The coast is found by the Indian Ocean. The main dwellers are the Swahili people and the Mijikenda among others. The Coast is way much more different, unlike the up-country’s savannahs and wooded scenery, here is a different world altogether. The safari many times looks like you are in fun competitions with each other with the survival in the wild’s adventures, daily game drives, and bonfire, in the beach you get to relax more and savor the sweet taste of the local life.
After getting into your hotel room, you are practically on your own with only your gadgets as companion. But there is loads of other activities you can indulge yourself in, from scuba diving and snorkeling, to beautiful night/day city tours, cultural and historical excursions, shopping trips, and all these activities can be arranged at the comfort of your hotel.
What makes the coast even lovely, is the trade winds from the ocean, being complemented by the magnificent decent beaches. It is fun to play in the stark blue Indian Ocean wild waters, also that rejuvenating sun rays that offers that tropical tan. In the coast you will also get sample the coast life and also take time to explore the coast’s mainland where coastal rich cultures reverberate with vigor.
The Coastal towns
In the earlier days, the coastal towns were a stopping point for the foreigners who came to Kenya, they include; the Portuguese, the Arabs from Oman and British. Indians came in as laborers for the railway line. The main towns are Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, Watamu and Kilifi.
It is the second largest city in Kenya after Nairobi. Earlier on, Mombasa was the capital of Kenya, this however was changed in 1905 due to Mombasa to Uganda railway project, Nairobi was a central connection. Nairobi was fully recognized as the capital of Kenya at the independence in 1963. According to the 2019 census its population was at 1,208,333 people.
Mombasa City
It is also a great tourist destination, annually thousands of tourists from all over the globe visit the city to spend their holidays there. It is also home of one Kenya’s state houses.
History
As per the local narrative thee two rulers associated with the founding of Mombasa were Shehe Mvita and his counterpart Mwana Mkisi. Mwana Mkisi being the ancestor of the oldest Mombasa family lineage called Thenashara Taifa or the “Twelve Nations”. They are considered native dwellers of the city. Mwana-Mkisi, a pre-Islam queen founded Kongowea, the first settlement ever on the Mombasa island.
Mombasa was important center for traders who dealt with ivory, spices and gold during the pre-colonial period. The traders came from as far as China and India. Most historians’ stills recall this period of history in the coast. The link that existed between South of India and Mombasa, Kenya can be found widely in history. During this early year, Mombasa served as a vital stop for the long-range Indian Ocean trade networks. The key exports were, coconuts, ivory and sesame.
It became the only major port in pre-colonial Kenya and used to be connected with other port towns of Africa, Arabian Peninsula, India, Persian Empire and China. A Portuguese traveler Duarte Barbosa, was amazed and stated that Mombasa had astounding boat traffic and it was a good port where small boats of various kinds are always moored as well as large ships, destined for Sofala and other destinations, some coming from Malindi, sailing to the clove island of Zanzibar.
Portuguese Rule
The first documented European to visit the coast of Kenya was Vasco da Gama in 1498. He wasn’t received well in Mombasa, so two years later the city was conquered and taken over by the Portuguese. They were overthrown by the sultanate of Mvita in 1502. The Portuguese took over the city again in 1528. The Somalis of Ajuran Empire in collaboration with the Turks from Ottoman Empire attacked Mombasa along with other Coastal towns along the Indian Ocean, liberated them from the rule of Portuguese but Malindi still remained loyal to the Portuguese.
In Mombasa, Zimba massacred the Muslim residents. The Segeju, Bantu speakers halted them in Malindi forcing them to return home. This act made the Portuguese to take reigns of Mombasa, for the third time that was in 1589, and in four years they had built Fort Jesus, a strong fort that help in administering the area.
Mombasa was then ruled by ruling families of Malindi which was placed by the Portuguese, but they later set up a direct rule over Mombasa.
Omani Reign
The Omani Arabs took over Fort Jesus in 1698 in a fierce conquest which saw the Portuguese defeated. The Oman administration nominated three consecutive governors. From 12 Dec 1698 to Dec 1969 Imam Saif Sultan was the governor. Then as from Dec 1698 to1728 Nasr Mazrui became the second governor and from 1728–12 March 1728 Shaykh Rumba was the third governor. Captain Major Captain Alvaro from Portugal won back Mombasa that from 12th March 1728 to 21st Sept 1729, but the victory was short-lived because the Omani took over again. There were new Oman Liwali which lasted till 1746.
The registered sultans were:
1. Sultan Ali Mazrui who ruled from 1746 to 1755
2. Sultan Masud Mazrui who was in reign from 1755 to 1773
3. Sultan Abdallah Mazrui who ruled from 1773 to 1782
4. Sultan Ahmad Mazrui who ruled from1782 to 1811 and died in 1814.
5. Sultan Abdallah Mazrui who ruled from 1812-1823 and in died 1823.
6. Sultan Sulaym Mazrui who ruled from 1823 to 1826
The British Protectorate took over Mombasa from Feb 9th 1824 and stayed up to July 25th 1826. They were represented by the governors. In 1826 the Oman took over again, and seven liwalis were appointed. Sultan of Muscat and Oman officially took over.
British Reign
May 25th 1887 was a field day for the British as they took over the port city of Mombasa, by 1895 it was already under the British jurisdiction. It grew so fast, rising up quickly to become the capital of the British in East Africa. It linked the Ugandan Railway the seaport city, which had been constructed as from 1896. A large number of Indians came to Kenya as manual laborers for the railway construction. The city was officially given to the British by the Sultan of Zanzibar in 1898.
The city was the British headquarters as from 1887 to 1906, when the medical staff recommended that the area was swampy and can cause many diseases, so they had to move to another safe city. Sir James Hayes petitioned London to grant them the request of moving to Nairobi and it was granted. Since then Nairobi has been the capital of Kenya to date.
Malindi
Malindi is located 120 km north east of Mombasa. It has a population of 119,859 people according to the 2019 census. It is in Kilifi County, and it is its largest town.
In Malindi you access fully serviced domestic airport, and highway that links Lamu and Mombasa. There are great attractions near Malindi; the Gedi ruins and Watamu Complex which is due south of Malindi. To the north is the mouth of River Sabaki. Muslim is the main religion here
History
The emerging Swahili civilization prompted the development of Malindi in 5th to 10th century. The peasants belonging to the Bantu speaking community moved in and settled practiced various economic activities such iron smelting, long distance trade, and construction using timber
There is a Kingdom of Malindi which the historians placed to have been formed in 9th AD. It was so powerful in almost two hundred years before Vasco da Gama invaded the area with the Portuguese, which led to the reduction of civilization. To the north of the modern city, an ancient Malindi City had been founded in 850 ADS. It gain recovery and prosperity after two centuries of little on no habitation.
Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer made first contact with rulers of Malindi in 1498, he sign trade agreement with them and hired a guide to take on his journey to India. He erected a coral pillar in Malindi which stands to date as commemoration of their friendship. Unlike Mombasa where he got hostile reception, the Malindi ruler gave him a warm welcome, which benefited him in the long run.
1593 marked the end of Portuguese activities in Malindi, when their base of operation was moved to the near port city of Mombasa. The city began to disappear over time, by the end of 17th century it was almost gone. When Ludwig Krapf visited the city in 1845, he was shocked to find it uninhabited and overgrown.
Sultan Majid of Zanzibar won over Malindi in 1861, and he ruled until towards the end of 19th century. It was important port for picking slaves. It was when the British took over the town in 1890, is when the slave trade was completely abolished. This ultimatum negatively affected the agricultural sector.
Malindi officially became a town in 1903. After 10 years population was about 1,148 and it comprised of 843 Africans, 67 Asians, 230 Arabs and eight Europeans.
The Europeans began coming to Malindi as from 1930s, many purchasing land from the Arabs. The first hotel, which was a trailblazer for the future in hotel industry in the was opened by Major Lawford. Italian bombed Malindi 19 24th Oct 1940 becoming one of the only two towns to be bombed by Italians. The allied forces secured the town, till the war ended. When the 2nd World War was over, Malindi opened up as tourist destination.
Lamu
This small town that has gained the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located 342 km (212 miles) northeast of Mombasa. It is the county headquarters.
The town has got waterfront Lamu Fort, built by the Sultan of Pate, and it was finished after his death in the early 1820s. there are 23 mosques in Lamu, including the oldest mosque in the area called Riyadha Mosque, built in 1900, and there is also a donkey sanctuary.
History
It was originally known as Amu,
This town on the Island is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Kenya and is one of the ancient Swahili settlements along the coast of East Africa. It is claimed that it was founded in 1370.
Tristão da Cunha the then commander of the Portuguese fleet, in 1506 sent a ship to barricade Lamu as it waits for calvary, the Lamu ruler surrendered without much tussle and agreed to pay the Portuguese annual fee of 600 Meticals from that moment. The thirst for the control of alond the Indian Ocean made Portuguese in their quests. It was Oman who help Lamu resist and defend themselves against the Portuguese control.
As from the late 17th century, Lamu falled into Oman rule to the beginning of 19th century which marked the golden age in Lamu town. The Yumbe council of elders ruled over the town, and stayed in the town palace. Liltle of that palace can be seen today, but there is its plot of land.
Sultan of Zanzibar took over the Lamu in mid-19th century. In june 1885 the Germans claimed the town as it was a perfect location for a base. They managed to place a post office in Lamu from 22nd Nov 1888 to 3rd March 1891 which facilitated the communications in German colonies. It became the first ever post office to come into existence in East African Coast; in fact today in Lamu town there is a special museum to showcase the German Post Office. The British took over Lamu in 1890 the moment it took over Kenya. In 1963 Kenya was a free nation and Lamu continues to enjoy the fruits of freedom.
Lamu was identified as one of the 12 planet Earth site that are on the brink of loss, in a 2010 report which was tittled “saving Our Vanishing Heritage”
Watamu
It is a small town 105 km due north of Mombasa, and about 15km south of Malindi. Tourism and fishing is the main ecomnomic activities in this area, the town has about 30,000 people in 2019 and is part of Kilifi County. According to archaeological findings, Watamu is inhabited from the 13th Century.
The coast of the area features white sand beaches and offshore coral formations arranged in several bays and beaches: Jacaranda Beach, Turtle Bay, Watamu Bay, Blue Lagoon Bay, Ocean breeze, Kanani Reef and Garoda Beach.Watamu National Marine Park is a protected area. The Marine Park is considered to be one of the best snorkeling and diving areas on the East African coast. It is also third best beach in Africa according to the recent rankings, due to its crystal-clear waters and silver sand beaches.
The locals have formed groups to help in the park protections and those groups are Watamu Boat Operator, Ocean Sports, Safari Sellers, Mida Lodge Community, Turtle bay and Lonno all under the umbrella of Watamu Marine Association.
Kilifi
The beautiful town of Kilifi is accessed using the Kilifi Bridge. The attractions on the southern side of the town is the Mnarani ruins and Shauri Moyo Beach while to north you will find Bofa beach
Kilifi is a cosmopolitan town with different people from different ethnic groups. The majority though (about 80%) are coming from the Mijikenda groups (mainly Chonyi and Giriama). Other groups include the descendants of Swahili-Arabs, , Somalis, Bajuni, Barawas, and other inland groups. There are a handful of Indians and Europeans, mostly British, Germans and Italians.
Just like any other coastal towns, fishing in Kilifi has been main economic activity since time immemorial. Over time, the city has gradually changed from a fishing village to a basic industry and services.
How to get there.
The coastal region of Kenya is almost 463 km East of Nairobi. There are 3 options to get there;
1. Road
2. Train
3. Air
Road
The longest, slowest, yet the cheapest of all. A bus from Nairobi is a grueling night job filled with the usual hustle and bustle in typical African bus journeys. However, there are frequent services and tickets are secure. Once you arrive in your destination, whether Malindi or Mombasa, you can use public transport vehicles to take you to your destination of choice.
Train
This has become most popular means, because of its high-speed option which takes 4 hours from the tradition 8 to 12 hours. Some of the charms of the night service that once worked have certainly been lost, but at just $ 7 it’s hard to get by with the new prices. The only problem may be getting tickets. Trains fill up quickly, even though they run daily, and tickets must be purchased a few days in advance, at the train station personally, or via Kenyan mobile money payment platform.
Air
You get huge offers on direct flights because of the availability of quality airports. You can choose to land in Lamu, Malindi or even Mombasa.
There are many international flights plying Mombasa International Airport, you can one airline that fits your taste and fly directly to Mombasa. They are other planes that land in the rest of the airports at the coast from Nairobi.
Kenya’s coastal climate
The safari to the inland of Kenya is never predictable, it can be sunny in the morning the heavy torrents of rainfall in afternoon. But at the coast, there is a beautiful equatorial climate, which means its hardly cold, even at night its warm. When the weather is too hot, cool breeze from the oceans wands it off providing ambient feeling. Most of the times there is a strong breeze blowing from the ocean which is perfect for kite and windsurfing.
History and culture of the Kenya coast
The first of contact of Kenya and the first foreigners was at the coast, the merchant ships from the Arabian Peninsula and the Persian Gulf followed the monsoon winds in their trade routes. They usually wait for the wind to change course before embarking on the return voyage. So, they dhows are anchored in the ports of Kenya, for several months while they are interacting with the locals.
With vigorous safaris in the inland, the body tend to get fatigue, and the experts knows the remedy. That’s is a visit to the coast where you will get enough rest and get out fully relaxed. The merchants who came to the coast of Kenyan intermarried with the locals and Swahili was born. It shares Arabic and Bantu words. Today is a vibrant national language in Kenya.
They are many historical sites at the coast, like the Gedi ruins which found near Watamu and it has ruins of ancient civilization scattered through out the coast most notable one being archipelago in Lamu. The women wear dark shiny clothes originally from Arabia. They type of boats and dhows used here reflects a deep cultural history
The Kenyan coast consist mostly of the Muslim, but other religions are also here. Like the rest of the country, most people are so friendly and welcoming. At Diani Beach, with an expert guide you will explore the fascinating forest with beautiful wildlife and visit the sacred groves where Kaya is found.
The Kenya coast’s geography and wildlife
The coral reef lives in shoreline along the coast. They are millions of years old, the youngest is the one at the edges. There is are hotels built inside coral cave in Diani, and there are similar caves in Shimoni and Watamu where it was used as temporary hold for slaves as they waited merchant ships to come for them. In the coast you will come across lots of beautiful creeks, tidal mudflats in a unique environment.
Most of the Kenyan lowland forest are found at the coast, there is also legendary sacred kaya forest like Kaya Kinondo which is found near Diani Beach and it is now open to the public. To the south is River Ramisi and there is an adjacent forest also. To the north of Malindi you will find River Sabaki. Arabuko Sokoke, the largest coastal forest is found due south of Malindi. The forest provides sanctuary for the Gedi ruins for centuries now. The forest is rich of butterflies and other wildlife.
Although the coastal area is known for the beautiful beaches, there is a national park also which is a abode to buffaloes, antelopes, elephants, giraffes, leopards and many other mammals and smalls animals. The park is Shimba Hills National Park, and troops of baboons are common sight here mostly at the roadsides. The colorful Colobus monkeys are found mostly near Diani Beach
Near the Gedi ruins there lots of insect and beautiful butterflies also, which is one the economic activities for the locals here. There is a bird called red-capped robin which has forged unique relationship with the golden-rumped elephant shrew, in which the robin alerts when there is danger and the robin picks up the insects on the trail.
Beaches
North Coast Beaches
The pristine palm at the beaches sways gracefully over the deep blue inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. At the Kilifi creek you will find a popular spot for visitors.
To reach the mainland from Mombasa islands you will use Nyali bridge. A perfect spot for sea lovers. The white beautiful sands rolls as far as eyes can see and just below it lies the magnificent coral reef blending in with marine producing an awesome sight. The North Coast is known all over the world for it wonderful amenities like the diving to the wreckage of MV Dania and also wall and reef diving. They are four beaches in the north namely Kikambala, Bamburi, Nyali, and Shanzu
Nyali is home to the reknown Tamarind Restaurant and Dhow, as well as the English Point concrete silos, Kenyan Agricultural Society and Mamba Village exhibition centers, and the historic Nyali Golf Club offering squash, tennis, and a golf course. A golf course that you can access by been a resident in one of the hotels or resorts on the north coast.
During low tide at the, water moves back allowing you to walk to the reef, and almost surreal aquatic experience. Swimming at high and low tide is also allowed here. The beaches on the north coast are open to the public, and it is flocked by many are the the Bamburi and Nyali beaches as they are easily accessible using a bridge.
Accommodation in North Coast is a little bit cheaper than its counterparts in the South Coast. It is budget friendly destination, where you relax as you enjoy the beautiful scenery, or water sports or even scuba-diving. A place worth the bucket list.
Mombasa South Coast Beach Holiday Experience
The south coast is accessible by ferry or a plane. The sunning destination is serviced by deluxe services providers with luxurious accommodation tailor made for your paradise tour of the coast.
Diani is the most known beach in the south, this is where most resorts on the south coast are found, many of which are located in the clearings of the Jadini forest. The other secluded beaches south of Diani are Msambweni, Funzi Island, Galu, and Chale Island, and these tend to be more private and much features than the north coast
While staying at your South Coast beachfront accommodation, you can make the most of the sand and surf by participating in the many water sports activities, all of which are available to book when planning your trip to Kenya. The Indian Ocean. while windsurfing, kitesurfing, or waterskiing or discover endemic marine species while snorkeling or diving in the Kisite Marine Park or nearby coral reefs. World record catches make the south coast a highly desirable destination for anglers and we recommend that your Kenya adventure-seeking beach tour includes time to catch an Indian Ocean giant, such as marlin, fish sword, sailfish, yellowfin. tuna, to name just a few of the more challenging fish. Billfish season runs from Nov to March, while Aug to Oct is tuna season and other fishes that are found in that season. Whether get back that energy after your safari or rest after that long flight to Kenya, the beautiful scenery of Mombasa’s south coast is sure to recharge your energy.
Coast’s top-rated destinations
Mombasa Marine National Park
Mombasa National Marine Park is a national reserve and marine park located in Mombasa in Kenya. Spread over an area of 2,500 acres or 10 square kilometers, the park reserve spans 49,400 acres.
Established in 1986, Mombasa National Marine Park encompasses part of Bamburi Nyali Reef’s back reef, lagoon, and ridge reef habitats. Both the park and the reserve are generally used between the marine protected areas. This is one of the most visited marine parks in Kenya. Here you can easily see the coral reefs in the waters. The coast of the park is incredibly facilitated by countless tourist activities. The most important activities here include diving, snorkeling, etc.
Location: Mombasa National Marine Park is located on the coast near the tourism activities area. It is located on Nyali Road in Mombasa, Kenya.
Hours: Monday to Friday: from 12:00 to 23:59. The park is closed on weekends.
Mamba Village Center
Mamba Village Center is located in Nyali. In fact, it is the largest crocodile farm in East Africa.
At the Mamba Village Center, you can learn a lot about the behavior and life cycle of the world’s most fascinating amphibians – crocodiles. In addition, various riding facilities can also be used here.
Highlights of the city center include the botanical garden and an aquarium. The specialty here is aquatic plants and orchids. Apart from this, the gardens here also showcase carnivorous species. A highlight for visitors who come here is watching the crocodiles fight for snacks during their feeding times.
Definitely a favorite attraction in Kenya. Location: Mamba Village Center is located at Beach Road Round About, Off Links Road, Nyali, Mombasa, Kenya Hours: open all year from 9 am to 6 pm.
Fort Jesus
The Fort of Jesus is a Portuguese fort which was built between the period 1593 to 1596 by command of King Philip I of Portugal.
Fort Jesus was built with the aim of protecting Mombasa’s Old Port in Kenya. Within the period 1631 to 1875, the fort was won and lost about 9 times for nations struggling to seek control of Kenya. It was only in 1958 that Fort Jesus was considered a historical monument. Built-in the shape of a man, the fort was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. It is regarded as one of the most phenomenal and important of the preservation of 16th-century military fortifications. There is also a museum today.
Location: Located on Mombasa Island in Kenya.
Hours: The fort is closed on Sundays. The rest of the days, from 8 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Bamburi Beach
Bamburi Beach is an incredibly quiet beach that boasts soft, fine sand and calm waters. It is undoubtedly one of the most ideal places to go for a great family holiday.
An ideal destination for sun and sand lovers, Bamburi Beach is a must-see for anyone who likes to walk or swim or relax on the beach. It offers everything you expect from a beach. The beach is also well known for its nightlife, restaurants, and modern hotels that abound here. Guests can enjoy water sports such as diving and snorkeling. Camel rides are also an important activity here. Visit the beach to find relaxing moments of peace with yourself.
Location: It is is found on the north coast of Mombasa in Kenya.
Hours: the beach is open to the public all year round.
Fee: Entrance to the beach is free.
Mombasa Tusks
Mombasa Tusks is one of the most important monuments in the city of Mombasa in Kenya. These metal tusks, while an important landmark, don’t have any specific charms here.
The tusks were erected in 1952 to symbolize Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the country. Symbolizing the entrance to the city of Mombasa, here you can see a number of shops, markets, banks, and attractions. The intersecting tusks of Mombasa form an M, which is the initial letter of the port city: Mombasa.
Location: The tusks of Mombasa are located on Moi Avenue in Mombasa, Kenya
Hours: These tusks can be visited throughout the year.
Price: There is no entrance fee to see Mombasa’s majestic metal tusks.
Haller Park
Haller Park is a natural park that includes the area of a picnic area, a giraffe viewing platform, the sanctuary of the game, the palm garden, the crocodile pens, and a park of the reptiles. Together, they offer visitors a myriad of options for education and entertainment.
Today, Haller Park is home to a wide variety of jungle wildlife, including buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and antelope. Various mammals and smaller birds can also be found in the park. He has been praised for various awards and honors. The park is also the cousin recipient of receiving ana award from the United Nations Environment Program. What award is the status assigned to recognize the unique ability and the success of the park? A must-see for nature lovers, the park is visited by over 160,000 people throughout the year.
Location: if you find your Mombasa- Malindi Road to Bamburi.
Schedule: open from 9:00 to 18:00
Old Town
Old Town is a prominent area located in the Mombasa region of Kenya. Spread over an area of 72 hectares of land, the historic center is inhabited by a mix of local British, Asian, Arab, and Portuguese settlers.
In 1997, the Old Town and Fort Jesus were named by Kenya’s national museums for finding a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. The buildings you see in the old city are largely inspired by the commercial culture of Mombasa with various references to Islamic and Portuguese architecture.
Location: The old town is located on the southeastern tip of Mombasa Island, adjacent to Tudor Creek in Kenya.
Hours: open all year round.
Price: The entrance to the historic center is free. However, you may have to pay specific prices to visit the old city attractions.
Gede Ruins
The ruins of Gede (or Gedi), which date back to the 15th century, is a popular tourist attraction and definitely worth a visit when staying on Kenya’s northern coast.
Located north of Mombasa; Just outside the town of Malindi, the ruins of Gedi date back to the 15th century and are a popular destination to visit while on holidays on Kenya’s northern coast.
The ruins of Gede are the remains of a typical Swahili city built along the coast of East Africa. It originally dates from the 12th century but was rebuilt as a new city in the 15th and 16th centuries. The reconstruction was linked to the emigration of many citizens from Kilwa to Mombasa, Malindi, and other coastal cities.
With more people living there, the city became prosperous and reached its peak in the 15th century. This wealth can be seen in the ruins by the presence of mosques; a palace and houses, found in the primeval forest of Arabuko – Sokoke. But in the first half of the 17th century, the city was abandoned.
Guided tours around these ruins, to get a taste of the fascinating Swahili history, can be arranged from your hotel while staying on Kenya’s north coast, or Mombasa.
The ruins of Gede are located in the Kilifi district, 16 km south of the city of Malindi, and about 90 km north of Mombasa.
Accommodation in Kenyan Coast
There nothing as enchanting as the beautiful coastal culture which is one of the reason, many tourists visit here and also the beaches, a lot of which can coincide with the wonderful tropical shores of almost anywhere else in the planet Earth, with fine, fine sand and sea that is safe and wonderfully warm and clear weather
The Kenyan coast is protected for almost the whole lenght by a large coral reef, which has made a large and protected pools for most of its length, where the reef is between 50m and 1 km from the shore.
Many people refers to city of Mombas being tied to the Kenyan coast, the country’s Indian Ocean coast is divided into several fairly distinct regions. The island of Mombasa is the center, with the island of Tiwi, Watamu, Funzi to the south and Lamu to the north, and, Diani, Msambweni, and, Malindi.
Caution should be taken when visiting Lamu, it is no longer insecure but it is advisable not to go past 60km of the border with Somalia
North Coast Mombasa Accommodation Guide
There are several accommodations in North Coast Mombasa. Below is the list of different beach front resorts.
1. Royal reserve safari beach club
Its merit – beach level 3
2. Reef hotel
Its merit – beach level 3
3. Mombasa beach hotel
Its merit – beach level 3
4. Mombasa continental resort
Its merit – beach level 3
5. Neptune beach resort
Its merit – beach level 3
6. Bahari beach hotel
Its merit – beach level 3
7. Plaza beach hotel
Its merit – beach level 3
8. Bamburi beach hotel
Its merit – beach level 3
9. Nyali international beach hotel
Its merit – beach level 3
10. Travellers beach hotel & club
Its merit – beach level 3
11. Sarova whitesands beach resort & spa
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
12. Serena beach hotel & spa
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
13. Severin sea lodge
Its merit – beach level 3
14. Voyager beach resort
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
15. Sai rock beach hotel
Its merit – beach level 3
16. Tamarind village
Its merit – beach level 3
South Coast Mombasa Accommodation Guide
Below is a list of top-rated resorts, in the south coast
1. Almanara luxury villas
Premier experience – beach level 1
2. Baobab beach resort & spa
Premier experience – beach level 1
3. Afrochic diani
Premier experience – beach level 1
4. Amani tiwi beach resort
Its merit – beach level 3
5. Alfajiri villas
Its merit – beach level 3
6. Funzi keys
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
7. Diani sea lodge
Its merit – beach level 3
8. Diani sea resort
Its merit – beach level 3
10. Diani reef beach resort & spa
Premier experience – beach level 1
11. Jacaranda indian ocean beach resort
Its merit – beach level 3
12. Kole kole at baobab resort
Its merit – beach level 3
13. Kinondo kwetu
Premier experience – beach level 1
14. Kaskazi beach hotel
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
15. Lantana galu beach
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
16. Papillon lagoon reef
Its merit – beach level 3
17. Leopard beach resort & spa
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
18.msambweni beach house
Premier experience – beach level 1
19. Neptune palm beach boutique resort & spa
Its merit – beach level 3
20. Neptune paradise beach resort & spa
Its merit – beach level 3
21. Neptune village beach resort & spa
Its merit – beach level 3
22. Leisure lodge resort
Its merit – beach level 3
23. Pinewood beach resort & spa
Its merit – beach level 3
24. Waterlovers beach resort
Its merit – beach level 3
25. The sands at chale island
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
26. The maji beach boutique hotel
Premier experience – beach level 1
27. The maridadi at baobab resort
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
28. Swahili beach resort
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
29. Southern palms beach resort
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
30. Tijara beach
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
31. The sands at nomad
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
Malindi Accommodation Guide
Malindi has several hotels and clubs along the beaches, which includes the;
1. Driftwood beach club
Its merit – beach level 3
2. Kilili baharini resort & spa
Its merit – beach level 3
3. Diamonds dream of africa
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
4. Che shale
Its merit – beach level 3
5. Coral key beach resort
Its merit – beach level 3
6. Sandies coconut village
Premier experience – beach level 1
7. Ocean beach resort & spa
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
8. Scorpio villas
Its merit – beach level 3
9. Sandies tropical village
Its merit – beach level 3
10. Lion in the sun resort
Its merit – beach level 3
Watamu Accommodation Guide
In watamu you will get the best treatment and it will be worth your holiday, with this accommodations;
1 Al Hamra
Premier experience – beach level 1
2. Ocean sports resort
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
3. Lonno lodge
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
4. Temple point resort
Premier experience – beach level 1
5. Hemingways resort
Its merit – beach level 3
6. Wildfitness – baraka house
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
7. Medina palms
Its merit – beach level 3
8. Turtle bay beach club
Its merit – beach level 3
9. St. Thomas mawe boutique hotel
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
Lamu accommodation guide
Lamu has seaside and private island accommodations s are found on the best part of the town, that’s along the beautiful beaches.
1. Kijani hotel
Its merit – beach level 3
2. Diamond beach village
Its merit – beach level 3
3. Baytil ajaib
Its merit – beach level 3
4. Kipungani explorer
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
5. Lamu palace hotel
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
6. Kizingoni beach houses
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
7. Lamu house
Its merit – beach level 3
8. Kizingo
Its merit – beach level 3
9. Peponi hotel
Premier experience – beach level 1
10. Mikes camp
Its merit – beach level 3
11. Manda bay
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
12. The red pepper house
Its merit – beach level 3
13. The majlis resort
Premier experience – beach level 1
14. Subira house
Premier experience – beach level 1
Kilifi Accommodation Guide
In kilifi you will find many accommodations by the beaches.
1. Mnarani club
Its merit – beach level 3
2. Kilifi bay beach resort
Its merit – beach level 3
3 .the beach house
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
4. Baobab sea lodge
Its merit – beach level 3
5. Mara engai indian ocean retreat
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
6. Vipingo ridge
Deluxe experience – beach level 2
The sun plays a big role in the sandy beaches, that’s why in your next vacation to the coast of Kenya you will gladly know that sun shines almost through out the year, providing unlimited platform for absolute relaxation. Sunshine hours vary slightly from 8 to 10 hours while daylight hours remain at 12 hours.
From the snorkelers to divers, Mombasa is ideal for you. Check with the local forecast before planning any beach activity. During the rainy season is when the accommodation is cheap at the coast. The peak season often starts from November with region experiencing high number of visitors all over the world. Karibu Mombasa