The election of Barack Obama as America’s first African-American president sparked an 8 per cent increase in bookings to Kenya in December for independent Africa-specialist, Somak Holidays. To celebrate his inauguration on 20 January 2009, Somak Holidays has added three exclusive upgrades to suites fit-for-a-president in Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar to its five ‘Obama’s roots’ tours in Kenya.

Obama’s father was from the Kogelo area in Western Kenya - where many of his direct descendants still live. Over the 21 months of campaigning the people of Kenya became passionate and loyal Obama supporters. The day after his victory in the US elections was declared a national holiday for all Kenyans.

To mark the success of Kenya’s ‘son’ after the election in November, Somak Holidays launched five packages including a day trip from Nairobi, an overnight stay in the west of Kenya and three longer trips including safaris, tours and a visit to Kakamega Forest. Now, on the eve of his inauguration, Somak Holidays has launched the following ‘Presidential’ upgrades on accommodation in Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar:

‘Sultan Rooms’, Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa, Zanzibar
The designers certainly had the mighty Sultans of Zanzibar in mind when they created these exquisite rooms. Nestled on the beach, each room boasts butler service and an eight-foot Sultan-sized bed. Guests booking a holiday to Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa with Somak can upgrade to a Sultan Room from £75.00 per person, per night.

‘Executive Suite’, Mbalageti Serengeti, Tanzania
Guests looking for a ‘presidential’ setting on their Serengeti safari can choose one of two ‘Executive Suites’. Each has two en-suite bedrooms, an outside spa bath, lounge and verandah. Upgrades are available when booked through Somak Holidays from £185.00 per person, per night.

‘Lamu Villa’, Msambweni, Mombasa, Kenya
For an extra special experience this beautiful hotel on the south coast of Mombasa offers two ‘Lamu Villas’ each with its own sea-facing infinity pool and Jacuzzi. Guests can also enjoy the services of a private chef and waiter. Guests booking with Somak can upgrade from £60.00 per person, per night. Somak’s five ‘Obama’s roots’ packages depart throughout 2009 for a day trip to Kogelo, the birthplace of Obama’s father. This includes lunch and a tour of the local area.