Our MICE team was privileged to be the preferred DMC for the inaugural Crystal AirCruises journey to Africa, their Wonders of Africa Safari Adventure: Chinese New Year AirCruise in February this year.
In celebration of the Year of the Dog, 85 guests including well known Malaysian tycoons and high profile Chinese families, jetted into Jomo Kenyatta Airport – Nairobi, Kenya aboard Crystal AirCruises magnificent private Boeing 777 – Crystal Skye.
Their overnight stay at the luxurious Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi included a private welcome dinner at Asian Restaurant 88 and a morning visit to the Daphne Sheldrick Wildlife Trust / Elephant Orphanage where the group adopted “Crystal” an orphan African baby elephant.
After some curio shopping and a feast at Carnivore Restaurant, guests were whisked off to the Maasai Mara in private charter planes with Air Kenya, landing at remote Governor’s Camp for their 4 night safari adventure.
Chinese New Year was celebrated in style on their first night, starting with the traditional Yee Sang ceremony or Prosperity Toss Salad, prepared by specially flown in & talented Chefs Lee & Yee, along with local Governor’s Chefs, and served on the lawns with sparkling wine. A sumptuous 6 course, lantern-lit Chinese dinner followed, delicacies included braised bird’s nest and South African abalone with Sea Moss, all personally sourced by Governor’s Camp at local markets in Nairobi.
Suntana Bush Band African entertained guests with lively African songs. Governor’s Camp was transformed and brightly decorated with traditional Chinese décor, red knots, lanterns and brightly coloured red fish, all items specially flown in for the New Year celebrations.
Sunny days were filled with breathtaking scenery, endless photographic opportunities and magnificent Big 5 safaris. Elephant herd visits were a daily occurrence at Main Camp, Governor’s, truly heart-stopping moments as guests headed for the nearest safe shelter whilst viewing these magnificent animals, strolling by!
Guests bartered with local Maasai ladies for goods at the Maasai Village, returning home with beaded jewellery, handcrafted wooden items and colourful Kenyan cloths.
Other cultural activities offered were many and varied, from learning to build a Maasai hut with local women villagers to painting under the trees with well known Nairobi artist Patrick Mukabi. Private photographic safaris were led by Anthony Lau – Nat Geo Photographer of the Year 2016 who expertly tutored guests on animal & safari photography know how.
A bucket list experience for many was a magnificent dawn sunrise hot air balloon, gently sailing over the plains below whilst spotting animals from a different perspective. A private bush breakfast followed, complete with a pancake station!
The group’s final farewell dinner was a truly extravagant African affair, complete with a 100 Maasai warrior welcome.
With Maasai voices ringing out into the night sky, guests jumped alongside warriors, awed by this local, warm African welcome. Roaring fires and brightly coloured Maasai shukas (blankets) kept guests, warm while they were treated to a 4 course plated dinner under the stars.
A local band gave some the chance to stretch their legs and dance the night away, with a congo line of guests ending a wonderful evening.
Our guests left with happy smiles and warm thank-you’s and a promise to return to this magnificent land soon.
