February - March 2023 - Magazine 40

O N T E N T S

Coastal Guide is a bi-monthly magazine publication that is available at various outlets along Kenya’s

It is designed as a guide book, providing useful information and services to enhance your stay and make it easier for you find the things you need. Each issue of Coastal guide also reports on social a n d c o n s e r v a t i o n i n i t i a t i v e s i n K e n y a

Any support you can offer these initiatives will go along way towards retaining the beauty and unique charm that makes Kenya one of the best destinations

coastline and Nairobi. in the world.

PleaserememberwhenvisitingKenya,takenothingbut pictures,leavenothingbutfootprints,killnothingbuttime.

Contact us on : +254768468255 Visit our Website : www.coastalguidekenya.com Email : info@coastalguidekenya.com

KISIMA FESTIVAL

ACELEBRATION OF MIND, BODY& SOUL

KISIMA Festival is returning to Kili for its second annual edition, from the 6th- 9th of April 2023!

Hosted at Beneath the Baobabs in Kili, Kisima is a four-day transformational wellness event, carefully curated as a celebration for mind, body and soul.

Building on the resounding success of KISIMA 2021 (which gathered a diverse community of over 25 wellness practitioners for an event attended by over 250 people), Kisima 2023 has the added objective of making wellbeing practices more accessible beyond the festival gates, to communities all over the coast of Kenya. Think 4 days of fun and growth for the whole family, accommodation available on-site, one-on-one therapies like massage and energy healing available to book plus we wrap it all up with a mangrove planting day on Monday 10th April (Easter Monday)

All are welcomed to participate in content relating to the four elements.

Ignite Conversation: Hard-hitting discussions on the important issues that face our world today, such as the future of Africa, education systems, traditional knowledge, substance abuse, sexual health, gender dynamics, regenerative agriculture and conservation

Inspire Healing: Practices to bring peace to your heart, including various style of breathwork, meditation, energy work, ancestral lineage healing, sharing circles, drumming, ceremonies and rituals.

Ground in Nature: Conscious connections with people and planet including authentic relating practices, Family constellations, spaces for integration, vision boarding, group coaching, and connecting deeply with the earth through tree planting and mangrove reforestation.

Let your Body Flow: Physical movement practices such as Kemetic yoga, aerial skills, acrobatics, Thai Chi, Qi gong, martial arts, ecstatic dance, somatic movement and personal training

Kisima's mission is to increase the awareness and inclusivity of the wellness space in Kenya. We aim to achieve this by highlighting the multitude of available practices, traditional and innovative alike, that support individuals and communities to thrive.

In addition they have launched a growing community outreach programme which grants greater access to wellbeing practices in community, and increasing access to certication and training

Says festival founder Heather Gordon Athie: “We hope to see more people being able to access wellbeing services across Kenya, and aim to assist in job creation by sponsoring those who are passionate to hone their craft and receive certication and training on subjects close to them.”

More info at www.beneaththebaobab.com/kisima

Instagram: @kisimafestival Facebook: Kisima Festival |

Ideas along the coast Valentines

Valentine's Day is here again, and presents another opportunity for lovebirds to rekindle their love and enjoy some romantic moments in exclusive locations over candle lit dinners. Kenya's coast offers a variety of romantic activities for couples to enjoy You get the chance to spend time with the loved ones exploring new places, or sometimes,places you earlier visited,which had lasting impressions.

1. Romantic stroll along the beach

Take a romantic stroll along the beach: The Kenyan coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Take a walk handin-hand with your loved one along the white sandy beaches and enjoy the stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

2. Go on a sunset dhow cruise

Experience the romantic side of Kenya with a Valentines Day sunset dhow cruise along the coast. As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, embark on a traditional wooden dhow boat and sail past beautiful beaches and lush mangroves. Enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks as you take in the breathtaking views of the sunset. This is the perfect way to spend a special evening with your loved one. Relax, unwind and make memories that will last a lifetime.

3.Have a romantic dinner

A romantic dinner at the beach can be a truly magical experience. The sound of the waves, the salty sea air, and the warm sand beneath your feet all create the perfect ambiance for a special night out.

There are many excellent restaurants along the Kenyan coast that offer delicious seafood and romantic settings. Enjoy a candlelit dinner with your partner and indulge in some of the freshest seafood in the region.

4. Take a spa day

The beautiful beaches and lush landscapes offer a serene and peaceful environment for couples to relax and reconnect. A spa day at one of the many luxurious resorts along the coast is the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate.

Couples can indulge in a variety of spa treatments, such as massages, facials, and body wraps. These treatments are designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation, and can be enjoyed in a private couples' suite. The spa day can be paired with other activities, such as yoga, meditation, and beach walks, to create the perfect Valentine's Day experience.

5. Go on a snorkeling or diving trip

6.Go on a romantic beach picnic

Couples can enjoy a romantic meal on the beach while watching the sun go down. They can pack a basket with a variety of delicious food and drinks, such as sandwiches, fruit, and wine. It is a great opportunity to spend quality time together,with the beautiful ocean as a backdrop. You can take a walk on the beach, swim in the ocean or even try out some water sports like kite surfing or windsurfing.

The perfect way to bond and create unforgettable memories with your loved one With the beautiful beaches, delicious food and wide range of activities, Kenya's coast is the perfect destination for a romantic and intimate Valentine's Day.

The clear waters and diverse marine life make it a great spot for snorkeling and diving. Couples can explore the colorful coral reefs and see a wide variety of fish, turtles, and even dolphins.They can also experience the thrill of diving to deeper depths to see unique and rare marine creatures. The coast of Kenya is home to several diving and snorkeling sites, such as the Watamu Marine National Park, the Malindi Marine National Park Diani-Chale and Mpunguti marine reserves. The marine parks offer a wide range of activities, including snorkeling trips,diving expeditions,and PADI diving courses.

For the non-divers, snorkeling is a great way to explore the beautiful coral reefs and marine life. The clear waters make it easy to see the vibrant marine life and the colorful coral reefs

7. Visit a wildlife sanctuary

A wildlife tour for Valentine's Day is an exciting and unique way for couples to celebrate their love. Kenyas coast offers some of the best wildlife safari destinations, from Tsavo East and West National Parks to Shimba Hills game Reserve where couples can see a wide variety of animals in their natural habitat.

Couples can witness the majestic elephants, the powerful lions and other big cats, the graceful giraffes and many other animals that call the savannah home.They can also take a hot air balloon ride over the savannah and watch the sunset,making it a perfect romantic activity Additionally, they can take guided nature walks, visit traditional Maasai villages, and learn about the culture and the way of life of the local people All these activities together make for a perfect Valentines day experience.

Kitesurfing, Wing Foiling & SUP Lessons & Rentals

On the day, people can observe local fisherman from along the coast, come together to race their ngalawas (canoes with outriggers dug out of giant mango trees), swiftly maneuvering these boats to the finish line. Attendees may also get the opportunity to join the crew, learn how to sail or can just cheer them on.

Many local foods, flavoured with spices such as tamarind and coconut, can be enjoyed throughout the day, cooked by the women from Funzi and Wasini Islands. Along with a bar and other food stalls. There are many local handicrafts for sale, from woven mats, hats, baskets and lessos (traditional wraps), with the profits going straight back to the community groups who made them. There is also many local produce available, from honey to seaweed soaps. Ladies can even have their hair plaited and hands painted with henna.

There are many other activities, from the Mama Lesso competition, where women showcase stylish ways to wear the traditional lessos. People can join in with the Kayamba dance, a dance performed at ceremonies to mark important events during the year You can even get blessed by a traditional healer!

Enjoy

Safari Beach Hotel, Diani, on

Equipment storage Radio teaching Sun beds Uncrowded spot The event is organised by the South Coast Eco-Tourism Association and supported by the South Coast Residents Association. For further information please email info@dianiregatta.co.ke or call 0728 765764

CRUISE CRUISE COLOBUS COLOBUSfor 2023

By Wambui Ngunya - C4C Ride Coordinator

Biking Education4

Allow me to introduce you to a unique fundraising project developed on the South Coast in 2017. I do hope you, the reader, will share widely as conservation is for all of us.

Cruise for Colobus (C4C) is a motorcycle ride whose aim is to attract a different demographic of Kenyans/Residents and get them interested in, and participating actively where conservation education efforts are concerned. C4C is the brain-child of Colobus Conservation, a not-for-profit based in Diani-Kenya, designed to promote the conservation, preservation and protection of primates like the vulnerable Colobus monkey and its coastal forest habitat through education,advocacy and partnerships.

C4C will run its fourth edition on Saturday, 25 February 2023. The ride will be from Diani to Samburu [ Mombasa Road via the Kinango route] and back to Diani. On the return leg, there is an option for dirt bike enthusiasts to do some off-roading via Shimba Hills town on to Mwabungo and back to Diani. The ride will start at Colobus Conservation, Diani Beach Road and end at Alliance Safari Beach Hotel (ASBH).

The cruise is expected to start at 7:00 am prompt so that riders arrive at ASBH for refreshments, down-time and a bike show There is also an opportunity, with prior notice and approval, for exhibition tents for sponsors.

Along the riding route, flyers will be distributed to highlight to Kwale residents the importance of conserving the environment; and the knock on effects to them individually and their communities. Colobus Conservation staff will also run an information center at Kinanago town on the day should any Kinango residents need information on tree planting, free education clinics at Colobus Conservation for children, primate rescue operations and general environmental care at their homes and villages, As the ride this time is principally on back roads we hope to attract dirt/off road bike enthusiasts as well to spread the word on conservation and at the same time emphasize road safety

The theme for the ride is “biking 4 education” All funds go towards our education program which includes our weekly education workshops hosted at Colobus Conservation, teaching children and teachers about the beauty of the flora and fauna surrounding them and the importance of tree cover In addition, Colobus Conservation has an information and education center, which is also open to the public as part of a guided Eco-tour

Every year we receive an average of 1000 school children from 33 schools in Kwale County

There is something for everyone at the C4C event! For those not riding there will be a BBQ lunch served from 2:00 pm as spectators wait for the bikes to return at Alliance Safari Beach Hotel, Diani. Children's activities have been organized to keep the whole family entertained. Do join us for a day well spent on a theme that touches all of us; conservation education.

TIDE FOR THE

KENYAN COAST

Boost for maritime as pirates keep off coast.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) recently removed the Indian Ocean from the list of High-Risk Areas (HRA) giving a major boost to trade for Kenya and the wider Eastern African region.

Kenya did not report a single piracy attack last year in its Indian Ocean territory and transport corridor, an annual security report says.

The move is seen as a huge boost for Kenya's efforts to attract trade and tourism and make itself an international shipping and tourism hotspot. Increased safety will lower insurance and shipping costs in the Kenyan ocean transport corridor as well as boost the popular cruise tourism.

Lamu county moves to protect endangered sand dunes

Kenya Airways to start direct ights from Mombasa to Dubai

Source: www.standardmedia.co.ke

Kenya taps Iceland expertise to grow shing industry.

Kenya is tapping fishing technology from Iceland to improve earnings from the sector with artisanal fishermen at the centre of the corporation.

The Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs ministry is working closely with Kaldara Group from Iceland in developing modern cold storage and fish processing facilities for value addition, in counties with fishing activities.

The first phase will cover counties along the Indian Ocean – Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi,Tana River and Lamu.

Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke

They will soon hand over the sand dune zones to the Water Resource Management Authority (WRMA) for preservation and management.

Lamu County has announced new measures to protect its treasured sand dunes and the coastal environment. Sand dunes are natural habitats for many native species and they protect land and properties from erosion, storms, cyclones, tsunamis.

The only island in the region with a source of freshwater is Lamu Old Town but the water catchment area is under threat due to i l l e g a l h u m a n a c t i v i t i e s s u c h a s constructions and sand harvesting.

Source: www.the-star.co.ke

Kili invests Sh800 million in sludge recycling plant

Kenya Airways will now fly direct from Mombasa to Dubai, reducing the time travellers take to the Middle East.

During the launch of the flight, 145 passengers left for the first trip

The flight from Moi International Airport will make the airport the second hub after Jomo Kenyatta International Airport that connects passengers directly to the United Arab Emirates.

By connecting the Kenyan Coast to the Middle East directly, the travel time is effectively reduced thereby making Kenya the most attractive destination for the Middle East holiday seekers.

Source: www.thecoast.com

Germany to help Kenya hit 100 renewables, export hydrogen

Kilifi county plans to build a Sh800 million sewage recycling plant in Malindi town to produce briquettes to solve the energy crisis in the region.

The plant will use human waste from toilets in Malindi and Watamu towns to produce coal to be sold to residents. It reduces overdependence on charcoal from wood that causes environmental degradation. soon the plant will be launched in the Sabaki area of Malindi subcounty with funding from the World Bank.

Source: www.nation.african

provideKenyawith112millioneuros($118 million) to help the East African nation closethegapto100%renewableenergy andproducehydrogen.

Kenya already gets about 90% of its electricity from renewable sources including hydropower, geothermal and wind.Itaimstophaseoutentirelytheuse offossilfuelsforelectricitygenerationby 2030.

Hydrogen produced with renewable energy can be exported or used to make much-needed fertilizer for Kenya’s domesticagricultureindustry.

Source: www.standardmedia.co.ke

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