The Kenyan Coast commands a strong sense of identity; other than the sandy beaches and the blue turquois waters of the Indian Ocean, it will indeed enchant you with an impressive blend of scents, sounds and colours an d above all ... a superb dining option.

Mombasa is a colourful Island town with a picturesque blend of ancient and modern structures. The old town and its labyrinth of narrow twisting allays displays the beautiful carved doors, Arab verandas, Bazars with Curios and antique shops.

The mention of Malindi Town alone, it evokes the history dating back to the 15 th century when the Portuguese visited the shores, choosing it as a prime trading spot. This small town is at the centre of a strip of idyllic tropical beaches offering you a range of world’s class resorts and quiet relaxing hideaways.

Further south, the sleepy town of Watamu which is fronted by wide white beaches beckons you to a thrilling holiday experience. This tranquil haven is a home to several well-established resorts and many private guest houses scattered throughout the forest along the deserted shores.

Diani beach which is indisputably the most frequented beach destination in the coast of Kenya, has indeed played host to the high and mighty from all over the corners of the world. Located in South Coast, it has abundant hotels catering to all tastes from small boutique properties for the discerning travellers to a larger family hotels.

There are also self-catering properties where you can enjoy privacy and informality during your tour. At the vast South coast region, you will enjoy water sport activities such windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, water skiing as well as Scuba diving among many others. Diani beach lies 35 Km south of Mombasa City.The beach covers the shore for about 25 Km and its adjacent to among others these famous destinations; Tiwi Beach, Galu Beach, Chale Island, Funzi Island and Kinondo Island.

DINING AT THE COAST.

In the hinterland and along the entire coastline which covers about 536 Kms, there are wonderful dining facilities that vary vastly, offering anything from fine dining to casual eateries. Owing to the fusion of cultures, over at the years the coast there has been emergence of many cuisines to choose from bearing equivalent diversity with the cultures.

These includes the native Swahili cuisine which is incidentally a blend of Arabic, Indian and African Cooking styles. Some of the dishes with a heavy Indian and Arabic influence includes Pilau & Biryani. The Blend of African & Asian Cuisines also produces a wide range of Vegetarian dishes. Other major cuisines at the coast includes Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Continental and many more.

The coast is especially famed for freshly caught sea food which is indeed a highlight in virtually many outlet’s menus. Local cuisines borrowed from other parts of the country are also available where in most cases they are enhanced with a spicy coastal touch. The city hotels, beach hotels and resorts at the coast also offer a diverse choice of accommodation, conferencing facilities and a wide range of sporting and leisure activities.

PLACES TO VISIT.

Fort Jesus – Built in 1593 by Portuguese, it’s located on the edge of a coral ridge overlooking the entrance to the old port of Mombasa. The Fort Jesus Museum houses findings from archeological excavations along the coast, within the fort, and a grand display of the culture and history of the coast and its people.

• OLD TOWN (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) -

  This is a section of Mombasa city which will definitely take you back to the ancient days when the Arabs Immensely influenced the town’s way of life, setting pace for a whole new culture. Ancient buildings, exquisite art designs and curio shops that sells antique and popular Kenyan souvenirs characterizes the town. The wealth in cultural diversity encompassing a rich brew of locals, Arabs, Asians, Portuguese and the British who had co-existed for hundreds of years in this area has created a distinct character and culture, which has come to define the old town.

• GEDI RUINS-

  The Gedi ruins are located in Gedi off the Malindi- Mombasa road along the road to Watamu. It dates back to the 13 th Century and was later abandoned in the 17 th Century. Gedi was a small town built entirely from rocks and stones, which was inhabited by a few thousands Swahili people and ruled by a very rich Sultan.

• VASCO DA GAMA PILLAR -

  This pillar sits in a picturesque location on the sea front road near the Jetty. The Pillar can be reached from Scorpio Villas or alternatively from the Malindi’s Silversands area. The pillar is one of the oldest remaining monuments in Africa and was built in 1498 by the great Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama as a sign of appreciation for the welcome he was given by the Sultan of Malindi.

• SIMBA HILLS NATIONAL RESERVE -

  About 45 minutes from Diani, Simba Hills National Reserves is a raw taste of the wild side of the Kenyan Coast. A tropical rain forest, which is cool and refreshing, a far cry from the heat and humidity of the beach. Inside the forest is the magical Sheldricks’s water fall.

• OTHERS

  - Haller park (the largest animal sanctuary in Mombasa),

  - Mamba Village (East Africa’s largest crocodile farm),

  - Mombasa tusks (a symbolic representation of entrance into the heart of Mombasa town),

  - Hindu temple (an important symbol of Mombasa’s culture diversity),

  - Mnarani ruins (an ancient Swahili Coastal Settlement dating back to the early 14 th Century)

  - Mombasa marine Park and National Reserve (Rich in coral reef and abundant marine life),

  - John Krapf Memorial (an area in Nyali with the Graves and Memorial of this Pioneer missionary and His Family

  - Bombolulu workshop among others.

With all these at hand, you are surely spoilt for choice as a visitor bound to behold a vacation as flawless and elegant to befit the highest nobility. Blavals Adventure ensures that nothing indulges your senses of entitlement more than the magnificently aplanned overall tour experience.