Monday, May 21, 2012

Likoni Ferry is a boat service across the Kilindini Harbour In Mombasa County



Likoni Ferry is a boat service across the Kilindini Harbour In Mombasa County







The Likoni Ferry is a boat service across the Kilindini Harbour, serving both the island city of Mombasa and the Kenyan mainland town of Likoni. Two double-ended ferries alternate across the harbour, carrying both road and foot traffic. The ferries are operated by the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS), and is the only remaining ferry service by KFS. The Likoni ferry started operting in 1937. Passenger services are free while vehicles have to pay a ferry toll.

The Mombasa side terminal of the Likoni line is located at the southern end of the Mombasa Island. The distance of the line is about 500 metres.

Apart from the main Likoni line, there is a passenger-only peak hour service between Mtongwe and Mombasa island next to Bandari College. It crosses the Kilindini Creek few kilometres west of the Kilindini line.
The new ferries MV Kwale and MV Likoni are moored at the Dradenau Terminal in the Port of Hamburg, Germany.

There are five operating ferries.MV Mvita and MV Pwani were bought in 1969 and 1974, respectively. MV Nyayo, MV Harambee and MV Kilindini were bought second hand in 1990. KFS is in process to buy two new ferries, but the order was repeatedly delayed.[1] The two arrived in June 2010. They have been christened as MV Kwale and MV Likoni

Three of the operating ferries, MV Harambee, MV Nyayo and MV Kilindini have been deregistered from Lloyd's Register (an international maritime classification society), being not seaworthy [2] As at May 2011, at least MV Nyayo was in use as the relief ferry, now painted blue.

The Dongo Kundu bypass has been planned to ease the congested ferry. The road would run from Shika Adabu (between Likoni and Diani) to Miritini (west of Mombasa Island, along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway). The road would be 12–24 km long depending whether bridges will be built to cross the Likoni creek.[3] Currently the shortest route by road from Likoni to Mombasa Island is through the Kwale town, 30 kilometres southwest of Mombasa.[4]

A direct bridge or tunnel from Likoni to Mombasa Island have also been proposed, but the high cost of building them has made these options unlikely

The Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve In Kwale County


The Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve In       Kwale County


Kisite is a marine reserve situated in the shallow Indian Ocean coastal waters of Southern Kenya. Traditional Dhows sail you back and forth to the underwater park where you can enjoy snorkeling or diving among its colorful coral reefs. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays, angelfish and parrotfish are regularly sighted.

Best Time To Go: October - January
Where to Stay: There are several guesthouses and bandas available in the marine reserve.
Getting There:1 1/2 hour drive from Mombasa and then you can take a Dhow.

The Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves In Laikipia County

  

The Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves

 In Laikipia County

Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs are 3 Reserves bordering one another in the dry landscape of North Central Kenya. The wildlife congregates around the Ewaso Ngiro River which runs through the Reserves. Besides the wildlife (elephant, giraffe, leopard, zebra, blue-legged ostriches), a highlight of any visit is to meet the Samburu people. Camel safaris are on offer at most of the lodges and if you're in the area, visit the Laikipia Plateau.

Best Time to Go: June to October
Where to Stay: There are several lodges in each of the parks.
Getting There: Daily flights from Nairobi or a full day drive.

The Masai Mara Game Reserve in Narok County




The Masai Mara Game Reserve in Narok County



The Masai Mara Reserve is the most popular wildlife park in Kenya. From July - October you can witness the incredible migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra. The Maasai tribesman also offer cultural tours which really add to the experience. The Mara showcases big families of elephants, buffaloes, lions and hippos among many more.

Best Time To Go: July - October
Where to Stay: There are plenty of lodges and campsites both inside and outside the reserve.
Getting There: Charter flights from Nairobi or Tanzania

Tsavo National Park In Nairobi County





Tsavo National Park is split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West. The Tsavo parks are vast and the landscape is wild. Tsavo East is less developed than Tsavo West but more accessible. In Tsavo West you can watch elephants bathe among the hippos and the crocs from a unique vantage point of an under-water glass tank. The "Big Five" do live here, but you have to look carefully to spot them.

Best Time To Go: May to October
Where to Stay: Tsavo East has Voi Wildlife Lodge; Tsavo West has several lodges. Both parks have private campsites.
Getting There: By road from Mombasa (3-4 hours) or Nairobi (10 hours); Or charter flight.

The Nairobi National Park In Nairobi County

The Nairobi National Park In Nairobi County



Nairobi National Park is one of Kenya's most successful black rhino sanctuaries, it also enjoys its own wildebeest migration as well as hosting over 400 species of bird. This is all within a stone's throw of Kenya's bustling capital city, Nairobi. Walking trails offer visitors a chance to experience the African bush at its best.

Best Time To Go: Year-round (migration is July/August)
Where to Stay: Anywhere in Nairobi
How to get There: By road, it's less than 5 miles from the city center.

The Aberdare National Park In Nyeri County


The Aberdare National Park In Nyeri County

Aberdare National Park is as famous for its lovely waterfalls as its rare species of rhino, black leopard and bongo antelope. The regular rains keep the park green year round and the temperatures cool, perfect for hiking.

Best Time To Go: May to October
Where to Stay: Treetops and The Ark are two upscale lodges in the park, there are also public and private campsites.
Getting There: By road from Nairobi (3-4 hours).