The Kenya Coast

With remarkably white sandy beaches and the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean, the Kenya coastline stretches from Lamu in the north to Shimoni in the south. Here your dreams of sunbathing, water sports, fishing, watching the reptiles the "Mamba village" (a crocodile farm), the historic sites of Fort Jesus and the Old Town, the spectrum of colors of the Marine life on the coral reefs in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean bring the underwater paradise to life. The other things on the mainland include the untouched culture of the indigenous people whose many other activities are a major attraction. Please contact us for personalised visits to some of the coastal villages to sample the culture of the local people and interact with them.

LAMU

Still peaceful and charming, Lamu is a haven of Swahili culture with an undeniable Arab influence. Originally it was one of many Swahili villages along the Coast. Then with the arrival of the Omanis in the 18th Century, it became an important Islamic center. Modern Lamu is colorful, slow-paced town that combines the two cultures. Behind its lovely waterfront buildings is a seemingly random clutter of houses, shops, and some 23 mosques. Local Arab and Indian craftsmen produce high-quality carvings, evident in the beautiful doors and ceiling beams found here. Fine copper and silver goods are also a trademark. Lamu Museum, located on the waterfront, contains fascinating aircrafts from the town’s earlier days as an Arab port and a refurbished 18th Century Swahili house.

NB: This busy town does not permit vehicles and the narrow streets retain the heritage of a bygone era. Aircraft land on the nearby island. Shella a smaller town is only minutes away from Lamu by boat.

Kiwayu Island Safaris l Lamu Island Tours

MALINDI

Situated between Mombasa and lamu along the Kenya Coast, Malindi is principally a resort town with many beautiful, often deserted beaches in its immediate vicinity. Historically, it was a mooring place for many early explorers, including Vasco da gama. Its chapel dates from 1542 and is one of Africa’s oldest catholic churches. The National Marine Park here, established to conserve marine life and encourage research, contains lovely coral reefs. South of Malindi are the eerie ruins and Gedi. This former Arab town is now overgrown by forest and has been a National Park since 1948.

MOMBASA

Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest city and the chief port of East Africa. Despite its size, it has a relaxed atmosphere with many wide streets and open spaces. Along the previously- busy dhow harbor in the old town section of the city, however, are narrow lanes crowded with thick-walled Arab houses and mosques. Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in 1593 and now a National Monument, still stands guard over the Old Town. Mackinnon Market, Mombasa’s municipal market place, offers a variety of coffees, teas, and spices sold in bulk. Their aromas permeate the air and add to the exotic atmosphere of this ethnically diverse city.

Safaris to Mombasa Island