Africa Safari Travel- East Africa Attractions - By: Jamie Hanson

Many historical and cultural evidences are found in East Africa. Each country talks of a rich history dating back several centuries. In Kenya sites like Gedi, Fort Jesus and Kobi fora have been declared as world heritage . Here is a account of a few of these sites for those looking for ideas when planning to go on an African safari.

Fort Jesus
This landmark within the island of Mombasa was built in 1593 by the Portuguese acting as a guard of the old port found here.

The fort has now been converted to a monument and it has a history of being conquered several times by Portuguese, Arabs and the British empire.

Olduvai Gorge
Usually referred to as the cradle of mankind, this steep sided ravine is located in the Great Rift Valley East of Serengeti plains and measures 30miles long and 295ft deep. This is a pre historic site which enhances the understanding of human evolution.

The Gorge was discovered by a German entomologist named (Wilhelm) Kattwinkel who accidentally came across upon the gorge during one of his expeditions. The ravine comprises of an erosion-created rift with layer after layer of fossils, bones and antique artifacts.

Louis and Mary Leakey started excavation work at this place and that work continues to this day by anthropologists.

Gedi Ruins
Once a Swahili town between the 13th and 17th century situated at a village known as Gedi near the coastal town of Malindi, the ruins comprise of a palace, mosques, tomb stones and large stone houses.

The area was however, reoccupied by the nomadic Oromo tribe of Somalia in the late 16th century and later abandoned it in the 18th century. The name Gedi or Gede is a Galla word meaning "precious" which is supposed to be either the name of the town or the name of the outgoing Galla leader to camp there.

Koobi fora
Koobi forra is located near Lake Turkana vicinity and its name comes from the local language meaning the place of commiphora.

It consists of an outcrop of mainly Pleistocene sediments comprising clay stones, silt stones, and sandstones that protect numerous fossils of terrestrial mammals, including early hominid variety and as such has been of great importance in the excavations of fossils significant to the human evolution theory.

About the Author

Kenya One Tours offers tour services to East Africa, contact the reservations team for all your African safari travel bookings. Also get to check out some of their safaris to Kenya itineraries listed on the website.

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