Sarova Mara Game Camp had the unique privilege of hosting Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of the Virgin Group of companies, along with a distinguished set of high profile guests and international media who accompanied him o­n the inaugural Virgin Atlantic flight from London Heathrow to Nairobi o­n June 2nd 2007.The entire camp was transformed into Virgin territory for the duration of their stay.

Meticulous planning and tremendous effort over almost three months went into organizing such a high profile event in the middle of the bush. No stone was left unturned to ensure that Sir Richard and his guests would have a truly unique and memorable experience of their time in the Mara.

The logistics involved transporting over 50 key Sarova staff from other properties to Mara, sending 16 Land Cruisers from Nairobi for the exclusive use of the guests and moving over 18 tonnes of equipment and supplies to cater for the event.

All the public areas of the Camp and parts of the gardens were converted into WIFI hot spots for the exclusive use of the accompanying journalists, many of whom filed their stories o­n the Nairobi launch and arrival of the Virgin flight from the Mara. It was indeed a unique spectacle to see the journalists sitting in the gardens o­n a gorgeous day under blue skies, sipping their gin and tonic cocktails and filing their stories from the middle of the Kenyan bush!

Sarova Mara Game Camp underwent a complete make-over for the event with over Ksh 6 million being spent o­n the construction of a beautiful new 'Maasai Boma' for the grand gala dinner and completely renovated the guest wash rooms and Business Centre.

After continuous rains for over a week, the day of 2nd June dawned with the clearest blue skies - this was the first indication of the great success that the event turned out to be.

Mr. J.S. Vohra, MD and Mr. Dilip Puri, Director of Operations of Sarova Hotels were o­n hand to receive Sir Richard at the Keekorok airstrip as he landed in the last of four chartered planes transporting the guests from Nairobi to Mara. As guests arrived at the Camp and were roomed, four Spa therapists were o­n hand to provide guests with luxurious massages and treatments at the Spa Tent and also in the comfort of the decks of their own tents as they unwound after a long flight from London.

Following an exotic lunch, all guests set off for a much awaited game drive. The Sarova team worked closely with the Reserve's Senior Wardens through several reccee trips to ensure all guests were able to view amazing sightings of game, so vital to the overall experience of the Maasai Mara. The guests were then brought to the amazing Sarova Sun Downer site to enjoy the Mara sunset in its full splendour over drinks and canapes before returning to the camp for dinner.

Come 8pm and all guests, led by Sir Richard were in the lobby being dressed in traditional Maasai Shukas before proceeding for a Boma dinner at Sarova Mara's newly refurbished Boma site. What followed was a culinary and cultural extravaganza of amazing proportions validated by the continuous 'Ooohs' and 'Aaahs' being heard from all the guests. A delectable spread of Kenyan, Pan-African, Asian and Western cuisines was wiped out by the guests. A Maasai mock attack followed (guests screamed, ran into each other's arms, dropped plates and generally got suitably spooked) after which a scintillating display of dances and performances by various Kenyan tribes was performed. The guests were completely enraptured and actively participated in the dancing and singing. Amongst other highlights were three Maasai manyattas with displays of bead making, traditional medicines and African jewelry. To commemorate the event, Mr. J.S. Vohra presented Sir Richard Branson with a beautiful Bronze Lion (Simba Mzee) anointing him as a Simba of the Mara.

The night was far from over as most guests made a beeline for the camp's well stocked bar. To the lilting tunes of African music and Amarula shooters, they partied well into the night!

A few hours later, all guests were back in the lobby for their balloon rides and game drives. Some were a little groggy, others had major hangovers, but all were cheerfully gulping in the pristine Mara air.

The piece-de-resistance was the amazing bush breakfast awaiting the guests at a specially created site with the most glorious views of the savannah. Appropriately, Sarova Mara has christened this site 'the Branson Site'. After a leisurely champagne breakfast, Sir Richard was taken away to be dressed up for the all important Ipayiani Ceremony at which key members and elders of the Maasai Community conferred the title of Maasai elder o­n Sir Richard.

On departure, Sir Richard wrote fittingly in the camp's VIP book - "I am pleased to anoint this camp as Virgin Territory. Thank you to all the wonderful staff for a memorable stay."

Kenya Tourism Board's Managing Director, Mr. Achieng O'ngonga, has stated his belief that domestic tourism has a significant influence o­n local host communities, especially in developing countries.

Since tourism is essentially a service industry, he said, it provides relatively more jobs than any other economic sector. The industry is labour intensive and therefore its expansion generates more job opportunities than an equivalent expansion in other sectors of the economy. In addition, allied improvements in tourism infrastructure also catalyse other economic activities. It is reliably estimated that well over 250,000 people are currently deriving their livelihood from tourism, he stated.

For a long time, the domestic tourism market has been ignored by Kenyan tourism stakeholders, yet many Kenyans are desirous of seeing their own country, with its diverse and unique features, from the Mombasa coastline, through the grassy savannah to the striking northern desert region and the breathtaking mountain areas.

Efforts should be made to fulfil this need, said Mr. O'ngonga', as he acknowledged that
Sarova Hotels, who have a presence in Nairobi, Nakuru, Tsavo, Maasai Mara, Mombasa and Shaba, have recognised that the domestic market was not developing as it should have due to various factors; a key o­ne being high rates.

Jonathan Mbiyu, KTB's Regional Marketing Manager, commenting o­n how significantly domestic tourism has increased in Kenya between the years 2002 and 2006, says that in the years before 2002, the domestic share of the total bed capacity in the this country was o­nly 5%. However, he adds, this trend has greatly increased over time and can be mainly attributed to the fact that KTB created a forum for interaction between the industry stakeholders and the domestic tourists through forums like Holiday Exhibitions. With such measures in place, over 25% of the total bed occupancy in the country is currently being held by the domestic market and it is increasing every year.

The budget for domestic tourism promotion, as allocated by KTB, has increased significantly over the years, showing the seriousness KTB attaches to the promotion of domestic tourism.

KTB now provides information to the local clientele o­n the available attractions in the country by way of consumer campaigns aimed at educating local tourists o­n taking a holiday as well as travel campaign's via electronic and print media.

The hospitality industry has a significant role to play in supporting the domestic market, and Mr. Mbiyu defines it's role to:

-  Prepare and make available attractive packages tailor made for the domestic market, distinct from the packages prepared for international tourists.
-  Disseminate information, by way of availing a fact file of the properties via a media that reaches a wider group of domestic consumers.
-  Embrace domestic tourism in the hospitality industry by extending the same seriousness availed to the international tourists.
-  Aggressively communicate to domestic consumers the new developments and refurbishments as well as new products that may be of interest to the local tourists.

Partners with KTB

KTB has been partnering with trade stakeholders, the media and key personalities to highlight the touristic attractions that appear not to be appreciated by the domestic market. o­ne of the key players in the arena is the Sarova group of hotels.

Sarova; recognising the need to encourage and accommodate domestic tourism, has developed various products solely targeting this section of the market with the launch of Sarova Holidays. This initiative involved designing and delivering incentive packages that are affordable to the local market whilst staying true with international standards. The Taita Express is the latest addition to Sarova Holidays.

Also designed to promote domestic tourism

Sarova Hotels will continue to provide the market with quality products and services that are not o­nly innovative, but will give Kenyans the opportunity to experience their own wonderfully diverse attractions.

KTB lauded Sarova's commitment to developing domestic tourism and the fact that they have fulfilled all the above criteria in their unstinting efforts to accommodate domestic tourism.

No group of hotels spoils its guests in its choice of cuisine than Sarova Hotels. Each of the eight properties has unique restaurants that tantalize guests' taste buds throughout their stay.

At Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa, the recently renovated Pavilion restaurant offers a creative menu that reflects cuisines from all corners of the world. Using o­nly the finest of ingredients, the quality diversity of the meals served is amazing - from Italian to Asian, African or Middle Eastern - guests will savour every dish served.

The restaurant provides the perfect dining. Richly enhanced by a blend of traditional Swahili architecture with Arabic influence, ancient hand crafted patterns decorate the ceiling and are replicated behind the buffet counters, creating a beautiful setting for a perfect meal.

If an intimate dining setting is what you desire then the Sarova Lido Seafood Restaurant located inches away from the beach is ideal. The Lido restaurant serves mouth watering platters of fresh sea food; of course accompanied by your favorite beverage.

The Thorn Tree Restaurant at The Sarova Stanley is an open-air, bistro style pavement cafe, an ideal place for Nairobi's best coffee and is the place to meet up with friends, dine or like Ernest Hemingway did in the 30s "just watch the world go by'. The restaurant serves pizzas, fresh juices, beers, a range of coffees and a varied menu which includes favorites such as fish & chips and mushy peas. In the evening the atmosphere is warm and inviting with stained glass decor accenting the warm and cosy atmosphere, particularly in the evening as the lights come twinkling o­n.

The Sarova Stanley Pool Deck Restaurant serves appetizing alfresco meals in the tranquil surroundings of the pool. Every Sunday regale in a magnificent barbeque; as you enjoy freshly prepared salads, char grilled ribs and chicken, seared steaks, jacket potatoes and with great desserts to follow, you are literally spoilt for choice. Dining al fresco under the bright yellow parasols beside the heated pool is an unforgettable experience.

Be immersed in Far Eastern culture at the The Sarova Stanley's Thai Chi restaurant and enjoy the culinary created by our master chef; a highly respected Thai artisan who has worked in some of the finest Thai restaurants in Thailand. Thai food acquires its distinctive taste from the unique combination of skilfully blended Thai tastes and textures blended to perfection. The use of peanuts and coconut in the curries is characteristically Thai, as is the use of distinct ingredients such as lemongrass, kaffir lime, galangal and palm sugar. o­nly the best ingredients are used to prepare the authentically delicious aromas and flavours in each Thai dish. At the *Thai Chi Restaurant you will enjoy a range of authentic Thai dishes this side of Bangkok.

Sarova Panafric's Flame Tree Restaurant exudes "Refreshing African Hospitality" with its neo-African decor and style. The varied menu gives guests an opportunity to sample freshly prepared dishes using the best ingredients prepared by the hotels' gourmet chef - from sumptuous whole fish and ugali to creamy pasta Cabonara, and with a wide variety of desserts, guests will be left wanting more.

The Flame Tree Restaurant exudes vibrancy o­n Sunday afternoons with live entertainment and a fantastic Mongolian bar-be-que. Children will be well taken care of as the animation team from the Ozone club takes them through activities that are designed to have fun while learning.

A delicious buffet is available at the pool side with a roast meat station with a live roast station is o­n offer to conferencing clients o­n request.

Whether it's that relaxed Sunday lunch that you are looking for or that unique intimate dining experience - look no further; Sarova Hotels will take care of your every need!

*Now offering delicious business lunches

A 'State of the art' Workout
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa has recently refurbished its gym stocking it with state of the art equipment. Guests and members alike can now enjoy workouts in one of Kenya's reputable resorts with skilled personal trainers who are on hand to guide you through each session. Opening hours are 6.30am to 9pm for all.

A Flaming new look
Sarova Panafric's Flame Tree Restaurant is now dawning a new look giving the outlet a bright feel with its new delectable buffet counter and reception area. Guests will be impressed with the new layout of the cake and pastry display as well as the hotplates set out for breakfast. In addition to this the kitchen has undergone a Ksh.10million makeover that will see the signature chefs dish more mouth watering meals with great gusto.

'Souped up' Kitchen
Sarova Panafric's brand new kitchen now allows for extended service for banquets and includes a dual kitchen set up that caters for both bulk service and ala carte menus. Clear temperature controlled demarcated sections ensure that hygiene standards based on HAACP principles are practiced by all staff.