The beaches of Kenya are some of the world's most alluring playgrounds. Besides the beauty and tranquility, they offer plenty of opportunities for water sports and other beach vacation activities. Or simply sun-bathing. One is not surprised then, that more than 50% of Kenya's international standard hotels are based along the coast.
Some of the fun things to do while on your beach vacation on the Kenya coast are:
Dolphin-Watching
Since dolphins are frequent visitors off the Kenyan coastline, dolphin-spotting dhow trips are organized to the Kisite Marine Park. This is a full day trip with traditional lunch served either onboard or on Wasini Island. Snorkeling equipment is provided so that you can build up an appetite while exploring the coral gardens.
Dhow Trips
A dhow is a traditional sailing ship with over 1000 years history of plying the waters of the East Africa Coast. Built entirely from wood, they were traditionally used to transport spices, carpets, and other goods between Africa and India. Sightseeing, lunch or dinner is available with on-board entertainment in form of fire-eaters, limbo dancers, acrobats and more.
Dhows usually have wooden eyes carved into the front sides. It was believed that these eyes would protect the dhow from being marooned on reefs, and from the evil eye that could be placed by the enemies. Today, the tradition lives on, even though the superstitions have died out.
Visit to the Marine Parks
The beach towns of Mombasa, Malindi and Watamu all have marine parks and reserves are simply amazing in terms of diversity and beauty of the marine life they host. They pars and reserves are also very accessible. The Kiunga Marine National reserve provides a refuge for rare sea turtles and dugongs - mermaids. Trips from the hotels can be arranged to the animals and appreciate the conservation efforts being undertaken to save them from extinction.
Deep-sea fishing
Some of the best fishing off the African continent is found off the Kenyan coast, where many all-Africa records have been set. Kenyan waters are home to millions of billfish and contain the top sporting game-fish. Malindi is probably the best place in Africa for sailfish, while the Pemba channel is known for striped marlin, large yellow-fin tuna and sharks. All along the coast from Lamu in the north to Shimoni in the south, boats and equipment are available for hire.
Scuba Safari.
The Kenyan coral reef is home to some of the world's most diverse marine life. Swim along the coral gardens and visit the marine life underwater. For wreck divers, MV Diana lies in around 35 meters of water just off Bamburi Beach in the north coast beach of Mombasa.
Various activities are also available along the entire coast, including windsurfing, water skiing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Surfing can be found off Lamu at Sheila beach, but beware of sharks, as there is no coral reef.
Most hotels will have an information desk where you can access information on how to book and get your waters ports and activities organized.
1. Wash Away Your Worries with an Enzyme Bath
At Osmosis Spa, you can get a private enzyme bath that purifies your body, moisturizes skin, and soothes your soul. Set in a Japanese tea garden, you start with an organic herbal tea that contains enzymes from 25 organic plants, triggering a metabolic process enhanced by the hot bath.
Then, you soak in the warm water. As your body sweats out the toxins, you can relax, listening to meta-music designed to balance brain activity. This is followed by a 75-minute massage and facial.
2. Bond with Family and Friends at Armstrong Redwoods
Bring a picnic basket, a camera, and your loved ones to Armstrong Redwoods, an 805-meter park filled with ancient tree groves, nature trails, and numerous picnic and recreational facilities. Here you'll find some of the oldest and tallest redwoods in California?over 300 feet high, and dating back to over 1,400 years.
The park is located about two miles north of Santa Rosa, and is accessible from Highway 101. Just turn left on River Road, then drive down to Guerneville. At the second traffic signal, turn right on Armstrong Road. For more Information, call (707) 869-2015.
3. Feel Like a Pioneer on Pt Reyes? Hiking Trails
Point Reyes offers about 140 miles of hiking trails? and a view that displays Nature at its most pristine and majestic. Escape from the noise and pollution of the city, and imagine how California looked centuries ago.
Visitors will be given a free trail map, which shows both the hiking and the biking trails (however, those who go on foot will be able to explore the wilderness area, for the complete ?pioneer? experience). You can also ride horses.
The terrain is quite diverse, shifting from pasture lands to chaparral rides and forests and meadowlands. Visitors can customize their hike according to personal preference and experience.
4. Celebrate California's Creative Spirit
California has a thriving artists; community, and some of the best works of today's most promising creative minds are on display at the Arts Council of Sonoma Country Gallery.
The Gallery is found in Santa Rosa's Downtown Area, on 529 Fifth Street. It is open on Wednesday to Friday from 12 - 5 pm, and Saturdays from 12 - 4 pm. However, on October 13, 14, 20 and 21, the Gallery extends its hours from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. For more information, call 707-579-ARTS or visit http://www.artrails.org
5. Drink in Golden California
California's Sonoma and Napa regions are renowned for their fine wine. Take a tour of the most renowned vineyards and discover how your favorite vintage is made?from how the grapes ripen under the golden California sun, to the centuries-old fermenting process.
You can also book a ?scenic air tour? at http://www.SonomaCountyAirport.com. It's an experience of a lifetime which takes your journey to ?new heights? through an aerial tour of the region's vineyards and famous wineries.
The site also helps busy tourists and businessmen with their travel needs'so you start relaxing even when you're planning your vacation. Now that's worth a toast!
Both Solomon Okila & Nancy Hayssen are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Solomon Okila has sinced written about articles on various topics from . Solomon Okila is the Editor and Senior Safari Consultant at African Voyages Tours and Travel. This is a tour operator and Safari Outfitter that specializes on African Travel and holidays. The website has guided thousands of travelers to achieve their d. Solomon Okila's top article . to your Favourites.