September 24, 2010

WHEN YOU VISIT KENYA........................

 KEY EVENTS THAT TAKE PLACE IN KENYA

FEBRUARY
Mountain Biking

There is a common misconception amongst tourists and visitors to Kenya that the blessed 254 can only be viewed from vehicles and by air. This, however, can't be further from the truth. In fact, if you really want to experience Kenya,  especially its nature, it is through cycling. Kenyan Mountain Biking really does coin the phrase, 'being one with nature.'  Biking is done as far as possible from the larger and busy roads.
                                              
 You will experience Kenya like most never do, from visiting local villages and traditional tribesmen to the breathtaking scenery and landscape as well as wildlife grazing on the plains. This event is a challenge that one should look into while visiting.





White Shark Diving
I dont think this beast of the sea needs much introduction or education. If some of you need information on the white shark diving, revolves around the migratory habits and patterns, in the deep sea, that often ends up venturing on coastlines around the world. Until recently, Kenya was not one of this coastlines. There has been an increase in whale shark population at Malindi, Diani and Watamu during this time. (I kid you not). The incredible occassion is a unique opportunity as it offers you the chance to get up, close and personal with this amazing and gigantic but elusive fish.





MARCH TO OCTOBER
Quattro Charge

This is an event that takes place every year where the big boys and the big girls get the big toys (4by 4 vehicles) and participate in obstacle challenges in extremely difficult terrain. The challenge  similar to the rhino charge in June,without the distance, with shorter obstacles and a bit less vigorous. Many serious fanatics of the 'sport' gauge the performance of their vehicles before the rhino charge. Spectators can try attempting this challenge but its advisable not to use your office car for this. hahaha. And don't worry there will be plenty of opportunity to mess up in front of a big crowd. 




APRIL
Kenya Open Golf




The Kenya Open Golf Championship is an annual golf tournament held in Kenya, that makes up part of the PGA European Challenge Tour. About 150 participants used to compete at Muthaiga Golf Club. However, in recent years, it has been held at Karen Country Club.







MAY
Sawa Sawa festival




The annual Sawa Sawa Festival is held at the Sakarasi Dome in Ngara, Nairobi, (5 minute drive from the city center) a recently renovated complex. This is a three day festival that showcases various musicians both local and international.





JUNE
Lewa Marathon



The annual Lewa Marathon is perfect for any runner in quest of adventure. It is also the only race of its kind that runs within a game reserve. The marathon is held across the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy next to Mt. Kenya, true to its motto, ''Run Wild''. The animals are  however kept at a safe distance by a large team of armed rangers, a helicopter and two light aircraft. Approximately 1000 runners from across the world participate in the marathon.

Established in 2000, the marathon chief sponsor, Safaricom has raised more than $1,000,000 ( approximately 75 million kenya shillings) for conservation and community developments around the country. For those who love running, the Safaricom / Lewa marathon offers a stimulating challenge and unforgettable sporting experience. Due to the heat and altitude, the marathon is considered to be one of the toughest marathons in the world today.








RHINO CHARGE
Rhino charge has got to be one of the best ideas in the history of ideas and fund raising. To participate, all one needs is a vehicle, a crew of 6, a map and a large expanse of unspoilt Africa for them to be let loose on. The event is limited to a maximum  of 60 vehicles only. The competing vehicles are provided with a simple map the night before the event, where the location of the Guard Posts has been plotted. 



After 10 hours of boulder bashing, bush pushing, lugga lurching, swamp sucking and cliff hanging under the hot African sun, the results show that the teams have made it all the way round the course. The winner is not determined by the speed at which they are travelling at, but completion of this gruelling course with the least distance covered. sounds simple huh?
















Safari Sevens Rugby

The safari sevens rugby tournament is an iconic event held every year at the Kenya Rugby Union Football Club(K.R.F.U.) located within Nairobi. It is a major international competition, in which teams from the around the world vie to participate in to compete in. It is one of the most popular tournaments. Since it was established in 1996, the Sevens tournament has continually and steadily developed. It is a must attend if you are within the country in June.