Feeling Down – Have a Dawa!

A dawa is said to be such a potent cocktail that it will cure whatever illnesses you may be suffering from.  Originating from Brazil, the cocktail was introduced to Kenya and when translated from Swahili means “medicine” or “magic potion”. The drink is based on a famous Brazilian and has become one of the most popular cocktails in Kenya.  The popularity of the dawa has also spread across north and east Africa.
If you’re interested in trying a dawa (a recipe guideline), try mixing the ingredients below together to make one of your own.

Ingredients:

• 1 Teaspoon of Sugar
• 2 Large  Oz of Vodka
• Honey
• 1 Whole Lime
• 1 Dawa Stick
• Crushed Ice

Alternatively you could sample one from the experts by spending this summer in Kenya at one of our resorts.

David Sheldrick Elephant Trust

After writing my post last week about this year’s Red Nose Day trek across Kenya, it got me thinking about other good causes in Africa.  The money from Red Nose Day is spent on good causes aiding people living in unimaginable conditions.  However, humans aren’t the only ones in Africa in need of help.
A number of Africa’s most recognised animals such as the African Elephants and Black Rhinos are under threat from poaching.  That is why I would like to make you aware of the amazing work of the David Sheldrick Elephant Trust.  An organisation dedicated to the protection and preservation of Africa’s Wilderness.
The trust has been running for nearly 40 years and has worked on various different projects having a great impact in the conservation.  If you have a love for elephants then I would definitely recommend visiting this orphanage where you are allowed to get up close to these gorgeous mammals. In addition there is a great fostering programme for you to orphan your own elephant.
Should you wish to visit the orphanage, Africa Sky can organise this for you and add this to your holiday quotation.

Zanzibar

Our African Specialist Mark, tells us about his trip to Zanzibar….

For visitors to Zanzibar I would highly recommend spending a day in the capital Stone Town. This is a town steeped in history from the Portuguese to the Modern.  Stone town combines the old with the new, colonial hotels sit next to modern bars and restaurants. The busy night market is a great atmosphere as well as the mixture of smells, from local fish to spices.
There are a range of excursions available, but I opted for a historical excursion – taking me back to the slave trade. Here I was shown how the slaves were treated and the type of conditions that they were subjected to.  We explored old colonial buildings as well as the modern ones to see the difference in the way people were living and how life was back then.  As I wandered the old streets which has the small local shops with various crafts and items in, it shows that this is a Town the locals express their culture and really live in.
When you combine this with the magnificent beaches, the glorious waters and the relaxed atmosphere, Zanzibar is a fantastic place to visit and explore. It shows that there is more to Zanzibar than just the amazing beaches.