Coast >> North Coast Beach

The North Coast was a area of great importance to the development of the Swahili culture. This coastline of Kenya i.e., Mombasa is a world of fascinating history and natural beauty. The coast is lined with perfect palm fringed beaches, and the calmness invites water of the Indian Ocean. The beaches are broken by the wide mouth of Kilifi Creek, whose blue waters are a popular port of call on the international yachting circuit.

The beaches of Nyali, Vipingo, Kikambala and Shanzu are home to a wide range of World Class resorts with fine cuisine and services. The peaceful beach havens of Mtwapa and Takaungu offer an ideal escape from the outside world, with endless deserted beaches. 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, and Kenya's best cave diving.

At Nyali, the Mamba Village Crocodile Farm is open to the public. There are plenty of crocodiles on display and daily feedings. Populations of Vervet monkey live along this stretch of the coast, in the bush and forests surrounding Bamburi. The Bamburi Nature trail is a former disused quarry that has been reborn as a small private game sanctuary. A major initiative has been made to "green" the quarry and these efforts have literally blossomed into an area of lush beauty. The onetime quarry is now a thriving game sanctuary, fully stocked with game including Giraffe, Eland, Hippo, Oryx and more.

The North Coast was a area of great importance to the development of the Swahili cultureThis particular area saw several Swahili settlements, most of which are now gazetted historical sites. Jumba la Mtwana (The Mansion of the Slave), near Mtwapa is a good example of a simple Swahili town. The town was deserted around 500 years ago. The majority of the town no longer stands, but the ruins of stone mansions of the privileged and their mosques and tombs still remain. Archaeological evidence suggests that the people of Jumba where devoutly religious and committed to the Islamic virtue of cleanliness. Most houses contain the remains of water cisterns, washing platforms and stone lined latrines.

Jumba la Mtwana is an interesting place to visit, and is beautifully located in a baobab forest. The ruins overlook a deserted beach, and the largest Mosque faces the sea.This area is home to the Rabai community, a small but culturally strong people, with their own language and customs. In an effort to both celebrate and preserve their cultural traditions, an annual Rabai festival is held in this region.

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.

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.

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.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..

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).