Mombasa Safaris-City Tours
Mombasa, Excursions Mombasa
The largest island on
the Kenyan coast, it's mystical mixture of the ancient and
modern. Narrow alleys with ornamental balconies, vibrant
bazaars and miles of white sandy beaches make it an
intriguing potpourri of romanticism and history. Let its
laid-back atmosphere embrace you while you stay at the
Whitesands Hotel, take in Arabic architecture or watch
skilled Lamu craftsmen create ornate doors. A creek safari,
or snorkel by day while evenings enchant with exotic
cocktails and colourful dances. There are many good holiday
hotels stretching right along the entire Kenyan coast with
it’s wide white-sand beaches. Almost the entire coastline
from Malindi down the south coast is protected by an
off-shore reef, whose clear, calm and warm waters are
populated by many corals, starfish, fish, and underwater
flowers – a paradise for snorkelers and divers. The
conditions are also well suited to all other forms of water
sports such as windsurfing, sailing and big-game-fishing.
Mombasa Safaris-City Tours
Mombasa, Excursions Mombasa, Mombasa town tour, Coastal Cultural Tour
(Bush Tour), Shimba Hills Tour/Mwaluganje
elephant Sanctuary (MES), Malindi and Gedi Tour, Full Day –
City Tour and Nature Tour, Tamarind Dhow Safari, Visit Mamba Village, Discover Mombasa By
Night (Dinner In The Castle), Bamburi Nature Trail, Dolphin Sea Adventure
EXCURSIONS & SHORT
SAFARIS FROM MOMBASA
Whilst staying in the coastal Island of Mombasa, there are
various excursions available:
Mombasa town tour
The colourful island town of Mombasa with its blend of
ancient and modern buildings on the Indian Ocean is Kenya’s
principal port and the country’s second largest city. A
comprehensive tour of the island include the old Arab town,
with it’s maze of narrow twisting alleys displaying the
beautifully curved doors and verandahs, bazaars with curio
and antique shops, the Dhow harbour still in use, a Hindu
temple, a visit to the Akamba wood carvers and a drive to
the bazaar for a short shopping expedition. The high light
of the tour is probably the visit to Fort Jesus. Built in
1593 by the Portuguese to guard the entrance to the old Dhow
harbour, it is the island’s Landmark. Four hundred years
old, the port still stands and serves as a historical
museum.
Coastal Cultural Tour
(Bush Tour)
The coastal countryside and its people offer a different
perspective to Kenya’s tribal heritage. 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, which offers an opportunity 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.
Shimba Hills Tour/Mwaluganje
elephant Sanctuary (MES)
The Shimba Hills are a short drive from Mombasa. South of
the island, they are reached via the Likoni Ferry and are
over a thousand feet high which offers one a view of both
the Indian Ocean and the African bush. A visit to the MES is
highly recommended and is located about 30 minutes from the
glistening beaches of south coast. At MES you will
experience a unique safari in a spectacular landscape.
Elephants here never forget. Like them, you’ll always
remember Mwaluganje. MES’s 60,000 acres feature dramatic
cliffs and forested hills as well as bush land with baobabs
– all striking for the wildlife. Apart from the elephant,
you might see warthog, impala, bushbuck, sable, Cape buffalo
and leopard.
Malindi and Gedi Tour
Depart from your coastal hotel and drive north to Kilifi
through attractive country covered by extensive sisal
plantations dotted with huge baobab trees. Cross the scenic
creek and continue onto the ancient city of Gedi-a 13th
century ruin in the heart of a dense forest. Thereafter
proceed onto 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 on goggling and
snorkelling. Later, visit a nearby village and watch the
Giriama tribe perform exciting tribal dances before driving
back to Mombasa by sundown.
Full Day – City Tour
and Nature Tour.
A comprehensive morning tour of the island including a visit
to Fort Jesus is followed by lunch at 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 casuarinas 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.
Tamarind Dhow Safari
At 12.00pm or 6.30 pm departure from the Tamarind jetty for
the lunch cruise 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 sea food meals prepared by the world famous
Tamarind Restaurant are enjoyed while a local band plays
music to suite all tastes. A tri-lingual guide, fully
stocked bar and friendly service all add to the
unforgettable atmosphere. 2.45 pm or 10.30 pm return to the
jetty and thereafter your hotel.
Visit Mamba Village:
Mamba village
Afternoon transfer to a haven of reptiles (Africa's Largest
Crocodile Farm). Best visit is during the feeding time at
5.00 p.m. Also in the farm are beautiful botanical gardens
which are worthy to be given a visit. Tour Price US$ 30
P/P
Discover Mombasa By
Night (Dinner In The Castle)
Fort Jesus
Pick up from the hotel at 5.30 p.m. and taken to a romantic
dhow sundowner cruise. Sail past the old port to Fort Jesus
for the sound and light show.
Dinner at the Fort and then you will be dropped to the hotel
at around 10.00 p.m. (half night). Alternatively after
dinner you will be taken to a Casino and play for 30
minutes- 1 hour and later driven to Bora-Bora Night Club for
the mid-night show. You will be dropped at the hotel at
around 1.30 a.m. Tour Price US$ 75
P/P.
Bamburi Nature Trail
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. Tour Price US$ 25
P/P.
Dolphin Sea Adventure
Early morning departure from the hotel. The scenic route
takes you through lush coconut and cashew nut plantations
and the colorful villages of the Digo people. On arrival at
Shimoni Jetty, board a motorized glass bottomed Lamu dhow
(boat) which will sail you through an enchanting seascape of
islands to the richest marine park in Kenya (Kisite). Being
escorted by Dolphin experts makes this more than a dhow
trip.
Our knowledge makes a meeting with the friendly local
Dolphins a real probability. It is in their natural Coral
garden where we will snorkel and marvel at the prolific
marine life. A traditional Sumptuous Sea food lunch will be
served on board to ensure maximum time for Dolphin spotting.
Island exploring provides good vantage points overlooking
the Dolphin's play Grounds and leisurely sailing provides
tranquil silence to listen out for Dolphin whistles blowing
off the sea. You are transferred to shimoni jetty for your
transfer back to the hotel. Arrive in the hotel late in the
afternoon. Tour Price US$ 95
P/P.