Introducing the Kenyan Coast – A Magical Beach Holiday Destination By Solomon Okila At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

The over 480 kilometers stretch of vast uninterrupted white sandy beaches, fringed with palms, casuarinas, oleanders and brilliant bougainvillea, washed by the incredible sparkling blue waters of an opal Indian Ocean, refreshed by gentle monsoon breezes, makes the Kenya coast one of the most idyllic resort areas anywhere in the world.

The tropical coastline of East Africa has been recognized by historians for over a thousand years, from Ptolemy to the Turks. And from the Arabs to the Portuguese who took over Mombasa in the 16th Century. In fact, the Portuguese stayed on the East African Coast for over a century. At the end, they built and left behind an indelible mark in the name of Fort Jesus. The imposing fort stands mighty in Mombasa and can be seen as you approach the current port of Kilindini. The Portuguese were eventually starved off by the Arabs.

In the North and South coastline stand some of Kenya’s finest hotels, nestling in cleared beach front areas, offering a very wide variety in terms of class, style, comfort and cuisine. You will be spoilt of choices when it comes to holiday activities including water sports, deep-sea fishing and other adventurers’ activities.

On the south coast of Kenya , you find the Kisite Marine Park. It is almost at the Tanzania border. This marine park an intriguing underwater world. You can visit and enjoy the beauty of Kisite Marine Park from Shimoni or Wasini Island on a lovely dhow trip. There are good reliable excursion companies like Wasini Dhows and Dolphin Dhows that offer these excursions.

On the North coast , Nyali Beach, Bamburi Beach, Shanzu Beach and Kikambala are a paradise of sand and bright blue sea, with their calm, unruffled water. Night life and entertainment options abound in plenty. Families with children have plenty of options in terms of activities for the young ones. Some of the hotels with elaborate young-holiday makers programs include Voyager Beach Resort and Club Sun n Sands.

Mombasa City

Mombasa is the second most important city of Kenya. But it is the largest and most popular island on the Kenya coast.

This old but vibrant gateway to Kenya is a mystical mixture of ancient and modern, with a cosmopolitan population blending Africa, Arabia and Asia. But not everyone realizes that this picturesque port is an island with two deep water harbors. Evocative of the east, graceful sailing dhows unchanged throughout the centuries, arrive on the monsoon winds, while ocean liners berth just around the headland. Fringing the dhow harbor is the Old Town, dominated by the ancient Portuguese Fort Jesus, a maze of narrows streets overshadowed by high ornamental balconies of quaint shuttered houses and vibrant open bazaars.
Mombasa city is home to the second-largest airport in Kenya on the mainland. There is also an airstrip in the southern part – Ukunda airstrip.

Malindi Town

Historically, Malindi dates back to the 9th Century with Arab occupation from the 13th Century onwards.

Malindi was a rich trading centre with the Near East and had Arabic influence for more than 500 years. It is now a popular beach resort along the Kenyan coast.

About 18 kilometers south of this ancient town, surrounded by the Arabuko Sokokwe Forest, you will find the lost City of Gedi - sometimes referred to as Gede ruins. The inhabitants of this city inexplicably vanished over 300 years ago!

Around Malindi town there are 2 Marine national parks. Both provide wonderful underwater coral gardens and thousands of tropical fish, secluded curved bays, with incredible beaches that defy description.

Malindi airport serves the town and accommodates both schedule and charter flights from Mombasa, Lamu and Nairobi.

Lamu Island

As one of the earliest Arab settlements along the coast, Lamu has preserved his architecture and a tempo reminiscent of the 18th Century. This Swahili town, the last remaining bastion of the Shirazi, the oldest of the cultures on this coast, is a delightful anachronism carrying on its daily life just as it has always, for centuries.

There are beautiful beaches, a wonderful underwater world along the reefs in the Kiunga Marine National Park and 2 remote hideaways on Kiwayu and Manda for those who dream of deserted tropical islands in the sun.

The airport at Manda accommodates flights, schedule and even charters from Nairobi, Malindi and Mombasa.

Few other places evoke such romance and ambience as the Kenyan Coast. Even as it embodies the turbulent history of East Africa, it still beckons with the friendliest smile of all. Today’s visitor will feel the warmth of the people as they while away their holiday and vacation.

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