A Journey to Kenya's Coastal Circuit

Kenya is one of the leading tour destinations in Africa and arguably in the world. The vast terrains, good stable climate, wildlife, sandy beaches and a vibrant culture make it more than just a destination. It is the Kenyan experience!

Kenya’s coast is probably on every tourist's plan, and rightly so. It is home to beautiful Swahili, Arab and other cultures and cuisine. The Coast provides various attractions found in Lamu, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita-Taveta and Tana River Counties. From sandy beaches to historical sites and many others, the coastal circuit is a roundup of some of the best that Kenya offers.

Kenya has the highest number of Parks in Africa (see below) and the coastal region is not left behind.

Part of the largest National Park in Kenya, the Tsavo East, is found in the Coastal side of Taita Taveta County. Tsavo East is home to the big five, a wide variety of bird species, Yatta plateau and the Mudanda rock among many others. 

Kora National Park, found in Tana River County is another such park and is described as the Last Wilderness.

Home to the late renowned conservationists, George and Joy Adamson, the park features the Grand Falls, Adamson Falls and Grand Rapids along the Tana River.

Also available are diverse bird species for the birdwatchers, 'Kampi ya Simba', rock climbing and fishing.

The park’s spectacular scenery of inselbergs, domed hills and plains, the Tana River, together with the climate makes it a destination available all year round.

Watamu Marine Park is yet another Coastal gem known for its green turtles, spectacular coral gardens, diverse fish and white sandy beaches. With activities such as snorkeling, bottom glass tours and windsurfing, the park is a one stop for fun-packed adventures.

Shimba Hills National Reserve has been dubbed the 'Paradise of the Sable Antelope' as it is one of the few places to find the Sable antelope. It is also home to the highest number of African elephants in the country and other animals like the bushy tailed mongoose and the buffalo.

The reserve has several viewpoints, picnic and camping sites, and the famous Sheldrick Waterfalls. The diverse plant and bird species offer the right spot for a break away from city life.

It is located from Pate to Kiunga in Lamu. To access the reserve, one has to use a boat, up the Dodori Creek. Catch the vibrancy of wildlife that graze beyond the white beaches and indigenous plants – an original experience.

Located in Bamburi Distance, 10km from Mombasa CBD Haller Park located was once a quarry that was reclaimed and turned into an ecological paradise with a variety of wildlife and plant life.

Its’ beautiful nature trails are ideal for long strolls or cycling, as you see how trash can really transform into treasure. Duration of visit is 1-2hrs.

This ranch located in South Lamu is abundant in buffaloes, giraffes, elands, hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks and bushbucks. The only caveat; the safaris need to be booked in advance. Click  here  for more information on Amu Ranch and more from the Lamu Conservation Trust.

The Coastal towns of Lamu and Malindi and the city of Mombasa among others are some of the earliest civilizations in Kenya. From the Gede ruins, the Portuguese chapel, Fort Jesus, etc. the Coast contains rich historical artifacts and sites that date back to as early as the mid-centuries AD.

The world famous Fort Jesus, (pictured), located in Mombasa was built by the Portuguese in 1596, in an attempt to control the Indian Ocean trade.

The Fort has been captured at least nine times and during the British rule in Kenya, it was used as a prison. In 1958, it was converted into a historical monument and in 2011, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.

Open to the public everyday, visitors get a chance to explore the fort, see and learn about the architecture and history. Fort Jesus also has paintings and artefacts that tell more about the culture and history as well as the butterfly exhibit.

The Portuguese Chapel in Malindi was built by Vasco Da Gama in 1498. The chapel was also visited by St. Francis Xavier in 1542, where two of his sailors were buried. It was gazetted as a monument by the National Museums of Kenya and is open to visitors during weekdays.

Near the chapel is the Vasco Da Gama Pillar, built by the explorer in the same year as the chapel. It was built to give direction for those following the sea route to India. Today it stands as a historical landmark and a testament to the rich history of Malindi.

A guided tour of the chapel as well as various historical and other attractions found within the coast, ensures that the traveler receives a fulfilling and informative tour around the area. Below is a map showing some of the tour operators that can offer guided trips to the coast and beyond, that are based at the coastal towns.

Old Town in Mombasa, showcases the rich history influenced by the Asians, Arabs, the British and the native population. The town has buildings with beautiful ancient architectural designs, some which date back to the eighteenth century.

From narrow roads, the white house, the old post office, two old ports, the government square and many more, old town buildings house some of the rich history of the town.

The white house for instance, was built by Esmailji Jevanjee at the close of the 18th century and later became the first American Consulate from 1915 to 1918. Locals now refer to it as Obama House.

The government Square, served as a trade center and later the British Government offices were located in the area, hence the name.

Also in the square is the Sanaa Gallery to the right, which was Alidina Visram's main office. He was a successful trader who came to Kenya in 1898, set up factories and sold ivory among many other business activities.

Today, Old Town has several historical sites, shops and restaurants with guides ever-present to take tourists through the rich historical experience and the vibrant cultural life that the place has to offer.

The Kaya forests, located in Kilifi County, is a sacred forest for the Mijikenda. It serves as an Eco -tourism and cultural hotspot. The forests are made up of over 40 different 'Kayas' that were once fortified villages of the Mijikenda people.

The Kayas are a sacred place of prayer and rituals as well as burial grounds. Traditional laws and taboos prohibit cutting down of trees except for very rare situations. This has enabled the forest to flourish and maintain the rare and diverse species of plants and animals. The forest was listed as a heritage site by the UNESCO.

It is located in Kilifi, 15km north of Mombasa. Jumba la Mtwana in Kiswahili means “the large house of the slave”. The inhabitants of this town were mainly Muslims as evidenced by a number of ruined mosques. The four houses of Jumba la Mtwana include the House of the Cylinder, The House of the Kitchen, The House of the Many Pools and the Great Mosque.

A visit here brings to give you a unique insight into life in the yester years of the small coastal settlement town with breathtaking views of the ocean and beautiful Swahili architecture. 

The Ngomongo Village, is an ecotourism destination in Mombasa which showcases different cultures in Kenya, from foods to attires and dances. This is one ideal stop to get the sense of the cultures and heritage of Kenya. The place also has a shop where traditional artifacts and souvenirs can be purchased.

The Diani Beach, in Kwale County, is known for its magnificent views especially at sunset and was Africa’s leading beach destination consecutively from 2014 to 2019. The beach is also known for its long stretch, ideal for a camel walk or trekking, white sands and its ever-clean surrounding. It is also packed with fun activities like jet-skiing and snorkeling while getting to see the black and white colobus monkeys and coral reefs. 

Wasini Island is located in the Southern part of the Kenyan Coast. The name Wasini Mpunguti means 'short Chinese' from the Chinese who lived there. The small island, 5km long, is an ideal getaway for relaxation. It is packed with beautiful trees, reefs ideal for snorkeling, white sands and Kisite National Park.

Mida Creek in Watamu is a creek that stretches from the Indian Ocean to the Arabuko Sokoke forest. The creek is surrounded with palms and mangroves and is a habitat to various sealife like sea turtles, crabs and fish. It is also a stop over point for various species of migratory birds

Activities that can be enjoyed in Mida Creek include kayaking, boat riding, wakeboarding and water skiing among others. Also in Mida Creek is a boardwalk ideal for long walks, a crab farm at the sea shore and a small shack restaurant that makes crab samosas.

Above is the Magical Kenya website, from which more information on the different coastal destinations can be retrieved.

Tourist attractions at the Kenyan Coast remain inexhaustible. The Haller Park, Jumba la Mtwana, Lamu Museum, Kipepeo Project and many others are all a sight to see . A trip to the Kenyan coast will most likely make you plan to go back once again!