Beach Safari:10 reasons to visit Mombasa and neighboring North and South Coast

1. It has rich history dating back to the 14th Century when the Portuguese landed on its shores. Today, Fort Jesus and the town continue to showcase Arabic and Bantu influences to provide an Arab-Swahili flair that is sure to entice you to return over and over again.

2. Fantastic weather.Eight hours of warm sunshine. Just enough for you to customize your own swimming escapade. Take a dip into the sensational beach resort pool or into the warm Indian Ocean. You won't regret it.

3. The warm beach waters and soft white sands are a great surprising gem of the Indian Ocean. This is unlike your cold water, grey beaches of California. Enjoy the coconut and palm trees. Lavish in the bright blue sky and soft ocean breeze.

4. Luxurious hotels and beach resorts, like the Bamburi Beach Hotel offer an array of unparalleled comfort and intoxicating "this is the life" lifestyle, if only for a few days.

Check out a comprehensive listing of Mombasa hotels . This site was recommended by a one of our readers. (See the recommendation/comment posted on 5 Great Websites about Kenya). Thank you blog friend!

5. The islands on the South Coast , Chale, Funzi and Wasini are an absolute marvel. Eating fresh crab and sea weed at Charlie Claw's is an adventure in itself. See for yourself.

6. Great activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, glass bottom boat tours and game fishing if you like that kind of thing.

7. Old coastal towns are a delight. For local food and culture, visit Malindi , Watamu, Ukunda and Lamu. Here you can read about efforts to conserve culture in Lamu, but before you go, check out the retreats in the area. You will be suprised!

8. Visit historical sites like Fort Jesus, Gedi Ruins and imagine what it was like way back when.... Don't forget to go by the Mombasa Tusks. Take your souvenir picture here. It will be a keeper.

9. Friendly and courteous tour guides like those at Monaco Safaris are at your service 24-7. They will pick you up from the airport,drive you to your hotel. Take you on local and cultural tours and provide information that you cannot get anywhere else. Not even your local Kenya tour guide book. Look them up!

10. Its easy to get there. Take a flight (only 45 minutes from Nairobi) or hit the road (about 5 hours by car, 8 hours with an overnight bus). The train is not recommended. It has been known to break down in the middle of nowhere on Christmas Day! If you are coming from the US, UK , Canada, Australia or New Zealand, check this out!

Pictures are linked to original individual sites, so as to give credit to those who posted them.We do not in any way claim to own or possess these pictures. We have posted them for public information purposes.

Kudos to everyone who loves Kenya!