The Coast
Kenya coast has a unique type of climate and history and has been known as the land of pleasure and recreation. The magical ambience of the Kenya Coast mixed with the warm welcome from the local people charms every tourists heart as he walks through the narrow streets and alley of the coastal towns and relishes the warm sun and sand that fringes the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The historical monuments and antiquities, abandoned ancient towns like Jumba la Mtwana and the Gedi ruins, the beaches, coral reefs, sheltered lagoons with thousands of species of fish, coconut palms and mangrove swamps, make the Kenya Coast a popular tourists attraction and an holiday resort. Excellent boarding and lodging is offered by beach hotels ranging up to 5 star rating. The coast is divided into North and South Coast to either side of Mombasa.

The South Coast
Likoni Ferry which cruises across the Kilindini harbor is the boarding point which links you between the Island and the South Coast. Mangrove swamps is a common feature at the South Coast. The slave village of Shimoni is famous for its huge coral caves which used to hold slaves prior to shipment to Arabia. It is also a base for big game fishing. Near Shimoni is the Mpunguti Marine National Reserve and Kisite Marine National Park which comprise of a bewildering variety of marine life. Across the channel from Shimoni is Wasini Island - an Island with no electricity. Restaurants in this Island are popular for serving fresh seafood. Recreational activities along the South Coast include snorkeling, scuba diving, wind-surfing, goggling and deep-sea fishing. Visitors can visit Shimba Hills National Reserve to see the Sable antelope, Roan antelope, elephant, lion, buffalo, blue monkey among other game. Excellent beach resorts stretch southwards with Diani Beach dominating with its ten kilometer stretch of sand fringed by calm blue ocean.

The North Coast
The bridge across the Tudor Creek links the Island and the north coast. A stretch of sunny beaches fringed with palms make North Coast a tourist attraction. The coastal front northwards offer excellent beach hotels, fish gardens, golf courses, coral reef and cliffs. Most of these beach hotels have facilities for skiing, goggling, scuba diving, big game fishing and cruise motorboat sailing. Nyali Estate, a suburb of Mombasa, is just across the bridge. Near Nyali is the Mamba Village, Kenya's only crocodile firm and the biggest in Africa. Crocodile meat is served here. Not far from the Nyali Bridge is the historical Freretown, built by Sir Bartle Frere in 1870 as a village for freed slaves. Another attraction in the North Coast is the Bamburi Nature Trail, a private wildlife and forest conservation sanctuary established by the Bamburi Cement Company with a purpose to reclaim acres of excavated quarries. Both exotic and local animals live here. Moving northwards you come across the Mombasa Marine National Park which inhabits beautiful corals and coral fish. Across the Mtwapa Creek is the Kenya Marineland hosting marine aquarium, restaurant and recreational boats. Opposite is the Jumba la Mtwana ruins, made up of four unearthed ancient mosques. Further north is the Vipingo Sisal Estate, one of the largest sisal estates in Africa. Before reaching Watamu is the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve which inhabits remnants of indigenous coastal forest. It is a unique reserve in Kenya where rare and unique animals and birds like the smallest owl in Africa - the endangered 15 centimeters-high Sokoke Scops Owl live. Across Sabaki River over a bridge is the Formosa Bay, the largest beach on East African coast with sand dunes. Near Watamu visitors may visit the Gede Ruins, an Islamic city which disappeared in the 17th Century. Today it is a National Museum with some ancient houses still standing. Beyond Watamu village is the Watamu Marine National Park.