Attractions around Taita Taveta

Taita Taveta is a county in Kenya located in the Coast Province. It is home to a number of natural and cultural attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the top attractions in Taita Taveta include:

Attractions around Taita Taveta
Attractions around Taita Taveta

This is one of the largest and oldest wildlife parks in Kenya. And it is home to a diverse range of animals, including elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, and more.

  1. Tsavo West National Park: This park is located in the southern part of Taita Taveta. Its scenic beauty, wildlife, and birdlife are known. It is home to the Mzima Springs, a natural water source that attracts a variety of animals.
  2. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located in the Taita Hills and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and buffalo. Over 300 species of birds are found in the area, making it known for its birdlife.
  3. Lake Jipe: This is a shallow lake located on the border between Kenya and Tanzania. Over 300 species of birds are found in the area, making it known for its birdlife.
  4. Wundanyi: This is a small town located in the Taita Hills, known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. It is home to the Taita Hills Forest, which is a popular hiking and birdwatching destination.
  5. Mzima Springs: This is a natural spring located in Tsavo West National Park, known for its crystal-clear water and resident hippos and crocodiles.
  6. Shomoto Hill: This is a scenic hill located in the Taita Hills, known for its panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
  7. Ngangao Forest: This is a pristine forest located in the Taita Hills, known for its unique birdlife and hiking trails.
  8. Taita Hills Cultural Centre: This is a museum and cultural center located in Wundanyi, dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Taita people.
  9. Sagalla Hill: This is a scenic hill located in the Taita Hills, known for its panoramic views and hiking trails. Additionally, it is also home to a number of caves that were once used by the Taita people.

Kilifi County is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Kenyan coast.It has a stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and diverse range of activities.

Kilifi

Wildlife and nature reserves

Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve

This marine park is located just offshore from Malindi and is home to over 600 species of fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and other marine life.

Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the park and go snorkeling or scuba diving to see the marine life up close.

Watamu Marine National Park

Watamu Marine National Park is a protected marine reserve that is home to over 600 species of fish, coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins, and other marine life. Visitors can go snorkeling or scuba diving to see the marine life up close.

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve is the largest remaining section of coastal dry forest in East Africa. Visitors can go hiking or bird watching to see the diverse range of plant and animal species that call this forest home.

Falconry of Kenya

This attraction is located about 10 km north of Malindi and offers visitors the opportunity to see and learn about different species of birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, and owls.

Beaches

Bofa Beach

Bofa Beach is a long stretch of white sandy beach located just north of Kilifi town. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim in the Indian Ocean, or participate in water sports activities like kite surfing and windsurfing.

Malindi Beach

This beautiful stretch of coastline is one of the main attractions in Malindi. Visitors can relax on the white sandy beaches, swim in the clear blue waters, and participate in a variety of water sports and activities.

Kilifi Creek

Kilifi Creek is a natural tidal inlet that provides a scenic backdrop for water sports and fishing. Visitors can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore the creek or take a dhow boat trip to see the sunset.

Historical and cultural sites in Kilifi

Vasco da Gama Pillar

This historic monument is located on the seafront in Malindi and was erected by Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, in 1498. It is one of the oldest European monuments in Africa and is a popular spot for taking photos.

Malindi Museum

It is located in the center of Malindi and houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the region’s history and culture. This includes Swahili crafts, African art, and archaeological finds.

Gede Ruins

These ruins are located about 18 km south of Malindi.They are of an ancient Swahili town dating back to the 12th century. Visitors can explore the ruins and see the remains of houses, mosques, and other structures.

Mnarani Ruins

Mnarani Ruins is an archaeological site that contains the remains of a 14th-century Swahili settlement. Visitors can explore the ruins and see the remains of mosques, tombs, and other structures.

Overall, Kilifi County offers visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, history, and culture, making it a great destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Chale Marine Park is a protected area located off the coast of Chale Island in Kenya. The marine park was established in 1995 and covers an area of approximately 14 square kilometers. It is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in collaboration with the local communities.

The Park is home to a diverse range of marine life, including over 200 species of fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and coral reefs.

Chale Marine Park

Here’s a quick guide to visiting Chale Marine Park:

Chale Marine Park activities

The Park offers a range of activities for visitors, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottomed boat rides. There are also opportunities for bird watching and hiking in the nearby forest.

Marine Life

The park is home to a diverse range of marine life, including over 200 species of fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and various types of coral. Visitors should be respectful of the marine environment and avoid touching or disturbing any wildlife.

Cultural History

The nearby Diani Beach area has a rich cultural history, with a mix of African, Arab, and European influences. Visitors can explore local villages, sample traditional foods, and learn about the region’s history and customs.

Entrance Fees

There is an entrance fee to access the marine park, which varies depending on whether you are a resident of Kenya or a foreign visitor. The fee includes a marine park guide and snorkeling gear, if needed.

Chale Marine Park Accommodation

There are several accommodation options near the Marine Park, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. It’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.

Best Time to Visit Chale Marine Park

The best time to visit the Park is during the dry season, from December to March and from July to October, when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm. However, visitors should be prepared for occasional rain showers throughout the year.

How to get there

The marine park is located on the southern coast of the island of Diani Beach in Kenya, East Africa. The easiest way to get there is by flying into Moi International Airport in Mombasa, and then taking a taxi or private transfer to Diani Beach.

Overall, the Park is a beautiful and unique destination for those interested in exploring the marine environment and local culture of Kenya’s southern coast.

 
 
 

Kwale is a county located in the Coast region of Kenya. It is known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and diverse wildlife. Here are some of the top sights to visit in Kwale:

Diani Beach

This is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Kenya, located in the southern part of Mombasa. Diani Beach has clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and plenty of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and water sports.

Shimba Hills National Reserve

The reserve is known for its scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a chance to see the endangered Sable Antelope.

Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary Kwale

This is a unique sanctuary that provides a home for rescued elephants in Kwale County. Visitors can take guided tours and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these majestic animals.

Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest

This is a sacred forest that is home to the Digo people, an indigenous tribe of Kenya. The forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site and visitors can learn about the cultural practices of the Digo people.

Tiwi Beach

It has calm waters and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports. It is also known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush greenery.

It offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including snorkeling, diving, fishing, and sunbathing. The beach is also surrounded by a diverse ecosystem, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and marine life, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park

This is a marine park that is home to a variety of marine life such as dolphins, turtles, and a diverse range of fish species. Visitors can go on snorkeling and diving trips to explore the underwater world.

Chale Marine Park Kwale

Chale Marine Park is a protected area located on the southern coast of the island of Diani Beach.

The marine park is home to a diverse range of marine species, including over 200 species of fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and various types of coral. Visitors to Chale Marine Park can enjoy a range of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottomed boat rides.

Colobus Conservation

Colobus Conservation focuses primarily on the conservation of the colobus monkey, a primate species found in the forests of East Africa. The organization works to rescue and rehabilitate injured or orphaned colobus monkeys, and provides veterinary care, food, and shelter to these animals until they can be released back into the wild.

Jungle Snake Park

The park is situated about 30 kilometers from Mombasa and is famous for its collection of snakes, crocodiles, and other reptiles.The park offers visitors an opportunity to see some of the most dangerous snakes in Africa, including black mambas, spitting cobras, and puff adders, among others. Visitors can also watch crocodiles being fed and learn about the various species of reptiles found in Kenya.

Wasini Island

A small island located off the coast of Kwale. That is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Bongoyo Island

A small island located off the coast of Kwale that is known for its beautiful beaches. And stunning snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Ukunda Airstrip Kwale

It is a popular landing strip for small aircraft that offers visitors a unique and exciting way to experience the area’s stunning scenery.

How to get to Kwale county

By Air

The closest airport to Kwale is the Ukunda Airport, which is located approximately 20 kilometers from the county. You can fly into Ukunda from Nairobi or Mombasa using domestic airlines such as Jambojet, Fly540, and Safarilink. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a matatu (local public minibus).

By Road

You can also drivefrom Nairobi or Mombasa. If you are driving from Nairobi, take the Mombasa Road towards Mombasa, and then take the Likoni Ferry to the south coast. From there, take the Diani-Kwale Road to Kwale.

By Public Transport

If you prefer to take public transport, you can take a matatu from Nairobi or Mombasa to Kwale. Matatus are available at designated bus stations, and they are a cheap and popular mode of transport in Kenya. You can also take a long-distance bus from Nairobi or Mombasa to Kwale, which are available from various bus companies.

Mombasa is a beautiful coastal city in Kenya known for its rich history, culture, and stunning beaches. Here are some places to visit in Mombasa

Mombasa

Fort Jesus

This historic fort was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the fort’s museums and exhibits, which tell the story of Mombasa’s history.

Old Town

This historic neighborhood is known for its beautiful architecture, narrow streets, and lively markets. Visitors can wander through the streets or visit local shops and restaurants, and see historic buildings such as the Swahili House and the Old Post Office.

Mombasa Marine National Park

This protected area is home to a wide variety of marine life, including coral reefs, dolphins, and sea turtles. Visitors can take boat tours or snorkeling trips to explore the park’s underwater world.

Haller Park

This wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, including giraffes, zebras, and hippos. Visitors can take guided tours of the park and see the animals up close.

Mombasa Tusks

These iconic white tusks are located at the entrance of Mombasa’s Moi Avenue. They were built in 1952 to commemorate Princess Margaret’s visit to the city.

Nyali Beach Mombasa

This beautiful beach is popular with tourists and locals alike. Visitors can relax on the sand, swim in the clear blue water, and enjoy water sports such as windsurfing and jet skiing.

Bombolulu Workshop and Cultural Centre

This center is dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional African handicrafts. Visitors can watch artisans at work, see exhibits of traditional crafts, and purchase handmade goods.

South Turkana National Reserve

South Turkana National Reserve covers a  wide rage of 1,091sq kilometers withinside the foot hills of mount Nasalot close to Lake Turkana. There are only a few vacationers that go to this reserve due to the fact is it a dry location throughout the year.

Attractions

  • Scenic landscape and mountains that offer spectacular views.
  • Permanent rivers.
  • Game viewing.
  • Salty springs.
  • Annual camel derby.
  • Woodlands.

Wildlife

Animals include: Elephant, giraffe, buffalo, eland, oryx, impala, bushbuck, greater kudu, Grant´s and Thomson´s gazelle, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and jackal.
There are crocodiles in the rivers and abundant birdlife, much of which gathers on the banks of Kerio River.

How to get there

Accessing Lake Turkana is normally done by air, and two all-weather airstrips are available for use. Or Alternatively, travel by road from Nairobi to Kalokol on the west shore of the lake via Kitale and Lodwar. There is a boat rental for Central Island from Kalokol.

Best time to go

The Reserve may be visited at some stage in the year. Because of the situation of the reserve being dry as a consequence favoring nearly all of the sports taking region withinside the reserve like camel riding, mountain biking, recreation Viewing yearly. The permanent rivers within the reserve support yearly fishing activities.

Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Maasai Mara

Ol Kinyei Conservancy is a private wildlife conservancy located in the Maasai Mara ecosystem in Kenya. The conservancy is owned and operated by the local Maasai community and covers an area of approximately 18,700 acres.

In 2005, the Maasai community and tourism operators established the conservancy with the goal of conserving the natural resources in the area and providing a sustainable livelihood for the local people through eco-tourism. Ol Kinyei’s diverse wildlife, including large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests, as well as predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, are known to the world.

Visitors to Ol Kinyei Conservancy can enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, guided walks, bird watching, and cultural visits to the local Maasai community. The conservancy also offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury tented camps to basic camping sites.

One of the unique features of the Conservancy is its commitment to community-based conservation. Members of the Maasai community who are involved in decision-making and benefit directly from tourism revenue generated by the conservancy manage the conservancy through a board of directors. The conservancy also supports a number of community development projects, such as schools, health clinics, and water projects.

Wildlife

Ol Kinyei Conservancy is a community-owned wildlife conservancy located in the Maasai Mara ecosystem in southern Kenya. The conservancy covers an area of approximately 18,700 acres and is managed by the local Maasai community.

The conservancy hosts a diverse wildlife population, which includes the “Big Five” game animals (elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo), along with other species like cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous others. Visitors to Ol Kinyei Conservancy can enjoy game drives, guided nature walks, bird watching, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages.

One of the unique features of Ol Kinyei Conservancy is its focus on sustainable tourism and conservation. The conservancy is run by the local Maasai community, who are actively involved in the management and protection of the wildlife and habitat. The conservancy also provides a source of income for the community through employment and revenue sharing.

Anyone interested in wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism, and experiencing the beauty and diversity of the Maasai Mara ecosystem must visit Ol Kinyei Conservancy.

Rates

Non Residents Adults (12yrs and above)

 

Child (below 12 yrs.)

US$ 70

 

US$ 35

Kenya Residents Adult

 

Kenya Resident Child (below 12 yrs.)

KSH 1500

 

Kshs 750/-

All children under 4 years are free.

Attractions

  • Picnic view.
  • Cultural tours.
  • Horseback safaris.
  • Seeing the wildebeest migration.
  • Game drives.

Accommodations

  • Porini bush camp.
  • Porini Mara camp.
  • Porini cheetah camp.
  • Game watchers adventure camp.

Namunyak Conservancy

Namunyak Conservancy surrounds the Mathews mountain variety. A wealthy expanse of lush indigenous wooded area which hosts plentiful populations of the natural world and uncommon plant species.

It commenced as organization ranches, and over 15 years. Pushed via way of means of the want to guard the Mathews variety. Has increased to consist of the 4 neighboring organization ranches surrounding the Mathews wooded area.

Namunyak surrounds the Mathews Mountain variety and consists of the Kitich wooded area; a treasure trove of uncommon and regularly uncatalogued species.

Climate

The Namunyak location is typically heat and dry, with crystal clean starlit nights. Average rainfall is round 14 inches in keeping with annum. The bulk of which falls for the duration of the months of November and May.

Activities

In addition to the usual viewing of big game. The main focus of activities on Namunyak are as follows;-Escorted bush walks with our expert local field scouts.

  • Hiking into the Mathews rainforest.
  • Climbing to the top of Lolokwe with donkeys.
  • Fly camping safaris with camels along the wide sand ‘luggas.’
  • Moonlit bush dinners beside natural animal watering points.
  • Day trips to Samburu and Shaba game reserves.
  • Bird shooting on request.

Wildlife

The Wildlife Namunyak surrounds the Mathews Mountain variety and consists of the Kitich forest; a treasure trove of uncommon and regularly uncatalogued species. It is domestic to the De Brazza colobus monkey and the IUCN red-indexed Powsyll, a deadly disease sub species of the Cycadencephalartos tegulaneus.

Namunyak serves as a important natural world safe haven for lots species and holds ample populations of giraffe, gerenuk, leopard, African wild dog, impala lion, more kudu and lots of hen species.

The conservancy is specifically vital for elephant as they pass seasonally among the Mathews Range and the Mt. Kenya and Ngare Ndare Forest, a course they were the usage of for decades.

Boni National Reserve

Boni National Reserve is a country wide reserve for conservation and lies withinside the Garissa County, Kenya. The reserve covers a place of 1,339 km2 (517 sq m) and is controlled with the aid of using Kenya Wildlife Service. It turned into gazetted in 1976 as a dry season sanctuary for elephants withinside the former Kenyan Ijara, and Lamu districts and Somalia.

On December 28, 2010, the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs protected the Boni National Reserve at the listing of Kenyan regions American tourists must keep away from due to terrorism and violent crime.

Wildlife

Wildlife Common herbivores withinside the vicinity consist of hippopotamus, bush pig, warthog, buffalo, not unusualplace duiker, topi and waterbuck. Common carnivores withinside the reserve are the prone African wild canine and the aardwolf. Although extraordinarily rare, African elephants also are gift withinside the reserve.

Wildlife in the park

Hotels

  • Y&J Golf.
  • Banio Kreek Farms.
  • Lee Boutique Hotel.
  • Tagaytay Wingate Manor.
  • Microtel by Wyndham Eagle Ridge – Cavite.

Hotels around Boni park

Climate

The area’s weather is closely prompted through the north-east and south-west monsoons blowing from the Indian Ocean. It has wet seasons: April – June and October – December, with annual rainfall starting from 750-one thousand mm and temperatures starting from 15-38 °C.

About Maralal National Sanctuary

Maralal National sanctuary, domestic to zebras, impalas and different wildlife, as soon as absolutely surrounded the town. Today it simplest covers a small patch of land round what is left of the Maralal Safari Lodge. The motel closed down numerous years ago, however you may nevertheless power into the sanctuary and animals nevertheless roam inside.

It’s now no longer much. However in case you really need to peer impalas and might not be capable of visit a right reserve. Then it’s far really well worth a brief visit.

Things to do there

Maralal National Sanctuary is located in Samburu County, Kenya, and is a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here are some things to do at the Sanctuary:

  1. Game drives: Maralal National Sanctuary is home to a wide range of wildlife. Including elephants, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, lions, and cheetahs. Game drives are a great way to explore the sanctuary and spot some of these animals.
  2. Bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 bird species, making it a great destination for bird watchers. Some of the bird species you can spot include the vulturine guinea fowl, Somali ostrich, and martial eagle.
  3. Nature walks: Take a guided nature walk and explore the sanctuary on foot. This is a great way to get up close to nature and learn about the different plant and animal species in the area.
  4. Cultural visits: Maralal National Sanctuary is situated in a region with a rich cultural heritage. You can visit a Samburu village and learn about their way of life and traditional practices.
  5. Camping: Spend a night or two at Maralal National Sanctuary and enjoy the peaceful and tranquil environment. You can choose to camp at designated campsites or stay at a lodge within the sanctuary.
  6. Photography: The scenery in the sanctuary is breathtaking and makes for great photo opportunities. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just love taking photos, Maralal National Sanctuary is a great place to capture some amazing shots.
  7. Hot air balloon safaris: For a unique experience, you can take a hot air balloon safari and enjoy an aerial view of the sanctuary and its wildlife.
  8. Hiking and rock climbing: For the adventurous, there are plenty of hiking and rock climbing opportunities in and around the sanctuary.

Wildlife

Animal around the park warthogs, jackals, zebras (on occasion even the uncommon Grevy’s zebra!), hyrax, large leopard tortoises, genets, impala, monkeys, baboons, rock hoppers, elands. And eventually, even elephants do byskip thru on their manner from Mugie conservancy to the forests of Kirisia hills.