There’s something mysterious, irresistible, and alluring about water. From a little child who splashes water to marvel at how it sprinkles in curvy little jets—to adults who travel miles to marvel at sparkling street fountains in Rome, Kansas, or Barcelona—our strange love affair with water is not about to end. And Kenya’s North Coast serves a rich repast. North coast is literally just the area north of the old, laid-back town of Mombasa.
What to Expect (Not included in this package)
Marine National Park one of the busiest of Kenya’s offshore reserves, Mombasa Marine National Park protects mangroves, seagrass beds, sandy beaches, and coral reef. Diving and snorkeling are popular activities – especially north of Mombasa, from Mtwapa Creek south to the entrance of Likoni. Seahorses, stingrays, and eels are among the marine creatures inhabiting the reserve, and the MV Dania is a popular wreck dive here. Those wishing to remain dry can view the diverse marine life from a glass-bottom boat. The popular beaches of Nyali, Bamburi, and Shanzu all provide access to the marine park.
Haller Park is a hit with animal lovers. Formerly called Bamburi Nature Trail, this inspirational project began in 1971, when Dr. René Haller transformed the abandoned limestone quarries here into a thriving nature reserve. Dr. Haller increased the mineral content of the soil, planted trees, added a fish farm, and created a wildlife park where each animal has a function within the flourishing ecosystem. Wildlife found here includes giraffes, Cape buffalo, zebras, waterbucks, and hippos. The park was also home to a famous interspecies couple that became an Internet sensation after the 130-year-old tortoise, Mzee, adopted Owen, an orphaned hippo