Lasting moments at Mombasa’s South Coast

There are times in this trade when you feel the need to blow off some steam. Waking up to an email invitation to spend a week at some of Kenya’s most inviting places gave me a genuine reason to smile, almost laugh.

The coast was one place to look forward to, not for anything but for the beautiful beach stretches that open up with a whole chapter of serene beauty.
The sights that welcome you to the coast are telling. People go to the coast to relax.

A couple lie under the midmorning sunshine, sun bathing as they cuddle. Another one slowly descends down, past the giant swimming pool of Swahili Beach Hotel.

The second pair of lovebirds are a little shy. The lady in a hijab and the gentleman formally dressed in a shirt and trouser, are a bit of a misfit in the beach surrounding the South Coast. They are here to have a little fun and cautiously at that. When they are sure no one is paying attention to them, they dive into the lower part of the swimming pool, fully dressed.

That is what South Coast does to you; it teases you and tempts you to enjoy its offerings. The sun is always bright and the people are welcoming, just in tandem with this beauty coastal chunk of Kenya.

There is the South Coast and North Coast which are separated by the Indian Ocean. One of the attractions on the South Coast is the Swahili Beach Hotel, which offers a relaxed feel and is less congested.

“The coast has an appeal for tourists. I personally prefer the South Coast. If you have been working so hard and you would like to reward yourself, you need to come and lie down where nobody bothers you,” Kenya Tourism Board’s Public Relations Officer, Ann Kanini, observes. And compared to the South, the North is more congested.

When it comes to cleanliness, the South still beats the North coast. At the Swahili hotel, there are ‘love beds’. These are open-air beds on the lawns where lovers relax as they enjoy their honeymoon experience away from home.

The hotel has a luxurious spa with scented massage parlours, a range of ointments, well-trained masseuses and masseurs, a jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna rooms, and more. You will knock yourself out.

The Swahili Beach Hotel is one of many hospitality facilities that line the shorelines of the ocean, giving tourists a rich and relaxing view in the serene environment of Diani’s hinterland. Most of the coastal facilities, offer special East African rates, to encourage the region’s residents to enjoy the coast.

Places to visit in Mombasa

Fort Jesus

Built in 1593-1596 by the Portuguese, Fort Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Mombasa’s top tourist attractions. Built in the shape of a man, the fort was given the name of Jesus as a clear religious reference. Although partially ruined, Fort Jesus houses a museum built over the former barracks for the garrison. Exhibits include a vast collection of ceramics and pottery reflecting the various cultures that traded along the coast.

The Marine Park

Mombasa Marine National Park protects mangroves, seagrass beds, sandy beaches, and coral reef. Diving and snorkelling are popular activities - especially north of Mombasa, from Mtwapa Creek south to the entrance of Likoni. Seahorses, stingrays, and eels are among the marine creatures inhabiting the reserve. Those wishing to remain dry can view the diverse marine life from a glass-bottom boat. The popular beaches of Nyali, Bamburi, and Shanzu all provide access to the marine park.

North Coastline

The coastline north of Mombasa is a little livelier than the South coast and the resorts are closer to the airport and Mombasa City. Palm-lined beaches, crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and a profusion of water sports, resorts, and entertainment venues provide plenty of tourist action.Traveling north from Mombasa, one comes across Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu beaches, tourist hubs with a wide range of accommodation.