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,...
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...
Welcome to Nakuru—Kenya’s hidden gem of intrigue, revolution, and forsaken love. Nakuru City, steeped in ancient history and surrounded by wild landscapes, is a beacon of hope in Kenya’s green power revolution. As the fourth largest city in Kenya, Nakuru stands...
I’m sitting in my living room, watching the rain pour down as the heavy clouds creep in from the ocean. We have had no power in Mombasa for the last twenty-four hours, which is usually not a problem as we have a backup generator. However, on this occasion, the...
Lake Victoria is such an excellent geological site, and I thought I would finish my visit to Kisumu and its environs with a few interesting facts. Before John Hanning Speke visited the lake in 1858 and peered at it through unfocused, sick eyes, it had been a wonder...
Rock Art at Mfangano IslandWhen you next visit Kenya, a great bucket list item to add to your list is the rock art cave paintings on Mfangano Island. I was very fortunate on my last visit to Kisumu to be able to take a trip out to Mfangano Island on Lake Victoria....
At the beginning of January Pauline, my wife, and I had some spare time, so we decided to take a Kenya safari to a place we had always wanted to visit but had never found the time. A small Island on Lake Victoria called Mfangano Island. We landed in Kisumu...
Queen Victoria described Sir Henry Morton Stanley as an “Ugly determined little man with an awful American twang!” He was indeed determined and, in my belief, a ruthless man who would not let anything get in his way. This did, however, stop him from being buried...
“Dr Livingstone, I Presume?” I have always admired Dr. David Livingston on many different levels. The iconic statement made by Henry Morton Stanley, “Doctor Livingstone I presume?” has become a household saying some one hundred and fifty years later. But the...
Ten Insider Tips for a Truly Authentic African Safari ExperienceWhy read this blog: My name is Steve Braker and I have lived in East Africa since the late 1990s which nowadays is a long time! I have traveled the length and breadth of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda,...
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...
Ten Must-Have Items for Your Safari Adventure Packing List African safaris are unparalleled adventures, offering the opportunity to witness magnificent wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the continent. Whether you're...
