Coastal Kenya

The trade winds of the Indian Ocean brings forth the beauty that embowers the South Eastern part of Kenya. Beautiful stellar beaches. Wild waters of the Indian Ocean you can play in. A revitalizing sun for that beautiful tan. Come to Kenya and sample the seaside life and also save some time for a visit in the mainland Coast where the cultures of the Coastal communities vibrate.

Diani Beach

Surrounded by the breathtaking Indian Ocean, soft white sands, lush greenery and the striking shade of emerald blue that emerges from its clear warm waters, Diani is Kenya’s most relaxing retreat. It is the perfect place to get away from the stress of everyday life or to relax before and after an exciting safari.

With its 17 kilometers of beautiful, flawless, soft white sand, Diani Beach has been awarded the best beach destination in Africa for 5 years running and is popular with families, honeymooners, backpackers and water-sports enthusiasts alike. From visiting its marine national park, diving with dolphins and sea turtles, spotting whale sharks, kitesurfing, skydiving and nightlife, Diani offers a range of activities for all ages.

Diani boasts a wide range of resorts, hotels, B&Bs and budget stays. From the backpacker to the luxury traveler, everyone can find the ideal retreat.
A foodie’s heaven, eat al fresco at various local cafés serving the best of local fresh Swahili dishes or enjoy a luxurious seafood platter in one of the highly rated international restaurants.
There is plenty to do in and around Diani, on, off and above water. Take a day trip out on an original dhow boat to Wasini Island to look for dolphins and sea turtles. For a small adventure take a glass bottom boat or small fishermen’s dhow to the sandbank and marvel at the fantastic underwater world. Go a bit deeper into the ocean and dive with one of the PADI certified diving companies in Diani. The constant trade winds make Diani a top spot for kite surfers and windsurfers.

Take it to the sky for the thrill seeking; skydiving down onto the pristine beach is a fantastic adventure. On land, guided walks through sacred forests, a monkey sanctuary, a turtle information centre and a trip to Shimba Hills, the only coastal national park that is home to the endangered Sable Antelope, are some of the many options waiting to be explored.

North Coast

The coastline North of Mombasa is a world of enthralling history and natural beauty.

The coast is lined with pristine palm fringed beaches, and the calm inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. The beaches are broken by the wide mouth of Kilifi Creek, whose azure waters are a popular port of call on the international yachting circuit.

The beaches of Nyali, Vipingo, Kikambala and Shanzu are home to a wide range of World Class resorts with fine cuisine and services.

The peaceful beach havens of Mtwapa and Takaungu offer an ideal escape from the outside world, with endless deserted beaches.

The offshore reefs are alive with coral, myriad fish, sea turtles and dolphins. Both outer and inner reef walls offer world class diving with spectacular coral gardens and drop offs, and Kenya’s best wreck diving on the MV Dania.

Malindi and Watamu

The small town of Malindi is at the centre of a strip of idyllic tropical beaches offering the visitor a range of world class resorts and quiet relaxing hideaways. Further south, the sleepy village of Watamu is fronted by wide white beaches. This tranquil haven is home to several well established resorts, and many private guesthouses scattered through the forest along the deserted shore.

At Watamu a Marine National Park has been established, an ideal day trip for divers and snorkellers alike.

Northwest of Malindi is the spectacular Marafa Depression, locally known as ‘Nyari’ and popularly known as Hell’s Kitchen. An extensive series of sandstone gorges and sheer gullies, this unique and otherworldly landscape has become part of local folklore.

The thick jungles of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest reserve hide a world of wonders. In the cool of the forest winding paths will take you in search of rare endemic birds and mammals, and visiting herds of Elephant.

The forest holds another secret, the lost town of Gedi, a deserted trading Swahili town hidden deep in the forests, whose winding passages and crumbling walls tell of a long and mysterious past.

Walk through the Forest, explore the mangroves by boat, dive on the reef or try your hand at big game fishing. At the North coast you have all these choices and more, with the space and freedom to relax, unwind, and soak up the atmosphere.

Lamu

Lamu is a place like no other, a peaceful tropical island where life is lived at its own relaxed rhythm, but a place whose history is as mysterious and fascinating as the winding streets of its medieval stone town.

The island itself is a beautiful place of rolling dunes and endless beaches, where tiny villages nestle among coconut and mango plantations and lateen sailed dhows ply the waters. But Lamu’s real attraction is its Old town.

The town of Lamu began life as a 14th century Swahili settlement, but the island has seen many visitors and influences, including Portuguese explorers, Turkish traders and the Omani Arabs. All left their mark, but Lamu developed its own particular culture, which has ultimately endured.

Lamu’s narrow streets remain unchanged, and in the markets and squares around the fort life moves at the same pace as it always has. There are no vehicles on this island, and the donkey and the dhow remain the dominant form of transport.

The people of Lamu are great believers in tradition and custom, and this is a strong society built on a respect for the past.
For the traveller, Lamu is a hypnotically exotic experience, made even more enjoyable by the relaxed and welcoming attitudes of the locals. To visit Lamu is to enter another world, and the visitor finds themselves becoming a part of this world. Life slows down, and long days are spent strolling along the waterfront, exploring the town or relaxing on the beaches.

Dhow safaris can take you beyond Lamu into the surrounding archipelago, where isolated villages, ancient ruins and a few luxurious and exclusive resorts lie hidden among the islands of Manda, Siyu, Pate and Kiwayu.

This idyllic island speaks to the heart and soul, and a trip to Lamu is a romantic experience that can become a lifelong affair.