Latest travel advisory from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office for Ethiopia.

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Travel Summary and the Safety and Security - Political situation section (avoid large demonstrations and political rallies), the Safety and Security - Local Travel - River & Sea Transports section and the Entry Requirements - Visa section (need for biometric fingerprints and photographs).  The overall level of the advice has not changed; there are no travel restrictions in place in this travel advice for Tanzania.

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Entry Requirements - Passport Validity section (updated).  The overall level of the advice has not changed; we advise against all travel to Karamjoa region except for trips to the Kidepo Valley National Park.

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with editorial amendments to the Travel Summary and the Safety and Security - Terrorism section.  The overall level of the advice has not changed.  The FCO advises against all but essential travel to within 60km of the Somali border, to coastal areas within 150km of the Kenya-Somalia border (this includes the Lamu area), to Garissa district and to low income areas of Nairobi, including all townships or slum areas.

Visitors to Uganda can benefit from heavily discounted Gorilla tracking permits in a special Uganda Wildlife Authority promotion running until the end of November 2011.

Uganda "The Pearl of Africa" has been listed by Lonely Planet as one of the best countries to travel to in 2012.

Latest travel advisory from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office for Rwanda.

We are delighted to announce that Miss Nicola Butler has been appointed General Manager for The SAFARI Company and Advantage East Africa as of the 17th October 2011. 

In light of the recent tragedy on Kiwayu, this article by an experienced travel writer and colleague is a balanced view on this incident and others like it that can happen anywhere in the world.  Despite that, our hearts go out to everyone involved and we wish for a speedy end and positive resolution.

Saidia Zanzibar is an emergency fundraising website, to provide caring members of the public, in Zanzibar and the world at large, with a framework to commit some of their time and money for the assistance of those tragically affected by the disaster.

The 9th Lamu Cultural Festival was a wonderful opportunity to experience the island's unspoiled beaches, medieval ambience, architecturally magnificent Old Town, gracious population and traditions of an enchanted island where history continues to live.

This year's festival is planned for the 24th - 27th November 2011.

What a fabulous idea - way to go Kenya!!

KENYA SHOWERS LONDON COMMUTERS WITH 13,000 KENYAN ROSES TO CELEBRATE ROYAL WEDDING

As excitement builds in anticipation of the Royal Wedding, Kenya celebrated the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, who got engaged there, with gifts of Kenyan roses for London commuters.

Check out this cheetah video taken by a guest recently at Lions Bluff Lodge.  Thank you Heather Clarke.

The Government of Tanzania has reassured the international community they will never do anything to hurt or take any decision that may irresponsibly destroy the Serengeti National Park such as building a tarmac road through the Park.

As per the notice issued in the national newspapers over the weekend, the Narok County Council fees are increasing as of the end of February 2011.

We stayed there on Saturday night ... and it was better than our expectations... amazing food, excellent service, so comfortable and incredible showers!!! Very impressed!

The long awaited re-opening of the Samburu / Buffalo Springs Bridge finally took place last week. British Army Engineers responsible for the reconstruction handed over the repaired bridge during a colourful ceremony to the two Councils involved. This should make transfers to and from the Samburu airstrip much easier.

There is rain all around the sanctuary, and it's beginning to fall on site with some of the dams holding water - the instant greening of the trees and grass is already showing. We expect an amazing flower carpet in next few weeks!