Coast of Kenya – A Guide to the Kenyan Coast
SUNRISE OVER THE INDIAN OCEAN
The coast of kenya and where to go
Coast of Kenya
Kenya is well known around the world for its savannahs, the dramatic Great Rift Valley and mountain highlands, but probably most of all, it’s also home to extraordinary wildlife like lions, elephants and rhinos. One thing that a lot of people don’t think when they head to Kenya is the coast of Kenya and the beautiful Indian Ocean and the beaches there.
Having spent quite a bit of time there and travelled over the country, here I share a bit about the coast. Where to go and why.
There are many options in getting to the Kenyan Coast
How to get there?
Flying
When it comes to flying; you can get straight into Mombasa, Lamu or Malindi if you’re looking for the most direct option. Many international flights arrive into Mombasa, or you can pick one of the budget airlines that fly to here and other airports on the coast from Nairobi.
Train
Since the completion of the railway track, there is a direct train from Nairobi to Mombasa, which has now been converted to a high-speed train that only takes around 4 hours and only $7.
The trains fill up fast – despite running daily – and tickets must be bought a few days in advance either from the train station in person Or via the Kenya mobile payment method M-Pesa. For a travelling tourist, this can be difficult.
Bus
There is the option of a Bus; however, I have never taken this mode of Transport, but it is the cheapest and slowest way. Well, I say it is the most time-consuming if you fancy running it like me it takes about two weeks!!!
Culture
The Coast of Kenya is part of Africa’s Swahili coastline, with its tropical climate and melting pot of cultures. With much of Asia just across the Ocean and Kenya’s colonial past. European, African and Arabic influences jostle peacefully alongside each other here to create a fantastic mix.
The Swahili coast is malarial so you will need to take Malaria tablets. Also, you should avoid them biting you in the first place.
Mombasa
Capital of the Kenya Coast, Mombasa is a bustling port city. There’s not a huge amount to do here and have to confess I use it to get from the airport to the beaches. However, it’s entirely possible you’ll spend a night or two here on your way to other coastal destinations.
Top sites include the UNESCO-listed Fort Jesus and the crumbling old town.
Kilifi
Where I spend most of my time on the coast. I love this place. A very relaxed spot and has a friendly local community and an arty-alternative crowd of expats. They tend to gather around Distant Relatives backpackers.
Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers
Set on the banks of a creek, there are tons to do in Kilifi including visiting local markets and enjoying sunset dhow rides.
Along with other activities such as Sailing and Waterskiing.
However, if you feel like relaxing with a good book and enjoying the sunshine as part of your Kenya itinerary, this is the perfect place to do that too. If you do, you have to walk around in a Kikoy, and it’s a must on the coast!
