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MOMBASA BEACH HOLIDAYS |
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MOMBASA BEACH HOLIDAY PACKAGES Soak up the sun, enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and relax on the brilliant white beaches of this picturesque paradise. Activities on a Mombasa Beach Holiday: Besides sunbathing and swimming, most of the beach resorts are perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving, game fishing and spotting marine life such as sea turtles and dolphins. Away from the beach, take a day trip to explore Mombasa’s Old Town, a maze of fascinating narrow alleyways dating back to the 12th century. Or visit some of the nearby reserves, including: Shimba Hills National Reserve, one of East Africa's last remaining coastal rainforests; ; and Tsavo East and Tsavo West national parks, which together form Kenya’s largest national park, home to magnificent scenery and numerous wildlife. Explore Mombasa harbour on a sunset cruise aboard a traditional wooden sailing dhow, relaxing on a pile of cushions and sipping a refreshing dawa (the classic Swahili cocktail of vodka mixed with brown sugar, honey and lime). The Romance is here .... Lamu is Kenya's oldest living town and boasts a rich and colorful history. The appearance and character of the town have changed little over the centuries. The architecture of the houses and buildings dates back to the 18th century. There are few motor vehicles on the island and local people use boats and donkeys for transport. The slow pace of life here, magnificent beaches and the rich culture makes this an exotic place to visit where time seems to stand still. The perfect place for honeymooners and couples.
Landline: 0207 631 3373 (UK)
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MOMBASA INTRODUCTIONThe history of the coastThe Kenyan coast offers a colourful history. From the 9th century onwards, Indian and Arab traders mingled with the indigenous population to create the unique Swahili culture, much of which still survives until this day. During the 15th century, the Portuguese stamped their mark on the coast, fighting with the Omani Arabs, their main legacy being Fort Jesus in Mombasa' Old Town. The remains of many early Swahili settlements dot the coastline, the most significant being the 15th century Gedi ruins south of Malindi, while Lamu town has been designated a World Heritage Site due to its significance as a Swahili Centre. The coast also boasts unique and diverse habitats, both in maritime and terrestrial national parks and reserves. Highlights include: Mombasa Old Town, Lamu, Gedi, the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Resave, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary and the Shimba Hills National Park. Explore the Old Town, a maze of fascinating narrow alleyways lined with mosques, shops, Arab cafés, souks and historic Swahili houses. Climb the ramparts of Fort Jesus, a chunky fortress originally built in the 16th century by Portuguese colonists to guard the harbour entrance, then improved by subsequent Omani rulers. The Kenyan coast is roughly divided into ‘North and ‘South' of the island city of Mombasa.
These are beaches to the immediate north of Mombasa, upto and including the Kilifi beaches. The beaches include Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu and Kikambala. There are many hotels along this stretch though the concentration of the hotels thins out while moving towards Kilifi. The North Coast is traditionally busier and offers a greater variety of activities, restaurants and nightlife. The hotels are situated between 14 and 35 km from the airport with a transfer time of approximately 1 hour. Mombasa South Coast Beaches: South Coast is generally a quieter and cleaner stretch of coastline . Beaches include Diani, Tiwi and Gazi, leading upto the Pemba area. The Hotels are between 33 to 46 km from Mombasa with the route taking you over Kilindini harbour by the Likoni ferry. The transfer time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
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