Why African Beaches and Islands Are a Key Tourist Attraction For Holidays, Tours and Safaris
WATAMU
Watamu is about 170 kms from Mombasa Airport with transfer time of approximately 2 hours. You can get into Mombasa using any International Airline via Nairobi for your Coastal Holiday. From Nairobi you can fly Kenya Airways, Flamingo Airlines, Air Kenya or Eagle Aviation. You can also take the train or travel by road a distance of 500kms. Watamu National Park is part of a complex of marine and tidal habitats on Kenya’s North coast stretching from Malindi town to past the entry to the Mida creek. It is within the Malindi Marine National Reserve which also encloses Malindi Marine National Park. Habitats include intertidal rock, sand and mud; fringing reefs and coral gardens; beds of sea grass; coral cliffs, platforms and islets; sandy beaches and Mida Creek mangrove forest. The park was designated as a Biosphere reserve in 1979.
MALINDI
Historically dates back to the 9th Century, with Arab occupation from the 13th Century onwards. It has been a rich trade center with the near East and this influence can be seen characterized in its Arabic architecture. Malindi brings visions of a great historic town that journeyed through different civilizations and each of them has left a mark on this ancient town. Starting from the era of the early Chinese and Arabian traders to the Portuguese sailors and later on to European settlers. It is now a popular Beach Resort. The 1980’s brought in a lot of Italian investment with many building their summer villas here, thus the recent Italian influence in the restaurants and shops. These investors have transformed Malindi into an important tourism destination. Yet there is still much warmth and hospitality of the people of Kenya experience in Malindi.
Malindi is also known for its gastronomic expertise with its restaurants, hotels, coffeehouses and other eating places offering a wide range of cuisines.
MOMBASA
Mombasa town is Kenya’s second largest city and main port. It has a history stretching back nearly 2,000 years, during which it was colonized by the Portuguese, Arabs and the British respectively. The town is actually on a small island, and is a cosmopolitan blend of African, Arabic, Asian and European cultures. The old town of Mombasa is fascinating and worth exploring for its maze of narrow streets and architecture. The original inhabitants of Mombasa live in the old town and it is note worthy visiting the place-which has historical ties with Zanzibar. As a matter of fact and historically, the town of Mombasa and many other coastal towns including Kilifi, Malindi and Lamu were colonies of the Sultan of Zanzibar then and there were intermarriages and other exchange of social and economic activities.
KIWAYU ISLAND PARADISE
Perched north of Lamu is this lovely and idyllic island very far from the maddening crowd. The clientele is the discerning traveller who like the rustic look of the Kiwayu’s few bandas but also like the un obstructive luxury they offer as well. Enjoy the proximity of nature in this northern Lamu archipelago. The “Baobabs of Kitangani” nestling between the enormous ageless baobabs, almost invisible from the beach creates a dream for the traveler expecting a perfect setting and total privacy.
LAMU ISLAND ADVENTURES
Some 200 kilometers North of Malindi lies a haven from civilization. Lamu Island is a unique medieval Swahili town with no roads or vehicles. Its streets are designed wide enough to allow only the passage of camels and donkeys. On a shopping spree there are carvings, brass & gold, Arab sea chests and lots of intriguing artifacts, not forgetting a visit to the interesting museum. the Maulindi religious festival are a spectacle when the Muslims cerebrate the birth of prophet Mohamed. During the cerebrations of Maulindi and full moon festivals just get dance barefooted and sing along.