Mombasa the old and colourful gateway to Kenya is a vibrant mixture of ancient and modern, with an interesting blend of Africa, Arab and Asian cultures. The city, port and airport are actually on an island, connected to the beaches by a causeway to the north and the Likoni Ferry to the south. The Dhow Harbour, the old City with it's maze of narrow streets, quaint shuttered houses and open fronted shops and the ancient Portuguese 'Fort Jesus' (now a museum) make up a worthy full day "away from the beach" excursion.
The main tourist centre of Diani Beach, some 40 kilometres south of Mombasa, accross Likoni Creek, offers a range of fine hotels, restaurants and a variety of activities including watersports and golf. Behind the beaches are patches of indigenous forest where Colobus Monkeys, Baboons, birds and butterflies run riot. Jadani Forest is a morning's trek from the beach hotels and a few more kilometres inland is the cool and refreshing wildlife getaway of the Shimba Hills National Park.
Sunrise at the Cove Retreat in Mombasa
At the far southern end of the coast is unspoilt Shimoni, with it's relics of the slave trade and coral gardens and the departure point for Liveaboard diving safaris and Dhow excursions to the Kisite / Mpunguti Marine Park. North of Mombasa the beaches of Nyali, Shanzu and Bamburi all have good hotels in a generally less crowded environment. Further north, the picturesque town of Kilifi offers virtually deserted beaches, an historial natural harbour and an extension creek, perfect for sailing.
The coast of Kenya features 480 kilometres of silver white sandy beaches fringed with palms, fascinating mangrove swamps and magical creeks, all washed by the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean. For much of it's length, from Malindi in the North to Vanga in the South, the shore is protected by a living coral reef. More than 250 brilliantly coloured species of fish, marine plants and other creatures live in the sheltered lagoons. The Marine Parks of Watamu, Malindi, Mombasa and Shimoni protect these reefs and the waters they embrace. The reefs, coral garden and lagoons are a paradise for snorkelling and scuba diving whilst the open waters a mecca for game fishing.
Beautiful beaches of Leopard Beach Resort and Spa
Hotels in Mombasa
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