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Arabuko Sokoke Forest
The Arabuko-Sokoke forest occupies both Malindi
and Kilifi district and is composed of a vast
tract of one of the largest remaining indigenous
coastal forests in East Africa. The forest
covers an area of 420 km2 . It is a dry coastal
forest with more than a half of it being
composed of dense thicket dominated by
Cynometria and Brachystegia woodlands,
although some areas are of mixed forest. The
Sokoke forest is home to a wide diversity of
both flora and fauna attractions. Both small and
large mammals can be found here including rare
and unique birds like the East Sokoke Akalat,
Amani Sunbird and the SpottedGroundthrush and
Clarke Weaver, not forgetting the Sokoke Sops
Owl. Rare mammals include the Sokoke Bush-tailed
Mongoose, the Golden Rumped Elephant shrew, the
Golden Cat and the Brown Hyena. Large mammals
like the buffalo, the Suni, Sykes Monkey, Yellow
Baboon and occasionally the elephant can also be
found. Over 260 species of butterflies have also
been recorded. Access to the forest is through
the visitors centre that is located 2 kilometres
form the Gede junction. Hiking, picnicking and
ornithological tours can also be arranged
through the offices of the Kenya Wildlife
Service and the Forest Department.
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Malindi Co-operative Handicraft
Society
Come view authentic African sculptery works
ranging from Maasai carvings, Kisii soapstone,
animal sculptors, ancient drums, beads, bowls
and batiks depicting the cultural heritage from
our ancestors. Come see the sculptors at work
transforming a chunk of wood into a cultural
relic! Visit the showroom and behold over 500
woodcarvers at work, and view all the stages in
the making of an African sculpture.
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Snake
& Crocodile Farms
The Bioken Laboratory and Snake Farm is located
about 2 kilometres north of Watamu and is
internationally known for having the biggest
collection of snakes in Africa. It has a live
collection of around 200 snakes of 30 different
species. The research station is owned and
managed by James and Sanda Ashe and was designed
to breed snakes for use in research. However, it
is open to the public. You may also visit the
African Snake Farm off Mombasa-Malindi road just
after Malindi Airport. Other snake farms worth
visiting include the snake and crocodile farm
near Malindi Marine Park and the Francis Ngombo
Snake Farm near Gede.
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Falconry of Kenya
The Falconry of Kenya is located off Lamu road
near the Moriema cottages, and has one of the
greatest collection of birds in Kenya. Their
stock of birds covers eagles, falcons, goshawks
and owls. You can also be treated to a bird
safari to see the falcons at close range and
watch them perform exciting flight shows. The
Falconry also operates an exclusive camp on the
banks of the river Sabaki, about 15 kilometres
from Malindi town. The camp offers spectacular
views of the landscape and very romantic
sunsets.
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Malindi and Watamu Marine
Parks
These
parks were established in 1968 and are the first of their kind in
Africa. The ocean blue waters here host a wide variety of corals.
Within the coral kingdoms that abound herein, multi-coloured fishes
can be seen ducking in and out of this extensive reef. The coral
gardens offer spectacular areas for goggling. In these gardens you
are bound to see different species of coral fish like the Angelfish,
Butterfly fish, Triggerfish and even have an opportunity of watching
the Surgeonfish at work. Many glass-bottomed boats to take you for
tours in the coral gardens are available. Scuba diving can also be
arranged within the hotels.
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The Kipepeo
Project
The Kipepeo Project is located in Arabuko Sokoke
Forest just near the Gedi ruins on the way to
Watamu. The project was started in 1994 and
involves small groups of people that have
organised themselves to rear butterflies and
export their pupae abroad. The small group of
farmers are licensed to collect butterflies in
the forest for sale abroad at a fee. This is an
example of allowing the local population to reap
directly the benefits of tourism. Breeding and
research is also carried out to ensure that a
constant butterfly population is maintained
throughout the year. The project is open to the
public and visitors have a chance to wonder and
see a wide selection of the Arabuko Sokoke
butterflies, up to 260 species.
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Mida Creek
Mida Creek is located south of Malindi along the
Mombasa-Malindi road. The creek covers around 32
square kilometres and is composed of extensive
mudflats and mangrove forests that attract a
wide variety of flora and fauna. Along the
sheltered creeks and estuaries can be seen many
species of mangroves, among them the Rhizophora
mucronata, Avicenia Marina and Ceriops tagal
among others. Along the margins of the mangrove
forests on Sudi Island, the Pied Kingfisher, the
Little Egret, the Osprey and the African Fish
Eagle abound. In the mudflats abound the
Yellow-billed Storks, the grey and Black-headed
herons and the Woolly-necked Storks. Along the
sandy areas are the Ghost crabs, Money crabs and
the Fiddler crabs.
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African Curio Market
The African Curio market is located after the
District Commissioner along seafront road. Come
admire and buy authentic African curios,
souvenirs, carvings, Kisii soapstone and
artifacts to take back home.
See also
http://www.malindikenya.com/placesofinterest1.htm |
