One day excursion to Mombasa city and Haller Park nature trail
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Mombasa is the second-largest city on the coast of Kenya after the capital Nairobi. The history of Mombasa is believed to be as early as A.D. 150 when Ptolemy marked the town on his map. In 1498 A Portuguese, fleet commanded by Vasco da Gamma called at Mombasa and for the next 200 years, the Portuguese ruled the area. In 1652, the Omani Arabs took over control and in 1837 the sultan of Zanzibar defeated these rulers and remained in control of the Mombasa Island until 1896 when the area became a British protectorate by treaty.
The Mombasa City tour starts early, at 7.30 a.m. We will visit the Fort Jesus, the fortress built by the Portuguese in 1593 to guard the entrance to the Old Dhow Harbor, the island’s Landmark. Four hundred years old, the fort still stands and serves as a historical museum. We will have a short walk at the Arab Old Town through its narrow twisting alleys, displaying the beautiful carved doors and overhanging Arab verandas, the old Dhow harbor still in use, a Hindu temple, a visit to the Akamba wood carvers and a drive to the bazaar with antique shops for a short shopping stop. Relax for lunch at Castle Royal Hotel.
We will depart after lunch for the Haller Park (former Bamburi Quarry Nature Trail). The wasteland of the stone quarry has been reclaimed to a unique ecological quarry situated on the North Coast of Mombasa along the Mombasa Malindi road, next to the Bamburi Cement factory. Amongst the casuarinas trees and other tropical flora resides 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.
Above Itinerary includes:
- 1 Full Day City Tour: One (1) Lunch, Transport.
- Haller Park Entrance Fees, Fort Jesus Entrance Fees.
- Transport with English speaking Tour Driver/guide.
Excludes:
- Tips and things of personal nature.