Diani Beach in Kwale County has yet again put Kenya on the world map after being voted as among the top 25 beaches in the world in 2015 by TripAdvisor.
In the latest Travellers’ Choice Awards (Best of 2015), TripAdvisor ranked Diani Beach 22nd best beach in the world.
Diani Beach was also voted third among the top 25 beaches in Africa while Watamu Beach in Kilifi County took 14th position on the continent.
Baia do Sancho from Brazil was voted as the best beach among the top 25 beaches in the world.
Anse Lazio from Seychelles was ranked sixth overall, Camp’s Bay Beach from South Africa was 11th while Sharm El Luli from Egypt was at position 19.
On the African continent, Diani Beach was ranked third and Watamu Beach was voted 14th overall.
On the TripAdvisor website, global travel reviewers termed Diani Beach as a “nice place, excellent weather, very good.”
MEDINA PALMS AMONG TOP HOTELS
In the hotels category, Medina Palms in Kilifi County was the only Kenyan hotel which was voted as among the top 25 hotels in Africa.
It was ranked 19th in the top 25 hotels in Africa with travel reviewers terming it “a most wonderful experience not to be missed and (a) gorgeous property in beautiful Watamu.”
TripAdvisor ranked the beaches and hotels from across the world based on choices made by global travellers.
TripAdvisor is an American travel website providing reviews on travel related content and also includes interactive travel forums.
In 2014, Diani Beach was voted as Africa’s leading beach destination by the World Travel Awards.
Coast leaders and tourism players have expressed their satisfaction following the global recognition of the two local beaches and a hotel by TripAdvisor.
Speaking to the Nation by phone, Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya was delighted by the recognition of Diani Beach, saying it would boost tourism in the South Coast.
“We are glad that Diani Beach has yet again made us proud on the global arena barely a year after the World Travel Awards voted it the best beach destination in Africa,” he said.
BETTER HOLIDAY DESTINATION
The Governor added that his county with support from tourism investors would continue to make Diani a better holiday destination in order to attract more local and international tourists.
He called on the United Kingdom, the US, France and Australia to lift the travel advisories, saying security had significantly improved across the country.
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) Coast branch executive officer Sam Ikwaye called on the county chiefs to address the challenges of harassment of tourists on the beaches so that more beaches could get global recognition.
He said some other beaches in the Coast had not been considered for the global awards owing to vendors harassing tourists on the beaches.
Kenya Association of Tour Operators (Kato) Coast branch chairperson Monika Solanki called on the county governments to improve infrastructure on the beaches so as to make them more attractive to visitors.
Ms Solanki also called on the government to assure the international tourist source markets that the country is safe for tourists in order to woo more holidaymakers.
In Summary
International wildlife lovers described Kenya as “excellent” for wildlife viewing, including the wildebeest migration spectacle.
That Kenya has a wide variety of habitats and scenery coupled with indigenous cultures also contributed to the high ranking.
International tourists described the Mara as “classic for safari”, having the Big Five, rare rhino, big cats and the wildebeest migration.
By MATHIAS RINGA
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Kenya has been ranked the third best safari destination in Africa.
In the latest ranking by SafariBookings, a Netherlands travel website, the neighbouring Tanzania was voted the best safari country in Africa, while Botswana was rated third overall among the top eight countries.
Zambia was fourth. Namibia, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe followed in that order.
International wildlife lovers described Kenya as “excellent” for wildlife viewing, including the wildebeest migration spectacle.
They were also impressed by Kenya’s beautiful beaches with plenty of resorts to choose from as well as excellent service and a slick tourism industry.
That Kenya has a wide variety of habitats and scenery coupled with indigenous cultures also contributed to the high ranking.
“Kenya is a top wildlife destination recommended by tourists, especially for those taking a first-time safari,” the website says. In addition, the Maasai Mara National Reserve was voted eighth overall among the top 50 best safari parks in Africa.
International tourists described the Mara as “classic for safari”, having the Big Five, rare rhino, big cats and the wildebeest migration.
“The Mara offers excellent big cat encounters and is the setting for the annual wildebeest migration,” the website noted.
“Palm-lined beaches offer a perfect place to relax after an action-packed safari.”
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania was ranked the best safari park in Africa, while Mala Mala Game Reserve in South Africa took the second position.
Okavango Delta (Botswana) was voted third overall, Mana Pools National Park (Zimbabwe) fourth, Moremi Game Reserve (Botswana) fifth, Sabi Sand Game Reserve (South Africa) sixth and Phinda Game Reserve, also in South Africa, was seventh.
The Mara was rated eighth, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa was ninth while Ruaha National Park in Tanzania completed the list of the top 10 parks on the continent.
Other Kenyan parks which appeared among the top 50 include Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which was 16th, Samburu National Reserve at 25th and Tsavo West National Park was 26th.
The ranking was based on 3,008 park reviews collected through the SafariBookings website. Of the reviews, 2,234 were contributed by wildlife enthusiasts from 63 countries around the world.
The remaining were written by renowned global industry experts, most of whom are guidebook authors.
Vandaag verheugend nieuws:
De Engelse regering heeft het negatieve reisadvies voor het grootse deel van de kust opgeheven.
Hopelijk brengt dit enig herstel voor het tourisme
Mombasa is one of those places that always tend to call you back. It doesn’t matter how many times you have been there before or how you swore the last time that you wouldn’t go back again because of the heat or the humidity. There’s a lot to love about Mombasa and the entire coast area and you only need to go down there to know what will make you return. And while Nairobians love the city and know it as home, many flock to the Coast every year. We bring you 10 reasons why every Nairobian loves Mombasa:
As much as Nairobi has plenty of relaxation amenities and facilities, many Nairobians will not trade time spent by the beach for anything. What’s not to love about a sunbath on the sandy beaches after a swim and the cool breeze that blows over the blue ocean waters? The coastline is extensive and you can choose a private beach facing a hotel or test your swim skills on the public beach. There are plenty of activities by the beach as well and you can always get to leave with cool souvenirs collected from the ocean or purchased from vendors.
Vibrant Party Scenes
The partying scene in Mombasa is slightly different from Nairobi but it still makes for an amazing experience. Mombasa’s night weather is mostly way better than Nairobi’s so revellers do not have to worry about the cold as they party, and it is a good break from the heat during the day. The clubs are spacious and up to par with decent décor and experienced DJ’s. The music is good and revellers who sure know how to party turn up in huge numbers so Nairobians do not feel out of place.
With the beach being so close by, you can bet that Mombasa is home to some of the best beach parties, which may somewhat give Mombasa’s nightlife an edge over Nairobi’s. The cool breeze and spectacular views of the beach are a perfect backdrop for an amazing nightlife.
Delicious Cuisine
The food in Mombasa is another thing that draws and keeps Nairobians at the Coastal City. It is a haven for seafood lovers who are sure to get only the finest; fresh, delicious and cooked to perfection. There’s also something about how the Swahili cook their food that gives it rich flavour and makes it so good; maybe it’s the blend of different spices and the influence of Swahili culture.
In addition, traditional local brews like mnazi are a hit with Nairobians and are often popular with those Nairobians who want to experience local culture. Madafu from coconut trees and pastries like kaimati and ndazi are also very popular and full of flavour compared to those made elsewhere. Mshikaki is a common bar snack in Nairobi but the Mshikaki are probably found at the coast. The best part is, Nairobians do not have to spend lots of money or dine at expensive restaurants since even small food kiosks serve decent food and drinks.
Tropical Paradise – Beach Hotels and Resorts
Photo: Serena Beach Resort
Mombasa is the perfect getaway for a good number of Nairobians and when you visit the numerous beach hotels and resorts, it is easy to understand why. The Hotels are well constructed and fully furnished and there is constant competition to gain customer loyalty. Many avail amenities like swimming pools, spas and gyms for their guests, and those that are set by the beach come with the advantage of getting to soak in the waters of Indian Ocean. These beach hotels are the preferred romantic destinations for many Nairobians as well and are a honeymoon destination for many.
Exciting Water activities
Mombasa is perfect for water sports although a good number of Nairobians many are not too adventurous around large water bodies. Apart from the usual swimming and boat rides, there are activities like snorkelling, deep sea fishing, sky diving and scuba diving further down at Diani. The swimming pools in many resorts feature exceptional designs and Nairobians go there for the swim of their lives.
The Culture
Mombasa has a diverse populace, which means that there is a rich blend of cultures. The buildings and architecture, especially those from yesteryears exhibit influences ranging from the Arabs to the Portuguese. Walking through places like the museum and Fort Jesus is like a trip down memory lane, and Mombasa has preserved a lot of monuments, buildings and artefacts that portray ancient history and culture. Visiting a lot of these places is like a practical history lesson, and Nairobians do fall in love with the culture.
Swahili
Swahili is very widely spoken in Mombasa, so it is definitely better and more refined compared to what Nairobians are used to. It has a different accent and tone compared to that spoken in Nairobi, and trying to emulate it makes Nairobians feel like experts of sorts. Nairobians do try to fit in, sometimes even carrying the imperfect Swahili accent back home. However, one of the easiest ways to spot a Nairobian at the coast is by the way they speak Swahili
Laid Back atmosphere
Mombasa perfectly describes laid back island living and it would explain why Nairobians just want to go there and take repose. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and the pace of life is incomparable to other cities. Life is less of a hustle especially for Nairobians especially those holidaying and the laid back feel and tropical weather make for a perfect back drop. Work still gets done though, although people generally do not seem to be in a hurry in Mombasa. And we all want a place like that for a holiday, where you can stop and watch the sun rise and set and forget your worries.
Wildlife
Wildlife lovers get to visit places like Haller Park, Mamba village and the Marine Park to see animals like giraffes, monkeys and baboons, crocodiles, snakes and some of the big cat family, in addition to a variety of birds and fish. The crocodile and fish collection especially is diversified and the places that host these animals are frequented by Nairobians.
The beautiful women
The women at the Coastal town of Mombasa are generally known to be very beautiful, respectful and hardworking, in addition to being good cooks. The younger ones know how to throw a beach party, while the older ones are good homemakers. Now, while that may be a generalization, it may help explain why many Nairobian blokes frequent Mombasa.
Kenya’s beautiful old towns have long been an attraction for foreigners; they have a reputation for rustic charm, unspoiled secluded hotspots where you can savour the Kenya’s local lifestyle. The towns have stood the test of time and are peppered with magnificent ruins, scars of history and attractive tourist attractions. Some of them have tropical beaches and exotic destinations, which are mesmerizing and remind us about Kenya’s history and culture. The locals are pretty friendly people wherever you go. For many tourists, the deep-rooted history, ancient buildings and architecture, great stories and rural appeal make the old towns irresistible and welcoming for them and many of them return every year.
Here are Kenya’s beautiful old towns you should probably visit;
Lamu
Situated in Lamu Island, Lamu is the oldest town in Kenya. The town, which was included in the World Heritage Site list, is a national monument with an astonishing past. Lamu is preserved with many cultural, historic and architectural influences and it has become one of the most visited places in Kenya. The town feels like you have been transferred back in time. Its hospitality, tropical setting and charm make the town a wonderful place, which is worth a visit.
Mombasa
Mombasa is the second largest and one of the oldest towns in Kenya. The presence of Fort Jesus, which was built in 1591, is evidence that Mombasa is an historical town. The town is surrounded by beautiful attractions, a great range of beach resorts and restaurants. Every year, festivals and cultural events take place in Mombasa with Kenyan flavour. You will be fascinated by the splendour and originality of the town. Mombasa is a town where old meets new!
Malindi
Malindi is one of the oldest towns in Kenya; it dates back to the 13th century. The most famous attraction in the town is The Vasco da Gama Pillar, a bell-shaped monument build by the Portuguese in 1948. Malindi’s historical heritage, original culture and classic architecture have put the town in a limelight. The town has become a tourism hunt for tourists, because it boasts beautiful coastline, pristine beaches, and coral reefs. The town used to be a small fishing village where people engage in deep-fishing activities.
Mtwapa
Photo by Doffcocker
Mtwapa is located in Kilifi County, about 16 km north-east of Mombasa. The town is a heritage site, known for its archeologist site which is the oldest site in East Africa. The town is a unique place, where you will find a variety of ethnics and culture. If you really want to experience the authentic Kenyan feeling, start planning your trip to Mtwapa. The town offers many things to see and do, you will be pampered with a cherished display of attractions and a welcoming atmosphere.
Nyeri
Photo Source: News24.co.ke
Founded in 1902 and situated in the Central Highlands of Kenya, Nyeri is a preserved town full of old charm. It is a vibrant town where its values, history and culture are kept alive. The famous tourist attraction in the town is the burial place of Lieutenant-General Lord Baden-Powell, the Boer War commander and the renowned writer of “the nearer to Nyeri the nearer to bliss”. If you fancy a place where you can enjoy a lovely weekend evening, sitting in pubs and socializing with friends, you will definitely love Nyeri. The town is one of the most exciting old towns in Kenya.
If you have visited any of these towns, share your experience with us in the comment below.
Van de week zelf de Old Town in Mombasa weer eens bezocht met mijn vrienden die uit Nederland over zijn. Onze altijd goedlachse vaste gids Modhi (+254 723 235 472 of facebook Moody Bluooz), die de Old Town op zn duimpje kent (woont er al zn hele leven) en een opleiding in het gidsen in de Old Town heeft gevolgd (wij waren degenen die hij voor zn eindexamen heeft gegids met examinator erbij in 2010) weer 1000sh rijker gemaakt na weer een superrondleiding door Fort Jesus (entree 1200sh pp).
Er hangt echt weer een supersfeertje! Doordat er nu veel minder toeristen zijn dan eerdere jaren, waan je je echt in het verleden! Fantastisch!