- The Sita restaurant offers magnificent prawns, canoe trips along mangrove creeks and a snake farm.
- Visitors can plant and adopt mangrove seedlings strategically placed at the eatery entrance.
Image: ALPHONCE GARI
In the heart of the mangrove-protected area of Mida Creek in Kilifi county, conservationists have set up the Sita Sunset restaurant to support eco-tourism.
Picture yourself seated at a table, sipping refreshing drinks, savouring mouth-watering seafood while relaxing in the serenity of the well-conserved mangrove forest that surrounds you.
At the restaurant, the local community has placed mangrove seedlings at the entrance, inviting guests to become stewards of nature.
Visitors can actively participate in the conservation efforts by planting and even adopting trees, hence, ensuring a sustainable future for the mangrove ecosystem.
However, the adventure does not end there.
Imagine embarking on a magical journey through the mangrove-protected areas in traditional canoes that are specially crafted for nature rides.
These canoes provide an up-close and personal experience with the unique flora and fauna of the mangroves.
This innovative venture is not just a dining experience; it's a celebration of ecotourism, a harmonious blend of nature's wonders and delectable delights.
“This project supports a big eco-system; youth getting jobs, farmers getting business and traders who will be supply products to this place,” Kilifi North MP Owen Baya said during opening of the restaurant.
He said he was happy the community came up with the initiative.
“The community's conservation efforts have helped increase the forest cover and made Mida Creek one of the biggest carbon sink,” the lawmaker said.
The restaurant is the third eco-tourism facility after the renowned Crab Shark and Prawns Lake, which are also doing well.
According to the legislator, Kenya received Sh200 billion for climate change financing.
“The people of Dabaso have contributed to the Sh200 billion which Kenya has received through climate financing. The monies will go towards funding education, building roads and many other projects,” he said.
Rita Valentini, an Italian conservationist, said she was impressed by how the community was working hard to conserve the environment. She urged residents to market their conservation efforts to the tourists visiting the restaurant.
“Tourists will bring money here, so ensure more and more keep coming to support the local community ,” she said.
Valentini also called on the national government to expand the Malindi International Airport to attract more visitors.
Kate Mwikali, the chairperson of the Progress Welfare Association of Malindi, told the community to take advantage of social media to market their conservation efforts.
“Most people would love to see what you are doing,” she said.
Image: ALPHONCE GARI