Mombasa Fort Jesus from the side. Looking into Fort Jesus before paying.
The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is East Africa's largest
remaining indigenous coastal forest. The Forest contains over 260
species of birds including six species of globally threatened birds -
Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, East Coast Akalat, Spotted Ground
Thrush, Amani Sunbird and Clarke's Weaver. Several of the rare mammals
that call the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest home are the golden-rumped elephant
shrew, bushy-tailed mongoose and Ader's duiker.
The forest plays host to plenty of rare species including birds, butterflies, amphibians and plants.
The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest contains three forest types: mixed forest; Brachystegia, woodlands on the east side, and Cynometra, thick forest on red soil located in the western area.
The forest plays host to plenty of rare species including birds, butterflies, amphibians and plants.
The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest contains three forest types: mixed forest; Brachystegia, woodlands on the east side, and Cynometra, thick forest on red soil located in the western area.
The forest is a favorite picnic spot for residents and visitors.
Bombolulu Workshops
Bombolulu Workshops is a project of the Association for the
Physically Disabled in Kenya with four sheltered workshops, a
cultural center and a restaurant. The cultural center features 8
traditional homesteads found in various parts of Kenya. The tribes
that are represented include Bukusu, Masai, Giriama, Orma, Mijikenda
and Luo. A traditional Swahili home and various activities are
offered for guests to participate in. The workshops include jewelry
using items such as bone products, soapstone, brass, seeds, copper,
wood, semi precious stones, and recycled materials. The tailoring
workshop utilizes a variety of textiles, the woodcarving workshop
creates animal figures, masks, salad spoons, belt, buckles, wooden
buttons, and Nativity sets,
while the leather workshop produces belts, sandals, handbags, brief
cases, table mats, and backpacks.
Diani Beach
Diani Beach is the most developed on the south coast of Mombasa offering white beaches, palm trees and coral reefs. The majority of tourists to the area are from Europe who are visiting on package tours. Diani offers excellent water-sports, with windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, water-skiing, parasailing and scuba diving.
There are many resorts, hotels and restaurants along Diani Beach catering to all budgets.
The area is known for the Shimba Hills National Reserve and for its black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Ukunda is a little town on the Mombasa-Tanzania highway and is the turn off point for Diani Beach.
Kongo Mosque, also know as Diani Persian Mosque, lies at the north end of Diani Beach. It is easily reached through the grounds of the Indian Ocean Beach Club.
Built between the 14th and 15th C, Kongo Mosque is still very much intact and local islamic leaders have encouraged the community to begin worshipping there again. The Mosque is surrounded by baobabs and features five heavy wooden doors.
Kongo Mosque was named for the forest around it and is the only remaining stone building from a Wa-shirazi settlement.
Kipepeo Butterfly Project in Watamu
Kilifi Village
Kilifi is a Village on the banks of the Kilifi Creek.
Many yachts are moored in the creek and a great number of beach houses belong to artists, writers and adventurers from around the world.
Mnarani village ruins are located on the southern bank and Kilifi village is on the northern bank of the creek. Kilifi Creek has a beach on either side,
Mamba Village
Mamba Village is East Africa's largest crocodile farm that features a comprehensive tour as well as a video presentation on the life cycle and behavior of crocodiles.
The highlight for many visitors is the scene of crocodiles fighting for food during feeding time.
Mamba Village is divided into sections that include the crocodile farm, camel and horse riding, and Floral Magic, which is a botanical garden. Orchids and aquatic plants are the specialty but they also display carnivorous species, marine aquarium and snakes.
The restaurant specializes in game meat such as crocodile, ostrich and zebra.
Mida Creek in Watamu
Mida Creek is extensive mangrove forests, warm shallow waters and large areas of mud flats at low tide. Many local birds call Mida Creek home, such as the greater flamingo, yellow-billed stork, great white egret and malachite kingfisher. It is also the winter home of many migrant birds such as the crab plover, curlew sandpiper, whimbrel and sanderling. The best area to view water birds is at the head of the creek and the best time for bird watching is from March to May.
The entrance to Mida Creek is the sight of the Big Three Caves; a group of caves famous for the school of giant grouper that are often seen. The number of visitors to the caves is limited and a permit is required.
Activities that can be enjoyed
The Mnarani Ruins
Diani Beach
Diani Beach is the most developed on the south coast of Mombasa offering white beaches, palm trees and coral reefs. The majority of tourists to the area are from Europe who are visiting on package tours. Diani offers excellent water-sports, with windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, water-skiing, parasailing and scuba diving.
There are many resorts, hotels and restaurants along Diani Beach catering to all budgets.
The area is known for the Shimba Hills National Reserve and for its black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Ukunda is a little town on the Mombasa-Tanzania highway and is the turn off point for Diani Beach.
Kongo Mosque, also know as Diani Persian Mosque, lies at the north end of Diani Beach. It is easily reached through the grounds of the Indian Ocean Beach Club.
Built between the 14th and 15th C, Kongo Mosque is still very much intact and local islamic leaders have encouraged the community to begin worshipping there again. The Mosque is surrounded by baobabs and features five heavy wooden doors.
Kongo Mosque was named for the forest around it and is the only remaining stone building from a Wa-shirazi settlement.
Gedi Ruins was one of the ancient Arab
towns located along the East African Coast from the late
13th or early 14th C. It was mysteriously abandoned in the
early 17th C. The Great Mosque, the Palace, several
residential houses and pillar tombs have been uncovered.
Many of the buildings are near the entrance gate but others
are scattered through the forest. An inner and outer wall
surrounded the town of Gedi, most of the remains are located
within the inner wall but there are some between the two
walls.
The Great Mosque was originally built in the mid-15th C, and then rebuilt a century later. It is typical East African design with a mihrab facing Mecca and a ritual washing area.
The Great Mosque was originally built in the mid-15th C, and then rebuilt a century later. It is typical East African design with a mihrab facing Mecca and a ritual washing area.
Located behind the Mosque is the Palace, thought to
belong to the ruler of Gedi. The Palace features an
arched doorway that leads to a reception court and a
hall. Several smaller rooms are located off the hall
including bathrooms and a kitchen with a small well.
Another interesting feature is a pillar tomb, used for
men of position and influence.
The houses in Gedi have a traditional Swahili pattern and have been named for their design or objects found within them. Some have ancient drawings on the plaster walls. Remains of bathrooms, complete with toilets, baths and basins can still be seen. A water system and a large number of wells are still visible on the site.
Ming Chinese porcelain and glass as well as glazed earthenware from Persia indicate trade links and a taste for luxury by those who were prosperous in Gedi. These items as well as Spanish scissors and Swahili cultural artifacts are on display in the on-site museum.
The houses in Gedi have a traditional Swahili pattern and have been named for their design or objects found within them. Some have ancient drawings on the plaster walls. Remains of bathrooms, complete with toilets, baths and basins can still be seen. A water system and a large number of wells are still visible on the site.
Ming Chinese porcelain and glass as well as glazed earthenware from Persia indicate trade links and a taste for luxury by those who were prosperous in Gedi. These items as well as Spanish scissors and Swahili cultural artifacts are on display in the on-site museum.
Kipepeo Butterfly Project in Watamu
Located at the entrance to Gede Ruins
is the Kipepeo Butterfly Project. Kipepeo is Swahili for
butterfly.
Forest edge communities are given the opportunity to gain income directly from the forest, by live breeding the unique butterflies of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. These are then sent to live butterfly display centers around the world. Farmer's raise the caterpillars on leaves from forest trees; a very small but sustainable harvest. When the caterpillars change into pupae (the resting stage in the life of a butterfly), the farmers sell the pupae to Kipepeo.
This project does help compensate farmers, somewhat, for the damage that elephants and baboons cause to their crops.
Forest edge communities are given the opportunity to gain income directly from the forest, by live breeding the unique butterflies of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. These are then sent to live butterfly display centers around the world. Farmer's raise the caterpillars on leaves from forest trees; a very small but sustainable harvest. When the caterpillars change into pupae (the resting stage in the life of a butterfly), the farmers sell the pupae to Kipepeo.
This project does help compensate farmers, somewhat, for the damage that elephants and baboons cause to their crops.
Kilifi Village
Kilifi is a Village on the banks of the Kilifi Creek.
Many yachts are moored in the creek and a great number of beach houses belong to artists, writers and adventurers from around the world.
Mnarani village ruins are located on the southern bank and Kilifi village is on the northern bank of the creek. Kilifi Creek has a beach on either side,
Sailing trips can be arranged. The beaches provide a quiet
destination for relaxation.
At one time, Kilifi could only be reached by ferry but in recent years a bridge was constructed to make it more accessible.
At one time, Kilifi could only be reached by ferry but in recent years a bridge was constructed to make it more accessible.
Mamba Village
Mamba Village is East Africa's largest crocodile farm that features a comprehensive tour as well as a video presentation on the life cycle and behavior of crocodiles.
The highlight for many visitors is the scene of crocodiles fighting for food during feeding time.
Mamba Village is divided into sections that include the crocodile farm, camel and horse riding, and Floral Magic, which is a botanical garden. Orchids and aquatic plants are the specialty but they also display carnivorous species, marine aquarium and snakes.
The restaurant specializes in game meat such as crocodile, ostrich and zebra.
Mida Creek in Watamu
Mida Creek is extensive mangrove forests, warm shallow waters and large areas of mud flats at low tide. Many local birds call Mida Creek home, such as the greater flamingo, yellow-billed stork, great white egret and malachite kingfisher. It is also the winter home of many migrant birds such as the crab plover, curlew sandpiper, whimbrel and sanderling. The best area to view water birds is at the head of the creek and the best time for bird watching is from March to May.
The entrance to Mida Creek is the sight of the Big Three Caves; a group of caves famous for the school of giant grouper that are often seen. The number of visitors to the caves is limited and a permit is required.
Activities that can be enjoyed
at Mida Creek include diving, fishing, mangrove walks, and
leisure boat trips. Waterskiing and other watersports are also
available
The Mnarani Ruins
The Great Mosque is the best preserved ruin with ornately carved inscriptions around the mihrab. Other sites include carved tombs that include a restored pillar tomb, a small mosque dating back to the 16th C, parts of the town wall and a gate. Within the woods, are many other ruins such as a small mosque and other unexcavated ruins.
Galla people at war with the residents as well as the failure of the water supply destroyed Mnarani in the 17th Century.
A huge baobab tree amongst the ruins is rumored to be the largest on the Kenyan coast.
Mombasa Marine Park and National Reserve
Mombasa Marine Park and National Reserve has the worlds second largest natural coral reef and abundant marine life. Diving and snorkeling occurs north of Mombasa, extending from around the Mtwapa Creek, south to the entrance of Likoni. The reefs are of different types including multicolored hanging reefs and large corals, with soft smooth sandy bottoms.
The diverse fish life can be seen by snorkels, divers, or by the glass bottom boat tours.
Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu beaches all have access to Mombasa Marine Park and it is one of the busiest of Kenya's marine parks.
Please be sensible and do not walk on the coral even if suggested to by your guides, the whole reef is very fragile and it is being eroded by countless tourist, who are encouraged by the locals to get out of the boats and wander around on the coral at low tide. PLEASE DON'T DO IT, even if tempted. Be responsible.
The Mombasa Tusks were built to commemorate the
visit of Queen Elizabeth to the town in 1952, when she arrived in
Mombasa for her Kenyan safari. They lay directly on the path from the
port to the town. Ivory was considered an exquisite commodity during the
time, and the tusks were meant to include the Queen and the British
Empire in the town. The intersecting tusks also spell the letter M for
Mombasa. The heart of the town is where most of the hospitals, banks,
shops and markets are located.
Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary was created in 1933 to preserve a corridor
along an ancient elephant migration route. The Mwaluganje Elephant
Sanctuary conserves the rare and endangered African elephants, moist
deciduous forest and riparian vegetation. The ecosystem in Mwaluganje
has rolling hills, steep ridges, cliffs and winding water shades. The
Mwaluganje forest and Mwaluganje Travelers Tented Camp, close to a
watering hole, are part of sanctuary.
Over 150 elephants currently live in the sanctuary amongst a variety of flora and fauna including a rare cycad forest. The cycad species can grow to be 150 years old and were most abundant during the Jurassic period (180 million years ago).
Over 150 elephants currently live in the sanctuary amongst a variety of flora and fauna including a rare cycad forest. The cycad species can grow to be 150 years old and were most abundant during the Jurassic period (180 million years ago).
Ngomongo Villages
The Ngomongo Villages is are one sustainable eco-cultural tourist village.
The village is a collection of 10 diverse rural Kenya Tribal Homesteads, complete with hut, cultivated crops, domestic, wild animals and even a village witch doctor.Each village has activities that visitors can participate in including archery, boating, rafting, tasting tribal foods, trekking, hook fishing, grinding and pounding maize.
Ngomongo Villages was constructed by reclaiming 16 acres of a barren limestone quarry.
Local people and visitors alike can experience a living learning experience on environmental rehabilitation.
This tourist destination has raised environmental awareness as well as serving as a model for other urban and non-urban communities that are affected by degraded and polluted lands.
Rabai
Rabai is a culturally strong community with their own language and customs. Rabai is also the site of the first Christian mission established in East Africa. A German pastor, Reverend Krapf came in 1846 and established St Paul's Church, built between 1846 and 1848.
Krapf was one of Kenya's first European visitors and Rabai became his base.
The Shimba Hills National Reserve
The Shimba Hills National Reserve is an area of coastal rainforest, woodland and grassland. There are some endangered species of cycad and orchids within the rare plants in the Shimba Hills.
Approximately 700 elephants live on the reserve along with leopards and abundant birdlife.
Guided forest walks are available from the Sheldrick Falls ranger station. There is a swimming hole and picnic area at the scenic Sheldrick Falls on the Machenmwana River.
Shimba Rainforest Lodge is located within Shimba Hills National Reserve. It is a Treetops style lodge with a walkway through the rainforest, viewing platform and a baited water hole that attracts a lot of wildlife.
Shimoni and Wasini Island
The village of Shimoni is 76 kilometers south of Likoma and the launching point for Wasini Island. Shimoni was once the headquarters of the Imperial British East Africa Company. The market is built over an old British colonial outpost.
Visitors can explore the Shimoni Caves, said to hold slaves before shipment to Arabia. The caves are thought to go back 5 kilometres
Watamu Marine National Park
The Ngomongo Villages is are one sustainable eco-cultural tourist village.
The village is a collection of 10 diverse rural Kenya Tribal Homesteads, complete with hut, cultivated crops, domestic, wild animals and even a village witch doctor.Each village has activities that visitors can participate in including archery, boating, rafting, tasting tribal foods, trekking, hook fishing, grinding and pounding maize.
Ngomongo Villages was constructed by reclaiming 16 acres of a barren limestone quarry.
Local people and visitors alike can experience a living learning experience on environmental rehabilitation.
This tourist destination has raised environmental awareness as well as serving as a model for other urban and non-urban communities that are affected by degraded and polluted lands.
Rabai
Rabai is a culturally strong community with their own language and customs. Rabai is also the site of the first Christian mission established in East Africa. A German pastor, Reverend Krapf came in 1846 and established St Paul's Church, built between 1846 and 1848.
Krapf was one of Kenya's first European visitors and Rabai became his base.
Krapf had great enthusiasm for both Christianity and geographical
discovery, which led him to explore Kenya.
A small museum, opened in 1998, documents his life's achievements. Krapf Memorial Museum features his original home and church, as well as exhibits of his early maps and books.
A small museum, opened in 1998, documents his life's achievements. Krapf Memorial Museum features his original home and church, as well as exhibits of his early maps and books.
The Shimba Hills National Reserve
The Shimba Hills National Reserve is an area of coastal rainforest, woodland and grassland. There are some endangered species of cycad and orchids within the rare plants in the Shimba Hills.
Approximately 700 elephants live on the reserve along with leopards and abundant birdlife.
Guided forest walks are available from the Sheldrick Falls ranger station. There is a swimming hole and picnic area at the scenic Sheldrick Falls on the Machenmwana River.
Shimba Rainforest Lodge is located within Shimba Hills National Reserve. It is a Treetops style lodge with a walkway through the rainforest, viewing platform and a baited water hole that attracts a lot of wildlife.
Shimoni and Wasini Island
The village of Shimoni is 76 kilometers south of Likoma and the launching point for Wasini Island. Shimoni was once the headquarters of the Imperial British East Africa Company. The market is built over an old British colonial outpost.
Visitors can explore the Shimoni Caves, said to hold slaves before shipment to Arabia. The caves are thought to go back 5 kilometres
Only the main entrance cavern is open, due to the floor rising and
blocking access to other caves. Iron shackles can still be seen on the
walls and well-preserved wooden crates, used to transport slaves, are
still found in the caves. There is another story about the use of the
caves, as a place of refuge for the Digo people during battles with
various hostile tribes. Archeological findings are proof that these
coral caves have been inhabited for several centuries. Opposite the
Shimoni Caves is the old headquarters for the Imperial British East
Africa Company, which has fallen into ruin.
Within the town of Shimoni, there are some interesting ruins and colonial graves.
Wasini Island, generally reached by dhow, is well known for the cultural Wasini Village. Ancient Swahili ruins and the coral gardens, a landscape of exposed coral reefs, are a couple of the interesting sights to see. An Arab settlement from the 18th and 19th C features ruins of many of the houses and a Muslim pillar tomb inset with Chinese porcelain.
Within the town of Shimoni, there are some interesting ruins and colonial graves.
Wasini Island, generally reached by dhow, is well known for the cultural Wasini Village. Ancient Swahili ruins and the coral gardens, a landscape of exposed coral reefs, are a couple of the interesting sights to see. An Arab settlement from the 18th and 19th C features ruins of many of the houses and a Muslim pillar tomb inset with Chinese porcelain.
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park is situated on the southern
coast of Kenya near Shimoni and south of Wasini Island.
Kisite-Mpunguti consists of an area with four small islands
surrounded by coral reef. The reefs are excellent for diving and
snorkeling.
Dolphins can generally be seen in the Shimoni Channel and humpback whales can be seen between August and October. Other marine life includes Moray eel, Angelfish, Grouper, Snappers and Green Sea turtles. Butterflies and parrots are regularly seen with bird watching as another popular activity.
Deep-sea fishing, south to the Pemba channel, is prefect for catching large barracudas and kingfish.
Traditional dhows are used to ferry tourists to and from the coastal mainland to the reserve.
Dolphins can generally be seen in the Shimoni Channel and humpback whales can be seen between August and October. Other marine life includes Moray eel, Angelfish, Grouper, Snappers and Green Sea turtles. Butterflies and parrots are regularly seen with bird watching as another popular activity.
Deep-sea fishing, south to the Pemba channel, is prefect for catching large barracudas and kingfish.
Traditional dhows are used to ferry tourists to and from the coastal mainland to the reserve.
Watamu Marine National Park
Watamu Marine National Park, established in
1968, is home to coral gardens and over 600 species of fish and
other sea creatures. The coral gardens in Watamu Marine Park are
perfect for snorkeling.
Whale sharks, manta rays, octopus and barracuda are some of the larger species encountered in one of the world's best diving areas.
Watamu is also a vital turtle breeding area, with Green and Hawksbill turtles as the primary species.
Glass bottomed boats will transport visitors to the reefs of Watamu Marine National Park. Non-swimmers can also have the opportunity to take a look at the coral and colourful fish.
Whale sharks, manta rays, octopus and barracuda are some of the larger species encountered in one of the world's best diving areas.
Watamu is also a vital turtle breeding area, with Green and Hawksbill turtles as the primary species.
Glass bottomed boats will transport visitors to the reefs of Watamu Marine National Park. Non-swimmers can also have the opportunity to take a look at the coral and colourful fish.
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