Kenya Coast

THE KENYAN COAST ATTRACTIONS

The coast of Kenya is idyllic and apart from its lovely palm-fringed beaches, colourful underwater worlds, and luxury resorts, it is also an interesting region historically. When visitors have had their fill of the sun and sea, they can explore ancient Arab and Portuguese forts and old Swahili outposts.

Mombasa is likely to be the starting point of coastal explorations in Kenya and although the port city can be quite overwhelming, there are some worthwhile tourist attractions for those who have time to spare before hitting the beaches.

The Tsavo National Park is a short distance from the city and provides a great opportunity for some game viewing. North of Mombasa the coast has luxury resorts that capitalise on the rich coral reefs and beautiful scenery. Malindi is a popular resort town and the islands of the Lamu Archipelago are also delightful.

The south coast of Kenya was once remote and inaccessible, covered in lush forest and infamous for its slave trade and tropical plantations. But today, little of the forest remains and it has become part of Kenya’s mainstream tourist trade.

The region’s popularity is due to its image as a haven of unspoilt white beaches and azure seas, where calm waters and well-preserved coral reefs invite underwater exploration. The coast is host to a wide range of resorts offering excellent facilities, but also has many less developed getaways. The small fishing village of Shimoni is home to a series of deep coastal caves and is a popular base for diving and deep-sea fishing.

Popular Accommodations in the Coast