 SHIMBA
HILLS NATIONAL RESERVE
This is a nature reserve which is about a 45 minute drive away from
Diani. A morning or evening drive around the park leaves the
visitors having appreciated the site of elephants at close range.
Other animals found here include buffaloes, giraffes, the rare sable
antelope and a variety of bird life.While you are in Shimba Hills
don't forget to stop in at the Shimba Hills Forest Guides nature trail.
You will be introduced to local culture in a unique way. The
entrance is by the elephant grid on the Reserve side of Kwale town.
MWALUGANJE ELEPHANT
SANCTUARY
Adjacent to the Shimba Hills Reserve, this is an elephant sanctuary
managed by the local community, NGOs and Kenya Wildlife Service with the
main purpose of trying to alleviate human wildlife conflict (especially
with elephants) and to promote conservation.
PARADISE LOST
This is a one day, out-of-the-bush tour. It involves a visit to a
local school, medicine man and a guided walk through the mangrove
system. One can also go on a snorkelling mission on or just have a
ride on a glass bottom boat.
SHIMONI & WASINI ISLAND
Shimoni is a small peninsula and is the headquarters of Kisite National
Marine park. Wasini is off the coast of the Shimoni peninsula and
is the perfect place to relax and experience a Swahili culture away from
your hotel. It is wooded and unspoilt. There are no roads
and virtually no cars. On a wander around the island one comes
across Muslim ruins, local women weaving mats, men preparing for fishing
by mending nets etc. Snorkelling and diving is done from here to
see a great variety of marine life. One can combine a visit to the
two islands.
KISITE MPUNGUTI MARINE RESERVE
This is offshore to the south of Wasini island. One can book
through the headquarters of Shimoni in order to get here. Both
snorkelling and diving can be done from this place. A variety of
marine life is seen from here.
DOLPHIN DHOW
A well run dhow trip specialising in snorkel dives at a coral garden
where the marine life is prolific. Here, there is a great opportunity to
spot dolphins.
KAYA KINONDO ECOTOURISM PROJECT
Managed by the local Digo community to protect the remaining patches of
forests, tours can be taken introducing guests to the cultural
traditions of this 'Kaya,' which is considered sacred by the community
and their elders.
OTHERS
- A visit to Chale Islands
- Gazi Bay Mangrove conservation
- Sea Horse dhow trips
- Diani Ukunda Falconry (Bird Sanctuary)
NB: For more information of any of the above trips, one needs to
contact the tour leader or the hotel's Guest Relations desk. |
