By Ngumbao Kithi

Bamburi Cement is one of the greatest names in Kenya’s construction industry and it has contributed enormously to the development of the country.

In Mombasa, the company is closely associated with the Haller Park, a world famous ecological rehabilitation. Where once it was a barren landscape ravaged by years of quarrying, it is now a rich Coastal tropical ecosystem bursting with life. The Haller Park is a brilliant example of how man can, with the help of technology, reclaim nature and create an environmentally friendly attraction.

A hippo takes a walk in Haller Park. Photos: Courtesy

Mining and quarrying are generally associated with environmental degradation so it is no wonder that, for its wondrous efforts in rehabilitating the environment, Bamburi Cement has won international recognition for the end product, Haller Park.

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The park was created by nature-loving scientists who divided it into several unique sites. The first is the south quarry viewpoint where nature and industry co-exist in one dramatic kaleidoscope of landscapes. At this point, one can see the early stages of rehabilitation against a backdrop of an open, active quarry and the cement factory.

Unique night walks

Only at Haller Park will one enjoy unique night walks where the nightlife is in a class of its own. The park literally teems with animals at night, from the bushbabies to genet cats, bats, owls, hippos, fireflies and waterbucks among others.

The park’s forest trails are a sanctuary to many animals including giraffes, hippos, giant aldabran tortoises, elands, oryx, buffaloes, suni, duikers and many more. The rich biodiversity is reflected in the over 400 plant and 180 bird species found in the rehabilitated quarries. One of the most interesting attractions at the park is the animals’ feeding, which takes place every day at 4pm. All the animals run to grab their food.

Forest trails are located on one side of the park 1km away, where they form a rare facility designed specifically for outdoor creation. There are four carefully designed trails that meander through the developing landscapes in the former quarry.

The 3.6-kilometre leisure walk has alternating landscapes from barren quarries to a lush rehabilitated forest. Other unique attractions include the butterfly pavilion found at the exhibition house where butterflies can be appreciated in their lovely iridescent colours.

The Haller Park also has a unique sunset terrace perfect for relaxation and unwinding.