The first of two tourism fairs (the other one is held before the Christmas) was held at Sarit center last weekend. It is meant to cater for the Easter holidays and the low tourist season which runs from around April to July.
With many more airlines flying to Mombasa – Kenya Airways (KQ), Air Kenya, EA Safari, Fly 540, Jetlink, there are fewer bundled packages (air fare, and hotel stay)now offered. Still there was 2 nights at Travelers Hotel (half board) in conjunction with Fly 540 priced at 25,256 shillings ($361) for the low season, compared to 30,800 ($440) in other months. Also Leopard Beach resort which has been rather quiet on the marketing front has re-emerged with more affordable fares - a similar 2 night stay/flight package is priced for Fly 540 (26,540), KQ (26,700 i.e. $381) or Air Kenya (26,520)
There are also quite a few packages to Northern and Western Kenya – places like Baringo, Samburu and Saiwa Swamp (22 km from Kitale) in addition to more foreign packages been sold at the fair with destinations in Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa, Rwanda (to watch mountain gorillas) and Uganda (the new Kampala Serena), joining the usual Zanzibar and Dubai ones. These included honeymoon trips to the Kampala Serena at $420 per couple for 5 nights and another to Johannesburg & Cape Town for $2,400 per couple.
There were also some youth packages such as 2 nights/3 days camping at Masai Mara or Tsavo at 12,000 shillings ($171) p.p. from silver bird and a schools package (aimed at class trips) from Sarova to Shaba, Lion Hill or the Mara. (priced at about 60% discount)
Finally, Kenya Airways have a midweek to Dubai special at $500 for 2 tickets, while Emirates Airline (who were not at the fair) are said to have $160 ticket to Dubai that is used as a seat filler
Related: A report on the November tourism fair
