Dear Partner,

Greetings from Private Safaris East Africa. The festive season is here again. It has been an exciting year for us, more so because of your continued support that has immensely contributed towards business growth. Although the tourism sector faced a number of setbacks this year, we have experienced significant improvement in our infrastructure, increased tourism facilities and resources, which are fundamental to growth.

East Africa remains a top leading destination with Rwanda ranking among the top 10 world adventurous places for 2013 while Uganda was voted the best tourism destination in 2012 according to Globe Spots, an international travel guide for tourists.

As we approach the new year, We look forward to making the holidays and safaris more experiential and exciting. We take this opportunity to wish you a happy festive season.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

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Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa Refurbishment
The ongoing refurbishment process at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa has seen the successful completion of 54 rooms. The remaining 47 rooms are expected to be done by December 2012, making a total of 102 new rooms.

In addition to the modern inspired designs and comfortable setting, features in the rooms include a pergola balcony with sun beds and chairs, 6 hub entertainment port (USB, HDM1, SVideo, audio, international socket, data), flat LED screen smart interactive TV, original hand painted art, bathtub with /shower cubicle with “rain shower”, radio volume knob, electric make up room, magnifying mirror, double door lock, door bell, bathroom phones, mood lights, reading table, sprinklers and smoke detectors, antique brass lights, digital safe and lit door numbers / ominity keycard.

The second phase scheduled to commence from 1st February through to November 30th, will embark on the remodeling 66 rooms in the first half of the year and another 60 rooms in the second half. Ongoing renovations will not interfere with the daily operations of the hotel.

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Cheli & Peacock Property Porfolio
Beginning December 2012, The Cheli & Peacock team will manage the following on their property portfolio: Elsa's Kopje, Joys Camp, Kitich Camp, Lewa Safari Camp, Tortilis Camp, Elephant Pepper Camp, Loisaba, Cottars 1920's Safari Camp and Kiwayu which is currently closed. In effect, it will no longer manage Olpejeta Bush Camp, Kinondo Kwetu and Saruni Camps.

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Aerolink Increases Scheduled Flights to Kidepo and Kisoro
AeroLink Uganda, has introduced a scheduled flight service in Uganda to serve the remote Kisoro and Kidepo airstrips. Kisoro airstrip mainly serves visitors for gorilla trekking in southern Bwindi.

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Sultan Palace Hotel Annual Closure
Sultan Palace Hotel situated in Zanzibar is scheduled to close temporarily for its annual closure beginning the 2nd April to 30th June 2013. Until then, operations will continue as usual.

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Hideaway Nungwi Zanzibar to Open on 1st March 2013
The opening of Hideaway Nungwi in Zanzibar initially scheduled to open in October 2012 has been postponed to 1st March 2013. This comes following delays at the Der-es-Salaam Port thereby delaying the materials required to facilitate towards completion. The Grand Opening of the Resort will be communicated in due cause.


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Safarilink Introduces a New Service

Safarilink is set to introduce two new services to its network of flights effective June 2013. The additional routes will offer the long anticipated reverse service from Masai Mara to Laikipia and from Laikipia to Wilson. The timings will be 1400hrs and 1545hrs respectively. This will however vary depending on the routing of the aircraft due to passenger loads.

The flights will operate from 3 airstrips in Masai Mara to Nanyuki, Samburu, Loisaba and Lewa Downs. Operations will initially operate from 15 June to 31 October 2013 and thereafter during high season (Mid December to end of March and again from Mid June to end October). The expected minimum number of passengers is 02 per trip to either of the destinations.

White Water Rafting

Experience a unique and exciting incentive in Kenya’s highland region. White Water Rafting stands out as one the most exciting activities to engage in. While adventure is the epitome of this program, team work compliments the experience. 
Upon pick up, embark on a journey to Savage Wilderness Camp, about one and a half hours from Nairobi in comfortable safari vans through the newly constructed super highway. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to sight the largest pineapple farm in Kenya.

On arrival you are welcomed by the team and served with refreshments thereafter briefed by a guide on the days’ program. The Tana River is a pool drop river. Depending on the water levels you may raft for 8-16km of the river. A full trip starts with 3 km of easy class II and III white water, with plenty of opportunity to gain practice in the paddle skills required to run the lower part of the river.

A 6 km section follows with an hour or so of relaxation to view the abundance of bird life around. Here, you can cool off with a swim in the warm water. The final 7 km of river back to the campsite starts with some easy class III water where paddle commands are gone over again. It is now the 3 big rapids (class 4 and 5) with names like Captains Folly, Can of Worms (because of its four 90 degree bends in succession), and Sphincter Flexor. Subject to water levels you may be able to “surf” in the “fish-eye” hole then swim the next couple of minor rapids. Numerous smaller rapids bring one to the class 5 Spasm, a series of drops over ¾ km section with a big surprise half way through! From here a 15 minute float brings you back to camp.

For a lesser involving activity, engage in 2 to 3 hours nature walk with some of the knowledgeable guides to learn more on flora and fauna, visit the scenic mission waterfall and enjoy a swim upon return or relax in either of the two patios available. The activities are later concluded with barbecue lunch on the camp lawns.

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