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TIPS -WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO IN MSA
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 Whitesands
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 Whitesands.
The Baobab
Adventure
A 1 km drive from Whitesands. 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 Whitesands.
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
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SPORTS
Golf
Nyali Golf Club is a beautiful 18-hole
golf course conveniently located about
15 minutes away from Whitesands. Whitesands
has a special arrangement with the
Golf Club whereby our guests enjoy
the following discounted rates on
the green fees. For info on the rates
and green fees, please contact
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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.
Tennis
Whitesands 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
by calling Peter the Coach on 0722-816374.
Cycling
Bicycles can be hired from the Hotel at
the following rates:
Whitesands
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 1800 hours
daily.
There is a winding water slide and exciting
poolside games and exercises available with
the Animation team.
Buccaneer
Diving School
Amateur diving available at the Diving School
and also the PADI 5 Star International Scuba
diving course is offered at the school.
Wreck diving is also available on sunk ship
wreck that is the biggest artificial reef
in East Africa.
Blue
Lagoon Watersports Centre
A variety of motorized and un-motorized
watersports 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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merchants.
