WASINI ISLAND AND KISITE

Depart from the Shimoni (the Place of Caves) jetty at 9.00 am aboard a converted Lamu dhow and sail for the Kisite Marine National Park.  Snorkel along a fringing reef of Kisite Island and marvel at the coral and shoals of fish.  A seafood lunch is had at an Arab restaurant on Wasini Island.  Wasini Village is a true fishing community with strong Arab and coastal influences.  Guests should wear suitable attire so as not to offend your hosts.  Masks and snorkels are provided on the dhow.  However sun protection, sandals or tennis shoes and cover up dress or sarong should be taken along.     SHIMBA HILLS TRAIL – HALF DAY Morning or after lunch depart on a trip to Shimba Hills, south of Mombasa, which takes you through the lush countryside, climbing over a thousand feet high and providing a view of both Diani Beach and the surrounding countryside.  The game reserve contains an abundance of the rare Roan and Sable antelopes, buffalo, elephants, giraffe and birdlife can also be seen during the game drive.     HALF DAY MOMBASA TOWN TRAIL The colorful island town of Mombasa with its blend of ancient and modern buildings on the Indian Ocean is Kenya’s principal port and the country’s second largest city.  A comprehensive tour of the island includes the Old Arab Town, with its maze of narrow twisting alleys displaying the beautifully carved doors and Arab verandahs, bazaars with curio and antique shops, the Dhow harbour still in use, a Hindu Temple, a visit to the Akamba wood carvers and a drive to the bazaar for a short shopping expedition.  The highlight of the tour is probably the visit to Fort Jesus.  Built in 1593 by the Portuguese to guard the entrance to the Old Dhow harbour, it is the island’s landmark.  Four hundred years old, the fort still stands and serves as a historical museum.     FULL DAY – CITY TOUR AND NATURE TRAIL A comprehensive morning tour of the island including a visit to Fort Jesus is followed by lunch at Mamba Village (own cost) Mamba is the Swahili name for crocodile and this “village: is really a crocodile farm.  Depart after lunch for the Bamburi Quarry Nature Trail.  The wasteland of the stone quarry has been reclaimed and amongst the casuarinas trees and other tropical flora reside a variety of wildlife and birds.  Eland and buffalo, crocodiles and other reptiles can be seen wandering with crowned cranes.  The commercially viable aquaculture complex is also visited.