Mombasa
Mombasa, with a population of over 650,000, is the second largest city on the coast of Kenya. The diverse population in Mombasa ranges from African to British, Omanis, Indian and Chinese. The main industry in Mombasa is tourism although commercial ships  narrow alleyways and historic Swahili ... More houses of The Old Town are steeped in history and are the highlight of Mombasa for travelers. This modern cosmopolitan city also offers a cultural melting pot with Mosques, Hindu Temples and Christian churches found throughout. Mombasa is an island that is connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries. The coral reef runs along the coastline for 480 kilometers with white coral sand. Snorkeling, dolphin watching and deep-sea fishing are just a few of the activities available.

Fort Jesus
Built in 1593 by the Portuguese, Fort Jesus is Mombasa's greatest tourist attraction. Designed by the Italian architect, Cairati, the structure represents an Italian fortress from the 16th C. Built in the shape of a man; the fort was given the name of Jesus as a clear religious reference. The fort changed hands nine times between 1631 and 1875 before finally resting in the hands of the British. The bastions were needed to shield the nearby Mombasa beach and carry the cannons that covered the approach from the sea. In the 17th C, the Sultan of Oman controlled Fort Jesus and adjustments were made such as raising the walls. The 18th C saw turrets added.
Although partially ruined, Fort Jesus houses a museum built over the... More > former barracks for the garrison. Exhibits include a vast collection of ceramics and pottery that reflect the various cultures that traded along the coast. Other displays include the Portugese frigate, Santo António de Tanná, which sank off Fort Jesus during a siege in 1698 and some anthropological evidence related to coastal tribes. Some relics from the ship were recovered and provide a glimpse of that period.

Haller Park (Bamburi Nature Trail)
Haller Park, also known as Bamburi Nature Trail, is a rehabilitation project on the site of Bamburi Portland Cement Company. The project began in 1971 by Dr René Haller who transformed Haller Park by increasing the mineral content in the soil. Portions of Haller Park were rehabilitated with a successful tree-planting effort, which now includes fish breeding and the establishment of a wildlife park. Bamburi Portland Cement Company obtained the raw materials from the quarry, a fossil coral limestone reef that dates back 125,000 to 250,000 years ago. The giant kilns from Bamburi Company were visible for miles around.
Each animal has a function on the nature trail's thriving ecosystem. Some of the animals found within ... More >the Haller Park sanctuary include Sally and Potty, the hippos; giraffes, Cape buffalo, zebras, and waterbucks. More than 160 bird species have been introduced to the area including weaver birds, cranes, pelicans and storks.
Walking and cycling paths wind through the trees, groves of casuarina that are known for their ability to withstand harsh environments. The nature trails in Haller Park lead to a butterfly pavilion with many coastal species and the Nguuni Wildlife Sanctuary where herds of ostrich, eland and oryx are farmed.

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.

Mombasa Tusks
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.

Mandhry Mosque
Mandhry Mosque, the oldest mosque in Mombasa, was completed in 1570 and features a picturesque minaret. The Basheikh Mosque allegedly dates back to around 1300 but this is not confirmed. Memon Mosque is traditional, yet modern with lofty minarets. The historic Dawoodi Bohra Mosque, built in 1902, stands on the top of a cliff with a view of the old harbor. There is also a beautiful Baluchi mosque, founded in 1875.

Lord Shiva Hindu Temple
The Lord Shiva Hindu Temple, near Jamhuri Park, has an interesting sculpture garden. This impressive building is topped with an awesome gold spire. There is also the Swaminarayan Temple, on Haile Selassie Road, with ornately painted doors and paintings from Hindu mythology. The Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Cathedral use to mark the center of the city and Mombasa Memorial Cathedral, which is Anglican, boasts a silver dome.

The Old Town
The "Old Town" is reminiscent of the days when the Portuguese ruled Mombasa. Houses feature ornately carved doors and balconies, which are typical of coastal East African architecture. The town's inhabitants are mostly of Arab origin; this is evident through the influence on the culture - especially in the architecture and language. Leven Steps, near the waterfront, is the site of an ancient well. The Old Town is well known for its ancient buildings, lavish art designs and shops that sell antiques and Kenyan souvenirs. This area of Mombasa is worth exploring on foot and takes no more than one day to see all the sights.

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, Maasai, 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... More > while the leather workshop produces belts, sandals, handbags, brief cases, table mats, and backpacks.

Mombasa Marine Park
Mombasa Marine Park and National Reserve has a 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.

Mwaluganje Elephant
Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary was created in 1933 to preserve a corridor along an ancient elephant migration route. The Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary conserves 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).

Jumba la Mtwana
Jumba la Mtwana is a national monument just north of Mtwapa. Occupied between A.D. 1100 and 1750, the ruins of Jumba la Mtwana are a Swahili slaving settlement with some fascinating structures that still remain including stone mansions and tombs of the privileged.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the people of Jumba where committed to the Islamic virtue of cleanliness. Many of the houses contain the remains of water cisterns, washing platforms and stone lined latrines.There are three mosques on the site but Mosque by the Sea stands out from the rest. It is the best preserved with a cistern that was rebuilt in 1975 as a defense against the sea.

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.

Arabuko-Sokoke National Forest
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... More > forest is a favorite picnic spot for residents and visitors.

Gedi Ruins
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.Located behind the Mosque is the... More > 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.

Kipepeo Butterfly Project
Located at the entrance to Gedi 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.

Lamu
Lamu is Kenya's oldest living town and it has retained all the charm and character over the centuries. Lamu Old Town is a well-preserved Swahili settlement built of coral stone and mangrove timber. Features include inner courtyards, verandas, and elaborately carved wooden doors. Most of the dwellings in Lamu date from the 19th C with rooftop... More > patios. The architecture of Lamu demonstrates the many influences that have come together from Europe, Arabia, and India, while still utilizing traditional Swahili techniques. Founded in the 13th C, Lamu was one of many small villages that stretched from Somalia to Mozambique. Lamu was a thriving port in the 1500's exporting timber, ivory, amber, spices and slaves.
The majority of the population is Muslim, and both men and women wear traditional attire. The traditional white kanzu and embroidered cap are common while women cover up in black cloth when they travel outdoors.

Malindi
Malindi is literally two towns in one - an historic Swahili town dating back to the 12th C and a modern tourist center with resorts, shopping and white sandy beaches. The oldest part of Malindi has several notable attractions: the Jami Mosque and two pillar tombs from the 14th C. One of the oldest East African churches, Church of St. Francis... More > Xavier, is still in use in Malindi with the original walls still standing.
An important trading post at one time, Malindi even rivaled Mombasa for control of this part of the coast during the 14th and 15th C. Malindi was a popular destination for early Chinese and Arab traders, Portuguese sailors and then European settlers. The Malindi Museum is housed in the former home of an Indian trader, built in 1891. Exhibits include wooden grave posts of the Gohu people, information about Vasco de Gama and his arrival in 1498, and early photographs of Mombasa with modern photos linking the areas.
The Malindi Falconry is a rehabilitation center for injured or sick birds and a breeding location for falcons. The Falconry offers bird safaris to view falcons up close and flight shows are performed.
Offshore is the Malindi Marine Park with coral reefs that allow for diving and snorkeling opportunities. Swimming, deep-sea fishing, relaxing on the beach and other water sports are readily available.  Malindi Marine National Park is a complex of marine and tidal habitats. The coral reefs are ideal for snorkeling and glass-bottomed boat tours of the Malindi Marine Park are popular. Malindi offers excellent deep-sea fishing and is noted as one of the best areas in the world.
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AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants.Other attractions of the park include opportunities to meet Maasai and visit a Maasai village. The park also offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Amboseli offers some of the best opportunities to see African animals because its vegetation is sparse due to the long dry months. Amboseli National Park is home to wild animals, which include the African elephant, cape buffalo, impala, lion, cheetah, hyena, giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest among other African animals. There is also a host of Kenyan birds, both large and small, to see if you keep your eyes open and stop at every sighting.

The park has several rules to protect the wildlife: do not get out of your vehicle, except at designated spots; do not harass the animals in any way; keep to the tracks; no off-road driving; and animals always have the right of way. The roads in Amboseli have a loose surface of volcanic soil that is dusty in the dry season and impassable in the wet season.
Amboseli National Park offers one of the most classic and breathtaking views of Kenya, the gigantic Kilimanjaro mountain, with its 5,985 m dominating the plains like a powerful god ruling the world from his silver throne. Before the discovery of the mountain for the western world by the missionary Johannes Rebmann in 1848, ancient swahili and arab legends used to tell about a great inland mountain, in the summit of which lived a terrible god who punished those who dared to approach his dwelling by paralysing their hands and feet. In this very poetic way the inhabitants of the tropical shores described a phenomenon that was alien to them: freezing.
Curiously enough, Kilimanjaro is not within the limits of Amboseli, in fact it is not even in Kenya. But the Tanzanians have not found yet the way to avoid that one of the most famous views of their mountain is provided by their neighbours. Actually, if you look at the map you will tell that the absurdly straight line that divides both countries detours to leave the mount in Tanzanian territory. The reason? Upon the partition of East Africa into two spheres of influence, German and British, England had two mountains vs. none for Germany, so queen Victoria gave the Kilimanjaro as a birthday present to her nephew-grandson, kaiser Wilhelm II, and the deal kept everyone satisfied.

The national park was gazetted in 1974 with an extension of 392 km², though it is surrounded by a much larger reserve in which the Maasai people settle and breed their cattle. Amboseli is located in the Rift Valley province, close to the Tanzanian border northwest of Kilimanjaro. Despite the high temperatures, the park's lands are elevated above 1,180 m. The mountain's summits remain hidden by the clouds for the most part of the day, dawn being the best moment to catch a view of its snowy square head.
The Amboseli territory belongs to the land of the Maasai, the legendary tribe of nomad warriors and shepherds that feed on a mixture of blood and milk. The Maasai keep living today in the reserve surrounding the park the way they always did, grazing their herds around the plains and moving their household searching for the best pastures. Along their migrations, restricted today by encroachment of their territories, the Maasai build their settlings, the enkang' or more popularly manyatta or emanyata, using wooden sticks and poles plastered with cow manure. With their long and slender bodies, their proud and hieratic faces, their colored clothes and their plated and red-stained hair, the Maasai are a visually pleasant motif for the photographer, but for your own safety never take pictures of them without their consent.
Amboseli is a very fragile ecosystem, submitted to great seasonal variations. The overall sensation is of a dry land, in fact annual rainfalls are scarce, in the range of 350-400 mm. The northwestern area is occupied by the dry bed of the Amboseli Lake, which for a large part of the year is nothing but a huge frying pan covered with shattered saline earth populated with dusty whirlwinds. The mirages blend with the herds of zebra and wildebeest that traverse the scalding plain one after one, crestfallen and with a weary and lost look.

During the wet season, the rains flood the lake bed and the surrounding area. Though, this plentiful water does not sustain a rich vegetal variety. The cause is the high salt deposits in the lake bed, which the flood dilute and disperse hindering plant growth. For this reason few trees grow in the park, only small patches of acacia and some palm trees far off the lake. Contrariwise, salt-rich pastures grow and are very appreciated by the herbivores.
Despite the first impression of a dusty and arid land, actually Amboseli is overflowing with water all the year round, but under the ground. The snows of Kilimanjaro melt and flow downhill, soaking the porous subsoil layers of volcanic rocks. Waters converge into various underground streams, that rise in two clear water springs in the center of the park and ooze from down under in several points giving birth to large marshes like the Loginya Swamp, in which papyrus grow and elephants, hippos and buffalos find their particular spas, together with their accompanying cattle egrets.
Amboseli's geography is so simple that its description brings to mind the pirates' treasures maps. The vast plain starts in the dry bed of Amboseli Lake, that welcomes the visitor with its desolating image. Southward and eastward the area named Ol Tukai shows up, a patch of luxuriant green that hides some of the park's lodges. Following southward there is a palm tree forest, a cool oasis that supplies shade, water and shelter for plenty of wildlife. To both sides of the forest it's the swamps' reign, and at the western part rises the Observation Hill, the only height in the park, a smooth hill to be climbed on foot that displays a magnificent view of the whole park and beyond. Southward, the layers of volcanic rocks expelled by Kilimanjaro some hundreds of years back rise to the surface, giving the landscape a lunar aspect. Right at the edge of the lava flow there is another lodge, the Amboseli Serena. Finally, at the south border of the park lay several Maasai villages next to the Tortilis Camp.

Amboseli is threatened by continuous pressure, both from tourists and natives. The flat and sparse geography encourages off-road driving, but this is a highly destructive activity that the park's authorities attempt to stop. On the other hand, the locals keep grazing their herds within the park borders, despite the prohibition. But this is a thorny issue, since the Maasai were already thrown away once from their historical dwelling lands, when the city of Nairobi was founded.




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