This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
Published on August 7, 2019, a remarkable transformation has taken place at two major ecotourism sites on the outskirts of Mombasa City. Haller Park and the Bamburi Forest trails, once limestone quarry mining fields, have been completely transformed into lush green conservation sites.
Rehabilitation of Haller Park started in 1971, while that of Bamburi Forest Trails commenced in 1986. Today, these sites offer refuge to some rare and endangered species that roam the protected area freely, adding to the beauty of this once heavily mined quarry.
Our guide, Ms Linda Sogot, Environmental Education and Information Officer at the Haller Park and Bamburi Forest Trails, took us on a tour of the magnificent reclaimed nature park. We were enthralled by a host of wildlife, including hippos, buffaloes, and various ungulates, such as the Oryx, eland, and suni antelopes, that were grazing freely on the once bare land.
At the Game Sanctuary, we witnessed the majesty of giant crocodiles swimming in the ponds and coming out to bask at the island. The Reptile Park housed snakes of different sizes and types in glass cages, while the Fish Farm had huge ponds full of catfish and tilapia.
One of the highlights of our tour was the Palm Gardens, which provided a natural shade from Mombasa's hot and humid weather. We also visited the butterfly breeding and conservation centre and the giraffe viewing platform, offering a variety of attractions to educate and entertain visitors of all kinds.
At the giraffe viewing platform, we had the opportunity to feed the giraffe at a very close range, as it stretched itself to lick special pellets handed out by guides. We also saw the awesome giant Aldabra tortoises, waterbucks, and monkeys roaming around the park, as well as birds of all kinds, including weaver birds, kingfisher, storks, herons, egrets, owls, eagles, kites, cranes, ibis, and sandpipers.
After more than three hours of mingling with nature, we headed to the Bamburi Forest Trails, which offered beautiful grounds ideal for outdoor sports, team building activities, product launches, theme nights, weddings, birthday parties, company parties, and retreats. The site has hosted major outdoor events, including gigs by Radio Maisha, Safaricom concerts, and Oriflame.
The Forest Trails has four nature trails for cycling, jogging, walking, and general fitness. We set out on a short bike trip and encountered wildlife roaming the range land, including Sunis and duiker antelopes, a herd of eland, and some oryx.
