Kenya gede ruins

Kenya has been voted as a number one in safari destination in the world this is due to its variety of safari getaways which ranges from culture,ancient history,birds,sea life,athletics,mountains,rivers for kayaking,indigenous forests.Gede ruins in Kenya coast  is one of the places which you won’t like to miss on your safaris in Kenya adorned with ancient history and beauty dating back 19 th century , Gede ruins  is located in coast province, Kilifi district. It lies 16 km south of Malindi town and approximately 90 km North East of Mombasa.

Gede ruins are the remains of a Swahili town, typical of most towns along the East African Coast. It traces its origin in the twelfth century but was rebuilt with new town walls in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. This rebuilding is connected with the emigration of many citizens of Kilwa to Mombasa, Malindi and other places along the Kenya coast.

With its numerous inhabitants, the town became wealthy and it reached its peak in the fifteenth century. This enormous wealth is evidenced by the presence of numerous ruins, comprising of a conglomeration of mosques; a magnificent palace and houses all nestled in 45 acres of primeval forest. But in the first half of the seventeenth century the last families left the town.

Gede's eventual abandonment to nature is believed to be as a result of a number of factors. Namely, the Wazimba raid along the East African coast in 1589. The removal of the Sheikh of Malindi and the Portuguese to Mombasa in 1593. The falling water table as shown by the deepening of the well outside the Great Mosque and finally the overhanging menace of the Galla, a hostile nomadic ethnic group from Somalia. Gede remains the first intensively studied site on the coast. It was first visited by Sir John Kirk, a British resident of Zanzibar in 1884. Over forty years later in 1927, it was gazetted as a Historical Monument. Two years later in 1929, it was declared a "protected monument" and in the late thirties, the Public Works Department carried out work on preservation of its crumbling walls. Gede was soon after the repairs in 1948 declared a National park and an Archaeologist appointed as warden. Thus, the first archaeological work at Gede began under the direction of James Kirkman followed by the first publication of the site. In 1969, Gede's administration was taken over by the Museum Trustees.

Currently the Monument is under the care of the National Museums of Kenya and in addition to being a very important archaeological site; Gede indigenous forest is a sacred site for traditional rituals and sacrifices for the surrounding community.

After visit the ruins, a day or two at the Kenya beaches is worth, as you end your Kenya safari holiday  in style before you set for your outbound flight back home.

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Kenya snakes

The first of the big five is the COBRA. Kenya has 4 species, the Black Necked Spitting Cobra, the Red Spitting Cobra, Egyptian and Forest Cobra. Cobras are often found under thick undergrowth, rocks or in piles of dead vegetation- in a variety of habitats. Catching Cobras is not easy- the Egyptian cobra is extremely aggressive when cornered, while Spitting cobras respond to a direct threat by spitting venom- with remarkable accuracy, into the eyes.

Snake Safari staff use grab sticks and wear protective goggles while catching cobras- but it is still a tense procedure. A large aggressive cobra is a magnificent sight to behold. Their spread hoods and loud threatening hiss are a very effective deterrent to coming any closer. Next up is the PYTHON, a non-venomous constricting snake. The African Rock Python is often caught sunning itself on rocks or in vegetation. They feed mostly on rabbits, spring hares and in some cases small antelopes. These snakes can grow to be very large and Snake Safaris often encounter 9 foot and longer specimens.

At Kigio, the Snake Safari takes to the water in small inflatable rafts along the Malewa River. Guests are rowed along calm stretches of the river, while the catching team float alongside in inner tubes, searching the reeds for Pythons, which often live along river banks. At times diversions have to be made to make way for hippos.
Pythons are often caught in the water, and while the snakes are harmless, a large Python can make a formidable wrestling opponent. Catching pythons on land is a much easier proposition, and they are often found sunning themselves outside their lairs.

The third member of the big five is the PUFF ADDER, undoubtedly one of the most dangerous snakes in Kenya. The problem with these large sluggish vipers is their speed. Lying on warm patches of earth, they are slow to move out of the path of an approaching human, but fast to strike- with a pair of massive fangs that are hinged into the mouth like retractable airplane wheels.While these venomous snakes are dangerous, and pack a heavy dose of venom, they do play an important role in their eco-systems, and Snake Safaris will move these snakes away from inhabited areas and release them into thick isolated bush. They also teach their guests and local people how to avoid encountering dangerous snakes and what to do in the event of a bite.

The next snake is the BOOMSLANG, or other back fanged snakes- such as the TWIG SNAKE. These snakes are venomous but present less of a threat due to their fangs being located in the rear of their mouths.The Boomslang is a tree snake, the males a bright iridescent green and the female a dull brown. Twig Snakes are small, narrow creatures who take their name from their highly effective cammoflage, which makes them virtually indistinguishable from twigs and sticks.

On the coast, the search for these snakes usually takes guests into patches of forest and dense undergrowth. Twig Snakes are very fond of bats, so caves are often excellent hunting grounds.Snake Safaris visit Jimba Cave, one of the coasts best kept secrets. Hidden within the forest, Jimba is a sacred site for the Giriama people, and is still in use by witchdoctors as a place of sacrifice and ritual. Local people visit the cave at night to consult witchdoctors on village problems, always leaving an offering behind.

With its narrow twisting passages leading to massive vaulted ceilings, rock bridges and deep rock fissures filled with bats and swarms of wild bees, Jimba is a place of strange and eerie beauty. At the heart of the cave is a single massive mahogany tree rising from the floor, its ghostly white trunk glowing in the dark. The tree is believed to have sprouted hundreds of years ago when the cave was used as shelter by slave caravans, after a slave dropped a seed from the central African forests.After searching the cave for Twig Snakes and chameleons, guests always pay respect to Giriama tradition by leaving a small offering for the witchdoctors.

The last of the Big Five is the infamous MAMBA. Black and Green Mambas have become the stuff of legends, known worldwide as terrifying and deadly snakes. Snake Safaris effectively separate the myths from the facts- and introduce their guests to the real Mamba.While it is true that the Mamba carries extremely toxic venom- they are elusive snakes that spend most of their lives hidden in trees in thick bushland, hunting birds. Encountering a Mamba is extremely unusual and rare- and an attack even less likely. They will make every possible attempt to avoid such an encounter.

Catching a Mamba, however, is a different proposition altogether. The best Mamba country is in coastal forests and mangroves, and around the dry river beds of Kenya’s arid North East.Royjan and Francis, a long term employee of the Bio Ken snake farm are extremely experienced Mamba catchers. The first required skill is being able to spot one in the dense undergrowth- and the capture is a difficult and risky process, often having to be done while climbing into the unsteady branches of a tree. The snake then has to be lowered to the ground and restrained.

his is no easy feat- particularly with the highly aggressive black Mamba. These are extremely long (often exceeding 10 feet) and agile tree snakes that can easily double their bodies back on themselves and strike high and fast. Black Mambas are truly awe inspiring animals, powerful and tense, and not black- but a gun-metal olive. When threatened they raise their bodies high into the air and present a wide open mouth- and reveal just how they got their name- the inside of their mouth is jet black.It has now been proven that these much maligned snakes may have an even greater value to humankind. Research has discovered that their venom could be a vital ingredient in drugs used to regenerate damaged nerves in amputated limbs that have been reattached through micro-surgery.

The trip ends with a stay on the beach at Watamu, and a visit to Bio-Ken for milking demonstrations and a tour of the laboratory and East Africa’s largest collection of Snakes.Kenya Snake Safaris is the only operation of its kind in Kenya, and are fully and professionally trained with a wealth of experience, equipment and full anti-venom back up. It should be noted that under no circumstances should any untrained person attempt to catch or handle any snake in Kenya.

Most visitors to Kenya want to see the world famous wildlife, living free in its natural habitat. But not many are interested in seeing snakes, or actually make every attempt to see them. Being blinded by fear prevents some people from seeing these rare, beautiful creatures that are no more dangerous than the lions or elephants that they come to see. For the guests on a Snake safari, this is a real learning experience as well as an adventure. Even guests who previously had a snake phobia have found themselves relaxed and confident enough to hold and release the non-venomous snakes caught along the way.

One client had previously believed the old adage that “the only good snake is a dead snake” and used to suffer from nightmares about them. After his Snake Safari- he reported that he still dreamed about snakes- but that they were pleasant dreams, free from fear.

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The charm luo people

The Luo (also spelled Lwo) are an ethnic linguistic group located in an area that stretches from South Sudan and Ethiopia through northern Uganda and eastern Congo (DRC), into western Kenya, and ending in the upper tip of Tanzania. The Luo Tribe make up around 12% of Kenya's population, making it the 3rd largest ethnic group (after the Kikuyu and the Luhya). There are approximately 12 sub-groups within the tribe namely   Shilluk, Anuak, Acholi, Jo-Luo, Lango, Palwo, Alur, Padhola, Joluo (Kenyan and Tanzanian Luo), Bor, and Kumam. 

The traditional occupation of the Luo is fishing, though many are also farmers or work jobs in the larger cities. Unlike many other Kenyan tribes, the Luo tribe were not particularly troubled by the arrival of the white Europeans and settlers. Given the location of their territory in western Kenya, they didn't have their lives interrupted nor their land taken from them. They were not particularly involved in the Mau Mau rebellion, but helped create an independent Kenya through politics instead. the language of the Luo tribe is called Dholuo, and it is still commonly spoken among the people of this tribe. 

Like most other tribes in Kenya, their religious beliefs have changed with the coming of the Europeans. Most Luo consider themselves to be Christians today. Even so, the spirits of their ancestors play an important role in spiritual beliefs. They still often refer to the Christian god by the Luo names they are familiar with, such as "Were" or "Nyasaye".Marriage is very important to the Luo, who traditionally practiced polygamy. Men were allowed to have up to 5 wives, though this is no longer a common arrangement.

A bride price is negotiated, even among modern Luo couples. Money or cattle are paid by the groom to the bride's parents. It is very unusual for a Luo to be unmarried. The Luo are one of the few tribes in Kenya who don't practice ritual circumcision among the males. Another important part of Luo life is music. Songs are sung and music is played for many everyday events and occasions. Many musical instruments are used in Luo music, unlike tribes like the Masai who rely on their voices for music.

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Safari in kenya

The Rothschild Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi)

Family: Giraffidae Genus: Giraffa Species: G. camelopardalis Subspecies: G. c. Rothschild

Is among the most endangered giraffe subspecies with only a few hundred members in the wild. Rothschild Giraffes have a gestation period of 14 to 16 months. Rothschild Giraffes are easily distinguishable from other subspecies. The most obvious sign is in the colouring of the coat, or pelt. They are also taller than many other subspecies, measuring up to six metres tall (20 ft). They live in small herds, with males and females (and their calves) living separately, only mixing for mating. Males are larger than females and their two 'true' horns are usually bald from sparring. They also tend to be darker in colour than the females, although this is not a guaranteed sexing indicator. A giraffe's heart, which can weigh up to 10 kg (22 lb) and measure about 60 cm (2 ft) long, must generate approximately double the normal blood pressure for an average large mammal to maintain blood flow to the brain. In the upper neck, a complex pressure-regulation system called the rete mirabile prevents excess blood flow to the brain when the giraffe lowers its head to drink. While giraffes are usually found in groups, the composition of these groups is more fluid than in other social ungulates. They are a largely transient species with few strong social bonds and aggregations usually disband every few hours, although calving groups can last weeks to months.

 

The Somali Giraffe, or more commonly known as Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata), is a subspecies of giraffe native to Somalia, northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia. Its coat consists of large, polygonal liver-colored spots outlined by a network of bright white lines. The blocks may sometimes appear deep red and may also cover the legs. Reticulated giraffe are herbivorous, since they eat mostly plants, although giraffe have been seen eating the carcass of an antelope. A giraffe’s favorite snack is the acacia bushes and trees that frequent the African landscape. While these leaves are preferred, a giraffe will munch on many other kinds of vegetation. Giraffe food preferences change according to seasons: in the dry season, they seem to be fine with pine like needles. Giraffe feed by browsing, which typically means they eat continuously throughout the day. A male is able to eat 75 pounds of food in a single day. Giraffe use their sense of smell to locate the leaves they want. They ingest everything on the branch when eating, including insects, bark, and thorns. The giraffe uses its massive tongue (up to eighteen inches long) to scrape off the leaf. Giraffe have very tough lips to guard against scratching. While the acacia tree is their favorite, giraffe have also been known to eat mareola berries and other fruits. The Sentinels of the Savannah, the giraffe stomach has four parts, with food passing through the first and water going directly to the second. The first stomach partially digests the twigs, leaves, and whatever else the giraffe has ingested whole. During the day, when the animal is not feeding, parts of this fermented mixture are brought back up from the stomach in hard lumps. Giraffe chew on these lumps, called cud, throughout the day, helping to further break the food down. Once they are done chewing on the piece of cud, it is sent to the third stomach, and finally the fourth stomach to be digested fully.Giraffe are able to conserve and maintain their body temperature in part because of their shape- their long thin legs allow heat to release quickly.

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The charisma of indian ocean

Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest city. It has a long, rich history dating back over 1500 years when it started as a trading port. The Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama, landed here in 1498 and established a Portuguese colony at the coast. Arabs from Oman later took control of the city and left their mark on the region. Mombasa has a rich, vibrant Swahili culture.

There are several 3, 4 and 5 star hotels just to the north and south of Mombasa, known as the north and south coast respectively. These Hotels provide for excellent accommodation, rich cuisine and a host of activities for holiday makers. Day trips around the city of Mombasa and a visit to Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in 1593 are arranged. The town also has several nightclubs and restaurants. Airport: Mombasa’s international airport is known as Moi International Airport and is served by several European and other Regional Airlines.

These are some of our itineraries below ready to make one for you on request.

                         Mombasa Beach Holidays Excursions.

                        FULL-DAY MOMBASA TOWN  

 The day begins with a tour of Mombasa, including a visit to the famous Fort Jesus and the Akamba wood carvers. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel to Haller Park (formerly known as the Bamburi Nature Trail). The area was reclaimed from a coal quarry and turned into a nature trail. Hippos, buffalo, antelope and bird-life may be seen together with fish that is to be found on the Fish Farm within the park.

                        FULL - DAY WASINI ISLAND TOUR

Aday's excursion to one of the neighboring islands. Cross over to Wasini Island in a boat as you are greeted by a host of dolphins. A guided tour of the island follows before a seafood lunch. Afternoon is packed with water games, which include snorkeling, etc. Return to your hotel before sunset.

                      ONE - NIGHT TSAVO EAST - SALT LICK

Depart early for Tsavo East National Park. Arrive for morning game drive. Lunch at Voi Safari Lodge. Afternoon, depart for Taita Hills Lodge, located in a private game ranch. Retire to the stilt-erected Salt Lick Lodge. The watering hole adjacent to the lodge is a hive of activities, with the animals taking turns to drink water. Morning game-drive the following day. Depart for Mombasa after lunch.

                      3 NIGHTS TSAVO EAST - TSAVO WEST - AMBOSELI

Travel to Tsavo West National Park. After two hours from Mombasa, you are already on your morning game drive. Your meals and overnight will be at Kilaguni Lodge. Mzima Springs, the Chyulu Hills and the Shetani Lava Flow, coupled with game, will no doubt make it a worthwhile outing. On the second day you will cross over to the foot of the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro. During our game drives, you are guaranteed seeing the biggest herds of elephants in the midst of a host of plains game. On the third day you will depart after breakfast and head south to the biggest national park, Tsavo East. Game drives and returns to Mombasa on the fourth day.

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