The Coast of Kenya
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The Coast of Kenya is a premier travel destination with a series of beaches stretching from Tanzania to the Somali border. Offshore coral reefs provide great opportunity for diving and snorkeling.Mombasa is the main city along the coast for tourism as well as a major center for transport. The tropical climate and a city worth exploring make time in Mombasa well spent.Swahili villages are found along the coast of Kenya and with increasing interest in the Swahili culture and history, the villages satisfy that curiosity. Ancient Swahili ruins were uncovered at Gede and Kilifi, and they are well worth the visit.
Related Attractions
Lamu, Kenya
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Malindi, Kenya
Malindi is literally two towns in one - an historic Swahili town dating back to the 12th C and a modern tourist center with resorts, shopping and white sandy beaches. The oldest part of Malindi has several notable attractions: the Jami Mosque and two pillar tombs from the 14th C. One of the oldest East African churches, Church of St. Francis Xavier, is still in use in Malindi with the original walls still standing.An important trading post at one time, Malindi even rivaled Mombasa for control of this part of the coast during the 14th and 15th C. Malindi was a popular destination for early Chinese and Arab traders, Portuguese sailors and then European settlers. The Malindi Museum is housed in the former home of an Indian trader, built in 1891. Exhibits include wooden grave posts of the Gohu people, information about Vasco de Gama and his arrival in 1498, and early photographs of Mombasa with modern photos linking the areas.Malindi is known for its culinary skill at local restaurants, hotels, coffeehouses and other eating establishments. A wide range of cuisine from local to international food preparation is offered.The Malindi Falconry is a rehabilitation center for injured or sick birds and a breeding location for falcons. The Falconry offers bird safaris to view falcons up close and flight shows are performed.Offshore is the Malindi Marine Park with coral reefs that allow for diving and snorkeling opportunities. Swimming, deep-sea fishing, relaxing on the beach and other water sports are readily available.
Nyari (Marafa Depression, Hell's Kitchen)
The Marafa Depression, also called Hell's Kitchen or Nyari, is a geological irregularity. Over time, wind and rain have eroded a ridge of sandstone into a set of gorges.The colors and views of the Marafa Depression are well worth the visit. The colors of the exposed sandstone range from off-white to pale pinks and from oranges to deep crimson.This series of sandstone gorges and sheer gullies has become part of local folklore. The locals call it Nyari - "the place broken by itself". The story that is told was that a village once stood there and was given the news of a forthcoming miracle. The villagers were commanded to move on and all did but one old woman that refused to believe such nonsense. The village (and the old lady) disappeared soon after, leaving Nyari.
Malindi Marine National Park
Malindi Marine National Park is a complex of marine and tidal habitats. The coral reefs are ideal for snorkeling and glass-bottomed boat tours of the Malindi Marine Park are popular. Malindi offers excellent deep-sea fishing and is noted as one of the best areas in the world.A unique historical feature is the Vasco da Gama pillar built in 1498. The coral pillar was erected a navigational aid. It stands at the northern end of Casuarina Beach.The Malindi Crocodile Farm and Snake Park is located just of the main road leading to the marine park. A feeding frenzy with the crocodiles occurs at 4pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Tana River Primate National Reserve
Tana River Primate National Reserve is a small reserve, created in 1976, to protect a small number of primates, which have no other location in Kenya. There are two species, the Red Colobus and the Crested Mangabey. These species are generally found in the rain forests of western Uganda and in Zaire.The Tana River Primate National Reserve is a mixture of savannah and riverine forest and is also home to both the common and Grevy's zebra, the Maasai and Reticulated giraffe. Oryx, buffalo and the lesser kudu. The river hosts plenty of crocodile and hippo, and the variety of water birds is not to be missed.
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Nairobi
Mombasa
Masai Mara National Reserve
Amboseli National Reserve (formerly Amboseli National Park)
Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves
