Embark on a fascinating journey through Kenya's heritage sites, where history comes to life amidst stunning landscapes. Explore the ancient Swahili architecture and bustling markets of Mombasa, a coastal gem steeped in centuries of maritime trade and cultural exchange.
For nature lovers, the Arabuko Sukoke Forest is a must visit! The forest contains three unique forest types; mixed forest, Brachystegia and Cynometra; each of which protects a different population of plants and animals. See if you can spot the golden-rumped elephant shrew or the elusive Ader's duiker. The National Park offers seasonal pools, tree platforms, the Nyari viewpoint and nature trails.
The Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve is a ten square kilometre park, home to green turtles and dugongs, and forms part of a complex of marine and tidal habitats along the Kenyan north coast. With abundant and diverse birdlife, fish and unique coral gardens – visitors to the Park can experience white sandy beaches, snorkelling, water-skiing, and windsurfing.
Alongside giant baobabs and Kilifi Creek, you will find what is known today as The Ruins of an Old Mosque in Kilifi. The ruins are a quiet and scenic spot consisting of the mosque and a group of graves overlooking the Creek. The Mnarani Ruins are just a short distance from Mnarani Beach Club.
Gede is one of Kenya's great treasures, a wonderful lost city lying in the depths of the great Arabuko Sokoke Forest. It is a place of great mystery, an archaeological puzzle that continues to create debate among historians, and an impressive place to visit. The pillars and stone walls, ruined mosques and tombs, now lie among the trees. The stone floors are thick with leaves, and giant shrews scurry through the deserted houses. Wandering through Gede is an ideal way to spend a morning or afternoon, lost among the secrets of the past.
For another great experience, visit The Large House of the Slave, known as Jumba la Mtwana in Swahili. Within this area, four mosques, a tomb and four houses have survived in recognisable condition. These houses include the House of the Cylinder, The House of the Kitchen, The House of the Many Pools, which had three phases, and the Great Mosque. As you gaze at the ocean washing over the beach, you can't help but wonder what really happened here.
In 1499, the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama built the Vasco da Gama Pillar, otherwise known as Vasco da Gama’s Cross or the Padrao, to mark his successful discovery of the route to India. Initially, Vasco da Gama built the pillar next to the Malindi Sheikh’s Palace – however, Muslim residents believed that the cross atop represented Christian domination and destroyed the pillar. After talking with the Sheik and motivating the importance of the pillar, the Sheik allowed Vasco da Gama to set it up further away from his palace. It was then rebuilt in 1512 on the seafront using authentic Portuguese limestone. This pillar may be the oldest known European monument in Africa and is certainly worth a visit.