Tag Archives: Kenya

Sarova Hotels is a brand woven into the very fabric of the nation’s tourism industry and Kenya’s vibrant heart beats anew in celebration, as this beacon of homegrown hospitality commemorated its 50th anniversary in April 2024. More than just a milestone, this golden jubilee is a testament to a rich legacy of service and deep values that have shaped the journey. The vision for this indigenous hotel brand was born in 1974 when its founding patriarchs, G.S. Vohra, Mohinder Singh Vohra and John Ngata Kariuki demonstrated their love for family in an interesting yet befitting act. The name SAROVA was coined, an acronym derived from their wives’ first names; SA- Swaran Vohra (Mohinder’s wife) RO- Rose Kariuki (John’s wife) VA- Varsha Vohra (G.S’s wife) Soon after, their first venture in the hotel industry took place with the acquisition of the Ambassadeur Hotel on Moi Avenue, owned by the family until 1998. Leisurely Delights, Each Location an Experience Over the years through bold and spontaneous moves, Sarova has expanded its footprint across Kenya with a portfolio of 9 properties, each proof of a firm commitment to quality and innovation. These properties include Sarova Stanley & Sarova Panafric in Nairobi, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa, Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa and Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in Nakuru, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in Samburu, Sarova Mara Game Camp in Masai Mara, Sarova Imperial Hotel in Kisumu and Sarova Maiyan in Nanyuki. This evolution has continued with the launch of the first standalone speciality restaurant, Thai Chi by Sarova launched in 2023 in Nairobi, an extension of Thai Chi Restaurant at Sarova Stanley. Each hotel is a microcosm of Kenyan …

After a halt of 4 years, OTOAI plans to conduct its 5th convention in Sarova Hotels, in Nairobi, Kenya from 24 to 27 November. Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, “We are holding convention in Kenya as it is getting important for Indian market. We will diclose the theme soon.”

Kenya is now open to Indian tourists. Passengers are required to undertake a COVID-19 test at least 72 hours prior to their departure and produce the physical copies of the same on arrival. The Yellow fever vaccine continues to be a mandate. Visa applications are to be done online at a charge of $50. At present, there are scheduled direct flights from Mumbai to Nairobi by Kenya Airways three times a week.

Sarovar Hotels & Resorts is set to come up with a project in Auxum in Ethiopia and one in Somaliland. Ajay K Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, is extremely positive about the brand’s international presence, especially East Africa. He says, “Both the properties will start operating by mid-2020. With humble beginnings in Tanzania, we are now operating in Nairobi (Kenya), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Lusaka (Zambia).” Sarovar is one of the fastest growing hotel chains in India with over 80 operational hotels across 50 destinations in India and Africa.

Rudra Marketing, along with the support of African Eden DMC, East Africa recently concluded a limited-edition Familiarisation trip to Kenya for seven nights, covering Nairobi, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara. Nikita Rawtani, Founder, Rudra Marketing and Rajiv Chadha, Managing Director, African Eden, were a part of the trip, along with five agents from Mumbai, Pune, Surat and Bengaluru. The exclusive trip was targeted at travel agents who sell luxury and experiential travel with an inclination to learn and sell a destination known for adventure and wildlife. The hotels were carefully shortlisted specially, Chui Lodge, Naivasha which topped the list. It is set in the heart of a private 18,000-acre wildlife sanctuary and is nestled in an indigenous forest overlooking the Mau escarpment. Other hotel visits included Tamarind Tree, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Amboseli Satao Elerai, Mara Simba Lodge, LOYK Mara Camp, and the Windsor Golf & Country Club. Highlighting the experience, Rawtani said, “Chui Lodge is Naivasha’s best-kept secret. This all-inclusive lodge has everything one can ask for and the food is a gastronomic delight. The morning and evening game drives, sun-downers, flower farm visit, bush breakfast and the boat ride arranged by Chui Lodge was an experience that will last for a lifetime. We plan to create many such enriching experiences for the travel agents by conducting subsidised Fam trips and give them hands-on-experience about the destination.” The agents also visited the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage followed by an orientation and shopping tour in Nairobi. Besides, there were several game drives and hotel inspections throughout the tour.

Sarovar Hotels announces the opening of its first hotel in Zambia – Neelkanth Sarovar Premiere, Lusaka. With three operating hotels in Tanzania and Kenya, this will be their fourth in the African continent. Neelkanth Sarovar Premiere is an all-suite upscale development in the vibrant Manda Hill area of Lusaka. It offers a splendid guest experience with 82 all-suite, an all-day-dining restaurant, poolside grill, bar, lobby cafe, fitness centre and spa. The hotel has large banquet and conferencing facilities to accommodate up to 600 people. All suites in the hotel are equipped with best-in-class modern amenities and supported by Sarovar’s distinct service standards. Anil Madhok, Executive Chairman, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, says, “I am delighted to welcome guests to Neelkanth Sarovar Premiere in Lusaka. For us, marking our presence in the capital city of Zambia is in line with our long-term focus on our growth plans for Africa. The elegantly-appointed interiors, along with our prompt personalised services, will ensure our guests have a memorable stay in Lusaka.”

Sarova Hotels & Resorts recently kick-started its four-city workshop in India, starting off with Delhi. Stakeholders, travel agents and policy makers attended the product presentation in the capital. Representatives of the hotel gave a detailed product presentation on the group’s properties across Kenya. After Delhi, the workshop will be held in Mumbai, Bangalore and Ahmedabad. The delegation also interacted with agents and shared insights on how to promote Sarova Hotels & Game Lodges to Indian leisure travellers and MiCE groups. According to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism on the state of Kenyan tourism in 2017, international arrivals hit 1.47 million in 2017, up from 1.34 million the previous year. The Indian market contributed to 6.2 per cent of these arrivals, as the fourth largest source market; behind the United States of America, United Kingdom and Uganda. “Sarova has been a well-known brand in terms of luxury, cuisine and the quality of services it has to offer for all travel segments be it leisure, MiCE or wedding groups. International arrivals have been on a steady growth since 2015, and the Indian market has been one of the fastest growing source markets. Our four-city roadshow in India gives us a better standing in the industry in tapping into this source market”, says Selina Dima, Travel Trade Manager—Global Sales, Sarova Hotels and Resorts, Kenya. Sarova Hotels has a keen understanding of social and cultural nuances of India that helps them to curate services tailored for guests from the Indian subcontinent.  

Sarovar Hotels has debuted its value brand Hometel overseas with the signing of a hotel in Nairobi. The hotel, Tetezi Hometel Nairobi, will mark Sarovar Hotel’s fourth offering in Kenya’s capital after The Heron Portico, The Zehneria Portico and The Lazizi Premiere. With this, Sarovar will exceed a total of 400 keys in Nairobi and 800 keys in Africa. The 80 keys Tetezi Hometel is located along Riverside Drive, Nairobi and is owned by Tetezi House Ltd. of which the owner and promoter Mr. John Mburu is a renowned and established lawyer. The hotel, upon completion, will offer all modern facilities required for a first class hotel of international standards. Construction of the project has commenced and the hotel is expected to open in 2019.

Expanding its overseas portfolio, Sarovar Hotels Pvt. Ltd. announces the signing of its latest project in Africa, Sarovar Premiere Lusaka in Zambia. This development marks Sarovar’s presence in the five countries in Africa including Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Zambia. Sarovar Premiere Lusaka is an 82 key all-suite hotel conveniently located around the city centre. Built in elegant designs with all modern facilities, it is the only all-suite hotel in town which will offer the space and comfort of a personal apartment, an extension of a home. The hotel is being developed by Neelkanth Group based out of Zambia whose core business lies in steel, lime, copper cables and real estate. Sarovar Premiere Lusaka is expected to open in 2018. Sarovar Premiere Lusaka represents Sarovar’s exponential growth in Africa. Making its presence in Lusaka, the largest city of Zambia and one of the fastest developing cities in South Africa, the group hopes to spread the signature Sarovar hospitality across the continent here. Upon completion, Sarovar Premiere Lusaka will offer 82 guest suites, an all-day dining, a bar lounge and an alfresco diner. The hotel will also make for an ideal destination with its excellent banquet and conference facilities. Those looking for some leisure indulgences can unwind at the spa, swimming pool or the wellness centre equipped with the best of services and amenities.