The Coast
The Kenyan coast stretches for 480 km. An immense coral reef
running along almost the whole coastline protects the white
sand beaches.
Several marine parks have been established to preserve the underwater wildlife and flora.
Mombasa
the country’s second largest city, is one the most active trading ports in eastern Africa.
Founded over 2000 years ago, Mombasa, protected by its natural harbour, has had a bustling history and has attracted Persian, Arabic, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, and later Portuguese and English sailors and merchants.
The cradle of Swahili civilisation, the city’s ethnic and cultural diversity is striking. Its architecture and cuisine reflect multiple influences from African, Arabic, Indian and European populations who have all participated in its development.
Mombasa is also a big seaside resort and remains a major tourist destination.
Malindi
located 120 km north of Mombasa, is one of the oldest cities in eastern Africa. Vasco de Gamma erected a white cross there in 1498. Ernest Hemingway went fishing there in 1934.
Its marvellous coral reefs and exceptional beaches have attracted tourists who have also been coming for the deep sea fishing since the 1960s.
Lamu
a name which refers to the archipelago, one of its islands and also the town on this island, is located 225 km to the north of Mombasa, towards Somalia.
The oldest city in Kenya has prospered thanks to trade with the Orient: in wood, ivory, amber, porcelain and spices.
The city got extremely rich from trading slaves until the practice was abolished and then it went through a slump until the 1970s. Since then it has geared itself towards tourism, and was added to the Unesco World Heritage list in 2001.
A Muslim city with around thirty mosques, Lamu reflects an extremely refined civilisation. It has preserved its elegance and traditions. It boasts some of the most beautiful examples of Swahili architecture in Kenya.
The resort beaches are found at the north-eastern point of the islandd: In Shela, the beach bordered by high sand dunes, stretches for 15 km.
The southern Coast
20 km to the south of Mombasa stretch beautiful white sand beaches, from wild Tiwi Beach to the more luxurious and modern Diani Beach.
Shimoni, located 75 km from Mombasa, is the deep sea fishing capital of the southern coast and the entryway to the Kisite National Park where the most beautiful coral reef in Kenya can be found.
