East African Coast

Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

Welcome to the City of Mombasa - Kenya. Island that has become the gateway to East Africa and where Millions come for peace and tranquility.

MOMBASA CITY AT A GLANCE

Mombasa (in Coast Province) is the second largest city in Kenya, lying on the Indian Ocean and is the host to the Coast Province administration. It has a major port and an international Airport. The city is the center of the coastal tourism industry. The original Arabic name is Mombasa: in Kiswahili it is called kisiwa cha Mvita (or Mvita for short), which means “Island of War”, due to the many changes in its ownership and the battles that brought about the changes in ownership. The town is also the headquarters of Mombasa District which, like most other districts in Kenya, is named after its chief town. The city is located on Mombasa Island, which is separated from the mainland by two creeks; Tudor Greek on the West and Kilindini Harbor on the South. The Island is connected to the Mainland to the north by the Nyali Bridge, to the south by the Likoni Ferry and to the west by the Makupa Causeway, alongside which runs the Uganda Railway. The port serves both Kenya and countries of the interior like Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, etc, linking them to the Ocean. The city is also home to Moi International Airport. Its main occupants are Muslim, Mijikenda and Swahili people but over the centuries there have been many immigrants, particularly from the countries of the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent who came mainly as traders and skilled craftsmen and even after four or five generations, their descendants continue to contribute highly to the economy of present day Mombasa and Kenya as a whole. Recent immigrants are peoples from the interior of Kenya brought to the area by employment opportunities and search for greener pastures.

TOURISM RESORT

Mombasa is bestowed with such beautiful beaches with white sandy beaches and a deep historical and cultural heritage that most travelers cannot resist, the beauty of the beaches and the history surrounding this city is simply marvelous. Just 16km outside the city of Mombasa is the Shimba Hills – National Reserve, here one can see forest elephants, the endangered Sable antelope, Sykes monkeys, etc and the Sheldrick waterfalls. Shimba Hills National Reserve is one of the last remnants of coastal tropical forests.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF MOMBASA AT A GLANCE

Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya. Located on Kenya’s Eastern coastline bordering the Indian Ocean, it’s original Arabic name is Mombasa. In Kiswahili, it is called “Kisia cha Mvita”, which means “Island of War” due to the many changes in its ownership. The history of the city is a mixture of African, Persian, Arab, Portuguese and British influences which contributed to the rich cultures found in the city today. Mombasa, a great trading center with several items such as glass, brass, copper, iron and rhino horn passing through the coast, was originally inhabited by the African Bantu people. The city was then visited by Jordanians in the 6^th century, Persians in the 9^th and 10^th century and there after Arabs. In this period the Arabs and Persians developed trading routes, commercial centers and contributed to a flowering of civilization reflected in the glorious architecture of their grand houses, monuments and mosques. Over the centuries Mombasa struggled with numerous foreign invaders and hostility. The Portuguese, the ferocious Zimba tribe, and the Omanis have all laid claim to Mombasa since 12^th century. By the 15^th century, Mombasa was a thriving, sophisticated city with established trade routes to China, Persia and India. Around this time the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama discovered the city while on a voyage around Africa to find the sea route to India. After a period of less than 5 years the Portuguese returned to attack the city. Five years later, ALMEIDA, another Portuguese seafarer, plundered the port and 23 years later the Portuguese mounted another raid. The invaders then occupied Mombasa, building the impressive Fort Jesus and dominated the entrance to the old harbor, between 1593 and 1598. The Arabs made several attempts to regain the town but, Portuguese, supported mainly by supplies from the Indian colony: Goa, hung onto it for around 100 years. The occupiers were finally defeated in the siege of Fort Jesus which began in March 1696. Portuguese and Indian soldiers eventually relieved the Fort in September 1697, but they could not break the siege. The centuries of conflict earned Mombasa the name” the Island of War”. Later the Arab’s triumphed scaling the walls of the fort. Intrigue and rivalry between competing Omani rulers led to a decline in trading along the coat and Mombasa fell under the rule of the Mazruis, who were finally overcome by the Omani leader, Bey Saidi Sultan Sayyid Said in 1822 (whose remains are still buried in Mombasa today). Two years later, the British warship HMS Leven arrived in Mombasa. Answering to the appeals of the Mazruis, the commander, captain Owen, agreed to declare the city a British protectorate, in return for a promise from the Mazruis to abolish slavery. During this period, Mombasa prospered under the sultan, underpinned largely by the slave trade. However, he came under increasing pressure by the British to end the practice and in 1845, he was forced into a treaty that severely restricted this activity. In 1886, in an agreement between Britain and Germany, the territories of Kenya and Uganda were assigned to the British while Tanganyika (Mainland Tanzania) came under the rule of Germany. The imperial British East Africa Company set up its headquarters in Mombasa in 1888. It was the springboard for the colonization of Kenya and the beginning of a British dominance in the country that was to last until independence in 1963. By the late 1800s it become the base of exploration for British expeditions to Kenya’s interior. In 1888, the Imperial British East Africa Company set up headquarters in Mombasa. British rule of Mombasa became official in 1895 when they leased a stretch of the coast including the port city from the Sultan of Zanzibar. Officially this coastal strip still belonged to Zanzibar and ceded to a newly independent Kenya in 1963. The British affirmed Mombasa’s importance as East Africa’s most vital port when they completed a railway in 1901 stretching from Mombasa to Uganda. Today, the city remains one of Africa’s major links to the rest of the world. Built on a 15 sq. Km island, Mombasa is surrounded by a natural harbor. The mainland coasts north and south of the city boast a proliferation of tourist resorts. Within the city itself, a traveler has numerous opportunities for exploration and discovery. Remnants of slave trade can still be seen today around the town. Fort Jesus still contains cells where the slaves were held, and various artifacts from that era.

GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Being a coastal town, Mombasa is characterized by a flat topography. Mombasa has a warm, tropical climate. Winter months are slightly warmer than summer. The amount of rainfall depends essentially on season. The rainiest months are April and May, while in January to February the rainfall is minimal.

TOURISM ATTRACTIONS IN MOMBASA 

Mombasa was a very influential port in the 15^th century, and has played a significant role in laying the foundations of the nation that it is a part of today. Some of the popular attractions in the town relate directly to the historical context, while others seek to complement the tourism industry that the town thrives on.

1. OLD TOWN“Old Town” is the part of Mombasa that is reminiscent of the days when the Arabs exerted a heavy influence on the town and its culture, and especially in the architecture and language (Kiswahili has a lot of phrases derived from various Arabic dialects). It is well known for its ancient buildings, extravagant art designs and curio shops that sell antique and popular Kenyan souvenirs. Old Town is best seen when explored by foot with an experienced guide, as the streets are too narrow to accommodate a large number of vehicles. The town’s inhabitants are mostly of Arab origin whose forefathers once roamed the same streets of the town. Fort Jesus is located just a few steps away from where the town “starts”, thus a complete tour of “Old Town” can be done in a single day.2. GEDI RUINS

On the North coast of Mombasa towards the town of Malindi lays one of the most pre – historic ruins found in Mombasa, called the Gedi Ruins. Gedi was a small town built entirely from rocks and stones, which was inhabited by a few thousand swahili people and ruled by a very rich Sultan. These ruins date back from the 15^th century, and through careful preservation most of the original foundations can still be seen today. A well – informed and educated guide gives a tour of the ruins. The ruins are designated as a National Museum by law, and their preservation are a direct reflection of the commitment of the Government to uphold the country’s cultural and historical background.

3. FORT JESUS

Fort Jesus is Mombasa’s most popular tourist attraction. The fort, located along the coastline near the Old Town, is a monumental piece of architecture that was built in the 16^th century by the Portuguese. The fort has a museum that displays various artifacts from the era where Mombasa served as a transit point for the slave trade and commodities, and which enjoyed regular visits by seafarers and the like. Its interior comprises of torture rooms and prison cells where slaves were kept in captivity before being traded. Weapons such as canons, which were used to defend the fort from invading foreigners as well as rioting locals, can be seen both inside and outside of the fort. The fort opens its gates for viewing in the morning and closes at dusk.

HINDU TEMPLE

The Hindu temple is a one of the many symbols of Mombasa’s cultural diversity. The temple is a popular tourist spot and a tour can be taken inside the temple, with a historical background of the temple given by one of the temple gurus. Extravagant idols and stone carvings of the various religious beliefs are displayed within the temple and on its walls. It is located near the Railway station just outside the perimeter of the downtown area.

MAMBA VILLAGE

Mamba village, which is situated in Nyali, is East Africa’s largest crocodile farm. A tour of the farm starts with a movie on the lifecycle and behavior of crocodiles, followed by a comprehensive tour of the rest of farm, and ends with the highlight of the day; a spectacular scene of blood – Thirsty crocodiles fighting for food during feeding time. Excellent cuisine is available at the Mamba Restaurant, and the house specialty is superbly grilled crocodile meat. Souvenirs of your visit can be bought at the Mamba souvenir shop located within the village.

HALLER PARK

The Haller Park (formerly Bamburi Nature Trail) is the largest animal sanctuary in Mombasa. Located in Bamburi next to the cement Factory, the park boasts an enormous variety of animals, reptiles, insects and botanical gardens. Walking along the trail is ideal way to look at the various animals, and on many occasions holding or feeding a reptile such as a snake is allowed under close supervision of a guide. Educational videos are also shown, with emphasis on the history and continuous improvement of the trail. It was previously a barren piece of land that had been stripped of its resources through limestone mining, and was redeveloped through reforestation and conservation efforts, and is now a habitat for a large number of flora and fauna species.

MOMBASA TUSKS

The Mombasa “Tusks” are symbolic representations of entrance into the heart of the town. The tusks were built to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth to the town in 1952, as they lay directly on the path from the port to the town. Ivory was considered to be an exquisite commodity during the time, and in essence the tusks were meant to embrace the Queen and the British Empire into the town and within its social structure. Coincidentally the tusks also spell the letter “M” for Mombasa.

BOMBOLULU WORKSHOP

The Bombolulu workshops are located along the north coast of Mombasa along the Mombasa – Malindi road. Founded in 1969, these workshops are a project of the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK). It is a major tourist attraction, which consists of a cultural center with 8 additional homesteads. The center also runs a traditional restaurant and entertains guests with traditional dances throughout the day. The center employs disabled craftsmen / women, who produce jewelry, hand – printed textiles, woodcarvings and leather crafts. The products are sold in a large showroom and exported in 20 countries. Bombolulu workshops have grown to be one of the biggest rehabilitation centers in Kenya and have built a reputation as one of Kenya’s most reliable exporters.

MOMBASA CITY - KENYA

Mombasa is East Africa’s biggest harbor, and was formerly called “Mvita” for all the wars fought there, from the early ADs right up to the beginning of the 19^th century, by everyone wanting to conquer the best natural harbor between Europe and the       Far East. The most famous landmark is the 16^th century FORT JESUS built by Portuguese overlooking the harbor. Fort Jesus is a World Heritage Site. Others are the remarkable British Colonial Architecture, the protected Old Town with fine examples of Swahili and Indian city houses, the historic Al Mandry Mosque and the Sikh temple.

HISTORY OF MOMBASA BRIEFLY

Historically, Mombasa was the entry point for British colonial rule and Christian missionaries. Also, Mombasa has a multiple of religious and ethnic communities.

HOW TO GET TO MOMBASA

Head out of south coast to the city island of Mombasa via the Likoni ferry across Kilindini harbor.

WHAT TO DO IN MOMBASA

While you are at the FORT, checkout the activities of friends of Fort Jesus. This dynamic group of citizens organizes regular bird walks, local tours and talks to do with archaeological digs, historical findings and natural history. Stepping out of the FORT, take a leisurely stroll the old stone town. The narrow alleys are a remnant of the medieval days of Mombasa, when seafaring traders came in their wooden dhows and set up home in the sultanate, famed for its wealthy citizens who wore fabrics inlaid with gold and precious stones. The traders built fine stones houses complete with balconies and historical wooden carved doors. These magnificent doors, at least the ones built before the 1940’s are gazetted and are found along the entire EAST AFRICAN COAST. Research shows that the origin of carvers can be traced through the carving.

The Zanzibar Archipelago, now part of the East African Republic of Tanzania, is a group of islands lying in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania Mainland (formerly known as Tanganyika). It comprises the main island of Unguja (also known as Zanzibar), the smaller northern island of Pemba and numerous of over 50 surrounding islets (including Chumbe island, Bawe island, Chapwani island, Prison island, etc). All these off shore islands provide a stunning location for a day trip or longer stay. Boats to any of the islands off Zanzibar or Pemba can be hired easily from local fishermen. Zanzibar had been granted independence by Britain in 1963.

ZANZIBAR HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

With a long history of Arab rule dating back to 1698, Zanzibar was an overseas territory of Oman until it achieved independence in 1858 under its own Sultans. By 1964, the country was a constitutional monarchy ruled by Sultan Jamshid bin Abdullah. Zanzibar had a population of around 230 Africans – some of whom claimed Persian ancestry and were known locally as Shirazis – and also contained – significant minorities in the 50,000 Arabs and 20,000 south Asians who were prominent in business and trade. The various ethnic groups were becoming mixed and the distinctions between them had blurred.

ZANZIBAR AT A GLANCE

Historically, over the centuries, Zanzibar has been visited and occupied by explorers, traders and settlers. Persians, Arabs, Indians, and Europeans have all had their time, and left their impression – if not offspring. In 1840, the Sultan of Oman transferred his seat of government to Zanzibar. The introduction of clove plantations and the flourishing of the notorious slave trade saw Zanzibar develop into a strategic trading center. In 1890 the British proclaimed Zanzibar a protectorate and the sultan’s authority was reduced. Zanzibar become an independent sovereign nation in December 1963, but it was short lived. A revolution took place the following month, and three months later still, it signed an agreement of confederation with Mainland Tanganyika forming the United Republic of Tanzania. The name was created by the words Tanganyika, Zanzibar, and “Azania” – being the Greek name for the eastern coast of Africa.

LOCATION

Geographically, the Zanzibar archipelago is comprised of over 50 islands nestling in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean: 36 km off the east coast of Africa. The main inhabited islands are Unguja (Zanzibar), Pemba and Tumbatu. Zanzibar is 6 degrees south of the Equator and enjoys a tropical climate. Temperatures are generally warm of the year around. The hottest months, just before the rains, are February and October. The relatively cooler season is May – September when the average temperature is 26°C.

STONE TOWN

Zanzibar’s old quarter, also known as Zanzibar Stone Town, is a fascinating maze of narrow streets and alleyways which lead past numerous old houses and mosques, ornate palaces, shops and bazaars. Many buildings in Stone Town date from the 19^th century slave boom. Highlights include the magnificent House of wonders, the Palace Museum and the Seafront Fish Market in Forodhani Gardens.  Other highlights including – Mnara Mosque, Old Dispensary, Hifadhi Centre, Old Customs House, Old Fort, St Joseph’s Cathedral, Hamamni Baths, the Old Slave Market, and Dr. Livingstone’s House. Zanzibar’s Stone Town is the largest, living Swahili stone in the world, and was designated a “World Heritage Site” by United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2000. There are over 1000 coral stone buildings having architectural significance and more than 200 carved doors. Stone Town is still very much alive with busy, narrow streets, linking homes, shops, workshops, and schools. In the late afternoon, local people like to sit outside, drinking coffee, talking and playing board games. The town is situated along the waterfront, and has a number of wonderful cafes and restaurants that overlook the sea and magnificent sunsets. These numerous cafes and restaurants offer freshly prepared juices and dishes, with sea views or roof – top panoramas.

LANGUAGE

English is widely spoken, but it is more friendly and fun to try some Kiswahili, particularly for greetings and shopping in the market. You may also find some local people are ready to speak Arabic or Italian.

RELIGION

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. This is obvious in dress code, greetings and with the call to prayer five times a day. In Stone Town there are over 50 mosques, two cathedrals and a few Hindu temples. Tourists are requested to be respectful of local customs and culture. When visiting villages, and also in town, please dress modestly at all times. Also, during fasting hours in the holy month of Ramadhan, avoid consumption of food, drink, and cigarettes and any immodest behavior in public places.

CURRENCY

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling Bank notes are issued in denominations of 10,000,5,000,2,000, and 1,000 shillings. Coins commonly found in circulation are 500,200, and 100 shillings. Well - known credit cards are accepted in the bigger hotels and curio shops. Foreign exchange is available at most banks and at the post office in Shangani. There are a few ATMs in Stone Town, and also at Nungwi and Paje.

FOOD

Zanzibar offers a wide variety of dishes, served in places and at prices to suit every visitor’s budget. For a complete experience, do try some of the local places to get a taste for Zanzibar cuisine. The night food – market in Forodhani Park offers a wide choice; prepared while you wait. And it usually comes with a refreshing sea breeze, under a starlit sky!

CULTURE AND FESTIVALS

One of the most exciting things about Zanzibar is its collection of cultures. You will see it in the cuisine, clothing and architecture, and at times of traditional gathering like births, marriages, funerals, Eid, Diwali and Mwaka Kogwa. The Swahili people have a wealth and diversity of traditional music. No visit would be complete without sharing your soul with Taarab or your passion with Kidumbak. Festivals – include (Sauti za Busara Music Festival (February) – busara music. org, Zanzibar International Film Festival (June / July) – ziff.or.tz, Mwaka Kogwa (Late July). Music concerts – include (Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA) – Zanzibar Music. Org, and Cultural Musical Club Rehearsals (CMC Club House, Vuga).

PEMBA ISLAND - TANZANIA

50 km north of Zanzibar main Island and directly opposite the mainland of Tanga Region, is the highly fertile Pemba Island which, although smaller than Zanzibar, is hillier and greener and grows three times as many cloves. Pemba has its own distinct character with more historical monuments, particularly ruined mosques and tombs, some excellent beaches, and spectacular diving and fishing. In the center of the island is ChakeChake, the capital and main town, where there are remains of a 200 – year Arab fort. Some 14 km to the west, at Ras Mkumbuu, are the ruins of a 14^th century Mosque and some elaborate “pillar” or “Chimney” tombs used to mark the burial place of prominent Muslims. While 10 km to the south the Pujini Ruins feature a fort built around the 15^th century and known locally as MKAME NDUME. Other interesting sites may be seen near Kangagani, MKama ndume, Chakalakati and Mtangani island. Pemba offers some of the best diving in the world, there are also some idyllic beaches where swimming is possible at both high and low tide. Pemba also offers some of the best game fishing in the world with barracuda, bill fish, blue marlin, dorado, kingfish, sail fish and tuna all found in the waters around the Island, and especially in the Pemba channel that runs between the main Unguja island and Pemba.

Background information: by edgardo welelo @yahoo.com

Tanga Region has a rich history which unfolds real and interesting stories of explorers like Vasco da Gama, Arab and Asians, trading activities, slave trade, the advent of German colonists and finally the British rule. The capital of the region is situated on the shores of the Great Indian Ocean from where all activities radiate towards other parts of the region. The city is rich in history, natural attractions, period architecture and interesting aquatic species. South of Tanga lies a prominent trading center of the 19^th century, PANGANI. Pangani has some of the most spectacular unpolluted beaches in the country and is an excellent beach holiday destination. To the further south is the little known SAADANI NATIONAL PARK with beach and wild animals that enjoy the sea breeze. To the west of Tanga and on the East Usambara Mountains lies a beautiful HILL STATION – AMANI. This is the nest of flora and fauna. Mwalongo Island, Nyamaku Island, Torten Island, Rulenge Island, Jambe Island, Amboni caves, fortified Hill at Ndola, Tongoni and German buildings are areas of interest in Tanga Region. Learn more and educate yourself on this high values content offer (HVCO).

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TANGA REGION AT A GLANCE

Tanga Region on the Tanzanian northern coast close to the Kenyan border has a fascinating history as one of the oldest settlements along the East African Coast. The word “Tanga” means “sail” in the Kiswahili language, an indication that the protected Tanga bay has over many centuries offered a safe haven for local fishers and the thriving Indian ocean trade along the East African Coast. Another translation of “Tanga” refers to the Bondei word “Farm”. Tanga and Pangani became important trading centers for slaves and ivory when the Sultan of Muscat and Oman moved to Zanzibar in 1832 and controlled a coastal strip of 10 miles inland of the East African Coast. In the scramble for Africa over the last decades of the 19^th century, German commercial interests and later the German government conquered the in land, bought the coastal strip from the sultan and developed the colony as “German East Africa” with its protected port and fertile hinterland, especially in the Usambara Mountains, Tanga became a center of German colonization and also an administrative center up to 1890 when Dar es Salaam was made the capital of the emerging colony. Rapid colonial infrastructural and economic development followed from 1889 after the end of the bloody “Bushiri War” – an uprising of local Arab rulers (accused of being slave – traders by the Germans) and their followers against the German occupation and the sale of the coast by the sultan. To open up the hinterland and especially the fertile and cool Usambara Mountains for economic development and trade, a railway was built from Tanga to Mohi and a road network developed, including the scenic winding paved road from Mombo up the Mountains to the emerging district center WILHELMSTHAL (Now Lushoto).

SIZE / AREA OF TANGA

27,348 Sq. km (3 percent of the total area of the country).

LOCATION

Situated at the north – eastern corner of Tanzania, the region of Tanga links the well – known Kilimanjaro Region with Dar es Salaam in the south and Kenya in the north.

ADMINISTRATION

Administratively, Tanga Region is made up of districts namely – Pangani, Mkinga, Kilindi, Muheza, Tanga City, Handeni, Korogwe and Lushoto. Tanga city is the headquarters of Tanga Region, and the biggest town and the economic center of the region.

CLIMATE

The coastal area is warm with an average temperature of  around 28°C. Sea breezes make the climate very pleasant all year. The hottest months are from October to February. The mainly rainy season is from April to late May where it rains mostly at night, leaving the day with bright sunshine.

PANGANI – TANGA REGION

Background information

PANGANI is a town in north eastern Tanzania that lies 45 km south of Tanga, at the mouth of the Pangani River. Although archaeologists have found the remains of small 15^th century settlements on the bluffs just north of Pangani, the modern town came to prominence in the 19^th century, when, under nominal Zanzibar rule, it was a major terminus of caravan routes to the deep interior. From the 1860s onward towns people established large plantations of sugar – and coconut in Mauya, along the banks of the river just west of town. The plantations were worked by slave labor, and Pangani also became an important center of slave trade, shipping captives taken in the wars attendant on the collapse of the Shambaa Kingdom in the Usambara Mountains to the plantations of Pemba and Zanzibar. After the Sultan of Zanzibar signed treaties with Great Britain outlawing the Ocean – going trade in slaves in 1873, Pangani became a center for smuggling slaves across the narrow channel to Pemba, evading the British warships. In 1888, Pangani was the center of an armed movement to resist German colonial conquest of the entire Mainland Tanzanian Coast. The local leader of the resistance was Abushiri Ibn Salim al – Harthi- a Swahili speaker born in Zanzibar who owned a small estate at the suburb that now bears his name. Abushiri was instrumental in coordinating resistance to German conquest along much of the coast. The Germans hanged him at Pangani in December 1889.

PANGANI – TANGA REGION AT A GLANCE

Getting there; 47 km from Tanga or 42 km via Muheza (a town before you reach Tanga city) a 4 – wheel drive is recommended. It takes between six and seven hours to drive directly from Arusha to Pangani. Other than the attraction of the beach holiday, Pangani’s other main contribution to its history was the slave trade. It grew during the 19^th century into a lively trading center when the Sultan of Zanzibar controlled much of the coast of East Africa. At the time Pangani became a major slave trade point on the mainland, it is believed slaves were also driven by notorious slave drivers to Pangani for onward shipment to Zanzibar, then the main slave market on the East African coastline that also cover Kisimayo, Somalia to the north to sofala, Mozambique to the south. Pangani is home to explore and sample, the following activities:

• Boat trips to Maziwe Marine Park Island, which rests on the coral reef, for sunbathing, snorkeling and watching dolphins
• Cruise down the Pangani River and go with local fishermen
• Boat trips to Zanzibar (on a local boat with a guide)
• Boat trips to Saadani National Park nearby
• A visit to a cultural tourism enterprise offering a real – life experience of the locals, as well as windsurfing, Kayaking, dhow rides and fishing trips.

• A visit to sisal estates including the first place where sisal was introduced in East African by Dr. Richard Hindroph, factories, the German tower overlooking the Pemba channel at Kikokwe escarpment, and oceanic ritual caves. Bike tour to German Fort, Mkoma to see the Pemba Channel, Mwana unguja corals, and the wreckage of German warship, and many more attraction -including a collection of ruins and remains of a slave house, an old prison, slave market, as well as German post office and Boma. The old Boma is the only building, which is in use by district authorities after its restoration. The Boma stands imposingly behind a colonnade of tall shade trees and former prison, painted in fading ochre red, overlooking the lazy waters of the Pangani River, from which the town got its name. A hospital unit said to have been built by the British and many more others, are all there to see as you hike in and around downtown Pangani: the story walls that serves as buffers against strong sea waves from eating away houses built along the sea shore, makes an interesting watching.

WHAT TO DO IN TANGA REGION AT LARGE

• Visit the historic Tanga city center and offshore islands such as TOTEN, ULENGE, YAMBE and KARANGE, MAZIWE ISLANDS off pangani, nearby Amboni caves, Gallanos Hot springs and TONGONI RUINS.

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• Visit the long Indian Ocean Coastline with its sheltered bays and Lagoons, such as MOA BAY, MANZA BAY, KWALE BAY, TANGA BAY and MWAMBANI BAY as well as KIGOMBE, PANGANI and USHONGO Beaches.

• Visit Saadani and Mkomazi National Parks, Amani Nature Reserve, Coelacanth Marine Park and Maziwe Island Marine Reserve.

• Visit Tanga Museum

• Visit Usambara Mountains, Nilo Nature Reserve and Mandala Hominid footprints

• Visit Mambo caves and Ndemaha waterfalls and many more.

Wasini island Village boasts a specialized seafood restaurant – Charlie’s Claw. Most visitors book themselves on a day package to sail by dhow to the Kisite – Mpunguti Marine National Park to spend a day of snorkeling and birding before heading back to Charlie’s Claw for lunch and return to the hotels.

Diani Beach at the south coast is abundant with hotels catering to all tastes from small boutique properties for the discerning traveler to larger family hotels. Visitors can also enjoy water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, water – skiing and scuba diving. The beach is adjacent to JIWI Beach, Galu Beach, Chale Island, Funzi Island and   Kinondo.

Shanzu, about 20 kilometers from Mombasa city along the Indian Coast, is a town, lovely spot, with superb beaches and many beautiful and interesting places to visit. To get to Shanzu, take the main Mombasa - Malindi highway north and cross the Nyali Bridge. The Shanzu Holiday Market has lots of small shops and a Bazaar offering a large collection of local crafts at very good prices.

Going to the remote archipelago of Lamu is like traveling back in time. As Kenya’s oldest town, Lamu has retained its appearance and character over the centuries. The town has narrow streets, no cars and the only means of transport are donkeys, or by sea and motor powered boats. The Lamu area contains wildlife and wide beaches. The beauty of this ancient world is celebrated daily. However, every year during the annual Lamu festival all are welcome to experience the marvel of this coastal gem.

LAMU ARCHIPELAGO FAST FACTS

Background information

A world heritage site since 2001, Lamu Town dates back to the 14^th century. It boasts of being “the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. The town of Lamu has a lovely Swahili culture, traditional dhow building, Maulidi and the Lamu Festival, unique historical Swahili architecture and outstanding museums, vast mangrove forests full of wildlife and avifauna, un touched sandy beaches, impressive archaeological sites such as Faza Fortress and Takwa ruins. In the neighboring towns of Shela or kipungani, walk the sand dunes and check in at the luxury resorts.

HOW TO GET TO LAMU

The archipelago of Lamu stretches to the northern extremes of Kenya and it is fascinating for its remoteness, hidden islands; sea meadows and mangroves isles and ancient sultanates where the people live in a fast changing world. The Kiunga Marine National Reserve is the last frontier for the little seen dugong, a sea mammal that could have been mistaken for the mermaid.

LAMU ARCHIPELAGO AT A GLANCE

HOW TO GET TO LAMU

By air from Nairobi, Mombasa or Malindi or by bus from Mombasa via Malindi.  The trip takes 5 – 7 hours or hire a car from Mombasa or Malindi.

ACCOMMODATION (WHERE TO STAY)

There is a wide range of budget hotels, Luxury rentals and guest houses as well as private houses including the Lamu House.

FOOD

The sea front restaurants offer excellent seafood at reasonable prices.

WHAT TO DO IN LAMU

Explore the Lamu archipelago by dhow. Visit Shela beach on the north end of the Island or the Lamu Museum.

TOURISM ATTRACTIONS IN LAMU ARCHIPELAGO

1. LAMU HOUSE

Built on the seafront, Lamu House overlooks the islands of Manda and the thick wades of mangrove forests with the ancient dhows sailing past. In this dreamy paradise, it is easy to slip into the lifestyle enjoyed by wealthy Swahili merchants of a by gone age. From the seafront, you can watch dhows ferrying passengers, mangrove poles, fish, building blocks of coral and every day essentials like soap and salt.

1. LAMU FORT

Lamu fort is the center piece of the old town. In 1813, after the epic battle of Shella between the Nabhwani of Pate island and the sultan of Lamu, which Pate lost, the building of the fort was commenced to guard the island from Intruders.

1. RIYADHA MOSQUE

Riyadha Mosque started in 1900 by the eminent Islamic scholar, Habib Saleh, where Maulid is celebrated for the prophet Mohamed’s birth.

1. LAMU MUSEUM

At the Lamu Museum once a prestigious house of a local Swahili ruler in the 18^th century, it’s a must visit during the festival.

Malindi is a place full of history dating back to the 15^th century when the Portuguese visited the shores, making it a prime trading post. Sometimes referred to as little Italy. Malindi is located at the center of a strip of idyllic tropical beaches offering the visitor a range of world class resorts and quiet relaxing hideaways. The Vasco Da Gama Pillar in Malindi stands just south of the town at Vasco Da Gama Point. The Pillar marks the last stop in Africa before Vasco Da Gama sailed across the Indian Ocean to India in 1498.

Watamu offers wide white sandy beaches fronts. This tranquil haven is home to several well established resorts such as Turtle Bay Beach Hotel, Blue Bay Village, Watamu Beach Hotel, Heming ways Resort, and many private guesthouses scattered through the forest along the shore. In this area, Watamu Marine National Park is the ideal spot for divers and snorkelers alike. The Marine Park boasts over 600 species of fish in just 10 square kilometers.