KENYA REMAINS A DESTINATION OF CHOICE FOR MANY INSPITE OF CURRENT CHALLENGES
(Posted 15th August 2014)
A story of a lifelong love for Kenya came to light yesterday when Serena Hotel’s corporate communications department shared news of the imminent return visit of one Hildegaard Isler, who has been visiting the East African country year after year, often more than once, since her first visit in 1971. Now at the age of 76, she has decided to return for yet another safari and beach holiday, affirming her own belief that Kenya is fundamentally safe and that the attractions clearly outweigh the present challenges the country’s tourism sector is faced with.
Dubbed a ‘Serena Sister’ here comes her story, one which should encourage the Kenyan tourism fraternity that rising to the challenges, when getting such encouraging news, is now essential instead of putting the proverbial flags in half mast instead of flying the Kenyan colours high:
Start story:
Isler Hildegaard is THE Serena Sister
She visited Kenya for the first time in the year 1971 and immediately fell in love with the country. What started as a courteous service at a Serena Lodge forged itself into a formidable friendship, one that has seen her come back every year since then to Kenya and visit our Hotels, Lodges and Camps not twice…not thrice… but a record time ahead of all other Serena guests from overseas.
Meet Isler Hildegaard, 76 years of age who until now still hasn’t had enough of Kenya despite her age. She was in Kenya again recently and we had the chance to listen to her story which dates back to days when Meru National park had four rhinos and Sweetwaters Serena Camp wasn’t being managed by the Serena Group of Hotels. Also a time when she fondly recalls that animals would hear the sound of vehicles and they would make a run for their lives as game drives were not a common thing then. I did my first game drive while wearing a mini-skirt.” she mused.
Isler first visited Kenya when she was aged 33 years and stayed at Samburu Serena Safari Lodge. There she met Rosemary Mugambi, Serena’s current Regional Sales and Marketing Director and Mr. Gerald Macharia the current General Manager at Lake Duluti Serena Hotel. “My sister and I simply requested for a private table and they organized for it down by the river and then they surprised us with a wine bottle,” she fondly remembers. “They were the ones who began to spoil me, they made us feel very special” she muses.
That gesture blossomed into friendship, one that has seen our Staff understand her preferred rooms in the Lodges and Camps even without saying.
Point in case is at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge it is room 27 as it is close to the watering hole and at Mara Serena rooms she would rather decline an upgrade to the suite to be able to be near the hippo pool in rooms 1, 2 or 3.
She attributes Serena’s unique products and personal attention to guests as reasons why she keeps coming back, adding that each Serena destination is unique and the architecture blends with the surrounding.
On becoming a Serena Sister:
“The name Serena Sisters came after one of the Lodge Managers introduced himself as Herman…our late brother was called Herman… we had found another brother, miles away from home” she says.
Isler jokes at the fact that they loved the Lodges to a point where they requested if they could get a souvenir from each…be it a hand towels or the hanging textile at Kilaguni Serena just to remind themselves of these magical destinations.
Amidst the interview, the waiter comes to pick our orders for lunch and she admirably utters “Mukimo (a mix mash of potatoes ,spinach, green maize and peas) please and a little Sukuma wiki (local Kale)”. This she says has remained her favourite meal while on a Safari, alongside the village chicken – of course .
She has also visited our Camps and Lodge in Tanzania and fondly remembers Serengeti with tsetse flies.
“Such a feeling…you are in the middle of the wilderness but you have access to a hearty meal and a good shower can’t just be forgotten,” she says, as she enjoys her Mukimo.
Despite her age Isler proves to be digitally versed and carries her Safari memories with her as she compiles them. She carries a good camera and her photography skills are notable. After each Safari she gets on her laptop and prepares a booklet detailing her Safari, from evening game drives to her moments seated at a balcony watching the sun set.
She highly speaks of her Kenyan tour guide, Shafiq who has been her guide for five years in a row.
As well as of Mr. Timothy Kitenge our Retail Sales Manager – who has been organizing her trips for the last several years.
Key Highlights :
During her visits she managed to rub shoulders with notable Kenyans which include paleoanthropologist and conservationist Richard Leakey. She was also present when Amboseli National park was being given back to the local community.
Her love for Amboseli which is because she can wake up to the breathtaking snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro and because of the Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge Manager Herman, who is ‘our’ brother make the Lodge an insatiable place to visit.
She also remembers watching lions mating.
She also remembers having the opportunity to witness ceremonies such as the handing over of the park back to the locals and the visit of President Uhuru to Serena Mountain Lodge.
Her visits have also had their fair share of low moments. During the 2007 post-election violence Isler was in Nakuru – the only tourist in the park. During the 9/11 attack and on the passing on of Princess Diana she was also in Samburu. The recent Westgate Attack found her whilst still on her Safari.
Isler also regrets the fact that poaching is still rampant in the country and lauds the various organizations working on the protection of endangered species. “We may have a future where children will be taught using photographs.” She points out.
Isler is also a Serena Prestige – Platinum Card Holder.
When she is miles away from Kenya Isler confesses to being a bookworm of some sort. Her home library boasts of over 7,000 book titles on various topics, mostly about Africa and their governments.
She hasn’t closed her chapter in travelling, as she plans to visit later in the year and remains optimistic on visiting Tanzania’s Kirawira Serena Camp in her next visit to Africa. The only setback has been the tsetse flies in the Serengeti. She goes on to say that each Serena Unit is different and unique . The architecture of each unit blends in with its surrounding.
Apart from Africa she also loves visiting Asian destinations notably the ones with Buddhists temples.
Despite Islers various professional accomplishments and hats worn in her lifetime from being a politician , Judge, a painter and chemical – what she will always remain to be – is a Serena Sister.
A moving narrative now doubt and a testament to the fact that Kenya still got what it takes and deserves a visit.
For details on all the Serena properties click on www.serenahotels.com
