The Coast, Kenya
The Kenyan coast, 480 km (300 miles) of palm-fringed shoreline, is a beach lover’s paradise. Notwithstanding the throng of package tourists from Europe. Families in search of adventure and adrenaline have a variety of choice: kite sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and full or half-day excursions on a dhow. Shopaholics won't want to miss the narrow streets and bustling markets of Mombasa's 'Old Town'. And the coast of Kenya boasts several cultural pearls. Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest living Swahili settlement in Kenya. The 12th century ruins at Gede, near Watamu, are shrouded in mystery. Remote Paté Island is a great place to experience traditional Swahili life. What’s more, Kenya’s coast is conveniently connected to several of Kenya’s top safari destinations.
The beach vacation destinations on the coast of Kenya are as diverse as the list is long. Kalifi, situated on a river estuary just north of Mombasa, is favored by the intellectual set, both local and international. To the south, Tiwi Beach is a favorite among the self-catering crowd. Diani Beach, near the border with Tanzania, is the place to head for family fun. A family beach vacation here is all about waterslides, banana boats, jet skis and kids clubs. Watamu is the preferred destination of active families, snorkelers and scuba divers as well as game fishing enthusiasts. Malindi, complete with high-end boutiques and galleries, is an Italian tourist enclave. While the Swahili restaurants should not be overlooked, this is the place to head if you are traveling with kids that can't live without pizza, pasta and gelato. Lamu and Shela are frequented by the extremes, backpackers and the well to do. The islands farther afield, such as Kiwayu, are ideal for families in search of a holiday in the liking of Robinson Crusoe.
- travel planning
- more on The Coast
- The Coast hotels
- The Coast reviews
- fun stuff for kids
|
Kenya Coast hotels and accommodation
Che Shale, Malindi
Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Malindi, Coast tel: +254 722 230931
Far from the throngs in Malindi, Che Shale isn't just for kite surfers and the lunch crowd. The six en-suite thatched rooms have a distinctive local touch. The food is excellent and local flavors prevail. Snorkeling is best from December to March. Silt from a nearby river turns the water a murky brown from June through October.
   Tamarind Village, Mombasa
Type of Accommodation: vacation rental / self-catering
Mombasa, Coast tel: +254 (0) 41 474600
The 2 and 3-bedroom full service apartments at the Tamarind Village offer a distinctive view of Tudor Creek and Mombasa's Old Town. Located next to the award winning Tamarind Restaurant, this 'resort' is ideal for families transiting through Mombasa or touring the city's Old Town. Air-conditioned.
    Diamond Beach Village, Manda Island
Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Manda Island, Coast tel: +254 720915001
The Diamond Beach Village may be a stone's throw from the Peponi but it is a world away. The six bandas (huts) made out of local materials are truly down-to-earth. The restaurant serves fresh but simple fare. And the emphasis is on ecotourism. Of note: There is no beach at high tide.
 New Lamu Palace Hotel, Lamu
Type of Accommodation: hotel / motel
Lamu, Coast tel: +254 42 633272
Situated on the edge of Lamu town, the 22-room New Lamu Palace Hotel offers modern convenience but very little local charm. The street level terrace is great place to relax and watch the comings and goings along the waterfront. The clientele is predominately Italian.
 Petley's Inn, Lamu
Type of Accommodation: hotel / motel
Lamu, Coast tel: +254 42 633272
Built in 1946, the 11-room Petley's Inn was Lamu's first hotel. While the hotel oozes with colonial charm, it shows its age notwithstanding a complete restoration in 2006. The terrace and rooftop bar offer views of Lamu's bustling waterfront and Manda Island across the channel. Air-conditioned.
 Baytil Ajaib, Lamu
Type of Accommodation: hotel / motel
Lamu, Coast tel: +254 121 32033
This delightfully restored townhouse - 2 apartments and 2 suites - is the most upscale accommodation in Old Town Lamu. The charm is in its simplicity. All rooms open on to the courtyard and nooks call out to weary travelers in search of tranquility. Families can be accommodated in the superior suite only.
 Kijani House Hotel, Shela
Type of Accommodation: hotel / motel
Lamu, Coast 80500 tel: +254 42 633235/6/7
The Kijani House Hotel in Shela is both elegant and unassuming. Situated on the footpath between Lamu town and Shela, the hotel's whitewashed walls and rich brown door veil ten stylishly decorated rooms and a lush tropical garden. Rates are B&B, half and full board.
  Peponi Hotel, Shela
Type of Accommodation: hotel / motel
Lamu, Coast 80500 tel: +254 (0) 42 633421/2/3 or
The small, 24-room Peponi Hotel in Shela is the preferred address of the hip crowd on Lamu Island. If money is no object that is. Situated on a promontory, Peponi offers commanding views of Manda Beach. At high tide, there is no beach. The hotel restaurant is excellent, the prices European.
 |
