Destinations

Rwanda

~ Land of a Thousand Hills

Rwanda is popularly referred to as the "Land of a thousand Hills" because of its rolling landscape. The country which is infamously known for the 1994 Genocide during which nearly one million Tusi were killed, has had a complete turn around in the decade and has become one of the most progressive and fastest growing countries in Africa. Kigali, its capital city is by far the most organized, cleanest and safest city in Sub-Saharan Africa. Rwanda is famous for the Mountain Gorillas which are found in the Volcanoes National Park and are the prime attraction which are what majority tourists come to see in Rwanda. Rwanda can also boast to be a Big Five destination and is home to chimpanzees and other primates.

Zanzibar

~ The Majestic Spice Islands

Africa bows to Zanzibar as her preserved treasure; the best example to the world of how history can enrich the future. Located in the Indian ocean, approximately 30 km from the Tanzanian coast, Zanzibar has been a center of trade and tourism for centuries. The island attracts tourist from all walks of life through the glory of its magnificent sand beaches, warm tropical weather, colonial stone buildings, and blooming spice farms. Zanzibar is most visited for beach swimming, beach dinners, sand beach relaxation, diving and snorkeling as well as honeymoon holidays. The islands' beaches such as Sultan sands, Kendwa, Jambiani, Blue bay, Uzi bay and Nakupenda are among the most breathtaking on the entire continent. Zanzibar is also popular for cultural encounters, and historical site visits. The welcoming people of Zanzibar are masters in the growing of spices and prepare mouthwatering spiced local and international dishes.

Highlights.

The Zanzibar archipelago consists of more than 50 islands, ranging from tiny outcrops to the larger, more populated islands of Zanzibar (more properly called Unguja) and Pemba. The beaches are often stunning, with powdery white sand, shaded by palm trees. The sea is shallow, but venture further out into the sparkling, turquoise water and you'll find coral reefs for great snorkeling and diving. The larger islands are lush and highly fertile and everywhere the air is suffused with the aroma of fruit and spices: it's an intoxicating, exotic atmosphere.
Popular as a post-safari choice, a Zanzibar holiday can also be a great stand-alone escape. The main island offers an exceptional diversity of accommodation, from simple beach lodges and small boutique hotels to all-inclusive beach resorts and luxury hotels.

The islands are generally flat and low lying, surrounded by coasts of rocky inlets or sandy beaches, with lagoons and mangrove swamps, and coral reefs beyond the shore line. The western and central parts of Zanzibar Island have some low hills, where the highest point is about 120m above sea level. Pemba Island has a central ridge, cut by several small valley, and appears more hilly than Zanzibar Island, although the highest point of Pemba is only 95m above sea level.
Today, the majority of Zanzibaris are Muslims, with the evocative cries of the muezzins calling people to prayer five times a day, bound up with the daily cacophony of sounds in Zanzibar Stone Town.

Location and size.

Zanzibar consists of two large islands, plus several smaller ones, about 40km off the coast of East Africa, in the Indian Ocean and about 6 ◦S of the equator. The two large islands are Unguja (usually called Zanzibar Island) and Pemba. Zanzibar Island is about 80km long and between 20km and 30km wide, with an area of 1,660 square kilometers.

Activities to do.

Scuba diving.

Diving is possible at any time of the year. Divers visit different parts of the archipelago depending on the conditions. Many people avoid the main rainy season from Mar/April to May. From September to December is usually the calmest time and from November to February/march, the southern coasts are preferred, as winds come from the north. At any time of the year the western sides are more sheltered, while the eastern sides are more prone to rough days.

Note: it is recommended that one checks for licensed divers with PADI international.

Game fishing

The best time for game fishing is from august to march, although conditions are also reasonable from July to September.

Snorkeling.

You will have to take a boat from a hotel or lodge in order to reach decent reefs for snorkeling. Some places offer excursions of an hour while it is a half-day trip at other places. The usual places from where this is done include;

Off the west coast of Zanzibar island- here, Chumbe Island stands out as having the best preserved and most easily accessible coral in the region.

Off the northeast coast- Here, the house reef close to the shore on the western side of Mnemba Island is used by many lodges. Residents of Mnemba have the relaxing luxury of being able to walk into the water rather than sail for several hours.

On Zanzibar’s southeast coast, snorkeling is along the main barrier reef.

Snorkeling also occurs at the southwest of Zanzibar mainly at Fumba beach lodge and Unguja lodge.

Nitrox diving.

This is gaining popularity for the extended bottom time it can give at shallow depths. On 32/68 oxygen/nitrogen divers can dive to a maximum of 30m but stay at that depth for 30 minutes on a first dive. On 50/50 oxygen/nitrogen, divers are limited to 9-12m but the bottom time is increased by up to 50%.

Dhow cruise.

This involves dhow trips to a remote sandbar:  lie on a deserted beach, snorkel on the reef, eat fresh sea food and look out to nothing but Tropical Ocean. These trips are arranged by Fumba beach lodge, Unguja lodge and ethical operator Eco+Cuture.

Spice tour.

Plucking out spices from what would seem like a tangled bit of unruly forest can be fascinating.

Princess Salme tour

Starting at Mtoni palace, the day trip takes place in the palace ruins, a traditional coffee ceremony, the Kidichi plantations and a delicious Swahili lunch.

The Jambiani cultural tour

This trip is tailored to the specific interests of the visitor and offers some hands-on entertainment and enlightening insights into the lives of the rural population. There is also a visit to the community beside Ufufuma forest.

Forest and intertidal walks.

These are attractions in their own right, especially for nocturnal sightings of huge coconut crabs.

For animal lovers, there is a visit to a colobus monkey colony in Jozani-Chwaka Bay National park as well as the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre. In case one is in the Nungwi area, seeing turtles at the Mnarani Natural Aquarium is a possibility.

A visit to Stone Town

This is usually a big attraction. It is a lively and vibrant quarter, mostly built in the 19th century, has been almost unchanged since then. You can find old palaces, mosques and many old Arab houses in the place. A labyrinth of narrow alleys complete with palaces, mosques, and tiny shops, Stone Town is noisy and busy, but it has a vibrant, exotic atmosphere that can be enticing. Spending a night or two at one of the beautiful converted merchant's houses can be very exciting.

Getting to Zanzibar.

By Air.

Most visitors to the island fly first to Dar el salaam on mainland Tanzania, and then take a short regional service to Zanzibar. Small Tanzanian carriers (particularly coastal airways and Zain air) offer a frequent schedule of flights that hop back and forth across the Zanzibar channels and this is by far the quickest and easiest way to reach the islands from mainland Tanzania.

There are also other flights between Zanzibar and Nairobi.

Direct flights also occur between Europe and Zanzibar, although they are chartered flights run by mass tour operators based in Italy, France and Spain.

Note: there is a departure tax of US$30 when flying out of mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar airport on an international flight.

By sea.

From Kenya; Dhows carrying people from Kenya to Zanzibar are available but very rare.

From mainland Tanzania: several large passenger ships run daily between Dar el salaam, Zanzibar and Pemba, and less frequently to other points of the mainland.

Health

Officially, proof of vaccination against yellow fever is needed. Other vaccines like DPT and the ones for Hepatitis A and B are also recommended.

Note: visitors to Zanzibar must take out a comprehensive medical insurance policy to cover them for emergencies, including the cost of evacuation to another country within the region. It is also recommended that you check the policy very well as many policies exclude diving as an activity.

Animals.

 Endemic species with continental relatives include the Zanzibar red colobus (Procolobus kirkii), one of Africa’s rarest primates, with perhaps only 1,500 existing. Isolated on this island for at least 1,000 years, this colobus is recognized as a distinct species, with different coat patterns, calls, and food habits from related colobus species on the mainland. There are no large wild animals in Unguja. Forested areas such as Jozani are inhabited by monkeys, bush pigs, small antelopes, African civets, and various species of mongoose can also be found on the island..

The Zanzibar servaline genet, and the elusive Zanzibar leopard are not exceptions. (In the 1980’s, the leopard was believed t be extinct. However, Scott Marshall found evidence of three leopards in 1994 and a suspected den near Chwaka.)

Bush pigs, Zanzibar tree hyrax, Zanzibar suni, the greater and lesser galago, the small-eared galago, the African civet, the javan civet are also found within the Zanzibar.

Zanzibar is not noted as a major bird watching area, but over 200 species of birds have been recorded in the islands of archipelago. They include; resident birds, migrants and sea birds. Examples are; woodpeckers, shrikes, bulbuls, the Indian house crow among others.

Accommodation

There are various hotels and lodges on the island. Some of the ones with many good reviews include; Jafferji House, Kilindi, Kono Kono Beach Villas, Matemwe Retreat, Mnemba Island Lodge, Pongwe Beach Hotel, Qambani, Serena Inn, Shooting Star Lodge and The Palms among others.

What to expect on a Zanzibar beach holiday

Sun, sea and sand: a Zanzibar beach holiday offers these in abundance. Zanzibar’s beaches differ, but almost all feature crystal-clear waters lapping at the edge of powdery-white sand that trickles through the toes. Be aware, though, that off many beaches, especially on the east coast, low tide can reduce the broad, shallow lagoon to a virtually empty puddle, and swimming is often only possible when the tide is in. It is always worth consulting online tide tables, as the daily range along the East African coast varies through each month and typically ranges from around 1 metre to more than 3 metres.

Zanzibar beach holidays.

If you are looking for a great beach holiday, to relax and unwind after a safari on the African mainland, Zanzibar might be the ideal island for you. The beach holidays include; Capsicum Beach Holiday, Cardamom Beach Holiday, Chumbe Beach Holiday, Clove Beach Holiday, Coconut Beach Holiday, Cumin Beach Holiday, Ginger Beach Holiday, Mango Beach Holiday, Masala Beach Holiday, Papaya Beach Holiday, Passion Fruit Beach Holiday, Pineapple Beach Holiday, Saffron Beach Holiday, Star Anise Beach Holiday and Turmeric Beach Holiday.

Weather and climate.

The climate is typically insular, tropical, and humid, with an average annual rainfall of 60 to 80 inches (1,500 to 2,000 mm). Rainfall is reliable and well-distributed in comparison with most of eastern Africa. Northeast trade winds blow from December to March and southeast trade winds from May to October. The “long rains” occur between March and May and the “short rains” between October and December.

When to visit.

There are number of factors to consider when planning a trip to Zanzibar.

Weather.

The best time to visit these islands is during the dry seasons- December to February and June to October. Generally speaking, any winds come from the Northeast which makes the beaches on the southern and western part of the island more sheltered. Conversely from June to October, the winds tend to come from the southwest which makes the northern and eastern coasts the best. It is however important to note that the islands are at the mercy of the ocean, and their weather patterns can be unpredictable at any time of the year. Even during the dry season, showers are not unknown; although they tend to be short and pleasantly cooling. 

However, it is also possible to visit the islands during the rainy season. The rain is usually heavy and sunsets are magnificent. Within this time, there are fewer visitors, good bargains from lodges and hotels.

Holiday times.

During this time, the islands are popular and therefore expect full flights and higher hotel rates.

Islamic fasting period. (Ramadan)

During Ramadan, many shops are closed during the day and life runs generally at a lower pace.

Mombasa

~ The white and blue city in Kenya.

Mombasa is a coastal city of Kenya along the Indian Ocean. It is the country's oldest (circa 900 AD) and second-largest city. (after the capital Nairobi), with an estimated population of about 1.5 million people in 2017. 

Mombasa is a regional cultural and economic hub; it has an extra-large port and an international airport, and is an important regional tourism center. In Mombasa County and the former Coast Province, Mombasa's situation on the Indian Ocean made it a historical trading center, and it has been controlled by many countries because of its strategic location.

The city is located on Mombasa Island, which is separated from the mainland by two creeks; Tudor Creek on the west and Kilindini Harbor on the south. The island is connected to the mainland to the north by the Nyali Bridge, to the south by the Likoni Ferry and to the west by the Makupa Causeway

Mombasa is Kenya's main tourist destination. It is located on the Eastern coastline of Kenya bordering the Indian Ocean which has made it a popular destination for its beaches. Mombasa offers diverse marine life, world-class hotels and a friendly atmosphere. There is a tropical climate all year; it is a great destination filled with activities for all ages.

Mombasa is a Swahili founded and ruled city. It was founded between the 1st and 5th century. At certain times it was occupied by the Portuguese, Arabs and British and originated back in the 16th century. Mombasa's culture today still exhibits that of its past. Historical ruins like Forte Jesus de Mombaça (Fort Jesus), an historic Portuguese fort, and the Old Town are attractions influenced by Mombasa's trade culture, with many examples of Portuguese and Islamic architecture.

Mombasa as a Tourist Resort
Mombasa is one bestowed with such beautiful beaches with white sandy beaches and a deep historical and cultural heritage that most travelers cannot resist, the beauty of the beaches and the history surrounding this city is simply marvelous. Just 16km outside the city of Mombasa is the Shimba Hills national reserve, here one can see forest elephants, the endangered sable antelope Sykes monkeys etc and the Sheldrick waterfalls. Shimba hills national reserve is one of the last remnants of coastal tropical forests.

Location and size.

Mombasa Island is a 5 by 3 km (3.1 by 1.9 mi) coral outcrop located on Kenya's coast on the Indian Ocean, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Part of the city of Mombasa is located on the island, including the Old Town. Being a coastal town, Mombasa is characterised by a flat topography. The town of Mombasa is centred on Mombasa Island, but extends to the mainland. The island is separated from the mainland by two creeks, Port Reitz in the south and Tudor Creek in the north. The city is located on Mombasa island at a bay of the Indian Ocean on the southern tip of the country, about 480 km (300 mi) south east of Nairobi, Kenya's capital.

What to see in Mombasa

Mombasa Old Town

“Old Town” is the part of Mombasa that is reminiscent of the days when the Arabs exerted a heavy influence on the town and its culture, and especially in the architecture and language (Kiswahili has a lot of phrases derived from various Arabic dialects). It is well known for its ancient buildings, extravagant art designs and curio shops that sell antique and popular Kenyan souvenirs. Old Town is best seen when explored by foot with an experienced guide, as the streets are too narrow to accommodate a large number of vehicles. The town’s inhabitants are mostly of Arab origin whose forefathers once roamed the same streets of the town.

Gedi Ruins

On the North coast of Mombasa towards the town of Malindi lays one the most pre-historic ruins found in Mombasa, called the Gedi Ruins. Gedi was a small town built entirely from rocks and stones, which was inhabited by a few thousand Swahili people and ruled by a very rich Sultan. These ruins date back from the 15th century, and through careful preservation most of the original foundations can still be seen today. A well-informed and educated guide gives a tour of the ruins. The ruins are designated as a National Museum by law, and their preservation are a direct reflection of the commitment of the Government to uphold the country's cultural and historical background.

Fort Jesus

Fort Jesus is Mombasa’s most popular tourist attraction. The fort, located along the coastline near the Old Town, is a monumental piece of architecture that was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. The fort has a museum that displays various artifacts from the era where Mombasa served as a transit point for the slave trade and commodities, and which enjoyed regular visits by seafarers and the like. Its interior comprises of torture rooms and prison cells where slaves were kept in captivity before being traded. Weapons such as canons, which were used to defend the fort from invading foreigners as well as rioting locals, can be seen both inside and outside of the fort. The fort opens its gates for viewing in the morning and closes at dusk.

Bombolulu Workshops. 

Bombolulu Workshops was founded in 1969 and is a project of the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya (APDK). This center is a popular attraction for tourists and has 150 disabled employees who create jewelry, textiles, wood and leather crafts. It is the largest rehabilitation center in Kenya. 

Hindu Temples.

These are attributes to Mombasa cultural diversity. Tourist/visitors are able to go inside the Temple accompanied by a guide from the Temple. Inside you will be able to see artifacts, idols and cultural pictures/paintings. 

Mombasa Tusks.

These are found on Moi Avenue. The tusks were built in 1956 to celebrate Princess Margaret's visit to Mombasa town. They are located at the entrance to the city; they are not made of ivory as is sometimes thought, but of aluminium. An interesting thing to note is that the tusks form dual archways over each side of the road creating the shape in entirety of an 'M' for Mombasa or Margaret! 

ld Town. Located around Ft. Jesus, this historic district has mostly been converted into souvenir shops and restaurants. A nice place to explore on a Sunday when much of the city is closed down.

Colobus Trust nature walks and conservation volunteering at Diani Beach.

Mtwapa Creek is a place to visit on Mombasa's North Coast. An Indian Ocean inlet with some small marinas and beautiful tropical vegetation. Very famous for bird watching, mountain bike tours around the creek, and starting point for deep sea fishing trips. Mtwapa is also famous in Mombasa for its clubs and active nightlife. To get here from the city center, take a matatu from Digo road.

Kinazini Funzi Dhow Safaris.

Visit unspoilt Funzi Island via Dhow (traditional Arab sailing ship), explore Ramisi River Mangroves by canoe for crocs and lots of bird life up close, bathe on a magical sandbank in the Indian Ocean, feast on a lobster and seafood BBQ on Robinson Crusoe Island

Haller Park (Bamburi Nature Trail)

Small zoo that feels like a park. Animals include giraffes, hippos (2), monkeys, and a reptile house. Guides speak English, Spanish, French and other languages. Watch out for the monkeys. They are numerous and appear friendly but do occasionally bite. 

Avicennia Island

This is famous for coastal adventures. Kayak silently through submerged mangrove forests; swim & sunbathe in the emerald waters of the Funzi Sandbar, enjoy a sumptuous seafood barbeque meal.

Shimba Hills National Park: the approximately 30km south of Mombasa situated National Park is mountainous with lush tropical vegetation. This makes it particularly attractive as most other well-known national parks of Kenya have steppe-like vegetation. The main attractions include the elephant habitat, the stocks of antelopes, the waterfall, the Mwaluganje forest and the many vantage points of the fabulous landscape.

Beaches in Mombasa.

Beaches of the North Coast

• English point: Tiny sandy beach at Mkomani with view over the old town. Its a nice place to go but less for swimming than to enjoy the view.
• Nyali Beaches: nice sandy beaches but due to the close distance to the town the water quality is poor and polluted. Its nice to walk along the shore when when you get tired of the hotel pools.
• Bamburi Beach: Very nice beach with white sand and palm trees. Water quality is much better than at Nyali beach. Restaurants along the beach invite to sit under palm trees drinking a cold beer while watching people pass by. Du to the closeness to the town the beach is overcrowded on weekends or holidays.
• Shanzu Beach: Very nice beach with white sand and palm trees. Less crowded than Bamburi beach.

Beaches of the South Coast

• Tiwi Beach is a place to visit on Mombasa's South Coast. Quiet beach not spoiled by mass tourism. At low tide, you can swim in a tidal pool where tropical fish are trapped until the next tide comes in. Be careful to avoid the many sea urchins. Though there are relatively few people, there is a small cafe serving food and drinks.
• Diani Beach is the place to go. A fantastic long white beach with loads of watersports and primates to see. A night at '40 Thieves' beach bar is a great place to hang out with a few tuskers (beers). If you want to see one of the six primate species in South Coast Kenya visit the Colobus Trust, dedicated to primate rescue, research and conservation, for an informative walk and you may spot one of the many wild primates

Climate of Mombasa

Mombasa has a tropical wet and dry climate. The amount of rainfall essentially depends on the season. The rainiest months are April and May, while rainfall is minimal between January and February.

Located near the equator, Mombasa has only a slight seasonal temperature variation, with high temperatures ranging 28.8–33.7 °C (83.8–92.7 °F).

As a seaport, Mombasa is subject to detrimental consequences of a fluctuating climate. In October 2006, Mombasa experienced a large flood that affected 60,000 people.

Coastal erosion has become a problem for Mombasa infrastructure. Due to rising sea levels, the coastline has been eroding at 2.5–20 cm (0.98–7.87 in) per year. This has increased the number of annual floods.

Common foods and dishes in Mombasa.

Mombasa is known for their diverse cuisines from Swahili, Indian, Chinese, Korean, and Italian cultures. They offer an abundance of restaurants and eateries to choose from including establishments with freshly caught seafood.

Many restaurants present a large menu ranging from snacks, burgers to specialties from Germany, Italy, India, China, Thailand, as well as seafood.

Accommodation in Mombasa

There are many accommodations to choose from when visiting Mombasa. Some of them include the following.

Budget

• Tulia Backpackers.
•  Karama hotel.

Mid-range

• Lambada Holiday Resort 

• Villa Annchen 

• Hotel Sapphire 
• Sun N Sand Beach Club.

• Royal Reserve Safari and Beach Club 

How to get there.

Air

Moi International Airport serves the city of Mombasa. It is located in Port Reitz area, also known locally as Chaani area on the mainland metropolitan area. Flights to Nairobi and other Kenyan, European and Middle Eastern destinations depart from the airport each day. Mombasa is connected to Nairobi by dozens of scheduled flights.

Train

Mombasa currently has a modern railway station on the Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway that replaced the century-old station built by the British. Completed in 2017 and located at Miritini, the Mombasa Terminus station links Mombasa to Nairobi. The station, situated about 20 kilometers from the city center, is accessible through the newly built (2018) highway, being the first phase of the larger Dongo Kundu bypass. Kenya Railways transports passengers and cargo through the Standard Gauge Railway between Nairobi to Mombasa. The journey takes approximately five hours between the two cities.

Road

Driving in Mombasa is straightforward and the majority of the roads are tarmacked. Main roads include Jomo Kenyatta Avenue, Digo Road, Nyerere Road, Nkurumah Road, Moi Avenue, Mama Ngina Drive, Barack Obama Road, Nairobi Highway and Nyali Road.

Highways connect Mombasa to Nairobi, Dar es Salaam while northward road link to Malindi and Lamu, which also extends towards the border with Somalia.

Within Mombasa, most local people use matatus (mini-buses) which are extremely common in Kenya, to move around the city and its suburbs. The tuk-tuk—a motor vehicle with three wheels—is widely used as transport around the city and its suburbs. No more than three passengers may be carried. A boda-boda is originally a bicycle taxi but have long since been replaced by motorcycles.

Sea

Mombasa's port is the largest in East Africa, with 19 deep water berths with two additional berths nearing completion and two oil terminals. Rail connects the port to the interior.^] There is little or no scheduled passenger service. International cruise ships frequent the port.

Ferry

There is no bridge between Mombasa Island and south coast, instead the distance is served by ferries operated by the Kenya Ferry Service from Kilindini and Mtongwe to Likoni in the south coast of Mombasa.