Mombasa Beaches
Looking for a place to relax? Let us take you to a tropical beach where you enjoy the glorious Kenya sunshine or enjoy the 'Real Africa' and combine your holiday with our range of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 night safari options - it's up to you! The startling contrasts of landscape and the outstanding natural beauty of Kenya must be seen to be believed. Long stretches of white sandy beaches are lapped by crystal clear, turquoise waters protected by the coral reef, which runs almost the entire length of our 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 blue 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 cave diving.
Getting There
The gateway to the North Coast is Mombasa, although some visitors fly directly to Malindi. The Coastal highway runs north of Mombasa all the way to Kenya's northern frontier. Driving your own car or hired car as far as Malindi is very easy. There are regular buses and matatus along the North coast. Many hotels and resorts in this area have Mombasa shuttles or can arrange vehicle transfers. Private taxis from Mombasa will also take you to the North Coast beaches for an agreed fare. Malindi airport has daily scheduled flights to Mombasa, Nairobi and Lamu. The airport also serves Private Charters.
Getting Around
Regular buses and Matatus service the North Coast Highway. Services are less regular north of Mailndi. Taxis can be found in any town, or at most hotels or
Resorts.
MOMBASA EXCURSIONS
SPS 36 - Mombasa 1/2 Day City Tour US$ 50.00
The tour presents some of the best highlights of this colorful old city. Your tour will visit the bustling fruit and vegetable market, which has been in operation since colonial days. As you wander the streets of The Old Arab town, you will see the intricate hand carved doors, and balconies hanging over the narrow streets, unchanged for hundreds of years. Protecting the harbor stands Fort Jesus which was built by the Portuguese over 400 years ago to protect their interest in East Africa against Omani Arabs. See how it went from a Fort to a Prison, to a tourist attraction. Walk under the famous elephant tusks on Moi Avenue, which you probably have seen in those old African adventure movies. Finally we visit the Akamba wood carvers center. Here you can purchase a fine hand carved African memento. A short excursion full of culture, history and not to be missed. For the photographer, sights and opportunities for great photos abound.
SPS 37 - Mamba Village afternoon visit US $ 50.00
Mamba Village hosts Africa's largest Crocodile Farm. Your visit will coincide with feeding time at 5:00pm.This one is great for the kids. This trip will also include the beautiful botanical in this area. Nature in all her glory with the assistance of man, presents breathtaking views. Great places to take pictures to send back home or just to put on the mantle. Take a picture with the flora and fauna as the background. It is just beautiful!
SPS 38 - Mombasa at Night & Dinner in the Castle US $ 150.00
The enjoyment and romance begins when you are picked up from your hotel at 5:30pm. You will be taken to the old port and escorted onto to an authentic Arab Dhow. As the sun sets, you set sail into the harbor and past Fort Jesus. The dark African night sky full of stars, the lapping of waves against the dhow, truly a romantic setting if ever there was one. Then as you glide past Fort Jesus you are treated to a sound and light show that is absolutely spectacular. After the show you will make your landing and venture into the Fort for supper. When supper is done and you have had your fill, the night life begins. Next comes a trip to a casino where you can gamble for a couple of hours, if you choose. The evening then concludes with a visit to the world famous BORA BORA club. At midnight native dancers put on a spectacular floor show. The costumes of the female dancers alone are worth seeing even if they don't dance. After the show the music goes on until the early hours of the morning. You can dance all night long if you want to and are able to.
SPS 39 - Tamarind Evening Dhow US$ 125.00
Spend the evening aboard a traditional Arab Dhow. Music, Romance and fine food. As the dhow leisurely cruises in old Mombasa harbor past peaceful creeks flowing from the island you will dine on a Sumptuous Seafood meal. Later you can dance under the stars. The black African night, the stars as you have never seen them, music, and the sound of water against the dhow sets the mood for romance. As you cruise you can almost sense bygone time when life went at a much slower pace. Don't miss this one; it is the GEM in the crown of any Safari.
SPS 40 - Ngomongo Cultural Tour US$ 50.00
For centuries there existed a thriving culture and society in East Africa. This society was a mix of Arab and native peoples cultures. Then people from Europe came into this part of the world and put their mark on it. For several centuries their influence only went a short distance inland from the settlements along the coast. During the 19th century (1800"s) the people from Europe came in force and pushed into the heart of Africa, and changed it forever. Ngomongo Cultural center is a look back in time in miniature of tribal life and community groundings. Here you are able to get a glimpse of the lifestyle and cultures that existed for centuries before “civilization" came to Africa. Different traditional tribal huts are set up in this themed village, with peoples from the different tribes portraying their ancestors. Watch and even participate in different food preparation, its hard work, and no labor saving devices here. You are in for a surprise when you sample the local brews. Enjoy, marvel or participate in the various tribal dances, nothing to stop you from having a great time. As a matter of fact they will encourage you to join in. but then as all good things, they all have to come to an end. Hope that you brought along your camera, for the photo opportunities are plentiful. The memories will last a lifetime.
SPS 41 - Wasini Island & Kisite Sea Adventure US$ 150.00
The day starts early as you head south towards Tanzania. On the drive south you pass through the lush Coconut and Cashew Plantations. Here we have Plantations that have thrived since the early days of settlement along the coast. As you drive by look at the coconut trees and you will see foot holds carved into the trunks. There are some trees as high as 60 feet or more. Imagine how many years these trees have been climbed for their bounty. Soon you will pass thru the colorful villages of the Digo Peoples. When you reach you destination of Shimoni you will board a motorized Dhow to Lamu. Now the best part of the journey begins as you sail through an enchanting seascape of islands set in a pristine sea of unbelievable blue. Then you arrive at Kisite Marine Park, an underwater park. It is here that underwater splendors await you. In the shallow warm water that surround Kisite Island the water abounds with marine life. Here you can snorkel and marvel at the incredible variety of marine life. Scuba Divers can explore a number of excellent dive sites in the coral reefs. Their is an astounding amount of and variety of marine life at all levels of the reefs. To top off the trip, sumptuous Swahili style seafood lunch is served at Wasini island restaurant. After lunch when you have had your fill we visit a traditional Muslim village before retuning back to Mombasa in the late Afternoon. . Bring your snorkel and bathing suit, and underwater camera if you have one.
SPS 42 - Shimba National Reserve US$ 160.00
This one is a day trip. As you drive along you have the opportunity to take in the sights along the road. Arriving at Shimba Lodge at around noon, we take our lunch at the lodge. The afternoon is spent in the reserve on a game drive. As the day draws to a close you are returned to your hotel in Mombasa. A good deal for a road trip, lunch and a game drive.
SPS 43 - Tsavo East National Park US$ 160.00
Before sun even rises you are taken from your hotel for a drive along the Mombasa Nairobi highway. The highway follows very closely the rail line to Nairobi. There is a lot of history in this area, and you will just go flying by it for 140 Kilometers. Tsavo East National Park will be entered via the Bachuma Gate. This will start your game viewing, for wildlife is abundant in the park. Lunch will be at Voi Safari Lodge. After lunch you will return to your game viewing. Wildlife in the park include the "RED" Elephants, Lions, Buffalo, Giraffes, zebras and many other plains animals. When you finish your game viewing in the afternoon you will be returned to your hotel in Mombasa in the early evening. For a quick view of African wildlife this is the one to go on. Plenty of photo opportunities, good food, and excellent guides. Well worth the time, when you don't have much time
SPS 44 - Nature Trail Park
This is an afternoon trip, headed just outside of the city. Here is an example of how a wasteland and Bamburi stone quarry has been reclaimed and made an attraction. An abundance of wildlife and birds resides in and amongst the Casuarina trees. Here you will see Eland, Buffalo, Crocodiles and many reptiles. Majestic crowned cranes inhabit the area, and add beauty and grace to the area. The end the afternoon trip you will visit the commercial aquaculture in the area. Now that should be something to see . There are lessons to be learned here.
Lamu Island, Kenya
It is remote and self contained; Lamu is a place, which offers an unmatched cultural feast and a traditional architectural style. It has successfully retained its traditions and heritage over the centuries. Once a thriving port town, today Lamu is reputed among the tourists as a relaxed destination with a glorious past.
Places of interest in Lamu, Kenya
SPS 45 - Lamu Museum
The museum is located at a walking distance from the hotel on the Kenyatta Road. On the entrance of the museum are some photographs of Lamu.
There is an amazing collection of weapons and costumes dating back to 18th century.
SPS 46 - Swahili House Museum
The Swahili House Museum is a traditional Swahili House restored with all the traditional Swahili furniture. Parts of the museum have the various colors of Swahili culture
SPS 47 - Lamu Fort
You pass through the colorful streets of Lamu and watch the people engaged in daily activities. In the past the fort served as both a fort and prison. There is an exhibition on the environment, a shop and a library, and a café overlooking the busy square at the entrance.
SPS 48 - Donkey Sanctuary
Located on the northern part of Lamu, close to waterfront, this is one of the most striking places in Lamu. You have a chance to see how well animals are treated.
SPS 49 - Malindi and Watamu Beach in Kenya
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 both 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 other worldly 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.
