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What to do in North Coast, Mombasa |
Whether its rest or recreation, you'll find something to suit on the
North Coast.
Water Sports
The coastal resorts of
the North Coast offer a full range of water sports including sailing,
waterskiing, jetskiing, parasailing and more. Nyali, Vipingo, Kikambala
and Shanzu are home to a wide range of World Class resorts with fine
cuisine and services.
Boating
A range of
boats can be hired to explore the coast, including Hobie cats and
sailing skiffs. Sea Kayaks are also widely available, and are ideal for
exploring remote coves and sheltered bays.
Kilifi Creek is a
good place for those looking to charter yachts.
Both yachts and crews
are available for private charter. the coast of Kenya is a great place
to explore by yacht, or the perfect base from which to set sail for
Zanzibar to the South or the Red Sea to the North. Other yachting
anchorages along the coast include Mtwapa, Shimoni and Mombasa.
SCUBA
Diving and Snorkelling
Divers will not be disappointed on the
North coast. There are several world class dive sites. Diving is
generally good all year round, although visibility lessens during July
and August due to silting and high seas. Best sites are at Mtwapa
and Barracuda Reef. These are some particularly good outer reef
dives, with long drop offs and plenty of life on the walls. On the outer
edge of Barracuda reef there are large shoals of angel and butterfly
fish, and the occasional green turtle or massive whale shark are seen
here.
Wreck Diving
Africa's best wreck dive
is found off Nyali Beach, just a short distance from Mombasa. The 80
metre MV Dania was scuttled by Buccaneer Diving offshore in
2002. Lying in around 40 metres of water, the 3 storey former cattle
carrier is an ideal place for anyone wanting to try wreck diving for the
first time, with the upper deck housing a purpose built obstacle course
that serves as a training area for wreck diving students.
Experienced
wreck divers can penetrate all 3 levels of the ship, before making an
exit through the main funnel. The Dania has become a thriving artifical
reef, home to an incredible diversity of marine life.
For a unique dive, the Vuma Caves
should not be missed. This series of caves are found near Kilifi Creek,
about 20 metres beneath the surface on the face of some seaside cliffs.
The open sea here is a good place to spot dolphins, while the interior
of the caves is a refuge for very large grouper and barracuda. After
exploring the caves, divers exit through a 10 metre chimney to emerge
into the reef above.
There are many dive operators in this area,
both private and those attached to resorts. Equipment, boats, refills
and dive guides are all provided. International PADI, NAUI and SSI
standards of safety and quality are all maintained. Full courses with
qualified instructors and international SCUBA certification are
available.
There are plenty of shallow inner reef coral gardens
for snorkelling and skin diving .
Fishing
Big game
fishing is widely available on the North coast. There are plenty of
qualified
operators in
Bamburi, Mtwapa and Kilifi.
Excellent boats
with state of the art equipment are available for full and half day
charter. The main game fish include Sailfish and Marlin, Kingfish,
Wahoo, Horse Mackerel and others. A tag and release program ensures
eco-friendly fishing. Big game fishing can be arranged in season
(December-March).
Trekking
The Bamburi Nature Trail has nature trails that
are good for shorter walks. Bamburi is easily accessible from the Nyali
area or Mombasa
Cycling
The quiet villages and beachside roads of the North Coast are readily
explored by bicycle. This gives you freedom, fresh air and exercise.
Bicycles are one of the most common forms of transport in this area, and
on most paths and roads you will encounter other cyclists. Local people
will always be willing to help out with directions and advice, and are
often quite keen to meet and talk with visitors to Kenya.This is a great
way to meet Kenyans, and learn more about life in this area.
Bicycles
can be hired locally all along the coast either from hotels or private
operators. Check the condition of the tyres, chain and frame before
hiring a bike.
Golf
There is Golf available in this area.
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National Parks in Kenya 