Crossing by car ferry from Mombasa to the South Coast is a very African experience and a great chance to people-watch.
THE KENYA COAST

From references in Paradise Lost, the Old Testament and in ancient Greek manuscripts we know that even before the time of Christ, the Kenya coast and particularly Mombasa and Malindi were thriving centers of trade. For thousands of years these ports traded in ivory, tortoise shell, rhinoceros horn, peacock, apes and at times slaves. Certainly from 600 B.C. there are definite records of trade with Arabs – resulting in the Swahili language, which is a hybrid of Arabic and the local vernacular.

After Vasco da Gama’s first visit to the Kenya coast in 1498 there followed a period of Portuguese / Arab struggle for control although in Malindi the Portuguese enjoyed 200 years of friendship with the ruling Arab family. In 1593 the Portuguese commenced the building of Fort Jesus in Mombasa – a monument both to this sea-faring nation and to the nine month siege that broke Portuguese dominance in 1696.

Today, Mombasa and the Kenya coast is an interesting mix of Africa & Arabia with a little Portuguese thrown in.

MOMBASA

Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest city and the biggest port on the north east-coast of Africa. Light and heavy industry is abundant around the town but along the coast tourist facilities are abundant and varied. Those visiting can enjoy quiet beaches shaded by palms and lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. For the active there are water sports, bustling markets & galleries to explore and the history of Mombasa to be toured.

DIANI BEACH – to the South

Crossing by car ferry from Mombasa to the South Coast is a very African experience and a great chance to people-watch. Hotels from the small and casual through to resort style and exclusive boutique line the coast and naturally, a huge number of tourist orientated services have sprung up – shops, cafés, restaurants and local tour operators. Unfortunately the area is also full of touts selling everything from wood carvings to illegal substances and they can be persistently annoying when you spend time on the white sand beaches.

Near the Tanzanian border is the small village of Shimoni (“place of the caves”) where slaves were held before shipment. Take a boat and head out to Wasini Island, wander the ancient Arab settlement and enjoy fabulous snorkelling in the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserve.

MALINDI – to the North

Malindi manages to mix a little resort atmosphere with the earthiness of an African town. Kenyan’s have been holidaying on the Malindi and nearby Watamu coasts for most of the last century and as a result the area is well served with restaurants, hotels and cafes. Offshore the coral reefs of the Malindi Marine National Reserve are a haven for techni-coloured fish of various sizes and shapes that swim in dazzling formations. Different species of rays and octopus pulse through the Reserve in abundance and all can be viewed by scuba diving, snorkelling or aboard glass bottom boats.

LAMU ISLAND

Lamu is Kenya’s oldest living town and boasts a rich and colourful history. The appearance and character of the town has changed little over the centuries and the architecture dates back to the 18th century. There are few motor vehicles on the island and local people use boats and donkeys for transport. The sites that you will want to include, the village of Shela, Lamu Fort, the Swahili House Museum, and the Donkey Sanctuary are all easily reached on foot. Spend your days relaxing on the beautiful and deserted beaches, try out a variety of water sports, enjoy the balmy tropical setting, explore nearby islands and the shipyards of Manda and Manda Toto, shop in Lamu Town and enjoy sumptuous seafood meals for unbeatable prices!