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| HANDY TIPS - WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO IN MOMBASA
HISTORICAL SITES
These are places of interest you may visit if you have a
day to spare. They include a dhow trip into the Tudor Creek
and a visit to the floating market at the Jahazi Jetty, a
tour of the Mombasa Old Town, the Fort Jesus etc
Gede Ruins:
A 11/2 hour drive from the hotel. These extensive ruins of
a 13th century Swahili settlement indicate Gede was once a
flourishing town with a good size Islamic population. They
are situated at Watamu on your way to Malindi.
A trip to Gede Ruins is included in the Malindi Tour.
Old Port in the Old Town:
This is the original port in Mombasa. Coastal trade was mostly
carried out by sailing dhows that utilized the seasonal winds.
It is possible to watch the arrival and departure of old dhows
which continue with the tradition of trade servicing the islands
off the coast. A walk around the old town with its narrow
streets and old houses is worth taking even though a lot of
redevelopment is in progress.
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Fort Jesus:
This is a historical monument built by the Portuguese
when they first invaded East Africa. In this place, many
battles were fought by the Portuguese and Arabs for supremacy
and the Fort was the first line of protection. Later the
British used it as a prison.
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Jumba Ruins:
Found in Mtwapa, they are also 13th century Swahili ruins
from the Portuguese and Arab times in Mombasa. They go
to show how little life has changed in the traditional
African homes.
Discover Mombasa Dhow Safari:
The trip starts on the Jahazi Jetty at the Jomvu Kuu
area in the Tudor Creek. The dhow safari takes you on
a historical trip round the creek which was also used
by the pioneer explorers of Africa and Dr. Krapf, the
first missionary to this part of Africa.
Floating Market
This market was created in 1988 in the Jomvu Kuu area
in the Tudor Creek. The market has its humble beginnings
in a poor village Manguaje. The Market creates a way
for visitors to Kenya to interact and purchase goods
from the locals, thereby enabling them to create needed
jobs. |
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City
Tour
For a duration of about
3 – 31/2 hours, the City tour covers Fort
Jesus, Tusks, Old Town, Old Port, Akamba Carvings,
Hindu Temple, Baobab Forest, Main vegetable and
meat market and gives you ample time for shopping.
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DHOW
SAFARIS
Coastal communities used dhows to transport their
handicraft mainly mkeka (woven grass carpets) and vyungu
(clay pots) to trade with neigbouring communities. Today,
the dhows are still used to take tourists on scenic trips
around the many creeks, to the marine parks and other
islands and mangrove forests. |
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Dolphin Dhow
A full day trip (0600h – 1830h) and 85 kms drive from
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort
Kisite/Wasini Island Tour
Also 85km drive from the Hotel, the trip includes free drinks
on the dhow.
LAND EXCURSIONS, ANIMAL FARMS AND BOTANICAL GARDENS
Shimba Hills
This is a National Reserve located in Kwale Region and is
the only place one can find the rare black-maned sable antelope.
Other attractions here include the 25metres Sheldrick Falls
and Mwele Forest, a historical stronghold of the notorious
rebel; Mbaruk of Gazi - the last of the active chieftains
of the Mazrui Arabs in the 19th Century. A half day (0800h
– 1300h) trip 45 kms drive from Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort.
The Baobab Adventure
A 1 km drive from Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort. The adventure includes a collection
of attraction sites as listed below:
Butterfly Pavilion
Part of the Baobab Adventure. This is an area one can picnic
or do bird watching and is overlooking a manmade dam. Also
available is cycling, jogging and walking trails an exercise
trail with obstacle races and a do-it-yourself exercise session.
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Haller Park
A thriving ecosystem
created from a rehabilitated limestone quarry. Attractions
include game, porcupines, peacocks, a snake park,
fish farm, crocodile farm and a restaurant that
specializes in game meat. Pre arranged tree planting
at the nature trail with certificates |
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Mamba Village
Crocodile Farm
This is the largest Crocodile
Farm in Africa! Apart from the popular feeding time,
Momba Village also has Horse riding, camel riding
and picturesque botanical gardens to visit.
Mamba Village is also home to the Mamba Discocotheque
and Croco Club. |
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CULTURE AND TRADITIONS Ngomongo
Villages
An abandoned murram quarry, which was reclaimed and transformed
into a lush forest of greenery over a 10-year duration. Integrated
in the created forest are 10 diverse rural Kenyan homesteads.
Each homestead represents a Kenyan tribe and one has a guided
tour into the authentic lifestyle of the members of each community.
This can be a half day trip and is 15 minutes away from Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort.
Bombolulu Workshops
An initiative of the APDK, a charity caring for the people
crippled by the polio disease. The workshop showcases woodwork
and jewellery artistically crafted by the beneficiaries of
the charity and also a fashion design shop specializing in
beautiful African designs and fabrics. Bombolulu also has
special classes for various activities eg cookery, hair plating,
weaving etc. Bombolulu is 10 minutesa away from the Hotel
and observes the following hours:
0800 – 1700 hours (Monday to Friday)
0800 – 1600 hours (Saturday)
Two hours each show |
SPORTS Golf
Nyali Golf Club is a beautiful 18-hole golf course conveniently
located about 15 minutes away from Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort.
For more information on the rates and green fees, please contact our front desk.
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Horse Riding and Camel Riding
- Mamba Village offers horse and camel riding and the added
pleasure of riding on the beach
- The Thorn Tree Ranch in Kikambala also offers horse riding
and a myriad other attractions.
- For more information on the rates and green fees, please contact our front desk. Tennis
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort has four flood lit tennis courts and its own equipment.
Open to in house guests at no extra charge from 0600-2100
hours. Professional tennis coaching is available.
Please contact the front desk or our guest hotline.
Cycling
Bicycles can be hired from the resort. Please contact the front desk for more details.
Tulia Gym
It is open daily for in house guests at no extra charge. Gym
instruction is available through the Animation team as per
request.
Swimming
The hotel has five free form swimming pools. They are open from 0600 hours to 2200 hours daily.
There is a winding water slide , kiddies pool and exciting poolside games and exercises available with the Animation team.
Buccaneer Diving Centre
Amateur diving is offered at the Diving Centre. The PADI 5 Star International Scuba diving course is offered at the diving center.
Wreck diving is available at the sunken ship wreck which is the biggest artificial reef in East Africa.
Blue Lagoon Water Sports Centre
A variety of motorized and non -motorized water sports are available at the centre at a charge.
Of special interest include the jet ski's and the glass bottomed boat ride to the marine park.
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