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Safaris and Beach Holidays Along the
East Africa Coast
The East Coast
of Africa is ideal for Beach Holidays as it offers thousands of
kilometers of whitesands fronting the azure waters of the Indian
Ocean. Below are descriptions of the most popular destinations and
itineraries that take travelers to these exotic places in Africa.
Kenya Coast Safaris,
Beach Holidays in Kenya, Mombasa Beach Safaris, Lamu Island Holidays,
Malindi Beach Adventures
A holiday in Kenya is not quite
complete without a visit to the coast. Beach holidays in Kenya are
quite an attraction and most travelers are drawn to the East African
coast by the white sands, the mystical islands and the azure waters
of the Indian Ocean with its numerous water sports.
MOMBASA ISLAND
The island if Mombasa is Kenya's
second largest metropolis and the main sea gate to East Africa.
It is adequately connected to up-country centers by road, rail and
an efficient domestic air service.
Mombasa has the harmonious mixture
of the ancient and the modern. The old Town is a fascinating place
of antiquity, characterized by narrow streets and old-fashioned
houses. The 16th century Fort Jesus, a massive fortification
built by the Portuguese, is a major attraction. The old Dhow Harbour
and the Mombasa Marine Reserve are other places of interest.
A wide variety of social amenities
and superb modern accommodation facilities make Mombasa the most
popular holiday destination for both local and foreign tourists.
It is a paradise for sun and sand lovers Water sports, deep -sea
expeditions, out-door activities and indoor entertainments are available
in abundance. The South Coast resort area, linked by ferry to Mombasa
Island, is very popular on account if its magnificent white sandy
beaches.
Mombasa
Beach Safaris
Malindi, Watamu and Lamu
The most popular spot in Malindi
Marine National Park, one of it's kind in Africa The Park lies about
2kms offshore and is reachable by glass- bottomed boats. The park
abounds with beautiful and diverse marine life. Other places of
interest include the Vasco da Gama Pillar erected in 1498 as a navigational
aid and the Malindi crocodile Farm and Snake Park. A short distance
north of Malindi at Mamburi is large saltpans, which produce salt
for both domestic and export markets. However what draws tourists
to this small town more than anything else is the 'holiday air'
that blows about the place. The tranquility of the township and
the merry atmosphere facilitates complete relaxation.
About 24kms south of Malindi
is Watamu Beach holiday resort with its own marine National Park
established for the preservation of coral reef resources. The coral
reefs here are of exquisite beauty. A short distances from Watamu
are the famous Gedi ruins, one of the principal historical monuments
on the coast. Near the Gedi ruins is the Kipepo Butterfly Farm where
many species of butterfly are collected for export.
The Lamu archipelago is 30 minutes
flight from Malindi. Access to Lamu Island is only possible by boat.
The town is linked to the mainland and to the three other small
islands of Kiwayu, Manda and Kiunga by waterways. Air travelers
land at the airstrip on the Manda Island and the proceed by boat
to lamu. Lamu is a unique town. It has magnificent old houses and
street that are too narrow and winding to accommodate motorized
transport. Consequently donkeys are the only mode of transportation!
There is a thriving Swahili
culture in Lamu that has defied the passage of time and architecture
that resists change. You do not need watch here. Nothing happens
in a hurry in Lamu! It is one of the most interesting tourist destinations
anywhere.
Lamu
Island Safaris
Zanzibar Island, Zanzibar Holidays,
Zanzibar Safaris, Travel in Zanzibar
Although Zanzibar and its neighboring
tropical island of Pemba do not have reserve or park status, they
are worth mentioning here for the aquatic life, some rare primates
and a fascinating history. Zanzibar is a common post-safari destination
that adds a relaxing, exotic element to a hectic holiday.
These islands lie at the top
of Tanzania's Indian Ocean coastline, which over the centuries have
been influenced by numerous cultures which have blended together
to create the Zanzibar of today. The confusing mix originates from
an African Asian combination created by a touch of Persian, Arabian,
Indian and Chinese influences with some Dutch, Portuguese and English
thrown in for good measure. Slaves and spices made these islands
famous.
Shirazi Persians and Omani Arabs
settled and ruled the Zanzibar Sultanate, which explains the Arab
influences and Muslim religion which endures today. Heavily carved
and studded Zanzibar doors relieve the plain exteriors of many houses,
many of which are peeling and disheveled. The Indian influence produced
colored glasswork and ornamental fretwork balconies and today Gujarat
traders sell just about anything from cloves to curios. The English
legacy is a number of solid imperial buildings occupying the more
select parts of The Stone Town.
The islands conjure up everything
one could want from a tropical escape. Spectacular beaches, simple
fishing villages, relaxing resorts, silence and solitude if you
wish or the hustle and bustle in the narrow streets of an ancient
town.
Zanzibar
Island Safaris
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