Tours Travel

Why African beaches and islands are a key tourist attraction for holidays, tours and safaris

WATAMU

Watamu is about 170 km from Mombasa airport with a transfer time of about 2 hours. You can enter Mombasa using any international airline through Nairobi for your seaside vacation. From Nairobi you can fly with Kenya Airways, Flamingo Airlines, Air Kenya or Eagle Aviation. You can also take the train or travel by road for a distance of 500kms. Watamu National Park is part of a complex of tidal and marine habitats on the north coast of Kenya that extends from the town of Malindi to beyond the entrance to Mida Creek. It is within the Malindi National Marine Reserve, which also encloses the Malindi National Marine Park. Habitats include intertidal rock, sand, and mud; fringing reefs and coral gardens; seagrass beds; coral cliffs, platforms and islets; sandy beaches and mangrove forests of Mida Creek. The park was designated as a biosphere reserve in 1979.

MALINDI

Historically it dates back to the 9th century, with Arab occupation from the 13th century. It has been a rich center of trade with the Middle East and this influence can be seen in its Moorish architecture. Malindi brings visions of a great historical town that passed through different civilizations and each one of them has left a mark on this ancient town. Beginning in the era of early Chinese and Arab traders to Portuguese sailors and later European settlers. It is now a popular beach resort. The 1980s brought in a lot of Italian investment and many built their summer villas here, hence the recent Italian influence in the restaurants and shops. These investors have transformed Malindi into a major tourist destination. However, there is still a lot of warmth and hospitality from the Kenyan people in Malindi.

Malindi is also known for its dining experience with its restaurants, hotels, cafes, and other eating places offering a wide range of cuisines.

MOMBASA

The city of Mombasa is the second largest city and the main port of Kenya. It has a history dating back almost 2,000 years, during which it was colonized by the Portuguese, Arabs and British respectively. The city is actually located on a small island and is a cosmopolitan mix of African, Arab, Asian and European cultures. Mombasa’s Old Town is fascinating and worth exploring for its maze of narrow streets and architecture. The original inhabitants of Mombasa live in the old town and the place, which has historical links with Zanzibar, is well worth a visit. In fact and historically, the city of Mombasa and many other coastal cities including Kilifi, Malindi and Lamu were colonies of the Sultan of Zanzibar at the time and there was intermarriage and other exchanges of social and economic activities.

THE PARADISE OF KIWAYU ISLAND

Perched north of Lamu is this beautiful and idyllic island, a far cry from the maddening crowd. The clientele is the discerning traveler who likes the rustic look of Kiwayu’s few bands, but also likes the unobtrusive luxury they offer. Enjoy the proximity of nature in this northern Lamu archipelago. The “Kitangani Baobabs” nestled among the huge everlasting baobabs, almost invisible from the beach, create a dream for the traveler who expects perfect surroundings and total privacy.

ADVENTURES IN LAMU ISLAND

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 and gold, Arabian sea chests and many intriguing artifacts, not forgetting a visit to the interesting museum. The religious festivals of Maulindi are quite a spectacle when Muslims celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. During Maulindi celebrations and full moon festivals, he simply dances barefoot and sings.

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