Mombasa
Mombasa isKenyas second largest city ans is not much like Nairobi. The hustle-bustle, cell phones, and expensive suits of the capital are replaced by a laid-back attitude, where locals dressed in traditional Islamic garb move as slowly as possible in the blistering heat. The Arabic influence is quite evident in the dress, architecture, and food of Mombasa.
Mombasa is just an hour or two from three nice beaches, with glorious white sands. When youre not in the water or soaking up the sun, take a stroll into Old Town to get a taste of Swahili culture and street food, then visit the historic Fort Jesus, or check out some of the hottest clubs in the country. Such as the Tembo nightclub where the party never stops. A 24 hour outdoor bar and disco.
Related Travel Information
Shimba Hills National Reserve
If you are searching for peace and tranquility, this is the reserve to offer the same. This reserve is an 'out-of-this-world' experience to see hundreds of zebra and impala grazing in the African bush and giraffes in a feast of grass and leaves.
Factfile - Shimba Hills National Reserve
Location: South of Mombassa, Kenia
Total area: 300 sq. kms.
Major attractions: Elephant, genet and civet cat, leopard
Best time to visit: November-February
Easily accessible from the coastal highway (Mombasa) is Shimba Hills National Reserve. It overlooks an emerald of glade of dense coastal rain forest with giant cycads. Wildlife at this reserve
The Coast
It sometimes seams as if the Swahili Coast is not part of Kenya at all. The culture of the Coast is a unique mix of African Bantu and Arab Muslim influences, a combination created by Arab traders who arrived on the Kenyan Coast before the 7th Century. By the 12th Century, permanent settlements were formed, and the Arabs took root. Arab men took African women as wives, and the Swahili people were born. Of course communication was necessary, so Kiswahili arose from the mixing of Africans’ tribal tongues and the traders’ Arabic.
The Coast is a main attraction for travelers.
Getting Around Kenya
By Air:
Kenya has about 250 airports (of vastly varying quality) and plenty of airlines connecting Nairobi with Mombasa, Kisumu, Nanyuki, Malindi, Lamu, and the national parks/reserves of Amboseli Masai Mara and Samburu. While many flights are heavily booked flying around Kenya during the high season, it is a relatively safe and relatively cheap way to cover a lot of ground. Always buy your tickets in advance. If you are going on a “safari” with an organized tour, the company will usually book your tickets to the national parks for you, and the price will be included in
Kisite Marine Park And Mpunguti Marine Reserve
Mpunguti and Kisite, which jointly gained its status as a Marine Reserve and Park in 1978, actually consist of the Inner and outer Mpunguti Islands and Kisite Island. A dhow transports you over to the shallow marine reserve from the coastal mainland, where you have the opportunity to witness the clarity of water and awesomeness of diverse number of marine life. Kisite - Mpunguti Marine Park and National Reserves is loved by snorkels and divers because of the ease of viewing (but not touching or examining) and picture taking. Deep sea fishing lovers can
