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This coastal belt is an ideal stopover for travellers looking for a beach holiday to combine with their Kenya safari. This region offers stunning beaches, marine parks that are havens for corals and marine life, and a rich blend of Swahili culture and history to enjoy.
Must-Visit Areas in Kenya’s Coastal Belt
Find out more about Kenya’s history and culture, and explore superb coral reefs while snorkelling:
Diani Beach: Tropical Paradise
The powder-fine white sand that stretches over this beach makes Diani a highlight of a trip to Mombasa. The clear waters flow over coral reefs, making this an ideal place for scuba diving and snorkelling in East Africa.
Visitors can also enjoy kitesurfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding here. If you want to remain on land, you can go on camel rides or horse rides along the beach.
Mombasa Old Town: Cultural Melting Pot
This is a historic area with Swahili architecture and bustling markets. Visit Fort Jesus, constructed in the 1500s, to see a well-preserved example of a military fortification from that era and get a fantastic glimpse into the city’s past. Mombasa also has a butterfly house, an ecotourism facility where you can see an array of beautiful tropical butterflies.
Marine National Parks: Havens for Marine Life
Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve was the first marine protected area to be established in the country. Fringing reefs, coral gardens, seagrass beds, and the high diversity of fish and marine mammals will stun snorkellers and divers.
Watamu Marine National Park is located in a coastal habitat rich in birdlife, fish, turtles, and dugongs. While snorkelling and diving, you may even spot green turtles.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Kenya’s Coastal Belt?
December to March is the summer season in Kenya, with hot and humid weather and occasional rainfall. July to October sees cooler weather and less rain and is the perfect time for whale watching.
Wildlife Found in Kenya’s Coastal Belt
When sitting on the beach or on a boat tour, you have the opportunity to see humpback whales and dolphins. Sea turtles, barracudas, rays, and an array of fish species can be seen while snorkelling in the marine national parks. Bird species in this region include black kites, common bulbuls, white-browed coucals, speckled mousebirds, and palm weavers, to name a few.
How to Get to Kenya’s Coastal Belt
Ukunda Diani Airport is a small airfield near Diani Beach in Kwale County and provides travellers with easy access to the coastal region.
