From Jake Grieves-Cook, Managing Director of Gamewatchers Safaris:

The New Year did not start well for us in Kenya. We found ourselves the centre of world attention as civil unrest erupted in some parts of the country following the disputed election results. But although this was a disastrous start, Kenyans celebrated when the news flashed around the world on 28th February that an agreement had been signed between the two Kenyan political leaders, President Kibaki and Raila Odinga, ending the political impasse and restoring peace and harmony to the country.

The power-sharing agreement brought the two opposing sides together in a coalition government on terms agreeable to all and was the result of the efforts of Kofi Annan who had performed the role of mediator in the preceding weeks. This has provided the political solution to allow the country to recover from the previous civil unrest and we are confident that it will soon restore Kenya to its position as one of the most stable and successful countries in Africa. Kenyans were delighted to see an end to the political stalemate and tension. The feeling of relief was evident among people everywhere and for the first time in weeks optimism was high as many Kenyans expressed their hopes for a better and brighter future.

Since the ending of the political crisis here, things have quickly returned to normal throughout the country as peace and calm have been restored. The wildlife reserves, safari camps, beach resorts and international airports had all continued operating normally throughout the crisis and although the 100,000 tourists who did come here in the first three months were not affected in any way, many visitors had decided to postpone their visits until they could be assured that peace prevailed. Now we are able to welcome visitors back with the assurance that once again they can feel confident that they will be safe and secure while on holiday in Kenya.

To welcome guests back to our four Porini Camps, which re-open in June after the April / May rainy season, we are offering two great value safaris, representing big savings on the usual prices. Details are below and as our camps are small and exclusive there is limited space available, so I recommend that you book now if you are looking for a super value safari to some of Africa's finest wildlife reserves, with prices for 7 days starting at under £1,000 per person inclusive of local flights, transport, all meals and drinks, and a host of activities including escorted walks, sundowners, authentic Maasai village visit, game drives in 4x4 vehicles with our excellent guides and night drives to see the nocturnal animals.

June is a good time to visit as the parks will be green after the rains and many of the animals will have given birth to coincide with the availability of lush grazing. This is also a time when there are likely to be fewer visitors in the parks before the high season and school holiday period of July and August.

Kenya's tourism industry plays a vital role in creating jobs and livelihoods for Kenyans and visitors always receive a warm welcome from the moment they arrive. By choosing a holiday in Kenya in June you will be helping the country to get back to normal so you will find you are especially welcome!

Please email us if you need any more information and we will be delighted to assist in arranging your safari or beach holiday in Kenya.

I hope that we will have the chance to welcome you to Kenya in 2008 and we will be delighted to hear from you if you need our help in arranging a safari.

Kind regards,

Jake Grieves-Cook
Managing Director

Two great value safaris for travel in June:

6 nights / 7 days PORINI WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE GB£925 (US$1850) per person

8 nights / 9 days BIRDS AND BIG GAME SAFARI GB£1149 (US$2299) per person

Staying at the Porini Camps in Selenkay/Amboseli, Laikipia and Mara.

• Accommodation in spacious and comfortable tents with ensuite bathrooms
• Day and Night Game drives in open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles
• Highly experienced professional safari guides
• Sundowners at scenic viewing points
• Escorted walks with Maasai guides and visit to Maasai village
• All meals, house wines, beer, gin & tonics, soft drinks, mineral water
• All internal flights & park/conservancy fees
• Valid for travel in June only
• Valid for bookings confirmed by May 15th 2008

Our sustainable ecotourism ventures benefit the local community and give our guests a rewarding experience. Gamewatchers also works closely with a school in the Kibera slum, which has been of the worst affected areas during the recent post-election problems.

• We work closely with St Lazarus Community School in the Kibera Slum, supporting 120 disadvantaged children
• Gamewatchers has donated money to the Red Cross to help those displaced during the recent problems
• Porini Camps employs almost 100 members from the local communities
• Porini is actively involved in assisting the local schools Water development by drilling bore holes and building water tanks for communities near Porini Camps

More details on St Lazarus School [Click Here]