Welcome to the Kenya Coast - North and South

Kenya North Coast Key Attractions:

 
• Lamu archipelago
 
• Lamu Festival
 
• Malindi Marine Reserve
 
• Watamu Marine Reserve
 
• Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve
 
• Mida Creek
 
• Gedi and Takwa Ruins

North Coast: Swahili culture in charming coastal towns and islands

The North Coast features three coastal sub-brands of Malindi, Watamu, and Lamu. Malindi town is at the center of a strip of idyllic tropical beaches offering visitors a range of world-class resorts and quiet relaxing hideaways. Further south is Watamu resort, which is fronted by wide white beaches. This tranquil haven is home to several well-established resorts and many private guesthouses. To the far north is Lamu, an island where history lives and breathes in the narrow streets. It's the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa.

The north coast offers a variety of experiences for travelers, such as bird-watching in Arabuko Sokoke and Mida Creek, water sports at the Watamu and Malindi Marine reserves, kite surfing at Che Shale, exploring the geographical marvel at Hell’s Kitchen, exploring ancient ruins of Gedi and Takwa, and enjoying sundowners aboard traditional dhows.

Key Attractions

 
• Mombasa Old Town
 
• Diani Beach
 
• Shimba Hills National Reserve
 
• Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
 
• Fort Jesus
 
• Haller Park
 
• The Kaya Forests
 
• Kisite Mpunguti Marine reserves

Mombasa & South Coast: Vibrant coastal city and fine beaches

Mombasa is a place steeped in history, yet at the same time a fascinating commercial and cosmopolitan port city. It is an island connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries. The town overlooks a wide harbor, where commercial shipping mingles with traditional sailing dhows. The true heart of Mombasa is found in the exotic old town, among the narrow winding streets and Arab architecture. The air here is always heavy with the scent of spices. At the water’s edge is Fort Jesus, an imposing 16th-century fort that stands watch over the harbor.

Modern Mombasa is a city of great diversity and life. This is a city where all are welcomed and quickly absorbed into this great coastal melting pot. It is a place where both history and progress are greatly valued, where a busy harbor existence is lived at its own unique, tropical pace. Travelers in Mombasa can explore the rich Swahili culture, ancient forts, and narrow streets in the old town or explore the nature parks and indulge in various water sports activities. The annual Mombasa cultural festival is a draw for many visitors. Mombasa is one of the most exciting towns on the African coast and has a nightlife to match, making the coastal experience much more than just beaches.

The Kenya south coast boasts one of the best beaches in Africa, Diani. Besides Diani, there are a number of beaches such as Tiwi and Galu beaches. Kenya’s beaches are ideal for a variety of water sports, discovery of sea life which can be seen from a special glass-bottom boat or up close by snorkelers and scuba divers. Besides beaches, other key attractions include the Mijikenda Kaya forests, Shimoni Caves, islands such as Funzi Keys and Wasini Islands, and the Shimoni caves which tell the tale of the ancient slave routes.