About Kenyan Coast
Kenya’s 480 km coast is one of the biggest attractions for visitors to the country. Every year hundreds of thousands of sun lovers find themselves here. Many pilgrims returning who really know the sun is always faithful here. Unlike other beach destinations are visitor is served with much more than sun and sand but is delighted to discover ancient coastal forests and historical sites and a people with a fascinating history and culture. The casual visitor impressed by the tranquil beaches and gentle unsuspected colorful and eventful history of these realms.
For the tourist, the Kenyan coast are considered as five regions. These are: the town and island of Mombasa, the south coast-stretching from Mombasa to the Tanzanian border 135 km away: North Coast covering the beaches of Mombasa, Kilifi, 60 km away: Malindi and Watamu about 130 km north of Mombasa and Lamu island and archipelago , 225 km further up from Malindi. Each of these regions has similarities in terms of history, culture, natural attractions and beach experience. But as sports fans understand it, the differences that are important to the devoted fans in each region.
The portal of the Kenyan coast is Mombasa. You get here by flying to its international airport or by taking route 520 km drive from Nairobi, the common port of entry for most visitors. If you demand the freedom to own a car, consider taking a rental car either in Nairobi to Mombasa to help you move. Review the options you have for Kenya Car Rental and Kenya Domestic Flights as you plan to get there.
Mombasa, the largest city on the coast of Kenya is one of the oldest settlements on the east coast of Africa. Although it has probably existed for at least 700 years, it is mentioned in writings of Arab, Roman and Egyptian travelers dated back to 2,500 years ago. The Arabs came to trade and settle, starting around the 8th century. With the push of the northeast monsoon, their dhows brought hardware, glass, textiles, and rhinoceros horns in the home, ivory and slaves. large colonies gradually developed and many traders settled and intermarried with local Africans. The Arabs also brought the message of the Prophet and the Kenyan coast is even today predominantly Muslim.
Relative peace reigned over the coastal towns until the Portuguese showed late 15th century. The Portuguese have a considerable power of sailors on the day and were eager to break the stranglehold of the Ottoman Empire on Indian Ocean trade. Vasco da Gama opened the way for his compatriots when he made his tour of the southern tip of Africa and East Africa in 1498th The Portuguese were not very positive in Mombasa, but not in Malindi. The local sultan offered his ready friendship and proved very useful to Da Gama by providing a pilot who knew how to get to India, his ultimate destination.
Between 15 and 19 century, Mombasa a lot of war. For this reason, the city has been nicknamed Mvita, which in Swahili translates Isle of War. Fort Jesus, the permanent garrison whose construction was begun by the Portuguese in 1593, changed masters 9 times before the 1875th In terror war, sought the Portuguese to control the east African coast. As colonists, they were Portuguese deficient in that they were mostly interested in plunder and trade and not have robust management systems. Another problem facing them was that they were supplied from Goa in India. The student of military theory will recognize this as a classic case of “long supply chains.”
The Portuguese were finally driven out of the new power Arabs from Oman in the 1729th The acquiring of Oman Arabs lasted until Britain, a great superpower at the time appeared in the early 19th century. The British came in the guise of a humanitarian mission, the suppression of slave trade. The Oman Arabs were notorious slave traders. Christian missionaries put pressure on the British government to persuade Oman Arabs to pursue trade other than trafficking. It’s like the problem Americans face today in South America in cocaine trafficking.
The British were successful in this field, using carrot and stick time honored tactic. Under the resulting agreement, Oman Arabs whose headquarters was in Zanzibar were recognized as overlords over a 16 km strip along the Kenyan coast. Sultan would be paid a pension as compensation for revenue losses resulting. This area has been given the status of a British protectorate until 1963 when the Sultan of Zanzibar surrendered to the newly independent nation of Kenya.
Mombasa is today a cosmopolitan metropolis reflecting the influence of Africans, Persians, Arabs, Turks, Indians, Portuguese and British. The old city is a grid of narrow winding streets with houses built to coastal Swahili and Indian styles. Some houses have complex carved doors similar to what you find in Zanzibar and Lamu. In the old town, visit Fort Jesus, the permanent garrison built by the Portuguese unfortunate. Fort Jesus, besides being an attraction in itself, houses a museum exhibiting various artifacts reflecting the various cultures that have influenced the Kenyan coast. You can also see articles recovered from the ill-fated Portuguese warship Santo Antonio De Tanna, which sank in the siege of 1697 that lasted 1000 days.
In Mombasa you can take a dhow ride every day and relive the experience of traders who sailed along the East African coast and as far as India and the Persian Gulf aboard these vessels for centuries. In recent years, every November Mombasa Carnival has been organized in the city. Carnival is a lively street parade where you see incredibly adorned musicians and other artists from the coast of Kenya and other parts of the country. Street comedians, Swahili Taarab singers, Maasai warriors, brass bands and performers in flamboyant costumes brave the heat from November to March in the parade.
Visitors on the south coast usually head to Shelley, Tiwi, Diani, Msambweni and Shimoni. These are the beaches south of Mombasa, where hotel and resort was made. To access the south coast beaches you need to take the ferry to Likoni, the southern tip of Mombasa Island. If it does not suit you, taking a flight to Diani airstrip. Diani Beach, 40 km from Mombasa is the most developed beach on the south coast. It is the tropical paradise and here you will find a wide selection of hotels, including a golf course with 18 holes. Although some of the other beaches are excellent, they have a limited choice of accommodation and attract fewer people.
Shimoni, 100 km from Mombasa is a center for serious offshore fishing. It is also Shimoni visit Kisite-Mpunguti marine national park. Here you will see the treasures the underwater world in Kenya. Marine Park, the experience is extraordinary and snorkelling on a lucky day, you can swim with dolphins. A Shimoni, a series of deep coastal caves stretching from the ocean deep. Arab slavers reportedly used these caves in the dark days of slavery. The slaves who perished here remembered Roger Whittaker’s song “Shimoni.
On the south coast, you have many opportunities to engage in an exciting activity which sea water skiing, windsurfing, diving, fishing and stared into the deep water. The Shimba Hills National Reserve, directly inland from Diani is a surprise and you have the opportunity to see some wildlife that Kenya is famous for. Although wildlife is not as productive as the game parks in the country, the beautiful forest and the spectacular Sheldrick Falls is worth a visit. You can also spend the night here at Kenya’s only tree house on the coast, which has ponds, where elephants and other animals come to drink a glass.
The main attraction of the north coast is its beaches. North of Mombasa are: Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Vipingo and Kikambala. Here you will find hotel and resort complexes to suit tastes of most fans of the holiday. From your base north coast, visit Mamba Village, reputed to be one of the world’s largest “crocodile farms. Those who are interested in eco conservation projects must not miss the Haller Park. The park is named after the Swiss agronomist who by sheer grit and vision transformed a huge abandoned cement quarry into a spectacular 7 sq km nature and animal sanctuary.
In Mtwapa, just outside Shanzu Beach Kenya Marineland houses some very diverse marine life that you view from a glass tunnel face ground. The same point, you can take a dhow sailing trip that includes flight entertainment – acrobatics, fire eating and local dancers. Just off the coast, spectacular coral reefs teem with numerous fish, sea turtles and dolphins. You have the option of world class diving here, some serious wreck diving. Diving at the Kenyan coast is good year round, expected in July and August when the sea and siltation rates are a problem.
Malindi has a history going back at least 800 years. This is the only city in the East African coast where the Portuguese found friendship without the persuasion of arms. Vasco da Gama erected a pillar to function as a navigation aid that still stands. Today the city is particularly popular with Italian visitors. Most hotels and resorts development south of town along the Silver Sands beach, near the town around Malindi Bay. At Malindi Marine National Park, you can see some fascinating coral gardens by diving, snorkeling or a glass bottom boat.
Malindi is a center with respect to game fishing and several world records were set here. The writer Hemingway was here in 1930 to take advantage of one of his favorite sports macho. Watamu, 15 km further south, is a small beach development around the beautiful fjords Turtle Bay and Blue Lagoon. Watamu also has its own marine park. At the edge of the park, you will find a collection of caves housing a school giant rock cod, some stretching across 2 meters. Consider making an excursion to Gedi Ruins, one of Kenya archeological treasures. Gedi is estimated to have been founded in the 13th century but was mysteriously abandoned in the 17th century. Experts assume that marauding Galla tribes north of fact in the settlement.
Lamu has in recent years to international law. The town has a medieval atmosphere of romance that attracts those who are offended by the burdens of our modern existence. Life on the island that is almost as it did in the 14th century when the colony was founded. Lamu has narrow streets and the city has only one car for private use senior official. All trips take a dhow or uses taxis ass. If you travel by air you land at nearby Manda Island, where you take a dhow or ferry. In the center of Islamic culture, men wear white full-length and women are cut top to toe in black.
Shelah is the main beach on the island and is only 15 minutes by motorboat. You will find good rated accommodation at Lamu. There are also very expensive shelters in the nearby islands of the archipelago promoted by the jet set. In the center of town you will find a fort built by invading Oman Arabs in the early 19th century, which now serves as a cultural center. Lamu Museum is located on the seafront, in a house formerly occupied by Jack Haggard, Queen Victoria’s consul in this position so important. The museum is a collection of Swahili culture and the display are artifacts, dhows, jewelry and handicrafts.
In Mombasa and the Kenyan coast, you will find accommodation rating. Once there, you can take a break to see some wild animals that the country is known for. Mombasa, the nearest park is accessible by road Tsavo East, 4 hours away. Another good option is to fly to Maasai Mara, Kenya Wildlife Sanctuary top and the home of the big five elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalo. There are many opportunities for safari in Kenya leaving Mombasa
The coast of Kenya has a tropical climate and is a warm and moist. year-round temperatures between 22 ° C and 33 ° C. July and August are the coolest months. Light clothes
recommended because, although evenings are generally warm. Short sleeve shirts, shorts and trousers and shirts with short sleeves, pants and skirts are sufficient. But this dominance
Muslim area, women should dress modestly to avoid offending local sensitivities. But swimwear is perfectly acceptable at beaches and hotel premises.
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