Kenya Coast - Bush, Beach, Culture and Cuisines.
The Kenyan Coast commands a strong sense of identity; other than the sandy beaches and the blue turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, it will indeed enchant you with an impressive blend of scents, sounds, and colors and, above all ... a superb dining option.
Mombasa is a colorful Island town with a picturesque blend of ancient and modern structures. The old town and its labyrinth of narrow twisting allay displays the beautifully carved doors, Arab verandas, Bazars with Curios, and antique shops.
The mention of Malindi Town alone evokes a history dating back to the 15th Century when the Portuguese visited the shores, choosing it as a prime trading spot. This small town is at the center of a strip of idyllic tropical beaches, offering world-class resorts and quiet, relaxing hideaways.
Further south, the sleepy town of Watamu, fronted by wide white beaches, beckons you to a thrilling holiday experience. This tranquil haven is home to several well-established resorts and many private guest houses scattered throughout the forest along the deserted shores.
Diani Beach, indisputably the most frequented beach destination on the coast of Kenya, has indeed played host to the high and mighty from all over the world. Located on the South Coast, it has abundant hotels catering to all tastes, from small boutique properties for discerning travelers to larger family hotels.
There are also self-catering properties where you can enjoy privacy and informality during your tour. In the vast South Coast region, you will enjoy water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, water skiing, and Scuba diving, among many others.
Diani Beach lies 35 Km south of Mombasa City. The beach covers the shore for about 25 Km, and it is adjacent to, among others, these famous destinations: Tiwi Beach, Galu Beach, Chale Island, Funzi Island, and Kinondo Island.
Dining At The Coast.
In the hinterland and along the coastline, which covers about 536 Km, lovely dining facilities vary vastly, offering anything from fine dining to casual eateries.
Owing to the fusion of cultures, over the years, the coast has emerged many cuisines to choose from bearing equivalent diversity with the cultures.
These include the native Swahili cuisine, which is incidentally a blend of Arabic, Indian, and African Cooking styles. Some dishes with a heavy Indian and Arabic influence include Pilau and biryani. The Blend of African & Asian Cuisines also produces a wide range of Vegetarian dishes. Other major cuisines on the coast include Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Continental, and many more.
The coast is especially famed for freshly caught seafood, which is a highlight in virtually many outlet’s menus. Local cuisines borrowed from other parts of the country are also available where, in most cases, they are enhanced with a spicy coastal touch. The city hotels, beach hotels, and resorts at the coast also offer a diverse choice of accommodation, conferencing facilities, and a wide range of sporting and leisure activities.
Places To Visit.
Fort Jesus – Mombasa Island.
It was built in 1593 by the Portuguese. It’s located on the edge of a coral ridge overlooking the entrance to the old port of Mombasa. The Fort Jesus Museum houses findings from archeological excavations along the coast, within the fort, and a grand display of the culture and history of the coast and its people.
Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
This section of Mombasa City will definitely take you back to the ancient days when the Arabs Immensely influenced the town’s way of life, setting the pace for a whole new culture. Old buildings, exquisite art designs, and curio shops that sell antique and popular Kenyan souvenirs characterize the town.
The wealth in cultural diversity encompassing a rich brew of locals, Arabs, Asians, Portuguese, and the British who had co-existed for hundreds of years in this area has created a distinct character and culture which has come to define the old town.
Gedi Ruins - Waatamu
The Gedi ruins are located in Gedi off the Malindi- Mombasa road along the road to Watamu. It dates back to the 13th Century and was later abandoned in the 17th Century. Gedi was a small town built entirely from rocks and stones, inhabited by a few thousand Swahili people and ruled by a wealthy Sultan.
Vasco Da Gama Pillar - Malindi
This Pillar sits in a picturesque location on the seafront road near the Jetty. The Pillar can be reached from Scorpio Villas or the Malindi’s Silversands. The Pillar is one of the oldest remaining monuments in Africa and was built in 1498 by the great Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama as a sign of appreciation for the welcome the Sultan of Malindi gave him.
Simba Hills National Reserve
About 45 minutes from Diani, Simba Hills National Reserves is a raw taste of the wild side of the Kenyan Coast. A tropical rain forest, which is cool and refreshing, a far cry from the heat and humidity of the beach. Inside the forest is the magical Sheldricks’s waterfall.
Others
- Haller Park (the largest animal sanctuary in Mombasa),
- Mamba Village (East Africa’s largest crocodile farm),
- Mombasa tusks (a symbolic representation of entrance into the heart of Mombasa town),
- Hindu temple (an important symbol of Mombasa’s cultural diversity),
- Mnarani ruins (an ancient Swahili Coastal Settlement dating back to the early 14 th Century)
- Mombasa Marine Park and National Reserve (Rich in coral reef and abundant marine life),
- John Krapf Memorial (an area in Nyali with the Graves and Memorial of this Pioneer missionary and His Family
- Bombolulu workshop, among others.
- Vasco Da Gama Pillar In Malindi
- Mida Creek - Watamu
With all these at hand, you are indeed spoilt for choice as a visitor bound to behold a vacation as flawless and elegant to befit the highest nobility.
Blavals Adventure ensures nothing indulges your sense of entitlement more than the magnificently planned tour experience.
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