The Kenya Coast: A Multi-Personality Destination on the Coast

Unique Selling Points

Kenyan coast is one of the few places in Africa where visitors can experience both beach and safari experience at the backdrop of rich history. From the Arab-influenced Lamu town, which is one of the best-preserved towns in East Africa, to the Portuguese-built Fort Jesus in Mombasa. Both attractions are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Attractions at The Kenyan Coast

There are a number of parks and attractions to visit on the Kenyan Coast such as:

 
• Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve: This is one of the major remnant tropical forests found in the coastal region.
 
• Marine Life: Explore the Malindi and Mombasa Marine National Reserves as well as Watamu Marine Park and Reserve where one can snorkel or do deep-sea diving and enjoy the colorful marine life and coral reefs.
 
• Shimba Hills National Reserve: The only place in Kenya where one can see the Sable Antelope.
 
• Tana River Primate Reserve: Shelters the endangered Mangebay and the red colobus monkeys.
 
• Other Attractions: Mombasa Old Town, Diani Beach, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, Fort Jesus, Haller Park, The Mijikenda Kaya Forests, Kisite Mpunguti National Reserves, Malindi Marine Park, Hells Gate, Gedi National Museums, Takwa Ruins, Lamu Archipelago, and relaxing at the Mama Ngina Waterfront Park.

Activities

The Kenyan Coast is a stunning tapestry of sweeping, white sand beaches, beautiful inland creeks and rivers, and shady inlets. The coastline is the perfect place for big game fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and jet skiing. One can also go hiking and explore the historic attractions mentioned above.

Experiences

In addition to sunbathing, watersport activities, and safari, there are a number of unique coastal experiences that visitors can engage in, including:

 
• Village Bike Tours
 
• Humpback Whale Watching
 
• Historical Tours

Culinary enthusiasts can delve into the array of fresh seafood. Shellfish is particularly excellent here, as well as yellowtail tuna sashimi and fresh lobster. Travelers can spice up their holiday by taking a ride on the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), connecting the port of Mombasa to Nairobi, which shortens the passenger travel time and runs through two national parks, Tsavo National Park East and West.

Introduction to the Kenya Coast

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 city overlooks a wider 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 Arabian architecture.

The air is filled with the scent of spices

Mombasa is a vibrant port city with diverse experiences to explore. This is a town where all are welcome and quickly absorbed into the great cultural melting pot. 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 watersport activities. Mombasa prides itself as one of the most exciting cities on the African coast and has a nightlife to match, making the coastal experience much more than just beaches.

One can choose to enjoy the Kenyan Coast in the North or South, both boasting award-winning beaches in Africa such as Diani and Watamu. Kenya's beaches are ideal for a variety of watersport activities, and the discovery of sea life which can be seen from special glass-bottom boats or up close by snorkelers and scuba divers.

A place for Activity and to Relax

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, and the discovery of sea life which can be seen from special glass-bottom boats 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.

About the North Coast

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 opportunities for travelers to see and do such as birdwatching 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 sundowner sails aboard traditional dhows.

North Coast: Swahili culture in Charming Coastal towns and Islands

The North Coast features three destinations namely; Malindi, Watamu, and Lamu. Malindi is at the center of a strip of idyllic tropical beaches offering the visitor 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 established resorts and many private guesthouses. To the far north is Lamu, an island where history lives and breathes in the narrow streets. Lamu is the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa.