Archaeological Safari
The
safari helps participants to exchange information enlightening
on this Africa's priceless and irreplaceable prehistoric
heritage.
A
visit to the PALAENTOLOGY department in the National Museums
of Kenya is a must where findings, documentations and
hominid fossils are exhibited.
"OLD
IS GOLD AND EXPERIENCE AND CONSTRUCTIVE IDEAS ARE ATTACHED
TO OLD AGE."
Your
guides are paleontologists who have been involved in day
to day findings, research, fossil hunters and have travelled
bringing with them a world and wealthy experience in this
human race.
Itinerary
HISTORICAL
SITES
These are places of interest you may visit if you have
a day to spare. They include a dhow trip into the Tudor
Creek and a visit to the floating market at the Jahazi
Jetty, a tour of the Mombasa Old Town, the Fort Jesus
etc
Gede
Ruins:
A 11/2 hour drive from the hotel. These extensive ruins
of a 13th century Swahili settlement indicate Gede was
once a flourishing town with a good
size Islamic population. They are situated at Watamu on
your way to
Malindi.
A trip to Gede Ruins is included in the Malindi Tour.
Old
Port in the Old Town:
This is the original port in Mombasa. Coastal trade was
mostly carried out by sailing dhows that utilized the
seasonal winds. It is possible to watch the arrival and
departure of old dhows which continue with the tradition
of trade servicing the islands off the coast. A walk around
the old town with its narrow streets and old houses is
worth taking even though a lot of redevelopment is in
progress.
Fort
Jesus:
This is a historical monument built by the Portuguese
when they first invaded East Africa. In this place, many
battles were fought by the Portuguese and Arabs for supremacy
and the Fort was the first line of protection. Later the
British used it as a prison.
Jumba
Ruins:
Found in Mtwapa, they are also 13th century Swahili ruins
from the Portuguese and Arab times in Mombasa. They go
to show how little life has changed in the traditional
African homes.
Discover
Mombasa Dhow Safari:
The trip starts on the Jahazi Jetty at the Jomvu Kuu area
in the Tudor Creek. The dhow safari takes you on a historical
trip round the creek which was also used by the pioneer
explorers of Africa and Dr. Krapf, the first missionary
to this part of Africa.
Floating
Market
This market was created in 1988 in the Jomvu Kuu area
in the Tudor Creek. The market has its humble beginnings
in a poor village Manguaje. The Market creates a way for
visitors to Kenya to interact and purchase goods from
the locals, thereby enabling them to create needed jobs.
City
Tour
For a duration of about 3 – 31/2 hours, the City
tour covers Fort Jesus, Tusks, Old Town, Old Port, Akamba
Carvings, Hindu Temple, Baobab Forest, Main vegetable
and meat market and gives you ample time for shopping.
DHOW
SAFARIS
Coastal communities used dhows to transport their handicraft
mainly mkeka (woven grass carpets) and vyungu (clay pots)
to trade with neigbouring communities. Today, the dhows
are still used to take tourists on scenic trips around
the many creeks, to the marine parks and other islands
and mangrove forests.
Dolphin
Dhow
A full day trip (0600h – 1830h) and 85 kms drive
from Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort
Kisite/Wasini
Island Tour
Also 85km drive from the Hotel, the trip includes free
drinks on the dhow.
LAND EXCURSIONS, ANIMAL FARMS AND BOTANICAL GARDENS
Shimba
Hills
This is a National Reserve located in Kwale Region and
is the only place one can find the rare black-maned sable
antelope. Other attractions here include the 25metres
Sheldrick Falls and Mwele Forest, a historical stronghold
of the notorious rebel; Mbaruk of Gazi - the last of the
active chieftains of the Mazrui Arabs in the 19th Century.
A half day (0800h – 1300h) trip 45 kms drive from
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort.
The
Baobab Adventure
A 1 km drive from Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort. The
adventure includes a collection of attraction sites as
listed below:
Butterfly
Pavilion
Part of the Baobab Adventure. This is an area one can
picnic or do bird watching and is overlooking a manmade
dam. Also available is cycling, jogging and walking trails
an exercise trail with obstacle races and a do-it-yourself
exercise session.
Haller
Park
A thriving ecosystem created from a rehabilitated limestone
quarry. Attractions include game, porcupines, peacocks,
a snake park, fish farm, crocodile farm and a restaurant
that specializes in game meat. Pre arranged tree planting
at the nature trail with certificates
Mamba
Village Crocodile Farm
This is the largest Crocodile Farm in Africa! Apart from
the popular feeding time, Momba Village also has Horse
riding, camel riding and picturesque botanical gardens
to visit.
Mamba Village is also home to the Mamba Discocotheque
and Croco Club.
