Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Traveling to the Kenyan Coast with Superb Africa Safaris


 
Half day city tour of Mombasa


You will be picked up from your hotel at a designated time - preferably 0900 hrs before it gets too hot. On this tour of Mombasa City you will visit the Akamba Woodcarvers Factory in Changamwe. Here, you will witness first hand curios and wooden ebony carvings being hand-crafted. You will also get to visit their big shop and get some good bargains at factory price.

Thereafter you will be driven to the Mombasa Island where you will visit a Hindu Temple and also pass via the main street - Moi Avenue and possibly take pictures of the giant tusks. You will also visit Indian bazaars - shops.

You will be taken to The Likoni area where you will see the ferries crossing from the Island to the southern mainland. You will also see the giant baobab trees which are over two hundred years old. 

The highlight of your tour will be the visit to The Fort Jesus, the Portuguese fort built in the 15th century and which for hundreds of years has seen many different rulers. You will also visit the old port. 
After that you will be dropped back at the hotel.

Mamba Village Crocodile Farm

This is the largest Crocodile Farm in Africa! Apart from the popular feeding time, Mamba Village also has Horse riding, camel riding and picturesque botanical gardens to visit.
Mamba Village is also home to the Mamba Discocotheque and Croco Club.

Haller Park
A thriving ecosystem created from a rehabilitated limestone quarry. Attractions include game, porcupines, peacocks, a snake park, fish farm, crocodile farm and a restaurant that specializes in game meat. Pre arranged tree planting at the nature trail with certificates

Full day Wasini Island and Kisite Dhow Cruise with lunch 

0630 hrs - You will be picked up from your hotel early this morning and transferred to the jetty. The tour departs from Shimoni (the place of caves) jetty at 0900 hrs aboard a converted Lamu dhow and sail for the Kisite Marine National Park. Snorkel along a fringing reef of Kisite Island and marvel at the coral and shoals of fish. A sea food lunch is served at an Arab restaurant on Wasini Island. Wasini village is a true fishing community with strong Arab and coastal influences. Guests should wear suitable attire so as not to offend the villagers. Later this afternoon you will be transferred back to your hotel.

The Wasini Island excursion is a very popular excursion and the guests always have a thrilling experience.

Tamarind Dhow Cruise with lunch or dinner
A 1200 hrs or 1830 hrs departure from the tamarind jetty for the lunch or evening cruise respectively. After a welcome cocktail, the Tamarind dhow cruises past the old town and Fort Jesus. Fantastic sea-food meals prepared by the world famous Tamarind restaurant are enjoyed while a local band plays music to suit all tastes. A tri-lingual guide, fully stocked bar and friendly service all add to the unforgettable atmosphere. 1445 hrs or 2230 hrs return to the jetty and thereafter to your hotel


Full day Malindi/Gedi excursion

Drive north to Kilifi through attractive country covered by extensive sisal plantations dotted with huge baobab trees. Continue on to the ancient city of Gedi - a 13th century ruin in the heart of the dense forest. Proceed to the coastal town of Malindi for lunch and an exploration of the marine park in a glass bottomed boat where you are taken goggling by an experienced guide. Later visit a nearby village and watch the Giriama tribe perform exciting tribal dances before driving back to Mombasa by sundown.

Shimba Hills
This is a National Reserve located in Kwale Region and is the only place one can find the rare black-maned sable antelope. Other attractions here include the 25metres Sheldrick Falls and Mwele Forest, a historical stronghold of the notorious rebel; Mbaruk of Gazi - the last of the active chieftains of the Mazrui Arabs in the 19th Century. A half day (0800h – 1300h) trip 45 kms drive from Whitesands.  

Ngomongo Villages
An abandoned murram quarry, which was reclaimed and transformed into a lush forest of greenery over a10-year duration. Integrated in the created forest are 10 diverse rural Kenyan homesteads. Each homestead represents a Kenyan tribe and one has a guided tour into the authentic lifestyle of the members of each community. This can be a half day trip and is 15 minutes away from Whitesands.

Malindi - Places of Interest
Beaches
Malindi has 155 kilometers of coastline with idyllic silver beaches fringed with swaying palm trees, Casuarinas and frangipani. The beaches are extensive and provide panoramic views of the ocean. The beaches are a paradise of sun and sand and protected from the sea marauders by wall of fringing reef.

Watamu and Malindi Marine Parks
These parks were established in 1968 and are the first of their kind in Africa. The ocean blue waters here host a wide variety of corals. Within the coral kingdoms that abound herein, multi-coloured fishes can be seen ducking in and out of this extensive reef. The coral gardens offer spectacular areas for goggling. In these gardens you are bound to see different species of coral fish like the Angelfish, Butterfly fish, Triggerfish and even have an opportunity of watching the Surgeonfish at work. Many glass-bottomed boats to take you for tours in the coral gardens are available. Scuba diving can also be arranged within the hotels.

Gede Ruins
The Gede Ruins are located in Gede off the Malindi-Mombasa Road along the road to Watamu. It dates back to the late 13th century and was abandoned in the early 17th century. The exact reason as to why the town was abandoned is not actually known though it is assumed that the town was plundered and destroyed by unknown invaders in the 17th century. Another school of thought alleges that the inhabitants of the town abandoned it after receding ocean waters depleted the available water from their wells. In 1927, the Gede ruins were declared a historic monument and much excavation and preservation work was carried out such that large areas of this ancient town are now revealed, including the pillar tombs, the palace and a great mosque. A Nature Trail of deciduous forests dominates the inner and outer walls of the ruins bearing testimony to the vegetation that used to exist in this place before colonization by humans. A small museum has been set up to exhibit ancient Arab, Chinese and Phoenician porcelain excavated from the ruins. Guided walks can also be arranged.

Vasco Da Gama Pillar 


The pillar is situated on the seafront road near the jetty. It is accessed from Scorpio Villas or alternatively from the Silversands area. The pillar is one of the oldest remaining monuments in Africa and was built in 1498 by the great Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama as a sign of appreciation for the welcome he was given by the Sultan of Malindi.

Pillar Tombs
The pillar tombs are located next to Juma Mosque, between the jetty and the town centre. The tombs are believed to have been built in the 15th century as burial grounds for renowned Portuguese. It is also said that Francisco Savior once worshiped in this church and he buried some of his sailors here.

Portuguese Chapel
The chapel is located along seafront road near the Gossip Hotel and was built in the 16th century to mark the burial ground of two Portuguese sailors.
The Arabuko-Sokoke forest occupies both Malindi and Kilifi district and is composed of a vast tract of one of the largest remaining indigenous coastal forests in East Africa. The forest covers an area of 420 km2. It is a dry coastal forest with more than a half of it being composed of dense thicket dominated by Cynometria and Brachystegia woodlands, although some areas are of mixed forest. The Sokoke forest is home to a wide diversity of both flora and fauna attractions. Both small and large mammals can be found here including rare and unique birds like the East Sokoke Akalat, Amani Sunbird and the Spotted Groundthrush and Clarke Weaver, not forgetting the Sokoke Sops Owl. Rare mammals include the Sokoke Bush-tailed Mongoose, the Golden Rumped Elephant shrew, the Golden Cat and the Brown Hyena. Large mammals like the buffalo, the Suni, Sykes Monkey, Yellow Baboon and occasionally the elephant can also be found. Over 260 species of butterflies have also been recorded. Access to the forest is through the visitors centre that is located 2 kilometres form the Gede junction. Hiking, picnicking and ornithological tours can also be arranged through the offices of the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Forest Department.

Mida Creek
Mida Creek is located south of Malindi along the Mombasa-Malindi road. The creek covers around 32 square kilometres and is composed of extensive mudflats and mangrove forests that attract a wide variety of flora and fauna. Along the sheltered creeks and estuaries can be seen many species of mangroves, among them the Rhizophora mucronata, Avicenia Marina and Ceriops tagal among others. Along the margins of the mangrove forests on Sudi Island, the Pied Kingfisher, the Little Egret, then provers, the Osprey and the African Fish Eagle abound. In the mudflats abound the Yellow-billed Storks, the grey and Black-headed herons and the Woolly-necked Storks. Along the sandy areas are the Ghost crabs, Money crabs and the Fiddler crabs.

The Kipepeo Project
The Kipepeo Project is located in Arabuko Sokoke Forest just near the Gedi ruins on the way to Watamu. The project was started in 1994 and involves small groups of people that have organised themselves to rear butterflies and export their pupae abroad. The small group of farmers are licensed to collect butterflies in the forest for sale abroad at a fee. This is an example of allowing the local population to reap directly the benefits of tourism. Breeding and research is also carried out to ensure that a constant butterfly population is maintained throughout the year. The project is open to the public and visitors have a chance to wonder and see a wide selection of the Arabuko Sokoke butterflies, up to 260 species.

African Curio Market
The African Curio market is located after the District Commissioner along seafront road. Come admire and buy authentic African curios, souvenirs, carvings, Kisii soapstone and artefacts to take back home.



Hell's Kitchen
It is located off Lamu road, after the Sabaki River in Marafa Depression. Come view the geomorphological features straight from Lucifer's Kitchen!

Mambrui
Mambrui town is located just off Lamu road in North Malindi just after Sabaki River. It is a historic town that dates back to the 15th century. There is also a pillar tomb with porcelain bowls of the Ming dynasty

NIGHT SPOTS
Like the owl, Malindi is a nocturnal town. Come sample some of the best nightclubs such as Stardust discotheque, Regent Night Club, Fermento Vivo, Afro Italo, Market Village, Comeback Restaurant, Casino Ndogo, and Star and Garters. Most hotels also offer open air Disco facilities. It's full of fun. Come sample traditional ballads and tune to Bango sounds and Teusi Band, among others.

CULINARY
Visit Malindi restaurants and savour their culinary prowess. Come sample sweet dishes from Big Mango, The Sun Also Rises, I Love Pizza Restaurant, Lorenzo's Restaurant, The Old Man and the Sea, La Malinda, Surahi Indian Restaurant and La Gelateria.

SHOPPING
Visit the Italian Market, Malindi Complex, Sabaki Centre, Sitawi House, Butts Arcade and the town centre for all your shopping needs.

BIG GAME FISHING
There is a timetable of Big game fishing events that are generally organised by the Malindi Sea Fishing Club and the fishing centre at Hemingway's Resort in Watamu.                   

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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Attractions in Nairobi, Kenya



Giraffe Centre

It is located in Langata, approximately 15km from Nairobi, Kenya. It was established in order to protect the endangered Rothschild giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi, which is found only in the grasslands of East Africa. Jock Leslie – Melville, the Kenyan grandson of a Scottish Earl, started the giraffe centre when he and his wife Betty captured a baby giraffe to start a programme of breeding giraffes in captivity at their home in Langata, home of the present centre.


The main attraction for visitors is feeding giraffes from a raised observation platform. The centre is also home to several warthogs, which freely roam the area along with the giraffes.





Mamba Village
It is located about 13 kilometres away from Nairobi’s city centre. This is a replica of natural paradise spread over 30 acres with a lounge and several restaurants. The crocodile farm is among the main attractions at Nairobi Mamba Village and the pens are home to an estimated 70 Nile crocodiles. Four Masai ostriches can also be found strutting around their pen with grace.

David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage
It is located in the Nairobi National Park. David Sheldrick originally started the orphanage and his work was taken over by his wife after his death. The park is too small to sustain adult elephants but they take in orphaned baby elephants from all over Kenya. The elephants are raised by the orphanage with the intention of gradually re-integrating them into the wild. The age range of the elephants can vary from a few months to three years. See the elephants being fed, playing and acting naughty. Usually there are no more than 25 to 30 people there so you can get up close and personal with the elephants.














You can visit the orphanage between 1100 hrs to 1200 hrs daily.

Nairobi National Museum
The museum is quite large with numerous exhibitions and educational sections. Upstairs inn the people section, there are displays on the various tribes in Kenya. The museum also contains numerous dinosaur fossils found in and around Kenya. The snake park is opposite the museum and is recommended to all.


The museum is open from 0930 hrs t0 1800 hrs daily.

Snake Park
Located opposite The National Museum, it was built in the early 1960S to educate the public about snakes and other common reptiles of Kenya. Today the Snake Park is home to over 100 reptiles. Displays include a variety of East African snakes that can be viewed in glass cages. The Snake Park features some of the deadliest snakes found in Africa.

There is also a small pond within the Snake Park that is home to Nile crocodiles and fish from the great lakes – Tanganyika, Victoria and Nyasa.



Masai Market
It is a vibrant and exciting place for souvenir hunters. It is held on different days as follows:

Capital Centre: Wednesday
Village Market: Friday
City Centre: Saturday
Yaya Centre: Sunday
It encompasses colourful displays of artisans’ products from African fabrics to jewellery, sculptures and quality crafts.

Uhuru Park
It is the most famous park in Nairobi.
It is a recreational park at the heart of the central business district. It surrounds a man made lake and a gathering ground for special rallies, speeches and other events.
















Nairobi Arboretum
Nairobi Arboretum is an oasis set in the heart of the capital adjacent to the State House. It consists of 30 hectares of landscape filled with large collection of trees and shrubs. It is one of Nairobi’s few residual green gardens with shaded walk ways, jogging trails, picnic sites and a large room to play or rest.

Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya gives you the opportunity to live in the wonderful diversity of various cultures that make up Kenya. The bomas showcase the different aspects of Kenyan culture and celebrate in their heritage. The main attraction at Bomas of Kenya is the renowned Harambee dancers. They perform on a daily basis in an exceptional theatre, one of the largest in East Africa.

















Karen Blixen Museum
It is situated on the outskirts of Nairobi on Karen road, at the foot of Ngong Hills. The history of the museum dates back to 1914 during the First World War. In 1917, Danish author Karen and her Swedish husband Baron Bror von Blixen bought the house and turned it into a farmhouse for the 500 acre farm.
After Karen’s departure from Kenya in 1931, the suburbs maintained the memorial home of Karen Blixen. After independence, the Danish government presented the house and surrounding land to Kenya. The house was later restored and achieved international recognition with the release of the movie “Out of Africa” an Oscar winning film based on Karen’s autobiography. The cast included the famous Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. 

By 1986, the museum was opened to the public.

















Railway Museum
It is situated in an old railway building at the northwest of Nairobi station, along Uhuru Highway. Established in 1917 by the then East African Railways and Harbours Corporation, dedicated to safeguarding and exhibiting remnants and records of the railways of East Africa from the date of their establishment to the present day.
A collection of steam locomotives and rolling stock are widely displayed, including smaller exhibits and models. 

Apart from trains and ship models, the carriage used during the hunt for the Man eater of Tsavo in 1900 is exhibited in the yard of the Railway Museum, together with photographs from the original construction of the Uganda Railway are also on display, along with maps and drawings as well as railway magazines.

Kenyatta International Conference Centre
It is at the heart of the central business.
It hosts a number of high profile events, conferences and seminars. It boasts a state of the art equipment and amenities. It is close to many 5 star hotels and this makes it even more charming.

















Other places of interest include: The parliament buildings, The Law Courts, City Hall, McMillan Memorial Library, the Phoenix Theatre, and the Kenya National Theatre.