Coast >> South Coast Beach

The Southern coastline 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.

A wide range of World Class resorts, centred around Diani Beach allow visitors to relax and enjoy this natural paradise with the best standards of accommodation, service and cuisine. The beaches are bordered by lush green coastal rainforests with prolific birdlife and variety of wildlife. The Jadini Forest is good for birding, but especially good for primates. The forest is home to troops of Baboon, a large population of Vervet monkeys and the endangered Colobus.

At Kisite-Mpunguti, a Marine Reserve has been established around beautiful Wasini Island, an ideal day trip for divers and snorkellers. The south coast also has many smaller quiet getaways such as Tiwi Beach, ideal for travellers looking for a low key break. Inland, the fertile hinterland of Kwale District consists of small villages inhabited by the Wakamba, Digo and Duruma tribes. Further south, the small fishing village of Shimoni is home to a series of deep mysterious coastal caves that stretch from the sea to deep into the jungles. Historically, these caves were long used as a refuge for Dhow Sailors, Arab slavers and explorers.

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. These tribes all share a fascinating cultural heritage. These cultures are centred around sacred areas called Kayas. These are elevated forest glades, once used as store grounds for sacred objects known as fingos. These undisturbed areas of land are still regarded as sacred and are still on occasion visited by tribal elders, particularly those of the Giriama.

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.

The area is serviced by World Class resorts, centred around Diani Beach, letting the visitor relax in style and comfort. The beaches here are broad expanses of pure white sand, while the ocean is warm and inviting, with protective reefs creating perfect calm havens for swimming.

Watersports enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice on the South Coast. Most of the resorts and hotels ranged along the beaches offer a wide range of watersports. Water-skiing, Sailing, Jetskiing, parasailing and much more can all be arranged easily at most of the hotels.