BIG MISTAKE - NO MISTAKE NEXT TIME CHOOSE CODE NBO - UNIQUE AND PRECISE

An airport code mix-up sent vacationing travelers to the wrong continent.

Sandy Valdivieso and her husband, Triet Vo, had planned to fly from their home in Los Angeles to the African country of Senegal. Instead, they ended up almost 7,000 miles away, in Bangladesh, because of an error by Turkish Airlines.

According to the Los Angeles Times, which helped the couple resolve the issue once they had returned home, the two travelers thought everything was fine when they received their boarding passes. The passes noted their flight plan from Los Angeles (LAX) to Istanbul (IST) to DAC -- which they assumed to be their final destination, Dakar, Senegal.

It’s not.

Unfortunately for the vacationers, DAC is the code for Dhaka, Bangladesh. The code for their intended destination: DKR.

"I guess we were just going by the flight number on our tickets, and that DAC was printed on them," Valdivieso told the Times. "You just assume that everything is correct," she added.

That small error led to a huge nightmare of a trip. The couple made it to Istanbul as planned. Then things got weird.

On the second flight, they heard the flight attendant announce the destination as Dhaka, but "We believed that this was how you pronounced 'Dakar' with a Turkish accent," Valdivieso told the Times.

The two fell asleep. When Valdivieso woke up, she knew something was wrong when she saw that the travel map on the screen showed the plane over the Middle East, nowhere near the West African country.

Once the travelers arrived in the wrong place, it took them nine hours to convince the airlines that the mistake had been on the part of the company, not the couple.
Finally the wayward vacationers were put back on a flight to Istanbul at no extra charge, where they made the correct transfer to Senegal. Their luggage made it two days later.

Rick Seaney of the website FareCompare.com told the Times that horror stories do happen, but he's never heard of an airline sending passengers to the wrong continent.

"This is just brutal," he said. "A lot worse than losing your bag."

The Los Angeles Times helped the travelers secure two free round-trip tickets on the airline as compensation for the mistake.

Meanwhile, the couple has gotten very savvy with airport codes.

"From now on, I'll triple-check everything," Valdivieso said.

Don't find fault, find a solution [Henry Ford]

solution code NBO - with cruzeiro-safaris.com 

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Cruzeiro-Safaris.com joined the KATO members' bond scheme. member 377

Released on: October 25, 2012, 10:14 am
Author: Claudia Kabui - Cruzeiro Safaris
Industry: Travel

October 25, 2012, 10:14 am -- /EPR NETWORK/ -- Cruzeiro-Safaris.com is a Full Member of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) member no. 377 since the year 2008. In 2012, Cruzeiro-Safaris.com joined the KATO members' bond scheme.

What does it mean to be a KATO Bonded member to a tourist?

KATO MEMBERS NOW BONDED

The Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) at its AGM held in October 2011 unanimously approved a motion to institute a Bonding Scheme for members.  There have been concerns raised by tourists going to various tourist destinations world-wide about the safety of deposits paid should a tour firm go into liquidation before delivering on the contracted services. Several destinations have in place Bonding Schemes to address these concerns and the KATO Bond is the second such scheme in the whole of Africa.

“The Bonding Scheme is now in place and is fully supported by a leading local Insurance company. This will go a long way towards enhancing the image and credibility of KATO members and is a major milestone for the Association” said the KATO Chairman, Mr. Adam Jillo.

Under the provisions of the Bond, the Insurance Company will, during the period of guarantee, indemnify any direct pecuniary loss suffered by a client (or agent) of the KATO Member arising from unrendered services in the event of a bankruptcy. The loss to be compensated shall be monies paid for services or products to be provided by the insolvent KATO member and shall be limited to the amount paid to the insolvent member or the cost of completing the services paid for.

KATO members will henceforth be able to display the “KATO Bonded” logo on their websites and other promotional material. The logo shall contain the respective membership number to ensure that only bonafide members display this logo.

For full information please see site KATO members now BONDED

In addition KATO Bonded members have a strict CODE OF ETHICS to adhere to. As much as guests would like to save a coin here or there, one must also be careful not to be deceived and receive unrealistic price offers for premium hotels or lodges, and end up in below standard accommodation. It is important for one to know the difference of budget, middle and premium accommodation options so that you get what you pay for. So, look out for the KATO Bonded members as your assurance of good standards and quality of service.

For instance, one safari offered by cruzeiro-safaris.com for Safari Ndovu 6 days safari give a clear picture of the difference price ranges of lodges, same game parks or reserves with different lodges and different prices. This applies, also in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania lodges. In November, Cruzeiro-safaris.com has introduced a full time based 4x4wheel drives (four wheel drives)Safari for 7days that's take the tourist to places in the North and South West that is Samburu National Reserve, Lakes Baringo and Bogoria, Lake Nakuru National Park and finally Maasai Mara National Reserve.

About cruzeiro-safaris.com
Cruzeiro-safaris.com is established in Kenya, incorporated in 2004. Its core business is safari packages and day tours complemented by air travel. It has a well established wealth of experience in arranging memorable tours and safaris and has established a client base that provides us with repeat business year after year. Comment on our blogspot; follow us on facebook, twitter or YouTube. Safaris in Kenya may be tailored to the tourist's taste and can extend to Tanzania and Uganda.

For further information, clarifications, queries and reservations, please contact;

Claudia Kabui
Email: claudia@cruzeiro-safaris.com |Website: www.cruzeiro-safaris.com
Landline: +254(0)20-7789196 (Kenya) | Mobile: +254-(0) 722-370833 (Kenya)
KATO Full member No.377

Physical address: Mumias South Road, Buruburu Shopping Center, Visions Place, 2nd floor

Theroyalconnection1week hrh

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Safari Package to Amboseli,Lake Nakuru, maasai Mara

Safari Package to Amboseli,Lake Nakuru, maasai Mara
A member of the Kenya Association on tour operators 

last minutes safari package offers from Nairobi

LAST MINUTE OFFERS FROM NAIROBI

Departing from Nairobi - Kenya Safari Packages to join in  -  free style seating in the vehicles.

16 - 20 March : Lake Nakuru / Maasai Mara 4nights / 5 days
We have 2 people already confirmed we need at least 2 more to reduce the price to
USD885 per person sharing.. ask for more details.

27th April - Nairobi National Park 5 hours only.
Departs at 0545hrs from city hotel. Price is USD110 per person
Vehicle used is safari minibus and NOT a salon vehicle.

11 - 16 August - Safari Ndovu 5 nights / 6days
We need 2 people only full itinerary Option 1 package USD1683 per person

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Mombasa Safaris and Tours

To our Mombasa bound travelers here is a list of safaris in Mombasa that you can do in 1 day to 5 days... Multi-lingua drivers are available that is French, German and Italian speaking... please request while reserving 

About Mombasa .

Kenya's most ancient city, Mombasa, is, strictly speaking an island, which boasts a long and proud history.  First mentioned in a sailing guide, 'the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, it was marked on 2nd century maps by the Egyptian cartographer, Ptolemy. Later, in the l5th century, the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama was chased away but others of his countrymen returned to take the town and build the massive Fort Jesus.  Later, in the l9th century, Britain's anti-slavery squadrons brought a new form of imperialism, until independence in l963.

Read more.....

MICE in Kenya - when choosing a conference / event venue?

When choosing a conference / event venue consider the following factors:

1. Theme and purpose of your event: strategic meeting, exhibitions, product appraisal / launch, employee gratitude, etc.


2. Location : distance from the airport or cities and transit times and security


3. Capacity: boardroom style, classroom style, theatre style, banquet style, cocktail style, stadium or outdoors grounds.


4. Visual aids: Overhead projectors, flip chart, TV and video, slide projectors, screen and PA systems, etc.


5. Communication facilities: telephone, fax ,email


6. Recreations facilities: gym, sauna, steam bath, choice of restaurants and bars, casinos, swimming pool, shopping center, game viewing drives, golf-course.


7. Team building facilities: some hotels and lodges have in built team building facilities and programs, with specialized instructors
10. Read more

Mount Kenya Climbing - Sirimon / Sirimon 4 days

Mount Kenya Climbing Expedition    - 4 days

Ascend Sirimon and Descend Sirimon

3 nights / 4 days

DAY 1      (OLD MOSES CAMP)
we leave Nairobi to mt Kenya national park gate, taking about 3 hrs drive. We have lunch at picnic site at 1pm depending on arrival, (inside the park) as we relax. Trekking begins after lunch to old Moses taking APPROX 3, 1/2HRS hours depending on your pace.
Dinner and rest old Moses (3300m).
DAY 2    (SHIPTONS CAMP)
We have morning breakfast, at 7am then hike up to mackiinders Valley through Moorland. Lunch will be served along the trek. Approx trekking time: 7 hours. Depending on your pace
DAY    3(shiptons camp)
Early morning wake up call at 3 30am we attempt point Lenana (4985M) at dawn to catch early sunrise. The trek is approx 4 hours. We descend down to SHIPTONS camp for breakfast, approx time 3hrs, then further down to road head Camp lunch is severed in between the trek approx time 41/2 hrs. Then down further to bandas camp approx time 2 1/2hrs. Dinner and rest at bandas camp

DAY 4    NAIROBI
Breakfast at 7am, WE TREK down to the gate sirimon gate and return to Nairobi via public shuttle.



Prices on Request include

1 person  USD$850

2 persons each pays USD$ 750 

3persons each pays USD$650

Price includes:

• Guide and guide fees
• Porters to carry food and luggage
• Cooks
• Park fees & camping fees for clients, guide, porters and cooks
• Accommodation on bandas
• All meals 4meals per day breakfast, lunch, 1^st evening tea, appetizers. Full supper and 2^nd evening tea
-Transport to fro from Nairobi and to base camp using public shuttle. Prrivate transport avaibale on request                 
NOT INCLUDED
Personal hiking gear
Tips/gratitude
Drinks of personal leisure

B)    MENU SAMPLE
BREAKFAST
Beverages
Consists of the following which are interchanged
Tea, coffee, served with milk, chocolate, porridge.
Solid food
Bread served with omelets, pancakes, sausages, conflakes/wheatabix, and doughnuts
Fruits,
Passion fruit, oranges, pineapples, bananas,
Lunch
Nodules served with beans accompanied by whole meal bread and passion juice with salad or French sandwitch served with overcardo and onion salad with hot coffee or mango juice
1^st evening tea
Tea, coffee, chocolate served with variety of snacks e.g. high energy biscuits, popcorns, crips, doughnuts
Appetizer
Oxtl soup served with whole bread. Or tomato soup

Supper
Spaghetti with backed fish accompanied with meat stew, 2nd night chicken served with rice and African chapatti--- smashed potatoes served with French peas and with a variety of greens.

2^nd late tea
Coffee, tea and chocolate served with milk.
CLIMBING GEAR

NB: gear can be hired IF REQUIRED

Here is a brief list of things you will need for the trek

-Backpack bag for personal gear

-Day pack

-A sleeping bag

- A good pair of comfortable walking boots which are reasonably stiff or

-Other shoes which have plenty of ankle support. [Sneakers at the campsite]

-A waterproof jacket (waterproof trousers are advisable)

-warm woolen socks 3 pairs

-A spare set of warm clothes e.g. warm jumper, warm jacket- waterproof

Shirts nylon material if available, fleece jackets

-Water bottle

-Torch/head lamp

-Warm headgear [malvin]

-Gloves water proof

-Items necessary to protect you from the sun. [Sun glasses], hat or cap

_Hiking poles

Migration in the Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya.

Early arrival of the migration in the Maasai Mara stirs exictement in tourists as well as the driver guides. Our visitors who visited the Mara last weekend (11-13June, 2010) had a pleasant surprise when they encountered the first inflow of the wildebeest, gnus and zebras coming in from the sand river – crossing the river in hundreds, and they had their picnic in the sounding of their excitement. A moment they will never forget – a moment to cherish what they have been longing for, a moment of truth between you and the faces of this wildlife. A story to tell long after your visit.

Every year the plains of the Mara both in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania experience and exit or inflow of migration of animals who are in search for food. The spectacular incidence happens in Kenya as from July – to October of every year is increasingly raising the number of overseas visitors coming into Kenya.

The beautiful grass lands of the savannah are now lazing with a lot of food – somehow not good because the cats hide in the grass especially after a certain time. It is important to adhere with the guided timings given to you by your guide or tour operator as this ensures that you get maximum visibility of the animals. Early morning and evening are often though the best time to view the wildlife, however ever even other times you can drive in the plains look at other site and other small species such as the gamma lizard – found here with its amazing colors of blue and red – found only in the tropical climates. For environmentalist this is your chance to air your views and demand a stop to human encroachment into the plains of Mara, this will enhance the continuous protection of the wildlife as well as human.

A visit to the maasai villages and having a talk with the indigenous Masai people – will expose you to the culture and way of life in this unique community one of the many African cultures that are still intact.(ever held a spear in your hand). Learn they the Masai’s wear red as their predominant color.

This is time well spent and often times you will pay some small amounts of between $10-$30 (depending on season) to enter the village or so commonly called ‘ manyatta ‘. You may also want to purchase some souvenirs from the same manyatta or order from the cruzeiro-safaris.shop and we can ship them for you. Click on the wildlife video to see what you are missing in action.

Accommodation in the Mara is of diverse quality and very many locations, however, we at cruzeiro ensure you have what is according to your budget. But because the migration has started off early take advantage of this June, 2010. We shall take you to lodges near the migration - this will maximize your time spent in the wild. This June we are offering you a special cost of safari between USD380 and USD529 per person for the safari to Mara for 3 days and 2 nights. A five hour journey to and from Nairobi halfway tarmac and half way murram - through the serene scenic views of Kenya.

Contact us now through email info@cruzeiro-safaris.com

Book now and we shall offer to you free airport transfers.

A journey between - the two valleys view

The Ngong hills are located S 1° 24' 0'' E 36° 38' 0''-1.4 / 36.63333 of the equator and is about 40minutes from Nairobi town. You will travel vast acres and acres of green vegetation which is breathtaking. The best way to use is Mombasa road then connect to Ngong town and proceed to the base of climbing the Ngong Hills.


These hills are know for the challenging climbing experience that they give to the climbers - they are in total 7 hills but in the middle you can think they are 14 hills.

The base has also been used by the KENGEN - one of Kenya power generating company there they have place large wind mills to generate electivity using the WINDPOWER in Kenya. These large turbines look small while far but when you actually come closer - they are big elongated houses. Another, unique thing that we saw was that the base is used by individuals and religious groups as a place for divine connection.

The journey, through the open land and the forest brings you close to the high altitude of 2300meters, in addition you get a spectacular view of both the west and east of the hills - on the far sides the Suswa hills - the Mt Longonot, the Aberdare ranges, and many others - landscape photographers would love it here.

Beware, not to go alone as you will require an armed ranger to take you across - this is because there are the wild animals still present, as we saw at one point the buffalo droppings - who were grazing at a distance.
You can either decide to ascend on one side of the hills and return from the middle or continue an descend at a place called 'kona baridi ' - (cold corner).definitely the going back is not interesting while you are at the middle of the hills - so i would recommend you walk till the end.

Depending, on how fit you are the whole journey can take 4 hours or more at most. Its advisable to go in the morning as the hot sun can hinder your faster walking.
Carry, comfortable walking shoes, wear a good fitting trouser and a hat if possible, some water would do as well. If you are with a tour guide make sure to advice him to pick you from at 'kona baridi'.
For large groups its better to have your own personal guides who are experienced in mountain climbing - for more assistance and information please get in touch with the author.
This is a walking safari that is not worth missing -away from the enclosed safari vehicles.