Why I Would Return To Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park Countless Times

Where would we go next??One of our adventure gang member asked me.. Being a lead of distination,site and route researcher for the group, i was sorry that I had  to google to check what’s the best marine park to visit. I have been to Shimoni and Wasini island but not with the gang .

The gang Enroute(from left):Vicky,Ann,Doso,Gonga,Amina, Mzedu, Santana,Angela,Kevo,Jacquise and Liz.

The drive

Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park come to my mind.The park is roughly70km south of Mombasa. I knew the road would be rough since I had been to Shimoni before, so we settled for a 4*4 van and set out a date for the journey.

Assorted bites

Mzedu packed smacks

The journey was on a Sunday,As usual I don’t wake up early but I had to wake up at 5AM to get our snack packs for the day ready,thus started the road trip at 6AM.We crossed the ferry as usual but the jam to get to Likoni was crazy. After an hour or so we made it through. South coast is just chilled and calm and driving past Diani brought back memories of the rough road when I last travelled. The road was really poor then, and I mean really really poor. I never thought you can get to the Island with a vitz using that dirt road, but now the road network  is smooth  and very comfortable to any type of vehicle. A few kilometers down the road and we got to Shimoni.

Shimoni is a major historical site. This was where the slaves were kept before being shipped to Europe or Asia.

Meeting Mr Mohammed(lead guide)

I met my guide Mr. Mohamed Hassan waiting for us at the shopping centre.A very kind gentleman who made our stop there very worthwhile. Hassan is a local at Shimoni and owns a company that provides tours in the island. I asked if we could get to see dolphins. To  answer this question Hassan gave hope to all my heart. He explained clearly  that to visit Kisite Mpunguti you had to wake up at the crack of dawn and get the boat ride to the island. The boat will then go to tides where you could be able to view the dolphins. We asked so many questions and Mohammed had a ready answere and a solution to every of our concern.

Here we are at Shimoni. Mohammed led us to the KWS marine part offices for the registration and verification of identity.The Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is managed by KWS (Kenya Wildlife Services) All of us were ready for the voyage to kisite mpunguti through Wasini island.

The KWS personnel Welcoming us.

We got in a dhow parked at the jetty named MV. Subra with three crew members on board. Jaffari was the captain (a smart young boy) and started the voyage to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park Island. The Shimoni mainland and Wasini island are separated by a Kilometer of the Indian Ocean. Mpare hills which are in Tanzania could be seen and our guide told us guys cross into Tanzania everyday.

On board MV Subra.

Mr.jaffari briefing us

We got a brief from the guide about the journey from shimoni to Kisite-mpunguti- Marine Park, safety measures to take in case of emergency. At 9:30 the sail started. The sail is to take 3-4 hrs then stop over at Wasini- Island for lunch before returning to shimoni mainland, I realized the guide had a quite grasp on safety measures while at sea. I was easy about this and inquired, what if one gets sea sickness or vomiting what/ where would she/he vomit. His answere was short as ” you feed the fish” meaning  you just vomit on the sea. No plastic or waste is allowed to be thrown out ot the dhow. The dustbin is provided on board. Kisite-mpunguti- Marine national Park was smooth and we saw dolphins swim along the boat.  Along the way the sea got little rough but the boat cruised through despite the fact that some of the members got to vomit .

Casualties are inevitable.

We arrived at the park after about 1hr and 30mins. The boat was anchored and some of us went off for snorkeling and swimming to see the marine fish. Many other toirists from different  groups of nationality and myself enjoyed the view from the boat . The anchor- stop at marine park was to take 1hr 45 mins then leave for the island before high tide. However snorkeling took too long, the boat crew could not get us all together in time to leave for the island as planned. It was really  fun on the sand bath and swimming.By the time all  other visitors were back on board  of their shows it was already high tide and the sea waves were getting rough.

At the shimoni jetty.

Disembarking fron the dhow.

We set out to Wasini island about 1pm , the experience on the sea at Wasini channel was very chilling, the waves were rough as the dhow was wavering from side to side. That is when I inquired more on the available life- jackets and buoy- life –rings on board.. The dhow was well equipped in all of these vital equipment. We finally arrived at the Wasini island after about 1 hour 30 mins bumpy sail. Access to the island was by a one small boat ( there is no jetty for the dhows ) which takes trips to collect all the tourists and the reserve trip to return. I found these many trips also tiring but worth the adventure.

The group having their lunch at the restaurant.

Lunch at the Wasini island restaurant was refreshing sea food (selection of Fish, crab, lobster, rice, cassava ,vegetables , chicken , chapati and drinks ) and residents are very hospitable. We returned to shimoni mainland about 3.30 pm with unique experience and much of appreciation to God for safety. I also recognized that the dhow crew members mainly rely of their own experience on navigation but knowledge able of the sea around their area.

I would return to kisite Mpunguti countless time s due to ;

1. Unmatched scenery at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park. Before getting lost in all there is to discover below wild side of the sea with beautiful rock features, vast clear waters and beautiful blue skies and the scenery here is nothing short of divine.

 2. Majestic coral reefs at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park Coral reefs in the sea are what forests are to land. Coral reef barrier present at Kisite is so vast, providing a suitable home to octopus where dolphins feast on,You will therefore get to witness one of the most extraordinary features of the sea.  

3.Mysterious sea birds at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park.They love the bare rocks, which allow them the free space they are accustomed to in the ocean. As a result, Kisite is listed as an Important Bird Area.

4.The intriguing underwater world . Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is one of the most ideal places for diving. The clear and clean waters boast of thousands of sea life that has been referred to as a rainbow. Snorkeling here will allow you to see beautifully colored fish of all sizes, shapes and forms.

5. Dolphins and whales at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park The most interesting  part of visiting Kisite Mpunguti is the chance to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. These friendly mammals love playing in the water, and when they feel co enough can come within inches of you.

6.Shimoni Caves at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park: These are located in a small fishing village, these ancient coral caves were for century’s sacred sites of worship for the local communities. However, fate and history brought a darker aspect to this tranquil spot. In the 18th and 19th century the caves became pens for captured slaves on their way to the slave markets in Zanzibar. Your entrance fee will help pay school fees for the school going children from the village. It’s manned by the community here.

At 4pm we boarded our van back to northcoast Mombasa. But before them We made a stop at Diani for a quick one for the road. Sought to know where  we could go and unwind for an hour or so.

At Manyatta lounge enjoying the music.

Our source asked us to go to Manyatta Resort and lounge where entertainment is made. Yes ,…the place was epic. We danced till midnight . Exhausted, we left for Mombasa……….

Boarding our Van back to Mombasa from  Diani.

This Red Thing Valentines.

• In summary;it doesn’t matter what you’ve done for your significant other all year if you fail to remember this one day.You could have bought her a plot of land and build her dream house, but if you forget a thousand-shillings worth of flowers which will die in a days time you’re the most unromantic son in the universe.

Now that Valentine’s shenanigans are over, it feels a little safer to dig a bit into the origin of the day that made me occupy my mind to get my gifts delivered on time or else I would be that dead son of soil. In my budget was red roses, red outfits and a bottle of something called Belaire Luxe, a champagne from burgundy that goes for slightly over USD.80, and tastes very much like regular muratina..

One popular theory connects Valentine’s Day to a Christian martyr named Saint Valentine. The Catholic Church recognises several saints named Valentine, but the most commonly mentioned is a priest in Rome during the third century.

The 8th-century ,Gelasian Sacramentary recorded the celebration of the Feast of Saint Valentine on February 14.The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries, when notions of courtly love flourished, apparently by association with the “lovebirds” of early spring. In 18th-century England, it grew into an occasion for couples to express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards. Valentine’s Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid.

Yes,this valentine I did my part as a boy child to making sure that the basics are met.Before expressing my love to my Valentine I had to show love to my own self by Joining Our Mombasa Walk Movement Bonje Valentine’s 2nd edition organized 4 days earlier.

Love was literally and figuratively poured into the streets of Mombasa as over 1,000 residents participated in a 19km walk to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day.

 The young, old and youth thronged to the street to participate in the walk organized by the Mombasa Walk Movement.

So ,on the 10th, February we walked for 19 km to celebrate our health.

Legend has it that Valentine defied the Roman Emperor Claudius II, who had prohibited marriages for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. Valentine continued to marry young couples in secret. When discovered, he was imprisoned and eventually executed on February 14. Ouch! Kind of makes Valentine’s Day Good for lovers, especially to a Man of the world.Thats why it’s very important to send a gift(No matter how small) to a woman you truely love.

Some historians link Valentine’s Day to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which took place in mid-February, a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome.And the theories will go on and on.

The commercialisation of Valentine’s Day, with the mass production of cards and the exchange of gifts, gained momentum in the 19th century. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done for your significant other all year, if you fail to remember this one day. you’re the most unromantic son in the universe. Where did the red colour theme come from ? May be because of the blood the Valentine matyr shed?

To the red colour!!, this son of soil decided to pull a surprise to the old girl. We all left for work in our different fields. However I managed to sneak back to the house to colour the entire room red. Yes, pulled the red curtains up, the beddings red. Literally everything was red.Placed the Rose as bed centre piece. Off to plan for dinner.

Yes the suprise worked,It blew her off..All my sins for a year were pardoned.. To end the day was a church organization dinner where we had a good time with the speaker of the day.

I remember one woman who said, “I’d rather get a packet of maize flour than a bunch of inedible flowers.” I believe come judgment day, that woman will suffer a similar fate to the biblical Eve. You remember her, right? Apparently, she’s the reason women lose a tonne of blood once every month and get moody. My partner overheard that couples conversation on adjacent table.So I went ahead and posed a question.

“Diana,” I said to my love, (just to get her opinion on the woman conversation) -“I’ve loved you since the first day I laid eyes on you and I’ve done everything in my power to show how much you mean to me. What’s one day compared to valentine”

She answered “If you don’t get me flowers and wine,” she said, “you’re dead to me.”!!!!

Easy chicken Tikka Using a Grill

This is a recipe that I developed from a mixture of recipes, adapting to my taste. I hope you enjoy it . Cooking time is an estimate, depending on how hot your grill is and how big your chicken pieces are.Similar to Tandoori chicken but different in the use of grilling equipment.

Tikka on the grill

Ingredients:

Tikka marinade.

2pcs whole skinless chicken cut into 1/4 pcs
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1cup plain yogurt or mala(curd)
1bulb of pressed garlic or 2tbs garlic powder
2tbs  freshly grated ginger
2tbs ground cumin
1tsp ground turmeric
2tbs Spanish paprika.                                             

1tbs Garam Masala

1tsp cayenne pepper
Salt to taste
1tsp ground black pepper.              Vegetable cooking oil or olive oil.        Melted butter for brushing the chicken while grilling.
Lime, for serving

The procedure:
1.Clean your chicken, and cut it into 8 parts .
Take a fork or make some cuts across and prick the chicken many times.
Put lemon juice in bowl with chicken, stir well, and set it aside.
2.In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients -yogurt/mala,oil garlic, ginger, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, salt and pepper,Garam masala. When Your marination is ready;

Chicken PCs in marinade ready to hit the grill

Place the chicken in the bowl with the marinade, and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4-6 hours or overnight.
3.Heat your grill with a nice flame and place chicken  on the grill.

Brush with butter or olive oil marinade, and grill approximately 6 minutes on each side, or until done, having nice grill/char markings on . Even charcoal grill is ok to use.
4.Once you have grilled one side for 6 minutes, turn them over and brush with butter or olive oil, and grill 6 more minutes or until done.
5.Serve with potato chips or Naam bread/garlic flat bread.and lime wedges on the side for squirting on chicken pieces;

Tikka with fries

Chicken Tikka with mukimo(corn mashed potatoes,spinach )

The excitement of Yatch excursion

Finding joy in the simple pleasure of good food and and amazing friends above the waters!

Planning a day out with friends is always fun. We decide where to go, what to do, and what food to bring. We make sure everyone agrees with the plan. This way, everyone feels involved and excited.And so I was involved in organizing on the best possible thing to do.

Having time on the Yatch was what we agreed on.Its excitement and steaming off is on the next high level.The Yatch Gang group was formed.Group of nine with equal contribution to the fun.ating, laughing, and making memories – just another day with my favorites. Friends who munch together, stick together! Cheers to food, friendship, and fabulous times!”

Excited and energized we set off from our meeting point at the garden park lounge restaurant to our walk to one of the floating restaurant in mtwapa, the gem of kilifi. During our trek to the mtwapa creek, we had to endure some coastal heat as well as rain, which made a funny and slippery time on the muddy path. Slow and steady did it, or ‘pole-pole’, as they say here in Swahili.

After enjoying a freshly brewed mug of coffee, we were treated to a locally produced lunch . On the menu were charcoal roasted whole fish and fish soup, vegetables, rice, and chicken. A delicious and hearty meal was what we needed before setting off on our excursion.

The journey along the way passes through the footpath trail a neighborhood so close to nature.You can observe the local dwellings and chat with some locals. There’s an abundance of fruit and food vendors throughout the route with soft drinks and fresh squeezed madafu in plentiful supply. You’ll also pass a few ‘forest pubs’ where they’re serving the local wine, ‘Mnazi’ which I was assured is much stronger than regular beer or normal wine.

The yacht squeals while it slips off the trolley into the bitterly cold harbour’s water. The sails tighten and the boat leaps forward, away from the safety of the shore. The tame lapping of ripples against the hull rings out across the bay. The soft breeze streams through our hair and the chill nips at our faces.

At the moorings floating restaurant

A day out with friends is more than just fun. It’s a day of bonding, making memories, and strengthening our friendship. It’s a day that brings us closer and makes us appreciate each other more. It’s a day we look forward to and cherish.

In conclusion, a day out with friends is a special event. It’s a day filled with laughter, fun, and memories. It’s a day that strengthens our bonds and deepens our friendships. It’s a day we will always remember and cherish. It’s a day that makes us appreciate the simple joys of life and the value of friendship.

As out Yatch captain “docks back” after a happy excursion and a sunset cruise, all of us were happy and refreshed. Before we realized it was nightfall..

Next will be an all out food adventure …

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.

THE JOURNEY TO SHIMONI CAVES

Junction to SHIMONI and To Tanga highway

So it’s that day when being in the house is boring. Just moved in my new neighbourhood which is relatively quite and nothing to do for the weekend apart from helping the kids do their homework.

To my surprise or let me call it a coincidence,one of my older daughter was doing a story based on the old form of slavery and worship as her school project so she wanted my input . Before I thought of that, a voice interrupted.

“Dad!!! why can’t we go to SHIMONI “? A voice came out clear and precise from my daughter.. she continued “Our tutor told us that they will arrange for a tour to SHIMONI CAVES !!!” I stopped what we were supposed to do and told her to tell her mum and other sibling to dress up for a long journey to SHIMONI straight away even before the school trip.

Yes!!We packed our lunch boxes for the road trip. Crossed over Likoni channel and on the highway to SHIMONI ,Kwale county.

Likoni Ukunda route

Located further away in the village of Shimoni in Kwale County, the rugged ancient caves of Shimoni are not only a stark reminder of some of the darkest periods in human history but also represent a fascinating historical gem that goes back many centuries. ‘SHIMONI’ a Swahili word meaning a hole has a rich history of slavery where these caves were used by Arabs as escape routes .

The cave as seen

The darkest days most memorable part, is that the ancient coral caves of Shimoni served as a pen in which over a million slaves would wait before being shipped to the slave market in Zanzibar, Tanzania & onwards to Yemen between 1860s and 1890s.The slavery route is documented on several journals.

The chains still intact .

It is believed that the slaves were held in this huge caves for 2-3 weeks, to avoid escape before being ‘loaded’in dhows at a time. As many as 300-400 died due to hunger or torture during that voyage and were thrown overboard to be eaten by sharks.

Shimoni village is located just an hour’s drive from Diani/Ukunda shopping centre. It is a small village on the south coast of Kenya. As mentioned before the name ‘Shimoni’ is a Swahili word that means ‘a place of the hole’ or ‘inside the hole’. The name is derived from the existence of caves by the seashore formed as a result of natural geological forces.

Staircase leading to the caves

These caves cover over five kilometers inland and have complex tunnels that have been used for different functions and different times. The age of the caves is evident with the huge stalactites and stalagmites inside that complete the horror feel. Shimoni’s history revolves a lot around these caves. It’s quite an interesting story.

A long time ago before the slave trade happened, people used the caves for spiritual rituals or as hiding places whenever there was a war.Infact to date am told people of a similar faith gather in those caves for spiritual nourishment .

Today, Shimoni village is currently a somewhat sleepy fishing village with resorts and operators that specialize in scuba diving, dolphin safaris providing accommodation and recreation for visitors. It also has a jetty port to connect to the famous kisite mpunguti marine park and also to the neighbouring Pemba and Tanga island in Tanzania.

Our Tour guide tells us that locals believes the caves are a living organism as some of the rock pieces have outcrops from the top and bottom forming jaw-like structures.

Pieces of old iron chains and shackles are still visible in the cave which some people argue were used to shackle slaves in order to stop them from running away while others argue that the hooks inside were used to hang animals slaughtered during rituals. For both argument one might be true.

An entrance fee of KES. 400 is charged to non-residents and KES. 100 for Kenyan Citizens to explore the caves and tours are usually between 8.30 am – 10.30 am in the morning and 1.30 to 6 pm in the evening. They have their own guide who has an indepth information about the caves and history.

It’s worth a visit. So much activities …..You can as well go for fishing, scuba diving and boat ride….

Honey and Garlic Pork chops

Ready pork chops

These sizzling honey, soy and garlic pork cutlets are seared until deliciously tender and juicy, and then smothered in a sticky honey-soy glaze.Honey and garlic combined? Yes, please! The glaze is what makes this dish feel more refined and helps develop the deep flavors of the pork.The ingredients selected doesn’t over power the pork. The approach should be simple. Easy to make.

To have that healthy balance serve with vegetables .

Vegetables

You Need:  

Assembling the ingredients

• 2 tbsp oil preferably Olive oil but any corn or canola oil would do.
• 4 pork cutlets/chops, serving 2 people
• 2 tsp  honey
• 1 tsp light soy sauce
• Pinch of salt and black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic minced/chopped
• 1 scallion

Procedure:

Marinated pork chops ready for sealing

Soy and honey reduction

• To make the glaze marinade, mix 1 tsp soy sauce with 2 tsp honey. Set aside
• Meanwhile rub the chops with pepper, salt and minced garlic, set aside. Mine I sprinkled some soy and honey as well.
• Pour 2 tbsp oil into a pan and swirl to distribute the oil. On medium heat, balance the Pork cutlets (fat-side down) in the pan to render the fat.
• Cook the pork cutlets for 3 minutes on each side. Lower the heat and flip them every minute to stop excess sticking and browning. Turn heat to low, put a lid on and continue cooking and flipping to your preferred done-ness.
• In the last 3 minutes of cooking, glaze each cutlet with 1/2 tsp of your soy sauce-honey glaze and put the lid back on. 
• Remove from pan to rest and drizzle with remaining honey & soy sauce glaze. Season with black pepper and garnish with chopped scallion.
• Serve…….

Plated chops w/ vegetables

The Best Of The Holy Month Of Ramadan in Mombasa.

Main story Courtesy:Anuj Tiwari of India times.

The symbol of togetherness in our Muslim community

Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims across the world. The festival is celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The Arabic phrase “Ramadan Kareem” means to enjoy a blessed and happy Ramadan.

Muslim community observes fast from dawn to dusk. After the day is over, in the evening, they break their fast by eating meals, known as Iftar with family or friends. It is believed that by refraining from food and water throughout the day, one understands the pain and sufferings of other people and gets closer to the almighty God (Allah).

Taking a tour around the city streets of Mombasa during the day ,hardly you could find any eating action as many restaurants are owned by natives and the culture is to observe fasting . However by 6pm all most of the streets are filled with street food for the Muslim faithful to indulge.

Around GPO, Mombasa streets.

Landmark (Mombasa tusks.)

Taking a tour around Mombasa old town.

Sample menu in one of the eatery.

During the holy month of Ramadan Roza (fasting) begins after sunrise and culminates with sunset Consumption of food and water is prohibited between sunrise and sunset. Interestingly, the days start with Fajr (prayer during dawn), followed by Zhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening) and conclude with the Isha (night).

However after day fasting ifat is served in all it’s form, from fresh fruit juices to Swahili snacks of all kinds. Faithfuls feast.

Muslims consume a pre-dawn meal called Suhur, and they break their fast by having Iftaar during this month.

Chicken Tikka

Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and charitable giving. Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran during the month, and many mosques offer daily prayers and study groups. In addition, Muslims are expected to give to charity during Ramadan, with many mosques and charitable organizations organising food drives and other initiatives to help those in need.

Old town street

As the Muslim faithfull all over the world observe the holy month of Ramadan we wish them all the best. Will meet again during the end of Ramadan (Idd All Fitri)

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….