Katie a dedicated Giltedge Globe Trotter recently jetted off to the East African coastal paradise of Kenya. Mission: to explore this exotic holiday mecca as a guest of 1Time Airlines and Plan Hotels. 1Time Airlines currently operate 2 weekly flights –on Tuesdays and Fridays between Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and Mombasa, Kenya. The current schedule allows for 3, 4 or 7-night itinerary combinations.

The maiden flight was met with great fanfare – complete with fire engines spraying the aircraft with water as the aircraft approached its parking area. Mombasa airport was abuzz with a welcoming committee, the Kenyan Tourism Minister, Maasai warriors, a choir and traditional bands completed the festive vibe.

The Coach transfer from Mombasa Airport to the southern coastline provides a glimpse into the daily life of coastal Kenyans. Kenya has an impressive coastline, complete with swaying palm trees, powder soft dazzling white beaches and warm azure seas. Malindi beach is a short drive north of Mombasa and the more well-known beach of Diani is located to the south.

Planhotels offer a fully inclusive product at all of their hotels in Kenya. This hotel group operate in the 4 to 5 star market all over East Africa and include well established hotels and resorts such as Dream of Zanzibar, Dream of Kenya, Exploreans Mara Rianta Tented Camp and the Ngorongoro Lodge.

Planhotel

These hotels offer excellent value for money themselves were fine and perfectly usable for groups or for the individual family travel holiday.  The rooms will be updated in the next 6 months, amenities amended, new furnishings etc, and this will make a pleasant difference. There are 3 properties currently, but these will be converted into 2 before the end of 2012.

The 4 star property will be known as the Palm and the other 2 properties, currently known as the Village and Paradise, will become 1 large, quite basic facility, but with a combined room night total of just under 230 between them.  There are a couple of stunning pools at each properties, great dining facilities and the aim is that they will offer different dining on the all-inclusive basics (sort of like Mauritius, Italian one night, Sports bar the next and a main dining venue).  Large lush gardens with plenty of loungers facing onto the sea.

Diani beach is simply stunning and totally wild. The colour of the ocean here is impossible to capture on film and it teams with prolific underwater life – Technicolor fish, coral reefs, wales and dolphins abound. Some of the resort activities include traditional Dhow cruises, snorkeling, exploring local village and excellent fishing.

The east coast of Kenya is unsurpassed and is a good option to consider after a few days on safari.

Keen to learn more about our incentives trips? Get in touch now.