Education, entertainment, wildlife conservation and thrills are what you can expect at Orlando’s SeaWorld. This park has been called the most popular marine-life park in the world, and it certainly lives up to its reputation.
At SeaWorld you can get up close to dolphins, stingrays, water turtles, penguins and the other creatures that inhabit the seas of the earth. Let’s look at some of the attractions that you can experience at this park.
The Wild Arctic is a popular favorite. Here, you’ll enter a frozen wonderland with walls of ice nearly a half-inch thick. Exploring this multi-level ecosystem, you’ll encounter abundant Arctic animal life seemingly drawn to the old ship. This includes face to face encounters with real walruses, beluga whales, and two famous polar bears named Klondike and Snow.
Do you like penguins? If so then you should make it a point to visit the Penguin Encounter attraction. It is Sea World’s “slice of the Antarctic” and here you can watch penguins waddle about and enjoy themselves.
Stingrays have a fearsome name, but contrary to the name and the reputation they are among the most docile animals of the sea. Visit Sea Worlds Stingray Lagoon and you can watch 200 rays glide through the waters of their protected home. If you put your hand just below the surface, you’re likely to get a velvety “high five” as they swim by. In a nearby nursery, stingray pups learn and play under the watchful eye of SeaWorld’s animal care experts, always on hand to tell you anything you want to know about these graceful, mysterious creatures.
At Turtle Point you can view 300 sea turtles, ranging from tiny hatchlings to 6-foot-long leatherbacks. At Turtle Point you can also learn about and watch some of the endangered and threatened species of sea turtles. Here, these prehistoric-looking reptiles reside in a naturalistic lagoon complete with a beach, sand dunes and indigenous plant life.
Pacific Point Preserve is a recreated Los Angeles nature preserve featuring California sea lions. Here you can meet, touch and even feed some of these remarkable animals. Be sure to get a spot at Pacific Point Preserve at feeding time and you’ll be in for a treat. This laid back community of California sea lions and harbor seals are always ready to entertain a crowd with their animated vocals and endless antics.
In addition to the thrill and wonder of seeing amazing sea creatures up close, the park also has sea-themed thrill rides. One of the newest is Journey to Atlantis.
Here is how the Sea World website, Seaworld.com, describes this ride: “Brave twists, turns, and watery falls of mythical proportions as you explore the mysterious, lost city of Atlantis aboard this thrilling water coaster ride. Journey along a dark, watery passageway through this sunken city guarded by sirens, whose fury casts riders out on some of the steepest, wettest plunges you’ll find, sending you racing out of the gates of this ill fated utopian paradise.” You can expect to get wet on this ride, so be prepared.
To top off the thrills, SeaWorld is also home to the Kraken, the tallest, fastest, longest and only floorless roller coaster in Orlando. That’s right, it has no floor! Imagine a roller coaster that takes you to heights of a 15-story building, and puts you upside down seven times at speeds reaching 65 mph! Whew, that’s Kraken and it can only be found at SeaWorld. (You must be 54 inches tall to ride).
After you have been thrilled by the rides and delighted by the sea creatures, you can chill out at the park’s entertainment and dining area, known as the Waterfront. There is no doubt about it; SeaWorld has a combination of attractions, thrills and fun that is sure to bring a smile to every member of your family.
People often ask me why I keep my site going after so many years. I have had touching emails from many people around the world who were fascinated to discover that life on “the island” was for me quite normal. My parents married there in the Anglican church in the main street, now beautifully renovated, and I spent the first 5 years of my life there.
The island was first an army base, then a naval base, and eventually the marines took over before handing over to the prisons department. I have fond memories of walking the island with my nanny every day – she was a Xhosa woman and when we visited the now famous quarry where political prisoners eventually spent their days picking at rocks, we were greeted by the then hard laborers who could not resist a chat with a black women and a child. Nanny and I walked for miles each day – a visit to the farm, the lighthouse and nothing would stop us from looking across the bay at the famous Table Mountain.
I remember, so well, huge tortoises that swam back to the mainland. Often people have emailed me to say I must have remembered incorrectly – were they not turtles? Because I left when I was only five, I wondered whether, perhaps, I was wrong. I phoned a professor of zoology from University of Cape Town, and was delighted to discover that I had been right. The Mountain Leopard tortoise indeed was the culprit, and fishermen often loaded them on board their boats and brought them back to the island. They are the only tortoises in the world that have lungs large enough to swim. I remember my father riding one – he got off before it launched itself into the bay, of course.
Nelson Mandela is on record as describing Robben Island as a special place. And indeed it was; but for me for very different reasons, although I imagine that he has very fond memories, as well as the painful ones. He befriended prison warders and was a favourite among them, and his patience and lack of revenge resulted in a new democratic nation we now live in.
You can read more by visiting websites which also has many links to places to visit and see in and around Cape Town. If you do have the privilege of visiting the island, take a thought when looking across the bay at Table Mountain itself – its chain and floral kingdom is one of only seven in the world, with more species of flowers than the entire British Isles!
If you happen to end up in Cape Town be sure to stay a while. Rated as one of the three most beautiful cities in the world, I can certainly say that having been to handsome Vancouver and stayed in stunning Sydney, Cape Town is still the most beautiful. Few destinations in the world offer you the chance to experience two oceans; in October Southern Right whales return to fill our bays with their offspring and frolicking antics. We have the most famous botanical garden in the world, Kirstenbosch – an absolute must to come into contact with the world’s most diverse floral kingdom.
On your drive down to Cape Point, most tour buses stop in Simonstown – small, quaint and bristling with character, it was constructed almost entirely by the British navy and is a reminder of a typical English town. To the amazement of the locals, tens of thousands each year come from every country in the world to visit the smelly and noisy penguins that moved into the otherwise very private area called Boulders. The various drives around the peninsula are must-do outings in themselves, and there are no less than three large bays: Table Bay (cold water), False Bay (warm but still not Indian Ocean water) and Hout Bay with its fishing village and yacht basin.
We’re waiting for you. And so is Robben Island.
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One of the highlights of my family’s recent trip to Disney was taking part in Disney’s Dive Quest. The tour takes place at Disney’s Living Seas in Epcot. What a trip! We arrived at our tour time (around 4:30pm) outside of Epcot’s front entrance, near the blue sign where our dive masters met us.
A behind the scenes tour of the Living Seas was first with a history of the facility. Classroom time included a video and overview of the safety measures and rules. The staff was more than courteous and answered all questions thoroughly. We had to show our dive cards (required) and give the basic information to be out-fitted for our dive. All equipment is provided except for a mask/snorkel, not surprisingly Disney requires you to wear their approved gear so everyone looks similar.
For the beginning of the dive, you stay with the instructors and they bring you around to the various photo shoot areas. The dive is videotaped and you have the opportunity to buy it at the end. We had our first picture taken with our family (they were on the other side of the very thick ‘plastic’). We then went into an air tank underneath the water where we could take off our masks, wave to the camera and say hi. The last photo opportunity was when we went through a rock structure in the tank.
The Living Seas has 8,000 species of under-water life and was truly the most diverse population that I have ever seen on a dive. There were 4 gigantic turtles bigger than me, numerous sharks and tropical fish. While on the dive you are not allowed to touch any of the wild life (even the coral that is fake) but one of the turtles did brush by me. Very cool. I thought I would be a little more nervous with the sharks but they did not come very close and the one or two times they did I just swam away from them. This was truly the dive of a lifetime. The dive lasted 45 minutes (15-20 with the instructor). The entire tour is 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
After the dive we returned to the well stocked locker-rooms. They provide everything including towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap, hairdryers, etc. Anything you might need beforehand and afterwards. Women are given special ties for their hair so the animals are not hurt if an elastic comes out while on the dive. Nothing is rushed.
When we went back to the classroom, we were given Disney Divequest t-shirts, pins and shown the movie of the dive. Of course we purchased it (it was around $20 or $30). There were drinks provided including tea/coffee/soda/water.
The dive cost $140.00 and you do not have to have admission to Epcot for the day of the dive. So if you had a day at the hotel/pool and then headed over to Divequest you could save a day of admission because once you are done they do not escort you out of the park (although it is about 6:30pm). The adult dive certification card (NAUI / PADI) is required and they ask for a driver’s license or other government-issued picture id. You must be at least 12 years old in order to dive in The Living Seas and my little one has already expressed an interest in doing so.
Living in Mexico was an adventurous fairytale; due to the variety of things to do, beauty of the country and the kindness of its residents. I am originally from Ohio but spent substantial time living in Mexico, studying the nature and history of this beautiful place. Here are some ideas and tips I learned from being there that may help you on your next trip to the Yucatan Peninsula.
Using the public bus system is infinitely cheaper than taking taxis everywhere. If you are looking for cheaper transportation to and from the airport, take the bus to downtown Playa del Carmen or Cancun. It is easy and the bus stations are centrally located in both cities. You can choose to ride an air-conditioned bus for a small amount more than the non air-conditioned bus. I would use either, whoever left soonest. There are bus schedules posted for local travel or throughout the country. The nicest buses when I was there were the plush tour buses for longer trips, called ADO. Really nice buses that cost more but are worth it.
If you need to make phone calls in Mexico, buy a phone card there and use them from any pay phone. They can be used to call internationally as well. The locals, many of which do not have phones in their homes, use them all the time. You can buy them in the Casas de Cambio (places where you can exchange your money into Mexican pesos). A note on exchanging your money, check around, to look for the best exchange rates as they may vary place to place.
Those who don’t scuba can enjoy the beauty of the underwater coral gardens and scenery by snorkeling. Go to the scuba shops and inquire about what excursions they offer for snorkelers, or ask your resort’s front desk if you can sign up for snorkeling tours there at the hotel. Wear sunscreen while doing this daytrip, don’t expect a white t-shirt to protect you, because it won’t. If you don’t use sun protection, you will come back lobster-red, trust me.
A word about avoiding Turista (Montezuma’s Revenge, the Tourist Trots). These very unpleasant bacterial infections happen, frequently, to travellers. To avoid spending most of your vacation in the bathroom recuperating, I suggest you don’t eat raw fruit (unless it’s already peeled), and don’t drink drinks that have ice that isn’t round, with a hole in it (purified water ice cubes). The large resorts’ food is safe, as far as I have experienced. I’ve stayed in a few before moving to Mexico and never got sick by eating or drinking their food. Big resorts take precautions against contaminated foods and drink. But, out on the street, those bacteria free float into the food offered at taco stands (and I love those, by the way), and wherever fruit is sold. If you buy fruit, peel before eating it. If it isn’t peelable, then forget it. Drink purified, bottled water at all times. If you go to day-long trips out in the heat, bring a gallon jug of water, you will need it.
Hire only qualified tour guides through reputable agencies (usually found through the hotels or your travel agent). Don’t use freelance tour guides because I was told when living there that some will make information up as they go along. Independent tour guides will approach you at places like the ruins of Coba, Chichen Itza and Tulum, for example. Go with a tour group to these places. I liked the Apple tours, but there are many others that are good, too. Ask around to see who are most highly recommended. Chichen Itza is a big site, worthy of seeing, if you are going to choose a sight to see. The pyramid there, called El Castillo, is spectacular. I have been inside it (very, incredibly claustrophobic if you decide to brave it up the narrow stairway inside) and on top of it (steep stairs lead up to a few small rooms on the top, where nobility would perform rituals, etc.) Take a camera and stop at the nearby hotel for lunch if you have the chance. There was a show there where dancers in Mayan dress entertained us as our group ate there. It was a good break from the heat of sightseeing this ancient city. Word to the wise, bringing a family-size vat of sunscreen wouldn’t be a bad idea. And as much water as possible. Walking around the site all day will dehydrate and bake you if you aren’t careful.
Check out the cenotes (lakes of brackish water in the jungle), accessed by taking buses or taxi, along the Playa del Carmen-Tulum corridor. I liked going to the Cenote Azul or the Cenote Dos Ojos. Cenotes attract nature, and while visiting them, I saw a variety of fascinating flora and fauna from basilisk lizards to a diving duck. Cenotes are the entrance points to underwater caves, which are only safe to go to with certified dive experts. Underneath the Yucatan peninsula there are a large network of underground caves that expert divers like to explore. Do not attempt to dive these on your own, because it is dangerous. If you want to see what an underground cave is like, go nearby to the nature park of Xcaret, where there are underwater caves for the public to swim in.
Speaking of Xcaret, it is a must to visit if you love nature. It is full of educational activities and fun things to do for the whole family. Expect to spend an entire day there. There is swimming with dolphins, horseback riding, exploring an ancient Mayan village, seeing Mayan dancing shows, snorkeling in a large lagoon, all built into the jungles. It is a top-class place, and even has its own small zoo, butterfly garden and aviary. I know, I used to be the main illustrator for the park years ago. The restaurants are atmospheric and the food is good. Don’t forget to see the Mayan musicians do their flying pole exhibition, which is done all day long. They start on top of a pole, and “fly” down, while playing their instruments, while hanging from ropes by their ankles. You won’t see anything quite like it out of this region. Xcaret has a variety of natural history exhibits near their large gift shop. It is a “must” for all.
If you want a fun trip by boat, go to Playa Linda (in the Hotel Zone of Cancun) and hop a boat over to Isla Mujeres. Aqua Tours has a big, luxurious yacht that goes over there a few times a day. On the way to the island, you are served drinks, are entertained by the staff and get a great view of the Cancun coastline. Once at Isla Mujeres, you are taken on excursions to places like Tortugranja (a sea turtle farm, where they raise endangered sea turtles from small to large), or Hacienda Mundaca (a supposed former estate of an ex-pirate, who built it for his love interest, according to local legend). They offer snorkeling, too. It’s a fun day trip, and the shopping is pretty good on the island, too.
Another interesting place to visit is Merida, the capital city of the state of Quintana Roo (where Cancun is located). It reminded me of Europe, with its lovely, large mansions,outdoor cafes and stately buildings. There, you will find the United States embassy, among others. If you need to replace a lost passport or talk to embassy officials, this is where you want to go. It is a very international place, worth the very long bus ride from Cancun.
Downtown Cancun has a few interesting places to shop. There are authentic food and crafts at Plaza 2000, or see Chedraui (a department/ grocery store), or Pelicano (another general merchandise store). I haven’t been to Cancun since the devastating hurricane there, so check to see if these places are still in operation, if so, they are definitely worth going to. Take a bus or taxi to these places, to get a more “authentic” Mexican experience. Staying just in the Hotel Zone is fun, but not a slice of everyday Mexican life. Try some of the great food stands where the locals go. I love the chicken cooked on spits everywhere, called “Pollo Rojo” (red chicken) due to the spices used. It is to die for and incredibly cheap. If you see people on the street selling tamales, try them, they are excellent and really cheap. I could easily eat my way through Mexico by living on tamales (meat inside a corn-based “cake”) and empanadas (meat turnovers) alone. If you buy bakery items in Mexico at the grocery stores, bear in mind that they use much less sugar than Americans are used to having, in their recipes. I like the Conchitas, breads shaped like shells. If you want sweets, buy the cakes sold under the brand name
“Bimbo” (yes, that is the name of it). It is a major bread and snack food producer in Mexico.
Enjoy your stay in the lovely Mayan Riviera. Walk the beaches and admire that stunningly turquoise water, it is truly paradise. Enjoy the hospitality of the friendly and helpful Mexican nationals. Remember to have fun, but remember, it is a foreign country, so obey their laws and be respectful of the differences in culture. If you go, you’ll want to go back again and again. I know I did. The more you go, the more you know. Living in the Yucatan was an unforgettable experience, visiting there is too, so make it a memorable trip for yourself by seeing as much of it as you can. You won’t be disappointed.
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Enclosed by the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway, Indian Rocks Beach is a waterfront haven that is brimming with recreational pursuits and utter relaxation. Whether you want to soak up the splendor of this little piece of heaven or use it as a jumping off point for enjoying the attractions of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, Indian Rocks Beach is bound to offer a few welcome surprises during your stay.
Indian Rocks Beach is located on a three mile long barrier island that houses Belleair Beach and Belleair Shores to the North along with Indian Shores and Redington to the South. The perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, this quaint beach community offers a relaxed atmosphere that highlights the simple pleasures in life. Sit along a stunning white beach and sink your toes in the sand; take a sunset stroll along the water’s edge; or simply spread out and soak up some of that warm Florida sunshine. Breathtaking beauty is waiting around every corner to calm your nerves and alleviate any stress you brought into this island paradise, so follow its lead to pure bliss.
Although moving at a slow pace and letting the day occur naturally are perquisites for any Indian Rocks Beach getaway, there is also ample opportunity to participate in a few waterfront adventures. West of Gulf Blvd. on the Gulf of Mexico side, sugar white sand and turquoise water invite visitors out for an afternoon of swimming, beachcombing, sunning, and snorkeling. Along the Intracoastal Waterway, fishing is always a popular choice as is cruising the canals and viewing the beautiful homes. Along your travels you may also come across a couple of county parks, where hiking along the nature trails and fishing from the piers are possible options.
If you need a break from the water or want to soak in the delights of a Florida beach community, there are various shopping options in town in addition to some excellent restaurants. Guppy’s on the Beach is a favorite with locals and visitors alike for its exceptional seafood, while the Tacky Turtle offers a quick bite to eat should your stomach call out during your wanderings. Other seafood restaurants to consider include Crabby Bills and P.J.’s Oyster Bar and for those who lean towards Italian cuisine, Villa Gallace is the one to try.
Like any other small community that wants to create a welcoming feel, Indian Rocks Beach features various special events throughout the year that visitors are welcome to attend if they happen to be around. The Beauty and the Beach Festival, held in the beginning of April, is both entertaining and delicious, while Oktoberfest and the Fall Arts Festival are ideal for enjoying the pleasant October weather and the local excitement.
Since Indian Rocks Beach is only a few miles from Clearwater, many people make it their jumping off point for enjoying the many attractions of this popular Florida city. While staying away from the crowds, those in Indian Rocks Beach can take the short drive to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and learn about dolphin, otter, and sea turtle conservation, participate in the dolphin encounter, or view the sea turtle, otter, shark, and stingray exhibits. Pier 60 is another favorite Clearwater attraction with its children’s playground, street performers, local artisans, and pier fishing.
Indian Rocks Beach is more than just a quiet community located near Clearwater, it is a place where you can enjoy the waterfront wonders of the Gulf and relax to your heart’s content. Surrounded by pristine water and sparkling beaches that will take your breath away, condo rentals in Indian Rocks Beach Florida offer all of the amenities of home along with easy access to your favorite restaurants and sunning spots. Indian Rocks Beach vacation rentals make your stay as convenient and enjoyable as possible, meaning you have nothing to worry about except whether you want to swim or surf today.
As its name implies, Siesta Key is a Florida vacation destination that focuses on the simple pleasures in life as it leaves behind the stress and anxiety of overwhelming attractions. While you could theoretically spend your entire getaway relaxing on its pristine sands, melting away your worries under the warm Florida sun, the countless opportunities for adventure are simply too much to pass up on this little island paradise.
Located just off the coast of mainland Florida near Sarasota, Siesta Key is surrounded by sparkling azure water that is just begging to be enjoyed. While you may want to jump right into the Gulf of Mexico the second you step foot on the island, it is usually best to begin your water-bound excursions from any of the three beautiful beaches that Siesta Key has to offer. Gently brushing the water’s edge with their stunning white sands, Siesta Key Public Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach feature distinct environments that are sure to meet all your vacation needs.
The most popular beach not only on Siesta Key but also in the greater Sarasota area, Siesta Key Public Beach is a haven for beach bums who want to sink their toes into the cool, quartz sand and kick back near the water’s edge. While walking along the shore and swimming in the Gulf are carefree ways to spend an afternoon, the amenities of this public beach, including a playground area, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and concessions, make it the perfect destination for a well-rounded day on the island.
If you tire of wading in the shallow water near the shore or want to cool off out of the sun’s reach, Siesta Key Public Beach is just a short stroll away from the quaint shops and restaurants in Siesta Village. Ocean Boulevard is the place to go for a variety of restaurants and pubs that offer outdoor seating and exceptional views to go along with your refreshing ale or beer. Losing track of time is never a problem here as the conversation and scenery are conducive to a carefree rather than itinerary-oriented day. However, when night falls, the village certainly has your entertainment needs covered with various live music and the “Drum Circle” theatrical performance on Sunday nights.
In contrast to the vibrant atmosphere that abounds on and around Siesta Key Public Beach, Crescent Beach offers seclusion and privacy for those who truly want to getaway from it all. While it would seem that its radiant white sands and stunning blue waters would draw visitors en masse, its tucked away location just south of Siesta Key Public Beach and its single public access road lead most vacationers to choose convenience over serenity. If you need more excitement off this quiet strip of sand, take advantage of the spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving that abounds on the southern tip in an area known as Point of Rocks.
When aren’t escaping on Crescent Beach or playing on Siesta Key Beach, don’t miss the water sports of the narrower Turtle Beach, which is located on the southern end of the key. Boasting a volleyball court, horseshoe pit, boat launch, and fishing in the nearby Blind Pass Lagoon, you can relax or play to heart’s content directly off of its fine white sands. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the petrified sharks’ teeth and excellent shell collecting opportunities in its sands, particularly after storms.
As the beaches take center stage and offer endless swimming, shelling, fishing, parasailing, snorkeling, and boating opportunities, it can be easy to overlook the splendor of your surroundings. Rather than running from one activity to the next, take the time to enjoy the dolphins frolicking in the open water or the boats sailing out to sea by selecting warm and inviting Siesta Key vacation rentals for your accommodations needs. Located just a stone’s throw away from the water but offering all of the amenities and comforts of home, every moment of your vacation can be more exciting and enjoyable than you ever imagined when you stay in a Siesta Key rental.
Kenya’s 480 km coast is one of the principal attractions for visitors to the country. Every year, hundreds of thousands of sun lovers find their way here. Many are returning pilgrims who truly know that the sun here is ever faithful. Unlike other beach destinations, the visitor is served with much more than just sun and sand but is delighted to discover ancient coastal forests and historical sites and a people with a fascinating history and culture. The casual visitor impressed by the tranquil beaches and gentle people will not suspect the colourful and eventful history of these realms.
For the tourist, the Kenyan coast can be seen as five regions. These are: the town and island of Mombasa; the south coast –stretching from Mombasa to the Tanzanian border 135 km away: the north coast- covering the beaches from Mombasa up to Kilifi, 60 km away: Malindi and Watamu about 130 km to the northeast of Mombasa and Lamu island and archipelago, 225 km further up from Malindi. Each of these regions has similarities in terms of history, culture, natural attractions and beach experience. But as sports fans will understand, it is the differences that matter to the dedicated fans of each region.
The gateway to the Kenyan coast is Mombasa. You get here by flying into its international airport or by taking the 520 km road journey from Nairobi, the common entry port for most visitors. If you demand the freedom of your own car, consider taking a rental car either in Nairobi on in Mombasa to help you get around. Review the options you have for Kenya Car Rental and Kenya Domestic Flights as you plan to get there.
Mombasa, the principal city at Kenya’s coast is one of the oldest human settlements on the eastern seaboard of the African continent. Though it has without doubt been in existence for at least 700 years, it is mentioned in writings of Arab, Roman and Egyptian travelers dated as far back as 2,500 years ago. The Arabs came to trade and settle, starting from about the 8th century AD. With the push of the northeast monsoon, their dhows brought ironware, glassware, textiles, and took home rhino horn, ivory and slaves. Substantial settlements gradually developed and many traders settled and intermarried with local Africans. The Arabs also brought along the message of the Prophet and the Kenyan coast is even today predominantly Muslim.
Relative tranquility prevailed at the coastal towns until the Portuguese showed up at the end of the 15th century. The Portuguese were a substantial seafaring power of the day and were anxious to break the stranglehold of the Ottoman Empire on Indian Ocean trade. Vasco Da Gama opened the way for his compatriots when he made his way round the southern tip of Africa and up to eastern Africa in 1498. The Portuguese were not warmly received in Mombasa, but not so at Malindi. The local sultan offered his ready friendship and proved very useful to Da Gama by providing a pilot who knew how to get to India, his ultimate destination.
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Mombasa saw plenty of war. For this reason, the city was nicknamed Mvita, which in Swahili translates as Isle of War. Fort Jesus, the permanent garrison whose construction was started by the Portuguese in 1593, changed masters 9 times before 1875. By the terror of war, the Portuguese sought to control the east African coast. As colonial overlords, the Portuguese were deficient in that they were mostly interested in plunder and trade and did not establish robust systems of administration. Another related difficulty they faced was that they were supplied from Goa in India. The student of military theory will recognise this as a classical case of “long supply lines”.
The Portuguese were finally driven out by the emerging power of Omani Arabs in 1729. The ascendancy of the Omani Arabs lasted until Britain, a leading super power at the time, appeared at the beginning of the 19th century. The British came in under the guise of a humanitarian mission- the suppression of the slave trade. The Omani Arabs were notorious slave traders. Christian missionaries put pressure on the British government to persuade the Omani Arabs to pursue other trade other than trafficking in humans. This is somewhat like the problem the Americans face today in South America with respect to the cocaine trade.
The British were actually successful in this, by using time honoured carrot and stick tactics. Under the resulting deal, the Omani Arabs whose headquarters was in Zanzibar were recognized as overlords over a 16 km strip along the Kenyan coast. The sultan was to be paid an annuity as compensation for resulting loss of revenue. This territory acquired the status of a British Protectorate until 1963 when the Sultan of Zanzibar ceded it to the newly independent Kenyan nation.
Mombasa is today a cosmopolitan metropolis reflecting the influence of Africans, Persians, Arabs, Turks, Indians, Portuguese and the British. The Old Town is a grid of narrow winding streets lined with houses built to coastal Swahili and Indian styles. Some of the houses have intricately carved doors similar to what you find in Zanzibar and Lamu. In the Old Town you will find Fort Jesus, the permanent garrison built by the hapless Portuguese. Fort Jesus, in addition to being an attraction itself, houses a museum exhibiting various artifacts reflecting the various cultures that have influenced the Kenyan coast. You will also see articles recovered from the ill-fated Portuguese warship Santo Antonio De Tanna, which sank in the siege of 1697 that lasted 1000 days.
In Mombasa you can take an all day dhow trip and relive the experience of the traders who sailed along the East African coast and as far as India and the Persian Gulf aboard these vessels for centuries. For the past few years, every November the Mombasa Carnival has been staged in the town. The Carnival is a lively street parade where you see incredibly adorned musicians and other artists from the Kenyan coast and other parts of the country. Street comedians, Swahili Taarab singers, Maasai warriors, brass bands and individual artists in outrageous costumes brave the November heat to march in the parade.
Visitors to the south coast usually head to Shelley, Tiwi, Diani, Msambweni and Shimoni. These are the beaches to the south of Mombasa, where hotel and resort development has taken place. To get to the south coast beaches you need to take the ferry at Likoni, the southern tip of Mombasa Island. If this does not suit you, take a flight to Diani airstrip. Diani beach, 40 km from Mombasa is the most developed beach at the south coast. This is the quintessential tropical paradise and here you will find a wide range of hotels, including an 18-hole golf resort. Though some of the other beaches are excellent, they have limited range of accommodation and attract fewer people.
Shimoni, 100 km from Mombasa is a centre for serious deep-sea fishing. It is also from Shimoni that you can visit the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. Here you will see the treasures of Kenya’s underwater world. At the marine park, the snorkeling experience is outstanding and on a lucky day you will swim with the dolphins. At Shimoni, there are a series of deep coastal caves stretching from the sea to deep inland. Arab slavers reportedly used these caves in the dark days of the slave trade. The slaves who perished here are remembered in Roger Whittaker’s song “Shimoni”.
At the south coast you have plenty of chances to indulge in some thrilling marine activity such as water skiing, wind surfing, scuba diving, goggling and deep-sea fishing. The Shimba Hills National Reserve, directly inland from Diani is a surprise and you have the opportunity to see some of the wildlife that Kenya is famed for. Though the wildlife is not as prolific as in the upcountry game parks, the beautiful rainforest and the spectacular Sheldrick Falls make it worth a visit. You can also spend the night here at Kenya’s only tree lodge at the coast, which has some water holes where elephants and other animals come for a drink.
The main attraction of the north coast is its beaches. Heading north from Mombasa these are: Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Vipingo and Kikambala. Here you will find hotel and resort complexes to suit the taste of most beach holiday enthusiasts. From your north coast base, you may want to visit Mamba Village, reputed to be one of the worlds’ largest crocodile farms. Those interested in eco conservation projects must not miss Haller Park. The park is named after the Swiss agronomist who by sheer grit and vision transformed a huge abandoned cement quarry into a spectacular 7 sq km nature and animal sanctuary.
At Mtwapa, just beyond Shanzu beach, Kenya Marineland houses some very diverse marine life, which you view from a glass-sided underground tunnel. From the same point, you can take a dhow sailing trip that includes onboard entertainment – acrobatics, fire eating and local dancers. Just off the coast, spectacular coral reefs teem with numerous fish, sea turtles and dolphins. You have an opportunity for world-class diving here, including some serious wreck diving. Diving at the Kenyan coast is good year round, expect in the months of July and August when silting and high seas are a problem.
Malindi has a history going back at least 800 years. This is the only town along the east African coast where the Portuguese found friendship without the persuasion of arms. Vasco Da Gama erected a pillar to serve as a navigation aid that still stands. Today, the town is a particular favourite with Italian visitors. Most of the hotel and resort development are to the south of the town along the Silversands beachfront and nearer town around Malindi Bay. At Malindi Marine National Park, you can see some fascinating coral gardens by diving, snorkeling or from a glass bottomed boat.
Malindi is a respected centre for big game fishing and several world records have been set here. The writer Hemingway was here in the 1930’s to enjoy one of his favourite macho sports. Watamu, 15 km further south, is a small beach development around the beautiful inlets of Turtle Bay and Blue Lagoon. Watamu too has its own Marine Park. At the edge of the park, you find a collection of caves housing a school of giant rock cod, some stretching the whole of 2 metres. Consider making an excursion to Gedi Ruins, one of Kenya archeological treasures. Gedi is estimated to have been founded in the 13th century but was mysteriously abandoned in the 17th century. Experts guess that marauding Galla tribesmen from up north did in the settlement.
Lamu has in recent years found favour with the international glitterati. The town has an ambience of mediaeval romance that attracts those who are offended by the burdens of our modern existence. Life in the island goes on almost like it did in the 14th century when the settlement was founded. Lamu has narrow streets and the town has only a single car for use by the top government official. Everybody else walks, takes a dhow or uses donkey taxis. If you come in by air you land at nearby Manda Island, from where you take a dhow or ferry. In this centre of Islamic culture, the men wear full-length whites and the women are shorn head to toe in black.
Shela is the main beach on the island and is just 15 minutes away by motorboat. You will find good rated accommodation at Lamu. There are also some very pricey hideaways in the neighboring islands of the archipelago favoured by the jet set. In the centre of the town, you find a fort built by invading Omani Arabs in the early 19th century that now serves as a cultural centre. Lamu museum is located at the seafront, in a house once occupied by Jack Haggard, Queen Victoria’s consul in this then important outpost. The museum is a repository of Swahili culture and on display are artifacts, dhows, jewelry and crafts.
At Mombasa and the Kenyan Coast you will find rated accommodation. Once you are there, you can take a break to view some of the wildlife that the country is famed for. From Mombasa, the nearest park reachable by road is Tsavo East, 4 hours away. Another good option is to fly to the Maasai Mara, Kenya’s top wildlife sanctuary and home to the big five- elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo. There are many Kenya safari options with Mombasa departures
The Kenyan coast has a tropical climate and it is a hot and humid place. Temperatures year round vary between 22° C and 33° C. July and August are the coolest months. Light clothing is
recommended, as even the evenings are usually warm. Short sleeve shirts, shorts and trousers for men and short sleeve blouses, slacks and skirts are sufficient. However, in this predominantly
Muslim area, women need to dress modestly so as not to offend local sensibilities. But swimwear is perfectly acceptable at beaches and hotel premises.
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