Kilifi

Outdoor activities

Embark on an exhilarating Tsavo East day-safari departing from Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, or Malindi. Immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness of Tsavo East, one of Kenya's iconic national parks. Experience thrilling game drives, encounter extraordinary wildlife, and discover the diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity of this captivating destination. Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from your accommodation in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, or Malindi. Sit back and relax as you journey towards Tsavo East, a sprawling wilderness spanning over 13,000 square kilometres. As you enter the park, prepare yourself for an unforgettable game drive, where each moment holds the potential for remarkable wildlife encounters. Tsavo East is renowned for its diverse wildlife population, including the famous "Red Elephants" known for their distinctive rust-coloured dust baths. Keep your camera ready as you traverse the park, capturing stunning images of lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffalo herds, and an array of bird species. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you'll gain fascinating insights into the park's ecosystem, the behaviours of its inhabitants, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect Tsavo East's delicate balance. Deepen your understanding of the significance of this incredible natural habitat. Midway through the day, make a stop for a delightful picnic lunch amidst the wilderness, allowing you to savor the flavors while surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Take a moment to recharge and reflect on the morning's adventures, as you soak in the serene ambiance of the African bush. Continuing your exploration, venture into different sections of the park, each offering its own distinct landscapes and wildlife sightings. From vast open plains to acacia-dotted savannahs, Tsavo East's ever-changing scenery provides ample opportunities for breathtaking photographs. As the day winds down, commence your return journey to Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, or Malindi, filled with unforgettable memories and stories to share. Reflect on the wonders you've witnessed and the profound connection you've formed with nature during this immersive Tsavo East Day Safari.

Explore Tsavo East National Park and Ngutuni Sanctuary on a 2-day safari from Diani Beach, Mombasa, Kilifi, Watamu, or Malindi. Enjoy game drives and an overnight stay at Ngutuni Safari Lodge. Start with pickup from your hotel in Diani Beach at 5:00 AM or from Mombasa, Kilifi, Watamu, or Malindi at 6:00 AM. Drive to the Ngutuni Sanctuary, where you will have your first game drive upon arrival. After lunch, embark on a second game drive. The following day, enjoy an early morning game drive before breakfast. All game drives are done at the famous Ngutuni Sanctuary. Stay overnight at the Ngutuni Safari Lodge, which overlooks a water hole. Enjoy full board accommodation, with lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast on the second day. All rooms have balconies overlooking the water hole. Return to your hotel after your morning game drive.

Discover the captivating wonders of Watamu Marine Park on our unforgettable tour. We'll begin by picking you up from your hotel, ensuring a seamless start to your adventure. Brace yourself for an exciting itinerary filled with snorkeling, dolphin spotting, and a sumptuous seafood lunch on one of the islands. Immerse yourself in the underwater paradise as you embark on a snorkeling adventure in the crystal-clear waters of Watamu Marine Park. Marvel at the kaleidoscope of vibrant coral formations teeming with an abundance of marine life. Swim alongside colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and other fascinating creatures that call this coral reef their home. Prepare to be enchanted as you witness the grace and playfulness of dolphins during our dolphin spotting session. These intelligent creatures often swim alongside our boat, providing you with an up-close and personal encounter. Capture these magical moments and create memories that will last a lifetime. After a morning of adventure, it's time to satisfy your taste buds with a delectable seafood lunch on the island. Indulge in the freshest catches of the day, including succulent prawns, lobster, crab, and a variety of mouthwatering fish dishes. The culinary delights are complemented by the stunning ocean views, creating a truly memorable dining experience. As the tour comes to an end, we'll ensure your convenience by dropping you off at your hotel. Reflect on the day's incredible experiences and relish the memories of exploring the marine wonders, spotting dolphins, and indulging in a delectable seafood feast. Join us on this extraordinary tour where adventure, natural beauty, and culinary delights combine to create an unforgettable day at Watamu Marine Park. Book now and let us take you on a journey you'll treasure forever.

As the guest steps aboard the traditional dhow boat, they're greeted by the gentle sway of the vessel and the welcoming smiles of the crew. As the dhow sets sail, your senses are immediately captivated. The salty breeze carries the scent of the ocean, mingling with hints of spices from the Swahili snacks aboard. As the sun begins its descent towards the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and gold, the atmosphere on the dhow becomes infused with a sense of magic. Passengers gather at the bow, eager to witness the spectacle of the sunset unfolding before their eyes. Meanwhile, the crew circulates among the guests, offering trays of tantalizing Swahili snacks. From crispy samosas, delicate mandazi, cassava crisps and viazi karai each bite is a culinary delight, complementing the beauty of the surroundings. As the sky transforms into a canvas of fiery colors, casting a golden glow over the water, the dhow slows its pace, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the moment. Cameras click as guests capture memories of this breathtaking scene, while others simply sit back and absorb the serenity of the moment. As darkness gradually falls and the stars begin to emerge overhead, the dhow slowly makes its way back to shore.

Discover the wildlife of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks on a 3-day safari from Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Watamu, or Malindi. Stay overnight at Ngutuni Safari Lodge and enjoy game drives in both parks. Day 1: Mombasa - Ngutuni Sanctuary - Tsavo West Ziwani Camp Begin with pickup from your hotel in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Watamu, or Malindi. Drive straight to Tsavo East National Park. You will start your first safari game drive with a chance to see the Jumbo red elephants, antelopes, zebras, water buffaloes, lions and many more animals. You will have Lunch and continue with the afternoon safari starting from 4pm to 6pm with a chance of seeing waterbucks, leopards and many more animals. You will Return to Ngutuni Lodge, freshen up, then depart for a night game drive between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM. After the night game drive, have dinner and overnight at Ngutuni Lodge. Day 2: Ngutuni Lodge - Tsavo East National Park Early morning sanctuary game drive from 6.30am to 08.30am then have full breakfast, After breakfast depart to tsavo west voyager Ziwani, for the famous Ziwani nature walk to the waterfall where you will have a chance to see crocodiles and hippos. Have lunch at Ziwani and after lunch, depart to ngutuni sanctuary for the sanctuary game drive, then dinner and overnight at ngutuni sanctuary. Day 3: Ngutuni Lodge - Mombasa Have an early morning game drive between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM at the sanctuary. Return to the lodge for a full breakfast. After breakfast, have another sanctuary safari game drive then have lunch and depart back to your respective beach hotel.

Mombasa, strategically located on the East African coast with its natural deep-water harbor, has a long and rich history as a pivotal center for the spice trade. This trade was a cornerstone of its prosperity for centuries, deeply intertwining with its cultural development. Early Origins and Key Players: * Ancient Trade Routes: Mombasa's role in the spice trade dates back to the pre-modern period, with trade links reaching as far as India and China. Oral historians still recall this era. * Arab Merchants: As early as the 12th century, Arab merchants were crucial in establishing and expanding these trade networks. They exchanged spices for goods like ivory, gold, and slaves. The arrival of Islam, largely spread by these traders, also profoundly shaped the region's culture and commerce. * Indian Traders: Indian sea merchants from the Gulf of Kutch and other parts of India were also significant players. They sailed their dhows, using the alternating monsoon winds to facilitate trade. These pioneer Indian traders were exclusively merchants, not indentured workers, and often enjoyed cordial relations with the Arab ruling class, boosting their commercial ventures. * Swahili City-States: Mombasa, along with other Swahili city-states like Kilwa and Malindi, flourished as bustling centers of commerce, attracting merchants from diverse backgrounds across the Indian Ocean. The "Swahili" identity itself, derived from the Arabic word "sawāḥil" meaning "coasts," reflects this history of coastal trade and cultural exchange. The Golden Age and European Arrival: * Height of Prosperity: The coastal cities of East Africa, including Mombasa, reached the height of their prosperity in the late 1400s, driven by this extensive trade. * Portuguese Intervention: The arrival of Vasco da Gama in 1498 marked the entry of Europeans into the Indian Ocean trade. The Portuguese sought to control the spice trade, challenging the existing Arab-led networks. They eventually gained control of Mombasa, building Fort Jesus between 1593 and 1596 to defend their strategic port. This period was marked by conflicts for control between the Portuguese, Omani Arabs, and local powers. * Omani Influence: In 1698, Mombasa came under the influence of the Sultanate of Oman, though it was often subordinate to Zanzibar. This led to regular local rebellions. Spices Traded: While specific detailed lists of all spices traded throughout Mombasa's history are not always readily available, it's clear that a wide variety of aromatic spices were brought from Asia (particularly India) and incorporated into the local cuisine and broader trade. These included: * Cumin * Cardamom * Saffron * Turmeric Other valuable commodities traded alongside spices included ivory, gold, millet, sesamum, and coconuts. Modern Day Legacy: Today, the Mombasa Spice Market (Marikiti Market) serves as a vibrant, sensory reminder of this rich history. Opened in 1914 and an extension of the Old Town, it continues Spices...