Kaya Kinondo which is well represented in biodiversity still bears the marks of prolonged human use and settlement in the distant past that lends credence to the rich folklore associated with the site.
The local community used the forest’s flora for a number of different purposes such as a source for medicine, cultural and spiritual uses, economic activities like making boats, clothing, carving etc. For example the bark of Antiaris toxicaria produced bright cloth for use by men while the bark of Lannea welwitschii produced brown cloth which was favored by women.The forest is maintained by the Kaya Kinondo ecotourism project.
This project carries environmental conservation efforts to preserve the forest by afforestation and raising awareness on the kaya's importance.The main aim of the project is to conserve the Kaya,cultural heritage and improve the livelihood of the Digo community.
The community uses a set of rules to safeguard the Kaya sanctity and to protect their culture.For instance,entry into the kaya is allowed only on certain days,according to a traditional calender.Visitors are not supposed to litter,smoke or take anything away from the kaya and also there are sections of the kaya that one is not allowed to venture into.
Visitors to Kaya Kinondo enjoy a guided walk into the forest which the community shares information on the Kaya and other aspects of the local culture.This is an essential part of the experience deepening one’s sense of the Kaya’s living history and Digo traditions.
In addition to that,the tourist get to watch numerous bird species and among the 192 trees species that exist in the forest
visitors are informed on the numerous tales and legends that lived in the forest.
Next time you are at the Kenyan coast,Kaya kinondo should be a place to stop by.....
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