Dear readers,

We would like to welcome you with our bush drum 04/2009. We have a lot of exciting news from Kenya for you.
The team at Severin Sea Lodge won two very important awards, the »TUI Environmental Champion 2009« and the »Travelife Gold« this year for their environmental activities.

For all friends of classic music: Get to know more about the concerts of »Vienna meets Kenya«. You will experience high-class concerts of local and international artists at beautiful places in Kenya! After a successful debut in October further concerts are planned by the operator »Kenya Opera« for next year.

We have started the new series »The Severin Team in Portrait« where we will introduce our long-time employees from the camp and hotel to you. In the last bush drum we introduced our Bar Man Nicodemus Ndeme, who works at Severin Safari Camp for many years. Today we would like to tell you more about our restaurant manager Consolata Kawira from the Severin Safari Camp.

A very special highlight: Discover the most beautiful places in Kenya during our exclusive Air Safari »African Dream« from 21th of March until 11th of April 2010.
Enjoy!
 

Severin Sea Lodge, was again awarded the «TUI Environmental Champion 2009« this year. This time, Severin Sea Lodge is the only hotel in Kenya that won this special award. The award is a special honor presented to TUI Partner hotels who consistently familiarize their hotel philosophy along the lines of sustainable hotel management and as such actively contribute to preserving the environment. This is already the 14th time that a German leading tour operator TUI awards the most environmentally friendly hotels worldwide.

Travelife delivers industry-wide standards for sustainability management systems and provides best practice guidance and support for the companies implementing them through the provision of training, tools and references. An initiative created by tour operators and part-funded by the European Union, Travelife has been set up to support an efficient and cost effective introduction of sustainability principles. It aims to increase the quality of travel products, customer satisfaction and the quality of life in the holiday destinations.

Through the installation of a waste water treatment plant in 1995, which was built to European standards, the entire water from the rooms, the kitchen and the laundry can be treated biologically. There is also an extensive recycling concept, which is intended to sort out as many recyclable materials as possible, in order to be able to incorporate them back into industrial processes. The hotel's hot water supply is supported by 300 square meters of solar panels. Kenya's sunny climate is well suited for this clean form of energy. Vegetables, fruits, chicken and eggs come from the hotel’s own bio farm without the use of artificial fertilizer.

The Kenya Opera is poised to become the centre of classical music in Kenya. Their mission is to present high quality classical music productions with both international and local artists. In addition, they offer training and performance opportunities for young artists in Kenya while encouraging new interest for classical music with programs and events designed to meet the needs of the local community.
Kenya meets Vienna was a series of classical musical pieces which combined both international and local artists.

The ensemble of the first concert series »Vienna meets Kenya« from 17th to 30th of Oktober 2009 was well-cast with famous local and international artists like Elizabeth Njoroge and Elisabeth Pratscher (soprano singers), Andreas G. Ertl (tenor), Edmund Emge (bass), Istvan Gyöngyösi (piano) and Rudolf J. Strutz. The singers from Kenya, Austria and the USA performed great songs of Mozart, Lehár, Strauß, Stolz, Kálmán and many more.
The concert series started in Nairobi with a gala evening and ended with a very special highlight, the »Classics Camp Concert« at Severin Safari Camp. Furthermore, the artists held a private concert a few days ago for the guests at Severin Sea Lodge. They also offered a special classic karaoke to iallow the guests to participate.

The »Classics Camp Concert« at Severin Safari Camp took part as a fund-raising concert for the Kenya Wildlife Service. From the sales of the tickets current projects of the organization are supported. Information about Kenya Wildlife Service and the current projects are available here: KWS.

Because of the very positive feedback, the operators plan further concerts for next year. Severin_touristik will prepare a special trip for you.You will get more information in our next bush drum. Further special offers are availble at our Internet Website.
 

Today we would like to introduce our restaurant manager at Severin Safari Camp, Consolata Kawira, known as »Connie« to you.
Connie was born on 05th of August 1976 in Meru District, Central Imenti. She has eight sisters and brothers and her parents (mother Elisabeth and father Cyprian Muchai) are both pensioned. Her mother was a teacher at the »Primary School« and her father worked as a police man.

Connie has a daughter called Ruth. She is 9 years old and attends class 4 at the »CARLIN ACCADEMY« in Nairobi. Connie is very proud of her daugther Ruth. Connie herself was educated at a »Boarding School« from 1982 until 1985 and a secondary school from 1985 until 1989.
Afterwards, she went to »Mombasa Polytechnic School». She specialized in the areas of food production, sales and service. In 1999 she finished school very successfully. After her studies, Connie first worked in her mother’s shop. Afterwards she found a job as waitress at »Paradise Club« in Mombasa.

In 2001, Connie applied for a job as waitress at Severin Sea Lodge. In the same year she came to Severin Safari Camp and started as a waitress. In order to study further, besides the job, Connie took part at courses and seminars at the popular »Utali College« in Nairobi. Her motivation and her effort paid off. In 2004, Connie was promoted to restaurant Manager at Severin Safari Camp. In her leisure time, Connie likes to play table tennis and swimming. When she has days off, she loves to visit her family and friends in Nairobi. Connie feels very good at the camp and we are glad that she is part of our Severin team.

Because of the drought at Tsavo National Park, Kenya Wildlife Service has asked for the support of the Severin Safari Camp. The animals do not have enough food as a result to three consecutive failed rainy seasons. Tsavo normally has two rainy seasons per year – the long rains in April/May and the short rains in November/December. Generally, Tsavos environmental conditions can be described as harsh and undergo extreme fluctuations, showing a pattern of drought every 10-15 years.
The hippos are especially affected from the drought. Other wildlife like buffalos can adapt quite easily to the dryness. When looking for food, other animals, that normally live somewhere else, come to the waterside and eat the grass of the hippos. Therefore, hippos need to walk much further to find food.
This is why Kenya Wildlife Service asked our camp team to feed the hippos at the Tsavo River nearby. Since 2 months, the team drives there every day, always at the same time. The hay for the hippos comes in batches from Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha. In this way, many hippos will survive the drought. Recently, short rain showers have started ain Tsavo and the first green blases of grass have appeared.
 

Wireless-LAN: In all rooms at Severin Sea Lodge, our guests can now use Wireless LAN connections.
Cleaning service deluxe: Do you know the feeling on your return from your holiday when a huge pile of laundry is sitting in front of your washing machine? Forget about it because cleaning and ironing will be done by us – in Kenya. Just give all your dirty washing to our laundry at Severin Sea Lodge shortly before your departure. We offer you a cleaning and ironing service free of charge! (Dry-cleaning not included)
This special offer applies for all hotel reservations (for Severin Sea Lodge) from today until 31st of December 2009 and for our regular costumers (minimum third stay of 4 weeks or longer), it is valid from 1st of February until 31st of July 2010.
 

During this journey a unique combination of relaxation, adventure, wellness and culinary highlights in a private ambiance awaits you.

27.03.10
Night flight with Air Berlin from Düsseldorf to Mombasa - other airports on request

28.03. – 02.04.10
You will spend these days at Severin Sea Lodge in Mombasa. Some of the highlights during this time are the gourmet dinner at Imani Dhow, the excursions «Son et Lumiére Show» with dhow cruise and candle light dinner at Fort Jesus and the «Out of Africa» tour which leads you to a traditional Giriama village and to the hotels own bio farm, the Seba Farm.

After this, you start your Air Safari which leads you into Tsavo, Amboseli and Masai Mara.
03.04.10 : Mombasa – Tsavo East
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the airport. With the luxurious Cessna, you fly into Tsavo East National Park. Here you are picked up by your guide and drive to Satao Camp. After lunch, you experience your first game drive.
Dinner and overnight stay at Satao Camp.

04.04.10: Tsavo East – Tsavo West
After breakfast you fly into Tsavo West National Park. Lunch awaits you at Severin Safari Camp. Afterwards, you have time to relax at the KENBALI SPA. Enjoy the beautiful scenery from the camp pool or relax during one of the massages. Inspired by the African wilderness and centuries-old Southeast Asian techniques of wellbeing, the Spa is an oasis of peace and relaxation. In the afternoon, you go on an excursion to the popular Mzima Springs, a little oasis of palm trees and acacias.
Dinner and overnight stay at Severin Safari Camp.

05.04.10: Tsavo West
The day starts with an early morning game drive along the springs of the Tsavo River – the lifeline for hippos and crocodiles. On your return to the camp breakfast waits. In the late afternoon, you will be taken to the highlight of the day. At Poacher’s Lookout, you will experience the beautiful sunset while enjoying a glass of sparkling wine and canapés. From here, you have a beautiful view over the bush land of El Turesh.
On the way back to the camp you experience the African savannah at night – a memorable adventure. Dinner and overnight stay at Severin Safari Camp.

06.04.10: Tsavo West – Amboseli
Discover the secrets of the African wilderness by foot! You are accompanied by a Massai, who shows you around. During the tour you learn a lot about the ecosystem, the multifaceted bird life and other park inhabitants. After breakfast at Severin Safari Camp, you fly into Amboseli National Park. On the short way from the airstrip to Satao Elerai Camp you can admire the beautiful scenery and the animals.
The camp is located on a hill and it offers a wonderful view of Amboseli Park and Mount Kilimanjaro. After lunch at the camp, you visit a typical Masai village and get an insight into the life of this traditional tribe. Dinner and overnight stay at Satao Elerai Camp.

07.04.10: Amboseli
After breakfast, you will enjoy a morning game drive in Amboseli National Park. You drive back to your camp for lunch. Afterwards, you have time to relax and enjoy the wonderful panoramic view from your camp. This afternoon, you go on a game drive through the conservation area. When the sun starts to go down behind the horizon, you enjoy a bush sundowner. On your way back to the camp, you experience the Kenyan savannah at night – a unique experience.
Dinner and overnight stay at Satao Elerai Camp.

08.04.10: Amboseli – Masai Mara
After breakfast, you fly to the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. After arrival, your personal safari guide will welcome you. You enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you will experience the unique African landscape and the breathtaking animal kingdom during your game drive. Set on the bank of the Mara River the camp consists of 22 luxurious tents. The location is spectacular, with the great Mara plains behind the camp and the impressive escarpment and the river in front.
Dinner and overnight stay at Karen Blixen Camp.

09.04.10: Masai Mara
During the day, you go on a game drive through Masai Mara. The game reserve is best known for its wildebeest and zebra migration, which tends to pass through the area July to October, but many areas offer excellent game viewing year round. Breakfast and lunch at camp. We offer you the option to go on a balloon safari (for a surcharge) and to enjoy the bird’s eye view of Kenya. Dinner and overnight stay at Karen Blixen Camp.

10.04.10: Masai Mara – Mombasa
Bush breakfast at Masai Mara. The morning is for your own activities. You will have lunch at camp. In the afternoon you fly back to Mombasa and your driver brings you back to your beach hotel. Here, you enjoy a farewell dinner.

11.04.10: Mombasa - Düsseldorf
Transfer to the airport and departure with Air Berlin to Düsseldorf

Price:
3.919,- € p. person, Surcharge single room: 300,- €

Included services:
- Flight from/to Düsseldorf with Air Berlin incl. – reserved seat and 20 kg free luggage
- 7 nights at Severin Sea Lodge with half board
- 8-day luxury air safari with 1 night at Satao Camp, 2 nights at Severin Safari Camp, 2 nights at Satao Elerai Camp and 2 nights at Karen Blixen Camp
- Drives in comfortable Safari all-terrain vehicles as described in the program, all transfers. Accompannied by local guides, all entrance fees to the national parks. All flights in the luxurious Cessna as described in the program.
- Farewell dinner at Imani Dhow
- Excursions »Son et Lumiére Show« and »Out of Africa«
- All Transfers in Kenya
- Not inclusive: Other meals and drinks, tip and personal expenditures.

Severin_touristik GmbH
Astrid Mergheim
Rathausplatz 2, D - 59846 Sundern
Tel.: +49 2933 987 140
Fax: +49 2933 987 166
E-Mail: sales@severintouristik.com
www.severin-kenya.com