Located about 8-9 kilometers from Mombasa city center in Nyali, and covering an expansive 17 acres, Mamba Crocodile Farm, also known as Mamba Village, is the largest crocodile farm in Africa. Owned by former Nyali Member of Parliament Hezron Awiti, this remarkable farm has been in operation for over 50 years.
The farm is valued at more than Ksh250 million, reflecting its success and the pivotal role it plays in the crocodile farming industry in Africa.
The Story of Mamba Crocodile Farm
In 1995, Hezron Awiti acquired the farm from a foreigner who had used it mainly as a tourist attraction. Originally, the site had been a quarry and a dumpsite before Awiti transformed it into a crocodile conservation area. He soon shifted the focus to commercial farming after recognizing the lucrative global market for crocodile skins.
During his overseas travels, Awiti encountered luxury items such as handbags, belts, shoes, and watch straps made from crocodile skin, which were only accessible to the affluent. This inspired him to venture into crocodile farming, tapping into the high-demand market for exotic leather.
Today, Awiti is a leading supplier of crocodile skins to renowned international luxury brands, including Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Paladino, and Chanel. His skins are exported to countries like Japan, Israel, and South Africa.
The value of crocodile skin is evident in luxury accessories such as the Birkin handbag, which can fetch anywhere from Ksh3 million to Ksh30 million. On average, the farm slaughters between 1,000 and 1,800 crocodiles annually.
A Tour of Mamba Crocodile Farm
Mamba Crocodile Farm offers a comprehensive tour experience, where visitors can learn about the life cycle and behavior of crocodiles. Crocodiles at the farm can grow up to 5 meters long and weigh as much as 800 kilograms. The star of the farm is ‘Big Daddy,’ a notorious crocodile that was brought to the farm in 1986 after killing five people in River Tana.
The farm houses over 10,000 crocodiles, ranging from hatchlings to the formidable ‘Big Daddy.’ The crocodiles are housed in 21 ponds, with the largest capable of accommodating more than 1,000 crocodiles each.
In addition to the crocodile ponds, the farm features a Snake Park, Museum, Fish Farm, and Aquarium. Visitors can also enjoy a botanical garden and a horse and camel riding area. The best time to visit is during feeding hours when visitors can watch the crocodiles leap from the water to snatch meat dangling above them.
Crocodile Meat at Mamba
Both locals and tourists flock to Mamba Crocodile Farm not only to see the crocodiles but also to taste their meat. Crocodile meat is often compared to fish or pork, with a crispier texture, according to online reviews.
At the Mamba Restaurant, a quarter kilo of crocodile meat costs approximately Ksh1,000 (based on 2017 rates), while two pieces of mishkaki with accompaniments are priced at Ksh500. Visitors can also purchase crocodile meat to take home, with fresh meat priced between Ksh4,000 and Ksh5,000 per kilo.
The Business of Crocodile Farming
Crocodile farming is a highly profitable venture, although it is capital-intensive and requires significant investment, especially during the initial setup. Returns are not immediate and only come once the crocodiles mature enough to be harvested.
Before starting a crocodile farm, it is necessary to apply for and obtain a license from the Kenya Wildlife Services. Crocodiles between the ages of four and five years can be sold for over Ksh20,000, while those over 10 years old can fetch Ksh40,000 to Ksh50,000, depending on the size and condition of the skin.
“We supply hatchlings to many farms locally and internationally, but we do not sell eggs, despite their similarity to chicken eggs in taste,” Awiti says.
Female crocodiles at the farm lay between seven and 77 eggs per season. These eggs are incubated in a controlled environment to ensure they hatch successfully.
Mamba Crocodile Farm is not just an attraction for visitors but also a thriving business that plays a key role in the global market for crocodile leather. With its impressive size, diverse wildlife offerings, and the lucrative nature of crocodile farming, the farm continues to grow in both popularity and profitability.
