 2011 compared to Kshs 56.72 Billion in the similar period last year, marking an increase of 44.4%.

Although the region was 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 areas, tourism has remained on its feet and this growth is expected to continue.

Private Safaris also achieved a number of milestones and we are optimistic that 2012 will mark further growth. We are confident to share a fruitful year.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous Happy New Year!

Thomas Iten
Managing Director, Private Safaris East Africa

back to top

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 has a capacity of 211 seats, 106 of which are Apollo's - Kuoni.

1time Airline to begin flights from Mombasa to Johannesburg

South African Airline, 1time, has announced it will 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 Jordan to Kenya

In addition to the existing network in the African continent, Royal Jordanian, Jordan’s National Airline has introduced flights from Amman, the capital city of Jordan to Nairobi effective 16th December 2011. The airline will operate four weekly flights between Amman and Nairobi.

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.

Growth

In line with the growth experienced this year, there was notable expansion in various departments across the company.

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

New Heads of Department

Mr. Arnold Muteti (left picture) took over as the head of Information Technology in June 2011 to spearhead IT functions. Among his immediate projects were to upgrade systems to the latest Microsoft platforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency of operations.

John Chege (right picture) joined the Private Safaris team as Head of Finance Department in July 2011.

We wish them all the success!

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 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 had worked on an average of 14 years.

Among these, were Moses Kenga & Dominic Achevi in Administration department. Stanely Kibwanga and Grace Mwathi of Finance department. Rueben Ludope & Joseph Mburugu, Stephen Wang’anga, Kiprop Kimetto, Kaingu Mae Maere and Francis Nyambu all from Operations department. Medline Ndung’u, Sales & Marketing. Ruth Chege, M.I.C.E department. Elizabeth Ogolla, Product department and Mary Mutuku of IT department.

The day ended with a beach party after an informal dinner. The event was highly appreciated, much as it 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. We congratulate and wish them all the best!

back to top

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.