The Asha Ngalawa – or traditional fishing boat – can take up
to four adults on snorkelling trips out to the far reef. Due
to the daily variability of the tides, Asha Ngalawa “departure
times” are written on the Snorkelling Board near the Snooker
Room Deck. Some snorkelling equipment is available for guests
to use (though not all sizes are available). Costs per boat outing
are as below and are to be paid directly to the boat
captain:
KES 500 per person with snorkelling equipment
KES 300 per person without snorkelling equipment
The beach
is one of Asha Cottage's main natural attractions with
white sands and crystal clear waters year round. The Ledge Café is Asha Cottage's beach front
terrace where guests can have drinks and meals, lay
in the sun, read or simply watch the waves and people
stroll by.
We have a small local boat (ngalawa) available
for snorkelling, a beautiful fresh water swimming pool
and an air conditioned Snooker Room & Wine Bar equipped
with a pool table, a lovely bridge table,
cards, chess, back gammon and other games, darts and a library.
If you are interested in scuba diving, the complete
Diani Marine brochure is available in one of the desk
drawers in your room. If you would like to do some kite surfing,
you may enquire with H2O Extreme, located right next
to the Forty Thieves Beach Bar (approximately 250 mts to the
right of Asha Cottage on the Beach).
Wonderful full-day marine excursion to the Kisite Marine
Park. You are picked up at Asha Cottage and taken to Shimoni
(45min. by car) where you board a beautiful Swahili Dhow. Tea,
coffee and biscuits are offered on the dhow whilst you are fully
briefed and taken out towards the marine park. You are likely
to spot dolphins (maybe swim with them) and if you are very
lucky whale sharks and/or humpback whales. Once in the park
you will stop for ample snorkelling. This is followed by a late
Swahili lunch on Wasini island, after which you return to Shimoni
by sail (weather permitting) where you may also visit the local
caves. You are back at Asha by early evening. Costs are approximately
€100 per person for the day, all inclusive. Please let John
or Dominique know if you are interested in booking this excursion.
Visit Kaya Kinondo (Sacred Forrest) where a local guide tells
you about the ancestral beliefs and values nestled among the
trees. Somewhat spiritual, it is a peaceful nature walk. You
can also go on an EcoTour at the Colobus Trust where an hour
of your time will introduce you to the fascinating world of
monkey behaviour and the Trust’s numerous projects (as well
as support the Trust with a 500/= donation).
You may take a half-day or full-day trip to visit Mombasa town
with one of our drivers. Leave Asha after breakfast, visit old
Fort Jesus and then take a walking tour of the back streets
of the Old Town. If you like the confusion and colours of markets,
you can also visit Biashara street, where textiles, clothing,
spices and pretty much anything else you can think of are sold
in tightly packed, colourful and chaotic boutiques. Have a lovely
lunch at the Tamarind or a good Italian restaurant in town and
then do more shopping, or head home for tea-time. You can also
complement a trip to Mombasa town with a visit to the Haller
Park animal sanctuary and botanical gardens.
Visit Mamba (Crocodile) Village in Nyali, East Africa’s largest
crocodile farm. Various excellent restaurants are available
in the area, like Arturo’s Italian restaurant, Roberto’s Italian
Restaurant and the Tamarind restaurant which overlooks the bay
and Old Town Mombasa (one of the best in East Africa!).
Take a day off from the beach to see the beautiful landscapes
and animals of the Shimba Hills National Reserve, only 45 minutes
away by car. Half-day and full-day excursions can be organised
for you, including a visit to the adjacent community-run Elephant
Sanctuary.
For a two-night/three-day road safari a visit to Tsavo West
or Tsavo East is in order. Located 4-5 hours from Diani and
with a great variety of lodges to choose from you can arrange
a spectacular private or group safari, as best suits your preferences
and budget. If you are willing to fly, you can reach the Maasai
Mara by plane from the local Diani airstrip (across the road
from Asha Cottage); you can also reach any of the other parks
for that matter!
If you would like help organising a safari during your stay,
please have a chat with either John or Dominique. There are
also numerous brochures available for consultation in the Guest
Information Area on the main verandah.
