MOMBASA AND THE CORAL COAST

The Kenya coastal belt is a distinctive part of Kenya's unrivalled attractions. It is an integrated destination whose history goes back to well over one thousand years.

The coast has had a turbulent history as symbolized by Fort Jesus, a massive fortification built and completed by the Portuguese. Being the gateway to East Africa, the Kenya coast has a striking and colourful mixture of people and cultures that have defied the passage of time. Beyond the palm fringed white sandy beaches and extending from North to South lies a spectacular coral barrier reef which runs for a distance of four hundred and eighty kilometers and teems with wonders of underwater exploration in the blue lagoons and creeks. The area has an overwhelming birdlife in the mangrove forests and on the overhanging cliffs.


Nyali Beach hotel
 

These attractions coupled with a variety of entertainment and superb accommodation facilities make the Kenyan coast an incomparable holiday circuit for both beach and nature lovers. Kenya's colourful coral coast is a playground for sun and sand worshippers who in addition may also enjoy the rich variety of attractions that make Kenya a unique tourist destination.

It is possible to swim in the warm clear waters of the Indian Ocean in the morning, watch wildlife in its natural habitat in the afternoon, and in the evening socialize with the locals over a drink in a relaxing and cozy atmosphere. Numerous water sports such as windsurfing, big game fishing, dhow safaris, scuba diving and snorkeling are available. Golf is also a popular sport.

MOMBASA: The island town of Mombasa is the main sea gate on the East African Coastline and is Kenya's second largest city. Worth seeing in this lively town is Fort Jesus built by the Portuguese and Biashara Street, which is literally a shoppers paradise where one can purchase locally woven fabrics and carvings.

MALINDI AND WATAMU MAINE PARKSAND RESERVES: Malindi and Watamu Marine Parks and reserves to be established in Kenya. Both were opened in 1979. The reef plays a central role as bio-diversity stronghold as it provides ideal breeding grounds for fish and other marine life.

LAMU ISLAND: Lamu archipelago with its magnificent old houses and narrow alleys that have defied the passage of time, delicate wood craftsmanship of yester year, numerous mosques and a thriving Swahili culture is an ideal resort for those who like going down memory lane. Little has changed and one of can capture the ambience and mystery of one of the trading posts of East African coastline that has persisted for the last seven centuries.


SPURWING TRAVEL & TOURS
KAREN, DAGORETI ROAD # 326, NEXT TO NYUMBANI CHILDREN'S HOME
P.O. BOX 390 - 00502 NAIROBI, KENYA
TEL: +254-20-3884412/ 3882321/ 3882306 TEL/FAX: +254-20-3883418 418
CELLPHONE: +254-722-521702 / +254-733-607181 / +254-720-491700
E-MAIL: safari@spurwingkenya.com