The floodwaters have reached Mapula Lodge in Botswana, after careful consultation we have decided to move all reservations from Mapula to other camps/ lodges in the Footsteps in Africa circuit.

We feel that the unusually high flood this year will result in the game experience being compromised. It will take guests well over a hour to reach productive game viewing areas. Footsteps in Africa prides itself in offering a quality and rewarding experience – something we cannot offer, currently, at Mapula Lodge at this stage in the flood cycle this year. We will keep the trade abreast of developments.

We’re very excited to be launching a few new products in the coming months. In addition to the new Serengeti Soroi property, Alfajiri Safaris will officially launch this week. Please register for our Alfajiri Safaris launch webinar tomorrow, Tuesday March 16th, to learn more about these private safaris combing the luxurious Alfajiri Villas, Private Galdessa Camp and the lovely Saruni Lodges in Kenya.

Also, please note information about Conservancy Safaris scheduled departures for 2010 hosted by Namibia’s top conservation experts.

As always, thanks for reading and have a great week!
The Fazendin Portfolio team

Here is the most recent update from Express Travel Group re: last week’s floods in Samburu…Please note the following lodges/camps are officially closed indefinitely:

• Samburu Serena Lodge
• Samburu Lodge
• Larsen’s Camp
• Sentrim Samburu Camp
• Elephant Watch Camp
• Elephant Bedroom Camp
• Samburu Intrepids Club
• Ashnil Samburu Camp

The properties not affected are as follows:

• Saruni Samburu Camp
• Sasaab Camp
• Samburu Simba Lodge
• Samburu Sopa Lodge
• And in Shaba Game Reserve – Sarova Shaba Lodge and Joy’s Camp

It is very hard for anyone to predict exactly when they can return back to business as going forward we expect more rains in April and May. Give or take definitely most of them will be closed until 15th July. So for now the alternative will be properties not affected and those in Laikipia Region (www.laikipia.org), the website lists all available accommodation.

Also clients can be booked in Meru Mulika National Park at Leopard Rock lodge, Elsa’s Kopje, Off Beat Meru Camp and Rhino River Camp.

Please contact Express Travel Group with any questions.

The Fazendin Portfolio is experiencing email disruption today, March 10th, 2010. If you need to reach us urgently please email:
fazendin.portfolio@gmail.com or contact us at:

Sarah Fazendin Office: +1.303.993.7906

Mallory Corbett Office: +1.602.840.3756

Thanks and we hope to have this fixed soon!

Greetings! As you surely know by now, late last week the Samburu area of Kenya experienced flash flooding that was fairly destructive to many of the camps and lodges in the game reserve. We wanted to point out, if you’re not already, that by watching our online news feed and better yet, connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter, you can stay up-to-the-minute with updates and information on this kind of situation as quickly as we receive news from Africa.

We’re sad to report that due to the damage, Samburu Intrepids will be closed for the next few months while they rebuild the property. You can see the full press release here. If you have clients booked at Samburu Intrepids Camp, please contact Reservations Manager, Tabitha Muchogu on tabitha.muchogu@heritagehotels.co.ke or the Sales Account Manager, Peter Kimani on peter.kimani@heritagehotels.co.ke to re-book your clients elsewhere.

While we usually have much more fun and happy news and information to share, in times of crisis these outlets are your best bet for keeping in touch and getting news and information as quickly as possible.
As always, thanks for reading and have a great week!
The Fazendin Portfolio team

Please see below for an update from Express Travel Group, via Sasaab Lodge in Samburu National Park: Following the floods in Samburu yesterday (4th March 2010), we would like to update all members of the tourism trade that SASAAB is open and fully operational. The lodge is still accessible via Wamba or Kiltaman, and of course by private plane into the Sasaab airstrip (N0038.24 E03723.07). As the bridge has washed away, transfers from Samburu South airstrip will take longer than usual as we will have to drive via Archer’s Post and Kiltaman. This drive is approximately three hours long, and we strongly suggest a charter flight instead.

The Family Room has suffered some damage from the floods, but this is
minimal electrical damage. We will be repairing these in the next few weeks
and in the meantime the room will remain out of action. All our other rooms
(four doubles, and three twins) are looking as lovely as ever, and we are
welcoming new guests (some of which have been relocated from other lodges)
to Sasaab.

The water in the Ewaso Nyiro is the highest it has ever been in recorded
history, and fortunately the Government had contingency plans in place and
was able to spring into action yesterday morning along with civilian helpers
and the British Army so that there were no casualties. As far as we know
there were no animal casualties either – oftentimes the animals know long
before us that there is water on the way! Despite the damage, this has
brought some relief to what was a drought stricken area last year.

And today’s (March 5th) update from KATO:
Further to our circular yesterday on the subject topic, we wish to advise as follows: -

1. The water level in the river has subsided overnight.

2. The bridge connecting Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserves is confirmed to be IMPASSABLE. Whereas the bridge itself is intact, the road leading to the bridge on both sides has been washed away. Members wishing to connect between the two Reserves will have to go round to Archers Post Gate.

3. The road network within the Reserves is OK and one can move freely with the Reserves.

4. The following properties are reported as having been affected by the flooding. Please note that the Lodges were affected to varying extents (some more than others) and you will need to re-confirm with them directly regarding any bookings you have over the next week or so: -

i. Samburu Serena

ii. Samburu Ashnil

iii. Samburu Intrepids

iv. Atua Enkop

v. Sentrim Camp

vi. Elephant Watch

The situation continues to be monitored and up developments will be communicated.

We also thank those members who have registered (and continue to register) themselves to receive FREE SMS alerts from the KTF Safety Centre.

Richard Markham with the Express Travel Group sends this update regarding today’s floods in Samburu:

Flooding has occurred in the Samburu area after the river Uaso Nyiro broke its banks following heavy rains in the Mt Kenya and Laikipia regions. The floods came in the early morning hours of today (Thursday 4th March). Rescue and evacuation operation of people within the affected area including tourists are going on and they have already been taken to safer areas.

We are awaiting an update on exactly which properties have suffered what damage and should receive this tomorrow. It sounds as if Samburu Intrepids, Samburu Serena, Samburu Lodge and Larsens have all been badly affected.

For the time being we will not send further clients to Samburu until we know more about accommodation, road damage, game viewing access etc. We shall let you know if this will affect any of your bookings.

We shall keep you advised as and when we are in the picture
Kind regards
Richard

And here is an update from the Ministry:
Kenya – flooding in the Samburu area

. Flooding has occurred in the Samburu area after the river Uaso Nyiro broke
its banks following heavy rains in the Mt Kenya and Laikipia regions. The
floods came in the early morning hours of today (Thursday 4th March).

. Rescue and evacuation operation of people within the affected area
including tourists are going on and some have already been taken to safer
areas.

. Relief supplies (food and non food items) are already pre-positioned in
Isiolo for dispatch to the affected area by the Ministry of Special
Programmes.

. Major rescue operation is underway organised by the government through the
National Disaster Operations Centre.

. The national Tourism Crisis Management Committee is coordinating the
management of the crisis at the ministry of tourism led by the acting PS Mrs
Eunice Miima.

. Aircrafts from the Kenya Air Force, the Police, the Kenya Wildlife Service
and the private sector are on the ground with the necessary rescue
equipment. The first two arrived at 10.30 am. The joint training unit
between the Kenya army and the British army were also assisting.

. The Samburu airstrip which is in the affected area is operational.

. The quick response to the crisis was as per the government El-Nino
response plan.

. No report of any casualties has been received.

. Latest reports indicate that the Archers Post Bridge is submerged.

. A team of senior government officials including the Directors of National
Disaster Operation Centre and Tourism is on the ground coordinating the
response activitie

Source Ministry of Tourism

Continually looking for new itinerary concepts – Ulendo Safaris and Nyassa Air Taxi are pleased to launch exciting new Air Safaris linking Malawi’s major attractions with Zambian and Mozambican reserves and tourist hotspots. While air charters have always played an important part in moving guests around the region – our Air Safaris ensure guests enjoy exclusive use of their own aircraft and pilot for the duration of their air adventure. Itineraries link Malawi with Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park before heading to Gorongosa Reserve in Mozambique – the relaxing Bazaruto Archipelago is one example of the new tours being offered. Contact Ulendo’s team for details. Rob info@ulendo.net will be attending ITB from 11th – 14th March on the Malawi Tourism Stand (Hall 20 Stand 101).

As this year’s trade show season is fast approaching, we wanted to share the following information with you so you can schedule and make plans for these exciting travel trade show events.

First, the following of our partners will be attending the ITB show in Berlin. For more information about this show please visit their web site.

Botswana: Footsteps in Africa
Location: ATTA Stand – Hall 20 Stand No 119 (We will only be attending on the Trade Only Days – the 10th, 11th and 12th March)
Contact: Anthony Cavill-Taylor will be attending the show
Appointment Request: Anthony Cavill-Taylor anthony@footsteps-in-africa.com

Mozambique: Mozambique Voyages
Location: Mozambique stand Hall 20, Stand 108
Contact: Martijn Mellaart will be attending the show
Appointment Request: Barbara Kuhn, sales@uitkykholidays.co.za

Kenya: Heritage Hotels
Location: Kenya Stand hall 21.A stand 129
Appointment Request: lynnette.otieno@heritagehotels.co.ke
Contact: George Kariuki will be attending the show

East Africa: Express Travel Group
Location: with Leopard Tours on Tanzania Stand
Contact: Simon Waldock (Europe representative)
Appointment request: Simon etg@safariwise.com

Kenya: Alfajiri Villas and Galdessa Camp
Location: ATTA stand
Contact: Simon Wilson Stephens (UK Rep)
Appointment request: simon@milestones-marketing.com

South Africa: Transfrontier Parks Destinations
Location: Mozambique Pavillion
Contact: Glynn O’Leary
Appointment Request: glynn@tfpd.co.za

Malawi/Zambia: Ulendo Safaris
Location: Malawi Stand (Hall 20 Stand 101)
Contact: Rob McConaghy
Appointment Request: rob@ulendo.net

INDABA
For more information please visit the show web ste.

Mozambique: Mozambique Voyages
Location: Mozambique Stand
Contact: Martijn Mellaart
Appointment Request: Barbara Kuhn, sales@uitkykholidays.co.za

Kenya: Heritage Hotels
Location: ATTA Stand
Contact: George Kariuki
Appointment Request: george.kariuki@heritagehotels.co.ke

East Africa: Express Travel Group
Location: Kenya Tourist Board Stand
Contact: Margie
Appointment Request: margie@expresstravelgroup.co.ke

Zambia: Nanzhila Plains Safari Camp
Location: Zambia Stand
Contact: Debbie Peake and Steve Smith will be attending
Appointment Request: Steve Smith sichaba@botsnet.bw

South Africa: Transfrontier Parks Destinations
Location: Northern Cape and Mozambique Stands
Contact: Glynn O’Leary
Appointment Request: glynn@tfpd.co.za

Zambia: Kafunta Safaris
Location: Zambian National Tourist Board stand
Contact: Wilson Malambo, Anke Cowan
Appointment Request:Anke: kafunta@luangwa.com

Check it out here!