The colorful island town of Mombasa with its blend of ancient and modern buildings on the Indian Ocean is Kenya principal port and the country's second's largest city. A comprehensive tour of the islands includes the Arab Old Town, with its maze of narrow twisting alleys displaying the beautiful carved doors and Arab verandas, bazaars with curio and antique shops, the Dhow Harbor (still in use), a Hindu temple, a visit to the Akamba wood carvers and a drive to the bazaar fir a short shopping expedition. The highlight of the tour is probably the visit to Fort Jesus. Built in 1593 by the Portuguese to guard the entrance to the Old Dhow Harbor, it is the Island's Landmark. Four hundred years old, the fort still stands and serves as a historical museum.
ARK 28: COASTAL CULTURAL TRAIL
(1/2 DAY)
The tour provides a glimpse into the traditions and cultures
of the coastal people with a visit to a Giriama or Digo
village with our local guide. Continue to Kaloleni to visit
the local market and thereafter drive to Kenya Marine land
on the north Coast to observe numerous species of tropical
marine life in giant aquariums.
A snake park, situated nearby is also visited and you can
watch carvers at work producing the famous "Makonde" pieces
of art.
ARK 29: SHIMBA HILLS TRAILS (1/2
DAY)
The Shimba Hills, a short drive from Mombasa, are over a
thousand feet high with a view of both the Indian Ocean and
the African Bush. Rare animals like the Roan and Sable
antelopes are seen in this area besides elephants, buffaloes
and a wide variety of bird lives.
ARK 30: MALINDI GEDI TRAIL ( 1
DAY)
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 an experienced
guide takes you goggling. Later visit a nearby village and
watch the Giriama tribe perform exciting tribal dances
before driving back to Mombasa by sundown.
ARK 31: CITY TRAIL/LUNCH/NATURE
TRAIL (1 DAY)
A comprehensive morning tour of the island including a visit
to Fort Jesus is followed by lunch at the Mamba Village.
Mamba is the Swahili name for crocodile and this "village"
is really a crocodile farm. Depart after lunch for the
Bamburi Quarry Nature Trail. The wasteland of the stone
quarry has been reclaimed and amongst the casuarina trees
and other tropical flora reside a variety of wildlife and
birds. Eland and buffalo, crocodiles and other reptiles can
be seen wandering with crowned cranes.
The commercially viable aquaculture complex is also visited.
ARK 32: TAMARIND DHOW CRUISE/ CITY
TOUR/NATURE TRAIL LUNCH DINNER ONLY
A 12.00 hrs or 18.30 hrs departure from the Tamarind jetty
for the lunch or evening cruise respectively. After a
welcome cocktail, the Tamarind Dhow - Nawalicker (meaning
Gateway to Heaven) cruises past the Old Town and fort Jesus.
Fantastic seafood meals prepared by the world famous
Tamarind Restaurant is enjoyed while a local band plays
music to suit all tastes. A trio-lingual guide, fully ticked
bar and friendly service all adds to the unforgettable
atmosphere. 14.45 hrs or 22.30 hrs return to the jetty and
thereafter to your hotel.
ARK 33: FULL DAY TSAVO EAST TRAIL.
Leaving Mombasa before sunrise, proceed in the direction of
Nairobi for about 115 kms arriving at the Bachuma Gate where
you enter the east section of the Tsavo National Park. You
will see water birds at home on the Aruba Dam on your way to
Voi Safari Lodge where lunch will be served.
After lunch, go on a game drive returning to Mombasa in the
late afternoon.
ARK 34: TAITA HILLS TRAILS (1 DAY)
An early morning two hours drive from Mombasa on the Mombasa
Nairobi highway brings you to the game sanctuary at the
Taita Hills. In the sanctuary enjoy a game drive where
cheetah and lion may be seen as well as herds of elephants.
Lunch will be served at the Taita Hills lodge after which
you drive back to Mombasa and your hotel.
ARK 35: WASINI ISLANDS & KISITE
DHOW (1 DAY)
Depart from the Shimoni (the place of caves) jetty at 9.00
am aboard a converted Lamu Dhow and sail for the Kisite
Marine National Park. Snorkel along a fringing reef of
Kisite Island and marved at the coral and shoals of fish. A
seafood 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.