Academy Journey: Wild Africa 2007

Each year, MBI invites its most successful Private Brokers to an extraordinary journey. This year’s motto was „Wild Africa“, and the program involved a trip to Kenya, which also included a safari.

 

After a direct flight from Vienna to Mombasa, all participants were transferred to the „Flamingo Beach“ resort on Shanzu Beach, located directly on the magnificent Indian Ocean. The first day was spent relaxing at the unbelievable pool landscape and on the white, fine sandy beach. The great difference in water level between low and high tide gave everyone the unique opportunity to walk hundreds of meters out into the water during low tide, wearing just a pair of sandals. The locals showed the participants sea urchins, starfish, clown fish (Nemos J) and a lot more. Usually such a close look at these marine inhabitants is only possible when diving or snorkelling.

During the following days, the participants were split into three groups and embarked on a safari trip. The Private Brokers boarded small planes and headed for the Kimana reserve near Kilimanjaro. The participants of FK VII spent three wonderful, exciting days together with MBI President Horst Rückle and CEO Alexander Schaufler in the „Zebra Lodge“, practically at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Several hunting excursions, a bush walk, and a promenade to the hippo pool brought everybody closer to an unmasked nature and, above all, to the animal species at home there. Thus, participants of the MBI academy were given the opportunity to come as close as it gets to zebras, gnus, ostrich, elephants, buffalos, warthogs (also called „Kenya Express“), giraffes, crocodiles, and plenty of apes. The bush walk was an exceptional experience for all of them. It took them some eight kilometres across the savannah on foot. Apart from the wild animals (the spiders there are really big!), the crème de la crème of Private Brokers also had the unique chance of visiting a Masai village. The safari trip came to a close with a Sundowner cocktail in the middle of the savannah with a splendid view to the Kilimanjaro. Coming that close to wild nature was extremely fascinating.

After three days of safari, the adventurers returned to the shores of the Indian Ocean. Following an hour’s flight and a short transfer by car, they all arrived back in „Flamingo Beach“. A get-together party in a pavilion overlooking the sea and the beach reunited the participants of the different groups. African dances and cocktails guaranteed an excellent atmosphere well into the late hours. During the following days, the participants had a lot of free time to just relax on the beach. A few brave ones even dared to participate in activities such as deep-sea fishing. And they didn’t come back empty-handed! After all, you don’t get a 33-kilogram sawfish on the dinner table every day! And, for many of the participants, it was their first opportunity to literally get a taste of a crocodile.

During a lunch BBQ with a wonderful accompanying programme, there was a display of the latest African fashion. During a contest, the MBI participants presented kangas, a cloth worn by Africans in the most varying colours and ways, during an „African Fashion Show“. Prizes were awarded to the best presentations. The strong commitment of the participants and the creative spirit of the different groups were a solid guarantee for fun! Eventually, the Leopard group carried the day. The journey to the contest and back was itself a beautiful experience, since it took place on a boat.

For those participants interested, a tour of Mombasa was also one of the choices available. It is hard to imagine how more than half a million people live there. A tour of the market provided a small insight into the life of the local people, and the ride through the city - and especially the promenade through its streets - gave the group a look behind the scenes of Mombasa. It is almost unbelievable how friendly and – in most cases – how discreetly the people approach foreigners. The city is also of particular interest due to the presence of several religious groups.

The last evening in Kenya was dedicated to the award ceremony for the best brokers in the fitting surroundings of the “Lion’s Club”. A new KS General Manager from Hungary and several other Leaders received awards such as the golden MBI watch or the MBI gold bullion. With a fantastic African show and many more show acts, the evening certainly became an unforgettable experience for all participants of the MBI academy trip. After the official program, the participants continued their celebration well into the morning hours.

Some of the participants took advantage of the last morning to dive into the waters of the Indian Ocean one more time, to enjoy a last view of the beautiful beach along the generous pool facility and to say goodbye.

After eight days, all of them returned safe and sound to Vienna, wondering how fast time had passed. This journey is bound to remain a pleasant memory for a very long time. Take the opportunity and qualify for the next MBI trip ……. in 2008!