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AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. WILD SAFARIES, CITY TRIPS AND DISCOVER THE LAMU ARCHIPELAGO WITH DESTINY COMPLEET KENYA TRAVELS
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya's oldest park, is located near the Kenya and Tanzania border, "in the shadow" of Africa's highest mountain, the snow capped Kilimanjaro. Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya's oldest park, is located near the Kenya and Tanzania border, "in the shadow" of Africa's highest mountain, the snow capped Kilimanjaro.
The park is known for its wildlife, especially it's prolific elephant population. The park is known for its wildlife, especially it's prolific elephant population. Amboseli also hosts the big cats, herbivores and numerous bird species including flamingo and a variety of plains game. Amboseli also hosts the big cats, herbivores and numerous bird species including flamingos and a variety of plains game.
The park is also famous for its dramatic scenery and open plains plus its stunning view of the vast mountain . Two springs provide year-round water - befitting the Maasai meaning of Amboseli, ' Place of Water '
Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya's oldest park, is located near the Kenya and Tanzania border, "in the shadow" of Africa's highest mountain, the snow capped Kilimanjaro. Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya's oldest park, is located near the Kenya and Tanzania border, "in the shadow" of Africa's highest mountain, the snow capped Kilimanjaro.
The park is known for its wildlife, especially it's prolific elephant population. The park is known for its wildlife, especially it's prolific elephant population. Amboseli also hosts the big cats, herbivores and numerous bird species including flamingo and a variety of plains game. Amboseli also hosts the big cats, herbivores and numerous bird species including flamingos and a variety of plains game.
The park is also famous for its dramatic scenery and open plains plus its stunning view of the vast mountain . Two springs provide year-round water - befitting the Maasai meaning of Amboseli, ' Place of Water '
Amboseli is a popular safari destination because of it's rich wildlife, natural beauty, and easy access with most of the journey being on tarmac roads, all the way to Namanga. It is also particularly famous for seeing herds of elephants and has been a research station for these intelligent and gentle beasts. It is also particularly famous for seeing herds of elephants and has been a research station for these intelligent and gentle beasts.
Tsavo West consists mainly of semi-arid plains, granite outcrops and ancient lava fields. The highest and most impressive is the Ngulia Mountain, which stands at almost 6000ft high. It is far more visited that Tsavo East tsavo, to which much is closed to the general puplic although there is still such a vast amount to see this should not put you off from visiting it. Tsavo East does not have the mountains and hills of Tsavo West and the park cosists mostly of dry, flat thorn-bush scrub, which is occasionally broken by the green vegetation of the Galana river and other smaller seasonal rivers that run through the National Park.
For most of the year Tsavo is dry and dusty and is where the term the Red Elephants of Tsavo tsavo-national-park.php> comes from, but after the rains the National park is transformed almost over night, with new grasses, and a fantastic array of wild flowers, like the pink and white convolvulus (morning glory's).
Man Eaters of Tsavo
Written by Colonel JH Patterson, it is a true story and tells of when he was in charge of building a bridge for the Uganda Railway over the Tsavo river in 1898. During the night some of his workers were continually being dragged from their tents and then killed by to large male lions. After some time the workers started to believe that because the lions were so fearless, it was actually the Devil in the shape of a lion that was doing this.
In December 1898, after the death toll had risen to 28 Indian workers and a large number of locals, work on the bridge was brought to a halt, until the lions had been shot. After many nights of waiting, Colonel Patterson did eventually kill the lions, which are now on display in the Chicago Natural History Museum in the USA.
The Red Elephants of Tsavo
You will often hear the elephants in Tsavo being referred to as "Red Elephants" and whist they do sometimes appear to be red, the colour of their skin is no different than that of other elephants, it is just down to the red soil that much of Tsavo is covered in and which the elephants use to cover themselves with, during their dust baths.
The sheer scale of Tsavo gives the visitor a chance to really get away from it all, and to explore the wild in total solitude.
On safari here you will see large herds of Elephant, their hides often a luminous red with dust, as well as Lion, Buffalo, Eland, Giraffe, Impala, Kudu and possibly Rhinoceros.
Tsavo is a birdwatchers paradise with numerous species of weavers, hornbills, sunbirds, rollers and raptors commonly seen.
One of Tsavo's most interesting geographical features is the Lugard Falls, where white water rages through a series of spectacular rock formations.
Also not to be missed is the volcanic Mzima springs. These natural springs produce 50 million gallons of fresh sparkling water daily. These waters are alive with shoals of barbell and Hippopotamus and waterfowl. A unique underwater observatory has been built that gives you an incredible view of this crystal clear underwater world, where massive hippos glide silently through swirling shoals of barbell.
These springs have created a sprawling wetland paradise of giant Raphia palms and oases alive with water birds.
Both Tsavo East and West are ideal for those who enjoy solitude and a chance to explore wilderness without encountering other people. Lodges and Camps tend to be remote and accessible by long drives or air transfer. Of the two Parks, Tsavo East is the more remote and less visited.
The relative proximity of Tsavo East to the coast make it an ideal safari destination for those staying on the coast, or wishing to combine a safari and beach holiday. Many coast based visitors combine a safari to Tsavo with visits to the Shimba Hills and Taita game sanctuaries, Amboseli National Park, or Chyulu Hills.
For most of the year Tsavo is dry and dusty and is where the term the Red Elephants of Tsavo tsavo-national-park.php> comes from, but after the rains the National park is transformed almost over night, with new grasses, and a fantastic array of wild flowers, like the pink and white convolvulus (morning glory's).
Man Eaters of Tsavo
Written by Colonel JH Patterson, it is a true story and tells of when he was in charge of building a bridge for the Uganda Railway over the Tsavo river in 1898. During the night some of his workers were continually being dragged from their tents and then killed by to large male lions. After some time the workers started to believe that because the lions were so fearless, it was actually the Devil in the shape of a lion that was doing this.
In December 1898, after the death toll had risen to 28 Indian workers and a large number of locals, work on the bridge was brought to a halt, until the lions had been shot. After many nights of waiting, Colonel Patterson did eventually kill the lions, which are now on display in the Chicago Natural History Museum in the USA.
The Red Elephants of Tsavo
You will often hear the elephants in Tsavo being referred to as "Red Elephants" and whist they do sometimes appear to be red, the colour of their skin is no different than that of other elephants, it is just down to the red soil that much of Tsavo is covered in and which the elephants use to cover themselves with, during their dust baths.
The sheer scale of Tsavo gives the visitor a chance to really get away from it all, and to explore the wild in total solitude.
On safari here you will see large herds of Elephant, their hides often a luminous red with dust, as well as Lion, Buffalo, Eland, Giraffe, Impala, Kudu and possibly Rhinoceros.
Tsavo is a birdwatchers paradise with numerous species of weavers, hornbills, sunbirds, rollers and raptors commonly seen.
One of Tsavo's most interesting geographical features is the Lugard Falls, where white water rages through a series of spectacular rock formations.
Also not to be missed is the volcanic Mzima springs. These natural springs produce 50 million gallons of fresh sparkling water daily. These waters are alive with shoals of barbell and Hippopotamus and waterfowl. A unique underwater observatory has been built that gives you an incredible view of this crystal clear underwater world, where massive hippos glide silently through swirling shoals of barbell.
These springs have created a sprawling wetland paradise of giant Raphia palms and oases alive with water birds.
Both Tsavo East and West are ideal for those who enjoy solitude and a chance to explore wilderness without encountering other people. Lodges and Camps tend to be remote and accessible by long drives or air transfer. Of the two Parks, Tsavo East is the more remote and less visited.
The relative proximity of Tsavo East to the coast make it an ideal safari destination for those staying on the coast, or wishing to combine a safari and beach holiday. Many coast based visitors combine a safari to Tsavo with visits to the Shimba Hills and Taita game sanctuaries, Amboseli National Park, or Chyulu Hills.
Tsavo National East & West Park.
Located about 200km south east of Nairobi and is the closest large National Park to Mombasa and makes the ideal safari location if you are staying on the coast anywhere around Mombasa, Bamburi beach or Malindi.
Split in half by the Nairobi to Mombasa road, the Tsavo National park in Kenya has an area of 8035 square miles, which means that it covers an area larger than Wales and is much bigger than the more famous Masai Mara National Park. To the east of the main Nairobi-Mombasa road lies and on the western side... you guest it: Tsavo West.
Located about 200km south east of Nairobi and is the closest large National Park to Mombasa and makes the ideal safari location if you are staying on the coast anywhere around Mombasa, Bamburi beach or Malindi.
Split in half by the Nairobi to Mombasa road, the Tsavo National park in Kenya has an area of 8035 square miles, which means that it covers an area larger than Wales and is much bigger than the more famous Masai Mara National Park. To the east of the main Nairobi-Mombasa road lies and on the western side... you guest it: Tsavo West.
The two parks are very different and generally Tsavo West has a more varied topography and a more diverse array of habitats than Tsavo East.
Jain Temple
It is not surprising when you consider the age of Mombasa that the city is inhabited by diverse ethnicities. Asian and Arabic influences are the most dominant, which is evident for example in the city's fifty or so mosques and dozen Hindu and Sikh temples. The jewel in the crown of this area is the Jain Temple in the old part of the city. This exceptional sanctum dates from 1963 and is devoted to Jainism, an ancient Indian religion that has a certain affinity with Buddhism. The beautifully decorated entrance to the temple is in itself a sight you will never forget.
It is not surprising when you consider the age of Mombasa that the city is inhabited by diverse ethnicities. Asian and Arabic influences are the most dominant, which is evident for example in the city's fifty or so mosques and dozen Hindu and Sikh temples. The jewel in the crown of this area is the Jain Temple in the old part of the city. This exceptional sanctum dates from 1963 and is devoted to Jainism, an ancient Indian religion that has a certain affinity with Buddhism. The beautifully decorated entrance to the temple is in itself a sight you will never forget.
The Mombasa Tusks
A visit to Mombasa begins with a visit to the city's symbol: the magnificent, crossed tusks on the port road and at the entrance to the heart of the city. This 'monument' commemorates a visit by the then princess Elizabeth in 1952, on her way to a safari further inland. Alert passers-by will notice that the four tusks create the letter M (of Mombasa), which was sheer coincidence!
Fort Jesus
This impressive relic of the city's past is located in the east of the old city center, at the edge of a coral reef. Designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairato in 1593, Fort Jesus protected the city against attacks from the sea and as such was understandably a desired object for a whole procession of conquerors. It also served as a barracks and a prison, but since 1958 Fort Jesus has been an historical monument that houses a museum. What's more, the views from here of Old Town are spectacular.
What is striking about this fortress of towers and tunnels is the range of different colors on the walls, which are attributed to the coral stone from which the building was built. The fortress reportedly owes its name to its shape - from the air it looks like the crucifixion of Jesus. Another tip: there is a large park behind Fort Jesus, where the shadow from the palm trees will provide you with the relaxation you deserve.
A visit to Mombasa begins with a visit to the city's symbol: the magnificent, crossed tusks on the port road and at the entrance to the heart of the city. This 'monument' commemorates a visit by the then princess Elizabeth in 1952, on her way to a safari further inland. Alert passers-by will notice that the four tusks create the letter M (of Mombasa), which was sheer coincidence!
Fort Jesus
This impressive relic of the city's past is located in the east of the old city center, at the edge of a coral reef. Designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairato in 1593, Fort Jesus protected the city against attacks from the sea and as such was understandably a desired object for a whole procession of conquerors. It also served as a barracks and a prison, but since 1958 Fort Jesus has been an historical monument that houses a museum. What's more, the views from here of Old Town are spectacular.
What is striking about this fortress of towers and tunnels is the range of different colors on the walls, which are attributed to the coral stone from which the building was built. The fortress reportedly owes its name to its shape - from the air it looks like the crucifixion of Jesus. Another tip: there is a large park behind Fort Jesus, where the shadow from the palm trees will provide you with the relaxation you deserve.
Mackinnon Market
Another great attraction to visit in the ancient city of Mombasa is Mackinnon Market, also known as Municipal Market. Here you can see, smell and taste the real Kenya: the market is a colorful place where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruit and nuts, but also various types of coffee, tea and herbs and spices. And you won't be able to resist sampling some of the many delicious Kenyan specialties on sale. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tip:
Want to take a photograph? That's no problem for the ever-friendly people of Mombasa. But don't forget to ask politely first!
Another great attraction to visit in the ancient city of Mombasa is Mackinnon Market, also known as Municipal Market. Here you can see, smell and taste the real Kenya: the market is a colorful place where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruit and nuts, but also various types of coffee, tea and herbs and spices. And you won't be able to resist sampling some of the many delicious Kenyan specialties on sale. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tip:
Want to take a photograph? That's no problem for the ever-friendly people of Mombasa. But don't forget to ask politely first!
History
The island has a long history and by the 1500s it was a thriving port, exporting timber, ivory, amber, spices and slaves. When the Portuguese arrived, it surrendered without a murmur and in the mid-1800s it became a subject of the Sultanate of Zanzibar, which nominally controlled the whole coastal strip until Kenya became independent in 1963.
Until the 19th century dawned, Lamu's economy was hinged on slave labour and with the abolition of slavery it declined rapidly. That is until the advent of tourists. In the 1960s Lamu was up there with Katmandu as a hippy hangout and it has since been taken over by a much more sophisticated but still rather bohemian traveller who have bought the old villa's and restored them to their original grandeur.
Bombolulu Handicraft
If there is one place where the tradition of wood carving is alive and well, it's Mombasa. If you would like to learn more, visit Bombolulu. Established in 1969 as a project to help Kenyans with various disabilities create real works of art using wood, here you can see how the residents are able to transform even the smallest block of wood into an elephant. In addition to wood carvings, the residents also design clothing and jewelry. Bombolulu Handicraft is located less than five kilometers north of Mombasa and is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Ruins of Gedi
Located in an area just outside Mombasa, close to the town of Malindi, the mysterious Gedi Ruins are one of the oldest indications of human presence in the area. Made completely out of rocks and stones, this settlement is estimated to have been built in the 13th century to provide shelter to the migrating tribes. The mystery, however, is why this ghostly place was suddenly deserted and misses in a large part of the historiography. The remains, inhabited now by entire hordes of monkeys, have been designated a national heritage site.
If there is one place where the tradition of wood carving is alive and well, it's Mombasa. If you would like to learn more, visit Bombolulu. Established in 1969 as a project to help Kenyans with various disabilities create real works of art using wood, here you can see how the residents are able to transform even the smallest block of wood into an elephant. In addition to wood carvings, the residents also design clothing and jewelry. Bombolulu Handicraft is located less than five kilometers north of Mombasa and is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Ruins of Gedi
Located in an area just outside Mombasa, close to the town of Malindi, the mysterious Gedi Ruins are one of the oldest indications of human presence in the area. Made completely out of rocks and stones, this settlement is estimated to have been built in the 13th century to provide shelter to the migrating tribes. The mystery, however, is why this ghostly place was suddenly deserted and misses in a large part of the historiography. The remains, inhabited now by entire hordes of monkeys, have been designated a national heritage site.
Lamu is the best known of a number of islands in the Lamu archipelago off the coast of northern Kenya. Lamu is Kenya�s oldest living settlement, having been a trading post between Arabia and India since the 1500�s, buying and selling spices, mangrove poles, ivory and slaves until the slave trade was abolished in 1907. All this has produced a wonderful and vibrant culture and a unique coastal people known as the Swahili. There are no cars on Lamu, so all transport on the island is on foot, donkey or dhow.
Other islands in the Lamu archipelago include Manda, the smaller Manda Toto, Pate and Kiwayu. Surrounded by a rich marine life, many of these islands have Swahili ruins dating back to the 14th century, as well as some remote and exclusive �Robinson Crusoe� style hideaway beach-lodges.
Kiwayu is near Lamu on the Kenya coast and has eighteen private beach bandas along a private stretch of beach, each decorated in the traditional Swahili style of palm thatch and woven matting floors.
Other islands in the Lamu archipelago include Manda, the smaller Manda Toto, Pate and Kiwayu. Surrounded by a rich marine life, many of these islands have Swahili ruins dating back to the 14th century, as well as some remote and exclusive �Robinson Crusoe� style hideaway beach-lodges.
Kiwayu is near Lamu on the Kenya coast and has eighteen private beach bandas along a private stretch of beach, each decorated in the traditional Swahili style of palm thatch and woven matting floors.
The Lamu Archipelago is a beautiful string of six islands in the Indian Ocean close to Kenya's northern coast. The six islands that make up the Lamu Archipelago are: Lamu , Manda island, Pate, Kiwayu and Manda Toto.
The largest islands are Pate, Manda and Lamu, and Lamu Town is the largest settlement on the archipelago.
The Lamu Archipelago is well known for its archaeological and historical sites, like Manda Town and Shanga on Pate Island. Excavations at these sites have unearthed new aspects of old Swahili history and culture.
The largest islands are Pate, Manda and Lamu, and Lamu Town is the largest settlement on the archipelago.
The Lamu Archipelago is well known for its archaeological and historical sites, like Manda Town and Shanga on Pate Island. Excavations at these sites have unearthed new aspects of old Swahili history and culture.
What to See and Do
�Walking tour
�of Lamu old town with a local guide.
�Walk the 14 km beach to Kipungani village.
Also you can hire camels.
�Museum and Old Fort
�in Lamu town which have been nicely restored and have
some fascinating displays.
�Go shopping
�for beautiful clothes, kanga's and kikoys, leather work, carved
wooden furniture, and silver jewellery.
�Hang out in the famous Peponi's Bar in Shela Village on the
water.
�Dhow sailing trips
� To discover the Islands.
�Beach parties
�Snorkelling
Between the months of November and March when the water
clears and the wind drops
�Walking tour
�of Lamu old town with a local guide.
�Walk the 14 km beach to Kipungani village.
Also you can hire camels.
�Museum and Old Fort
�in Lamu town which have been nicely restored and have
some fascinating displays.
�Go shopping
�for beautiful clothes, kanga's and kikoys, leather work, carved
wooden furniture, and silver jewellery.
�Hang out in the famous Peponi's Bar in Shela Village on the
water.
�Dhow sailing trips
� To discover the Islands.
�Beach parties
�Snorkelling
Between the months of November and March when the water
clears and the wind drops
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Malindi, Kenya�s second largest coastal town, is situated about 120 km north of Mombasa just a little south of the equator.The city�s climate is generally hot and humid all the year along.
Malindi was founded in the early 13th century by the Arabs. On the 15th April 1498 Vasco da Gama reached Malindi.
The most important industry in Malindi Municipality is, no doubt, the tourist sector.
Today more than half of the locals benefit directly or indirectly from tourism.
The most significant economy outside Malindi township is agricultural based. Beside these there are some fishery activities, manufacturing, commerce and trade.
Malindi was founded in the early 13th century by the Arabs. On the 15th April 1498 Vasco da Gama reached Malindi.
The most important industry in Malindi Municipality is, no doubt, the tourist sector.
Today more than half of the locals benefit directly or indirectly from tourism.
The most significant economy outside Malindi township is agricultural based. Beside these there are some fishery activities, manufacturing, commerce and trade.
Malindi has plenty of attractions and very geared towards tourism. There is a snake and crocodile farm at Causuarina.The Malindi Museum includes the House of Columns; Falconry of Kenya with falcons and eagles and the old and small Portuguese Chapel of St Francis Xavier.
Malindi is also a game-fishing centre with regular competitions, and a bit of a surfing resort, too. Good-sized rollers steam into the bay through the long break in the reef during July and August and in early September, whipped up by the southerly monsoon winds which are likely to get you sand-blasted on the beach.
Despite the heavy reliance on tourism, Malindi still has some interest as a Kenyan town with an ancient history and a few places of interest other than its beach and reef.
An interesting old Swahili quarter, one or two "ruins", a busy market, shops, hotelis and plenty of lodgings all compensate for the tourist boutiques, beauty salons and real estate agencies. The fact that Malindi has a broad range of places to stay within walking distance of the beach � and a broad range of places to eat and spend money within walking distance of the hotels � gives it a clear advantage over Watamu, Diani or the places more immediately north of Mombasa. As for the Italian package tourists, they have left the town with something that nowhere else in Kenya can boast: some of the best pizzas, pasta and ice-cream in the whole of Africa.
The best way to get around Malindi and its environs is by walk or by bicycle (several places rent bikes ). The flat countryside around Malindi is ideal and Gedi (90min) or Watamu (2hr) are easy objectives, with the guarantee that you'll be blown either there or back by the wind, depending on the time of year. The northern reaches of the wonderful Arabuko-Sokoke Forest are within easy reach too.
Despite the heavy reliance on tourism, Malindi still has some interest as a Kenyan town with an ancient history and a few places of interest other than its beach and reef.
An interesting old Swahili quarter, one or two "ruins", a busy market, shops, hotelis and plenty of lodgings all compensate for the tourist boutiques, beauty salons and real estate agencies. The fact that Malindi has a broad range of places to stay within walking distance of the beach � and a broad range of places to eat and spend money within walking distance of the hotels � gives it a clear advantage over Watamu, Diani or the places more immediately north of Mombasa. As for the Italian package tourists, they have left the town with something that nowhere else in Kenya can boast: some of the best pizzas, pasta and ice-cream in the whole of Africa.
The best way to get around Malindi and its environs is by walk or by bicycle (several places rent bikes ). The flat countryside around Malindi is ideal and Gedi (90min) or Watamu (2hr) are easy objectives, with the guarantee that you'll be blown either there or back by the wind, depending on the time of year. The northern reaches of the wonderful Arabuko-Sokoke Forest are within easy reach too.
Number one is the coral reef. The combined Malindi/Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve encloses some of the best stretches on the coast. Kisite-Mpunguti, on the south coast, and Kiunga, further north, are reckoned by some connoisseurs to be even better, but the Malindi fish have seen many more strange faces in masks and have become so used to humans that they swarm in front of you like a kaleidoscopic snowstorm.