The Loisaba Star Beds have aptly been called the "biggest bedroom in the world”. Imagine camping out under the stars in a remote section of wilderness, on a huge four-poster bed. After a tasty dinner, you and your loved one can climb the ladder to a comfy bed positioned on a private wooden platform overlooking a waterhole. Snuggle under down duvets as night calls fill the air; the whoops of hyenas, chirps of cicadas and occasional grunt of a lion.

In the morning the dazzling Milky Way slowly fades and the colours seep back into the landscape together with the heat of the oncoming dawn. The occasional zebra and elephant can be spotted having their morning drink at the waterhole, as your morning meal is brought up to you - breakfast in bed.

Loisaba Star Beds are within walking distance of Loisaba Lodge, in a private wildlife conservancy on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau in Northern Kenya. Pay this location a visit one of these days and enjoy the biggest bedroom in the world!

Kenya is basking in the "Obama effect", according to Ongonga Achieng, formerly of the Kenya Tourist Board (KTB).
Achieng says he receives enquiries almost every day from tour operators who wish to organise trips to the country. The titles of the tours vary from "Presidential Heritage Safari" to the "Obama Wildlife Tour."

"And it's not only Americans who are coming. Europeans such as the Germans, English and French are also travelling to Kenya. There is also an increase in interest from China and Japan," says Achieng, adding, "We can breath a sigh of relief."

In early 2008, Kenya's biggest source of foreign currency, the tourist industry, collapsed. Images of the bloody inter-ethnic conflict that hit parts of Kenya were broadcast on television screens worldwide. But peace has returned to the country which has become a by-word for safari tourism. Tourists are returning not only to the tightly-secured seaside "holiday fortresses" at Lamu, Malindi and Mombasa, they are also visiting Kenya's many wildlife reserves in strong numbers.

Anyone visiting during the dry seasons from December to March and from July to September is bound to catch a glimpse of the big five in Kenya's national parks. In those seasons, the animals are forced to visit the watering holes near the lodges where guests stay. Vegetation is also low making it far easier to spot the animals.

But even if you decide to visit the country in the inexpensive rainy season, you are bound to experience the romance of a stay in Kenya. The rainy season is also the time when evenings at the lodges in the cooler Highlands are especially comfortable.

The capital, Nairobi, has plenty to offer visitors who wish to spend a day or two there. A visit to the Karen Blixen Museum is a must for most tourists as well as a trip to the David Sheldrick Trust where orphaned elephant and rhinoceros-calves are cared for until they are old enough to survive in the bush on their own. Visitors to the trust can take part in midday feeding and learn more about poaching in Africa.

Outings to the Giraffe Centre near Nairobi National Park are gaining popularity and visitors are allowed to hand feed the long-necked animals with food pellets while standing on a three-metre high platform. For a long time, Nairobil was nicknamed "Nairobbery" as theft was widespread, but security has improved in the past years. If you travel by taxi or by tour bus, you can safely experience Nairobi's nightlife where you will repeatedly encounter Barack Obama's image.

Hotels are using oversized billboards with Obama's picture in their advertising campaigns and DJs in Nairobi's discos and bars play rap and reggae songs extolling Obama as Kenya's patron saint - often at the request of visitors. And when it all gets a little too hot, holidaymakers can often be seen cooling down with an "Obama Beer" in their hands.

Bull fighting is an age-old practice in western Kenya and events are held every month in various towns.

Now organisers of this popular sport say they want to promote it as part of a new "Obama tourism circuit", based on the US president's links to the region.

But activists launched campaigns against this saying bull fighting is illegal and cruel. This came in the wake of a planned bull fight event in Nairobi slated for December 13 - to mark Obama's presidential triumph in the USA. Hillary Wendo, a spokesperson for events company Target Africa, said they were planning to hold a cultural extravaganza to promote Western Province as a tourist destination, with the bull fighting as a climax. This was cancelled in the eleventh hour by the authorities citing lack of appropriate facilities.

Wendo insisted that it was high time western Kenya was opened up for tourism. In November, the government announced plans to introduce a new tourism circuit - the Obama circuit - for western Kenya to make the most of Barack Obama's victory in the US presidential elections.

In recent years, bull fighting has been advertised as a unique spectacle to attract both local and international tourists.
The bulls are bred and raised specifically to fight and are highly prized and pampered by their owners and the local community. A cheering crowd encourages two bulls to engage in a fierce battle until one of them flees in defeat.

The animal welfare activists are however saying bull fighting is a crime. They argue that it is illegal for anyone to promote or assist fighting between animals and to charge people money to watch animals fighting.

There are claims of use of traditional brews, otherwise known as busaa, to charge the bulls before a fight. Some people, the activists say, have owned up that they expose them to drugs like bhang (cannabis) - an allegation Mr. Wendo denies saying that the bulls are treated very well, and are exempted from farm work.

Eight bulls were set to be transported to Nairobi for the event at the 60,000 capacity Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on the outskirts of Nairobi.

Lamu is one of Kenya's oldest living towns and is truly a step back in time. Separated from the hustle of modern life by the Indian Ocean and customs of the local peoples. Little has changed over the centuries in its appearance and in the attitudes of the locals. Making it probably one of the more relaxing places to visit.

The arrival by air gives one an over view of the three main islands of Lamu, Pate, and Manda. Transportation between the three is by dhow, the local word for a variety of wooden crafts that ply the local waters. Transportation on Lamu is strictly foot traffic. There is only one vehicle on the island, that being a seldom-used government transport for the leading official. However, do not let that discourage you as everything is within easy walking distance.

When you arrive at the dock you find that the narrow alleyways lead to the main shopping, just one block in from the ocean. There you can find beautiful woodcarvings, an array of jewelry and khangas or kikoys to purchase. These are worn by men and women alike and are very versatile as well as comfortable. The jewelry is made of local shells and some of the very old pottery washed ashore from old trading ships. The woodcarving can be seen everywhere you look. Ornate doorways that lead into private homes only hint at the beautiful craftmanship that lie inside. Large wooden trunks with ornate brass inlays are found for sale in local shops. And are only one example of the wonderful carving found here. Lamu's museum holds some of the finest Swahili art from the 17th and 18th centuries. The museum also contains a collection of replicas of dhows and representations of traditional home interiors.

The clear blue sky and warm water of the Indian Ocean combined with easy going atmosphere of Lamu is conducive to a local malady called "coastitis". This consists of a want to sit idly in the shade with a tall, cool glass of mango juice and calmly watch life go on around you. It is said the only cure is to move inland.

The warm waters are also home to some of the best deep-sea fishing as well as wind surfing and snorkeling you can hope to find anywhere. The reefs are home to a large variety of colourful fish well worth observing. The climate is warm, the breezes tropical, the people friendly, and the food excellent, the perfect setting for an advanced case of coastitis. Who would ever want to move inland after a time in a place such as this?

Acacia Adventure Holidays recently released Crazy About Kenya survey results on the top five game viewing locations in Kenya. Over 20 talented musicians and artists from Africa's wildlife capital, including Eric Wainaina, an award winning singer songwriter, have given their opinion on the top five game viewing locations in the wildlife capital.

It only seems fiting that if you’re choosing to travel to Kenya, the best person to ask where the favourite places are is a Kenyan.

The top five destinations are as follows:

1. Maasai Mara Game Reserve
2. Lake Turkana
3. Nairobi National Park
4. Samburu Game Reserve
5. Lake Nakuru National Park

The survey is part of the crazyaboutkenya.com initiative – an online guide to the destination that aims to give travellers a broader perspective of Kenya and take them further than the Mara. Lake Turkana, which comes in at number two, is a new addition to Acacia Adventure Holidays' 2009 brochure and is featured on the 8-day Kenya’s Untamed North itinerary. A definite if you’re looking to safari without the crowds - the arid expanse is home to a surprising number of wildlife, including the Lion, Cheetah, Hippo and the largest population of Crocodiles in Africa.

Hooking into the official line in Kenya, Acacia Adventure Holidays’ Crazy About Kenya guide also hopes to enthuse tourists with art and music in the capital post safari. Several ethical projects are linked to the campaign, including uptoyoutoo.com and WAPI - a monthly event held at the British Council in Nairobi. The buzzing guide to Nairobi, featuring the favourite cultural haunts of the initiative's talented Kenyan partners will also launch later in the year. The tour operator offers 3-day Nairobi city stays which can be added to overland and adventure itineraries.

Contact Acacia Adventure Holidays direct to take advantage of the discount on +44 20 7706 4700, email info@acacia-africa.com or visit www.acacia-africa.com for further information.

As the world shrinks into a global village, international tourists are searching for places with a difference. New trends and innovative ideas are necessary if service providers are to survive in this cut-throat industry.

Bed and Breakfast houses are one of the new trends, at least locally. They are built on the concept of personalised service and hospitality where tourists interact easily with the hosts.

Bed and Breakfast has flourished in the UK because it provides cheap, overnight accommodation in a small house, especially for people travelling on a low or limited budget. In this regard, people open their vacant bedrooms to tourists.
The idea has successfully caught on in other countries. In the USA, people stay in modest houses that cater for varying tastes and budgets. But the trend is now for people to book into large renovated mansions, for instance in Carolina, whose houses are reminiscent of ‘Gone with the Wind’ or huge ‘old money’ residences in Cape Cod and other places where American tycoons build summer residences.

The reason for renting out rooms is different for every host. It could range from the loneliness of an empty nest, to the high cost of renovating and maintaining a huge house. Some people just want to meet new and interesting people, while others simply desire to increase their income.

Kenya has quickly caught on to this trend. Nairobi, Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu have several of these houses. As part of a personalised service, some hosts arrange pick-ups from the airport to their homes. It is very important for international visitors that the place is safe. The average price for bed and breakfast houses would be around KShs. 3,500 but this would vary from host to host and also the package on offer by the host.

If your home is in a safe and quiet environment, upgrade your empty rooms to make them suitable for local and international visitors and then advertise on the Internet. You will get a lot of business. This is one good way of getting extra coins while meeting wonderful people and having loads of fun in the process.

The Kenya Wildlife Services has increased entry fees to some of the government-owned parks and reserves effective January 1 2009.

A statement from the organisation says the Board of Trustees re-classified Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) managed parks and adjusted their entry tariffs in a Legal Notice Number 404 published on 26 November 2007.
 
The new rates were to be effected from July 1, 2008 but tourism industry players sought a postponement. The parks have been re-classified and priced accordingly into various categories, including Premium (Amboseli, Lake Nakuru); Urban Safari (Nairobi);  Wilderness (Aberdares, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Meru, Chyullu Hills and Kora); Mountain (Mt Kenya); Scenic and Special Interest (Hells Gate, Mt Elgon, Shimba, Shimba Hills, Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Tana Primate, Kakamega Forest); Marine (Kisite Mpunguti, Kiunga, Watamu, Mombasa, Malindi); Sanctuaries (Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary and Nairobi Safari Walk).

Entry into the premium parks category will cost foreign tourists US$60, up from the current US$40. Others like Nairobi National Park will remain at the current rate of US$40. Scenic and special interest parks will cost US$20 to encourage high visitor turnover.
 
The statement says Sterling pounds and Euros will now be accepted as alternative currencies of payment besides the US dollar and Kenyan shilling, in response to requests from international tourists. "The increment in rates has largely been driven by the high cost of wildlife conservation and the need for a pricing strategy that reflects the true value of our compelling tourism products," the statement says. "KWS continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, upgrading of facilities and high quality science led park management to enhance visitor experience.  The recent branding of 15 parks is part of this investment," it adds.

It says the new fees are based on market segmentation and regional pricing levels. "The segmentation of prices aims to disperse tourists to less visited parks in the Western Circuit, especially Ndere Island in Lake Victoria, Ruma National Park in Homa Bay, Kakamega Forest National Reserve and Mt Elgon National Park," it says. 

Special lower student rates will apply for individuals from recognised secondary, government or private college or university aged below 23 years visiting parks for purposes of learning about conservation through a documented and organised arrangement with that institution.

KWS will require a minimum of two weeks notice in order to issue written authorisation for student rates. This special arrangement excludes students on personally arranged holidays. Meanwhile, citizens of Burundi and Rwanda will be treated like other East African Community members who pay the same subsidised rates like Kenyan citizens.

Kenyan citizen tourists enjoy similar treatment in Tanzanian and Ugandan parks as part of the process of amalgamating the East African region into a more diverse but single tourist destination. The organisation says the new tariffs were arrived at after consultations involving various key stakeholders in 2006, including the Kenya Wildlife Service(KWS), Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO), Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), Kenya Tourist Board (KTB),  Kenya Association of Tour Operators and the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers (KAHC).

Roads and bridges in most parks have been improved at a cost of KShs. 45 million and airstrips upgraded at a cost of KShs. 55 million in Meru (Mulika, Kinna, Masanduku) and Lake Nakuru (Naishi) National parks and KWS plans to spend a further KShs. 1 billion in the next two years on improving roads, bridges and airstrips in national parks and reserves across the country. 

After a heavy battering from post-election violence last year, the tourism industry is struggling to re-position itself as the country’s leading foreign exchange earner.

The challenge to rise up from the ashes is, however, being made difficult by other obstacles like the global financial crisis, which has made travelling impossible for some people.

Despite the sector setting on a recovery path through an aggressive marketing campaign, low number of foreign arrivals in the country during recent months continue to hinder the industry plans to fully recover this year. According to Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) statistics, tourist arrivals between January and October, last year declined by 35.2%, to 565,748 visitors, from 873,311 visitors in the same period of 2007 due to the delayed effects of the post-election violence and global financial crisis.

Arrivals through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), that constitute 86.1% of total arrivals, declined by 24.7%, to 486,815 visitors, from 646,770 visitors in the first 10 months of 2007. Moi International Airport, Mombasa registered a decline of 66.3% in the tourist arrivals to 75,339 visitors in January - October last year, from 223,878 visitors during the same period last year.

The board noted that though Europe continues to register the highest share of tourist arrivals, the flow declined by 50.9% between January and October last year, to 233,647 visitors from 475,716 visitors over the same period of 2007.
Arrivals from Africa declined by 5.6% to 166,985 visitors from 176,891 visitors, while those from America declined by 30%, to 79,190 visitors in the first 10 months of last year from 114,028 visitors in the same period of 2007.

But the board sounded optimistic that the tourism industry would pick up as a result of aggressive marketing and economic recovery in tourist sources affected by the global financial crunch. The industry suffered a major setback because of violence, which followed the disputed 2007 presidential elections.

The board said despite the fact that no tourists were injured and no tourism infrastructure had been damaged, the violence heavily impacted the industry with revenues falling 54% from a year earlier in the first quarter of 2008.
Revenues of the industry, a key foreign exchange earner for the country, plummeted to KShs. 8.08 billion from KShs. 17.5 billion between January and March 2007.

KTB notes that tourist arrivals fell 45% to 274,419 in the first three months of last year from 501,863 in the same period last year while occupancy rates dropped to an average 30% compared with 86% in the year ago period.

The violence affected hotels, air and road transport as well as the entertainment sectors, which all heavily rely on tourism.
About 20,000 Kenyans employed in the sector lost their jobs. The country earned only KShs. 8 billion from tourism instead of the projected KShs. 21 billion.

Tourism has been the leading source of foreign exchange for Kenya since 1997, when it overtook coffee, with the exception on 1997-1998 before it was overtaken by horticulture in 2007. Earnings from Kenya’s horticulture sector, which is the largest exporter of cut flowers to Europe, soared 63 per cent in 2007 to overtake tourism as the country’s leading foreign exchange earner. Horticulture was again last year only slightly affected by post-election violence, which hit the tourism industry badly.