Beach Attractions at the Kenyan Coast
A thousand words are not enough to give you a clear picture of the marvel that is associated with the Kenyan coast so for now I intend to highlight reasons why you should pass on all other coastal destinations and choose the Kenyan coast.
Aside from its natural beauty the Kenyan coast has lots to offer when it comes to places to visit and things to see and do. We begin with the city of Mombasa whose Emblem is the two elephant tusks in Moi Avenue.
THE OLD TOWN
The architectural design found in this place is evidence enough of the cultural diversity as there is, a mixture of Swahili, Arab, Indian and British cultures. The ancient buildings possess extravagant art designs that are beautiful to look at.
Popular with most tourists are the curio shops from which visitors get their souvenirs and valuable antiques. Old Town is best seen when explored by foot with an experienced guide, as the streets are too narrow to accommodate a large number of vehicles.
FORT JESUS
Located on the edge of a coral ridge overlooking the entrance to the Old Port of Mombasa, this fortress was built in 1593 by the Portuguese changing hands nine times in contests over the control of the Mombasa by nations such as the Portuguese, Arabs, and British who used it to house prisoners until 1958 when the converted it to a historical monument.
Today this fort is a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists. The most interesting features in the fort are the Omani house, the audience hall, and the passage of the Arches, exhibits of carvings and many others.
MOMBASA
Mombasa is an Island comprising of North coast and South coast each exceptional and possessing lots of allure to keep you occupied and excited during your visit.
While at the North coast of Mombasa various attractions are recommended and they include Mamba Village said to be the world’s largest crocodile farm is situated in Nyali; Haller Park, the largest animal sanctuary in Mombasa which is located next to the Bamburi Nature trail, the Park boasts of an abundant variety of animals, reptiles, insects and botanical gardens, Kipepeo Aquarium on the sea side of the main Malindi road which displays an astonishing number of Kenya’s tropical fish from the lagoons and reefs which tassel the entire coastline.
The main attraction in the South Coast is the pristine white sandy beaches some of the best being Diani, Tiwi, Shelly beach among others. Marine life including the superb coral reefs is also a huge attraction.
Places such as Shimoni a small fishing village home to a series of deep mysterious coastal caves stretching from the sea and extending deep into the jungles with a history of giving refuge to Dhow Sailors, Arab slave traders and explorers serves as an intriguing tourist attraction;
For those into the art of Big game hunting, there’s an excellent centre in the waters of the Pemba Channel with a marine reserve at Kisite-Mpunguti where Kenya’s most outstanding underwater world can be viewed.
Other attractions include Muslim ruins, coral gardens and the infamous Kisite Marine national park found at Shimoni south of Wasini Island. You cannot visit the south coast and not visit the Shimba hills National reserve superbly situated in a place enjoying views of the Indian Ocean to the east and bush country to the west.
The reserve boasts of a magnificent topography of rolling hills with tropical forest streams and waterfalls; it is also endowed with numerous wildlife including buffalos, leopards, elephants and the rare Sable antelope as well as a colorful variety of bird species.
While here you can cozy up and unwind in the luxurious tree top style lodge namely Shimba Rainforest Lodge is located within the Reserve.
Kisite Island is a small arid coral island, 8 km offshore in the Marine Park. Coral platforms around the raised central portion are exposed at low tide. The three other coral islets in the park include Mpunguti ya Juu, Mpunguti ya Chini and Liwe la Jahazi lie closer to the larger Wasini Island, are scrub covered and support no major wildlife or birds. The surrounding waters have well developed coral gardens and a large variety of fish.
LAMU ARCHIPELAGO
Made up of several islands the archipelago contains several archaeological/historical sites of great significance, such as Takwa and Manda Town both on Manda Island and Shanga which is on Pate Island. New discovery about the Swahili culture has been made following recent partial excavation of the islands.
A must visit is Lamu island and in particular the old town, priding itself in being East Africa’s oldest town dating back to the 14th century, this town is of medieval romance characterized by narrow streets, traditional houses, simplistic by elegant in nature featuring inner courtyards, verandas, and elaborately carved wooden doors.
Lamu has hosted major Muslim religious festivals since the 19th century such as Maulidi festival, Lamu cultural festival and has become a significant centre for the study of Islamic and Swahili culture. Others attractions include Lamu museum, Lamu fort, the Donkey sanctuary, Matondoni and Kipongani villages, dhow trips and beaches Smaller islands include Kiwayu, which lies in the Kiunga Marine National Reserve, and Manda Toto.
KILIFI: MNARANI
A 14th century city state, the area possess many ruins including the Great Mosque, part of the town wall, various tombs and a deep well all with a rich historical background making it a fascination for visitors. A small mosque dating the 16-century also draws in a number of visitors.
WATAMU
For the most remarkable coral reef viewing a visit to the Marine National Reserve in Watamu will enable you to experience that in a clear underground visibility.
MALINDI
An important Swahili settlement dating back to the 14th century with numerous attractions some of which include the Vasco da Gama pillar, the cross he erected as a navigational aid and the Portuguese church. There is also a snake park and The Kenya Falconry, which has a large number of caged birds of prey, tortoises, and chimps.
Popular with the area is the Gedi Ruins, these are extensive ruins of the Arab- Swahili town, built of coral lime and earth. Other main ruins found here are – the Great Mosque, the Palace, Houses and a host of butterfly species in the Butterfly Farm. There are also a number of deep wells.
A vacation in any given place is never complete without activities to indulge in and the Kenyan coast is not left out in this department and offers the following:
Safari experience
Enjoy a local forest safari experience the Arubuka Sokoke Forest Reserve located only a short drive from Shanzu Beach or Malindi; Shimba hills national reserve in south coast and Tsavo national park Voi, in the Taita District of Coast Province.
Diving
Some hotels/resorts in the Kenyan coast have Buccaneer PADI 5 star diving centers where PADI Courses are offered enabling guests to have the ultimate diving experience. The beginner courses start from a 1 day discover scuba course to the first certification level Discover Scuba Diving course, and open water diving ratings.
Further courses include the advanced open water course, Rescue diver, Master scuba diver, Dive master, Dive master, Assistant instructor and Instructor courses.
The M.V. Dania, located over the reef and now Kenya’s most interesting wreck dive offers an exhilarating dive. Other special dives include Shark point, Vuma caves, and for the very experienced, birthday reef at the entrance of Mombasa harbor, the Kisite marine park area where you dive and snorkel with dolphins.
Dhow Trips
One of the oldest trip experiences offered in most parts of the Kenyan coast are Dhows trips. The dhows have been built and sailed here for over 500 year and are mostly found at the Mtwapa creek, where there is a small fleet of converted day trip Dhows, especially designed to go out to sea to snorkel, sail, and enjoy the views along the refs and mangrove bays.
Other popular Dhow trips are around Mombasa Old harbor usually included in the city tour or on a converted sailing restaurant. Further south in the fishing village of Shimoni is the very popular dhow cruising to the marine park of Kisite Mpunguti, where dolphins, a marine park, and seafood restaurants all come together to make the most exploratory day trip on the south coast.
Most famous of the coast sea craft are the hand crafted Dhows with a traditional design which has remained the same over 1000 years of sailing and building them. An example is the Lateen sail, a simple yet ingeniously designed to adapted to the monsoon winds and sailing conditions of the western Indian Ocean.
Kayaking
Kayaking safaris can be organized for those that are into extreme sporting activities. The Kayaks available include sea going, PVC 2 seater Kayaks as well as ocean going and creek canoes.
Wind Surfing
With Hi-fly state of the art equipment, experience the heart stopping wind surfing along the Kenyan coast. There is a range of board and sails available Boards include the mambo, Motion, and the Matrix. Our sails range from a 2.6 meter training sail, to the more advanced 6.5 meter sails.
It is a requirement for all persons without prior experience to have at least a hour basic lesson in order for them to be allowed to use this equipment. More in depth lessons can be offered to those interested.
Kite Surfing
This is a rapidly growing sport on the Kenyan coast and playing a major part in the increase of visitors to this part of the country. Lessons are also available to all those willing to learn the art of the sport with pioneer school like Prosurf extreme located on the North coast beach offering lessons.
Deep Sea Fishing
With a record holding 40years of deep sea fishing you can be assured that you will have the experience of a life time. There are 2 main ports that the boats operate from, Tudor Creek and Mtwapa creek.
Exceptionally managed boats and skippers are available year round, with the main season being August to April. Common catches are Bonito, skipjack tuna, yellow fin tuna, barracuda, dorado, trevally and in season the sail fish and even marlin are commonly hooked.
Other activities include swimming, beach volley ball, horseback riding, golfing, beach rugby, indoor games among others.
With all this information am sure you will choose no other destination as you get more than you ever dreamt of in the Kenyan coast. See you soon!
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