The Kenyan Coast

Kenya

Kenya is renowned as a safari destination, but has miles of idyllic coastline to explore as part of a 'bush and beach' trip or as a beach paradise in its own right.

The good news is that the recent Foreign Office restrictions on travel to Lamu and its archipelago (except for Kiwayu, right up on the Somali border) have been lifted and so, once again, virtually the entire 350 mile coastline is back on the map.

The Lamu archipelago is at the top of this coastline. The beaches are raw, untouched, wonderfully Kenyan idylls. Relaxing is a given, but there are also brilliant activities on offer including windsurfing, snorkelling, dhow sailing, water skiing, creek fishing, and dinghy sailing. From a few of the lodges there are also deep sea fishing boats available for hire.

Further south, Lamu Island retains the magic of a bygone era with donkeys instead of cars clogging the narrow alleyways. African, Omani, Yemeni, Indian, Portuguese and British influences have all left their mark on the ancient port town, which is well worth exploring. In the evening put the world to rights with a sundowner at the water’s edge bar of Peponi’s Hotel.

Separated from Lamu by a narrow channel is Manda Island. Manda Bay Lodge is at the top of the island’s peninsular and it has its own 60 foot traditional sailing dhow – ‘the Utamaduni’ – from which you can charter overnight trips exploring uninhabited islands of the archipelago.

Further south the Watamu region is considered one of the best snorkelling and diving areas on the coast of East Africa and the offshore coral formations of Watamu Bay, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay are all protected as part of the Watamu Marine National Park. Other activities available include fishing, windsurfing and sailing, and we can recommend some lovely beachfront hotels and some lovely private houses.

Further south still, at the bottom of the Kenyan coastline, lies the palm tree-lined white beach of Diani. Thanks to warm seas and beautiful coral reefs it is also one of the best places to get close to the richly diverse marine life of the southern Kenyan coast. Snorkelling, diving and boat safaris are all possible, and there are also some fantastic bars and restaurants to frequent.

As well as boutique hotels and Robinson Crusoe style getaways, we also work with a few handpicked private beach houses that work extremely well for families or even couples wanting to get away from it all. They come fully staffed, with large swimming pools, and are catered for on a full board basis.

Testimonials

'Everything worked like clockwork - except us, we just chilled, unwound and were treated like kings - sheer bliss.'

Lamu and in particular the Kusini House at Kizingoni was amazing, thank you so much for all the organisation.

Everything worked like clockwork - except us, we just chilled, unwound and were treated like kings - sheer bliss

Now we return in need of strict diets and exercise

Louise

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