Tropic Air in West Africa  |  Air Lamu spreads its wings  |  Walking the Milgis for conservation | Richard's Camp **special**  |  Manda Bay OPEN  |  Borana freshens up  |  Young 'uns at Lemarti's  | Hogmead opens up shop  |  The perfect Exclusive Safari

Dear Habariafrica.com website visitor;

 Thank you.

Because of you, we are still in business, serving hundreds of travellers to the African destinations that we serve.

All of us here, with deep gratitude, thank you for your support and wish you and yours a happy holiday season.

– Habari Africa Team

TROPIC AIR VENTURES WESTWARDS

Jamie Roberts, owner of Tropic Air, flew to West Africa last month to the Inga Rapids on the Congo River to support Fish Munga and the Red Bull Crew as they shot the rapids; the first attempt ever in recorded history. Jamie said that the experience was totally exhilirating, and hugely challenging as the sheer size of the rapids in the river make a helicopter look tiny! In the meantime, Richard & Willie Roberts were exploring the Virunga Mountains, and will be taking a helicopter safari into the Eastern Congo in February 2012. Watch this space for further updates, but don't forget that helicopters make almost anything accessible, more exciting and definitely more fun! for information about Tropic Air. Image by Fish Munga 

AIR LAMU GOES PAN-AFRICA

We are thrilled to announce that Air Lamu now has costings for pan-African flights. Your guests can have a completely exclusive experience in our small planes with Roland Purcell as their pilot and private guide, and traverse huge sects of Africa. It's by far the most exciting way to be on safari! The flight to Victoria Falls in the Piper Saratoga requires a night stop, and we suggest a night at Africa House, but there are plenty of alternatives and part of the beauty of travelling this way is its extreme flexibility! Don't forget that the Piper Saratoga is based in Nairobi and offers a fantastic way to get clients on safari quickly and easily.

THE MILGIS CHALLENGE

Peter Ilsley, Helen Dufresne's partner, walked a massive 64 kms last month (aged 64), in ONE day! He undertook this enormous challenge to raise money for the Milgis Trust and the protection of elephant in the area. More elephant are being seen as they migrate back up to the Northern areas of Kenya, but a great deal of vigilence is required to ensure their safety. Many congratulations to Pete, and they managed to raise over US$20,000! 

RICHARD'S CAMP SPECIAL OFFER!

Richard's Camp is offering a very special STAY FOR 4, PAY FOR 3 offer from 5th January - 30th June 2012. We actually think four days is the optimum length of stay in the Mara, so the fact that one of those nights is free is a huge bonus! With four days at your disposal, you will have time to take a scenic flight with Richard, visit the Rhino Conservancy, do a full day's game drive to the southern end of the Reserve, visit a Masai Manyatta, explore Ol Choro Oruouwa, get to know the rangers, and also get involved with the Mara Elephant Project (MEP). email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book Richard's Camp

Alternatively, what could be more perfect than a family Christmas at Richard's Private Camp? Nestled in a valley in the Olare Orok Conservancy, on private land, the camp is only available to exclusive bookings all of which enjoy Richard himself as their private guide and host. The camp also has its own airstrip, perfect for private charter arrivals.email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book Richard's Camp

MANDA BAY- KITE SURFING AND HAVING FUN

We've just had a huge private group take over Manda Bay, and their stay has been an enormous success. The family of 24 guests had a fabulous time fishing every day, kite-surfing and water-skiing. Angus Roberts & Harry Dyer have just returned from their gap year and are qualified kite-surfing instructors so for any guests looking for a more active holiday, this is the ideal spot! email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to make a  booking. Both the Roberts and Dyer families are going to be at Manda throughout Christmas, and are looking forward to welcoming guests, and introducing them to Carlos, the Giant Trevally who has become so tame, he can eat out of your hand -

BORANA'S REFURB 


During the short rains, Sam and Flick worked hard to do a refurbishment at Borana, and managed to rebuild the kitchen to higher standards, re-do the pizza oven, build a large bicycle shed for all our mountain bikes, and add the beautiful hanging lights (pictured) to the interiors. The lodge is looking really good and has a busy year ahead. Flick and Sam will be in New Zealand for most of January tying the knot but Llewelyn Dyer will be managing the lodge along with Michael and Nicky. email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book Borana

LEMARTI'S CAMP - IDEAL FOR FAMILIES

Lemarti's Camp has had a fantastic green season; the waters of the Ewaso Nyiro rose dramatically with all the rain, but luckily not enough to get into, or damage, any of their tents. The shop is going strong and the family tents continue to be a big hit; especially given that the camp is such a family friendly safari destination. Lemarti and the team are always thrilled to see young ones arrive in camp, and it's clear that their enthusiasm rubs off as the children learn a huge amount whilst in camp about the Samburu culture.

HOGMEAD- NOW WITH RETAIL THERAPY

Hogmead has opened a new shop for all guests to enjoy some in-house retail therapy before jumping on the plane home. The shop stocks treasures from Lalesso, Hell for Leather, Sally Dudmesh, Banana Box, Linda Camm Belts and leather accessories and the gorgeous jewellery from Africa Adorned, originally started with antique silver collected from all parts of Africa. And for those on a serious retail therapy mission, Anna Trzebinski's studio is a short drive away (or a walk for those feeling adventurous!), and has one off fashion pieces that will be coveted for a lifetime! 

THE PERFECT EXCLUSIVE SAFARI

With a lovely selection of exclusive lodges and camps in Kenya, SCC Kenya has the perfect combination of exclusive use safari options, ideal for families or groups travelling together. In the north: Laragai House is an opulent safari home from home, to the south: Richard's Private Camp is the ideal understated luxury option and in between: Samatian Island Lodge offers a completely different experience in the middle of Lake Baringo. We recommend three nights at each, and joining the dots using private charters through Tropic Air. email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book