History

The Swahili-speaking tribe in Kenya were initially called Wangozi. They are believed to have migrated from Shungwaya to the coast, wherein they intermarried with the Arabs.

The Swahili are determined alongside the east African coast, with a few dwelling in Mombasa, Kwale, Tana River, Lamu and Kilifi counties. They communicate Swahili (Kiswahili).

Swahili Beach/photo

Swahili Food

The Swahili tribe in Kenya Vegetables are staples in Swahili cuisine, with fish, chicken and goat being the main sources of protein.2 Also rice It serves as a base for most dishes and can be used sweet or savory.

Viazi- Karai/photo

The well-known Swahili dish is called “Wali Wa Nazi”, which is rice Served with coconut milk.2 The Swahili culture is known for adding a variety of spices, such as ginger, pepper, to their meals and lemongrass.

The majority of people in Swahili culture follow the Islamic religion, pork and alcohol Considered taboo and not consumed.

Swahili Food(samosa)

Religious

Being Swahili is inextricably linked to being Muslim. Swahili Muslims understand the 5 pillars of religion which are primary to Islamic exercise worldwide: 1) .Notion in Allah because the Supreme Being and in Muhammad because the maximum vital prophet; 2) praying 5 instances a day; 3).

Fasting from sunrise to nightfall all through the month of Ramadan; 4) giving charity; and 5) .Creating a pilgrimage (hajj) to the holy town of Mecca, if For Swahili people, Islam encompasses extra than simply religious ideals and practices. Islam is a manner of life.

Watamu Resort/photo

The Swahili Speaking Tribe Cultural Heritage

Taarab music, which has fairly Arabic origins, is finished at weddings and concerts. Several women’s dance companies carry out at weddings for all-girl audiences.

Swahili People

Kiswahili oral literature consists of songs, sayings, stories, and riddles. Kiswahili poems consist of lengthy epics, prayers, and meditations on many subjects.

About

August 7th Memorial Park bomb blast is placed on the 1998 United States embassy bombings scene alongside Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi, Kenya. It carries a observe board list the names of each person that had been reported dead after the incident.

August 7th Memorial Park, Bomb Blast Entry Fees

The Memorial Park grounds are open daily from 7.00am to 6.00pm while the Visitors Centre is open Monday to Saturday from 9.00am to 6.00pm, and Sundays/Public Holidays from 1.00pm to 6.00pm. Entry fee is Kshs. 30 to tour the garden and park grounds.

History

On August 7, 1998, at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time. Terrorists driving in a truck detonated a large bomb in the rear parking area. Near the ramp to the basement garage, of the American Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.

The blast at the American Embassy resulted in the deaths of a total of 213 people. Including 44 American Embassy employees (12 Americans and 32 Foreign Service National employees). Ten Americans and eleven FSNs sustained serious injuries. The blast also caused an estimated 200 Kenyan civilians to lose their lives. While 4,000 others sustained injuries in the vicinity of the embassy.

Damage to the embassy was massive, and especially internally. And lthough there was little structural damage to the five story reinforced concrete building. The explosion reduced much of the interior to rubble–destroying windows. Window frames, internal office partitions and other fixtures on the rear side of the building.

The secondary fragmentation from flying glass, internal concrete block walls, furniture, and fixtures caused most of the embassy casualties. The majority of the Kenyan casualties resulted from the collapse of the adjacent Ufundi Building. Flying glass from the nearby Co-op Bank Building and other buildings located within a two to three block radius. Other casualties were pedestrians or motorists in the crowded streets next to the embassy.

Kariandusi Museum

Kariandusi Museum is home to an exquisite archaeological site. It is also one of the earliest discoveries of Upper Paleolithic sites in East Africa. This is in fact the first Acheulean site explored in the East African. You can find here several hundred Acheulean hand axes as well as stone artefacts.

History

This web website online changed into determined via way of means of Louis Leakey in a 1928 excursion withinside the uncovered Kariandusi riverbed. Due to his success, St. John’s provided Leakey a studies supply for his first East African Archaeological Expedition.

Using finances for his Expedition, Leakey changed into capable of finance 3 separate journeys to the web website online (in 1928, 1931, and 1946) and numerous journey to his different studies locations consisting of Olduvai Gorge and Lake Victoria.

After Leakey, J.A.J. Gowlett and R.G. Crompton co-led a fourth excursion in 1974, and this changed into the closing important excavation enterprise on the Kariandusi prehistoric web website online. However, there were numerous studies initiatives regarding the Kariandusi Prehistoric Site.

Rates

Kariandusi, Hyrax Hill and Olorgesailie
Adults100400500
Below 16 years50200250

Kariandusi Prehistoric site

A visit to the Kariandusi Pre-historic site is a historical wonder giving its visitors the chance to explore and experience several historical remains that are kept in this museum. On your visit to Kariandusi Pre-historic site you will explore several prehistoric features that include:-

  • hand axes
  • fossils
  • stone tools
  • volcanic glass knives
  • nearby wells for mining diatomite
  • and many other things

A visit to Kariandusi Pre-historic site is both fun and education, on your guided tour of the place you get to learn a lot about the Stone Age era and you enjoy the site spectacular elements, designs, and ambiance. Also while at the prehistoric site you can also tour the lake Elementaita that is nearby for Birding, game viewing and nature walks.

Hotels

  • Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge.
  • Chester Hotel.
  • Sarova Woodlands Hotel.
  • Fairfield Resort.
  • Sentrim Elementaita Lodge.
  • Hotel Genevieve.
  • Maili Saba Camp.
  • Legacy Hotel and Suites.
  • The Alps Hotel.

The Wajir Museum

The Wajir Museum, positioned in Wajir town, became formally opened On 19 April, 2011. The major goal of this museum is to present you a glimpse of the wealthy cultural. Ancient and herbal history of Northern Kenya and its interplay with the world.

It became set up part of an initiative to open up Northern Kenya to the tourism enterprise for this reason forming part of the traveler enchantment that provide different merchandise withinside the region.

 

The Wajir Museum

History

In 2007, the National Museums of Kenya Corporation carried out a survey wherein it advocated the established order of a museum withinside the large Wajir district.

One of the motives the museum changed into created changed into to inspire tourism in Northern Kenya. The inauguration of the museum changed into attended with the aid of using the Minister of State for Development of Northern Kenya Mohammed Ibrahim Elmi.

In December 2015, the second one Wajir cultural pageant changed into held on the museum, the occasion changed into prepared with the aid of using the National Museums of Kenya and the Wajir County government.

Attractions

Wajir metropolis is a bunch to numerous different Sites and Monuments amongst them the Wagalla Massacre Site, Yahut dam, Shaletey wells, huge buildings, the British bunkers and Orpahey wells.

Historical Sites

 

  • Old court house.
  • British/ Italian War Bunkers.
  • Orahey wells.
  • Old homes build by Italian Prisoners.

Accommodations

Accommodation

 

  • Wajir County Guest House.
  • Wajir Pacele Hotel.
  • Wajir Guest House.
  • The Aaran Hotel.

Meru town

Meru town, valuable Kenya, placed approximately 110 miles (180 km) northeast of Nairobi. Situated withinside the Eastern Highlands at an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet (1,600 meters), in a area recognized for its dense oak forests, Meru lies halfway among Mount Kenya to the west and Meru National Park to the east. It is attached via way of means of avenue to Embu and is the tribal centre of the Meru people.

History

Depending upon who one asks, Meru history spans about 270 years.  There are no written records for the first 200 and what may be learned must come from memories of the community’s elders.  The predominant tradition has to do with a place called “Mbwa.”

This tradition tells how the Meruan ancestors were captured by the Nguuntune. (or Nhuuntune, meaning “Red People”) And taken into captivity on the island of Mbwa.  Some analysts interpret this “Red People” tradition as referring to Arabs.

Because conditions were intolerable, secret preparations were made to leave Mbwa. Some analysts interpret Mbwa as related to present day Yemen.  When the day came to leave Mbwa. A corridor of dry land is said to have been created for the people to pass through the Red Sea.  They later followed a route that took them to the hills of Marsabit, eventually reaching the Indian Ocean coast.

There they stayed for some time; however, due to climatic conditions and threat from Arabs, they traveled farther south until they came to the River Tana basin.  The Chuka separated from them there, and inland toward Mt Kenya.  Most traditions say the rest went as far south as Tanzania until finally reaching the Mount Kenya area.

Attractions

  •  Meru National Park
  • Meru National Museum
  • Ngare Ndare Forest
  • Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
  • Mount Kenya
  • Meru Equator Utamaduni Cultural Centre
  • Nyambene National Reserve
  • Giitune Sacred Forest
  • Devils’ Bridge Waterfall
  • The River Kathita Waterfalls

Hotels around Meru town

  1. Meru Slopes Hotel – located on the outskirts of Meru town, this hotel offers comfortable accommodation with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a bar.
  2. Alba Hotel Meru – situated in the heart of Meru town, this hotel provides guests with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
  3. Meru Greens Hotel – a 3-star hotel located on Meru-Nairobi highway, this hotel offers guests comfortable accommodation with amenities such as a restaurant, a bar, and conference facilities.
  4. Meru County Hotel – located in the central business district of Meru town, this hotel provides guests with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and conference facilities.
  5. Meru Leisure Hotel – located on the outskirts of Meru town, this hotel provides guests with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and conference facilities.
  6. White Star Hotel – located in the heart of Meru town, this hotel provides guests with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and conference facilities.
  7. Hotel La Pristine Meru – situated in the central business district of Meru town, this hotel offers guests comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and conference facilities.

Subdivisions

  • Igembe
    Tigania (Tiania)
    Imenti
    Tharaka (Saraka)
    Igoji
    Mwimbi–Muthambi
    Chuka (Gicuka)

Lake Baringo is a freshwater lake located in the Kenyan Rift Valley, about 270 km northwest of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. It is the northernmost of the Kenyan Rift Valley lakes and the second most northerly freshwater lake in Kenya after Lake Turkana.

Lake Baringo

It covers an area of approximately 130 km² and has a maximum depth of 10 meters. The lake is fed by several rivers, including the Molo, Perkerra, and Ol Arabel. It has no visible outlet and is assumed to lose water only by evaporation.

Lake Baringo Wild life

The Lake is home to a diverse array of wildlife, both on the lake and in the surrounding area. Here are some examples of the wildlife that can be found in and around Lake Baringo:

The Lake is home to a large population of hippopotamuses, which lounge in the lake or graze on the surrounding land. Visitors should exercise caution when approaching the water’s edge due to the presence of Nile crocodiles.

Fish: The lake is home to over 450 species of fish, including the Nile tilapia, catfish, and several species of cichlid.

Birds: Lake Baringo is known for its abundance of birdlife, with over 470 species recorded in the area. Some of the notable bird species include the Goliath heron, the African fish eagle, the Marabou stork, and the flamingo.

Monkeys and baboons: Several species of monkeys and baboons can be found in the surrounding area, including olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and colobus monkeys.

Reptiles: In addition to crocodiles, other reptiles that can be found in the area include snakes, lizards, and tortoises.

When to go to visit Lake Baringo

The best time to visit the Lake is during the dry season. This typically runs from June to October and from December to March. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, and the wildlife is more easily visible as they congregate around the lake in search of water.

It’s also important to note that the lake’s water levels fluctuate depending on the season. Water level is often being highest in November and December. Visitors planning on boating or fishing on the lake should be aware of these seasonal changes and plan accordingly.

 Attractions

Some of several activities and attractions that visitors can enjoy in the lake include;

  • Bird watching
  • Boat tours
  • Fishing
  • Cultural tours
  • Hiking and trekking
  • Visit Lake Baringo Island
  • Hot springs

How to get there

Here are some ways to get to Lake Baringo:

  1. By road: From Nairobi, you can take the A104 road to Nakuru, then turn onto the B4 road towards Kabarnet. After passing Kabarnet, follow the signs to Lake Baringo. The journey takes about 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
  2. By air: There are several flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the nearby Kabarnet airstrip. From Kabarnet, you can take a taxi or arrange for a transfer to the Lake.
  3. By public transport: There are several buses and matatus (shared taxis) that operate from Nairobi to Kabarnet and other nearby towns. From Kabarnet, you can take a taxi or boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) to the Lake.

About Ndele Island National Park

Ndele Island National park is an island on Africa’s biggest inland lake, the lovely Lake Victoria. It is available through boat from the seashore lines of the Lake.

The park is available from Nairobi through street or flight to Kisumu city. From Kisumu city, you’ll take a speedboat immediately to Ndere National Park.

The Ndele island

Because of the proximity to the lake, the weather withinside the park is humid and hot. Ideally, park a few mild garments to your ride to Ndere Island.

How to get there

By road from Kisumu metropolis: Take Kisumu- Bondo avenue branching left after Holo marketplace or left at Kombewa buying centre to the park headquarters sandwiched among Asat and Bao beach.

The park headquarters is 12km farfar from this tarmac avenue. By water from Kisumu: It will take approximately 45min with a velocity boat direct from Kisumu metropolis to Ndere island country wide park.

The scenic Ndere island

Attractions

 Wildlife

Ndere Island country wide park has a fantastic natural world abundance this is most important traveler points of interest being hippos, impalas and Nile crocodiles.

Hippo at the lake

Among different natural world species observed withinside the park consist of the reptiles together with puff adder and the python, troops of monkeys, baboons, the uncommon sitatunga antelopes, zebras, warthogs, waterbucks as they may be visible withinside the park’s swamps.

As nicely different animals to peer withinside the park consist of the reveal lizards and aardvark.

Birds

The park is island haven for birds, protected typically in grassland. Ndere Island gives stunning scenic perspectives of the Homa hills to the south, Magta Island to the east and the glimpses of Kampala in Uganda past the South west horizon.

Birds/photo

The beaches of the Lake helps a extensive type of fowl species. Ndere National park is a domestic to a massive populace of birds with 100 recorded species those birds consist of Great Cormorant.

Long tailed cormorant livestock Egret. little egret, Green- sponsored Heron, Hammerkop, black stork, African open- biled stork, Osprey, Black kite, Banded Snake Eagles, Common Buzzard, Egyptian goose, Helmeted Guinea Fowl and amongst many.

Activities

  • Birding
  • Sport Fishing
  • Boat Rides
  • Game Viewing

Entry Fee

Citizen

Resident

Non – Resident

Adults

KSH

Child

KSH

Adults

KSH

Child

KSH

Adults

USD

Child

USD

300

215

300

215

25

15

 

Fort Jesus is a historical fortification located in Mombasa, Kenya. It was built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century to protect their interests in the Indian Ocean trade. The fort was designed by an Italian architect, Giovanni Battista Cairati, and was named after Jesus Christ.

Today, Fort Jesus is a popular tourist attraction and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about its history through a variety of exhibits and guided tours. The fort also hosts cultural events and performances throughout the year.

Fort Jesus

Attractions in Fort Jesus

Fort Jesus is a popular tourist attraction and offers a variety of things to see and do. Here are some of the top attractions at Fort Jesus:

  1. Fort Jesus Museum: This museum showcases the history of the fort and the surrounding area. It features exhibits on the Portuguese and Arab influences on the region, the slave trade, and Mombasa’s cultural heritage.
  2. The Old Port: The Old Port, which is located just outside the fort, was once an important trade hub in the Indian Ocean. Visitors can explore the area and learn about its history.
  3. The Well: There is a well inside the fort, which was the main source of water for the occupants of the fort. Visitors can descend into the well and see how it was constructed.
  4. The Ramparts: The fort’s ramparts offer stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding area. Visitors can walk along the ramparts and take in the scenery.
  5. The Tortoise: The fort is home to a giant tortoise, which is believed to be over 200 years old. Visitors can see the tortoise and learn about its history.
  6. Cultural Events: The Fort hosts a variety of cultural events and performances throughout the year, including music, dance, and theater.
  7. Guided Tours: The fort offers guided tours, which provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the fort’s history and architecture.

Fort Jesus  Entry Fee

The entry charges for Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Kenya are as follows:

  • Kenyan Citizens: Ksh. 200 per adult, Ksh. 100 per child (age 5-16), and Ksh. 600 per family (2 adults and 2 children)
  • East African Citizens: USD 12 per adult, USD 6 per child (age 5-16), and USD 36 per family (2 adults and 2 children)
  • Non-East African Citizens: USD 15 per adult, USD 8 per child (age 5-16), and USD 45 per family (2 adults and 2 children)

Please note that these rates are subject to change and it is always best to confirm the current rates before your visit. Also, additional charges may apply for guided tours, cultural events, and other special activities.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Fort Jesus is during the cooler and drier months, which are from June to October and from December to March. During these months, the temperatures are more comfortable, and there is less rainfall, making it easier to explore the fort and its surroundings.

The peak tourist season in Mombasa is from December to February, so it is advisable to book your accommodations and activities in advance during this time. The months of July and August can also be busy due to school holidays.

How to get there

The port is easily accessible by a variety of transportation options. Here are some ways to get to Fort Jesus:

  1. By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Mombasa and can be a convenient way to get to Fort Jesus. Most taxi drivers will know the location of the fort, and the ride will take about 15 to 20 minutes from the city center.
  2. By Matatu: Matatus are minivans that operate as shared taxis in Kenya. There are several matatus that run from the city center to Fort Jesus. The ride should take about 20 to 30 minutes.
  3. By Tuk-Tuk: Tuk-tuks are three-wheeled vehicles that are common in Mombasa. They can be a fun and affordable way to get to Fort Jesus. Negotiate the price with the driver before getting in, and expect the ride to take about 20 to 30 minutes.
  4. By Walking: For those who enjoy walking, it is possible to walk to the fort from the city center. The walk should take about 30 to 45 minutes, and it is a great way to see the sights of Old Town Mombasa along the way.

Regardless of the transportation option you choose, it is important to take safety precautions while traveling in Mombasa, such as keeping valuables out of sight and avoiding walking alone at night.

Contacts

  • Phone: +254 723 786 433 or +254 722 202 292
  • Email: info@museums.or.ke
  • Website: https://www.museums.or.ke/fort-jesus/

You can use these contact details to get in touch with the fort’s management for inquiries, bookings, and other information.

About Olorgesailie

Olorgesailie is a geological formation in East Africa, at the ground of the Eastern Rift Valley in southern Kenya, 67 kilometers (42m) southwest of Nairobi alongside the street to Lake Magadi.

It consists of a collection of Lower Paleolithic archaeological sites. Olorgesailie is stated for the massive variety of Acheulean hand axes determined there which are related to animal butchering. 

According to the National Museums of Kenya, the unearths are across the world sizable for archaeology, paleontology, and geology.

History

The artifacts had been first determined via way of means of the British geologist John Walter Gregory in 1919. However, it become now no longer till 1943 that excavation commenced in earnest beneath the path of Mary and Louis Leakey.

With the help of paroled Italian prisoners of war. Work persevered there till 1947. Glynn Isaac took up the excavation withinside the 1960s for his dissertation.

In the 1980s, studies become persevered via way of means of Richard Potts of the Smithsonian Institution at the side of the National Museums of Kenya.

Getting There

This goes to be quick as its most effective 70km down the Magadi Road of approximately 1hr 30min from Nairobi CBD. The street to Magadi has currently been redone so 4 wheel drive now no longer necessary.

However, be warned your picks to get admission to Magadi Road are nonetheless among Ongata Rongai. In which Nairobi’s site visitors jams are introduced into this global kicking and screaming. Or the Ngong Town – Kiserian street that eats shocks for breakfast.

Things to do/ Attractions

  1. Museum and site walk to see the actual site and the discoveries made here.
  2. Bird watching- the site is a bird watcher’s paradise citing the highest number of migratory bird species in Kenya.
  3. Mountain climbing- Mt. Olorgesailie was named after a renown Maasai elder who used to meditate and hold meetings with village elders up the mountain. On average it takes 3 hours to ascend and the same to descend best climbed from 5:00 am.
  4. Camp site- affordable camping facilities available.
  5. Picnic site
  6. Baboon camp- congregation of baboons in the evening 1 km from the campsite.

Rates

Citizen Adult :   Ksh.300   Child   (below 16 years) :  Ksh.200

Residents & EA Adult: Kshs. 400 Child (below 16 years): Ksh.250

Non-Resident Adult: Kshs. 600 Child (below 16 years): Kshs. 300

BANDAS

Deluxe Bandas

Citizen Single: Kshs. 1,200 Double: Kshs. 1,500

Residents and EA Single: Kshs. 1,500 Double: Kshs. 1,800

Non-Resident Single: Kshs. 1,800 Double: Ksh.2,000

Standard Bandas

Citizen Single: Kshs 1,000 Double: Kshs. 1,200

Residents and EA Single: Kshs. 1,200 Double: Kshs. 1,500

Non-Resident Single: Kshs. 1,500 Double: Kshs. 1,800

Other Charges

Mountain Guide fees: Maximum 5pax per guide: Ksh.5,000

Baboon Camp Guide fee: Kshs. 500 per person

Picnic fees per person: Adult Kshs. 200, Child (below 16 years):Kshs. 100.

About

Uhuru Gardens is a public park located in Lang’ata, Nairobi, Kenya. In additionally the park was established to commemorate Kenya’s independence from British colonial rule in 1963. And it was officially opened on 23 May 1969.

Also the park covers an area of about 160 acres and features various facilities such as picnic sites. A children’s play area. A man-made lake. A monument to the first Kenyan president Jomo Kenyatta. And a statue of freedom fighters raising the Kenyan flag.

Uhuru Gardens is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. And it is often used to host events and concerts. furthermore, the park has also been designated as a national monument and is an important historical site in Kenya’s history.

Location

Uhuru Gardens is located in Nairobi, Kenya. It is situated along Langata Road, near Wilson Airport, about 8 kilometers from the city center.

In addition, the park is famous for its monument, the Uhuru Torch Monument, which was erected in 1973 to celebrate Kenya’s independence from British colonial rule in 1963.

The monument features a statue of a pair of hands holding a burning torch, which symbolizes freedom and unity.

When to get there

The gardens are open daily from 8am to 6pm, but it is recommended to visit the grounds during daylight hours.

Attractions

Uhuru Gardens is a public park located in Nairobi, Kenya. The park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, with several attractions that showcase Kenya’s history and culture. Here are some of the attractions you can find at Uhuru Gardens:

  1. The Uhuru Monument: This monument was erected in 1963 to commemorate Kenya’s independence from British colonial rule. The monument consists of a towering sculpture of a raised fist, symbolizing the spirit of freedom and resistance.
  2. The Freedom Corner: This is an open-air amphitheater where public gatherings and performances take place. The corner is named after the Freedom Torch, a symbol of the country’s struggle for independence that was lit here on December 12, 1963.
  3. The National Heroes Garden: This is a beautiful garden that honors Kenya’s heroes and heroines. The garden features several statues and monuments dedicated to prominent figures in Kenyan history, including Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the country’s first president.
  4. The Peace Monument: This monument was unveiled in 2015 to promote peace and unity in Kenya. The monument consists of two hands clasping each other, symbolizing the importance of working together for a common goal.
  5. The African Heritage House: This is a museum that showcases traditional African art, crafts, and artifacts. The museum also hosts cultural events and workshops that highlight the richness and diversity of African culture.

  1. Mama Oliech Restaurant – This is a popular restaurant located near Uhuru Gardens that serves delicious Kenyan cuisine, including fish, ugali, and Sukuma wiki.
  2. Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages – This restaurant is located in the Karen suburb and offers a variety of dishes ranging from Kenyan to international cuisines.
  3. Fogo Gaucho – This is a Brazilian steakhouse located in the neighboring suburb of Hurlingham that serves an all-you-can-eat meat feast, as well as salads and sides.
  4. Pizza Inn – This restaurant is located at Panari Sky Center, Mombasa Road, and offers a variety of pizzas, pasta, and other Italian dishes.
  5. Steers – This is a fast-food chain located in Capital Centre, Mombasa Road, and offers burgers, chicken wings, and other fast-food favorites.