The Coastal Circuit
from
$0.00
This circuit consists of dazzling, fascinating and historical attractions.
-
Reviews 0 Reviews0/5
-
Vacation Style Holiday Type
-
Activity Level Leisurely
-
Group Size Medium Group
All about the The Coastal Circuit.
This circuit consists of dazzling, fascinating and historical attractions including stunning beaches, Marine parks, reserves, religious forests and historical sites. This circuit covers the Kenyan Coast region.
If you are looking to relax in pristine white beaches and enjoy a swim in the ocean, dhow cruise, enjoy Swahili cuisine, some fresh sea food and water sports this is a perfect region to visit. The circuit offers numerous activities ranging from water sports to guided tours around the towns. There is also the rich culture and cuisine inspired by different cultures.
The circuit is mainly made up of Mombasa, North Coast and South Coast.
The people from Mombasa are predominantly Muslims.
Fort Jesus; Built in 1593 by the Portuguese under the order of King Philip 1. It was designed by an Italian engineer Joao Batista Cairato, the fort build in the shape of a man was meant to secure the safety of the Portuguese living on the East Coast of Africa. Fort Jesus which guarded the old town of Mombasa had witnessed much turbulence. Between 1631 and 1875 the fort was won and lost nine times by the powers contesting control of Mombasa. From 1837, the Fort was used as a barrack for soldiers and when British protectorate was proclaimed in 1895, it was converted into a prison. It was declared a historical monument in 1958 and became a museum in 1962. This is one of the top affordable destinations in the Kenyan coast.
The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
- Mombasa old town is an attractive labyrinth of narrow streets, liberally sprinkled mosques and Swahili buildings. The old law courts have regular exhibitions of local art. The spice market heavy with atmosphere enticing scents gives an insight in the spice trade in the old town.
- Mombasa Marine National Park comprises a marine area with crabs, sea urchins, sea cucumbers starfish and jellyfish amongst mangroves, sea grass, sea weed and coral gardens. Activities include boat trips, scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Haller Park is a former disused quarry that has opened as a small private sanctuary. The park shot fame in 2004 when a baby hippo orphaned during heavy floods was adopted by an elderly giant tortoise. The story of Owen and mzee Kobe attracted the attention of thousands of travelers. The park has blossomed into an area of lush beauty, and its home to variety of wildlife including giraffes, elands and Oryx.
- Malindi Marine National Park is Africa’s oldest marine park; located to the south of Malindi town the marine park has fringing reefs, coral gardens, mangroves and high diversity of marine life and shore birds. Activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, boat rides and nature walks. There is a resource center a library and an education entre. Malindi town is a 12th century Swahili town, around which resorts, bars, casinos and shopping centers has grown.
- Watamu Marine National Park. This large eco system is formed by Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve and Mida creek, this ecosystem supporting a huge diversity of plants, animals and birdlife. Marine life includes fish, turtles, dugongs and crabs. Activities include windsurfing, snorkeling, water skiing scuba diving and trips in glass bottomed boats.
- Mida creek is one of the most productive mangrove ecosystems in the world. It borders Watamu Marine National park. It is a large tidal inlet with productive mangrove forest. The high density of mangrove species provides refuge to both resident and migrant bird species. The suspended boardwalk makes it an ideal place from which you can enjoy bird watch or a sundowner.
- Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve is an indigenous coastal forest and home to over 500 species of birds, mammals, butterflies and reptiles. Activities here include nature walk, bird watching and night tours are offered. Nyari viewpoint and the tree platform have wonderful views. It is also possible to camp in the forest or on the tree platform.
- Gede ruins are one of the most significant ad attractive Swahili ruins in Kenyan coast. Established in the 13th century. Gede became a trading post. Ming Chinese porcelain and glazed earthenware from Persia have been found here. The compound consisting of housed palaces, mosques and tombs was mysteriously abandoned in the 17th or 18th century. Activities include guided tours and nature walks
- Kipepeo Butterfly Project: At the entrance to the Gede ruins there is Kipepeo butterfly project that gives visitors a chance to see a variety of butterflies. Here they breed and sell butterflies taken from Arabuko Sokoke Forest. The profit supports local conservation projects.
- Jumba la Mtwana: The name Jumba La Mtwana though popularly interpreted as the ‘House of Slaves’ could also mean ‘House of the Big Man’. The magnificent historical ruins are the remains of the 13th century Swahili settlement called Jumba La Mtwana. Nestled among giant baobab trees commonly known as mabuyu, the ruins include the remains of four mosques, several houses and a rich man’s tomb. Notable in the architecture are elaborate coral walls, stone lined latrines and deep fresh water wells. There are historical artefacts that include Chinese Porcelain and traditional Swahili artefacts. It was abandoned in the 15th century after only two centuries of inhabitation; possible causes of failure might have been failure in the fresh water supply, diseases or an attack by hostile raiders
- Marafa Hell’s kitchen: This is an odd sandstone canyon in Malindi. It was once a great sandstone ridge worn by wind, rain and floods into a series of gorges. The layer cake colors of the sandstone reveal whites pinks oranges and deep crimsons making the striking at sunset when the tones of the ribbed sandstone are highlighted and mirrored by the setting sun.
- Vasco Da Gama pillar: This was Kenya’s first Christian symbol located in Malindi. It was erected in Malindi by the Portuguese explore Vasco da Gama in 1498. It was moved from its original location due to security reasons.
