Uncategorized - Come Travel Kenya https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/category/uncategorized/ Travelling in kenya Sat, 06 May 2023 04:43:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-WhatsApp-Image-2023-01-26-at-15.15.44-32x32.jpeg Uncategorized - Come Travel Kenya https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/category/uncategorized/ 32 32 Where to Go or Take Your Mom on Mother’s Day https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/where-to-go-or-take-your-mom-on-mothers-day/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=where-to-go-or-take-your-mom-on-mothers-day https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/where-to-go-or-take-your-mom-on-mothers-day/#respond Wed, 03 May 2023 06:00:29 +0000 https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/?p=2344 Motherhood is a beautiful thing. Mothers enjoy it when their children think of things and even go ahead and organize treats for them. Mothers’ Day is coming up in a few weeks. Do you have something planned for your mom? Come Travel Kenya has places lined up for you below. The Coast You can never…

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Motherhood is a beautiful thing. Mothers enjoy it when their children think of things and even go ahead and organize treats for them. Mothers’ Day is coming up in a few weeks. Do you have something planned for your mom?

Come Travel Kenya has places lined up for you below.

The Coast

visit mombasa

You can never go wrong with the Kenyan Coast. Booking your mommy, a trip around the Kenyan Coast would be very fulfilling. The Kenyan Coast is lined with picturesque places, especially the beaches. Your mom will have a variety of activities to choose from, ranging from deep diving, beach parties, park tours in Lamu, Nature walks, and boat rides to different islands just to mention but a few. You can always decide to have her fly to Mombasa or Malindi, or go by rail or Road. You know your mommy best.

Contact Come Travel Kenya to give your mom a package of the coast tour she will remember for the rest of her adult life.

Nairobi City Tour

Start with breakfast at Art café, Java, or CJs. These are unique places with a variety of breakfast cuisines that will leave your mom refreshed and energized for the rest of the day. You can then go for a mid-morning tour of the City. My mom loves parks. Uhuru Park or Nairobi Arboretum would be a perfect place to bond at. A fruit Picnic or snacks would do well here. There is always the Nairobi National Park if she is into nature and animals. Take her for a drive.

Lunch at the Carnivore after a drive at the park is always a welcome idea. The sizzling barbecues will reenergize her for an awesome afternoon. There are several ice cream joints at the CBD or just coffee will put her nerves on the calm. Ever had a movie experience at Nairobi Cinemax? This is the time to check if they are showing The Woman King!

Karen has awesome places for dinner. You can always book a table for two or more at Blixen. This can come after taking her on a shopping spree at the Two Rivers Mall or Sarit Center.

Ever been to Westland? Shock her with the extreme City Experience with a bite of Kenyan Cuisine at Kitchen Street. All nights at Westland’s are lively.  A Live band and a little dance will not break her bones.

Park Safaris

There are over fifty National Parks in Kenya. Come Travel Kenya is always a dial away. Does your mom prefer a small intimate kind of Safari in the tunes of Ol Pejeta and Shimba Hills or she is the lover of Vastness in the tunes of Tsavo? You know best, we can have that arranged for you. Book a drive today.

Extreme Cuisine Experience

Mothers love food.  Taking her palate and taste buds on a cuisine tour will definitely make her Mother’s Day special. You can always have Kenyan Traditional Dishes at Amaica Restaurant in Nairobi. There are many international hotels and you can always have what she likes. Ethiopian, Egyptian, Asian, Chinese, and Italian.

Spoil Mama to some kitchen break and let her experience what others cook.

The Great Rift Lakes Tour

lake victoria

Lake Bogoria Spa Hotel leaps into my mind whenever I talk about the Great Rift.  Lakes Nakuru, Naivasha, and Elementaita are just a small Fraction of the Lakes in the Great Rift Valley. Let us talk about the Lake Turkana Desert Safari. If Mommy is a lover of distance and is not afraid of drives and the thrill of danger, then go for Lake Turkana. There are so many posh hotels and places that she will enjoy.

You know your tour planner already.

Ngong Hills

This is for quiet mothers who love solitude and alone time. A picnic in the serene Ngong Hills will carry the day for them.

Do you want ideas for packing a picnic basket?

Naivasha Chronicles

Naivasha is always the nearest to the Nairobi Tour destination. Does your mom Love Rock Climbing and hiking? Hell’s Gate National Park would be the slice of heaven she will enjoy. Game Meat at Delamare’s and a bunch of fresh flowers with a beautiful card delivered to her hotel room, by the lake will be the icing on the cake.

Western Kenya tour

Lake Victoria you may think! I was thinking of Busia, Kakamega, and Kitale. These are small Towns in Kenya with amazing experiences from Cuisines to hotels.

The Last time I was in Busia, I enjoyed my stay at the Sio Port Hotel, by the shores of Lake Victoria. They have a private beach and your mom can enjoy a swim or a boat ride.

The Kakamega forest would be great if she is a lover of nature and wildlife. Alternatively, a rest at Saiwo Swamp Game Reserve in a tree house for a day or two is also a great idea.

 

What will you be doing for your mom this Mother’s Day? She deserves a great treat. Come Travel Kenya can help you plan an epic experience.

 

WRITER:  Emily Wekulo

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9 ways In Which You Can Participate In Responsible And Sustainable Tourism In Kenya As A Tourist https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/9-ways-in-which-you-can-participate-in-responsible-and-sustainable-tourism-in-kenya-as-a-tourist/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=9-ways-in-which-you-can-participate-in-responsible-and-sustainable-tourism-in-kenya-as-a-tourist https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/9-ways-in-which-you-can-participate-in-responsible-and-sustainable-tourism-in-kenya-as-a-tourist/#respond Thu, 23 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000 https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/?p=2265 Taleb Rifai, the former Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization once said, “Tourism can and should be a force for good, for the people and for the planet. When managed responsibly, it can contribute to inclusive economic growth, social development, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage.” This is all there is…

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Taleb Rifai, the former Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization once said, “Tourism can and should be a force for good, for the people and for the planet. When managed responsibly, it can contribute to inclusive economic growth, social development, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage.”

This is all there is about Responsible and Sustainable tourism. It should be for the current interaction with nature and cultures with consideration for the future generations.

The Kenyan Tourism Sector is currently focused on prioritizing environmental conservation. Responsible and sustainable tourism is the main agenda in realizing global environmental goals and Kenya’s Vision 2030.

All sectors that see to the fluid running of the country, are geared up and about ensuring that climatic change awareness is done, trees are planted, animal sanctuaries are well managed and cultures are preserved as well. Tourism is a vital organ of environmental, social, and cultural conservation.

In relation to the above-stated reasons, here are 9 suggestions that will help you as a tourist to travel responsibly and foster sustainable tourism, specifically in Kenya.

Nature Conservancy Parks

conservancy

Kenya prides itself in having over 50 nature conservancies. These are sections of national parks or private parks. The main activities here are:

  • conserving the tree species,
  • carrying out research on animal species
  • breeding endangered species
  • preserving bird species
  • creating nature trails.

The conservancies invite well-wishers to participate physically and financially to see to the smooth running of the parks. You can always check up on the nature conservancies in Kenya and contact Come Travel Kenya to arrange your tour to the most preferred.

Eco-Tourism

eco friendly

Kenya has a number of man-made ecological systems that help in nature conservation. These ecosystems are in Amboseli National Park, Lamu Island, Maasai Mara, Mount Kenya National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Park.

These, among other places, are on a quest to create ecosystems that are all-rounded and inclusive of all conditions. Take a walk in the coral reefs of Lamu and you will never want to be somewhere else. The air is fresh, the breeze is so therapeutic and the slapping waves of the ocean so soothing.

These places always ask for volunteers to help in tree planting, research, and other activities that you can choose to participate in during your visit.

Adopt an Elephant or any other animal already!

elephant

Many animal orphanages rescue elephants and rhinos. These are endangered species due to poaching and severe drought. The orphanages raise them and are usually put up for adoption after some years. You can always help take care of them while they are in the park.

The orphanages rely on the tours and visits to run fluidly. Your visiting of such animal orphanages can go a long way in saving these species.

Let us Clean the Water Bodies

rivers

There are campaigns going on about reducing or rather stopping dumping waste in water bodies. Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans are being choked to death due to pollution. One of the best and most popular tourist participation is being part of stopping water pollution.

You can always help save flamingoes on the rift valley Lakes, remove hyacinths on Lake Victoria, or better, clean up the Indian Ocean and its beaches. All these are fulfilling activities. They are also loaded with fun!

Supporting Local Communities

support

This is as simple as:

  • Buying stuff from the local shops
  • Buying artifacts and takeaways from the local artists
  • Listening to local music
  • Attending the local communal function and ceremonies

It is being a part of the community and contributing towards the betterment of the community you visit for as long as you stay there.

Cultural Preservation

Culture is what defines a person. You don’t have to subscribe to the beliefs and ways of the locals’ lives but you can respect and appreciate them. That is responsible tourism. These cultures, when preserved are handed down to generations. This helps in keeping the people going and who knows, years later, you might want to tell your generation about a certain indigenous tribe in Kenya.

Climatic Change awareness and campaigns

climate change

It could be as simple as sharing this article on your social media handles to poke more people with similar interests. It could also be talking about climatic changes and creating awareness in the communities you visit. Also, you can just stick a poster on your tour vehicle and drive around with the message. The point is, the more people know about climate and environmental conservation, the more they take into responsible and sustainable tourism.

Choosing Responsible Tour Operators

If your purpose is to travel responsibly and in a sustainable way, well, you have no choice but to reach out to tour operators who subscribe to this. Come Travel Kenya, has ensured Responsible and Sustainable tourism by arranging eco-friendly tours all over Kenya, advising on the best products to use in Kenya, minimizing waste production, and selecting places that will be amazing destinations for your quest. Choose wisely.

Choosing Ecofriendly and Sustainable Accommodation

ecofriendly

Recently, there are many Air BnBs that you can always rent when touring. This is one of the many ways of interacting with the community of your destination. You will get to shop in their markets, drink their water, interact with the neighbors, and eat local meals. Now, this is an experience on another level.

There are other eco-friendly lodges and guest houses all over the country. As a responsible tourist, you will definitely check these ones out.

Family visits are the best. You can stay with a Kenyan family and just blend in. You got to try this, one of these days.

You now have a wide scope of what you can do to foster sustainable and responsible tourism in Kenya. When are you visiting? Be sure to talk to Come Travel Kenya about the arrangements. We are the most Responsible tour operators.

 

WRITER:  Emily Wekulo

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15 Amazing Things About Visiting Tsavo National Park https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/15-amazing-things-about-visiting-tsavo-national-park/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=15-amazing-things-about-visiting-tsavo-national-park https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/15-amazing-things-about-visiting-tsavo-national-park/#respond Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:48:15 +0000 https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/?p=2024 Previously known as Taru Dessert, Tsavo National Park is one of the largest parks in the world. It is approximately 22,000 square kilometers. It is a cocktail rich in history, tales of horror, a dense population of animals and birds,  rivers, hills, dams, a lake,  4 live springs merged in one, howling rocks, a rapidly…

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rhino

Previously known as Taru Dessert, Tsavo National Park is one of the largest parks in the world. It is approximately 22,000 square kilometers. It is a cocktail rich in history, tales of horror, a dense population of animals and birds,  rivers, hills, dams, a lake,  4 live springs merged in one, howling rocks, a rapidly rapid waterfall and a good number of animal sanctuaries. This is the home of red elephants and it’s the only place you will encounter so many of them grazing in herds.

Tsavo is uniquely torn into two by the railway and the main road connecting two cities, Mombasa and Nairobi.

Though famously know for the Man-eating lions of Tsavo, there is alot more to it than maneless lions.

 

Top 9 Places To Visit On The Tsavo

Tsavo East

tsavo east

  1. Mudanda Rock

This volcanic rock welcomes you when you enter the Tsavo at Chyulu gate. It is a solid beauty. On top of it, you a jaw dropping view of the Tsavo.

2. Yatta Plateau

The Yatta Plateau gives Tsavo East a vastness that is on another level. The landscape will leave your jaw sweeping the lava. On the plateau you get a vantage view over both Tsavos. It is the largest plateau in Africa. It is also the longest running for 300kms.

3. Galana River

You haven’t seen an animals meeting until you see all species in the wild, gathered around river Galana quenching their thirst. This is a perfect place to cross off the wild wish or bucket list. Here you will see different kinds of animals assembling for a drink.

4. Lugard Falls

The rippling beauty of the rapids on river Galana results in this wonder of nature. Nothing beats the hard whispers of falling water  created by the Lugard Falls. It is an exotic scenery with a breathtaking landscape that will leave you appreciating nature. This is one of the Tsavo East wonders.

Tsavo West

tsavo west

  1. Mzima Springs

This is the most scenic place in Tsavo if you ask me. The four springs of pure churn form a pool that quenches the animals. Mzima means alive. This is an oasis in what looks like a desert. Elephants bathe here! Hippos and Rhinos show their majesty here. And the cunning small bush animals play here as well.

2. Lake Jipe

This is a home of Hippos and crocodiles. The quiet waters that run deep and host dangerous water creatures you can only imagine.

 3. Kanderi Swamp

This is the feeding ground of most grazers in the Tsavo. They are hunted here too. You will see the zebras, Antelopes, Rhinos, buffalos here and the big cats waiting to spring into hunting action.

4. Chaimu Volcanic Crater

They call it a volcanic chimney. It is a beautiful and thrilling sight.

5. Shetani Lava Flow

The locals name it Shetani, referring to the devil. The black lava flow is to them what the devil looks like. On top of it, one is able to see the pristine view of the Tsavo landscape. You can live forever. The sunset is what you only read in textbooks.

 

15 Reasons Why You Must Visit Tsavo

lioness

  1. Wild Wild Tsavo

Tsavo is so wild nothing compares to it. It is the savanna, the desert, the hills, the mountains, the jungle and every aspect of wilderness you can think of in one glass.  It is a new experience in every way from the animals to the environment.

2. Home of mythology

There is a story to everything that exists in Tsavo. The myths of the Shetani Lava Flow will keep you hooked. The twists of the man-eating lions as well. You know why the lions of Tsavo are maneless? Have you heard about the howling rocks? The myths will leave your mind boggled.

3. Garden of Eden Experience

The mzima spring to me is equivalent to something next to the garden of Eden. The beauty, the animals, the fertility and the four rivers that flow in the Tsavo are just classics. This gives Tsavo a touch of mystery and something that looks like an artistic landscaping wonder.

4. Mystery of side by side nature paradox

The combination of desert and wetlands is a mystery. Like there is the pain of drought and heat and an antidote of springs, rivers and lakes. The oasis at Mzima will make you think the sun only comes out to make love to nature but the heat at Yatta Plateau will make you wonder if the sun just dropped lower! Such a paradox of nature!

5. Best Safaris

Tsavo West gives you the best Safari drives. It has well maintained roads and it has amazing landscapes. The East is best at night. You will see animals coming out of their hiding places or just sleeping on rocks bothering no one. In the stillness of night there is so much to experience.

6. One of the world’s largest parks

Tsavo is not only Africa’s gem but one of the largest parks in the whole world. You want to witness such vastness.

7. Architectural lodges

The lodges in Tsavo are uniquely built. You get the best sunrise views and sunsets. From the comfort of your bed you can watch the amazing azure of the Tsavo Sunset. Some lodges are just near the Yatta Lava Plateau and you can relax watching lions bask in the sun or enjoy the evening cool on the rock.

8. Cultural diversity

maasai tribe

Originally Tsavo was the home of the Oromo people. When it became a protected area in the 1940s, they were driven out. They left behind fragments of culture that has been enriched by tribes around Tsavo in Voi, Yatta, Mwatate Taveta and Taita. Kambas also have some tales to the Tsavo. Besides the original fame story of the Man-eating lions by the Indians and other railway workers, Tsavo encompasses a lot of cultural beauty.

9. Home of inspiration

Any artist, be it a painting, drawing, writing, sculpting, name it. If you are out of inspiration, it is time to pack and visit Tsavo. You will return to your station loaded with ideas in ways you can’t imagine.

10. The breathtaking vastness

Tsavo is so large it looks like it has no end! The horizon is invisible. This is just beyond awesome. The expansive landscapes, long, winding roads, the horizon that sits in the nothingness… It is amazing staring into the endless wonder!

11. Trio wilderness  Combo

This means you get to view the birds, see the savanna animals and encounter water creatures as well. It is air, land and water all combined! Isn’t that beyond expectations?

12. Textbook serenity experience

The wilderness is the most natural element of creation. Man can be in their natural element in the wilderness. Away from civilization and human creation, here you get a chance to tap into the hidden animalistic nature that lies within you. This to me is the epitome of serenity. Just sitting on a lava rock, watching the sun set, in the company of wild wild animals.

13. Archeological Riches

Galana River is home of archeology. The findings and fossils on the river bank date back to over 7000 years. The history of medieval man is here. Lovers of archeology and it’s branches can pluck leaves at the Galana river.

14. Big Five Expose

Lions, Elephants,Cheetahs, Buffalos and Rhinos are here in abundance. You can never have enough of them. Not to mention the other animals that are almost extinct in other parts of the world like the Grevy Zebra.

15. Tsavo By Night

Tsavo is a nocturnal wonderland. Driving in the park at night is an experience on another level. The darkness punctuated with shining eyes of nocturnal creatures is a textbook experience. Camping gets more thrilling at night. It is usually secure and you will be in the company of tour guides. You can make amazing videos at this time.

Top 12 Must Do Activities In The Tsavo

  1. Birding

birding

Enjoy watching over 300 species of birds. Some species are extinct in other places. This can be done early in the morning and during the day. More birds are available in Tsavo East, especially around the rivers and the spring.

2. Hiking

Guided hiking is one of the top activities in Tsavo. It is thrilling going up the Chyulu hills and mou

3. Camping

There are around five camping sights in Tsavo that will give you an experience of a lifetime. The camping activities are usually guided as well but there is room for self directed activities. You can do group camps here.

4. Night Safari

This must be on every adventures’ bucket list. Imagine driving through the wilderness at night! It is a thriller and mind boggling experience! Meeting the wild cats at night is another level of spine chilling experience!

5. Encounter the Big Five

If you have not seen, taken photos, recorded videos with the big five, you got a chance in Tsavo. Don’t let it pass by you!

6. Unique lodging and hospitality experiences

Tsavo is known for its unique architecture when it comes to designing lodges and hotels. They are strategically built to allow a maximum experience of the wild and amazing views.

7. Photography

In Tsavo you will take the best pictures. The environment is picturesque, the lighting is pristine and the environment extremely photogenic.

8. Nature walk

You can decide to take the most coveted nature walk in the wilderness. This can be self directed in allowed areas but then you should be accompanied by a tour guide. This is a very relaxing activity.

9. Visit animal sanctuaries

This gives you a chance to contribute towards saving endangered species. The white Rhinos, Grevy Zebras and other species are reserved in the sanctuaries in the Tsavo.

10. Extreme Sightseeing

The title says it best. Don’t miss out on anything. See everything that there is to be seen.

11. Walk down the lane of history

Tsavo hosts a rich history. It ranges from Archeological history, to the early civilizations of Kenya, the Man- eaters of Tsavo and even has a world war two history. Don’t miss out on this.

12. Cycling

Hire a bike and cycle down the wilderness. Just don’t get eaten!

8 Things You Must Have In Your Travel Pack When Visiting Tsavo

  1. Over one week itinerary. This can be given in liaison with your travel agent. There is so much to see and do, you need a plan to have the best experience.
  2. Proper packed personal items: warm clothes, night pack including insect repellent, sun screen, glasses. Anything that will help you survive and enjoy staying in the wilderness for a few days.
  3. You will need necessary electronics.A fully charged camera with backup batteries. Torches, portable music systems, working watches that are properly set on East African Time.
  4. Camping pack. You will be provided with most of the camping requirements at the camping sites but having your own pieces of sheet, snacks, water, among others could make the camping more fun and less scary.
  5. Your traveling documents. Should be well updated. This includes COVID certificate, yellow fever vaccination certificate among others.
  6. Some petty cash in Kenya currency. Forex services are available in banks. Don’t be conned.
  7. A map for the areas you will be visiting. You also need to keep your agents’ contact info including your tour guides’.
  8. An open mind for new experiences and adventure!

 

Conclusion

Tsavo National Park is one of Africa’s gem and having it on your list of places to visit is not enough. You have to set aside several days to just explore and know how it feels like to glide from the Arid East  into the Green hilly West of Tsavo. Karibu Tsavo!

 

Emily Khalayi Wekulo

 

REFERENCES

https://www.tsavopark.com/

 

http://www.kws.go.ke/content/tsavo-east-national-park

 

https://www.tsavonationalparkkenya.com/

 

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10 Reasons You Must Visit Mombasa City https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/10-reasons-you-must-visit-mombasa-city/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=10-reasons-you-must-visit-mombasa-city https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/10-reasons-you-must-visit-mombasa-city/#respond Wed, 30 Nov 2022 09:26:03 +0000 https://cometravelkenya.co.ke/?p=2004 A beautiful island on the Indian ocean, located in Southeastern Kenya with a population of approximately 1.2million people, Mombasa City is a destination to behold. Mombasa is ambience, beauty, warmth, class and history served in a beautiful cocktail glass. If you have plans for taking a vacation to bask in the sun, surrounded by towering…

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A beautiful island on the Indian ocean, located in Southeastern Kenya with a population of approximately 1.2million people, Mombasa City is a destination to behold.

Mombasa is ambience, beauty, warmth, class and history served in a beautiful cocktail glass. If you have plans for taking a vacation to bask in the sun, surrounded by towering palm trees, letting the ocean breeze caress your skin like a new lover,  taking deep breaths of salty air, then Mombasa City is your perfect destination.

Mombasa is warm with a tropical wet and dry climate. Actually,  it is only rainy in April and May but sunny most of the year.

This is the major Seaport in the country. It is an island separated from the mainland by Tudor Creek and Kilindini Harbor.

 

How Mombasa City Came to Be

Haller park

From journals of history, Mombasa is the oldest town not just in Kenya but in the whole of East Africa. Mombasa is as old as 900 AD! The Old Town still stands so if you want to travel back in time and have a feel of the distant past, you got a destination.

It was founded by the Arab traders, informing the dorminant Islam and Swahili Culture. Mombasa means “Kisiwa Cha Mvita” translating to Island of War. 

For a long time it was ruled by Sultans of Oman and Zanzibar interchangeably. In 1593, it was captured by the Portuguese after the visitation of the first white man, Vasco da Gama, making it the trading center for the Portuguese Merchants.

This led to the building of the famous Fort Jesus as a Landmark to symbolize the Portuguese Rule.

In 1837, the British took over and made Mombasa the Capital City of British East Africa.

The lovers of history will love it in Mombasa City since the skeletons of history still stand tall in the city, well preserved and handed down the generations and sometimes they roam freely to be seen.

Infrastructure and Accessibility.

marine park
 

Mombasa Island is connected to the mainland by Nyali Bridge in the North and Likoni Ferry in the south. In the west The Makupa Causeway does the trick.

The road network in the city is modern with the Mombasa -Nairobi Expressway taking the lead.

With the introduction of the SGR, The Standard Gage Railway, that stops at Miritini, Mombasa Terminus, traveling to and from Nairobi has been made way easier than road.  Miritini is 20kms away from the City Center.

There are Ferries in Kilindini and Mutongwe to Likoni. This could be an interesting and thrilling experience for those who like daring the cosmos.

The easiest and fastest way to those who love quick destination gratification, is to travel is by air. Moi International Airport is so far the best in Africa and one can fly in from any part of the world.

Within Mombasa City, to avoid the bridges and Ferries one can fly in direct from Nairobi to the South Coast, the home of exotic beaches and hotels.

14 Most Scenic Places to Visit in Mombasa City and it’s environs.

fort jesus

Mombasa is so vast you might not exhaustively tour it in a few days. Every place has a unique tale and experience to it. Ranging from Aqua-tourism, wildlife, nature trails, water sports, the pristine sandy beaches, the people, the cuisines, the historic sites… the list is endless. Here are a few of the top twenty.

  1. The City Tour

Mombasa is a unique city with a picturesque aura around it. It is beautifully built, laid back with no bustle that is usually witnessed in Nairobi and other cities. The people are respectful and extremely polite. It is also a shopping hub for those who love buying exotic things. The city is uniquely planned with a touch of Arab, Swahili and indegineous African architecture that will leave you inspired and refreshed.

  1. Haller Park

This is located in Bamburi. Bamburi is a few Kilometers from Mombasa town. To escape the heat and hide in the trees,you can make a visit to Haller Park. Here you can carry out Nature walks, take photographs, watch birds and other animals. It is a quiet get away place with fresh air.

  1. Nguuni Nature Sanctuary

This is four kilometers from Haller Park. It is a beautiful sanctuary with lots of wild species to see. You can picnic here or go for a nature trail. It is possible to extend from Haller Park or opt for this sanctuary should Haller not work for you.

  1. Mombasa Mamba Village

Ever heard of Crocodile farming? Here you get to walk in a crocodile farm, watch a movie on the vicious creatures and watch them savagely scramble for food. This is nerve wrecking!

  1. Mombasa Marine National Park

Located between Mtwapa and Tudor Creek, this is a perfect place for all the water thrills you can ever experience. The inviting blue waters are so alluring to the water lovers. Here, snorkeling and deep diving are the famous activities. The ocean is full of species waiting to be seen and discovered.

  1. Watamu Marine Park

See sharks and dolphins. This is an awesome place to visit with lots of water fun, ranging from sailing and snorkeling. You can watch various birds here as well.

  1. Diani Beach

This is the most classy part of Mombasa. It is 36Kms from the city. From Nairobi, one can fly from Wilson Airport to Ukunda. The South Coast is home of extremely exotic hotels and private sandy beaches. You wouldn’t want someone preempting on Diani. You have to see it yourself.

 Shanzu Beach

Those who love water sporting including snorkeling, boat riding and sailing this is your haven.

 Pirates Beach

Also known as the Jomo Kenyatta public beach is the most accessible beach in Mombasa. Since it is a public beach it’s usually crowded. If you want to experience Kenyans in their natural element, interact with them then here is a place for you. It is closer to the town center. Here you will experience something close to a street life only with water and sand.

  1. Old Town

Basically a home of Swahilis and Arabs. Old Town is filled with the ancient Arab Architecture and hosts a rich cultural experience.

  1. Fort Jesus

Built in 1953, it is a major tourist attraction. The majestic building stands tall on the Island. It is an architectural wonder that you must just see, walk in and listen to it’s walls.

  1. Bombolulu Workshop and

Cultural Center

Located on the North Coast, here you can buy the handmade artifacts for keeps sake. They are artistically made, exotic and unique. Here you will find the best gifts to bring back home.

  1. Ngomongo Villages

Here we got eco-friendly villages built in the coral limestone quarry.. The beauty of reserving nature is proven here. It is an excellent therapeutic fresh environment to spend a day or two in.

  1. Tsavo

This is for the lovers of the wild and its life. Tsavo is so vast you need days to satisfactorily tour the East, West and the entire park. The Big Five: Lions, Elephants, Cheetahs, Leopard, Buffalos are hosted here. This is the Wild Wild. Camping, bonfires, poetry nights, and group tours can be done in the Tsavo.

 

10 Most Popular Reasons For Visiting Mombasa City

zanzibar beach

  1. The beach life is extremely exquisite and exotic.
  2. There are many other islands around Mombasa to visit and explore e.g Kisite, Sudi, Wasini among others. The exploration never ends.
  3. Hospitality! The hotels, restaurants, the cuisines… you will be treated well and your palates will have a tantalizing explosion of flavors in meals. Sea food is out of this world. The spices will leave you immunized.
  4. Mombasa is an island of Romance. There are beautiful scenic places to rekindle love, show love and even find love. You never know.
  5. Mombasa has the most relaxed atmosphere. There is no bustle and the rush you will find in other cities.
  6. The weather is perfect. It is warm. The heat is taken care of by the breeze from the ocean. The freedom to dress lightly and swim any time easens the excess heat moments.
  7. You will experience Eco-tourism in Mombasa.
  8. The rich History is beyond the ordinary. As old as 900 AD, you literally get a chance to walk back in time.
  9. Mombasa has a very vibrant Nightlife. The Swahili music is very sensational and lovely.
  10. Mombasa is rich in culture. There are various tribes each with a unique cultural exposition. You can’t finish them all and each will awe you in a unique way.

Conclusion

Mombasa is not all about fun. It is fun, learning, experience, creating memories and discoveries all in one package. It should be a long vacation you are planning.

 

Emily Khalayi Wekulo

 

REFERENCES

 

https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/places-global-african-history/mombasa-kenya-ca-900-d/#:~:text=Mombasa%20became%20Portugal’s%20main%20trading,assumed%20control%20of%20the%20city.

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

 

https://www.travelstart.com.ng/blog/10-reasons-why-you-need-to-visit-mombasa/

 

 

 

 

 

 

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