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.

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.

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.

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.

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!