ANOTHER THEFT AT A MARA CAMP
Jan 19th, 2010, 09:33 AM
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ANOTHER THEFT AT A MARA CAMP
I got this email today from Kennedy sent to him by KATO!
We are informed of yet another theft that occurred at a camp located 2 to 3 km from Sekenani gate (outside the Reserve) in the Mara on Saturday 16th January at around 1830hrs. According to reports, an unknown number of persons entered 2 tents and stole various items (cameras, a laptop and bags) while the visitors were out watching a Maasai dance.
A report was filed with the TPU and local Police who visited the scene and we are further informed that 2 bags containing the clients’ clothes were later recovered. A suspect has been arrested and is helping Police with investigations.
It is intended by KTF to embark on a “Security Audit” of camps in this location so as to assess the measures in place, identify gaps and make recommendations. This will be in conjunction with the TPU - Tourist Police Unit.
We are informed of yet another theft that occurred at a camp located 2 to 3 km from Sekenani gate (outside the Reserve) in the Mara on Saturday 16th January at around 1830hrs. According to reports, an unknown number of persons entered 2 tents and stole various items (cameras, a laptop and bags) while the visitors were out watching a Maasai dance.
A report was filed with the TPU and local Police who visited the scene and we are further informed that 2 bags containing the clients’ clothes were later recovered. A suspect has been arrested and is helping Police with investigations.
It is intended by KTF to embark on a “Security Audit” of camps in this location so as to assess the measures in place, identify gaps and make recommendations. This will be in conjunction with the TPU - Tourist Police Unit.
Jan 19th, 2010, 05:28 PM
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Very sorry to hear about this. Although, good news that no one was hurt this time.
Unfortunately, it sounds like tented camps are sitting ducks in the area.
Good tip, to take stuff with you - However, unfortunately the very concept of a tented camp is to be easy and relaxed. Now, this concept clearly won't work for the Mara unless drastic measures are taken.
Unfortunately, it sounds like tented camps are sitting ducks in the area.
Good tip, to take stuff with you - However, unfortunately the very concept of a tented camp is to be easy and relaxed. Now, this concept clearly won't work for the Mara unless drastic measures are taken.
Jan 19th, 2010, 06:39 PM
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I guess there is a reason for the the travel warning to Kenya not being lifted by the US government. .... Security. Until Kenya can control this sort of thing, it won't be lifted. Very sad.
Jan 19th, 2010, 07:20 PM
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So far as I can see this is a simple theft of items from a tent, in an area outside the reserve where people can walk freely. Camp security sucks and people did not follow the guidelines on valuables (not that I ever do to be honest). No breaking and entering, guns, or anything - just a simple walk in and unzipping. Am I missing something here? I agree it's bad, but if it's local it seems like nothing really.
If they were coming from somewhere else, armed, specifically to do a camp it would be of more concern.
And of course I have no information or insight on this.
If they were coming from somewhere else, armed, specifically to do a camp it would be of more concern.
And of course I have no information or insight on this.
Jan 20th, 2010, 04:22 AM
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GOSH - it's getting worse with the bad press Kenya gains.....
My concept of a Kenyan safari has clearly changed recently.
In the earlier days we left almost everything behind (just locked in a duffel or kept in the wardrobe) when doing game drives , eating, socializing.....
It's so sad that low-brow staying at tented camps is a thing which belongs to the past.
Of course - now that things are getting worse it makes it so much more uncomfortable as we of course start carrying our staff with us every step we make.
Somewhere did I read recently - staying in lodges in Kenya would be the advise now.
No way will I stay in a lodge! I rather give up Kenya altogether. Tented camp means "safari" for us - being in the bush and close to the wildlife.
Happy travels!
SV
My concept of a Kenyan safari has clearly changed recently.
In the earlier days we left almost everything behind (just locked in a duffel or kept in the wardrobe) when doing game drives , eating, socializing.....
It's so sad that low-brow staying at tented camps is a thing which belongs to the past.
Of course - now that things are getting worse it makes it so much more uncomfortable as we of course start carrying our staff with us every step we make.
Somewhere did I read recently - staying in lodges in Kenya would be the advise now.
No way will I stay in a lodge! I rather give up Kenya altogether. Tented camp means "safari" for us - being in the bush and close to the wildlife.
Happy travels!
SV
Jan 20th, 2010, 11:46 AM
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Not to discount the issue, for the upset done to the people on whom such was perpetrated. But I still have to wonder how many burglaries there have been from one's house, vehicle, hotel or other place we feel are safe to leave our belongs if we were in our home city. I'm sure these happen daily everywere, but rarely make the news, unless as at Naibor where the guests were brutalized.
Guests, whether at lodges or camps are advised NOT to leave important or costly items in their room/tent when not in attendance. There are safe-deposit boxes at Reception. Or take those cameras with when going for meals.
Anything I leave behind in room/tent (often just clothing) is insured and if taken, my insurance will cover. Why you need to obtain such insurance. In fact items such as clothing or household goods are covered by your homeowners or renters policies (even if loss is when traveling) and will reimburse with appropriate receipts.
Sadly, there are people up to no good everywhere.
Guests, whether at lodges or camps are advised NOT to leave important or costly items in their room/tent when not in attendance. There are safe-deposit boxes at Reception. Or take those cameras with when going for meals.
Anything I leave behind in room/tent (often just clothing) is insured and if taken, my insurance will cover. Why you need to obtain such insurance. In fact items such as clothing or household goods are covered by your homeowners or renters policies (even if loss is when traveling) and will reimburse with appropriate receipts.
Sadly, there are people up to no good everywhere.
Jan 20th, 2010, 04:03 PM
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I would think that taking as little of value as humanly possible on a safari would be the way to travel to Africa. I'm a former photographer, and I can tell you that whenever I traveled with a camera bag, I NEVER left it anywhere. It was with me at all times no matter where I was or what I was doing. If you have expensive equipment, I'd highly recommend taking it no matter what! Your insurance may reimburse you once you get home, but how are you going to feel and how will the loss affect the remainder of your trip? Not to mention losing all those images you already shot. But, as some people have commented above, crimes like burglary and theft can occur anywhere. The best advice is to leave at home anything that looks tempting that you don't actually need, and keep with you anything that does. Also, maybe discussing security measures with the camp managers on arrival puts them on alert that you are an alert visitor. Sometimes, just being lax is the opening a potential criminal needs to take advantage. We did a tour of Soweto a number of years ago, and they told us not to take with us anything we didn't mind losing just in case anything went wrong.
Jan 20th, 2010, 05:55 PM
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Sandi, no dis-respect intended - but, I'll have to disagree. This is a completely different situation compared to home cities or travelling to major cities in the world. You take matters in your own hand at home etc etc.,
These are tented camps we are talking about!!! This obviously is a repetitive situation where the tented camps are sitting ducks in the Mara and the gangs/thugs seem to know how to get around and do their thing......... So, from what you are saying you want a tented camp with the facilities of a hotel?
SV,
I don't think it makes much difference between the lodges and tented camps, as the difference is less and less thesedays. Ofcourse, if you are talking of the Serena etc etc., Yes, lots of people there.........
Btw, I thought you wanted to help save the last Lions? I read your recent post in this matter? Now you don't want to go?
Yes, I fully agree with you - the authorities ought to step in and see what's going on ..........
These are tented camps we are talking about!!! This obviously is a repetitive situation where the tented camps are sitting ducks in the Mara and the gangs/thugs seem to know how to get around and do their thing......... So, from what you are saying you want a tented camp with the facilities of a hotel?
SV,
I don't think it makes much difference between the lodges and tented camps, as the difference is less and less thesedays. Ofcourse, if you are talking of the Serena etc etc., Yes, lots of people there.........
Btw, I thought you wanted to help save the last Lions? I read your recent post in this matter? Now you don't want to go?
Yes, I fully agree with you - the authorities ought to step in and see what's going on ..........
Jan 20th, 2010, 07:31 PM
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I was robbed once on vacation …. in Nice/Cannes!!! Someone climbed the wall (like spiderman) of our hotel and entered our room on the 2nd story and came into our room through the balcony and stole all our valuables/cash/etc. I know we were sprayed with something as we slept until noon … 18 hours!!! Yeah right!!! My husband’s wallet was gone sitting right next to his face in the bed!!! I know the hotel manager was in on it … a long story!
LyndaS, as I recall; weren't you robbed at the Serena once? You left some valuables in a locked duffle in your room? Not sure if this was in Kenya or TZ. I can’t remember, but it was in your trip report. Doesn't matter, really. Robberies will happen, I agree with Sandi on this. But as Hari points out, there's a difference. You expect some sort of security when in a safari camp, be it a tented camp or a lodge. When they don’t offer locks on the zippers or safes in the rooms, you get a feeling of security around the camp, don’t you? What are the askaris there for? It’s different than walking the streets in Rome. You KNOW that you will probably be robbed there. Or in Athens; our taxi was hijacked there. That’s another long story.
It’s when the staff at the camp is involved in the robbery, maybe even guiding the robbers, to whom they think are rich etc, that it becomes a huge problem and a corrupt one at that. I think Kenya has a problem at the moment. Kennedy is devastated as the pure and honest man that he is. He’s ashamed of his country in this respect. I also think, they’re realizing this (the politicians in Kenya) and trying to do something about it …..finally! Just yesterday they made a wise move: Kenya Airways CEO picked for police reform commission: http://www.eturbonews.com/13925/keny...orm-commission
I hope this will help; we’ll see. Until then, keep your wits about you and never leave anything you can’t afford to lose in your room … ever … anywhere! Don’t even bring it on safari. Nobody is immune to thugs and outlaws.
LyndaS, as I recall; weren't you robbed at the Serena once? You left some valuables in a locked duffle in your room? Not sure if this was in Kenya or TZ. I can’t remember, but it was in your trip report. Doesn't matter, really. Robberies will happen, I agree with Sandi on this. But as Hari points out, there's a difference. You expect some sort of security when in a safari camp, be it a tented camp or a lodge. When they don’t offer locks on the zippers or safes in the rooms, you get a feeling of security around the camp, don’t you? What are the askaris there for? It’s different than walking the streets in Rome. You KNOW that you will probably be robbed there. Or in Athens; our taxi was hijacked there. That’s another long story.
It’s when the staff at the camp is involved in the robbery, maybe even guiding the robbers, to whom they think are rich etc, that it becomes a huge problem and a corrupt one at that. I think Kenya has a problem at the moment. Kennedy is devastated as the pure and honest man that he is. He’s ashamed of his country in this respect. I also think, they’re realizing this (the politicians in Kenya) and trying to do something about it …..finally! Just yesterday they made a wise move: Kenya Airways CEO picked for police reform commission: http://www.eturbonews.com/13925/keny...orm-commission
I hope this will help; we’ll see. Until then, keep your wits about you and never leave anything you can’t afford to lose in your room … ever … anywhere! Don’t even bring it on safari. Nobody is immune to thugs and outlaws.
Jan 21st, 2010, 01:34 PM
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"Btw, I thought you wanted to help save the last Lions? I read your recent post in this matter? Now you don't want to go? "
HariS
I only stop travelling to Africa when they have invented those body scanners ;-)
Of course I go - leave in early Feb.
And yes - I try my very best to support those who care for the wildlife instead of exploiting it to extinction - doesn't matter whether they call themselves "conservationists" or what they really are: Killers.
SV
SV
HariS
I only stop travelling to Africa when they have invented those body scanners ;-)
Of course I go - leave in early Feb.
And yes - I try my very best to support those who care for the wildlife instead of exploiting it to extinction - doesn't matter whether they call themselves "conservationists" or what they really are: Killers.
SV
SV
Jan 21st, 2010, 01:43 PM
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Sorry HariS
YES I was thinking of venues like Serena or Sopa which might be more protective in view to robberies as there are too many people.
Being in a tented camp one is quite vulnerable to any kind of violence as there is just that piece of kanvas which seperates us from any intruder.
We were extremly careless in the earlier days but change that completely. We join all the others now who carry their stuff along for dinner ;-)
SV
YES I was thinking of venues like Serena or Sopa which might be more protective in view to robberies as there are too many people.
Being in a tented camp one is quite vulnerable to any kind of violence as there is just that piece of kanvas which seperates us from any intruder.
We were extremly careless in the earlier days but change that completely. We join all the others now who carry their stuff along for dinner ;-)
SV
Feb 27th, 2010, 08:29 PM
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"I only stop travelling to Africa when they have invented those body scanners"
SV, I've heard that the body scanners are starting to be used at airports across Europe and will be introduced here in Australia soon.
Hate to say this, but the only valuables travelling with me are phone, passport, C/C and cameras and I left cameras in my tent at Serian but not at the mobile in the Reserve itself. Maybe I was lucky but the security at Serian was pretty high and of course we did have the leopard Zawadi patrolling the boundaries!
SV, I've heard that the body scanners are starting to be used at airports across Europe and will be introduced here in Australia soon.
Hate to say this, but the only valuables travelling with me are phone, passport, C/C and cameras and I left cameras in my tent at Serian but not at the mobile in the Reserve itself. Maybe I was lucky but the security at Serian was pretty high and of course we did have the leopard Zawadi patrolling the boundaries!
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