While Kenya boasts numerous captivating nature parks, the cosmopolitan coastal city of Mombasa may not initially appear as a tourist hotspot. However, if you’re planning a trip there, read on to discover the wonders of this renowned Haller park.

Mombasa, with its expansive beaches for swimming, initially seemed to lack significant attractions for exploration. Internet searches for “what to do in Mombasa?” yielded limited exciting options.

Residing in the vibrant Bamburi neighbourhood, I was eager to delve into Kenyan culture and embark on a city tour.

One evening, as I strolled along the Bamburi main road, a banner caught my eye—Haller Park, with its designated visiting hours. Uncertain about what lay within, curiosity got the better of me, prompting a decision to step inside.

What awaited me within the park’s bounds exceeded my expectations. Haller Park stands as a haven for diverse plant and animal species.

Beyond its ecological significance, it also functions as a recreational haven. This transformation from a former quarry wasteland to an ecological oasis holds myriad treasures.

As anticipated, entrance fees are nationality-dependent, reflecting Kenya’s commitment to nature preservation.

The nation takes pride in its conservation efforts, inviting foreigners to explore their initiatives while simultaneously educating locals on the importance of investing in environmental protection.

What is the origin of Haller park?

Upon entering, I learned that the park bears the name of Rene Haller, a Swiss individual who served as the garden department manager for a cement company.

His initial task was to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area. However, in the 1970s, Haller’s endeavors took a more ambitious turn as he undertook a reforestation initiative, courageously introducing various plants.

While a handful struggled to adapt to the harsh limestone desert soil, others thrived, eventually giving rise to a haven for endangered plant species.

Over the years, this endeavor led to the planting of more than 180 indigenous trees and shrubs, shaping the sanctuary we witness today.

Below, I will present a selection of animals that have been introduced to the park.

After the passage of several years, the park has evolved into a vibrant habitat, offering a captivating array of life forms that make for a delightful and leisurely day of observation.

What to do in Haller Park?

Welcomed at the exceptionally traditionally designed reception hall inside the park, there are tour guides ready to take groups of visitors around.

1. Giraffe Feeding

Within the park, an enclave is home to the world’s tallest land mammal, the giraffes. These graceful creatures roamed freely, approaching humans solely during their meal times.

Designated feeding hours punctuate the park’s routine. During these intervals, visitors have the unique opportunity to present food on their palms, which the giraffes adeptly pluck using their distinctive tongues.

For me, this encounter marked the closest I’d ever been to these magnificent giants.

Anticipating the giraffes’ stature, the park has erected a tall, bridge-like terrace alongside a small hill. This wooden platform allows visitors to purchase specially crafted giraffe food from the staff and offer it directly to the towering animals.

As visitors extend open palms, the giraffes draw near, their long tongues extending to collect the morsels.

This interaction leaves behind traces of saliva on the outstretched palms, an extraordinary and slightly amusing hallmark of their close encounter.

It was enjoyable to watch, but I wasn’t courageous to dare. Many visitors, including children, had fun taking turns with their families, making everyone smile.

2. Monkeys

Throughout the park, a bustling population of monkeys frolics, leaping from tree branch to tree branch as if engaged in animated conversations.

These agile creatures traverse the pathways, swift to sprint away at the slightest hint of danger. Remarkably, they appear to comprise the most prominent animal population within the park’s confines.

The guides, addressing our group of twelve, issued a cautionary note: to avoid displaying our snacks, as the monkeys were prone to swiftly snatch them if they spotted the tempting morsels.

Amid our group, one member seemed to disregard the advice. Carrying a box of cookies as we strolled, he unwittingly caught the attention of the monkeys.

In an instant, they pounced from the trees, deftly snatching the box from his grasp despite his determined hold.

In a matter of moments, the scene transformed. A mere two minutes later, a swarm of over ten monkeys descended upon the scene, vying for bites and engaging in lively scuffles over the treat.

The spectacle left our entire group in fits of laughter and awe. I had never before contemplated that monkeys possessed a penchant for sugary indulgences.

3. Crocodile sanctuary

As is typical in marshy environments, a dedicated area within the park was reserved exclusively for crocodiles.

Enclosed by sturdy barbed wire fences adorned with distance markers, this section stood as a secure habitat for these reptiles.

The guide provided enlightening insights into the crocodiles’ history and the meticulous care undertaken to maintain their well-being.

It was fascinating to learn that crocodile eggs are edible by humans.

Kenya claims to be housing one of the few yellow albino crocodiles worldwide.

4. Fish-pond

Towards another corner of the park, expansive fishponds came into view.

These deep, pool-like structures were equipped with taps, ensuring a continuous supply of water to sustain the diverse fish species residing within.

The environment provided an ideal sanctuary for the fish, evident in their contented swimming within these aquatic haven

5. Hippo, buffalo, oryx, and warthog

As we strolled alongside the sizable pond, a captivating sight unfolded before us—two hippos luxuriating in the balmy weather. Submerged in the water, most of their massive bodies remained concealed, making it challenging to glimpse their faces.

Near the edge of the small body of water, the imposing presence of a giant African buffalo caught our attention.

Leisurely indulging in the surrounding grass, it ambled along the bank.

A defining feature of this buffalo was its impressive set of large horns, adding to its majestic aura.

Prominently displayed were the lengthy horns of the oryx, accentuating its strikingly radiant, bright brown body that seemed to gleam under the scorching sun.

A peculiar sight that caught our attention was the warthog, characterized by its uniquely rounded horns, standing out amidst the diverse array of creatures.

6. Haller park butterfly sanctuary and tortoise

Kenyans proudly highlight their adeptness in butterfly conservation, a claim I initially doubted until my visit to a sprawling section within the park entirely dedicated to these delicate creatures.

Enclosed spaces host plants that serve as habitats for the butterflies.

This area functions as a nursery, nurturing them from pupae to their mature adult forms.

The vivid array of colors adorned by most of these butterflies was nothing short of vibrant and brilliant.

The final and undoubtedly captivating highlight was the presence of the colossal tortoises.

Their sheer size and age appeared to contribute to their leisurely pace, a characteristic that was fascinating to witness.

Visitors had the unique opportunity to touch these creatures, with the guides asserting that they ranked among the planet’s oldest inhabitants.

The compilation provided above offers a condensed preview of the park’s offerings.

However, embarking on the one-and-a-half-hour expedition through this expansive park is truly a valuable journey that imparts a meaningful lesson in nature.

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