The Kenyan coast

Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast

Kenya’s coastline is famous for its white coral beaches, swaying coconut palms, and warm waters of the Indian Ocean. After an exciting safari, many travellers choose to relax on the coast. Swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the turquoise sea provide the perfect ending to a Kenyan adventure.

The coastline also offers a wide range of water sports and scenic views, making it one of East Africa’s top beach destinations.

Marine Parks and Coastal Attractions

In southern Kenya, near the border with Tanzania, lies the small fishing town of Shimoni. It is the main gateway to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, which is renowned for its world-class snorkelling and diving. Visitors can explore colourful coral reefs and observe a wide variety of tropical marine life.

Another popular destination is Malindi Marine National Park and Watamu Marine National Park. These protected areas are known for their excellent snorkelling, diving, and crystal-clear waters. Other attractions along the coast include Fort Jesus in Mombasa, the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, the Gede Ruins, and the historic Lamu Archipelago.

Beaches and Local Culture

Kenya’s coastline experiences tidal changes of up to four metres between high and low tide. During low tide, visitors can often walk across the exposed seabed toward the fringing coral reef, which lies about 1-2 km offshore in most locations.

Many beach resorts also offer cultural performances, guided nature walks, and visits to nearby villages. These activities allow travellers to experience the region’s traditions while enjoying the natural beauty of Kenya’s coast.

Climate and weather

The kenyan coast has a tropical climate with hot and humid air, making it a paradise for lush vegetation and despite rural development there are still patches with virgin rainforest. Huge baobab trees dot the coast and offer good overviews for the monkeys. 

Along the coast activities such as windsurfing, sailing, kitesurfing, parasailing, kayaking, snorkling and diving are offered in proximity of the big hotels. A dip in the Indian Oceans warm waters is always a wonderful experience no matter the time of the year as the temperature is rarely below 25 degrees Celcius.

The Swahili Coast

The east coast of Africa is also called the Swahili coast and it has been the center of trade between people around the Indian Ocean for milenia. Unguja or often referred to as Zanzibar (which is actually the whole archipelago which is named the Zanzibar archipelago and includes Unguja, Pemba and Mafia island ) was for many centuries under Omani government and the arabs have sailed these waters and traded with the africans and others. The people on the coast is therefor often a mix between different cultures and Muslims are predominant on the coast. Therefor there are many differences between coastal people and the africans living away from the coast, sometimes creating political discussions.