OBAMA PLANS FIRST PRESIDENTIAL TRIP TO KENYA, FATHER’S HOMELAND

Barack Obama will make a long-awaited return to Kenya this July, visiting his father’s homeland for the first time since becoming US president, the White House announced Monday.

During the much-delayed visit, Obama will attend a summit to encourage entrepreneurship and meet the country’s controversial leader Uhuru Kenyatta.

Obama’s late father was from a small village near the shores of Lake Victoria. He met Obama’s white American mother in Hawaii, where they had a son before divorcing.

America’s first black president has visited sub-Saharan Africa four times since taking office in 2009, but political scandal has blocked a presidential visit to his ancestral home.

Billionaire Writes A Wonderful Article About Kenya, Makes Tourists Start Planning To Visit

The Virgin Group founder who is one of the most influential public figures in the world was recently in Kenya for a casual visit. Even though he has been here many times before, he says that “there’s something about Kenya that makes you feel there’s magic in the air, wonder at every turn, and an ever-present sensation of oneness with nature.”

On his agenda was to visit game reserves and unwind from his usual busy life. His venture for launching his airline Virgin Atlantic in Kenya may have failed in Kenya, but his heart is still in Kenya.

Richard Branson is an honorary Maasai elder and when he’s around, he loves taking the local children on a trip. He teaches them about conservation and appreciating nature while young.

“A trip to Kenya can be an incredibly cleansing exper

ience. Open spaces, so vast and untouched, lend perspective and instill a sense of peace,” he fondly says.

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicates that tourism arrival in Kenya has increased from 764,058 in 2004 to 1,291,842 in 2012.

Here’s Where Billionaire Richard Branson Stays When He’s in Kenya

It’s now evident that English businessman and investor Richard Branson loves Kenya, the founder of Virgin Group wrote an awesome piece about Kenya earlier this week

When in Kenya, Richard stays at the camp which has 12 distinctly tented suites which can  accommodate a maximum of 24 guests at any time.

North Coast

The coastline North of Mombasa is a world of enthralling history and natural beauty.

The coast is lined with pristine palm fringed beaches, and the calm inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. The beaches are broken by the wide mouth of Kilifi Creek, whose azure waters are a popular port of call on the international yachting circuit.

The beaches of Nyali, Vipingo, Kikambala and Shanzu are home to a wide range of World Class resorts with fine cuisine and services.

The peaceful beach havens of Mtwapa and Takaungu offer an ideal escape from the outside world, with endless deserted beaches.

The offshore reefs are alive with coral, myriad fish, sea turtles and dolphins. Both outer and inner reef walls offer world class diving with spectacular coral gardens and drop offs, and Kenya’s best wreck diving on the MV Dania.

Getting There

The gateway to the North Coast is Mombasa, although some visitors fly directly to Malindi. See the Mombasa section for details of how to get to Mombasa. The Coastal highway runs north of Mombasa all the way to Kenya’s northern frontier. Driving your own car or hired car as far as Malindi is very easy. There are regular buses and matatus along the North coast. Many hotels and resorts in this area have Mombasa shuttles or can arrange vehicle transfers. Private taxis from Mombasa will also take you to the North Coast beaches for an agreed fare. Malindi airport has daily scheduled flights to Mombasa, Nairobi and Lamu. The airport also serves Private Charters.

Getting Around

Regular buses and Matatus service the North Coast Highway. Services are less regular north of Malindi. Taxis can be found in any town, or at most hotels or resorts.

North Rift Circuit

If you want to explore and experience the hot springs and wildlife around Lake Bogoria and Lake Baringo, This is the place to go.

Enjoy Kenya s unknown treasures at the Kipsaraman Museum, enjoy the beautiful Cherangani Hills or discover Mount Elgon, where elephants and buffaloes spend each night in caves deep inside the mountain.

Experience history at the Kenyatta cells in Kapenguria and interact with the Njemps, Nandi, Pokot and Tugen people. If you are looking to get physical, sign up at one of the high altitude training camps at Iten and behold the amazing sights of the spectacular Kerio Valley below.

Rift Valley Circuit

The Great Rift Valley is one of the natural wonders of the world. The fresh water and soda lakes that line the floor of the valley each offer fantastic scenery and birdlife, including the world s largest flamingo population.

Active travellers can explore the dormant volcanoes of Longonot, Suswa and Menengai or even ride mountain bikes through herds of zebra beneath the cliffs of Hell s Gate. For those who want to relax, the shores along Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha are ideal for idyllic weekends.

Southern Circuit

it is a well known fact that the annual wildebeest migration is the greatest wildlife spectacle, but have you ever experienced this breathtaking sight?

In addition to this eight wonder of the world, you will also find a variety of safari options in the Mara that range from game drives to early morning hot air balloon trips.

Towards the east lies the salt lake of Magadi and along its shores, the archaeological treasures of Olorgesailie and the Amboseli where the shadow of Kilimanjaro dwarfs huge herds of elephants.