Explore Kenya Coast 2024
Explore Kenya Coast 2024 : Despite Kenya’s reputation as one of the world’s best safari travel destinations, everyone needs time to unwind and recuperate after spending a demanding week following Africa’s largest wildlife across dusty savannah. where better to do this than on one of the numerous stunning white sand beaches in Kenya? Kenya’s beachfront is dotted with stunning coral reefs and is bordered by swaying palm trees and the warm Indian Ocean on one side. This makes it an excellent destination for those who enjoy diving and water sports.
However, the coast is not merely made up of miles and miles of unending beaches. In addition, there are mangrove forests, historic ruins, Swahili culture, and even the option to go on a day kenya safari to a nearby game reserve such as Mombasa Marine National Park, Watamu Marine Park and Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve if you’re not able to visit a national park because you’re too busy or don’t have the money for a full-fledged Kenya safari. The Kenyan coast is a fantastic option whether you are planning to combine a beach vacation with a safari or you just want to unwind and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea on your own.
Mombasa
Situated close to the Equator, Mombasa is a popular destination for package vacations and has long been connected to beach vacations in Kenya.
Mombasa Island is home to Kenya’s oldest (estimated by school history books to be around 900 AD) and second-biggest city, after Nairobi. The island is divided from the mainland by two creeks, but is connected by bridges that span to the northern coastline and a ferry that crosses to the southern coastline.
The largest port in East Africa is located on Mombasa Island, where vacation cruise ships dock. However, the Moi International Airport (airport code MBA) is located on the mainland; if all you’re looking for is a beach vacation, this is the best airport to fly into and out of. Daily flights into and out of Moi Airport are operated by a number of airlines, including Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Ethiopian, and Kenya Airways.
The historic Fort Jesus, constructed by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century, exploring the ‘Old Town’s’ bazaars and narrow lanes in search of mementos and historic buildings, and seeing the renowned Mombasa Tusks are a few of the highlights of a city tour. Constructed to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s 1952 visit, there are two massive sets of tusks on either side of the route that leads from the harbour into the town centre.
Tsavo National Park, which is less than 100 kilometres from Mombasa, is the ideal Kenya safari destination for anyone wishing to effortlessly combine a quick overnight safari with a more extended beach break along Kenya’s coast.
Nyali Beach
The closest beach to Mombasa Island is Nyali Beach, which is located on the northern coastline of the mainland and is home to a large number of hotels and resorts. The calm waters, shielded by a coral reef, welcome water sport enthusiasts to try a wide range of activities like windsurfing, scuba diving, kite surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, jet skiing, water skiing, and sailing. For those who are less daring, take a glass bottom boat excursion or a sunset dhow cruise. Also, don’t miss Mamba Village, the largest crocodile farm in East Africa, which provides daily educational tours.
Malindi and Watamu
After leaving the crowded Nyali beach area, Watamu, a little village roughly 90 kilometres north of Mombasa, can be reached by continuing down the coast. This is one of the greatest places in Kenya for diving and snorkelling, and it’s part of the Watamu Marine National Park. There are several wonderful hotels along this length of beach for those who would rather have their toes buried in the gorgeous white sand, but the crystal clear seas reveal a myriad of colourful coral and tropical fish.
Discover the mysterious Gedi ruins, an abandoned 13th-century city nestled deep within a tropical forest, if you’re searching for a cultural outing. Watamu is a town, 30 km further along the coast, is the sleepy yet vibrant town of Malindi. Named ‘Little Italy’ due to the great number of Italian visitors, the stunning tropical beaches lined with palm trees are filled with hotels, and the Malindi Marine National Park is a diving and snorkelling haven for lovers.
Lamu
After a thrilling Kenyan safari, go north to the Lamu Archipelago, a small group of peaceful, isolated islands that provide a genuine haven from the masses. The two main islands that travellers will come across are Lamu Island and Manda Island, which is home to the tiny Manda/Lamu Airport, which is served by regular flights from Nairobi. Both islands have some excellent hotels and provide a calm, leisurely, and serene way to wrap up a safari vacation.
Situated on Lamu Island, the ancient Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili towns in East Africa. Reached solely by boat, you can stroll or ride a donkey through the narrow, busy streets and markets (the island has very little motorised transportation, save for a few motorcycles), pausing to take in the striking structures and elaborate wooden doors that combine elements of European, Swahili, Arabic, Persian, and Indian architecture.
Diani Beach
Now, leave Mombasa and head south for 30 km to reach Diani Beach, also referred to as Kenya’s own “Maldives paradise.” Diani, which is arguably the most well-known and well-liked beach resort in Kenya, is frequently ranked among the best beach resorts in Africa. The perfect 17 kilometre stretch of white sand beach is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation on one side and the warm Indian Ocean on the other. It is an infinite expanse of beauty that begs you to spread out on a sun lounger and enjoy the African sun.
With its diverse selection of beachfront hotels and resorts, Diani has something to offer everyone, regardless of whether they are visiting as a couple, on their honeymoon, with family, on a tight budget, or in search of five-star luxury lodges and hotels.
Water sports fans can engage in windsurfing, kite surfing, water skiing, diving, snorkelling, jet skiing, sailing, and kayaking, among other activities, at this location. For those with a greater sense of adventure, consider skydiving or using the network of walking and biking paths to explore the nearby holy and sacred forests. Foodies will appreciate the freshly caught seafood platters and fresh Swahili delicacies offered by the neighbourhood cafes and restaurants. The adjacent Shimba Hills National Park is habitat to the rare sable antelope as well as elephants, monkeys, and forest birds if you’re looking for a more subdued safari experience. Alternately, unwind while taking a glass-bottom boat or dhow cruise and take in the breathtaking underwater scenery as it unfolds in front of you.
Daily flights operate from Nairobi and the Masai Mara to Diani’s small airfield at Ukunda, making it a convenient kenya safari destination to combine with a Big 5 safari.
Explore Kenya Coast 2024 : Galu and Kinondo Beach
Travelling south down the Kenyan coast, Diani Beach becomes Galu Beach, and from there the pristine white sand beach carries on until it meets up with Kinondo Beach.
Explore Kenya Coast 2024 : Msambweni
A tranquil section of the coast lies 45 minutes south of Diani at Msambweni. It is the location of a small number of lodging choices, all of which provide a delightful private beach stay where you can truly get away from it all and have the beach and the ocean all to yourself.
Explore Kenya Coast 2024 : Island of Funzi
Visit Funzi Island, which is only accessible by boat and has immaculate beaches and mangrove-covered islands that serve as sea turtle nesting grounds, for a true getaway from the tourists.
Explore Kenya Coast 2024 : Sharks Whales
One of the finest places to see whale sharks is along Kenya’s coast. The name “whale” refers to the fact that these gentle giants of the ocean move slowly and can reach lengths of up to 12 metres. However, the longest whale shark ever measured was close to 19 metres.
Whale sharks are filter-feeders, which means that even with so many teeth, they are unable to bite or chew. Their mouths can open up to 4 feet in width. Through their gills, they suck up small prawns, fish, and plankton, as well as up to 6,000 litres of water per hour, to survive.
If you’re eager to dive or snorkel with this incredible species, September through October and January through February are the greatest seasons to do it because the first migratory whale sharks are starting to arrive and the waters are clear and well-visible.
