540 magazine - issue 9 - may 2013
DESCRIPTION
540, the in-flight magazine for Fly540 is published by Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd. on behalf of Fly540. Fly540 - Africa's low cost airline.TRANSCRIPT
ISSUE 09 MAY - JULY 2013
ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LATEST RELEASES • 540 NEWS • JUBA CITY GUIDE
EAST AFRICA: LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
4x4 WITH THE X-FACTOR
VICTOR WANYAMA
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Nissan X-Trail
Will Kenyan soccer star leave Celtic?
Karen’s Talisman
ProductReview
MotorReview
Blackberry Z10
ALL THE SIGNS POINT TO A BIG ECONOMIC UPTURN
27
3009
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is published by
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on behalf of
Fly540 aViationRiverside Green Suites, Palm Suite, Riverside drive Po Box 10293-00100, nairobi, Kenyatel: +254 (0)20 445 2391/2/3/4/5Email info@fl y540.comwww.fl y540.com
the opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, or any other organisa-tion associated with this publication. no liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions.
©2013 Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd
SPECIaL FEatuRES
03 IN THIS ISSUE Welcome to the new issue
09 LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
all the signs point to an economic upturn
14 LAKE BOGORIA NATIONAL RESERVE
Spectacular lake that inspired a president
22 KISITE MARINE PARK a marine wonderland awaiting
discovery
30 VICTOR WANYAMA Will Kenyan soccer star leave Celtic?
39 CHINUA ACHEBE turbulent times that produced
a literary giant
uSEFuL InFoRMatIon
36 THE FLY540 NETWORK
42 TRAVEL INFORMATION Essential travel and visa information
44 FLY540 FLEET
48 FLY540 CONTACTS
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Issue 9 - MaY - JuLY
Contents
REGuLaR FEatuRES
05 MYWORLD africa’s last unexplored wilderness
13 LOOKINSIDE Flagship hotel offers 1930s-style
opulence
19 BUSINESSHub Future looks bright for no 1 cargo
gateway
25 FOODFORTHOUGHT Karen’s talisman Restaurant
27 ProductReview Blackberry Z10
28 LATEST RELEASES Coming to a screen near you...
33 CITYGUIDE Juba
34 MotorReview nissan X-trail
46 KIDZ CORNER
@fl y540aviation
www.facebook.com/pages/Fly-540
ConneCt With Fly540
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Welcome to the latest edition of 540 – Fly540’s quarterly
in-fl ight magazine.and what a momentous three
months it has been. Kenya held peaceful general elections and, as a result, the country has a new presi-dent, uhuru Kenyatta.
In fact, Lake Bogoria, which we visit in this issue, is said to be the fi rst president’s favourite place to camp. of course, Kenya has much better known lakes – naivasha and nakuru, for instance – so Lake Bogoria tends to be rather overlooked, which is a pity. anyway, I hope that, in our small way, we are making amends.
Mr Kenyatta comes to power at a propitious moment. In economic terms, East africa is poised for take-off and Kenya, in particular, is expecting to see growth accelerate in the coming months now that the election is out of the way. this magazine sets the scene for the coming boom.
the gateway for much of East africa’s growing foreign trade is the sometimes unfairly criticised Port of Mombasa. 540 magazine puts the nation’s only major seaport under the spotlight.
a long, hard football season is coming to an end in Europe. one of the stand-out stars in recent month has been Kenya’s Victor Wanyama. In this issue we look at the rise and rise of young Mr Wanyama and try to predict where he will be playing next season. Fingers crossed that we have guessed right, otherwise, this column will start with an apology in the next issue (due out in the fi rst week of August).
en route
If you are reading this maga-zine en route to Juba, then perhaps you’re staying in South Sudan’s capital and won’t venture out too much. as we illustrate, this would be a pity because, perhaps surprisingly, South Sudan has some of the best game-viewing in africa.
In our regular car review spot, we consider the merits of the new nissan X-trail. the soft-roader is popular in East africa as a cheaper alternative to toyota’s class-leading RaV 4. Let’s see how it compares.
Enjoy your fl ight with Fly540.
Gary GimsonPublisher, 540 magazine
in thisissue
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In thIS ISSuE
Our “City guide” section on page 33 takes a look at Juba. With ideas on where to stay, what to do and where to eat, as well as practical information you could need during a visit.
GREat LaKE, GREat PoRt, GREat FootBaLLER, GREat ISSuE
CITYGuIdE
LATESTRELEASES
look out For...
Below: Food for thought, page 25.
In our “latest releases” section on page 28 you can fi nd up to date information and reviews for the latest fi lm and book releases. One of the fi lms featured in this issue is Oblivion.
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It’s a sad fact that South Sudan is little visited by tourists. this unhappy situation is set to
change as the fl edgling state begins to promote its largely undiscovered and often unique wildlife to the wider world.
a major step forward was taken in March when, for the first time, South Sudan displayed its wares on its own stand at ItB Berlin, the world’s largest travel trade show, held annually in the German capital.
the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation & tourism is clearly developing strategies with scarce resources to harness this potentially important sector for the nation’s economy.
South Sudan starts at a huge disadvantage, however, in terms of its tourism infrastructure. there are few roads, and no camps or lodges in its national parks, and it will be some time before these can be established.
Yet the potential is huge. there are six national parks and 13 game reserves covering about 11 per cent
happy FaCes
Above: Children selling cooked corn
aFriCa’s last uneXploreD WilDerness
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MyWorld: South Sudan
of the nation’s total land area. Most of these protected areas were created in theory, so their boundaries are a little hazy and have never been formalised.
surVeys
Recent surveys by the government in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society reveal that these parks and reserves have a diverse range of species. thankfully, these areas were mostly inaccessible to local people during the civil war and, surprisingly, are still inhabited by large animal populations.
South Sudan is home to the world’s largest wetland area, the Sudd, covering 30,000 sq km, as well as to one of the largest untouched savanna and woodland ecosystems remaining in africa.
South Sudan’s wildlife status can be characterised as follows:
• one of the world’s largest antelope migrations, comprising 1.2 million
white-eared kob, mongalla (an antelope similar to a thomson’s gazelle) and tiang (which resembles a topi), rivalling in many ways the Serengeti/Mara wildebeest migration.
• about 4,000 elephant and viable populations of other large species such as giraffe, buffalo and the endemic nile lechwe.
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MyWorld: South Sudan
• Large carnivore species such as lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog.
It’s not all good news, however, as South Sudan’s amazing wildlife heritage is now threatened by an increase in commercial poaching, human encroachment and oil exploration. Some species, including zebra, hartebeest and buffalo, have been badly affected during the civil war and are now at risk of disappearing.
Migration
the 10,000 sq km Bandingilo national Park, in a wooded area close to the White nile, has two claims to fame: it is home to the world’s second-largest animal migration (after the Mara/Serengeti) and is also one of the least visited national parks in the world. this latter fact is a reflection of its location and lack of tourist facilities rather than its attractiveness as a national park.
the Bandingilo migration comprises a different group of animals from the wildebeest and zebra that make up the herds to the south. Bandingilo’s migration is reedbuck, tiang and white-ear kob. the park also contains extensive marshlands and supports large bird populations. although it is a major wildlife area, somewhat unbelievably the park lies within a total oil drilling concession.
the giant 22,800 sq km Boma national Park lies close to the Ethiopian border, contiguous with that country’s Gambela national Park, and is home to white-eared kob, tiang and the mongalla. the park also contains buffalo, elephant, leopard, zebra, oryx, hartebeest and cheetah.
the 23,000 sq km Southern national Park is one of africa’s largest, but like many others is rarely visited and little known by wildlife enthusiasts.
the tiny 410 sq km nimule national Park is right on the border with uganda
in the extreme south. again, the park is rarely visited. It contains elephant, hippo, warthog, ugandan kob, baboon and vervet monkey. a one-day permit will cost the visitor a hefty uS$70.00
Central
the 620 sq km Shambe national Park is in the central area. It lies west of the road between Yei and Maridi town bordering the democratic Republic of Congo’s Garamba national Park. the vegetation of Shambe national Park supports a huge population of elephant, buffalo, baboon, a variety of antelope and ostrich.
In addition to the parks, there are several game reserves across South Sudan with a variety of animal species, including some of great significance. For instance:
the rain forest reserve of Bangangai, on the Sudan-Congo border, west of
Yambio town, was originally set up to conserve and protect the near threat-ened lowland bongo. the reserve is also home to leopard, chimpanzee, baboon, giant forest hog, bushbuck and warthog.
Kidepo Valley national Park in
uganda is thought to be that country’s finest wildlife reserve and one with tremendous potential; but South Sudan can match this with its own Kidepo Game Reserve. the reserve, with its naturally occurring coconut plantation, has cheetah, wild dog, kudu, buffalo and elephant.
WilDliFe
the 9,700 sq km Zeraf Game Reserve, within in the Sudd, is thought to contain about half the country’s population of elephant and is also home to nile lechwe, sitatunga (as would be expected in a swamp) and hippo.
South Sudan, then, has wildlife aplenty, but almost no tourism. however, if the large number of visitors to South Sudan’s ItB stand is any guide, then Kenya and tanzania may soon be looking at a new rival for those tourism dollars.
‘there are several game reserves across South Sudan with a variety of animal species, including some of great significance’
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EaSt aFRICa: BooM TIME
Is East Africa about to experience the mother of all economic booms?
It seems so. at a time of uncertainty and general
gloom elsewhere, especially in Europe, the continent of africa stands out as a beacon of optimism. and with good reason.
as a subregion, East africa has enjoyed the same rip-roaring economic
success as the rest of the continent; now it is poised to turbo-charge its performance still further as key factors come together to create almost laboratory-like conditions for growth.
speCtaCular
the vital building blocks are in place: political stability, big new energy fi nds, ongoing inward investment by the Chinese and others, and the comple-tion of spectacular new infrastructural projects. In turn, this is underpinned by a young, willing and increasingly well-educated workforce eager to embrace new technology. Meanwhile,
EAST AFRICA:
let the gooD tiMes roll
‘now we have the prospect of East africa’s own ‘simba’ economies as uganda, tanzania and Kenya step on the gas, both literally and metaphorically’
The chief beneficiary of this influx of business visitors is nairobi, where a new hotel seems to open every other month, with more on the way.
epiCentre
Like or not, nairobi is the region’s undisputed commercial epicentre; it has the hotels and flights and is home
to the regional headquarters of major corporations. the Kenyan capital still suffers from chronic infrastructure constraints, as this year’s short rains have once again demonstrated. this, too, is changing, however, and nairobi is finally addressing its transport shortcomings by creating new roads and commuter rail systems, not to mention a new airport terminal at Jomo Kenyatta airport. and, thanks to the Chinese and Japanese, Kenya – more generally – is adding a new port at Lamu and a new container terminal in Mombasa.
a barometer of Kenya’s growing status is the city’s real estate market.
aid money continues to pour in – often and perversely from those increas-ingly impoverished countries in Europe which can no longer afford to give it.
CoMparisons
as a result, comparisons are now being made between East africa and the Far East of 30 years ago. In the past there was much talk of asian ‘tigers’. now we have the prospect of East africa’s own ‘simba’ economies as uganda, tanzania and Kenya step on the gas, both liter-ally and metaphorically.
all three nations enjoyed strong growth in 2012 and the trio are set to do even better this year. In fact, new president uhuru Kenyatta has pledged to push Kenya’s annual growth rate to 10 per cent.
prospeCts
In short, the region has never been in better economic shape and its busi-ness prospects have never looked more propitious. the only possible cloud on the horizon is the Kenyan government’s public sector debt and a widening current account deficit coupled with an excessively high state wage bill.
But, ignoring any possible downside risk and seeing slim pickings else-where, foreign investors are almost falling over themselves to get a slice of the East african action. and with even bigger projects coming down
the track, one can expect to see more foreign executives on flights to Nairobi, Entebbe and dar es Salaam.
Clearly, top city centre hotels are the first to feel the impact of these free-spending, expense account executives lining the lobbies and filling the bars and coffee shops to make deals with the region’s decision-makers.
10 Issue 9
‘the region has never been in better economic shape and its business prospects have never looked more propitious’
eConoMy hotting up
Left: Nodding donkeys are on their way Below: Expect more high rise
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Property values in the city increased again in 2012 as a 10-year boom showed no sign of ending. on some measures, nairobi has seen the world’s fastest-growing property prices in recent years. other East african capitals have also seen strong price growth.
ConFiDent
also, on the horizon, there is oil. the UK’s Tullow Oil seems fairly confident it has found oil in commercial quantities in turkana. the prospect of petroleum revenues will do much to ease concern elsewhere about government income from taxation and the like.
EaSt aFRICa: BooM TIME
and it is oil – or, more strictly speaking, energy – that holds the long-term key to higher living standards elsewhere in East africa.
uganda, too, will be energy-rich soon. heritage oil has discovered oil reserves worth $7 billion at today’s prices. But production is unlikely to start much before 2017.
bountiFul
the waters off tanzania appear even more bountiful. tanzania has been described as ‘the hottest frontier in the global oil and gas industry’. this is no exaggeration. tanzania, along with neighbouring Mozambique, is sitting on huge gas reserves. Experts say these reserves are bigger than those of Qatar, currently the world’s leading producer of liquefied natural gas. Of course, these reserves may take years to be exploited; but even building the gas production facilities will involve the investment of many billions of dollars in the local economy.
So, let the good times roll.
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nairobi has yet another new hotel; but this one is a little
different. Two years in the making and with its opening a tad delayed by the elections, Hemingways Nairobi – the new flagship property of the Hemingways Collection – welcomed its first lucky guests 20 April.
Set in 10 splendid acres and with attractive views of the ngong hills nearby, hemingways nairobi has 45 suites and guestrooms and is the latest addition to an eclectic group of properties that also embraces hemingways in Watamu and ol Seki in the Mara’s naboisho Conservancy.
as might be expected from a Karen-based hotel, this five-star boutique property has a dash of the 1930s about it, with sweeping staircases, hardwood floors in the guestrooms, four-poster beds and commodious trunks for storage. In fact, it’s just the kind of place where members of the colonial safari set – the likes of denys Finch hatton, ‘Bunny’ allen and John hunter
– might have felt at home immediately.Aimed at both the affluent
business traveller and the well-heeled and discerning leisure visitor, hemingways nairobi offers a peaceful and tranquil setting away from the hurly-burly of the nearby city.
thinking tWiCe
Getting to and from nairobi is not without its problems and can make visitors think twice about staying in Karen; but work on a six-lane highway from adams arcade to ngong is due to commence in 2013.
More inForMation
Website: www.hemingways-nairobi.com
Flagship hotel oFFers 1930s-style opulenCe
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hemingways nairobi has hired Kenya’s first Michelin-starred chef to design the kitchens and manage the restaurants, so guests can expect some really superb cuisine in the dining Room and the Brasserie. uniquely, the hotel also provides a butler service.
For the energetic, the hotel has a spa and gym and a 15 metre long heated outdoor pool.
hemingways nairobi certainly adds to the city’s attractiveness as a destination and such a boutique hotel of this kind is probably long overdue. So hats off to the hemingways Collection
hEMInGWaYS naIRoBI
LOOKInSIdE: hemingways nairobi
14 Issue 9
speCtaCular lake that inspireD a presiDent
LaKE BoGoRIa natIonaL RESERVE
a sinuous pewter-blue ribbon of mirrored water, often pink-frosted with a million or so fl amingos
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speCtaCular lake that inspireD a presiDent
PrESIdENT’S CAMP
the idea of Kenya’s founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta,
setting off with members of his cabinet on a camping trip might strike you as bizarre. And yet, when Kenyatta was weighed down by affairs of state, this is exactly what he did. Fig Tree Campsite, the presi-dent’s favourite, lies at the farthest end of lake Bogoria; and, while it doesn’t offer much in the way of facilities, its natural attributes are outstanding.
It embraces a grove of mighty fi g trees for shade, a crystal-clear stream for water, and a small bay with spec-tacular views all along the lake. It was here, according to legend, that the great man would sit in silent contem-plation, or in calm discussion with his entourage.
DraMatiC
Lake Bogoria is the most dramatic, yet least visited, of the Great Rift Valley lakes – a sinuous pewter-blue ribbon of mirrored water, often pink-frosted with a million or so fl amingos. On one side of the lake is a gentle shoreline, while on the other side loom the inky-grey battlements of the forbidding Siracha Escarpment.
unruFFleD
While the waters of Lake Bogoria are calm and unruffl ed, its surroundings are anything but. the reserve contains over 200 hot springs, bubbling from beneath the earth’s crust and reaching a temperature of 104°C. Roaring geysers hurl jets of scalding water several metres into the air; the boiling rock pools have surreal brown, yellow and orange rock sculptures rising out of them; clouds of steam billow across the lake like genies escaping from a bottle; and there are people boiling eggs and cooking goat’s meat in the simmering pools. It’s a bizarre scene, but one you won’t forget in a hurry.
Left: Pretty fl amingos
birD liFe
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PrESIdENT’S CAMP
WilDliFearound the hot springs, vervet monkeys and olive baboons can be seen. along the roads, visitors may spot the occasional lumbering leopard tortoise, while along the shoreline they can see grazing zebra, impala, gazelle, buffalo and the odd warthog family on the charge. as for predator, there will be mongoose in plenty; perhaps the occasional loping spotted hyena; and, if you are very lucky, a leopard stretched out along the branch of a fig tree.
pink paraDise
Coloured a thick soupy blue on account of spirulina algae, the harshly alkaline Lake Bogoria is heaven for flamingos. They flock here in their tens of thou-sands to promenade along the shoreline in drifts of carmine and sugar-pink. they murmur in the shallows, scything their beaks to and fro to sift the algae from the water; and they arrive and depart without apparent reason.
antelope king
Bogoria is one of the few places in Kenya where visitors can glimpse the so-called ‘king of the antelopes’, the rare greater kudu. Large and
slender, its pale-grey coat slashed by eight white stripes down either flank, the kudu has a magnificent pair of spiralled horns. the kudu is shy, however, and hard to spot.
When the heat of the day has eased, a visit to the acacia groves of the Sogomo Causeway, next to the acacia Campsite, is well worthwhile.
CaMpsite
Fig tree Campsite, 3 km from Emsos Gate and 15 km from Loburu Springs, offers an ideal opportunity for some presidential contemplation. Campers are also welcome in the lush grounds of Lake Bogoria Spa Resort, where a fully serv-iced campsite is available for a small fee.
More inForMation
www.lakebogoria-hotel.com
FaCt FILE • Altitude: 1,000 to 1,600 metres
above sea level.
• Area: 107 sq km of which 34 sq km is water. The lake is 16 km long, 1.4 km wide and between 5.0 and 10.0 metres in depth.
• Location: Rift Valley Province.
• Distance from Nairobi: 266 km.
• Status: National Reserve and Ramsar site.
• Birds: Over 220 species including flamingo, ostrich, plover, heron, ibis, hammerkop, roller and grey-crowned crane.
For more information visit: www.lakebogoriareserve.com
Top Right: Kudu
Right: Mother and baby vervets
WilDliFe
Believe it or not, the Port of Mombasa is one of Kenya’s great
success stories. Despite the usual moans and
groans from self-interested importers, shipping agents and the like, the port’s performance in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable, with cargo throughput growing by an average of about 10 per cent per year.
And it doesn’t stop there; the pressure to handle more and more containers and other cargo is unrelenting. Mombasa has to raise its game still further, running ever faster just to stand still. In 2012 the port handled 22 million tonnes of cargo – nearly double what was being handled less than 10 years ago.
BURDEN
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has a huge national and regional burden to bear. Not only does Mombasa handle every last tonne of Kenya’s seaborne commerce; the port is also the principal maritime gateway for
Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan, as well as handling signifi cant amounts of cargo for other East African states. In fact, some 30 per cent of all freight moving through Mombasa is to or from destinations other than Kenya
The port’s detractors are bound to
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BUSINESSHub: Port of Mombasa
FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR NO 1 CARGO GATEWAY
say that shippers in many east African states have little alternative but to use Mombasa. And clearly, there is some truth in this view.
The construction of a new port in Lamu may change the logistical dynamic, as might various ambitious
‘The port is also the principal maritime gateway for Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan’
Whatever your platform
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online
PORT DUTIES
Above: Trucks queue to leave the container terminal
Below: Rail cars
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BUSINESSHub: Port of Mombasa
plans for new rail lines from the hinterland to the Indian Ocean. These developments should provide options for neighbouring states, but Kenya-bound cargo will still be routed via Mombasa.
The Port of Mombasa will be in a better position to meet the challenges ahead when Kilindini 2, a spanking new KES 2.8 billion container terminal, opens in 2015. The new terminal will have an annual throughput capacity of 1.2 million teu (20 ft equivalent units). To put things in perspective, Mombasa handled just over 900,000 teu in 2012.
TRANSFER
Discussions are also in hand over the transfer of three container-handling berths to an independent company – a move that is being resisted by waterfront unions.
But even with additional container handling capacity, Mombasa port is still likely to be constrained by poor inland connections. A new railway is
needed to replace the ageing narrow-gauge line and the Mombasa-Nairobi highway needs further work to bring it up to international standards.
A deal has already been signed with the Chinese for a new rail link between Mombasa and Nairobi at an estimated cost of US$ 2.6 billion and with a possible extension to Uganda. This would dramatically alter the road-rail dynamic in terms of the cost and effi ciency of moving containers between the coast and Nairobi.
Rail is where Mombasa may, indeed, face stiffer competition as discussions between Uganda and Tanzania about building a new 668 km link from Musoma (on the shores of Lake Victoria) to Arusha to connect with Tanga. Ethiopia, too, is looking at new
rail lines to the coast. But these project are some way off and still await fi nal approval.
For the time-being, Mombasa, has the fi eld to itself.
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A MARINE WONDERLAND AWAITING DISCOVERY
22 Issue 9
By Pamela J. Karg
Of the 1 million tourists fl ocking annually to Kenya, most think
of safaris, local beer, woodcrafts and beach resorts. But it’s time to discover a ‘secret’ destination that includes coral reefs, traditional dhows, fi shing, snorkelling and a unique opportunity to watch the coconut crabs, which can climb trees.
Welcome to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, the largest of Kenya’s four marine parks, located on the south coast about an hour’s drive from Mombasa.
‘All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveller is unaware’ Martin Buber
Kisite is home to 70 resident wild dolphins and a large cast of coconut crabs, the largest arthropods on land. Yet only about 50,000 tourists – fi ve per cent of foreign visitors to Kenya – explore the 39 km marine park and reserve each year.
OPERATIONS
Kenyan Wildlife Service (KWS) is responsible for park operations, protecting against poachers and assisting with patrols of the coastal waters bordering Tanzania.
“Whenever I have the chance, I’m always out here,” says assistant park manager Mark Kinyua as the KWS boat heads out to one of four small
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islands surrounded by coral reef found within the park’s sea boundaries. “There’s always something new to amaze you – on the islands, in the air or under the water. That’s what makes this such a great park.”
23
eye-popping yet peaceful and mysteri-ous landscape for visitors as they fl oat in the blue and green waters.
SESSION
After a session of underwater explora-tion, the dhow captains will inch their boats into calm bays with coral bridges and white beaches embedded with every colour of shell and rock. Visitors should note, however, that not even the small-est pebble can be removed. They are all considered to be part of this national treasure. A couple of the islands are covered in grass and herbs, while two others have dense coastal equatorial forest. It’s in the forest that visitors will fi nd the coconut crab, related to the hermit crab, lives, weighing up to 4 kg and measuring as much as 1 metre
from leg to leg. Trails enable visitors to explore the fl ora and fauna. Or one may catch a glimpse, over a picnic lunch, of Kisite’s diving roseate terns, which breed in coastal colonies and often nest in a hollow or under dense vegetation.
For the heartier traveller, KWS issues overnight camping permits on the islands. Visitors can also hire two-person KWS tents to explore the hidden night-time treasures of Kenya’s marine park.
Kisite Marine Park
‘Kisite is home to 70 resident wild dolphins and a large cast of coconut crabs, the largest arthropods on land’
Visitors to Kisite, whether they are fi rst-time snorkellers (like this writer) or seasoned scuba divers, will fi nd an abundance of life, including trigger fi sh, angelfi sh, butterfl y fi sh, groupers, parrotfi sh, pufferfi sh, damselfi sh, snap-pers and green sea turtles. Some of the dolphins have made Kisite their perma-nent home, while humpback whales and whale sharks are seasonal visitors. In addition, the brilliantly coloured coral and swaying sea grass beds create an
WHEN YOU VISIT KISITE• If possible, contact park staff a day
before you explore. Working with the Kisite Boat Association, staff link you with dhow operators who can arrange birdwatching, picnicking, snorkelling, fi shing or scuba diving.
• When you arrive, go to the end of the Shimoni’s main road and turn right. Don’t worry about talking to the boat vendors there. You’ll meet yours after buying your park entrance ticket. Dhow fees are paid separately when you board.
• Stop by the Education Centre. Kisite hosts Kenyan and international researchers who share their fi ndings in Centre displays.
• Don’t forget extra water, sunscreen, a camera and some biscuits to nibble during your trip.
• Give yourself at lease fi ve hours. Weather, tides (which vary by up to 2.5 metres) and other passengers’ wishes all come into consideration once you set sail. Some operators will stop on Wasini Island so you can feast on freshly caught seafood.
• For more information, go to: www.kws.org/parks/parks_reserves/KMNP.html
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FOODFORTHOUGHT
When a friend of mine suggested we dine at the newly refur-
bished Talisman Restaurant, in the leafy Karen suburb of Nairobi, I must admit I was sceptical. It seems to me that restaurants are prone to the syndrome of fashionable restoration, where the ambience fails to be refl ect-ed in the cuisine or service offered.
I for one love to experiment with food, and discovering what is great about a restaurant is like unwrapping a delectable gift. As I walked into this restaurant, my senses came alive. The magical synchronicity between decor and attention to detail was delightful.
What the Talisman team have done with the place is simply ideal. The outdoor garden has been brought to life with majestic fi g trees and exotic plants, a haven for birds. Inside, gorgeous carved wooden pillars give depth to the restaurant’s open spaces, which are made cosy with fi replaces. The marriage of warm colours and
striking tapestries fi ts in well with the various art pieces, generating a vibe that makes you want to spend time experiencing the moment.
ANXIOUS
I was anxious to tuck into some good food and the menu defi nitely whetted my appetite. The restaurant offers a delicious assortment of starters and appetisers. The choice includes Zanzibari coconut seafood soup, double crunchy California rolls and potted salmon served with fresh rolls. I chose twice-cooked pork belly that was done to perfection. Tender pieces of pork topped with a honey soy glaze and served with charred vegetables leave the taste buds craving more.
For my main course I went with the fi ve-spice yellow fi n tuna. The fi sh was as fresh as if it had been plucked out of the sea that evening. The delicate balance of spice against the moist
GREAT AMBIENCE AND SUPERB CUISINE
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fi sh created a party in my mouth that danced to the music playing in the background.
You can expect to pay between KES 3,500 and KES 4,000 for a full meal and afterwards you can retreat to the bar for a drink. Now here is where the party really begins. I was especially lucky on the night as the restaurant was hosting a local artist who made the time to chat about his work. Appar-ently this is quite the norm at Talis-man. So, if you seriously want a good night out, especially with friends, try out the Talisman.
‘The delicate balance of spice against the moist fi sh created
a party in my mouth that danced to the music playing
in the background’
LOOKS GOOD
Left: Chop sticks if you want
Above Right: Crème Brûlée
For further information visit:www.thetalismanrestaurant.com/main/
THE TALISMAN RESTAURANT
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By Joan Wandegi
The long-awaited BlackBerry Z10 – the fi rst fully touch-screen
smartphone from BlackBerry – has fi nally arrived after a somewhat rocky inception.
Personalisation seems to be low on the agenda for this device, which is available only in white or black; but the design is sleek and pleasing, if undeniably infl uenced by the iPhone 5.
The Z10 has a larger screen than the iPhone 5 but is still comfortable to hold in one hand and is smaller than the slightly unwieldy 4.7 inch screen of the HTC One, although it weighs a full 24 g more than the iPhone 5 and is one gram heavier than the HTC One. However, the plastic soft-touch back cover makes the BlackBerry Z10 feel sturdy in the hand and it is a thing of beauty, if not wholly original.
The fi rst major feature of this redesigned phone is that there is no
ProductReview
keyboard. For diehard BlackBerry fans it may be diffi cult to relinquish the much-loved keyboard; however, the touch keyboard is something the BlackBerry Z10 has executed well and may be enough to win over even the most enthusiastic of keyboard fans.
The predictive element is a stroke of inspiration. It learns the most frequently used words as well as the repetitive mistakes of the user to create a very user-friendly functional-ity much better than the competition. For those unable or unwilling to give up the BlackBerry keyboard, there is a new BlackBerry Q10 that has retained the keyboard feature and is released in April.
KEYBOARD
Aside from its lack of keyboard, which may be a real sticking point for some BlackBerry purists, the next noticeable change is its interface, which has been
completely redesigned with the addition of the
BlackBerry Hub. This is designed to create smooth navigation around the
device, allowing a fl ow between applications instead of having to
open and close them, as with most other operating systems. With the Hub, a swipe across the screen to the right reveals all inboxes, from email to social networking sites, while swiping downwards can reveal calendars and appointments etc.
The Hub is a good idea, because instant access to accounts and updates all in one spot is time-saving and desir-able. However, in practicality it can be a little overwhelming, as it gives
FULLY TOUCH-SCREEN SMARTPHONE WILL KEEP FANS HAPPY
SOUND DESIGN
Blackberry Z10
all updates all the time with no fi lter option, leaving those with active online lives bombarded by yet another overwhelming set of constant notifi cations. This would be a great idea if there were more control; or, equally, for those who are not very active online.
FEATURE
Another major feature of the BlackBerry Z10 is the BBM Video with Screen Share. This allows BBM chat to be switched to a video conversation and the screen share function makes it possible to share photos, look at documents and other visuals via BBM. In addition, the camera has a time-shift mode that takes a few seconds of photo and then allows the user to scroll through and select the exact image
they want – although this is not turned on automatically and is sometimes easy to forget.
The BlackBerry Z10 has a user-friendly interface that is pleasing if not ground-breaking and, at similar prices to its competitors, the choice of the BlackBerry Z10 is going to be one of taste rather than economy. A good little gadget, the phone is probably not trail-blazing enough to persuade a dyed-in-the-wool iPhone or HTC user to switch, but will be enough to keep BlackBerry fans happy and BlackBerry out of trouble.
‘The predictive element is a stroke of inspiration’
27AFRICA’S LOW COST AIRLINE: www.fl y540.com
Stylish and practical accessories are available for the BlackBerry Z10 like the BlackBerry Mini Stereo Speaker. Perfect for travel the clip on design allows attachment to a bag strap or it can be simply placed on a table. Using the Bluetooth facility the smartphone the speaker is able to play music wirelessly or can be used for conference calling. It is compatible with BlackBerry 10 devices.
LATESTRELEASES
28 Issue 9
BOOKWORM
A QUIET KIND OF COURAGEBy Anthony Schneider
ONLY THE DEADBy Hamilton Wende
Thirty Second World tells the story of two women Alison and Beth. Alison seems to have it all, a glamorous job in the South African fi lm industry and two children who she ably cares for. However, the text messages she regularly sends to her friend Evie tell a different story. Beth, new to the advertising industry is watching her home life unravel as she is tempted by the advances of a colleague. Both women are forced to face their lives when an accident during a fi lm shoot in the middle of the South African bush throws them together revealing dark secrets.
Anthony Schneider’s latest novel explores the themes of home, exile and the ripple effect of one man’s actions on the generations to follow. This story spans space and time from South Africa to New York both past and present with narratives that intertwine to expose the history and consequences of the actions of Henry Wegland. Currently living in New York, Henry encourages his grandson Saul to travel to South Africa to make a documentary about South African liberation. When Saul is kidnapped he unpicks the secrets Henry thought long buried with his ANC activist past.
The Claws of God are an army of child soldiers existing deep within the Ugandan Jungle led by the villainous General Faustin. The brainwashed children believe that the man controlling them, Papa Mephisto, has the power of the lion. Psychologist Tania Richter is trying to protect these children and to do so she enlists the help of Sebastian Burke who has knowledge of the history of lion mythology. Sebastian and Tania become entangled in a confl ict that threatens a nuclear attack and they must use the history of lions and humans to save the children and the world.
THIRTY SECOND WORLDBy Emma van der Vliet
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LATESTRELEASES
CROSSBONESBy Nuruddin Farah
One of the most highly acclaimed international authors Nuruddin Farah’s has a new instalment to the Past Imperfect trilogy of novels that started with Links, continued with Knots and is completed with this new offering of Crossbones. Two brothers return to Somalia after many years of absence. Malik is a freelance journalist determined to report the dysfunction of the government and his older brother Ahl is travelling for more personal reasons, to locate his stepson Taxliil who has made his way to Somalia under the infl uence of jihadist imam to train as a suicide bomber. They are both in a search for knowledge that will lead to a race against time to rescue Taxliil, deposit Malik’s stories before the violence against journalists reaches their door and leave the region before war breaks out.
When their cave is destroyed The Croods must journey across a fantastical landscape. With their home in ruins and a perilous adventure ahead, The Croods are truly the fi rst modern family who will discover seismic shifts that will change their lives forever.
The buddy movie is back. From the director of Bridesmaids a new comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy fi nds an uptight and meticulous FBI agent teamed up with a foul mouthed, short-tempered Boston cop. They are thrown together to track down a vicious drug lord. The mismatched offi cers have never had a friend or a partner before and must learn to get along or maybe even befriend each other.
It is the future and after decades of war with the Scavs Earth is unrecognisable. Oblivion is the story of Jack Harper one of the repairmen assigned to look after the drones which are extracting the remaining resources from the Earth. When Jack discovers a crashed spacecraft and rescues a beautiful stranger a chain of events unravel which place the fate of humankind fi rmly in his hands.
In the latest instalment of the Iron Man franchise Tony Stark will be tested to the limits when a terrorist tears his world apart. Stark must embark on a quest to fi nd those responsible and use his instincts to protect those he loves.
This is 40 takes a look at how Pete and Debbie, two of the characters fi rst seen in Apatow’s Knocked Up, are faring a few years after the fi rst fi lm at a time when they are both turning 40. Debt, unhappiness and rebellious children have led to a turning point and a mid-life crisis for the couple. How will they learn to love growing older in this heart-warming comedy about family, love and marriage?
BLOCKBUSTERS
THE CROODSStarring: Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Nicolas CageDirector: Kirk De Micco & Chris SandersGenre: Family, adventure, animation
THE HEATStarring: Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, Marlon WayansDirector: Paul FeigGenre: Comedy, action
OBLIVIONStarring: Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Olga KurylenkoDirector: Joseph KosinskiGenre: Sci-fi, action, adventure
IRON MAN 3Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Guy Pearce, Gwyneth PaltrowDirector: Shane BlackGenre: Action, sci-fi
THIS IS 40Starring: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Jason SegelDirector: Judd ApatowGenre: Comedy
WILL KENYAN SOCCER STAR
JOIN THE GUNNERS?
30 Issue 9
WILL KENYAN PROFILE: VICTOR WANYAMA
Is it now time for the Harambee Stars footballer Victor Wanyama to wave goodbye to Glasgow and Celtic and head south to London and the English Premier League? ©
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Well, if the rumours circulating in the UK are to be believed,
then Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger may wipe the cobwebs off his little-used chequebook and make the super-talented Wanyama his big off-season signing.
How true these rumours are is anyone’s guess, but they are persistent. A while back there was even talk of the holding midfi elder departing Celtic Park in the January transfer window. At that moment, Celtic seemed reluctant to let Wanyama go – especially as the club was still, and unusually, in the last 16 of the Champions League. Since then Italian giants Juventus have unceremoniously dumped the Hoops out of the competition, thrashing the Glasgow team 5-0 across a two-leg tie.
GRITTY
Despite the Champions League exit, however, Wanyama has maintained his gritty box-to-box displays in what is generally a second-rate Scottish Premier League (SPL). And Arsenal have kept a close watch on their number one target.
With the absence of arch-rivals Rangers, Celtic have dominated this season’s SPL and some of the Bhoys’ games have to be considered less than evenly matched. Wanyama certainly faces this situation at Arsenal, where the London team under performed
KENYA'S BEST?
Top right: Box-to-box ball winner Above: Playing for Harambee Stars
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PROFILER: VICTOR WANYAMA
until the second half of the season. He will also face much more competition for places with a central Arsenal midfi eld comprising Arteta, Wilshire, Ramsey and Diaby.
A transfer fee somewhere north of GBP 10 million (KES 130 million) has been mentioned, of which Wanyama should get a cut of 10 per cent. If he moves to the Emirates Stadium, and despite Wenger’s parsimonious reputation, Wanyama is likely to see a hefty rise in his wages. A sign that he may be on the move is that Wanyama’s agent has already turned down an improved contract at Celtic.
Wanyama’s current deal expires in 2015. So Celtic have the option to sell now and get good money for a player who cost just GBP 0.9 million when signed in 2011 from Antwerp’s Beerschot AC, or see their star midfi elder head out of the door on a ‘free’ when his contract ends.
Wanyama can probably expect to receive more than GBP 50,000 a week at Arsenal – not bad for a 21-year-old who only a few years ago was turning out for Nairobi City Stars. How the Kawangware-based club must wish
they were getting a sell-on fee for their former prodigy. Wanyama will also be looking to match the kind of salary enjoyed by his brother McDonald Mariga at Italian Serie A side Parma.
Wanyama’s age will be a plus point for Arsenal as Wenger looks to adapt the young Kenyan to the Gunners’ quick-passing style.
FORWARD
Arsenal has been accused of being good going forward but not when defending; and too lightweight in midfi eld, with too many ballplayers and not enough ball winners. Big, combative and versatile, Wanyama – who can also put the ball in the net and can even play in the back four – would certainly fi t the bill and solve some of the Gunners’ apparent defi ciencies of late in this particular area.
So let’s see if Arsenal do make the big money offer or whether there is another Premier League team poised to make Victor ‘Mugabe’ Wanyama the fi rst Kenyan to play in the top fl ight of English football. I’m sure that football-mad Kenyans just can’t wait for this to happen.
‘Wanyama has maintained his gritty box-to-box displays in the Scottish Premier League’
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33AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com
As the capital of the world’s newest nation, Juba still lacks
the sophistication enjoyed by other similar destinations in the region. This is understandable when an otherwise unremarkable regional town is transformed by geopolitics.
For the time being, and for the foreseeable future, most foreign visi-tors to Juba are either on business or associated in some way with expense account-funded official government and diplomatic activity, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) or an aid agency.
For this reason, hotel accommodation is often quite expensive as well as being limited and of varying quality. It is not unheard-of for guests to end up sleeping in a converted shipping container.
standards
Service in both hotels and restaurants is on the slow side, but standards are improving gradually. International cuisine is available – in particular Ethiopian and Eritrean cooking – while other eating places offer Kenyan and Ugandan menus.
In the evening, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs from which to choose. Again, these vary in quality.
As a general rule, the cost of living is much higher in Juba than in surrounding capitals because nearly all goods – even basic foodstuffs, and
WHERE TO STAY
PLACES TO EAT & DRINK
Da Vinci’s RestaurantExpensive, but has pleasant atmosphere and delightful views over the Nile.
Ebony RestaurantServes mostly Indian cuisine.
Spice and HerbsTel: +211 97725 6969Expensive, but has pleasant atmosphere and delightful views over the Nile.
Notos Lounge Bar & GrillOutdoor seating area with a tandoor. Popular with expatriates and not cheap.
Le BistroFamed for its soups and Italian coffee. No alcohol, though. Logali House, Hai Amarat
Fresh FreddiesArguably the best stocked bar in Juba.
CITYGUIDE
JUBA, South Sudan
Worth a visit... As a Johnny-come-lately capital, Juba is not exactly blessed with interesting sights, fine buildings, café-ringed piazzas and the like, but no visit would be complete without seeing the River Nile and the Nile Bridge.
It’s best to look out of town. One or two game parks and reserves are within a reasonably easy drive and there is some truly amazing wildlife to view (see separate story this issue).
Bangingilo National Park is fairly close; but, realistically, it can only be a day visit owing to the lack of overnight facilities.
The Roots ProjectA local NGO is working with women and exhibits their handiwork, such as beads, crafts, pipes made of bullet casings, belts, vases, purses and rather splendid sandals. The Project is located near the basketball stadium in Nimra Talata.
Juba Game Reserve: This 20 sq km park, just outside the capital, is home to some interesting birdlife, including Heuglin’s francolin and the Arabian bustard.
TANZANIA
KENYA
UGANDA
Dar es Salaam
Nairobi
Zanzibar
Mombasa
Malindi
Lamu
Kisumu
Lodwar
Juba
SOUTH SUDAN
Eldoret
Acacia VillageClean and well presented in pleasant, leafy gardens. Pool.www.acaciavillage.com
AfexBungalows and tents with DSTV.http://www.afexgroup.com/camp_juba.php
Juba Grande HotelNear airport and of a reasonable standard
Juba Bridge HotelLocated on the banks of the Nile.http://www.jubabridgehotel.com/
certainly anything that an expatriate might wish to consume – are imported by truck.
THE X-FACTOR
34 Issue 9
By Karl Peskett
What’s the defi nition of cute? Ugly, but interesting.
By that rendition, surely the Nissan X-Trail qualifi es as 'cute'. Sure, it’s not the prettiest vehicle on earth, but its qualities go far beyond shapely sheet metal. As Nissan’s small SUV, it has a lot to live up to, especially with the Pathfi nder and sixth-generation Patrol stamping their mark on the off-road scene.
While the styling may leave a bit to be desired, that boxy shape really does liberate plenty of space. From the colossal 603-litre boot (479 litres with the underfl oor drawers) to the gener-ous fi rst and second rows, it’s perfect
SPACE vEHICLE
The X-Trail has useful drawers under the boot fl oor
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for a small family. But don’t think of it as just another jacked-up wagon. Oh no, it’s much more than that.
cLearance
With 212 mm of ground clearance, it will negotiate most rocky trails without grinding, but it truly shines in deep, boggy sand, where the All-Mode 4x4 system works its magic, supplying power fore and aft to keep you churning through. Let the tyres down a bit, switch stability control off, keep your momen-tum going and it’s near-unstoppable.
But what is the X-Trail like where it will spend most of its time – on the
35
road? Excellent, actually. With oily-smooth steering, a brilliant ride and, in diesel form, an accomplished auto, it’s a pleasure to be in the driver’s seat. It’s a good thing, then, that the seats are well padded and, when optioned in leather, easy to clean and maintain. Plenty of adjustment means there’s an ideal driving position for just about everyone.
QUaLity
At this price level, the quality is good, too. The dashtop plastics all look and feel premium, it’s screwed together so that there are no shimmies or rattles, and the cupholders placed in each corner of the dash are a great use of available space.
Buyers aren’t stifl ed for choice, either; there are petrol or diesel, manual or automatic, two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Our pick? Go for the AWD diesel; it’s cheaper on fuel and has a much better gearbox than the petrol models.
As an accomplished all-rounder, the X-Trail is fabulous. It really does tackle the rough stuff, yet handles blacktop with aplomb. It’s also extremely practical and versatile. Of the current crop of soft-roaders, the X-Trail is defi nitely worth a closer look.
MotorReview: Nissan X-Trail
‘It truly shines in deep, boggy sand where the All-Mode 4x4 system works its magic, supplying power fore and aft to keep you churning through’
DOWNHILL RACER
Whatever your sport, the X-Trail can holdall the kit you'll need
TANZANIA
KENYA
UGANDA
Nairobi
Zanzibar
Mombasa
Malindi
Lamu
Kisumu
Lodwar
Juba
SOUTH SUDAN
Eldoret
THE FLY540NETWORK
36 Issue 9
BOOK ONLINE AT:
www.fly540.comAFAARFFICACCSLO
WOCOST AIAA RLRR INEE
AFRICA
TANZANIA
KENYA
UGANDA
Nairobi
Zanzibar
Mombasa
Malindi
Lamu
Kisumu
Lodwar
Juba
SOUTH SUDAN
Eldoret
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NETWORK
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CHINUA ACHEBE
The word ‘legend’ is overused when describing public fi gures;
but in the case of Chinua Achebe it has never been more apt. Considered one of the most infl uential African writers of his generation, this groundbreaking novelist, poet and essayist was as controversial as he was talented.
Achebe was born in Ogidi, Nigeria, in 1930, the son of a missionary school teacher. Although his parents were devoutly evangelical, they made a great effort to raise Achebe with traditional Igbo values. This clash of
cultures was the result of a life lived in colonial Nigeria and these experi-ences shaped Achebe’s writing. In fact, Achebe did not learn English until he was eight years old and he was exposed equally to Igbo and English stories and language.
At the age of 14, Achebe attended the Government College in Umuahia,
Literary giant
‘Although his parents were devoutly evangelical, they made a great effort to raise Achebe with traditional Igbo values’
Turbulent times that produced a
TRuE TALENT
Professor Chinua Achebe produced many great works during his writing career, earning worldwide acclaim and bringing a truly African voice to the international arena.
where he excelled, graduating at 18. He studied medicine at the University College at Ibadan but then switched to Liberal Arts and began to write for one of the university’s publications. After graduating in 1953 he worked for the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, moving to Lagos, where he met his wife, Christie Okoli. They married in 1961 and had four children. Shortly after his time in Lagos, Achebe went to England to work for the British Broad-casting Corporation.
tHings faLL aPart
In 1958, a few years before the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War, Achebe’s fi rst and most famous novel, ‘Things Fall Apart’, was published and won the Margaret Wong Memorial
Prize. The book looks at the effects of British colonialism on the Igbo society of the late 19th century. The act of writing in post-colonial Nigeria played an important role in redefi ning the nation and Chinua Achebe’s voice was
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instrumental in this. He achieved iconic status around the world through his work, helping to change interna-tional views of Africa and African writing.
However, Achebe was criticised in his home country for writing in English. Many felt he should write in Igbo to reclaim the mother tongue, but Achebe used the language of the oppressor to express the consequences of oppression. In addition to this domestic criticism, many Western academics thought he idealised pre-colonial Africa. Today, his work remains as criticised as it is revered; the true mark of great literature.
controversy
With the outbreak of civil war in Nigeria, Achebe fled to Europe and then the USA, where he spent much of his illustrious academic career at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
Controversy often followed Achebe and he achieved academic infamy
as the result of a lecture in 1975 in which he claimed that Joseph Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’ was racist – an opinion widely accepted today. His
theory caused shockwaves through the academic establishment of the 1970s.
Achebe went on to produce many other works including ‘Arrow of God’ and ‘A Man of the People’ and, despite
bROWN uNIvERSITY
Professor Achebe spent much of his sparkling academic career in the United States teaching African studies at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
41AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com
the controversy that often surrounded him, his writing won critical acclaim throughout the world, leading to the inclusion of many of his books on university reading lists and winning accolades and awards including the 2007 Man Booker International Prize for his distinguished prose.
voice of a generation
Achebe used a wheelchair after a car accident in 1990 led to partial paraly-sis. Achebe never returned to Nigeria after this incident.
Professor Chinua Achebe died aged 83 on 21 March this year. The authentic voice of a generation and an inspiration to authors around the world, Achebe was a great, influential and controversial talent who lived through tough times and still thought that ‘suffering should be creative, should give birth to something good and lovely’* ’
*Source – ‘A Man of the People'
CHINUA ACHEBE
‘Controversy often followed Achebe and he achieved academic infamy as the result of a lecture in 1975 in which he claimed that Joseph Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’ was racist’
LITERARY DEbuT
Set in the rural Nigeria of the 19th century, Achebe's debut novel 'Things Fall Apart' has become a staple of university reading lists.
vISA INFORMATION
42 Issue 9
Most nationals require visas to enter East Africa. Citizens
from the five East African states require no visas while those from the Common Market of East and South-ern Africa (COMESA) member states have relaxed entry requirements into East Africa.
However, East African member states have their own visa require-ments for various nationals.
KENYAN vISASVisas are required for most nationals and cost US$50. A visa can be obtained on entry, however we recommended one be obtained before arrival to avoid airport lengthy queues. Visa Application Forms are available online.
A visa is required by all visitors travelling to Kenya with the exception of those holding a re-entry pass to Kenya and citizens of Ethiopia, San Marino, Turkey and Uruguay.
Note that the reciprocal visa abolition agreements with Germany, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Spain, and Republic of Ireland no longer apply and nationals of these countries now require a visa.
Kenya Visa Requirements • Valid passport with sufficient number of unused pages for endorsements abroad. Passport must be signed and valid for at least six months.• Visa application form duly completed and signed by the applicant.• Two recent passport size photographs attached to the application form.• Valid round trip ticket or a letter from your travel agent certifying that the applicant holds prepaid arrangements.• A self-addressed stamped envelope for express mail, courier, registered mail, etc., if the visa is urgently required. Metered stamps are not acceptable.
• Home and work telephone numbers.
Please fill out the form correctly and enclose the photographs and payment to avoid delay and disappointment.
Standard Visa fees payable by cash to the Embassy of Kenya.
Visa fees charges:• Multiple entry: US$100 • Single entry: US$50• Transit Visa: US$20
1. Please note that all children below 16 years are not charged visa fees2. The reduced visa fees were effected on 1 march 2009, as directive from ministry of tourism on attracting more tourists in to the country.3. Passengers can pay in US dollars, British pounds, Euro or Swiss franc.For more information and to download a Kenya visa application form visit: http://www.immigration.go.ke/index.php
FL FFYLL540VISASS
INFNNORMRR AMM TA ION
TRAvEL INFORMATION
43AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com
SOuTH SuDAN vISAS
All foreigners from non-Commonwealth countries are required to have a valid visa unless their countries have agreements with Tanzania under which the visa requirement is waived.
Exemptions: Citizens of Commonwealth countries are not required to obtain visas unless they are citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand or Australia.
Tanzanian visas are issued by the following:• The office of the Director of Immigration Services, Dar es Salaam, and the office of the Principal Immigration Officer, Zanzibar. • Entry points to the United Republic of Tanzania: principally Namanga, Tunduma, Sirari, Horohoro, Kigoma Port, Dar es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar Harbour and Zanzibar Airport. • Any other gazetted entry point. • From Tanzania High Commissions or embassies abroad. For more information on Tanzanian diplomatic missions visit: www.tanzania.go.tz/tanzaniaembassiesabroad.htm
Any visitor going to South Sudan through Khartoum requires a valid visa. Visas are issued through the South Sudan Embassy.
The Republic of South Sudan has missions in Kenya, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa, Australia, Norway, Belgium, the UK, Germany, France, Turkey, Libya, China, India, Italy, Canada and the USA.
Immigration regulations stipulate that anyone going to South Sudan and wishing to travel outside of Khartoum needs a travel permit from the Government of South Sudan. Those travelling to South Sudan from Kenya, should visit the South Sudan Embassy in Kenya.
Requirements: • All applicants to launch their visas in person• Passport must be valid for at least six month and presented on submission of application • Two recent colour passport-size photos• Yellow fever vaccination card• Letter of invitation and intent Standard Visa fees payable by balance transfer to: Government of South Sudan Special Permit Account Bank: Kenya Commercial Bank; Sarit Centre Branch A/C No. 402004247
Fees:• Multiple entry: US$250 (six months)/US$400 (one year)• Single entry for countries with common boarder with South Sudan: US$50• Single entry for other African countries: US$100• Single entry for European and US citizens: US$100
Processing period: Two working days
TANZANIAN vISAS
Vaccination requirements for international travellers
• No cholera vaccination certificates are required of travellers coming from all over the world.
• Only valid yellow fever vaccination certificates are required of all travellers over one year old, arriving from yellow fever infected countries mainly in central and West Africa, South and Central America South East Asia, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh.
• Vaccination for international travellers are obtainable from all international air and sea ports, city and major municipal councils
NB: Make sure you get your yellow fever shot in good time since the yellow fever certificate is valid for travel use 10 days after vaccination.
HEALTH
FLLFFYLL
540VAVV CA CINANN TA IO
NINFNNORMRRA
MMTAION
TRAVELINFORMATION
44 Issue 9
FOKKER F27
Type: Turboprop cargo airliner Number in service: OneCapacity per aircraft: 1,336 x 210 x 190 cm cargo hold
ATR 72-500
CESSNA CARAvAN C208
DC-9
Type: Twin-engined, medium-range, turboprop airliner Number in service: ThreeCapacity per aircraft: 37 passengers
Type: Twin-engine turboprop short-haul regional airlinerNumber in service: TwoCapacity per aircraft: 78 passengers
Type: Single turboprop engine, fixed-gear short-haul regional airlinerNumber in service: OneCapacity per aircraft: 10 passengers
Type: Twin-engine, single-aisle jet airliner Number in service: OneCapacity per aircraft: 80 passengers
Fly540 operates modern aircraft and is constantly updating and
modernising its fleet. The company uses aircraft such
as the ATR 72-500, which burns only half as much fuel as some other aircraft and also emits less carbon into the atmosphere.
This underlines the fact that Fly540 is a ‘green airline’ that cares for the environment.
The crew and engineering team are professionally trained and certified to ICAO standards.
bOMbARDIERDASH 8 102 SERIES
45AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com
FLEETINFORMATION
THE fly540 AIRCRAfT flEET
CANADAIR CL-600-2b19 REgIONAL JET
Type: Twin-engine regional jet Number in service: ThreeCapacity per aircraft: 50 passengers
FOKKER F28
Type: Short range jet airliner Number in service:OneCapacity per aircraft: 67 passengers
KIDZCORNER
RIDDLE ME THIS...
What runs but never walks?
What is full of holes but can still hold water?
Answer: A tap
Answer: A sponge
A EC MD OL N
E HF ME AG I
U GN LP AR S
L RT OP NN W
P AE NA AR F
X PR VB BF N
O EA AC CP H
M MK EL NI LAPPLE LEMONgRAPE bANANALIME ORANgEPLuM PEACHMELON PEAR
FRuITY WORDSEARCH
Can you find the words listed below in the letter grid?
46 Issue 5
KIDZCORNER
We've made 9 changes to the picture, can you spot them?
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
WORD COuNT
DEMONSTRATION The words have to be at least THREE letters long. And you can't use the letter twice in the same word, unless the letter appears twice in the word. Ready, Steady, Go!
JoKe tiMe!
Q. Why are ghosts bad liars? A. Because you can see right through them
Q. How do you make a milkshake? A. Give it a good scare
Q. What has forty feet and sings? A. The school choir
Q. What did 0 say to 8? A. Nice belt
Q. Why did the picture go to jail? A. Because it was framed
KIDZCORNER
47AfricA’s low cost Airline: www.fly540.com
FIVE FORTY AFRICA – HEAD OFFICERiverside Green Suites, Palm Suite, Riverside DrivePO Box 10293-00100Nairobi, KenyaTel: +254 (0)20 445 2391/5Fax/Tel: +254 (0)20 445 2396Sales: Tel: +254 (0)737 540 540Email: [email protected]
WILSON AIRPORT 540 SAFARI CIRCUIT SALESGround floor, Langata House Tel: +254 (0)20 254 0206Tel: +254 (0)729 540 540Tel: +254 (0)735 540 540 Email: [email protected]
ELDORET 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONSTel: +254 (0)53 203 3570/80
ELDORET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT540 Ticketing & Reservations OfficeTel: +254 (0)53 203 0814Tel: +254 (0)53 206 3823 ext 658
540 CALL CENTREABC Place, off Waiyaki WayTel: +254 (0)20 445 3252/6Cell: +254 (0)722 540 540; (0)733 540 540Fax: +254 (0)20 445 3257
JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE, Unit 3 (Domestic Departures)Tel: +254 (0)20 827 523Tel: +254 20 827 366Cell: +254 727 532 273Unit 1 (International Departures)Tel: +254 (0)20 827 521
KAKAMEGA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONSHolden Mall - above NakumattTel: +254 (0)734 540 550Tel: +254 (0)711 908 330
KITALE TICKETING & RESERVATIONSTerminal Building, Kitale AirstripTel: +254 (0)770 639 429Tel: +254 (0)724 457 374Tel: +254 (0)735 540 547
LAICO REGENCY – 540 TICKET-ING & RESERVATIONS Mezz. floor, Shopping ArcadeTel: +254 (0)20 224 3211/3/4Cell: +254 727 540 540; (0)737 540 540Fax: +254 (0)20 224 3219
LAMU – NORTH COAST TRAVEL SERVICETel: +254 (0)42 213 0312Tel: +254 (0)42 463 2054Tel: +254 (0)725 942 444Email: [email protected]: [email protected]
MOI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, MOMBASATel: +254 (0)41 343 4821Tel: +254 (0)32 540 540; (0)722 555 730
MOMBASA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICEGround Floor, Mombasa Trade Centre, Nkrumah RoadTel: +254 (0)41 231 9078/9Mob: +254 (0)728 540 540; (0)710 540 540
UKUNDA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS Barclays Centre, Diani RoadTel: +254 (0)20 354 6532 Tel: +254 (0)726 453 246
UGANDAENTEBBE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICETel: +256 (0)314 540 540Tel: +256 (0)315 540 540Sales: Tel: +256 (0)713 540 540
KAMPALA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE1st Floor, Oasis Mall Tel: +256 (0)414 346 915/999Tel: +256 (0)312 540 540Sales: Tel: +256 (0)712 540 540; (0)776 540 540
SOUTH SUDANJUBA 540 TICKETING & RESER-VATIONS OFFICETel: +211 959 540540; +211 999 540540Email: [email protected]
BELGIUMAVIAREPS AGJ.E. Mommaertslaan 16b (2nd floor), 1831 Diegem
RESERVATIONS Tel: +32 (0)2 712 04 93Fax: +32 (0)2 725 83 92Email: [email protected]
SALES Tel: +32 (0)2 712 05 84Fax: +32 (0)2 725 83 92Email: [email protected]
CONTACT INFORMATION
48
Contacts
Issue 9
GERMANYAVIAREPS AGKaiserstrasse 7760329 Frankfurt am Main
RESERVATIONS Tel: +49 (0)69 770 673 076Fax: +49 (0)69 770 673 028Email: [email protected]
SALES Tel: +49 (0) 69 770 673 077Fax: +49 (0)69 770 673 235Email: [email protected]
ITALYAVIAREPS AGVia Monte Rosa, 20 20149 Milan
RESERVATIONS Tel: +39 02 4345 8346Fax: +39 02 4345 8336Email: [email protected]
SALES & MARKETING MANAGERMaria Rosa Cappelli Mobile: +39 335 778 5936Email: [email protected]
NETHERLANDSAVIAREPS AGBeechavenue 104 1119 PP Schiphol
RESERVATIONS Tel: +31 (0)20 654 79 29Fax: +31 (0)20 623 01 51Email: [email protected]
SALES Tel: +31 (0)20 520 02 82Fax: +31 (0)20 623 01 51 Email: [email protected]
RUSSIAN FEDERATIONGSA AVIAREPS AGProspect Mira, 39 Bldg 2129110 Moscow
RESERVATIONSTel: +7 (495) 937 59 50Fax: +7 (495) 937 5951 Email: [email protected]
SALESTel: +7 (495) 937 59 50Fax: +7 (495) 937 5951 Email: [email protected]
SOUTH AFRICAAVIAREPS (PTY) LTD38 Wierda Road WestWierda Valley Sandton, Johannesburg
RESERVATIONS Tel: +27 (0) 11 722 0229Fax: +27 (0) 11 783 8135Email: [email protected]
SALESTel: +27 (0) 722 0229 / +27 74 177 1596Fax: +27 (0) 783 8135Email: [email protected]
SWITZERLANDAIRLINE & TOURISM CENTER GMBH Badenerstr. 15, CH-8004 Zürich
RESERVATIONS & SALESTel: +41 (0) 44 286 99 62Fax: +41 (0) 44 286 99 63Email: [email protected]
UNITED KINGDOMFLY540c/o AviaCircle, 28-29 The Quadrant Business Centre, 135 Salisbury RoadLondon, NW6 6RJ
RESERVATIONSTel: 0870 774 2250Fax: 0870 777 7172Email: [email protected]
SALESTel: 0870 774 2250Fax: 0870 774 2250Email: [email protected]
540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS
