Nairobi is Africa’s safari capital
Nairobi is the most favoured capital in Africa to visit for any safari enthusiast, says the 260 million-member strong TripAdvisor website in its 2014 summer release.
Branding Nairobi the safari capital of Africa as voted by its members, TripAdvisor said the city was among the most preferred destinations for its members due to its efficient air transport as well as proximity to world famous destinations such as the Maasai Mara.
TripAdvisor’s Senior Public Relations Specialist Julie Cassetina was quoted as saying, “TripAdvisor’s unique 260 million visitors have helped us review and rate hotels, attractions, restaurants as well as destinations.”
Destinations
Nairobi and Mombasa were among nearly 500 destinations that grabbed coveted spots among multiple awards categories, which included Best Hotels, Best Beaches and Favourite Restaurants.
Among Africa’s most preferred destinations, Kenya grabbed top slots with Diani Beach and Nyali Beach being selected as some of the most preferred travellers’ destinations.
Watamu was described as the eco-tourists’ dream destination. Lantana Galu Hotel, Mombasa; Ocean Beach Resort,Malindi; Sarova Mara Game Camp; Pine Wood beach,Ukunda; Fairmont Mara Safari Club; The Baobab, Diani; Sarova Salt Lick, Tsavo West;The Sand at Nomads, Diani; Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, Nanyuki and Scorpio Villas, Malindi in that order made it to the list of Kenya’s best 10 for 2014.
Resorts
In last year’s awards, Mara Sarova Game Camp was named as the fourth best all-inclusive resort in Africa.
The Baobab Beach Resort and Spa in Diani was position seven in Africa’s best ten resorts.
Kenya’s main tourist attractions include historical and archaeological sites (which need a little sprucing up, and details posted online as marketing gets underway).
Kenyan tourist industry had 101,498 reviews on the TripAdvisor.com website.
Reviewed were Kenya’s best hotels, attractions, and restaurants mostly located in wildlife sanctuaries, beaches and other major tourist areas.
TripAdvisor also noted that Kenya’s wealth in wildlife and geographical features was also a major tourist attraction.
Tourism is a major employer and a key earner and paid over Sh70 billion to the exchequer last year.