Why African islands and beaches are a key tourist attraction for vacations, tours and safaris
WATAMU
Watamu is about 170 kms from Mombasa airport with a transfer time of approximately 2 hours. You can enter Mombasa using any international airline via Nairobi for your seaside vacation. From Nairobi you can fly Kenya Airways, Flamingo Airlines, Air Kenya or Eagle Aviation. You can also take the train or travel by road a distance of 500kms. Watamu National Park is part of a complex of marine and tidal habitats on the north coast of Kenya that extends from the city of Malindi to beyond the entrance to the Mida Creek. It is within the Malindi National Marine Reserve, which also includes the Malindi National Marine Park. Habitats include intertidal rock, sand, and mud; strips of reefs and coral gardens; seagrass beds; coral cliffs, platforms and islets; sandy beaches and mangrove forest of Mida Creek. The park was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1979.
MALINDI
Historically it dates back to the 9th century, with the Arab occupation beginning in the 13th century. It has been a rich trade center with the Near East and this influence can be seen characterized in its Arabic architecture. Malindi brings visions of a great historical city that traveled through different civilizations and each of them has left a mark on this ancient city. From the era of the first Chinese and Arab merchants to the Portuguese sailors and later to the European settlers. It is now a popular beach resort. The 1980s brought a lot of Italian investment and many built their summer villas here, hence the recent Italian influence on restaurants and shops. These investors have transformed Malindi into a major tourist destination. However, there is still a lot of warmth and hospitality in the experience of the Kenyan people in Malindi.
Malindi is also known for its gastronomic experience with its restaurants, hotels, cafes and other places to eat 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 time it was colonized by the Portuguese, Arabs, and British, respectively. The city is 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 it is worth visiting the place, which has historical ties to Zanzibar. 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 that time and there were intermarriage and other exchanges of social and economic activities.
THE PARADISE OF THE ISLAND OF KIWAYU
Located north of Lamu is this beautiful and idyllic island far away from the maddening crowd. The clientele is the discerning traveler who likes the rustic look of the few Kiwayu bands, but also likes the unobtrusive luxury they offer. Enjoy the proximity of nature in this northern Lamu archipelago. The “Baobabs of Kitangani” nested among the huge everlasting baobabs, almost invisible from the beach, create a dream for the traveler who expects a perfect environment and total privacy.
ADVENTURES ON LAMU ISLAND
About 200 kilometers north of Malindi is a refuge away from civilization. Lamu Island is a unique medieval Swahili city 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 to mention a visit to the interesting museum. The Maulindi religious festivals are a spectacle when Muslims celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. During Maulindi ceremonies and full moon festivals, he dances barefoot and sings.
