Malindi Soul

Malindi is one of the oldest ancient Swahili Towns in East Africa, it is rich in history and was once a vibrant center of trade

Attractions

Vasco Da Gama Pillar

The first thing that comes to mind when travelling to Malindi is this historical pillar that was erected by Portuguese Explorer Vasco Da Gama as a navigational aid in 1498

Museum at the house of columns

This place would certainly appeal to children rather than adults. On display is the preserved coelacanth; a pre historic fish pre dating the dinosaurs though very rare in the Indian Ocean waters. In addition there is an interactive exhibition for children. On the upper floors is an exhibition of the life and times of Vasco Da Gama and Muslim cultural artifacts.

Malindi National Marine Park

This is a top of the list of things to do: a snorkel safari and you may see a turtle lounging in the shallows of a coral head. Take your own equipment especially if smaller sizes are needed for the children. Entry charges for residents: Adults and children Ksh 100, East African Residents Adults Ksh.300 children Ksh. 150 Non residents’ adults’ $15 children 10

 Scuba Diving

There are a total of 8 dive sites in Malindi and more in neighboring Watamu Islands

Malindi Crocodile Park and Snake Park

Located just off the main road the Marine Park is open from 9 am to 5.30Pm Residents pay Ksh 300/150 adult/child. To watch the 3m long crocodiles gorge visit from 4pm on Wednesdays and Saturday

Best time to travel to Malindi

December – April when the area is bathed in the balmy north east monsoon trade winds. Christmas and Easter are the most ideal times to visit Malindi. From May to November the wind changes direction to cooler winds from the south east. A lot of rainfall comes between May and June in July the weather is mild and pleasant. Easter is an especially good time to escape the sun and sand visitors

Getting there

Malindi is a 2 hour drive from Mombasa and 8 hours from Nairobi via Mombasa. You can take a 45min flight to Diani Ukunda and transfer to Malindi via road

Camp It Up

Where would you camp in Kenya? KWS Kenya Wildlife Service has a selection of unrivalled camping areas that are scenically located within national parks and reserves and in addition offer the best possible security services. There are 2 kinds of camp sites: Public campsites which are normally located adjacent to the main gate. They are open to everyone and normally don’t require you to pre book. Public campsites have the basic necessities: water, latrine, shower, sheltered cooking areas, picnic tables, benches and fire pits some have iron BBQ attachments.

The second type is the special campsites which are generally located far in beautiful spots; they must be pre booked in.While camping is an adventure one cannot just wake up and leave for an evening or morning stroll. Only two national parks allow walking other than in the company of an armed KWS ranger; Saiwa Swamp and Hell’s gate national parks. The rangers need to be hired and arrangements can be made in advance.

Recommended campsites    

• Hell’s Gate Naivasha
• Mount Kenya National Park
• Saiwa Swamp National park
• Lake Bogoria National Reserve
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Marsabit National Park

Budget watch

Public Campsites: They charge per person per night basis in addition to the fees payable to enter the park. The most popular parks include Aberdares, Amboseli, Nakuru, Tsavo and Meru National Park and advance booking is required.

Special campsites: Charge a weekly rate at a flat flee for the entire campsite which is non refundable and payable in advance. Water and security can be provided at a minimal charge if arranged in advance by a warden

Great Offers this valentines

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Kenya- the facts on Safari Vacations

Photo courtesy of Dr. Brager 

Kenya is a country situated in East Africa. For a traveler coming here for the first time, Nairobi is the capital city. Two other major cities include: Mombasa and Kisumu.  Kenya is famous for its Safaris and beach holidays. Kenya’s time zone lies in the East African Standard Time Zone which is 3 hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time.

Nairobi’s weather is cool while that of Mombasa and Kisumu is hot and humid.  Those planning safari trips need to be well prepared for their adventurous journey. For starters Safari is a Swahili word that means a journey. Kenya has one of the best options to enjoy a Safari. There are many wildlife sanctuaries and game parks to choose from.

You can either plan to have the safari through a road trip or using internal flights to the game parks. There are also options available for you to see nature and wildlife. You can decide to take a balloon safari or a game drive or a walking safari to see the flora and fauna.

To get the most out of your trip while you go for game drive plan the drives either very early in the morning or at night; you will be able to see the animals better at these times as they get out to hunt. The animals also avoid the hot scorching sun during the day.

Every park has entry fees for vehicles and persons. The roads within the park are accessible to any kind of vehicle however during the rainy season it is advisable to have a four wheel drive vehicle.