The Kenyan Coast is a top travel destination for locals and visitors alike. Contrary to common perceptions limiting this region to parties and beaches, the Kenyan Coast offers a lot more.
Regardless of the coastal city that you’ll be visiting, each one presents its unique charm and treasures.
This blog post looks into the different activities you can engage in while exploring the Kenyan Coast.
Taking a Dhow
Taking a dhow ride is one of the most enchanting experiences you can have on the Kenyan Coast. A dhow is a traditional Swahili sailing boat, typically made of wood. Its main characteristic is one large triangular sail.
In the Lamu Archipelago, dhow sailing allows visitors to explore the Takwa River and the surrounding areas like Manda Island.
Here, you can combine your dhow ride with fishing, snorkeling over coral reefs, or even enjoy a serene sunset cruise.
You can also enjoy dhow cruising further down the coast, in Watamu Marine Park.
This marine park has clear waters, rich coral reefs, and diverse marine life.
Attending Cultural Festivals
Cultural festivals showcase local heritage and traditions. One of the standout cultural celebrations is the annual Lamu Cultural Festival.
During the festival, there’s a display of local customs, including traditional Swahili poetry readings and henna tattooing.
Mombasa also hosts the Mombasa Carnival every November. Here, residents engage in parades, traditional music, dances, and prepare diverse local cuisines.
Lastly, the Rusinga Festival on Rusinga Island is another notable event that celebrates local communities’ unique cultures and stories. It happens every December, and it revels in the culture of the Suba people with music, dance, and traditional food.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is the process of swimming through a body of water while wearing a snorkel diving mask and usually swim fins.
While snorkeling, you can explore coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, and various marine creatures in their natural habitat.
It appeals to all ages because of how little effort there is, including getting closer to marine life without startling them.
Below are the locations on the Kenyan Coast where you can enjoy snorkeling activities:
- Kisite Marine Park: This park has vibrant marine life, including coral gardens, tropical fish, turtles, and rays. It’s a protected area, ensuring the conservation of its underwater habitats and providing exceptional snorkeling experiences.
- Watamu Marine National Park: The Watamu Marine National Park is another gem on the Kenyan Coast. It’s an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
- Malindi Marine National Park: Like Watamu, Malindi Marine Park is known for its biodiverse marine life and beautiful coral structures.
- Tiwi Beach: Tiwi Beach is close to Diani Beach. It offers a more secluded snorkeling experience with its rich marine life in a shallow lagoon. As a result, it is perfect for less experienced snorkelers or those who prefer to stay close to the shore.
- Wasini Island: Wasini Island and its surrounding waters provide beautiful snorkeling spots.
Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is an activity where participants ride a small watercraft with a jet engine across the water’s surface at high speeds.
A perfect location for jet skiing on the Kenyan Coast is the Galu Beach.
Here, instructors are readily available to ensure that even beginners enjoy what the waters have to offer.
Bamburi Beach in Mombasa is another hotspot for jet skiing. The area provides a mix of leisure and excitement, with the opportunity to explore the marine park’s vibrant sea life and coral formations.
Swimming with the Whales
Swimming with whales along the Kenyan Coast, particularly in areas like Watamu, offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
These migrations occur between June and October.
However, the peak season is from August to September, when the whales travel from the southern to the northern hemisphere.
Watamu Marine Association and other conservation organizations have guidelines to ensure your safety and that of the whales.
These guidelines help minimize human impact on the whales and ensure people do not disrupt their natural behaviors.
Pole-Pole
Pole-pole translates to “slowly, slowly” in Swahili. The term depicts a lifestyle of relaxation and mindfulness available on the Kenyan Coast.
This philosophy encourages taking life at a leisurely pace, appreciating the moment, and savoring the serene and natural beauty of the surroundings.
You can take a walk along the beach, lounge under a palm tree, read a book, or simply observe the marine life under the shallow waters.
Camel Ride at the Beach
Diani Beach is the perfect location for camel rides on the Kenyan Coast. These rides offer a different perspective of the beach’s stunning scenery.
The experience is not just about the ride but also the interaction with the camels.
The cost of a camel ride in Diani can range from Ksh 500 to Ksh 2,000. This cost largely depends on your ability to negotiate and the duration or specifics of the ride you choose.
Besides Diani, Galu and Tiwi Beaches also offer camel riding experiences.
Cruising at Mida Creek
The Mida Creek, in Watamu, is part of the Kenya Marina Reserve that stretches over 10 kilometers of pristine waters bordered by mangroves. Birds love this area, particularly flamingos, storks, egrets, and kingfishers.
As a result, it’s a perfect location for birdwatchers looking for something different from the typical savannah or forest settings.
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are other activities that allow for closer interaction with the creek’s waterways and mangroves.
These activities provide a unique perspective of the ecosystem and an opportunity to see marine life up close.
Kayaking
Kayaking is the activity of using a kayak, a small, narrow watercraft that you propel with paddles to move across the water.
In Mombasa and other coastal areas, you can traverse the waters at your own pace, discovering secluded beaches and getting close to marine wildlife.
It’s not only a great way to get some exercise but also an opportunity to connect with nature.
Below are the locations where you can enjoy this activity:
- Mombasa: You can explore the Mombasa Marine Park. The clear waters and rich marine life provide a fantastic backdrop for your adventure.
- Watamu: Watamu offers exceptional kayaking experiences, especially near the Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve.
- Diani Beach: With its crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs, Diani is perfect for kayakers looking to combine their paddling with snorkeling.
- Malindi: The Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve offers another excellent location for kayaking. Here, paddlers can explore the diverse marine ecosystems and enjoy the calm coastal waters.
- Lamu: For a more cultural and scenic kayaking experience, the waters around Lamu Island offer a peaceful retreat with beautiful views.
Getting a Henna Tattoo
Henna tattooing is a popular cultural activity on the Kenyan Coast. It is a celebrated work of art in the Swahili culture and is common in various ceremonies, including weddings, festivals, and celebrations.
Henna’s natural dye comes from the leaves of the henna plant, Lawsonia inermis. The henna artists then dry the leaves, grind them into a fine powder, and then mix them into a paste.
Through henna tattooing, visitors can connect with the local culture in a personal and meaningful way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Popular Activities on the Kenyan Coast
Q: What is unique about dhow cruises on the Kenyan Coast?
A: Dhow cruises offer a traditional and serene way to explore the coastal waters, especially during sunset. These cruises are famous for their scenic views, especially in the Lamu Archipelago, where you can also engage in fishing and beach barbecues.
Q: Can I learn kite surfing on the Kenyan Coast, and where is the best place to do it?
A: Yes, this is a popular activity in Diani Beach. Many centers there offer lessons and equipment rentals.
Q: What are some historical sites I can visit on the Kenyan Coast?
A: The Gedi ruins near Watamu are a must-visit. You can also explore the Old Town in places like Mombasa and Lamu.
Q: What wildlife can I expect to encounter on the Kenyan Coast?
A: The region has a diverse birdlife and monkeys, including baboons, vervets, and colobus monkeys. The coastal forests, like those behind Diani Beach, are great spots for wildlife viewing.
Q: How can I experience local culture on the Kenyan Coast?
A: You can try Swahili cuisine, get a traditional henna tattoo, or visit local markets. Additionally, attending cultural festivals and exploring the Mijikenda people’s traditions can provide deeper cultural insight.
