The coast tourism region stretches 500 kilometers from Shimoni in the south to Kiunga in the north and inland to Tsavo, with Lake Jipe on the Tazanian border and includes the 7,500 foot high Taita Hills. The coast hinterland is a natural extension of the low lying coastal belt and national wildlife parks and private conservancies are just a few hours drive away.

The Kenya coast is home to the Swahili culture and language with centuries of visitors and shore settlers. Swahili is a lingua franca for traders developed over centuries with words originating from Africa, Arabia, Asia and Europe. Swahili is also a cultural fusion combining ideas from those places. There are museums, monuments and cultural festivals that highlight the coast’s rich history. Regarded as the friendliest region in Kenya, the coast offers a slower paced, peaceful and historical contrast to inland Africa. There is also plenty of fun and entertainment and a vibrant night life.

Game viewing is conveniently close at hand at Tsavo, Lake Jipe and Taita Hills with many camps or lodges providing tents or rooms. A tree house at Shimba Hills and the Haller Park are both popular and a primate reserve in the Tana Delta offers something for the specialist.

Cruise ships call in at the port of Mombasa for their passengers to enjoy game viewing or history excursions or a brief stay at a luxury beach hotel. Every year hundreds of thousands of passengers arrive by air at Mombasa’s modern International Airport.

Conferences and Meetings at the coast are popular for business and government as it’s the perfect place to work and play. Many hotels have modern conference facilities.

Entertainment can be found at numerous hotels and clubs and throughout the year various musical and cultural events attract large crowds.

Beaches are everywhere and each has its own character. These include, Shimoni, Funzi, Chale Island, Masembwene, Galu, Diani, Shelly, Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Kikambala, Vipingo, Kilifi, Watamu, Malindi, Mambrui, Tana Delta, Lamu Island, Manda Island and Kiunga Island.

Accommodation varies from exclusive, expensive and chique Robison Crusoe style beach hideaways to large 600 plus bed beach resorts that often have 3 or 4 swimming pools for their guests. Villas and guest houses are available and the coast has something for everyone.

Water sports include excellent professional deep sea fishing with catch and release, snorkeling and diving inside and outside the fringing reef at private sites or at the marine parks, dhow cruises, swimming with dolphins plus kite boarding, surfing and playing on jet skis.

The coast is also a springboard for those that wish to go further up country as Kenya is home to many other world class game parks that include Amboseli, Abedares, Mount Kenya, Shaba, Samburu, Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha and the Masai Mara.