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Kenya's South Coast - a tropical paradise |
 The coastline south of Mombasa is a tropical paradise of palm fringed
white sand beaches, where the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean meet
beautiful coral reefs.
The protective reefs have created ideal beaches with calm, inviting
waters. Days are filled with sunshine and nights are balmy and warm
with gentle sea breezes. The offshore reefs are alive with coral, myriad
fish, sea turtles and dolphins.
Both outer and inner reef walls offer world class diving with
spectacular coral gardens and drop offs. At Kisite-Mpunguti, a Marine
Reserve has been established around beautiful Wasini Island, an ideal
day trip for divers and snorkellers.
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How to get to South Coast, Mombasa |
The gateway to the South Coast is Mombasa. There are no bridges from
Mombasa island to the South Coast, and a vehicular ferry is used to
cross the Likoni channel.
Driving your own car or hired car to the south coast is very easy. There
are regular buses and Matatus along the south coast strip.
Many hotels and resorts in this area have Mombasa shuttles or can
arrange vehicle transfers. Private taxis from Mombasa will also take you
to the South Coast for an agreed fare.
There is an airstrip at Ukunda for Charter flights. For those entering
Kenya by land via the coast, the South Coast highway crosses the border
after the town of LungaLunga.
There is a border post and immigration
office. Regular buses and matatus service the South Coast Highway. Taxis can be
found in any town, or at most hotels or resorts.
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Where to stay in South Coast, Mombasa |
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There is a very wide range of accommodation available on the South
Coast. There are five star International resort hotels with
casinos, nightclubs and international restaurants, basic campsites,
private guesthouses and rental apartments and villas.
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Dining in South Coast, Mombasa |
There is also a great many restaurants throughout the South Coast serving a range of international cuisines.
The obvious culinary attraction on the South Coast is seafood, and there
is plenty available, with excellent fish, crabs, lobster, oysters and
more.
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On the South Coast there are beaches to suit any travellers tastes and
interest. There are busy resorts with plenty of organized activities
and non- stop nightlife. And quiet beach destinations offering the
chance to relax and experience nature.
The Beaches south of Mombasa are an earthly paradise of tropical
forests, white sand beaches and coral reefs. On the South Coast there are beaches to suit any travellers tastes and
interest. There are busy resorts with plenty of organized activities and
non- stop nightlife. And quiet beach destinations offering the chance
to relax and experience nature.
Whether you are looking for a base to actively explore this fascinating
region, or just somewhere to unwind and find peace, Kenya’s south coast
has everything you could wish for.
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Shopping in South Coast, Mombasa |
If you love shopping when travelling, then the south coast is your kind of place. In addition to coastal handicrafts and art, there are good selections of art and craft from all over Kenya. Coastal specialities include Swahili boxes, intricately carved and inlaid with brass, copper or marble work. These vary in size from small jewelry boxes to huge chests. Similarly styled candle holders and other wooden objects are often also sold.
Other wood carvings available on the coast are Makonde, a traditional style that originated in Tanzania. These beautiful carvings are almost impossibly intricate, producing detailed single figures, abstract creations and masses of tiny, elaborate figures whose limbs and bodies intertwine into large columns known as the Tree of Life.
One thing every visitor to the coast should buy is a kikoy or khanga. These traditional cloths are worn as a wrap around garment by both men and women all over the East African coast, similar to the sarong of South East Asia.
The kikoy is a bright, usually striped, cloth with knotted tassles along each hem. The khanga is larger, more elaborately patterned and traditionally emblazoned with a Swahili proverb offering a pearl of conventional wisdom.
These cloths are synonymous with the Kenyan coast, and their fabrics are often adapted into clothing, tablecloths, bedlinen, and just about anything else possible. A khanga or kikoy is perfect for the beach and can either be worn or used as a beach towel, or both.
The coast is also home to a range of boutique shops producing modern art objects, paintings, clothing and jewellery.
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Cultural Safari in South Coast, Mombasa |
Historically, the South Coast was a route for shipping and dhow trade
both from Swahili settlements in the North and southwards to Zanzibar.
The south coast was the most densely populated area of Swahili
territory. Just South of Mombasa at Kongo is the 15th Century Mwana
Mosque. The large vaulted roof of this Mosque is still standing and
local worshippers still use the ruins for prayer.
Recently made a locally administered National Monument, the deep and
mysterious Shimoni (from the Swahili- literally "in the hole") caves
remain and enigma to historians and archaeologists alike. There is evidence of long-standing human use of the caves, though it is
as yet unclear what purpose they served. Possible explanations include a
Slave trading store, or a refuge from Slavers, although a recently
discovered 'shrine' suggests that the caves may have held some
ritualistic significance.
Inland, the South coast is the home of Mijikenda group of tribes,
including the Giriama, Duruma and Digo.
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South Coast 
Both the park and reserve are the most highly utilised among marine
protected areas. Their coastline is heavily developed with tourist
facilities. There are various agents who offer boats for hire to get
into the Marine Park.