This is one of the
country's main attractions, with its natural beauty, endless sand and
coral reefs, which are incomparable with anywhere else in the world. It
offers a combination of historical sites, trading ports with a strong
Arab - Muslim influence, impressive beaches, diving opportunities, snorkeling,
deep-sea fishing and a variety of wild game and bird species.
FORT
JESUS
This fortress was built in 1593 by the Portuguese and is today a museum.
The most interesting features in the fort are the Omani house, The audience
hall, and the passage of the Arches, exhibits of carvings and many others.
Other attractions in Mombasa City are the famous elephant tusks in Moi
Avenue and the Akamba wood carvers' center.
THE
OLD TOWN
This is an interesting area to walk around. The old town consists of old
houses dating to 100 years, with a variety of architectural structures
based on Swahili, Indian and British cultures. The main attractions
with these houses are the carved doors and doorframes and palms thatched
or tile roofing.
SOUTH
OF MOMBASA
The beaches are the main attractions here. These are white coral sand
and are protected by a coral reef; thus, the danger of Shark attack when
swimming is completely eliminated. Some examples of these beaches are;
Shelly, Tiwi, and Diani. At Tiwi, snorkeling and diving expeditions are
available. At Shimoni and Wasini Island, there are Muslim ruins, coral
gardens, and the Kisite Marine National Park that also offers snorkeling,
diving and dhow trip. Situated south of Mombasa is the magnificent Shimba
Hills Reserve, with superb views over the Indian Ocean to the east and
bush country to the west. Among these cool and rolling hills with tropical
forest streams and waterfalls, live buffalo, leopard, elephant and the
rare Sable antelope as well as a colorful variety of bird species.
NORTH OF MOMBASA
This is where we have the Mamba Village, which is a crocodile farm set
among streams, waterfalls and wooden bridges. There is also the Bamburi
Nature Trail, which was created on reclaimed and reforested areas damaged
by cement production activities. It is a mini replica of a wildlife park
with such animals as oryx, waterbuck, buffalo and a variety of birds.
The complex also includes a fish farm, crocodile farm, a reptile pit and
a plant nursery.
KILIFIMNARANI
This was one of the strings of Swahili city-states dotting the East African
coast, to the end of the 14th century. The main ruins here include; theGreat
mosque, Tombs, and a small mosque dating the 16-century, parts of the
town wall and a deep well.
WATAMU
This is a beach resort development with its own Marine National Reserve
and has the most impressive coral reef, with clear underground visibility.
GEDI
RUINS
This is one of the famous tourist attraction at the coast because of the
extensive ruins of this Arab- Swahili town, built of coral lime and earth.
Other main ruins found here are - the Great Mosque, the Palace, Houses
and a host of butterfly species in the Butterfly Farm. There are also
a number of deep wells.
MALINDI
Malindi town dates back to 14th century and was an important Swahili settlement
.The main attractions here are: the Vasco da Gama pillar, the cross he
erected as a navigational aid and the Portuguese church. There is
also Malindi Marine National Park where you take a glass-bottomed boat
to the coral reef, Snorkeling, and its beautiful beach. There is also
a snake park and The Kenya Falconry, which has a large number of caged
birds of prey, tortoises, and chimps. Other activities in Malindi are
Scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and wind surfing.
LAMU
This is Kenya's oldest
town, dating back to 14th century and has been nicknamed the Kathmandu
of Africa. It is a place of fantasy and other worldliness wrapped in a
cloak of medieval romance. It is a remote, unique and has fascinating,
self - contained societies with unique culture. The Shela beach is one
of the most relaxing and pleasurable places you will ever have the pleasure
to visit. The main attraction sites are the town buildings (with narrow
streets, traditional houses of coral -rag blocks, wooden floors, makuti
roofs and intricately calved shatters for windows). Others are the Lamu
museum, Lamu fort, the Donkey sanctuary, Matondoni and Kipongani villages,
dhow trips, beaches and the Islands around Lamu such as Manda, and Pate
where you have snorkeling and surfing activities.