Excursions -> Mombasa - Full day Tour of Mombasa (Min 4 Pax)

This tour enables you to discover the town of mombasa, well known as the Hub of Tourism in Kenya. It can be conducted in as many hours as you wish, including half day as well as full day BUT only for Mombasa Hotels. The tour departs every day, except on Sundays when most shops are closed.

With a guide at your disposal, we take you to the Fort Jesus which has now been transformed to a national museum. Proceed to the old Port where slaves used to be loaded and offloaded onto boats for exportation on and importation. The port is situated at a very iInteresting place with narrow streets and alleyways that are overshadowed by tall buildings with intricately carved balconies.

You then proceed to the Hindu temples and mosques. Drive out of the town to visit a wood carver’s factory that employs over 10,000 woodcarvers where you have the opportunity to buy direct from their shop. The tour also takes you to the famous elephant tusks where you take as many photos as your film can allow. The tour does not end without an experience to get into the bazaar and buy all sorts of articles of your dream

At around noon, we will proceed to one of the town restaurants for lunch. After lunch, proceed to watch the game. Your attention will be drawn to a very peculiar love affair between a Tortoise and a Hippo. They walk, sleep, eat and live next to each other. Only death will do them part

This Love affair story has been told in the whole world and guests lock in from all walks of life to witness it. During all these activities, our friendly and knowledgeable tour guide is at your disposal to explain everything to detail and make you feel part of them. Late afternoon, we will return you to your hotel

Full Day Malindi Gedi Ruins with Lunch (Min 4 pax)

After your breakfast in your beach hotel, our bus, driver and bilingual tour guide are right at the reception of your hotel.

After a short briefing, you will depart for the North of Mombasa through sisal plantations doted with huge baobab trees. You will cross the blue waters of the creek towards Gedi. Gedi is an ancient town formed in the 13th century in the heart of the forest. The place is dominated by Mosques, palaces and wells that have been preserved to-date.

After a short visit, with our guide at your disposal, you will proceed to the far North of mombasa towards a town called Malindi. This town is a typical Arab/African coastal town. In this town, there is a marine park where you will be at liberty to explore it. For non swimmers, there is a glass bottom boat to observe the underworld life

At lunch time, we will take you to the nearest hotel to enjoy a barbeque lunch. After lunch, we will proceed to the local village where we will be entertained by the local traditional dancers.

Late afternoon, board your bus for a return drive back to your hotel

About Gede ruins
Gede was one of the ancient Arab towns which dotted the East African coast. It dates from the late 13th or early 14th century and was finally abandoned in the early 17th century. At its peak of prosperity Gede had a population of over 2500 people.

The Gede Ruins gained the status of Historical Monument in 1927 and much excavation and preservation work has been carried out over the years so that large areas of the town, especially within the inner walls, are now revealed. Surviving ruins at Gede include the Great Mosque, the Palace, residential houses and several pillar tombs.

Baobabs occur naturally and some 30 species of trees are labeled around this pleasantly shaded walk, where butterflies, birds and occasionally small mammals can be seen.

The Gede Ruins is administered by the National Museums of Kenya. There are other ruins sites in the area, notably the Old Mosque and the Ruins on Kirepwe Island in Mida Creek, the Old Mosque at Temple Point and Sita Mosque and Ruins at the end of Mida Creek.

From more recent times two other sites are of interest. The local Giriama people have sacred shrines at Dabasso Rock and at Kalulu Caves. Although visitors are welcomed at these sites, it is essential to go with a guide/interpreter and to observe and respect local customs, as these places are still used for certain ceremonies and are held in great esteem.

Full day Shimba Hills with Lunch

This tour starts at 08h00 from the reception of your hotel, where you meet our driver guide for a 1-hour drive to the tropical rainforest.

You will enter the national reserve and proceed on a morning game drive in search of the rare sable antelopes, Giraffes, buffalos, Leopards, Elephants and many more other animals. On a clear day, you can see the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania

You will proceed to the Sheldrick’s falls where you can walk between the water and the cliff and swim safely in a small pool, before heading for lunch at the most famous and spectacular wooden tree lodge overlooking a waterhole of a tropical rainforest.

The lodge, Shimba Hills Lodge overlooks the waterhole, and your restaurant is strategically located for a wonderful of the waterhole as animals come to quench their thirst.

After lunch, you will walk along a 120-metre wooden walk-way that extends some 120 meters into the tropical rainforest. At the end of the walk-way, is a place for birds’ watchers to sit quietly and enjoy the birds and butterflies, the sights and sound of the forest

You will then return to the reserve for last-minute chances of seeing the species that you have not seen in the morning, before returning back to your beach hotel

Half- Day Tour of Mombasa (Min 4 Pax)

This tour enables you to discover the town of mombasa, well known as the Hub of Tourism in Kenya. It can be conducted in as many hours as you wish, including half day as well as full day BUT only for Mombasa Hotels. The tour departs every day, except on Sundays when most shops are closed.

With a guide at your disposal, we take you to the Fort Jesus which has now been transformed to a national museum. Proceed to the old Port where slaves used to be loaded and offloaded onto boats for exportation and importation. The port is situated at a very interesting place with narrow streets and alleyways that are overshadowed by tall buildings with ornate with intricately carved balconies.

You then proceed to the Hindu temples and mosques. Drive out of the town to visit a wood carver’s factory that employs over 10,000 woodcarvers where you have the opportunity to buy direct from their shop. The tour also takes you to the famous elephant tusks where you take as many photos as your film can allow. The tour does not end without an experience to get into the bazaar and buy all sorts of articles of your dream. At around noon, we will transfer you back to the hotel

Kipepeo Project

The Kipepeo Project is a small community based butterfly farm that exports pupae to Europe and the United States for use in live butterfly exhibits. It started in 1994 and is based near the entrance to the Gede Ruins.

The 150 community butterfly farmers are made up of local families that live adjacent to the Eastern border of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest. They have a licence to collect butterflies in the Forest which are then used as breeding stock for rearing the pupae at their own homes. Many of the food plants necessary for feeding the caterpillars come from the forest edge, which have to be collected on a daily basis. The pupae, which form after about 3 weeks, are sold to the Project, which collectively exports them overseas.

At the Gede Project base, breeding and research are also carried out to try to maintain effective exports all the year round.

The Project is open to the public, where they can see the rearing procedure, and a visitor centre with displays and information clearly illustrates the work being carried our. There is a large flight cage to wander through and see at close range a selection of Arabuko Sokoke butterflies.

Butterfly numbers fluctuate with the seasons, and the rains usually bring about spectacular population explosions. The Forest boasts approximately 260 species of butterfly, but the Kipepeo Project concentrates on breeding around 30 of the most common species for export.

It is hoped that as the local community benefit directly from the biodiversity of the forest they will be supportive of its conservation for future generations. The Kipepeo Project is administered by the East African natural history Society in partnership with the National Museums of Kenya.

Mida Creek

Mida Creek lies between Watamu and the main Mombasa Road, spreading over 32 square kilometers. Its extensive mangrove forests, the warm shallow waters and large areas of mud flats attract a wide variety of birds including a great many northern migrants. Local waders include Yellow-Billed Storks, Wooly-Necked Storks, Grey and Black - Headed Herons and often flocks of Greater Flamingo. Regular winter visitors include Crab, Grey and Ringed Plovers, Common and Curlew Sandpipers, Whimbrel, Sanderling and many others, often in very large numbers.

Many other species inhabit the margins of the mangrove forests, such as the Great White Egret, Little Egret, Pied Kingfisher and if you are lucky you may even see the spectacular Malachite Kingfisher. The Osprey and the African Fish Eagle, with its distinctive cry, are often overhead. Other species such as the raucous Hadada Ibis and the beautiful Carmine Bee-eater roost in the mangroves at night.

The mangrove forests themselves are also fascinating. Mangroves occur in sheltered creeks and estuaries where there is a fresh water source. In Mida Creek there are six species of mangrove, which include the impressively stilt-rooted Rhizophora mucronata in the intertidal zone and Avicennia marina with its gnarled trunks and short aerial roots at the muddy inshore margins. A good place to see the various species of mangrove is along the KWS boardwalk on Sudi Island.

In the area of the KWS boardwalk it is also possible to see six of different types of crab which inhabit the mangroves. Pick up one of the conical shells which abound and look inside - you may find a Hermit crab. The white crabs in sandy areas are "ghost" crabs, the small blue/grey crabs in colonies just below high water (look for the crabs in colonies just below high water (look for the casts by the holes) are "Money" crabs, and the fat red fellows are known as "Sally Lightfoots"! Out on the mud flats you will find Fidller crabs, living their aggressive lives in colonies that are either left - or right - clawed, whilst deep under the roots you may see the large holes of the understandably shy edible Mud crab. Along the water's edge can also be seen the amphibious Mud-skippers.

There are a number of private boat operators and several hotels which offer trips into Mida Creek and the KWS entrance fee is payable. Access to the mud flats can, however, be made from the Mombasa Road, 5 kilometres west of the Gede junction, which is excellent for either bird-spotting or simply enjoying a beautiful view in the late afternoon

Mombasa by Night with Dinner – Code MS 805

There can be no more memorable experience of Kenyan culture than to visit Mombasa’s historical harbour at night. Here, you can absorb the sights, sounds and flavors of our ancient heritage as a guest of jahazi marine.

Our exciting itinerary begins at around 16h00 from the reception of your hotel where our bus picks you up. Drive to the North of Mombasa to the jetty where a dhow awaits. A welcome drink is offered as the dhow sails towards the west of Mombasa. This is an atmospheric Dhow sundowner cruise which offers an outstanding view of the old port from the water.

After witnessing the sun as it majestically sets, sail to the historic old port where slaves used to be loaded for exportation from Mombasa

After docking, our guide will lead you on a walk through the historic Old town to the 400 year old fort Jesus. Built by the Portuguese as a stronghold at the entrance to the harbour, the ancient fort is stunning example of 16th century military architecture that has survived centuries of attack and conquest.

Here you will be welcomed by Portuguese and Arab fire-bearers before witnessing a dazzling sound and light show that is followed by sumptuous dinner served alfresco within the ramparts of the fort for truly unforgettable dining experience.

This 5-course dinner gives you an opportunity to sample the African meals among others. At around 23h00, after dinner, board your bus back to the hotel .

1 ½ Days (Dinner & Overnight) Shimba Hills

This tour starts at 14h00 from the reception of your hotel, where you meet our driver guide for a 1-hour drive to the tropical rainforest.

You will enter the national reserve and proceed on an afternoon game drive in search of the rare sable antelopes, Giraffes, buffalos, Leopards, Elephants and many more other animals. On a clear day, you can see the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania

At around 17h30, proceed to your lodge which is a spectacular wooden tree lodge overlooking a waterhole of a tropical rainforest. Away from the beach heat, you may treat yourself to a cool and refreshing treat at Shimba Lodge .

Shimba Hills National Reserve covers some area of about 192 square kilometer and is the last remaining habitat of the sable antelope in east Africa. These rare animals are well worth seeing as are Elephants, Colobus Monkeys, Giraffes, Buffalos, and Leopards. On a clear day, you can see the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania

Shimba Hills Lodge has some 30 rooms each with balcony vantage points overlooking the waterhole. The rooms are small but well designed and cheerful with big windows, twin beds and a ceiling fan. Guests share clean, bright, communal bathroom facilities.

The dining room is a covered verandah where you dine in the open air overlooking the floodlit waterhole. There’s a special atmosphere of a night in the jungle i.e. the rasp of cicadas, the croak of frogs, the screams of bush babies who often visit the bar for titbits

Before and after dinner, you may wish to take a walk on the well-lit wooden walkway that extends some 120 meters into the tropical rainforest. At the end is a place for bird watchers to sit quietly and enjoy the birds and butterflies, the sights and sound of the forest .

Early, the next day, you will have an early game drive to get a glimpse of the hunting cats, before returning to the lodge for a full breakfast. After breakfast, you will pack and visit the Sheldrick’s falls where you can walk between the water and the cliff and swim safely in a small pool from where you will proceed directly to your beach hotel

Bio-Ken Snake Farm
Bio-Ken is a research centre, which deals with reptiles, especially snakes and snake-bite. Located less than 5 minutes drive from the hotels in Watamu it houses the largest collection of Snakes in East Africa and is open to the public.

Bio-Ken milks snakes for medical research and for the preparation of anti-venom. It provides anti-venom treatment to victims of poisonous snake-bite and, with the help of the Watamu anti-venom fund, provides it free of charge to those unable to afford it.

Bio-ken also offers a free `remove-a-snake' service for people in the Watamu and surrounding area. Any snakes removed from a property are relocated in to the wild or brought back to the farm for study, depending on the species.

There is a wide range of venomous and non-venomous snakes at the farm. Visitors are welcome to look around the farm in the hope that people will become more familiar with snakes.

Bio-ken is a research centre dealing with the study of reptiles mainly in Kenya and the neighbouring East African countries. Bio-Ken holds biannual snake-bite seminars which are attended by experts from all over the world. Bio-Ken is promoting an educational scheme to teach people the correct procedures when faced with a snake-bite, the importance of snakes and why they should not necessarily be killed on sight. Bio-Ken hosts regular informative snake shows for tourists at nearby hotels. They also organise different snake safaris for the more interested, to show some of Kenya's snakes and reptiles in their natural habitat.

Full day Wasini Island with lunch & snorkeling

Away from your beach experience, you need to spend a memorable day with the dolphins. We pick you up from your hotel at around 06h00, and depart towards the border of Kenya/ Tanzania.

As you drive through the local villages, you will wake up to views of the cashew, coconut, and sugarcane plantations. As the drive ends, you will fascinated by a local motorized boat at the creek that will take you to the second world of Kisite. You will sail to the Kisite marine park where the boat stops to let you explore the fantasy of the marine.

Right from the boat, it will be your time to dive and the visit the underworld full of marine life. Dolphins will be at hand to greet you and escort you to the marvels of their environment

For non swimmers, we cannot let you down, as your fate is factored by the availability of a glass-bottom boat from where you can observe the underworld as you enjoy a cold drink on the boat

At lunch time, as the dolphins take a break, you too will have an opportunity to enjoy the gargantuan seafood lunch on the Wasini Island. The tour cannot be worth its name without a visit to the local Muslim villages and caves in the afternoon. At the late hours of the afternoon, we will take a relaxing drive back to your hotel arriving before the fall of the night

Dinner on Tamarind Dhow

The original Tamarind Dhow “Nawalilker” was built in 1977 for trading between Lamu, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the Persian Gulf, transporting cargos of spices, mangrove poles, tea, carpets and coffee until 1986.

Remarkably, the same crew who sailed to these exotic places still work on-board the Dhow to date

In 1986 the Dhow was converted to its present interior structure by the same dhow builder who had originally built her.

He took 6 months to convert it to the present condition due to the fact that he insisted on using his traditional tools instead of the modern equipment, and surprisingly it functions even better than those modern boats.

It measures 7.5 meters by 23 meters and weighs 100 tons and is the largest dhow on the coast. At its full sail, It travels at 4 -5 knots and runs with a ford six cylinder diesel 110 horsepower engine when not using the sail.

The tour starts at around 16h00 when our bus picks you up from the reception of your hotel. We drive towards the Tamarind Jetty where the dhow awaits you. Once on board, you are met by a traditionally dressed waiter who shows you to your table and serves you with a “DAWA” which is a house cocktail made from vodka, Lime, Sugar and Crushed Ice.

At this time, resident band starts to play for you to explore a magical world away from your home. The dhow will start rolling for a cruise round Tudor Creek with fine views of Mombasa’s old town and Fort Jesus.

Your dhow will then moor in a sheltered bay at the head of the creek. Here, the fine aroma of grilled lobster and steak starts to fill the air as the chefs pull out the charcoal grills and prepare a gourmet four-course meal.

At around 23h00, board your bus for your transfer back to the hotel