Things to Do in Malindi

The Local Ocean Trust Marine Conservation Centre is an interactive and educational centre promoting marine conservation in the area. The Centre is the first of its kind on the Kenyan coast and celebrates the varied marine habitats of Watamu. Their mission is to instill an appreciation of the beauty and wonders of the marine world, particularly the underwater one, which few Kenyans have had the opportunity to witness. Attractive murals and illustrated displays provide fascinating information on intertidal zones, mangroves, coral reefs, and open ocean, sea turtles and Mida creek. +254 (0) 233 2118 or +254 (0) 71 575 6738 info@watamuturtles.com www.watamuturtles.com

Snakes alive! Stroke a slithery, scaled reptile and watch venomous snakes being milked. Bio-Ken Snake Farm is a research centre housing fascinating reptiles and dealing mostly with snakes and snakebites. It houses the largest collection of snakes in East Africa and is open to visitors. As well as touring the facilities and the reptiles, visitors can go on day safaris to look for snakes in their natural habitat with trained guides. Bio-Ken Snake Farm is regarded as the best of the snake parks along Kenya’s coast. Treading lightly upon the Earth Bio-Ken operates a snake removal service for the locals. Their ‘Saving Snakes’ program ensures that unwanted reptiles are released into a more suitable spot in the wild or housed at the Snake farm for study. Snakes are also milked for medical research and for making anti-venom to treat local victims of poisonous snakebites. Up for a terrific scaly adventure? Join experts on a Big 5 Snake Safari – searching for the most impressive African snakes – pythons, boomslang, puff adders, cobras and mambas! Did you know? Kenya is home to 127 snake species, of which only 18 have caused human fatalities and 93 are not venomous or dangerous. Open 10:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 17:00 +254 (0) 42 32303 snakes@africaonline.co.ke www.bio-ken.com

The impressive Fort Jesus on Mombasa Island is a significant historical landmark in East Africa and a popular attraction for local and international visitors. It was built in 1593 to guard the entrance of the harbour by order of King Philip I of Portugal, also King Philip II of Spain, joint monarch of the Portuguese and Spanish Kingdoms. The fort was given the name of Jesus, and displays the shape of a man from the air. In 2011 Fort Jesus was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significance as one of the most outstanding and well-preserved examples of 16th Century Portuguese military fortifications. Apart from its status as a major tourist destination, the Fort is an important host for numerous research programs, a Conservation Lab, and Education Department and the Old Town Conservation Office.