Shimoni

Shimoni is a port village and tourist destination in southeastern Kenya near the border with Tanzania and directly across from Wasini Island.

This small town is known for its British colonial ruins and slave caves which are the focus of attraction for several community-based projects. In addition, the Shimoni forest, coast, and marine ecosystems are an ever-present attraction. Therefore, it is no surprise that Kenya Wildlife Service's headquarters for the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area is located in Shimoni.

In certain seasons, the aromatic smell of cloves permeates the evening calls to prayer in the town's two main mosques. Still, Shimoni is a relatively religiously diverse area, with a substantial minority of Christians. Additionally, the villagers are aware of the benefits behind the tourism industry and thus are often very gracious and welcoming to tourists. Many villagers own and operate businesses that cater to tourists. However, the majority of the population still relies heavily upon traditional fishing, subsistence farming, and exploiting forest resources.

Currently, Shimoni, while rural, still has access to electricity and wireless internet (which is not free). While there are no banks or ATMs in Shimoni, there are four M-PESA agents along the main roads and one post office. Additionally, there is a new internet cafe that was established in early April, 2012, called Bum Bum's. Bum Bum's uses an eithernet connection with 4 computers. It also offers a wireless connection and access to a web cam upon request. While several wells exist in the village, and bottled water is often sold in the dukas and shops along the main roads, Shimoni lacks a reliable supply of fresh water.

There are at least five schools in Shimoni: Matunda Bora (Meaning, 'Good Fruit,' in Swahili), Shimoni Primary School, Base Academy, Shining Star Academy and Shimoni Secondary School. There is a Deaf school, "Kichakamkwaju Unit for the Deaf" located about 4 km north from Shimoni village, located in the Kichakamkwaju Primary School compound. Both are administered by the Kenya Ministry of Education. A dormitory building provides eight sewing machines, and are sponsored by Kenya Kesho, Go See Kenya and Charlie Claw's.

Starting in the 1750s, Shimoni, along with Malindi, Mombasa and other coastal cities and towns, was a primary, 'slave holding port,' for east Africa's coastal slave trade which reached from South Africa to the Middle East. These slave holding pens were located in the natural cave systems that exist in Shimoni. Currently, visitors are granted access to the Shimoni Slave Caves during the guided tour by members of the Shimoni Slave Cave Committee.

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Wikipedia