The Kenyan coast is roughly divided into ‘North and ‘South’ of the island city of Mombasa.To reach the south coast, it is necessary to cross from the island of Mombasa via the Likoni Ferry (10 minutes) to the start of the south coast beaches. The link to the north coast is via the Nyali Bridge, which leads from the island (via the suburb of Nyali) to the north coast. 

Climate

Coastal temperatures average 28 centigrade tempered by the monsoon winds (the southeast monsoon, the Kaskazi blows from April to October, while the northeast monsoon, the Kazi blows from November to March – a daily average of eight hours of sunshine. 

The history of the coast

The Kenyan coast offers a colourful history. From the 9th century onwards, Indian and Arab traders mingled with the indigenous population to create the unique Swahili culture, much of which still survives until this day. During the 15th century, the Portuguese stamped their mark on the coast, fighting with the Omani Arabs, their main legacy being Fort Jesus in Mombasa’ Old Town. 

The coast then remained an entity in itself with little connection to the interior, apart from that forged by the Arab caravans, which trekked inland for ivory and slaves. At the turn of the 19th century, the British established a foothold and declared the coast, which at the time was in the hands of the Omani Arabs, a British Protectorate. 

Subsequently, Mombasa became pivotal in the development of Kenya as a British colony, being the starting point for the building of the Uganda railway. Today it still plays a vital role as the hub of commodity transportation inland. Mombasa is also a strategic port on the East African coastline.

The remains of many early Swahili settlements dot the coastline, the most significant being the 15th century Gedi ruins south of Malindi, while Lamu town has been designated a World Heritage Site due to its significance as a Swahili Centre. The coast also boasts unique and diverse habitats, both in maritime and terrestrial national parks and reserves. Highlights include: Mombasa Old Town, Lamu, Gedi, the Arabuko Sokoke Beaches

The north coast features features:

Nyali Beach

Kenyatta and Bamburi Beaches

Shanzu beach 

Kilifi

Watamu

Other places of interest include:

• Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve
• The Baobab Adventure
• Haller Park – a magnificent example of land reclamation by the Bamburi Cement Company named in order of Rene Haller who instigated the project over the past 30 years. Leafy oasis, game sanctuary, nature trail commercial fish farm – antelope, hippo, giant tortoise and Rothschild’s giraffe, crocodile, snake park and palmetium. Bamburi Forest rails – picnicking BBQ Butterfly Pavilion, 
• Nguuni Wildlife Sanctuary, 5km from Haller Park reclaimed park Masai ostrich eland and oryx and bird life (260 species). 
• Mamba Village – crocodile farm with 10, 00 crocodiles, camel rides and horse riding. 
• Ngomongo villages – representation of ten of Kenya tribes illustrating traditional homesteads, dress and activities. 
• Jumba la Mtwana (Mansion of the Slave) - 2kms north of Mtwapa Creek (10 minutes from the Serena Beach Hotel) this national monument contains the remains of a 15th century Swahili slaving settlement and three ruined mosques. Jumba la Mtwana is open daily 8am to 6pm and fees are payable upon entry. The site is signposted 1 km north of Mtwapa Bridge.
• Mnarani Ruins - Just south of Kilifi creek the remains of a 15th century Swahili settlement including a magnificent pillar tomb and Friday mosque. 
• Bombolulu is a crafts training school and manufacturing centre that employs over 260 disabled people, mostly polio victims. It features five handicraft workshops, all of which you can visit and the most famous of which is the jewellery workshop offering a wide variety of designs in metal and local materials such as old coins and seeds. There is also a cultural centre displaying six traditional homesteads, a central restaurant and dance floor where traditional crafts, cooking and farming are demonstrated. The Bombolulu workshops are open Monday to Friday 8am to 12.45pm and 2-5pm. There is also a cultural centre and craft showrooms. Bombolulu is 3km north of Nyali Bridge.