| Greetings from Kenya where international flights are now coming into Nairobi again and we are delighted to announce that our camps are open and ready to welcome visitors!
Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda have all been awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) "Safe Travel Stamp" after adopting its global health and hygiene protocols. International flights resumed to Tanzania a few weeks ago, and started again into Kenya and Rwanda from 1st August.
Airlines including Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Qatar Airways, Emirates Air, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Turkish Airlines and Egypt Air are now operating to our key locations and we have re-opened all of our Porini Safari Camps, Rhino River Camp and Nairobi Tented Camp.
Our teams are happy to be welcoming guests and sharing with them some unsurpassed wildlife-viewing in and around our conservancies. |
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| The leopard known as "Yellow" seen from Porini Lion Camp this week |
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| Additional Requirements for Entry to Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda
In addition to the usual Passport and Visa rules, visitors are currently required to have a valid Covid-19 PCR Test Certificate for International Travel, dated within 96 hours of departure on a flight from a foreign international airport into Kenya or Rwanda, and within 72 hours for Tanzania. Tests should be arranged through designated medical centres issuing valid test certificates meeting international requirements.
Kenya has been successful in containing the Covid-19 virus by implementing stringent measures at an early stage and is screening all visitors entering the country. Temperature monitoring and health checks are carried out at the airports on arrival, and travellers from many countries (including the UK, Canada and much of the USA) do not need to self-quarantine as long as they do not have any symptoms. The full list of countries from which travellers to Kenya currently do not need to quarantine can be seen here: https://www.kcaa.or.ke/quarantine-exempted-states. (Click to view the PDF list from the page link). The list is regularly updated, so if your location is not yet included do check back soon or contact us for the latest advice.
Visitors to Rwanda are required to take a Covid-19 Test once they arrive at a designated hotel. The test costs US $60 and results are due within 8 hours. Visitors must isolate at the hotel during this time. Another test is required 72 hours before departing Rwanda and there are test centres in popular tourist locations.
The latest travel advisory from Tanzania states that only those travellers whose countries or the airlines on which they are flying require them to get tested for Covid-19, as a condition for travelling, would be required to present a negative certificate upon arrival. All arriving and departing travellers will however be subjected to temperature screening. There is no requirement for quarantine on arrival for those clear of symptoms. Departing travellers whose onward destinations and airline require a negative Covid-19 Test Certificate may undergo testing in Tanzania 5 days before departure at a cost of US $100.
As in many locations across the world, all travellers should remain vigilant with hand washing / sanitising and must adhere to local requirements for social distancing and face coverings in public areas. |
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| Keeping Our Guests & Teams Safe
In order to ensure the health and safety of our guests and staff, we have introduced various new measures to our operations in line with the protocols required by our Ministry of Health.
The Porini Safari Camps were among the first in Kenya to be checked and certified to re-open with new Covid-19 safety standards in line with the World Health Organization and Kenya Ministry of Health requirements. The following measures are in place, based on their recommended protocols:
• Guest temperature screening on arrival
• Regular temperature screening / health checks of staff
• Regular deep cleaning of all areas of camp, camp vehicles & transfer vehicles
• Staff and guests to maintain a distance of 1.5 Meters where possible
• Staff educated on strict hygiene measures
• Handling of items by different persons kept to a minimum
• Disinfection stations with alcohol gel around camp
• A la carte dining (no buffet or communal platters)
• Meals taken outside / 2 meal sittings to enable social distancing
• All linens sanitized in high temperature wash
To view the full details of the Porini Camps Covid-19 protocols please click here. |
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| The Migration is in the Mara!
Recent guests of Porini Lion Camp have had the opportunity to witness one of Nature’s most incredible sights – the Great Migration. This is one of the Natural Wonders of the World, when large numbers of wildebeest pour into the Maasai Mara National Reserve and Conservancies from the adjoining Serengeti.
Due to this year’s unusually low tourist numbers, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to observe the spectacle without scores of tourist vehicles spoiling the view and this year the numbers are higher than ever!
The video below was filmed yesterday by Julius Sairowua, KPSGA Safari Guide at Porini Lion Camp (click image to view the video) … |
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| The Migration is usually in this area between July and October, so do contact our safari experts now using our online contact form to check availability for your choice of travel dates. |
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| Unrivalled Game-Viewing for Porini Camp Guests
Guests at the Porini Safari Camps have been enjoying some excellent game-viewing, especially in the Masai Mara region where they are seeing vast numbers of Wildebeest on their annual Migration.
Porini Lion Camp (Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Masaai Mara) is currently hosting our regular repeat guest Jeffrey Wu who shared some wonderful images yesterday. |
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| Jeffrey said .."As promised, I am back! I took the first flight back to Mara the first day Kenya opened its door to the world again. Almost everything that I have seen is a shock. For the first time in August there are NO safari cars on the road to Mara. Wildlife is thriving. Mara indeed has never disappointed me". |
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| And here is a message to you all from Jamie & Jennie who are celebrating their honeymoon with a very special safari experience at Porini Mara Camp and Porini Lion Camp right now! |
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| Click image to view video … |
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| Porini Mara Camp is "Best of the Best"!
This week we were excited to hear that Porini Mara Camp is a "Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best" Winner — Tripadvisor’s highest honour!
The camp has won in the category of "Best Small Property – Africa" and is in the top 1% of properties worldwide based on travellers’ reviews and ratings of their experience. |
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| We’d like to thank our past guests who have submitted their own reviews and ratings about us to TripAdvisor as this helps us spread the word about our unique eco-tourism ethos and ultimately supports the wildlife in our Conservancies and the local people whose land is kept as protected habitat for the animals. |
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| Our No-Risk Flexi-Booking Policy
If you haven’t yet made arrangements for your next safari because you are concerned that Covid-19 could later impact your plans, then take a look at our Flexi-Booking Policy & No Amendment Guarantee which are designed to bring peace of mind to your arrangements: Flexi-Booking Policy
You can also take advantage of our special Reduced Rates which provide excellent value for money on stays of 6 nights or more: Reduced Rates for 6 Nights
To check availability for your choice of dates – or to ask for safari advice – you can use our online contact form and one of our safari experts will get back to you with recommendations and prices. |
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| Adopt An Acre for Wildlife
We are most grateful to our many friends and valued clients for responding so positively to our request for support for our Adopt-an-Acre plan. Anyone adopting 30 acres or more receives a credit equal to the amount donated, to be used towards the cost of a stay at one of the Porini Camps in 2021 or 2022.
Many from the local Maasai communities have told us that it is very encouraging and reassuring for them to learn that there are so many well-wishers helping to see that the payments continue being made to them for the leasing of the conservancy land and for the wages for those members of the community who work in the conservancies and in the camps. It will be such a great relief for them if the recent disruption to tourism does not cause their incomes to dry up.
This video gives more details about the benefits that our Conservancies bring to visitors, local communities and wildlife. |
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| Click image to view video …
It is important for the Adopt-an-Acre campaign to continue receiving support and if you can share the details of this to any of your friends via social media or email then that will help to keep the momentum going.
If you have not yet taken the opportunity to adopt an acre then do find out more on our web site: Adopt An Acre for Wildlife … |
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| We hope that you and your family stay safe and well over the coming weeks, and we look forward to welcoming you on an East African safari as soon as you can join us.
If you would like help planning your next safari then do get in touch using our online contact form or simply hit reply to this email and let us know how we can assist.
Best wishes,
Mohanjeet |
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| Dr Mohanjeet Brar (PhD)
?Managing Director
Gamewatchers Safaris | Porini Safari Camps | Gamewatchers Adventure Camps |
Nairobi Tented Camp | Rhino River Camp – Meru | |
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