Kenya holiday: Retreats of the tropical coast

Kenya coast offers one of the most amazing beauties of apt tropical tranquil that leave lifelong memories to holiday makers. From the south coast to the north, there are infinite matchless varieties of surreal holiday experiences.
It is for this reason that African Adventure crew – your preferred, informative and authoritative travel informer have ‘pitched our tents’ along serene tropical coast. In the next few consecutive editions of our Nature series, we will sample the utmost of Kenyan coast. And today, we start with Watamu, its contrasting environs, uniqueness and attractions.
Watamu is an amazing paradise of sun and sand with an international reputation for its reef-protected beaches, offering safe sunbathing at both high and low tides all the year round. The natural feature most obvious to the visitor is of course the marine park.

The park was created in 1968 and is part of the far larger Malindi-Watamu marine reserve, which includes Mida creek. The marine park extends from Blue Lagoon in the North to Whale Island in the south and is mainly a lagoon habitat with depths in the central channel up to 6 meters (approx 20 feet), and some isolated holes by the turtle reef of up to 12 meters (approx 39 feet)

For competent swimmers, snorkeling can be done direct from the beach. However, beware of tidal currents, especially near the entrance to the Mida creek. In addition to snorkeling, there is an assortment of other water sports, ranging from surfing, deep sea fishing and scuba diving which is rated the best in East Africa.

The most spectacular areas for snorkeling are around the Coral Gardens and the adjacent Richard Burnet reef, where a vast array of tropical fish can be seen. Theses include the surgeon fish, snappers, parrot fish, angel fish, puffer fish, butterfly fish, trigger fish and many other awesome spectacles of variety and color.

Rays can also be seen swimming through the water in a graceful flying motion while, on occasion, you might see some young reef sharks in the shallows. No need to worry – they are harmless and are usually just lazing around.

Most of the hard coral species occurring in the Kenya coast have been identified with a healthy reef system. Most easily recognizable corals are the Porites Hump corals – which are slow-growing and may be up to 4 meters (13 feet) in diameter.

There is an ornithological paradise at Mida creek, a wide variety of tropical reef fish in the adjacent waters of Watamu and endemic flora and fauna in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest.

The unique Kipepeo project which is located near the entrance of the Gede ruins is worth a visit. The project is a small community based butterfly farm that exports pupae to Europe and the United States for use in live butterfly exhibits. With over a decade in operation, the project incorporates 150 butterfly farmers who mainly consist of local families that live adjacent to the Eastern border of the Arabuko Sokoke forest.

Here you will be able to see the delicate, gentle and inimitable rearing procedure and also sample a visitor centre illustrating interesting displays and information. There is also a large flight cage to wander through and see a selection of Arabuko Sokoke butterflies at a close range.

Another fascinating place worth a visit is Gede ruins. This historic site is known to be one of the ancient Arab towns which dotted the East African coastline. It dates back to the late 13th to early 14th century and was finally abandoned in the early 17th century.

At its helm of prosperity, Gede had a population of over 2500 people. The Gede ruins gained the status of Historic Monument in 1972 and much excavation and preservation work has been carried out over the years so that the larger 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. Between the inner and outer walls, there is a nature trail which is probably the best indication of the dry forest vegetation which existed on the raised coral reef before human habitation.

Two other sites have been found in the recent times at Dabasso Rock and Kalalu caves which are sacred shrines to the local Giriama people.

It therefore important to note that, although visitors are welcome to 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 immense esteem.

Kenya holiday Safaris
Contributed By Francis Nyaga

MALINDI – THE TROPICAL PARADISE

Malindi’s ancient history, authentic cultural and epic architectural, location puts it in a limelight of sundry interests. However, it is the diversity of holiday making choices that gives Malindi its definitive identity – the tropical paradise’. Following the sign posts, drive through the beautifully hedged, villas, resorts and mansion tangled finely amidst indigenous flora and the last left turn takes you straight to Malindi Marine Park.

Enveloped by a national reserve and a 100ft strip of coastal land starting from Vasco-da-Gama pillar, Malindi Marine Park is located 4km south of Malindi town extending to Mida creek, neighboring Gede ruins and Arabuko sokoke forest, then down to Watamu. It was the first marine protected area in Kenya established in 1968 and designated as a Biosphere reserve under the Man and Biosphere Reserve program of UNESCO in 1979.

Malindi Marine Park is endowed with a variety of unique resources such as fringing reefs, coral gardens in the lagoons, sea grass beds, mangroves, mudflats and a high diversity of fish and marine mammals including turtles and shorebirds. Among the species of fish found in the park include coral reef fish, sweetlips, surgeon fish, butterfly fish, damsel and parrotfish.

The untold phenomena of tidal islands that appear magically during the low tides are such an incredible scenario. Imagine walking almost a kilometer in the sea on soft white sand overlooking crystal blue fast flowing waters in the adjacent fringing reef. Then with a glass bottom boat, cross the reef and you are rewarded with a seemingly endless lagoon intercepted by white magical islands. And the experience repeats itself over and over as you sail inner to the coral garden and far stretch to Mayungu … and that is just a glimpse of Malindi Marine Park!

Whether you are snorkeling or scuba diving, you are sure to marvel at the under water beauty, or may just bump into other regular visitors to the Malindi marine park – this may include turtles feeding on the thallasia beds and dolphins feeding on shimmering schools of sardine. On the leeward side of north reef, there has a low coral cover with large schools of Barracuda and occasional reef sharks that are commonly encountered, as well as large rays that feed on the bottom.

Swimming in the warm ocean water, snorkeling, boat rides, diving, and dhow rides, sun bathing and educational tours are among the diverse activities at Malindi Marine Park. All this is without mentioning implausible picnics and barbeque on island, wind surfing (in the reserve), and occasional beach clean up and research.

There is no charge to use the beach for swimming, sunbathing or exploring the many tidal pools. However, a park fee is charged for visitors using boats to go snorkeling, scuba diving or observing the coral reefs.

Kenya Holiday safaris
Courtesy of : Francis Nyaga

Customer care – Malindi Marine Park

Wildlife safari holiday – ultimate jungle experience

It is no doubt that Kenya has earned a notch in the world as a preferred destination for those seeking ultimate jungle experience, adventures in the wilderness and precise comfort in a wildlife thrilled parks and reserves. “Wildlife safari” was launched this year by the government of Kenya through ministry of tourism as the Kenya’s official destination brand.

Your favorite, reliable and authoritative safari blog ‘African adventure crew’ headed by Francis was again on the ground to see whether this was reflected in truth or it was just a fiction. From our extensive experiences from the holiday makers, we have in this season’s ‘Nature series’ heard stories on real time adventure and eye witness experiences from varied holiday makers in Kenya over the peak months of July and August.

Bob and Kristina - UK
We first met Bob and Kristina an elderly couple that had come to Kenya to mark their lovely 40th anniversary in marriage. The couple had left Samburu national reserve the day before, and had just completed an early morning game drive in L. Nakuru national park. All cheerful and elated with Joy, it was easy to overture and bond with them thanks to the great awe inspiring experiences that kept them smiling all through. To Kristina, seeing Kudus in the wild amidst unique wildlife of samburu was a sought-after memory. In Lake Nakuru, they were lucky to spot the endangered black rhino, while the white rhinos and the stunning panoramic of millions of flamingos roamed were just infront of them. Their itinerary was skillfully and precisely drawn to ensure they touched every heart of the best and unique wilds during their Kenya safari.

Seane story - Australia
The next day we met Sean and party from Australia. No doubt, this young couple must have had a hint of the best way to explore Kenya’s wildlife – camping safari! Their choice to do their Kenya camping safari in August was sheer brilliance as the weather is generally favorable. After breakfast, we proceed to hells gate national park. Sammy the cook had made a yummy packed lunch for the group. Hiking the hells gate was not just a lovely experience but also a great adventure and exercise.

Our choice to set our survey base around the two rift valley lakes – Nakuru and Naivasha was a pre-arranged due to the central location and popularity. Lake Nakuru is Kenya’s premium national park offering a diverse ecosystem and great wildlife spotting within a close range. Lake Naivasha on the other hand hosts the most deluxe vacation resorts and campsites with diverse wildlife and great boating excursions. It is at these two lakes where you can meet tourists with unique and varied itineraries and therefore a chance to obtain views from mixed experiences and different destinations.

Martin Black’s family
We met Martin Black, his mama 79 and three children on the forth day of our program. By then, the group had seen more than they had expected. The two girls were drawing pictures of various wildlife that they had seen, while the young boy was busy playing games and listening to music. Even though this particular group had lived in many places of the world, they openly confessed that Kenya is a ‘paradise’ thanks to scores of wildlife, beautiful sceneries and white-sanded coastal beaches not forggeting the friendly and charming people.

Melywn family - UK
On the fifth day of our analysis, I met the lovely and exciting vacationers of the season – the Melywn’s family from UK. Their driver/guide, Charles made an incredible introduction causing a quick confidence and bond between the two parties. Immediately after briefing, we engaged in a conversation unconscious that we were running behind time. On the way to Naivasha we had great talks as the group shared their experiences and also asked questions on various issues concerning Kenya. The group did a trek in Hells gate national park as well as taking photos of the magnificent Hells gate Gorge, Fischer,s and Central towers and the splendid view of Lake Naivasha from Olkaria hill. The group saw myriad wildlife and inimitable sceneries through out their safari.

Yifat family - Israel
Shalom!! thats how it started. Our last group in this series was Yifat family from Israel. Having visited ‘north of equator’ wildlife parks, they had a great comparison with the lower equator parks. It is amazing how nature is discrete with unsearchable uniqueness. Unlike other African destinations, Kenya wildlife observe the hemispherical rules in that some species are only found on the northern part of equator while others are purely restricted to the southern. Yifat family then proceded to hike the Menengai crater. The crater lies at 2272 meters above sea level and was formed as result of combined rift valley and volcanic activities. The ashy smell from molten lava can be felt up to date while the whole floor is covered by black volcanic rocks and shrubs. On clear days, one can see most rift valley lakes such as Bogoria, Baringo, Elmentaita and the near by Lake Nakuru.

Courtesy of Francis Nyagah
Adventure crew

Tsavo Cheetah Project

The Tsavo National Parks, in south eastern Kenya, are probably most renowned for the notorious, mane-less, man-eating lions of the late nineteenth century… or even the numerous ‘red elephants’ covered in red dust from the sands which blanket the grounds of the vast, bio-diversity rich Tsavo ecosystem.

But if you come to Tsavo, she will soon show you, if you are here long enough: solid black spots glimmering in between the grass blades of the savanna, a glimpse of large copper eyes peering through a Commophora bush, or a distinctive footprint of a cat with claw marks – that of the elusive cheetah (or duma, in the Swahili language). Currently, approximately 200 cheetahs (1/4 of Kenya’s total cheetah population) are suspected to occupy the Tsavo ecosystem which covers an area of 40,000 square kilometers. But if we are to preserve this large, potentially viable population we must first obtain reliable information on numbers, distribution, conservation status and threats.

The Tsavo Cheetah Project was initiated in August 2008, after three years of preliminary work. The primary aims of this initial 4 year study are to: 1) Determine cheetah numbers and population threats in the vast and unfenced Tsavo National Parks, adjoining communities, ranches and sanctuaries. 2) Alleviate conflict issues between people and cheetahs with education and awareness. 3) Test and further develop cheetah monitoring and census techniques. Continue here..

Camping in Kenya

Its beyond any doubt that africa makes one of the most wonderful and adventurous camping vacation for any one who enjoy outdoor adventures. Camping in Kenya offers you utmost flexibility. Since you have all the basics that you need in your adventure camping vehicle, time is at your control.. This makes it all so easy and relaxing knowing that you can spend as much time or less depending on where you want to visit.

The superb tropical climate with hot breezy days and cool tranquil nights gives you an interpretable sensation. The sceneries thrilled with undisturbed reserves and the great natural attractions such as lakes, Mountains ranges, snow peaks, wildlife, forests and culturated expanses will leave you dreadly inspired. An interaction with the local people in their ethnicity is a great prove that africa's diversity is unique.

Among the many places worth visit in africa, you will find Kenya tour to be more deserving. Imagine camping in the heart of wildlife thrilled savanahs surrounded by beautiful sceneries and clear open skies at night. In some places, you can opt to spend your night under open skies and enjoy the quietness of the cool breezes.

But this depends on how you plan it. The most important thing for any successful camping is advance planning. You need to plan on where to go, when, how long and the number of people you will be sharing the experience with. With these in mind, then it will be easier for you to do your budget and also know what is essential and what is not. Altenatively have a local agent do the arrangements for you.

Then its time to pack your camping gear. If you are booking your camping tour through a Kenya tour operator, then you will be exempted the task of carrying a complete gear since most Kenya tour firms will do this for you. But if this is not the case, then you will need to itemize your gear and all the essentials that you would use while camping. Depending on when and where you like to camp and what you like to do, the list will be ever changing. A tip is to think flexibility. The ease with which you can set/move camp and off course the weight of your stuff, including foods.

You've finally arrived at your camping destination and you're scoping out the area to see which spot looks best for setting up your campsite. While choosing the campsite, please consider pitching your tent on slightly high level ground to keep you safe incase of rains. You will also need to consider fundermental issues such as water source, adequate cooking area, cleaning area (don’t kill vegation with hot soapy water), garbage area and finally, consider a camping area with some shade.

After setting up the campsite it's time to go do what you came here to do, "go play!" Whatever your preoccupation is, enjoy! Do such refreshing things as; seeing the campsite set up, smelling the country air, short walks, go bird watching, take a bike ride, stroll around, eat well, enjoy a drink and if possible get a feel with the local communities. This is a refreshing change from all of the confines of the city.

Then in the evening enjoy the orange African fire while the sounds of wilderness fill the night: Night birds, the laughter of hyenas, the buzz of a mosquito or the occasional roar of lions proclaiming their territory.

Camping, whether with pals or family can be lots of fun. But you need to pay attention to a couple of things for example baboons and vervet monkeys. Baboons can be a menace and some times destructive. So as to cope with baboons and monkeys, always make sure; you close your tent, never leave you campsite unattended and constantly keep all the foodstuffs away from their, because that is what they seek. This way, you will be able to keep them off the temptation.

It's time to leave the camp? A little effort is all that you need to expend in order to ensure that the next camper arriving at the campsite after you will enjoy it just as much. The most basic principle rule for camping is: Leave No Trace. It's all about respect for nature. If campers would just leave their campsites the better than the way they found them (assuming it was clean to begin with), then we will all be doing our share in making sure that other generations will have their share of fun in the wilds of Africa.

Adventure Travel Crew
Kenya camping safaris
Natural Track Safaris

Kenya tour, shores of lake Turkana

By Wachira Kigotho
East African Standard

The shores of Lake Turkana have offered another glimpse to early phases of human evolution.
Archaeologists have discovered a set of 1.5 million-year-old footprints at Ileret, an archaeological site at the northern shores of the lake. The footprints confirm the early man walked upright.
The discovery is reported in the current edition of Science, the journal that publishes significant original scientific research and policy issues.
The researchers from the National Museums of Kenya, Bournemouth University, George Washington University, Rutgers University and University of Cape Town say the findings add to the interpretation of the later pre-history of Africa.

According to Prof Matthew Bennet, the findings show that more than 1.5 million years ago, early man had evolved a modern human foot function and a style of bipedal locomotion that we would recognise today.
The new footprints are the second oldest in the world after the 3.7 million year-old prints in Laetoli in Tanzania. Prof Brian Richmond of George, a leading archaeologist from George Washington University, said discovery of early man’s footprints are incredibly rare event.

But for the first time, the researchers used a three dimensional method to analyse the ancient footprints and to compare them with those of modern humans.
The international team led by Prof Jack Harris of Rutgers University and Prof David Braun of University of Cape Town excavated two distinct sedimentary layers in a single outcrop at Ileret and revealed footprints that were preserved in fine-grained mud.
Footprint like human’s..
The surfaces have been dated precisely through inter-bedded volcanic ash layers to 1.51 to 1.53 million years old. Thereafter, the scientists created three-dimensional digital elevation models of the prints, which are accurate to a fraction of a millimetre.

According to Braun, the footprints were probably formed by Homo erectus, a species of hominids believed to have lived in the area during that period.
However, the major evidence is that the fossil footprints have a big toe that is in line with the other toes, a robust heel and anklebones, a pronounced longitudinal arch and short toes which are characteristics of a modern human foot.

"Through advanced scientific analysis, we were able to determine that the shapes of these prints are more like those formed by modern humans compared to the prints from Laetoli," said Bennet. Archaeologists believe the Tanzanian footprints were formed by Australopithecus afarensis, an older hominid species that lived in Eastern Africa between three to five million years ago.
But based on the size and the stride pattern of these newly discovered footprints, the team determined that the individuals responsible would have been about six feet in height.

Site at risk..
"The size and stature estimates derived from the Ileret prints compare well with those of our distant ancestor, Homo erectus, and are too large to have been formed by other hominid species that might have lived in this part of Africa," says Richmond.
According to the study, "Early Hominin Foot Morphology Based on 1.5-Million-Year-Old Footprints from Ileret, Kenya" the discovery supports archaeological hypothesis that Homo erectus had a larger home range that enhanced dietary quality and shift in cultural and biological adaptations in comparison to earlier hominids.

Unfortunately, the area in which the footprints are located is eroding, placing the valuable site at great risk. However, the process of laser scanning of the footprints is being used to preserve the discovery for posterity and further study.
"The digital scans are easily replicable and can be transformed into real-life casts available for museum display around the world or even in classrooms," says Ms Emma Mbua of the National Museums of Kenya.
The footprints are some of the recent discoveries made jointly by the National Museums of Kenya and international archaeological teams.

By Wachira Kigotho
East African Standard

Climbing Mount Kenya

On the tropical land widely known as the craddle of mankind, sixteen kilometers south of equator lie a magficent land mark. It raises 5199 metres above see level making it the second highest mountain in Africa and the highest in Kenya. The highest peaks are Batian and Nelion – only mountaneers with technical skills can reach it. Point Lenana is the third highest peak and can be reached by trekkers – and is usually the goal for most people wishing to turf this great mountain locally known as Kirinyaga.

Mount Kenya, a mountain cocktailed with numerous intrinsic worth of significance and an attractive proposal for a Kenya tour. Its native appeal have carried its lure to every generation whether past, present or those that their fate of existence is eagerly awaiting. There are superb views over the surrounding country from point Lenana. The summit is often cloacked in mist from late morning until late afternoon.
Of ultmost importance is the cultural heritage and belief of the 'Agikiyu' also known as Kikuyu who trace their roots from this magnicent dome. The Kikuyu folktale of origin is as interesting as trekking Mt. Kenya itself.

They say "During ancient creation days, a dense cloud stood over the land as Ngai (the divider of the universe) descended to earth and made his dwelling upon the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya. Then He (Ngai) beckoned Gikuyu to the consecrated mountain and gave him the land around Kirinyaga (Mt. Kenya) as an inheritance and treasure for Him and his descendants. Then Gikuyu went to an orchard of sacred fig trees. While resting, Gikuyu found a beautiful woman who He gave her the name Mumbi and took her for his wife. They were then hallowed with nine charmingly glance daughters who later grew into very beautiful women. The daughters kept on besseeching saying their parents saying "Oohh that we would have husbands and build our own homes so that the names of our parents would last forever"

For many moons, Gikuyu and Mumbi searched their hearts in their quest to satisfy their daugthers' desires. At last in despair, Gikuyu fell upon his knees. Raising his face to Kirinyaga he called upon his creator, to bless his daughters with husbands and Ngai heard Him and commanded Gikuyu to make a sacrifice under the orchard of the fig tree. Heeding the commandment, Gikuyu sacrificed a lamb and a sheep fowl and lit a fire with nine burning sticks and said " we have come to beseech thee for rain that satsfies our children. Say now that the rain may fall" Suddenly out of the fire came nine young men whose backs were firm and strong like the trunk of the sacred Mugumo (fig) tree and when Gikuyu saw them, he gave thanks and welcomed them to the homesated.

Unanble to resist the beauty of Gikuyu and Mumbi's daughters, they asked for their hand in marriage. Gikuyu blessed the marriages and each daughter built herself a hut and started their families thus the name of Gikuyu and Mumbi prospered. Each daugthers generation came together to form a clan thus the nine Kikuyu clans. From the tribute of Gikuyu and Mumbi and in the honor of Ngai, the Kikuyu's build their houses with doors facing Mountains Kenya. It is also not uncommon to see Kikuyu burrying their dead relatives with head facing Kirinyaga.

Tales of Kikuyu's enterpreneurship are not uncommon in the modern world, their hardwork, determination and industrious innovative investments are inspiring. This is without the fact that the Kikuyu's form the largest ethnic group in Kenya with the widest political and economical representation in Kenya. While on Kenya safari, you will not miss tales of this industrious ethnic group")

Of further startling trait is how Mount Kenya was named. Dr. Edward Krapt was the first white man to see the snow peaks on the equator and by spotting the glaciers of Mt. Kenya from a great distance he was motivated to find out more about the epidode. Curious of such an historic and fulfilling phenomena he asked a Kamba elder of the name of the mountain. Unable to pronounce Kirinyaga, the Kamba elder said Kiinyaa and Krapt translated it as Kenya thus the name upto date.

Mount Kenya is also surrounded by a national park called by the same name. The park, which was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997 and is a Biosphere Reserve, covers 715 km2, and includes the Peaks consisting of all the ground above 3200m with two small salients extending lower down to 2450m along the Sirimon and Naro Moru tracks. Surrounding the park is approximately 2095 km2.

The park has incredible attractions such as; Pristine wilderness, lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty, geological variety, forest, mineral springs, rare and endangered species of animals, High altitude adapted plains game, Unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants.

The vegetation varies with altitude and rainfall, and there is a rich alpine and sub-alpine flora making the mountain beautiful and live almost to the peaks. Part of the mountain’s fascination is the variation in flora, including Giant Groundsel and Lobelia, and fauna as the altitude changes. The lower slopes are covered with dry upland forest, the true montaine (mountain) forest begins at 2,000m is mainly cedar and podo. At 2,500m begins a dense belt of bamboo forest which merges into the upperforest of smaller trees, interspersed with glades. In this area the trees are festooned with high altitude lichen.
These forest belts are host to many different animals and plants with at least 11 unique species. Game to view includes: Black and White Colobus and Sykes Monkeys, bushbuck, Rock and rock Hyrax, Greater galago, white tailed, buffalo, elephant and lower down Olive Baboon, waterbuck, Black Rhino, black fronted duikers, leopard, giant forest hog, genet cat, bush pig and hyena. More elusive is the bongo, a rare type of forest antelope. A number of other rarer species can be found here: Suni Antelope, Mt. Kenya Mole Rat, skinks (lizard), Montane Viper and a variety of owls. Occasional sightings have been recorded of albino zebra.

Birds are not abundant in the forest. But you can find Crowned hawk eagle and the Jackson's francolin. Rarely can you find the Abyssinian long-eared owl. Birds seen from the lodge include; Green ibis, African black duck, Ayres' hawk eagle, Rufous-breasted and great sparrow hawks, Scaly francolin, Silvery-cheeked hornbill, Hartlaubs turaco, red headed parrot, bronze-naped pigeon, Mackinder's eagle owl, Rupells robin chat.
There are two species of giant Lobelias; the narrow, featherly-leafed lobelia telekii and the broad-leafed lobelia keniensis which are a favorite of sunbirds for their half hidden blossoms or the thin shelled snails that make their home there. Plants also include crocus-like flower; Romuela keniensis, two terrestrial orchids - a Disa and a Habenaria, and an orange flowered gladiolus,Gladiolus Watsonioides. The high altitude heath at the top (3,000 – 3,5000m) is generally open, dotted with shrubs: African Sage, protea and helichrysum. The peak (above 3,500m) is moorland, with little game other than high altitude zebra and eland, common in the northern moorland.
Join us for trekking Mount Kenya, and enjoy this beauty on earth!


Adventure Travel Crew
African Safari desk
Natural Track Safaris