These are the highlights of our gastronomic tours to Kenya

The first tour ran from September 23 to October 1, 2007, an 8-night tour filled with novel eating experiences, accompanied by game viewing in Kenya’s renowned parks & reserves, and chilling out with Nairobi’s hip crowd at the hot spots of the city.

The next tour runs from March 7 – 14, 2008. You will be joined by your hosts, native Nairobians, who  will hold your hand and guide you through your best eating experience ever.

Highlights of the September tour:

DAY 1
Can’t believe I may get to see giraffe on my way from the airport to my hotel. Dinner tonight sounds like an intense seafood experience – Indian Ocean Bouillabaisse, platter of fresh oysters, smoked fish, crab salad, calamari, prawns, lobster medallions, oysters mambrui, or lobster Swahili with turmeric, saffron, coconut cream! How about king prawns with garlic butter, chilli, paprika & lime juice……and the desserts sound heavenly – tropical fruit sorbets, coupe bahari with rum soaked raisins, coconut & banana ice cream with a crunchy caramel topping and to crown a perfect dinner, fragrant Kenya coffee………..!!!
Overnight at the Holiday Inn Nairobi, with dinner at the Tamarind Restaurant and drinks at Gypsy’s after.

DAY 2
A herd of elephants have come visiting and here I am – sitting on the moonlit terrace in the dead of the night, swaddled in a blanket with my fingers wrapped around a hot mug of cocoa……….must be the best way to watch game!!
Overnight at the Ark

DAY 3
Today I get to eat all things trout – trout for starter, entrée, dessert………..and sleep in a safari tent right next to a waterhole! Reminds me of the romantic safaris of the days of yore!!.
Lunch at the Trout Tree Restaurant and overnight at Sweetwaters Tented Camp.

DAY 4
I can’t believe I’m in Africa – such luxury! A private Jacuzzi in my bathroom, a crackling fire to ward off the evening chill. Heading out for dinner in the bush by the river…….WOW!!! This is a banquet complete with sparkling cutlery, handsome waiters on hand, incredible food & fine wines. I don’t think I want to leave!!
Overnight at the Mt Kenya Safari Club with a bush dinner experience.

DAY 5
The Great Rift Valley is amazing – driving down one side of the escarpment, you can see the other side as a blue-purple mist in the distance. Lunch at Malu Farm exceeded my expectations….first, a hike in the forest glade, and then a lunch of fresh pasta & mozzarella, rosemary focacia straight from the oven – Italian cuisine at its best!
Overnight at the Great Rift Valley Lodge.

DAY 6
Driving through the vast landscape of the famous Masai Mara Reserve – if I close my eyes, I can imagine how it must have been like at the beginning of the world. No cares in the world – just the endless plains stretching to the horizon, absolute peace, the sun warming me – I’m at one with nature. Our tents are a delight to sleep in – so cozy and yet so adventurous!!
Overnight at Governor’s Camp.

DAY 7
Had a fantastic day in the reserve today. I feel so pampered being woken up at the crack of dawn with a cup of hot coffee. A great ending to the day – a dinner in the wilds of the Mara, served under a star strewn sky, listening to the lions roar, watching the Maasai’s energetic dance and joining in the dance. I can’t wait to show my pictures to the folks back home!
Overnight at Governor’s Camp

DAY 8
Getting back to the city was an adventure in itself – such warm friendly people and such a beautiful country. Picked up some great bargains at the Maasai market this afternoon – batiks, engraved glasses, carvings, bags………they had so much more…but alas……how will I carry it all! Dinner tonight is at the renowned Carnivore Restaurant – to begin with……….a dawa!! Vodka, honey & lime choked with ice, served by the original Dr. Dawa himself. Then….chicken, beef, lamb, crocodile, sausages, camel, ostrich meatballs served with the most delicious of sauces. Then, my favorite – brandy snaps and a heavenly Calypso Coffee!! We had the drummers come over and we did some drumming with them……..such fun…truly a night to remember……………!
Overnight at the Holiday Inn.

DAY 9
A sad day – we’re leaving Kenya, but not before lunch at Le Rustique…….choose from a fantastic array of crepes & desserts. Then it’s off to the airport for our flight home, armed with wonderful memories of our Kenyan holiday.
For the October Tour running from October 7 to 18, we took you a little further -  down to the coast to sample wonderful seafood delicacies.
The next tour runs from March 16 – 27, 2008 and again you will be joined by your hosts, native Nairobians, guiding you through your gastronomic experience.

Highlights of the October tour:

DAY 1
Our hotel in Nairobi feels like we are already in the bush – lots of time to relax today & get freshened up for tomorrow’s adventure. Early dinner at the famous Tepenyaki Restaurant, Chiyo…….wonder how long it takes to learn that fancy cooking style. And sushi for those who love it! No………I’ll stay away from sushi and stick to my seafood, beef, chicken & vegetable tepenyaki. Heading down to the Safari Cats Show after dinner…..its amazing. Never thought I would see a show of this calibre in Africa……….astounding!! Some folks are wandering over to the casino to try their luck……..but I am heading for that ultra-comfortable bed in my room!
Overnight at the Safari Park Hotel.

DAY 2
Hiking through the forest glades has really given me an appetite………hope lunch is ready soon!
Well, all I can say is that the lunch was well worth the trek! I don’t think I will need that game of golf this afternoon – a quiet snooze in the sun by the pool will do for me.
Lunch at Malu Farm with overnight at the Great Rift Valley Lodge.

DAY 3
Something about being out in the fresh air makes you really hungry – can’t believe my stomach’s rumbling after that huge lunch I just put away……..salads, cold cuts, piping hot pasta, vegetables, lamb and not to mention the vast array of desserts. I hear there is a barbeque on for dinner tonight………..some more succulent chicken & beef, not to mention those ‘oh, so wonderful sausages!’
Overnight at the Sarova Mara Camp.

DAY 4
Last day in the Mara – need to wake up early to see as much game as possible! A bush dinner tonight – what a fantastic idea………gourmet dining under a moonlit sky in deepest Africa – who would have imagined!!
Overnight at the Sarova Mara Camp.

DAY 5
Back to the city by afternoon……….spending the afternoon exploring this diverse city and picking up souvenirs at the market: sisal bags or ciondos, sculptures, beads, wooden utensils……so much fun bargaining. This evening we are heading out to Gypsy’s Tapas Bar for a drink with Nairobi’s elite crowd, before continuing onto the Carnivore for the most delicious barbeque dinner……succulent beef, lamb, chicken…okay, I’ll try some crocodile & maybe some impala meat balls. How about dessert – ice cream that melts in your mouth, a variety of boozy coffees?? After eating so much, it’s time to boogie down to the best mix of contemporary music at the club next door. I think I can dance till morning!!
Overnight at the Holiday Inn.

DAY 6
The serene landscape is slowly clearing the cobwebs from my brain……….I believe I can see Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance……..yes, its true!! Hey, I need someone to take pictures of me with the mountain in the background…or no-one will believe I was here!! Or that there’s snow at the top of the mountain!
Our camp is so cozy, and the staff so friendly. I could stay here for weeks!! Alas, one night is all I have. The elephants of Amboseli have left a lasting impression on me. Overnight at Tortilis Camp.

DAY 7
Up with the sun and out into the park to see the majestic mountain in all her glory. Crossing the dramatic shaitani lava flow into Tsavo adds a thrill to the safari. Our camp in Tsavo – named after the love of Karen Blixen, is such a surprise. Out in the bush, a fantastic safari camp with all the trappings of luxury. Watching the hippo swim lazily in the pool at Mzima Springs was the highlight of the afternoon.
Overnight at Finch Hattons Tented Camp.

DAY 8
On our way to the coast, to balmy breezes and sun-kissed days. Our hotel on the beach is paradise on earth. And dinner tonight is a treat……..a cruise on the dhow with dinner & dance on board, wow!! I can’t imagine I’m actually sailing around Mombasa in a dhow, eating a sumptuous seafood dinner and listening to the band playing olden goldies. Do I really have to get off the dhow when it docks!?! Okay, so the evening is not over yet – the casino beckons.
Overnight at the Indian Ocean Beach Club.

DAY 9
I have spent the day frolicking on the beach, and perfecting my tan. Watersports?…….well, maybe tomorrow if I feel more energetic!!
Tonight we are heading into town to Fort Jesus – originally built by the Portuguese. Feels like we’ve gone back in time – men standing at the forbidding entrance with huge torches. Took a few pics next to the canon – couldn’t resist it. Walking into the fort felt a bit eerie…then we settled down to watch the Sound & Light Show – very enlightening!!
Dinner; a 5-course meal served inside the fort itself……the ambience itself was worth it – sitting inside the somber fort with the candlelight flickering on our faces, white robed waiters moving silently about against a background of opera music. Take a walk into the shadows but beware, the walls breathe incense, ruin and despair. After dinner, you are free to walk out, unlike so many in the past.
Overnight at the Indian Ocean Beach Club.

DAY 10
A quiet day at the beach, ending with a perfect dinner at the restaurant by the cove – lobster thermidor, crab claws…….punctuated by the crash of the waves…….
Overnight at the Indian Ocean Beach Club.

DAY 11
The famous Ali Barbour’s restaurant – actually built inside a cave!! Serving the best pina coladas ever, the meal was a symphony of taste ending on a crescendo with dessert. Now it’s off to the fabulous Forty Thieves Beach Bar – dancing on the beach, tossing back tequilas at the cozy bar, maybe a game of pool?
Overnight at the Indian Ocean Beach Club.

DAY 12
The flight back to Nairobi was a short one. Thought we had finished with the gastronomic experience, but we had one left – Indian dishes at the one & only Haandi Restaurant – Murg Makhan, Paneer Tikka, Rogan Josh, Chicken Tandoori, Biryani ending with the sinfully delicious Kulfi, Ras Malai & Rasgulla. Now its time to leave – I’ll be back very soon – you can bet on it!!