Kenya Vacation Guide
About Kenya
Why Visit Kenya
Things Uniquely Kenyan
Kenya News
Kenya Food
Kenya Weather
Kenya Animals
Things to do.
Mountain Climbing
Cycling.
Rafting.
Canoeing.
Adventure.
Ballooning.
Animal Safari.
Snorkeling.
Bungee Jumping.
Ecotourism.
Cultural Visits.
Backpacking.
Camel Races.
Scuba Diving.
Game Fishing.
Photo Safari.
Bird Watching.
Sports Safari.
Flying.
Skydiving.
Kilimanjaro Travel.
Game Parks & Reserves.
Tsavo.
Masai Mara.
Aberdares.
Amboseli.
Nairobi Park.
Lake Nakuru.
Marsabit.
Meru Park.
Mount Kenya.
Samburu.
Popular Towns.
Mombasa
Nakuru
Eldoret
Kisumu
Lamu
Malindi
Mt. Kenya
Nairobi City
Kenya Beaches
Kenya Coast
Lodges and Resorts
Hotels and Lodges
Kenya Resorts
Mt Kenya Safari Club
Financial Services
Vacation Planning Tips
Planning a Safari
Getting there
Getting Around
Finding cheap Flights
Kenya Airfares
Kenya Airports
Kenya Tours
Kenya Travel Packages
Calling Kenya
Kenya Coast.
Discover the warm Sandy beaches, coral reefs, People, Culture and More.
|
Kenya's Tourism is centered at the Kenyan Coast due to its great scenery and attractions that bring in thousands of tourist every year. There are beautiful, white sand beaches lined with palm trees, warm sea water and coral reefs. It has a warm climate with cool breeze from the sea that is very relaxing. Kenya's coastal area has an interesting and unique culture. It is the place where Arab and African cultures blended together to create a new unique culture, the Swahili Culture. |
Since early times, Arab traders and migrants settled at the coast and intermarried with the local African inhabitants creating a unique culture that resembled the people of the Islamic Gulf states. These people are today known as the Swahili. They speak the Swahili language, a blend of Arabic and African language that is now Kenya's National Language.
The Portuguese first arrived at the kenya coast in 1500, quickly gained and built the historic Fort Jesus for their protection. Trade flourished until 1698 when the Sultans of Oman attacked and conquered Fort Jesus and the entire Kenyan coast. Under the control of the Seyyid Said, the Omani Ruler, trade resumed including the exports of coconut, cloves, ivory, hides and Slaves.
In 1800, the British banned Slave Trade and took control of Kenya's interior but left the 10-mile wide kenyan coast strip to the Sultan. In 1920 this too was incorporated to become a British protectorate.
A cottage in Kenyan Coast*
Kenyan Coast Today
Today, Kenya's coast is full of historical sites, trading ports, beautiful beaches, and luxury resorts.
A trip to the Kenyan coast gives an opportunity to kick back and relax in the sun, scuba-dive, fish game-fish or take a dhow cruise in the Indian Ocean. You can also learn the Rich culture and traditions of the coastal people.
The warm Indian Ocean waters provide some of the best places for snorkeling and diving. Other attractions include game fish and coral reefs located at Malindi, Watamu Bay, and Shimoni.
Mombasa is the biggest coastal city in Kenya, and the second biggest city in all of Kenya after Nairobi. It has a big sea port that serves the whole of East Africa. The Old town with its narrow winding streets offer picturesque sights of nicely carved doors, narrow verandahs, bazaars and curio shops.
Fort Jesus, built in 1593 by the Portuguese is Mombasa's biggest attraction. It is today a historical museum.
Hippo and Monkeys at Mombasa Zoo.**
Lamu is another historical city at the coast. It's a remote island town that will take you back in time to experience its ancient history. Lamu has retained its ancient coastal kenya appearance and character over hundreds of years. Most people enjoy walking, cycling, riding donkeys and sailing Dhows in Lamu.
Malindi is another coastal town famous for its Marine National Park that has lots of coral reefs and colorful fish. You can take a ride in a glass bottomed boat and see the fish in the ocean or swim with the fish while snorkeling.
Relaxing at the Beach in Lamu***
Other links:
|
Content Copyright: Mwongera Kioga: |
Images under Creative Commons Attribution Licence. ** by Mic Walker |