Kenya Coast is one of the big centers of Kenya’s tourist trade, drawing thousands of visitors to the coast province of Kenya every year.
Kenyan coast has beautiful white beaches with palm trees, warm sea water, coral reefs, and sand dunes. The average temperature is 82°F (28°C) but there is a relaxing cool breeze from the sea
History of Kenyan Coast Kenyan coast has a very interesting and unique culture. It is a place where Arabs and Africans lived together and created a new culture, unique only to the coast province of Kenya.
Early coastal kenya settlements grew into towns with Arab and African inhabitants. Intermarriage was common and a unique culture developed that resembled the people of the Islamic Gulf states.
Today, the people of the kenyan coast region are the Swahili, who speak a blended Arabic and African language called Kiswahili.
The Portuguese first arrived at the coastal kenya region in 1500 and gained control of the entire kenyan coast region. They built the historic Fort Jesus for protection. Trade flourished until 1698 when the Sultans of Oman attacked and conquered Fort Jesus and the entire Kenyan coast.
Now under the control of the Seyyid Said, the Omani Ruler, trade resumed including the exports of coconut, cloves, ivory and hides.
Slave Trade was banned in 1800. The British took control of Kenyas interior but left the 10-mile wide kenyan coast strip to the Sultan. In 1920 this coastal kenyan region too became a British protectorate
Kenyan Coast Today Today, Kenyan coast is full of historical sites, trading ports, beautiful beaches, and luxury resorts.
It is the place that truly reflects Kenya’s rich cultural heritage. Unique to the Kenyan coast is the harmonious mix of African, Arabic and European cultures.
A trip to the Kenyan coast gives an opportunity to kick back and relax in the sun, scuba-dive, big-game fishing trip or take a dhow cruise in Coastal Kenya waters. You can also discover the traditions and culture of the kenyan coast people.
The coast province of kenya is now a major tourist attraction area with the warm Indian Ocean waters providing some of the best places for snorkeling and diving.
Other Coastal kenya attractions are its enormous game fish and coral reefs located at Malindi, Watumu Bay, and Shimoni.
Kenyan coast town of Mombasa Mombasa City has Kenyan coast biggest sea port and is Kenya’s second largest city. This colorful city has both ancient and modern influences.
The old town and its narrow winding streets offer beautiful sights of nicely carved doors, narrow verandahs, bazaars and curio shops.
Fort Jesus, built in 1593 by the Portuguese is kenyan coast’s biggest attraction, serving as a historical museum.
Coastal Kenya Town of Lamu The Kenyan coast remote archipelago of Lamu takes you back in time to experience its ancient history. Lamu has retained its ancient coastal kenya appearance and character over hundreds of years.
Most people enjoy walking, cycling, riding donkeys and sailing Dhows in Lamu.
Malindi Town of Kenyan Coast Kenyan coastal town of Malindi is famous for its Marine National Park that has lots of coral reefs and colorful fish. Most visitors see them through glass bottomed boats or by directly snorkeling above them.