A Maasai Wedding Soon: the Most Spectacular Event of African Culture

The Masai are among the forty-two tribes of Kenya. Unique about the Masai community is that while the majority of the other tribes of Kenya have embraced the western culture in terms of religion, clothing and their way of living, the Masai have stuck to there culture. Another unique factor about the Masai is that they live among the wildlife national reserves and game parks in Kenya. Due to their unique way of dressing they have become an attraction in themselves. The wildlife of Kenya is the biggest tourist attraction in Kenya. The second are the Masai.

The Masai have form time been exploited by a various tour operators, for example Tourists always want to photograph the Masai when they come across them and as it is always polite to request someone before taking their photo. As many of the requests are communicated in English, a language that most Masais do not understand then, the tour driver becomes the translator and in the process grabs and opportunity to make a quick buck by tripling the quote to taking a photo of a Masai. While the Masai would communicate to the tour driver as to how much in Kenya shillings he would wish paid to have his photo taken, the tour driver would communicate to the tourist in form of dollars. Since there are no exchange bureaus in the bush the driver once more offers to convert the foreign currency to shillings hence making as much as three times what he would pay the Masai.

The Masai people are the only ones allowed to carry weapons such as machetes and their famous rungu (a short wooden stick carved in ball like finish at one end and can be very lethal when one is hit with especially on the forehead). Being one of the warrior tribes of Kenya, it is part of their culture. Other tribes of Kenya are afraid of the Masai but that does not stop then taking advantage of their illiteracy and more so when it comes to the tourism industry.

During the late 80s and early 90s, the tour drivers started noticing the interest that tourists were showing in the Masai community by the kind of question they were asking. Despite tourist being warned that the Masai are a fierce tribe and that their young man are known to kill lions as a passage to manhood, this did not scare some tourist and they wanted to visit this community and learn more. This was therefore arranged privately between the tour driver and the tourist but at the tourist’s own risk. Visit to the Masai village therefore become a commercial venture but in a disorganized way. Tourist are mobbed up by the villagers as every one wants a cut of the pie and this really scares some tourists that upon going back to the safety of their country, they narrate this nasty experience to the travel agent who had organized their tour. The driver at the other end losses his job but this has not stopped the practice.

Woni

Safaris, an indigenous tour operator in Kenya decided to take the initiative of putting some order in one Masai village in Ambsoli national park and included a visit to the Masai village in all their programmes. To avoid a sudden crowding around tourists, all members of the community are given a role to play in ensuring tourists feels welcomed in their village without exploitation or extortion. The young warriors perform their dances to welcome the tourist in their village. After the welcome dance, all kneel down and pray in the Masai language, which is an experience in itself, and then the tourist is allowed to get in the enclosure where the mayattas (huts) are. Inside the enclosures, elderly Masai women would display their wares of beaded work and tourist may make their selection in a very orderly manner. They are then given a tour of the village and the tourist is then allowed back and negotiates the prices of the wares they have picked. The children stand in corners of the huts and are not allowed to mob the tourist. Photos are taken at no extra charges, as a visit to the Masai village is inclusive in the tour package apart from the gifts the tourists buy.

This kind of arrangement has become very popular and was duplicated to other Masai villages in Kenya. Due this initiatives, Woni

Safaris is very popular with this particular village and this year an invitation for the company to attend a traditional Masai wedding has been extended to them and their clients who will be taking a safari during this time. The wedding will take place at Amboseli National Park on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the largest and highest mountain in Africa.

A Trip To Belize – Travel Tips!

By Sharon

Belize(BELLA MAYA RESORT)is no longer hidden; it’s now out in the open, so to speak. When Mother Nature was making the world she didn’t outsource Belize(BELLA MAYA RESORT)- she made it herself. All manner of people have been captivated by Belize(BELLA MAYA RESORT); from newlywed couples on their honeymoon to whole families on vacation, from adventure seekers to nature conservationists. What most people find attractive about Belize(BELLA MAYA RESORT) is the ease of accessibility by air, land and sea. One of the most encouraging aspects of a Belize(BELLA MAYA RESORT) trip is its easy accessibility by air, land and sea. Once you get into the country you find out how cheap the country is and how close the country is – in terms of weekend trips and short excursions.

Let me ask you a question. How would you get from North America to Belize(BELLA MAYA RESORT)? Well, you could come in by plane, you could come in by cruise ship and you can come in by bus; all of them on a timetable or schedule. Now, for those of you that are nautical in nature sailing on the Caribbean Sea, just like Jack Sparrow, will allow you to experience the wondrous joy of the outlying islands of Belize(BELLA MAYA RESORT). If you’re in North and Central America and you want to go to Belize(BELLA MAYA RESORT) by road is even easier: jump on a luxury bus or hire a car and have yourself a road trip. What about those who like to fly? There are all the flights you need operated by continental airlines, American Airlines and US airways taking off from Charlotte, Houston, Texas Dallas, Texas and Miami, Florida.

The key to a fruitful and fulfilling trip to Belize(BELLA MAYA RESORT) is to plan your trip and draw up an itinerary as most of the best attractions are not very far from the centre of town. Let me give you my three top tips that I have found out on my travels to Belize(BELLA MAYA RESORT). The first is for those who want to absolutely indulge. Visualize yourself in a luxury spa in a jungle lodge in Cayo. If you want to be pampered and want to be in a spa that leaves you feeling like a $1,000,000 dollars (not that a million dollars is worth much, sounds good though) then pop down to Cayo and lose yourself in a luxury jungle lodge. The third is for those who want an alcoholic beverage in their hand, and a table in the corner of a Mexican restaurant head over to San Pedro, Placencia Village and Ambergris Caye.

Getting around Belize(BELLA MAYA RESORT) is easy and straightforward. You can take a bus, take taxis, rent a car or take a ferry. If the trip is slightly longer, planes and buses are available. For people who can think outside the box there is the option to hire a bicycle at a minor cost. If you are cash-rich and time-poor you may want to take the local airlines, however, if you take the local buses you will get a better view of the countryside of Belize(BELLA MAYA RESORT). However, some tourists prefer to take the buses because it allows them to see the country from the ground up instead of from the sky down..

The main tourist season starts from December and runs to June. Heavy rains usually called “The Rainy Season” takes place from June until November. If you want to feel what it’s like in Belize during the cooler season then you need to go during December and May. The people in Belize are warm, friendly and will greet you with a smile on their face. When you arrive in Belize you will find out very quickly that Belizeans will welcome you with open arms and a warm heart. As a result of this visitors to Belize buy real estate: it’s no surprise why. There’s a place called Long Caye that has fantastic diving spots and the most beautiful beaches and it’s in these places that a lot of foreigners are buying real estate. It doesn’t matter how long people stay in Belize; without exception everyone who returns home wished the stayed longer.

Additional Resources
Off To Belize – Paradise On Earth
Placencia Real Estate

A Secret Maui Hike – the Olivine Pools

The Olivine Pools

I’ve been around. As awe-inspiring a site as any that I’ve seen in all my travels, is a place called the Olivine Pools. Located on the west coast of  Maui, these naturally formed pools bubble up from a strong stormy sea. It is a remarkable place to see, a place where time seems to stand still.

Named for the semi-precious gem found inside the surrounding shelves of lava and sandstone, these natural lava swimming pools are the home to many types of fish. The enchanting crystal clear water is ideal for swimming. As of now it is somewhat of a secret spot, I was there just recently with my husband. We merely had to share this place with only two other couples… who (like us) were laughing or kissing continuously.  I couldn’t wipe off the ear to ear grin I had on my face from the moment we arrived to this special place!

Getting There

Now, as far as getting to the pools, well, the drive through the West Maui Mountains can be harrowing. Extremely narrow and curvy – this road is not for sissies. But it’s all worth it when the breathtaking incredibly lush ocean views take over. I’m sorry to say that those of you with a fear of heights may need to reconsider this journey. It is very common to see passengers in passing cars that have a pained expression or nervous smile, some have either very wide open eyes or others commonly cover their eyes. Don’t be surprised if you’ll notice those that look like they have taken their very last breath!

On the way to the pools, coming from the east, you’ll pass a charming village called Kahakuloa. You can practically smell the flowers in the village women’s hair, as you drive into the sacred valley where this delightful village is tucked away. Smiling natives, dressed in colorful island wear, greet you behind their shaved ice stands.  Fresh fruit smoothies and cold coconuts are offered to everyone!

The hike down to the pools isn’t too strenuous, depending on your pace it is around a ten or fifteen minute trek. It’s important to wear comfortable shoes and have water, of course. Plus, you’ll want to stop on the way down and take it all in, because the scenery here is so spectacular. The cliffs hang dramatically over the wild mysterious ocean, it is truly magnificent. You can hear yourself breathing while the wind sings with the ocean in the background, alternating peaceful, then powerful. The echo of waves against the lava continues to serenade.

Most memorable was when we were relaxing in the tranquil pool at one point and then suddenly the pure potent energy of the crashing ocean waves washed over the lava, cascading over us as they made waterfalls filling the pools with foam. These magical serene pools are so heavenly that it would have been a sin not to share them and to keep them selfishly to myself.

Directions

Take Highway 30 from the west or Highway 340 from the east, you’ll see a gravel road located just prior to Mile Marker #16. Be sure to check in with weather conditions; if it’s been raining the area can be dangerous and slippery. The summer’s waves and winds are unpredictable, as well. Be aware of the blow hole located near the pools, best to stay at a distance. Also, no need to put on lotions or oils they can harm the sea life.

The Olivine Pools=Paradise found!

Africa Wildlife Conservation, Community Support and Eco-toursim

Woni Safarisbelieve in the conversation of Kenya’s inheritance, their wildlife. While other Africa countries pride themselves in having natural minerals like gold and diamonds and oil, in Kenya their pride lies in the conservation of their wildlife and more so the endangered species. Woni Safaris are the official tour operators for The Friends of The Elephant. They have been providing services to the foster parents of Friends of the Elephants since their inception up to date. The number of the foster parents has been on the rise every year from the initial 11 persons to the current approximate over 100 Persons. Some of their consideration areas include:

Conservation of their Environment: Woni Safaris work with local schools in Kenya on tree planting projects where by they accord their clients to leave a mark when they came on safari by planting a tree.

Conversation of the African Culture: Woni Safaris, are very proud of the African culture and are proud to showcase it to their clients. They give their clients an opportunity to visit and interact with the local communities.

Education: Their clients also get an opportunity of visiting local schools where they have child sponsorship projects as well as donating of schoolbooks, sports uniforms and accessories.

Poverty Alleviation: Woni Safaris have incorporated Eco tourism as one of their main products and this has proved to be very popular with their past clients. They donate a percentage of all the activities they undertake during their eco tours at the places they visit. This generates income for different projects as well as giving the local community another alternative of earning a living as opposed to activities, which destroy the environment such as sand harvesting and tree cutting for fire wood.

The clients undertake the above projects after they see the needs of concerned communities as follows:

The Education Sponsorship: When Woni Safaris take their clients to visit the Masai in their villages, the clients get to notice that some girls as young as 14 years old with young babies strapped at their backs. Almost always travelers want to know why these children do not go school and are informed that the young girls are people’s wives as the Masai community marry off their girls because the younger they are, the more dowry they fetch.

The Tree Planting Project: On one of the development charts of the school Woni Safaris visits, top on the list was “fencing of the school compound”. This was so that the school can embark on tree planting project without fear of domestic animals from the surrounding village destroying the young trees. One client took note of this and when she went back home, she started fundraising for tree seedlings for this school for a dollar a tree and this was very successful.

All Inclusive Jamaica Negril Vacation

What to Include in Your All Inclusive Jamaica Negril Vacation

The island of Jamaica is many things, but none of them are understated.  Jamaica seduces like a peacock in a barnyard full of hens.  In its long and turbulent history, Jamaica has seduced everyone from Christopher Columbus and the Spaniard and British colonists to Errol Flynn.  Ian Fleming, who gave the world James Bond, lived on Jamaica’s North Shore. Noel Coward, something of a peacock himself, had a mansion on a hill overlooking Port Maria.

Jamaica is dominated by a range of rugged hills and mountains which include Blue Mountain Peak, rising over 7400 feet above sea level.  Jamaica has a remarkable 120 rivers, all of which begin in those mountins before emptying along Jamaica’s coasts.  For all the glory of the Jamaican mountains, its primary tourist attractions remain its beaches, with the towns of Port Antonio, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios qualifying as genuine hotbeds of tourism.

The most stunning of all Jamaica’s beaches, however, is at the western coast town of Negril.  The sun on the white sands of Negril’s Seven Mile Beach sparkles against the deep blue of the ocean like sun sparkling on newly-fallen snow against a deep blue winter sky.  But there the comparison between Seven Mile Beach and a northern winter must end, because on its coldest days Jamaica’s waterfront temperatures seldom fall below the 70s.

While the overwhelming majority of tourists visiting Negril and Seven Mile Beach are there to soak up the sun and cool off through a variety of water sports like scuba diving, sailing, and waterskiing, Negril does have other attractions.  The enormous wetlands surrounding Negril are home to the 300-acre Royal Palm Reserve.  By strolling along the boardwalk which passes through the reserve, you will be able to view a wide number of bird species, including ospreys, Jamaican woodpeckers, egrets, and the endangered black parakeet. 

The birds, however, are vastly outnumbered by the mosquitoes, so come prepared with lots of bug repellent.  Take the time to visit the Reserve’s nature museum at Cotton Tree Lake, and if you work up an appetite treat yourself to lunch on authentic Jamaican cuisine at the lakeside restaurant.

Negril can be your jumping off point to the Jamaican interior when you would like a break from the beach scene.  If your favorite way to see the world is from the back of a horse, head 3 miles north of Negril to the Rhodes Hall Plantation, where you will be matched with a mount  suitable for your riding ability.  The two-hour horseback tour will travel well up into the hills, passing through groves of banana and coconut trees, and stopping to view crocodiles.  The plantation also offers opportunities for fishing and scuba diving.

Recover from your day of outdoor activity by treating yourself to some of Negril’s legendary nightlife.   Into reggae?  Try Alfred’s on Norman Manley Boulevard, where you won’t have to worry about a cover charge on Saturdays, Monday’s, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
No vacation is complete without lots of shopping.  Negril obliges with the newly-opened Times Sqare Mall, where you can browse through several duty-free shops and stop for a drink at the Courtyard Caf?.  You’ll find a terrific selection of designer watches and jewelry, perfume, cigarettes, liquor, as well as the world-famous Blue Mountain coffee.  Pick up a box of authentic Cuban cigars at Cigar World.

Where should you stay during your visit to Negril?  If you want to pull out all the stops, stay where the VIPs do:  at The Caves.  You’ll pay for the privilege, and you’ll have to take a 12-minute cab ride to get to the beach, but you’ll have all the atmosphere and elegance you could possibly desire.

The Caves’ five thatched-roof cottages are situated on 2 acres at the top of cliffs within walking distance of Negril’s lighthouse and Jamaica’s westernmost point, with sea breezes replacing air-conditioning and no television unless you request one.  Your stay at The Caves, however, will be all-inclusive with the cost of your lodging including both gourmet meals and drinks from the bar.