What agents thought of Kenya

If you were not lucky enough to be one of the few agents that recently travelled to Kenya for the Magical Kenya Tourism Expo 2016 to learn all about what the country has to offer, don’t worry, as the agents who did have shared some of their experiences.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) last week hosted a group of six Australian wholesalers to experience a four night familiarisation trip, to coincide with the three day Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) in Nairobi.

Participants had the choice of several itineraries which all showcased the diverse landscapes, experiences and product offerings available to Australian travellers. The majority of the Australian group opted for two nights in Laikipia where they experienced five star luxury at The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille.

Whilst in Laikipia, the group visited a local village for a raw cultural experience, enjoyed morning game walks and evening sundowners over the open plains.

Here is what the agents had to say about their experiences in Kenya.

Lucie Lolicato from Outdoor Travel

lucie Kenya is a country full of surprises and magical images. I arrived in Kenya expecting mosquitoes and oppressive heat – I took my malaria tablets and had my yellow fever injection brought my hand sanitiser but did I need any of it? Maybe. What I did find was a country with a warm welcome and a country full of diversity and comfort. Over 700 species of bird life a huge number of wild animals and some fantastic plant life. But the most rewarding experience Kenya gave me was the people. Colourful and full of life. My time in Kenya has given me a much better understanding of what the country has to offer tourism and it will definitely allow me to sell Kenya more confidently.

Amanda Pasley from African Travel

I found the most valuable part of the trip was networking with various companies and new products/properties, site inspections and stays at various camps/hotel, sightseeing tours that give you a better perspective of what your clients can expect to enjoy and experience. I was surprised to find out how self-sufficient the Kenyan people are with all their varied local produce they grow and the various livestock that they raise and which sustains their people. The best advice I could give for people travelling to Kenya would be always take every opportunity to go out and experience the wildlife as you never know what you will possibly see that will be a unique and once in lifetime moment and experience. My most cherished moments from my time in Kenya was the hot air balloon safari over the Mara, Klipspringer on the rocks at the Sanctuary at Ol Lentille, Leopard that was chased up a tree by a lion in the Mara and an adult female cheetah with 3 adult cubs on a kill in the Mara. We had a fantastic group that made the whole experience so memorable and shared so many great times together.

Diana Lopez-Ruiz from Africa Adventure Consultants (USA)

hot-air-balloon-flight What I found most valuable about my trip was getting to see the different landscapes of Kenya and the experiences it offers. Seeing and experiencing this first hand makes it so much easier to sell the country to my clients. What surprised me about Kenya was how truly friendly the people are there. I hear it all the time, but it sure is something else to witness it yourself. Make sure to take medicine for a cold, travellers’ diarrhea, and tablets to quickly rehydrate your body. You never hope or expect you will need this during your trip. But, if you do you will be SO happy you brought those items with you! You tend to be in very remote areas while on safari, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

kenya ktb magical kenya MKTB2016