Mombasa

Summer 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.

Get ready to board an exclusive private boat and sail for about one hour searching for dolphins, before snorkeling and diving (for these who choose the diving option) in the Kisite marine national park. Kisite Marine national park is the second most famous marine park in the world, after the Australian Marine Park. Start your morning with a local Swahili breakfast offered on board.Explore 30 kilometers of turtles, marine tortoise, bearreeffs, coral reefs and different types of marine fishes. Next sail to Wasisni Island where your lunch of sea food and Swahili dishes will be served. After lunch, you’ll have the option to do a guided tour of the Wasini island and experience the local Swahili culture, visiting the beautiful coral garden, mangrove forest and fishing village to learn more about the Swahili people and their history. Your local guide will give you an in-depth explanation and background throughout the tour. Alternatively, you can relax at the restaurant, enjoying the sea view and the breeze. Once you are done with the island tour, board the boat and back to the mainland where you will take a guided tour of the Shimoni Slave Caves. Then, start the journey back to your accommodation. The tour normally ends at around 3:30pm.

Fort Jesus: Fort Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century. It now serves as a museum showcasing the history of the coast and its people. Activities: Take a guided tour of the fort, explore the museum exhibits,learn about the great history of the museum and enjoy the views of the Indian Ocean. Old Town Have a chance to eplore the historic Old Town with its narrow streets, Swahili architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Visit landmarks such as the Mandhry Mosque, walk through the narrow streets, visit antique shops and have a chance to see different souvenirs Marikiti spice Market This market is well known for its variety of spices, fresh produce, and local goods. It's a sensory experience with vibrant colors, aromas, and sounds. Activities: Walk through the market, interact with vendors, sample local spices and foods, and buy fresh produce or souvenirs. Pembe za ndovu The mapembe were erected in 1952 to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth to Mombasa, these tusks are an iconic symbol of the city. It is well known for great photo opportunities and learning about their historical significance. Mamangina beach Visit mamangina Beach which is well known for its cool breeze as you watch some Ferry taking people across the ocean to the other side of Mombasa and some ships arriving at the Mombasa sea port

The sanctuary is off the beaten track and most tourists are unaware of this animal haven! The guide will brief you on the sanctuary and how to respect the animals and safety measures. As you walk around the sanctuary, enjoy the company of the free animals in a responsible manner and learn a lot of about wildlife conservation in Africa. You'll literally be inches away from the giraffes, ostriches, antelopes and other animals. The guide will provide fun facts and walks around the sanctuary, to visit all the types of animals. Then you'll have time to settle down at a benches and admire the landscape. Weather and group dependent there is also a sanctuary wildlife tuk tuk that can be used to take guests from place to place. Participants join at their own risk; the organiser is not liable for any accidents, injuries, or losses during the trip. Impact Created: + Supporting a Nature Sanctuary: A space given to the well-being of animals, ensuring they are respected and looked after well. Learning experience for humans while enjoying this incredible experience. + Local Employment: Everyone hired is local and undergoes training to empower them further. New skills are shared to create opportunity to grow. + Accessible to All: An out of Africa experience that everyone can enjoy, with the affordable pricing and optional group trips. Everyone should experience and appreciate nature! + Community Work: The space holds a community library, health centre and auditorium with the mission to enrich the surrounding communities lives. Get ready to enter an activity of a lifetime, shared with Giraffes! Other things to note: Wear sunscreen and appropriate clothing.

Embark on an adventurous day trip with a dhow cruise along the Kenyan coast. Benefit from hotel transfers from Diani Beach, Tiwi, Mombasa, Shanzu, or Mtwapa. Enjoy a blend of natural beauty, marine life encounters, seafood flavors, cultural experiences, and historical insights. Begin your day with a dhow cruise, a traditional Arabian sailing vessel, to the waters of the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. As you glide through the azure waters, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins leaping alongside the boat, providing an exhilarating display of their aquatic prowess. Upon arrival at the marine park, be greeted by a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life and coral formations. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, experiencing the wonders beneath the surface. Swim among tropical fish and turtles, and encounter rays or reef sharks if you’re lucky. After your aquatic adventures, sail to Wasini Island. Savor a seafood lunch featuring the fresh catch of the day. Relish in the flavors of succulent seafood delicacies, prepared with local spices and culinary expertise, while enjoying the island’s tranquil ambiance and scenic views. Following lunch, take a stroll through the village on Wasini Island, interacting with the friendly residents and gaining insight into the local culture and way of life. You can also choose to take a tour of the Shimoni slave caves, a historical site offering a glimpse into the region's dark past. As the day draws to a close, board the dhow once again. On the cruise back to the mainland, relish the picturesque coastal scenery one last time, cherishing the beauty of the Kenyan coastline as the sun sets. Finally, get dropped off at your hotel.

Drive to Wasini Island along Mombasa – Lunga Lunga highway, a distance of 45 km to the south of Diani, arriving at around 8.30 am at the Shimoni KWS for ticketing then we start the boat ride for one hour searching for dolphins. We have a light breakfast, fruit, and some soft drinks onboard. Sail to Kisite Marine National Park where you will snorkel and swim for 1 to 2 hrs. Afterward, we sail back to Wasini Island for lunch mainly seafood and Swahili dishes (we have an option for the non-seafood that is vegetarian/ chicken). After lunch, you can have a village walk for about 30 minutes on the Island and then sail back to Shimoni jetty arriving at around 3:30 pm. We then proceed to Shimoni Slave caves just 200m from Shimoni jetty. Learn the history of slavery in the area while touring the cave. The cave stop takes between 20 and 30 minutes. Then you drive back to your hotel arriving at around 5:00 pm.

This exciting tour begins with a complimentary hotel pickup either from the north or south coast hotels. After a brief introduction, you depart from your hotel to the Tsavo East National Park. You will drive for 3 hours and start your game drive as soon as you enter the main gate. You will enjoy a hot lunch in any of the lodges in the camp. Later, go on an afternoon game drive before leaving the park at around 3.pm and heading back to your coastal hotel with a lot of memories. The sight of dust-red elephants wallowing, rolling, and spraying each other with the midnight blue waters of palm-shaded Galana River is one of the most evocative images in Africa. This, along with the 300 kilomtere long Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world, make for an adventure unlike any other in the Tsavo East. The park forms the largest protected area in Kenya and is home to most of the larger mammals, vast herds of dust –red elephant, Rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, pods of hippo, crocodile, waterbucks, lesser Kudu, gerenuk, and the prolific bird life features 500 recorded species.

Explore Mombasa’s old town and nature on a guided tour that includes entrance to museum all activities, and round-trip hotel transport. Get the perfect introduction to the city by visiting with a local guide, who will share stories about Mombasa culture and heritage, and introduce you to local cuisine in the old town market. Begin your tour with a pickup from your hotel and proceed to Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in the 16th Century. The site chosen was a coral ridge at the entrance to the harbor and was built to secure the safety of Portuguese living on the East Coast of Africa. It has had a long history of hostilities of the interested parties that used to live in Mombasa. Omani Arabs attacked the Fort from 1696 to 1698. Between 1837 and 1895, the Fort was used as barracks for the soldiers. When the British protectorate was proclaimed on the 1st of July 1895, the Fort was converted into a prison. The Fort is now an important historical landmark in the East African region. Your day takes you down an intriguing maze of cobbled narrow streets, ancient mosques and picturesque residential houses evoke the islands medieval past, overhanging balconies and through mysterious doorways to bustling markets filled with exotic spice, fruit and colorful fabrics. Then drive through the Elephant Tusks on Moi Avenue and call in at the Akamba woodcarvers, where you can see the carvers at work and a great opportunity to purchase some of the wonderful crafts and other souvenirs of your stay in Africa. Have a lunch break. You can have lunch at a restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Dr. Rene Haller’s Nature Park (Haller Park), former quarries now reforested and home to many animals. Currently, Haller Park plays host to a variety of wildlife including hippos, giraffes, buffalos, and antelopes, crocodiles as well as smaller mammals and birds. The vital task was to find pioneer plants which could survive the limestone desert. The plants had to survive the fierce tropical sun. After planting 26 plants only three of them survived: The damas, coconut palm, and the casuarina..., More plants distributed by wind and animal established themselves in the quarry. The next tree species were carefully selected. The quarry slowly developed into a sanctuary for endangered species of plants. Over the years, over 180 species of indigenous trees and bushes have been planted. Modes of propagation of plants however vary, all in the aim of ensuring succession. Vervet monkeys, insects and some bird species have participated actively in succession within the ecosystem. They feed on fruits of the ficus trees, whose seeds must travel through an alimentary canal to completely break dormancy. If this step take place, the seeds have to be boiled to achieve the same effect. When animals excrete, the seeds are dispersed in their feces and those that hit fertile ground may germinate. This has helped achieve growth in parts of the forest that are not easily accessible..

Mombasa, the coastal city of Kenya is best explored on foot. Mombasa is the country’s oldest and second largest city. The city’s charm can clearly be seen in the old style architecture of its buildings. A real melting pot of languages and cultures from different sides of the Indian Ocean Like an exotic desert waits for travelers the city is waiting to be explored. Modern Mombasa is a city of great diversity and life. Let loose and immerse yourself in the past and in the everyday life of the local friendly people who just smile at you and make you feel welcome, be prepared for the overcrowded spaces especially in the markets and on streets. You will be picked from your hotel or accommodation and proceed to Mombasa town.You will be given a brief history of the garden and the Tusks. Thereafter proceed to the Second World War cemetery. The walk will take you to Mama Ngina Drive where you will be shown one of the oldest Baobab Trees and you will be given a brief history why the Baobabs were planted there. Proceed to Likoni Channel that separates the Mombasa Island and the Mainland South. You will walk towards Fort Jesus and for those who will be interested to get inside will do so at an additional cost. The Fort was built by the Portuguese and it was a very important facility. The fort is a testament to how western powers of the time tried to control the Indian Ocean trade routes and wrest them away from Middle East and Asian influence. After visit to Fort Jesus you will pass by the Mombasa Club built in 1897 and you will learn the history behind it. From there you will take NTHIA KUU meaning highway and this was the first main road to be built in Kenya. You will visit the first Government square, the first British Governors house, Old Post Office, Old Prison and the Portuguese Cemetery. The walk will take you to the Portuguese Chapel which was built by the Portuguese. After the Chapel you will see the oldest mosque in Mombasa . You will meander in the narrow streets of the Old Town. The guide will give you a detailed History of the Swahili people and how they came about. You will as well learn about their culture, food etc. You will proceed to the Eleven Steps and this is where the first Christian Missionary Dr Ludwig Kraph lived and later it was a Germany Consulate. Our guide will tell you more about this. You will as well see the old or first American, Austrian and Italian Consulates in the Old town. The Old Town will not complete without seeing the Mackinnon Market where they sell Fruits, Vegetables, Spices and Meat. We will finish the tour by visiting the Slave Market and the Free Town Bell of Freedom. This Tour will take four hours and we will be having lots of walking.

Avoid the stress of finding a taxi or the hassle of a shared shuttle service when you arrive at Mombasa's busy Moi International Airport. Enjoy the convenience of a private transfer directly to or from your accommodation in the Diani Beach area. A professional driver will pick you up and drop you off either at the airport or at the doorstep of your hotel or private residence. Travel in a comfortable, spacious sedan for 3 passengers or minivan for up to 6 passengers. Sit back and enjoy the ride to your destination without worrying about taxi meters or traffic. This transfer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.