Bombolulu and Haller Nature Park
Tour Code: MOM-004
Duration: 5 hours
Retail Value: $149.00
Price: Free
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Explore Mombasa's splendid lifestyles, traditions and natural beauty during this memorable visit to the Bombolulu Workshops, Cultural Centre and Haller Nature Park.
Depart the pier for the scenic drive along the North Coast en route to the Bombolulu Workshops. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the tour organizer and given a short briefing about the center. After being assigned a guide and divided into smaller groups, you will be escorted around the five workshops for an opportunity to observe the disabled workers produce sophisticated, hand-printed textiles, jewelry, carvings, beadwork, and basketry.
Next, you will proceed to the Cultural Centre to explore the replicas of seven traditional Kenyan homesteads. Inhabitants clad in traditional attire will welcome your arrival to each compound, and explain the homestead's activities and features. From here, you will proceed to the main arena for an entertaining performance by traditional dancers accompanied by percussionists. You will be invited to join in the dance, and learn how to play the different drums and instruments.
Your tour will conclude with a guided visit to the Haller Nature Park (Bamburi Nature Trail), which serves as a unique example of a successful conservation effort to rehabilitate a tract of commercial land. A huge limestone quarry until the early 1970s, the area was transformed by Swiss agronomist Dr. Rene Haller, who planted trees there and grew a commercial-sized timber forest within 20 years. Today, an entire ecosystem now thrives here, and is home to giraffes, hippos, small herds of eland, oryx, waterbucks, buffaloes, fish breeding, giant tortoises, crocodiles, and a snake farm.
Following your visit to Haller Park, a refreshment and souvenir stop will be made before rejoining your coach for the return drive to the pier.
Please note: The visit to the Bombolulu Cultural Center involves limited walking on flat surfaces and the nature trail; however, participation is optional. Due to Muslim traditions, conservative dress is required. Legs and shoulders should be covered; shorts, short skirts and skimpy outfits are deemed to be inappropriate.