North Coast of Mombasa
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Overview
The North Coast of Mombasa is a popular tourist destination in Kenya, known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. The North Coast stretches from Nyali to Malindi and is home to a variety of resorts, hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Here are some of the most popular beaches on the North Coast of Mombasa:
- Nyali Beach: Nyali Beach is the most popular beach on the North Coast and is known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. Nyali Beach is also home to a variety of resorts, hotels, restaurants, and shops.
- Bamburi Beach: Bamburi Beach is another popular beach on the North Coast and is known for its calm waters and shallow beaches. Bamburi Beach is also home to a variety of water sports activities, such as jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing.
- Shanzu Beach: Shanzu Beach is a quieter beach on the North Coast and is known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Shanzu Beach is also home to a number of boutique hotels and lodges.
- Kikambala Beach: Kikambala Beach is a secluded beach on the North Coast and is known for its natural beauty and tranquility. Kikambala Beach is also home to a number of eco-lodges and resorts.
Sightseeing
In addition to the beaches, the North Coast of Mombasa is also home to a number of national parks and reserves. Some of the most popular national parks and reserves on the North Coast include:
- Arabuko Sokoke Forest: Arabuko Sokoke Forest is the largest remaining coastal forest in Kenya and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and leopards. Arabuko Sokoke Forest is also home to a number of endemic plant and animal species.
- Mida Creek: Mida Creek is a mangrove ecosystem that is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and fish. Mida Creek is a popular destination for boat tours and kayaking.
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Haller Park is a nature park located in Bamburi, Mombasa, on the Kenyan coast. It is the transformation of a quarry wasteland into an ecological area. Haller Park holds a variety of plant and animal species which serve as a recreation spot for tourists and locals.
Haller Park was founded in 1971 by Dr. Rene Haller, a Swiss zoologist. Dr. Haller was inspired to create the park after seeing the devastation that had been caused to the environment by the limestone quarrying industry. He began by planting trees and shrubs on the barren wasteland, and gradually introduced a variety of animals to the park.
Today, Haller Park is home to a variety of plants and animals, including giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, snakes, and monkeys. The park also has a butterfly house and a reptile house.
Akamba Crafts
Akamba crafts are a popular tourist souvenir in Mombasa, Kenya. The Akamba people are a Bantu ethnic group who live in the eastern part of Kenya. They are known for their skilled craftsmanship, and their products are sold all over Kenya and the world.
Some of the most popular Akamba crafts include:
- Wood carvings: The Akamba people are skilled wood carvers, and their wood carvings are known for their intricate designs and high quality. Some of the most popular Akamba wood carvings include animals, masks, and human figurines.
- Baskets: Akamba baskets are also very popular. They are made from a variety of materials, including sisal, palm leaves, and banana fibers. Akamba baskets are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they are often used for storage, decoration, and gift-giving.
- Jewelry: Akamba jewelry is made from a variety of materials, including beads, seeds, and wire. Akamba jewelry is often brightly colored and has intricate designs. Some of the most popular Akamba jewelry items include necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Akamba crafts can be found in a variety of places in Mombasa, including markets, souvenir shops, and hotels. It is important to note that not all Akamba crafts are created equal. Some crafts are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, while others are made with lower-quality materials and craftsmanship. It is important to inspect the crafts carefully before purchasing them to ensure that you are getting a good quality product.
Here are some tips for buying Akamba crafts in Mombasa:
- Go to a reputable market or souvenir shop. There are many markets and souvenir shops in Mombasa, but not all of them are reputable. It is important to go to a shop that is known for selling high-quality Akamba crafts.
- Inspect the crafts carefully before purchasing them. Look for crafts that are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Avoid crafts that are made with low-quality materials or that have flaws.
- Ask the seller questions about the crafts. Ask the seller about the materials used to make the crafts and about the craftsmanship. You can also ask the seller about the history of the Akamba people and their culture.
- Be prepared to haggle. Haggling is common in Mombasa, so be prepared to haggle with the seller over the price of the crafts.
Old Town City Tour
- Half-Day Mombasa City Tour: This tour takes you to Fort Jesus, Haller Park, and the Old Town, as well as other popular attractions in Mombasa City. You will have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Mombasa, and to see some of its most iconic landmarks.
- Full-Day Mombasa City Tour: This tour is similar to the half-day tour, but it includes more time at each of the attractions. You will also have the opportunity to visit a local market and to try some traditional Kenyan cuisine.
Mombasa Marine Park
Mombasa Marine National Park is a marine protected area located off the coast of Mombasa, Kenya. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kenya, known for its beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life.
The park was established in 1986 to protect the coral reefs and marine life of the area. The park covers an area of approximately 200 square kilometers and is home to a variety of coral reefs, fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.
Mombasa Marine National Park is a great place to go snorkeling and diving. The water is clear and the coral reefs are teeming with marine life. Visitors can also go on boat tours of the park, which offer a great opportunity to see dolphins and other marine animals.
In addition to its natural beauty, Mombasa Marine National Park also has a rich cultural history. The park is home to a number of historical sites, including the Mbaraki Fort and the Tudor Creek.
Here are some tips for visiting Mombasa Marine National Park:
- The best time to visit Mombasa Marine National Park is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. The weather during the dry season is mild and sunny, and the visibility in the water is better.
- Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses when visiting Mombasa Marine National Park. The sun can be very strong in Kenya, so it is important to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays.
- Drink plenty of water, especially if you are going to be snorkeling or diving.
- Be aware of the tides and currents. The tides and currents can be strong in Mombasa Marine National Park, so it is important to be aware of them before you go snorkeling or diving.
- If you are not an experienced snorkeler or diver, it is a good idea to take a tour with a qualified guide. This will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
PHOTO CREDIT: Trip Advisor
Accommodation
The North Coast is home to a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts.
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Mombasa Island
Mombasa Island is a 5 by 3 kilometer (14.25 square km) coral outcrop located on Kenya's coast on the Indian Ocean, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Part of the city of Mombasa is located on the island, including the Old Town.
Mombasa Island has a rich history, dating back to the 12th century. The island was controlled by a variety of different empires over the centuries, including the Portuguese, the Arabs, and the British. Mombasa Island played an important role in the slave trade, and it was also a major center for trade between Africa and the Middle East.
Today, Mombasa Island is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diverse culture. The island is also home to a number of historical sites, including Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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