MV LOGOS HOPE AT THE CITY PORT OF MOMBASA, KENYA

The gate to the ship

The world’s largest floating library MV Logos Hope with different book titles, passengers and crew from across nations moored in Mombasa on August 22 for 45 days, signalling a boon for the tourism and educational activities in the port city of Mombasa. The vessel library am told has over 4000 book tittles of different categories. On board are quite a number of passengers and crew members

To access they charge Ksh 50(appr. 0.5 USD) members of the public are able to access the ship from 1pm to 7pm from Tuesday to Sunday, Monday it’s closed to re-arrange the shelves after a week of public purchase. The public can select and buy books from a wide variety of disciplines including science, cooking, sports, languages, religion among other items like pens ,Mugs with a logos brand.

Upon arrival,The well organized crew usher in visitors and then introduced to the vessel through a short movie and interactive displays. After introduction Visitors are allowed in the library to feel the floating library.

During visiting hours, the vessel’s amphitheatre hosts illuminating talks aimed at enriching maritime careers and other related activities.

The library

People tour and Purchase books inside the MV Logos Hope Ship Library at the Port of Mombasa, Kenya on September 3, 2023.

Talking to some of the crew members they say that .they are really happy to be here in Mombasa Kenya, after Kenya, they will go to South Africa, but they will also visit Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritius and most parts of East Africa,

Book and excursion lovers from different parts of the country visited the ship with numbers multiplying over the weekends if my observations are anything to go by.

Enough sitting area at the Cafe for your snacks and drinks

The Logos Hope brings affordable literary gems to Kenya. The prices of some of the books are being sold as low as 10 USD,(Appr. Ksh100) making it accessible for all. For most books, the price point will be around USD 50 or more, still a reasonable cost for the wealth of knowledge they offer.Tgey are sold on the Ships points . Each point translates to a certain price amount.

Well stocked library

My favourite area

The price ranges between Ksh 500 – Ksh 1800 for most of professional books which would ordinarily cost Ksh 2000-3000.

Some of the book lovers came as far as Nairobi to come and witness the floating library,

This is a well travelling ship which has visited over 150 ports in different countries according to one staff who I spoke to and who has worked with the ship for over 1year

In 2005 a similar ship docked by the name of MS Doulos docked at the Port City of Mombasa on a similar mission. I was previledged to work on board doing sandwiches and beverages while in Mombasa. Duolos is expected to begin her 2024 expeditions making her first stop-over in Maputo, Mozambique in January, so am informed

The floating book fair was to come to Mombasa in 2015 but the voyage was suspended due to fears of insecurity. MV Logos Hope’s visit to the country was organized in partnership of Kenya Ports Authority, the county government of Mombasa and Kenya Tourism Board. The Likoni chanel Food and fruit vendors says their business have improved substantially during this time of book fair. This type of tourism attracts different people to visit .

If you have not visited please make plans to visit the floating library.

Camels joint-Mombasa(The Miss And the score)

At the fort Jesus -mombasa.

It was that day when I decided to take a trip to Fort Jesus in Mombasa.Purposely to know more of the Zinjanthropus days. The Portuguese and the Arabs colonial days until the Germans and the British took over. It was an eventful day full of knowledge. But this is not about Fort Jesus any way!!.The night got me off guard and decided to get a restaurant nearby for my dinner.

Memories are something that you will be able to keep forever. I like documenting my memories and this is one of them.

Camels Joint wasn’t one of my choice to have my dinner due to my previous experience at their Haille sellasie branch . But it was the nearest of all within the fort Jesus area, So I was kinder 50-50 going to the Fort Jesus branch. I ignored my instincts.

The fort area

The food here is mediocre to sum up all. Any food enthusiast who knows what comfort food is(sic) Wil do the same. It’s the only food I ate in the last 24 hours that I did not eat in the proceeding days.This is my second Visit to Camels joint to see if in my previous visit was just that bad day to them or for me but to my surprise it was worse than the previous visit.

The outdoor sitting area good, the ambience excellent. But the tea served cold.

I would leave zero star but I gave them a one star for the cleanless of their washrooms and dining area ambience. The food is mediocre for the price and to make it even worse it is not even close to authentic.I enjoy food in all it’s forms but this was a let down,.Streed food in Mombasa is far better. The vibe and food feels ridiculously whitewashed.

A full burnt king fish garnished with a day old lettuce leaves and smelly tomatoes.

I have not rated any restaurant as bad but below are my observations..

01. Would give it a zero if I could. The waitress stand was slow and lack product knowledge …Come here if you want attitude.

03. Cold Tea and customer service in the (City! Asked them to reheat the COLD Tea they gave me to drink and the waitress forgot to bring it back until I cried loud

02. Sleepy service, poor food quality, and when i asked why it was like this they stated that their kitchen was backed up, yet the restaurant was damn near empty.

04. Took an hour to get food. Fish was dry and burnt I have ever experienced. Go ANYWHERE else.An Overpriced piece of Fish

Nature And Trails:That is Bamburi Nature Trails

In Mombasa, Bamburi cement is one of the greatest names in construction industry, It is closely associated with the Haller Park, a world famous ecological rehabilitation site.Once a barren landscape ravaged by years of quarrying, it is now a rich tropical ecosystem bursting with life both wild animal and plant life.Haller the Man, is a brilliant example of how man can reclaim nature and create an environmentally friendly attraction.

The fish pond

The park was created by nature-loving scientists who divided it into several unique sites. The best is the animal park which boasts of Hippos, giraffes ,antelopes and even waterbucks. Another is the quarry viewpoint where nature and industry co-exist in one dramatic landscapes. At this point, one can see the early stages of rehabilitation against a backdrop of an open, active quarry and the cement factory.

Only at Haller Park will one enjoy unique Day walks . This is another segment where the trails is in a class of its own. The park literally is another picnic site. The forest trails are a sanctuary to many reptiles, birds and butterflies. The rich biodiversity is reflected in the over 400 plant and 180 bird species found in the rehabilitated quarries. One of the most interesting attractions at the park is the animals’ feeding, which takes place every day.

Forest trails are located on one side of the park 1km away, where they form a rare facility designed specifically for outdoor creation. There are four carefully designed trails that meander through the developing landscapes in the former quarry.

The Haller Park also has a unique sunset terrace perfect for relaxation and unwinding.

The 3.6-kilometre leisure walk has alternating landscapes from barren quarries to a lush rehabilitated forest. Other unique attractions include the butterfly pavilion found at the exhibition house where butterflies can be appreciated in their lovely colours.But this one however in my second visit couldn’t Get to see.

Again there are bikes on site for those who need a physical activity . What I liked even more is that all the routes are marked and the distance for each route. Whether jogging, cycling or even leisure walk. All are colour coded.

A well marked signage

The park has become more serene and beautiful than the previous visit.The kids enjoyed the scenery. The butterfly pavilion however, did not have butterflies maybe it was not the season. The trails are safe and very clean and one can walk through them without a guide. If you have small children advisable to have a walker or carrier because they get tired from walking.Within the reception it has places one can sit and relax.But unfortunately no restaurant on site. Am told that during COVID-19 time they scaled down on the operations. So make sure you carry your own food and drinks which they allow. However no dumping is allowed within the park.

This is one among many activities or places you need to visit while in Mombasa. Rene Haller, the founder, believed animals play an important role in the forest ecosystem as plants. Located along Mombasa- malindi highway it’s just opposite Bamburi beach hotel and near the pirates public beach.

Enjoy your trails….

Soak your soul in the love language,Take a culinary day out.

What you need to know:

Diani/Mombasa is a destination where cordiality and love are celebrated. Here lovers get to come alive as they officially start their matrimonial journeys and enjoy a honeymoon together.Mine wasn’t a honey moon but a trip to dip my feet into sandy beaches of southcoast.

Eliud and Dee

Dee, My Fiance lay on her back as she smiled, her eyes sheltering behind blue sunglasses as she blissed in the delight of swimming in the splashy green and blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

It is a sunny Sunday afternoon and tourists, several of them couples and families, are out swimming in the ocean while others either sit or walk, and some kick some white sands.

Diani is a destination where cordiality and love are celebrated. There, lovers get to come alive as they officially start their matrimonial journeys and enjoy a weekend or honeymoon together.

Kongo public beach access point

Diani has a history which keep the body warm, a vast clean coastline but it is the people around that give you the psychological warmth . People will greet you with smiles that tickle the soul and tenderize the heart to the idea that Kenya coast is indeed a beautiful thing. I started sampling the Diani coastline from The Jacaranda hotel to Neptune .Quite a distance but it’s worth taking.

Most of the hotel staff I interacted with are natural at making guests feel at home at their facilities. From the local eateries to exclusive restaurants the pattern is almost similar.From the artistically chiselled Arab doors that I was glad to study closer to appreciate the precise designs that exhibit patterns that represent the lifestyle of the coastal people whose lifestyles were heavily influenced by the Arabic and Portuguese traders in the past century.

I was to later take note of the weather. The environment is suitably warm and cold too. I was welcomed to gentle rain drizzles from the open skies that seemed to signal a good week ahead at the subjectively natural coastal luxury compound.

Dee is a lover of style and an outdoor kind. So after booking in for the day, we left our room to venture outside for a walk which turned to be an all day affair. We walked along the beach, took boat cruises, canoe rides, kite surfing, scuba diving, marine tours and swimming in the ocean . What’s interesting is that all these activities are managed by the local community groups.Hence good income to them.

Community run beach restaurant

For lovers of culture and the unique heritage of the coastal people, The Beach operators showcase their wares along the road. Shukas, handicrafts,curvings and art drawings are displayed to showcase true Swahili style that embodies use of stones or wood richly decorated. Wooden high hanging ceiling are not left behind beautified using baskets, local shakers, mats, shuka and more.

The roadside curvings and artifacts

Speedys bistro-serving most Kenyan coastal dishes

In every Restaurant you enter; Lovebirds, the introvert, extrovert, friends, and groups- private or corporate will find a place to sit and talk, sit and enjoy a meal, rest or even sleep and probably contented of the security and hospitality offered across..

Jacaranda resort beach stretch

activities offered

A large swimming pool

Somewhere along the beach line, tourists love going about the simple pleasures of life; cuddling, turning pages of their favourite novel cover to cover, undisturbed, smoke a cigar, or just listen to the indulgent sound of waves hitting against each other on the gigantic blue Indian Ocean- the third largest on our planet Earth.Along the road leading to popular clubs street food joints their is always a well maintained lawns of the compound, the environment in Diani is well maintained to it’s natural state. You breath fresh air from the trees.Also the roadside is covered with pots that serves a decorative placement. It should additionally serve to remind the tourist visitors of the enviable traditional life of the coastal and indeed African people. 

Fried fish with corn meal.

sugar cane, beetroot juice

Fried snapper and spinach

But it is the culinary offerings that got my palate excited,Dee, My Fiance is a lover of Fish, a lover of food,And thats why she is Romantically endowed each day .This trip was meant for her ,for us, to re-energize our love and no other place other than Diani. Diani for me any time. As we say bye-bye to Diani we say keep the hospitality alive. Fish,coffee chai(tea) and Ooh I forgot Dee loves vodka and whisky too.

Vodkas

Farm To Grill

It’s a Saturday afernoon and yes as a foodie I decided to go for my lunch in a cosy outdoor beach set-up. If you need to understand what Farm to Grill means then visit Char Choma restaurant in Bamburi beach – mombasa.

Char Choma is along Mombasa malindi highway opposite whitesands beach hotel.They have assorted fresh meat cuts on a chilled display where you choose what you need ,weighed and wait as they grill it for you.What a wonderful conceipt !!.

So I decided together with my partner to visit for late lunch .We love our chicken, Chargrilled Thai-style for mains accompanied by Roast potato wedges.

They gave us 50 minutes wait time for our oder to be served.They have a wonderful outdoor beach sitting area ,so we sat sipping our 7 year scotch whisky and fresh squeezed fruit juice.

When we arrived we were ushered to a sitting area where we could catch the ocean breeze.The waitress had all the smiles and took a minute to get our table ready. OK, so we didn’t have a reservation, but the restaurant was full. There was a reason to make this restaurant full at this time .

The service was great and the potato wedges were crispy and too much to finish.

The sauces accompaning our food were amazing with lots of flavour, very impressive for a casual dining restaurant.

We ordered for a free range chicken thigh as a main dish and spinach with cream.They both looked delicious from the look of plating. True to the eyes The food was tasty and flavourful .!

When the waitress asked if everything was ok , we didn’t have anything to say but thank her for her good service.Overal i liked the wedges and the entire food.’That’s funny, Right?I loved them’ and that was it.

I was really excited about visiting Char Choma and would recommend it to anyone who is not in a hurry for a fresh cooked meal as you wait.The Food and service experience was not disappointing…

jahazi coffee house

Now as we entered jahazi Coffee House my imagination was totally wrong. The entrance and reception was friendly and cool Arabic set up. Few tables available. But the receptionist or the waiter(I couldn’t tell) was fast to usher us in a cubicle where you sit on a mat. To my surprise this is the style in here ,Small cubicles with a feel of casual Swahili sitting on cushions and Mats. Real fun.

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As a Sunday today it reminds me of a few sundays back. I was walking along the street to go home from fort Jesus in Mombasa. This evening i stopped at the street vendor to buy roasted corn, or mahindi choma as kenyans called it. (The corn is fantastic. It is grilled over a small charcoal fire and sold extremely hot.) . To my surprise, I heard someone calling my name as I was buying the corn. I turned around to see who is calling me , and to my suprise it was my friend salim holding corn behind me. I met salim in fort jesus a few weeks ago. He is a goood friend working as a tour guide within fort jesus area in mombasa. It was a total surprise to see him after a long time.He told me that he has waiting for some visitors who he was to take them for a walk around old town, So I walked almost an hour with him from here to the alleys of old town which he seems to know very well. Salim was born and raised in Mombasa old town, so it was very special to hear about the city from his perspective.As we strolled biting our roasted maize ,I asked him if we could get a joint /an eatery within where we could sit and talk. He suggested a coffee house next to the old port,Jahazi Coffee House.

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We were presented with the menu . Though the choices were limited but were satisfying. Exotic Arabic cuisine , kahawa nthungu(espresso like coffee scented with spices) ,banjias, viazi karai accompanied by chutneys like ukwaju(tamarind) pilipili(chillies). The Main course we had Biriyani ya mbuzi and we finished with halua and kahawa nthungu as they call it.

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Now the story behind Jahazi Coffee House am told is a centre -a meeting place to exchange thoughts and beliefs. It is a creative culture and intellectual place where young,old,rich and poor,locals and visitors relax and enjoy a meal as they engage in dialogue.It is set to promote Arab/swahili culture.What interests me is the fact that Jahazi is Part of Darul-Salaam (An NGO) which is meant to offer mentorship to the lives of the youth of Old town along with their families. Also to mentor and counsel drug addicts.

So the profit made at Jahazi Coffee House goes back into the programs of Darul-Salaam. So remember by having that cup of Coffee you are helping many youth across.. Happy Visit To Jahazi Coffee House.

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