The Kenya Tourist Board and Air Arabia hosted eight UAE-based travel agents in Kenya from a week-long fam trip back in September.

The trip covered the key destinations of Nairobi, Amboseli and Aberdare and also coincided with the Mega Expo Trade Exhibition which gave the travel agents an opportunity to do some networking too.

Taking part in the trip were Parkar Shaukat Alli Hussain, Kanoo Travel; Mohamed Aflal Mohomed Hazar, Unique Choice; Aseem Vellilamkunnil Hakeem, ITL World; Maiss Khammash, Cozmo Travel; Kishore Nanik; Marcopolo Holidays; Dinny Kuruthukulangara Vareed, Orient Travels; Vijayan Mathew, Akbar Travel and Pramuk Perera from MDR UAE.

The group arrived in Nairobi via Air Arabia; and after spending the night at the Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi, headed to Wilson Airport for an internal transfer to Amboseli National Park.

Amboseli lies immediately north-west of Mount Kilimanjaro on the border with Tanzania. The vast National Park contains over 80 different mammals ranging from tiny spectacled elephant shrew to the huge African Elephant.

On an early morning game drive, the agents were delighted to spot lions, buffalos, cheetahs, hyenas, wildebeests, wild boar, and elephants during their visit.

The opportunity to visit an actual Maasai Village also proved memorable; as everyone —from village children to the elders —warmly welcomed the group with traditional dancing and a firework display, giving an insight into their traditional way of life and a unique perspective on life compared to the hectic lifestyles we sometimes lead here in the Middle East.

From Amboseli everyone was transferred by domestic flight to Aberdare — another unique experience. The Aberdares is an isolated volcanic range that forms the eastern wall of the rift valley, running roughly 100 km north-south between Nairobi and Thomsan’s Falls.

It is a world away from the typical dry lands in Kenya. Major attractions are Lesatima Peak, Kinangop Peak, waterfalls, walks in the moorlands, Twin Hills, Elephant Hills and Table Mountains. The park is home to most of the larger mammals, including black rhinos.

Back in Nairobi for the Mega Expo Trade Exhibition, it was a chance for the agents to interact with local trade professionals over a two-day trade show at the Kenyatta International Conference Center. In addition to local trade professionals there were trade professionals representing more than 25 countries around the world.

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