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Nguuni Nature Sanctuary – Mombasa’s best kept secret

nguuni nature sanctuary

Nguuni Nature Sanctuary is everything you never thought the Kenyan coast could offer. Mombasa is known for a lot of things, but not the giraffe-sunset combo. By definition, this setting serves as a refuge to different kinds of animals. The property is extremely expansive – about 100 acres. It is owned and managed by Bamburi Cement. Some of the animals in the facility include giraffes, ostriches, elands, and waterbucks among others. They have more than 200 species of birds and hundreds of butterflies.

The sanctuary is named after 3 hills that are visible in the background. These are totally hikeable BTW 🙂

nguuni animal sanctuary

One of the nguuni hills; they are 3.

The feeling one gets at Nguuni Nature Sanctuary is extremely calming. It is one of those places you can easily make “home”. Your safe place. The staff is amazing. Okay, is everyone good nowadays or do I just get lucky?

The highlight of any day is obviously the sunset. The one at Nguuni Nature Sanctuary is not to be missed. It will be even more glorious with giraffes (or any other animal for that matter) as the backdrop.

Besides the sunset, it is a perfect location for weddings. Getting married soon? Animals as part of that definitely sounds interesting. In case a wedding is not enticing enough, think camping or barbeque in the wild. An afternoon picnic will also be perfect. The most impressive part about all this, for me, is the fact that the animals remain in the wild. It is not a zoo. The feeding exercise done is for visitors, and the animals are very much capable of fending for themselves.

nguuni nature sanctuary

Honorable cause

Nguuni Nature Sanctuary has a very noble project that involves the local community in a number of ways. First, they sensitize the community on the need for conversation. It is particularly encouraging to see young children learning these things. They have a library that is stacked with different kinds of books, with an inclination towards conservation and tourism. The kids were on midterm break the last time I was there so it was pretty packed.

nguuni nature sanctuary

nguuni nature sanctuary

Once in a while also, the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary organizes tree planting exercises. In the same breath, they control deforestation in the area. There are many programs running in the sanctuary; take some time to understand them when you visit. They accept volunteers too.

nguuni nature sanctuary

Birding at Nguuni Nature Sanctuary

There are more than 250 species of birds, as was mentioned above. Mr. Ngala, one of the most remarkable guides ever, recognizes them even by the sound they make.

nguuni nature sanctuary

An attempt at macro :O

nguuni nature sanctuary

Admirable, if you are a birding starter like me. For those of you who have been doing it for some time, you will love birding at Nguuni for sure. There are many nesting areas, in both the wetlands and woodlands. They are constantly making changes. The last I was there, the routes were less defined. You will also see differently colored butterflies floating around. Again, he knows all of them by name.

nguuni nature sanctuary

Sunset

Sunset there, as is the case with most other parts in the Kenyan coast, is at around 6:20 p.m. The one at Nguuni is like a celestial fireball. It almost looks unreal, especially coupled with the chirping birds who seemed to become more melodic as the sun was setting.

nguuni nature sanctuary

You cannot watch the sun set and fail to dream

nguuni nature sanctuary

Jigsaw 😛

The splendor of the sun magnified the gracefulness of the giraffes. That is definitely the ideal life for most of us. There is never a crowd and even if it gets the attention it much so deserves, the tranquility will not be lost.

The best time to visit is now before the Pirates gang shifts. They are open throughout the year, but it is more beautiful after the rains.

Many more images on Instagram; go check them out – @awachera.

As always, share with your friends and go experience the radiance of nature.

Cheers to latitude!

5 Comments

  1. Reply

    Jeen Gichuhi

    June 26, 2017

    Now I love what this, I have always told people that the Kenyan coast has more than the white sandy beaches. I would recommend you try Mombasa Go Karting and enjoy more of hidden Gems

  2. Reply

    MoonCradlesTide

    June 30, 2017

    Beautifully written &all of it looks amazing… Those hills ?

  3. Reply

    Briony

    July 3, 2017

    Wow! It all looks so amazing

  4. Reply

    The Tale of Mummyhood

    July 3, 2017

    Wow! What a beautiful place! xx

  5. Reply

    Helen @talking_mums

    July 3, 2017

    It looks and sounds amazing. I hope I can visit places like this someday x

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