It is difficult to explain what to feel "lost" to Africa means … it is that mood you get inside when you feel nostalgic for the places that you have just been to and those feelings persist and become stronger. There is only one solution: to return to the same place, as soon as possible.
Kenya is a kaleidoscope of colours : the turquoise gradations of the sea, the multiple tones of yellow and green in the landscape, the mellow colours of the animals, the red soil, the bronzed coloured inhabitants with their white glowing smile.
This trip is worth taking, just to get to know the population : people that live poverty in a decorous way, used to fighting to survive the frenetic western world that surrounds them. People with suntanned faces, curious children that try to “get their hands on” candy every chance they get, while their older brother offers you an excursion for the day.
Even this is Africa, all of this is Kenya.
...It stimulates the senses …
Just a short distance from Mombasa you can find the very white beaches of Diani, an ideal place where every one can spend relaxing days of sun and sea.
If you love hide-away places away from the touristic areas, go to Lamu or Funzi island …, on the latter spend at least one night on the island discovering the enchanting nature and darkness. It will be like experiencing moments as “Robinson Crusoe” !
It is impossible to get bored in the Malindi coast: you will always find something interesting to do in the morning and at night, on the beaches and on the streets.
The National Marine Park is just a fews steps away from the center, a protected casket, rich of marvellous coral, that live peacefully amongst many different species of tropical fish.
At a short distance you can find Watamu. It is more quite than Malindi and has a beautiful sea incomparable to others. Above all, Kenya is a synonym for safari, so don’t miss a night under the African stars: Tsavo Est and Ovest, Masai Mara, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru, just to name a few, are only some of the natural wonders that are waiting for you.
The most popular beaches
MOMBASA
Mombasa remains the most important harbour of the country. Above all, it is known for being the main meeting point when arriving in Africa to then travel on to other destinations.
The city is an ensemble of old and new roads, meeting place of the Arabic, Mediterranean and Asian cultures.
MALINDI
Malindi is the touristic city for antonomasia, because it attracts millions of tourists every year that are tired of the long and cold European winters and grab a flight that brings them to this splendid place in only a few hours.
The ocean dominates Malindi like on all of the entire coast : the ocean is the supreme figure along with the moon, responsible for the phenomenon of the tides.
The sea takes back it’s water every six hours allowing the tourists to walk on the fresh shoreline in search of seashells, starfish and fish that have been left behind in the puddles.
After a few hours the water generously flows back allowing the tourists to bath in the warm water of the sea.
A real underwater paradise exists at Malindi for the scuba diving experts and non : it is the National Marine Park, a protected casket rich of marvellous corals that live peacefully amongst many different types of tropical fish.
For those who love activities, aside from the numerous water sports, it is possible to play golf directly on the beach.
It is not possible to get bored in Malindi : you will always find something interesting to do on the streets and on the beaches, in the morning and at night.
The lively fashionable life is surprising : bars, restaurants, discos open until dawn and for the ones who love to risk it, there is a sparkling casino.
The National Parks
EAST and WEST TSAVO
Tsavo is the park that is seen the most, because of its nearness to the Mombasa airport where many charter flights land. It is also the most vast reserve in all of Kenya. It extends from Mombasa to the plateaus of Nairobi.
The park has been subdivided into two into two parts, Tsavo East and Tsavo West.
The east part is characterized by a dry plain where stunning beautiful baobab stand out. The lava flows are interesting to see because they form an almost lunar panorama.
On the other, the west side that borders with Tanzania, provides a stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro.
You will be surprised to see the numerous quantities of animals from both parts of the park such as ; lions, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, gazelle, antelopes and thousands of birds.
MASAI MARA
Different from the other parks, this splendid reserve is the only one that allows the proud Masai tribes to practice agriculture, breeding and hunting.
Therefore, you will have the possibility, not only to see the fauna of the village, but to get to know the native populations that often walk by with their animals to go feed.
Geographically, Masai Mara is the natural continuation of the large Serengeti park in Tanzania.
Thanks to the abundant rainfalls that occur every season, the park always alternates with its’ green areas to those dry regions. So, in every moment of the year you can see the numerous felines that silently and very quietly, follow the tranquil mammals that migrate.
AMBOSELI
The park is quite small. It is characterized mainly by many green veldts and marshes where acacia, papyrus and bulrush grow.
It is not well known for its massive animal reserve, but it is well known and frequently visited for it’s sacred mountain : Kilimanjaro, seen in numerous touristic photos.
LAGO NAKURU
This park is very famous for the great presence of the pink flamingos that populate it, incredibly enchanting, with hundreds of birds flying around that obstruct the sun and colour everything in pink, creating a marvellous scenario.
You can also see hippopotamus, water antelopes and buffalos on the shores. And inside the park you can see impalas, giraffes, hyenas and baboons.
The islands
LAMU
Sitting drowsy and calmly on the Indian Ocean, the island of Lamu has been the heir of traditions for over millions of years. Swahili culture and the Lamu lifestyle contain influences from East Africa, Oman, Yemen, Indian and a little bit from Portugal and Victorians. Amongst all of the ancient cities, East African Swahili and Lamu are the only ones that have been substantially untouched.
Lamu almost seems like an area that stopped in time. The lifestyle and the nature of the city have slightly changed throughout the centuries. The narrow and winding roads allow only for pedestrians and donkeys to pass by. The Lamu population is almost exclusively Islamic. Men wear the long typical gowns called khanzus with kofia styled hair. The women cover their entire bodies with black clothing like in the majority of the Islamic countries.
There is no city like Lamu : a tranquil tropical island where life relaxingly goes by. It has a mysterious and fascinating history like it’s winding roads found within the medieval city.
Overall, the island is simply enchanting with its sandy hills, long beaches and small villages nestled in between coconut and mango plantations and the typical Dhow boats that plough through the waves. The real attraction in Lamu is the old city.
Lamu was born in the 14th century with a Swahili colony but it also had many visitors such as the Portuguese, the Turkish merchants, the Chinese and the Oman Arabs. Each one left their characteristic mark behind but Lamu developed its own culture that still exists today.
The narrow roads in Lamu have never changed and the everyday life within the markets and the squares around the fort slowly pass by always. There are no cars on the island. The donkey and the dhow are the main means of transportation. You will easily find local guides very willing to show you the colourful markets and the panoramic sights from the rooftops.
The people of Lamu are strong believers in traditions and customs. Lamu is a society that has been built on the respect of the past.
Lamu is an exotic hypnotic experience for the tourist, which is made even more pleasurable to be in due to the relaxing and welcoming attitude of the local people. When in Lamu, it seems like you are entering into another world that immediately takes you in. Life slows down and you spend long days walking on the shore exploring the city or relaxing on the beaches.
This idyllic island speaks directly to the heart and soul and therefore, a trip to Lamu is a romantic experience that will always be a part of us.