KENYA

Watamu and kenyan coast

The wonder of the Indian Ocean landscape

30-08-2008 by redazione

If the kenyan coast was a movie, it could be entitled “From Vanga to Kiunga”. An endless, amazing, multicoloured film unrolling through white sandy beaches, sudden rocky ups and downs, coral reefs, islands and stacks, fishermen' villages and ancient arab settlements, oasis rich in marine fauna. 
In fact, after the national parks, an attraction having few equals in the world, the kenyan coast on the Indian Ocean is the most visited area in Kenya.
Tourists from any part of the world spend there relaxing holidays and thousands of them elected it as their «buen retiro», buying home and living there for most time of the year or even their whole life.
Vanga, on the extreme southern coast, is the last small town before reaching Tanzania although the road shrinks to inland and the border is actually near Lungalunga village.
Going back up toward Mombasa, on a fine road about 100 km long, you will soon find Shimoni peninsula with Visite-Mpunguti marine park where you can watch hundreds of dolphins. Shimoni is an ancient swahili village with ruins dating back to the 13th century and the slaves' caverns, the place where the human bodies were bought and sold, first, by arab and chinese and then by the portuguese mercenaries.
The area in front of Shimoni coral reef is one of the most suggestive places for snorkelling and Wasini coral island absolutely deserves a visit also for enjoying a meal based on their outstandingly large crabs.
Still going on toward Mombasa, you will first find Funzi island, adorned with mangroves and destination of the boat tours among its water-plants and crocodiles, then, Msabweni beach, famous for its alluring sunsets. In the vicinity there is a small castle on the rock and a tiny beach on Pemba channel, this was considered a meeting place for witches and sorcerers, likewise Pemba island in Tanzania which lies in the front sea, reachable in three hours with a fast boat.
Still further, Chale Island, a wellness oasis among rich vegetation and muds with wonderful properties. However, much of the benefit comes from the extreme relax you can experience there.
Then, you will reach Diani Beach, one of the most famous tourist resorts. It is the white beach of Ukunda village which started developing about thirty years ago and that, along with Watamu beaches, has conquered the first position over all kenyan littorals.