Kenya - African Green Paradise V.

Ancient town of Malindi is much more intereseting than Nairobi, Kenyan capital. You can find here a cross, erected by Vasco da Gama (this event happened in 1498, and so, it is the oldest Portuguese monument of Africa), the first African church, and also many modern luxury hotels from recent time period are situated there.

In south direction from Malindi, in a distance of 16 kms, the ruines of Gedi (of 13th century) are to be found. Gedi belongs to most mysterious African towns. The excavations opened town´s fortifications, gates and towers, rent-houses, Mosques and tombs, great Sultan palace, as well as the developped well - and basin-system.

Along Watamu Sea National Park area, a cosy resort is to be found. It is ideal place for those who wish to enjoy a peace and a beauty of the ocean. All lovers of submarine world have here available organized excursions in a ship with transparent bottom, including diving safari.

Nevertheless, to most special places belongs Lamu, situated at the east of Indian Ocean coast. This port town belongs to the oldest ones in Equatorial Africa. It is situated in the island, surrounded with mangrove trees.

No vehicles are to be found in the island, as all streets are so narrow that you can move there on foot or on back of donkeys only. But just this is necessary for your relax, such as: private boarding houses, cheap hotels, where all services, required by Europeans, are missing, including luxury hotels and villas (with its bizarre look) and numerous restaurants, bars and caffees. You have the chance to take the excursions in the environs, such as: to ruins of the old town of Takwa or Ras Kitau fortress, towards wonderful Shela Beach, with transparent water, palms and white sand.

On north-east of Lamu group of islands, you can find Kiunga Sea National Park, where the lovers of diving could enjoy the beauties of plant as well as animal empire of coral cliffs. Not far from Lamu, another reservations of Boni and Dodoni are placed. As the main local inhabitants, these are the lions, jackals or dingo-dogs. and during migration period also giraffes, elephants and various sorts of antelopes. You are also recommended to visit Tana River Reservation, where you can watch several sorts of monkeys, first of all  black-head guerezes. This animal disappeared practically from the other Kenya regions.

Text: Maxim Kucer

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: onyango@gmail.com, Sylvie Domange, Chouden Boy, fabrizio farsetti, -NeveN-, © Diego Rassiga, gmg61, gilUm, Buschmann Marius, Werner Hense