Beach safaris along Kenya’s 600-kilometer long Indian Ocean coastline are the main alternative to wildlife safaris.However,the dividing line between the two is often blurred as almost every visitor prefers to have a piece of both.The beach safari scene spreads across two geographical zones or circuits – the North Coast and the South Coast.Mombasa,the second largest city in Kenya and main sea-port is the point of departure.
Diani is the focal point in the South Coast and Mtwapa, Kilifi Watamu, Malindi and Lamu the hotspots in the North. Each of the two circuits claims its crowd of loyal pilgrims both local and foreign.The unending debate among tourists as to which between the two circuits is more attractive refuses to die.Kenyans themselves are sharply divided on which between the two circuits is the better destination.
Holiday life at the coast flows at a modest pace.You may choose to spend your day relaxing in the many white or golden sand beaches or engage in various water sports such as game-fishing, wind surfing, water skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sky diving or, if you prefer not to play in water, play golf on courses located on the mainland.You could also spend your evenings with the locals in the many entertainment spots or enjoy musical and other cultural performances that most tourist hotels provide.
Good hotels are in abundance.There are several exclusive luxury resorts that serve international celebrities as well as the high and the mighty.However, four and three-star hotels and holiday apartments serve the majority.The budget-traveler has many hotels to choose from too.
For time-off the beach,marine parks and game parks as well as cultural and historical sites are the places to visit.There are at least four marine parks worth exploring in the region. The Shimba Hills National Reserve in the South Coast is an important elephant and bird sanctuary as well as natural forest habitat.
Tsavo National Park, the largest wildlife park in Kenya and home to the big five and more, is about two-and-a-half hours drive from Mombasa towards Nairobi. It is a popular excursion point for beach-safari tourists.
To know more about major tourist sites along the Kenyan coast, please see our pages on Mombasa, Malindi , Lamu ,Watamu, Diani, Marine Parks as well as Tsavo National Park and Shimba Hills National Reserve.
