Fort Jesus Mombasa: The Fortress That Changed Hands Nine Times By Steve Braker — Mombasa, Kenya I walk past Fort Jesus Mombasa most weeks. From the waterfront road it dominates the old harbour entrance the way it has always done — immense, low, and coral-coloured,...
Best Books to Read on an African Safari Recommendations from Steve Braker — thriller writer, 25-year Mombasa resident, and a man who has read most of them under a mosquito net People ask me all the time: what are the best books to read on an African safari? Usually...
The Swahili Coast: The Ancient World Hidden in Plain Sight A Living Guide to the Culture, History and People of East Africa's Greatest Civilisation — by Steve Braker, Mombasa I have lived on the Swahili Coast for over twenty-five years, and the Swahili Coast...
Embrace Adventure: 10 Reasons to Experience a Walking Safari in AfricaHave you ever dreamed of embarking on a journey that would take you closer to the heart of the wild? If the idea of venturing into Africa's untamed landscapes, accompanied by expert guides and...
African Wildlife Safari Photography: Ten Tips for Capturing Wildlife in AfricaAfrican wildlife safaris offer a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike to witness the majestic beauty of the continent's fauna in their natural habitats....
Top-Ten Safety Tips for a Secure African Safari Experience Embarking on an African safari is an experience of a lifetime, offering the opportunity to witness stunning wildlife and explore captivating landscapes. However, it's essential to prioritize safety during...
Tippu Tip-African Slave Trader Imagine, a white-walled three-story house in the middle of Stone Town, Zanzibar. A six-foot-tall man, with broad shoulders and a bright white kanzu, is standing on the flat roof in the early evening twilight. He holds a fine porcelain...
The Anglo-Zanzibar War. The Shorest War in History A Ten Minute ReadThe story starts when Zanzibar was a hub for ivory, cloves, and allegedly the largest slave market in the world; at its peak, there are estimates that over 50,000 slaves were traded per year from...
Top Tips for the Best African Safari Vehicle Why should you listen to my advice? My name is Steve Baker and I have lived in East Africa since 2000. I have traveled the length and breadth of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, and even popped into Somalia on occasion. I...
My top ten tips for that once-in-a-lifetime safari. Why should you take this advice? I am Steve Braker and I have lived in East Africa for the last twenty years. I am an avid safari-goer and have taken my wife and four children on many different adventures across...
A lot of you have been asking me for more history emails about East Africa. This is a pet subject of mine, so I am happy to oblige. Kongowea Market Mombasa-A blog by Steve Braker Action Thriller Author Not far from where I live is a large market called Kongowea....
It’s raining here in Mombasa, which is a double-edged sword. We desperately need the much needed rain as we have been having a drought for almost six years, but the rain always brings flooding and disease. The denizens of the slums around Mombasa suffer, as they...
A Leopard Attacks the Village Where I live in Mombasa is not exactly in the bush. However, we do get reminders from time to time that it is very close. The clever, thieving vervets that come and invade my house, stealing anything they can lay their hands on is one....
Currently, we are suffering from empty nest syndrome. Olivia and Sam, my daughter and her fiancé, left to head back to the U.K. So, Pauline and I are rattling around the flat waiting for the doorbell to ring. But what the hell, life goes on, and we have to settle...
Over this last year, a few people have reached out to me regarding coming to Kenya for a holiday. I am no travel expert, but I am more than happy to chat about places to go and things to do. If anyone is planning that trip of a lifetime to see the big game, then...
