Kenya North Coast Towns Guide: Lamu, Malindi, Watamu & Top Coastal Destinations.
Which towns are there on Kenya’s north coast? The North Coast is a tempting strip of the north coast of Mombasa, all the way to the Somali border. The North Coast on a Kenyan safari is not a similar experience to the busy South Coast with its dirty beaches and Swahili culture, historical sites, and relaxed atmosphere. The region is covered with many towns and settlements that are important in tourism, fishing, trade and cultural heritage. Towns on the north coast of Kenya are unique in their ancient ports and new beach resorts.
Mtwapa
Mtwapa is one of the well-known towns on the north coast in Kenya, and it is a gateway to the region. Mtwapa is situated barely north of Mombasa Island, as well as along the Mtwapa Creek, and has grown at a very rapid rate over the years. The town is a mixture of residential areas, entertainment, shopping facilities and beach resorts. Mtwapa, especially, is a bustling nightlife hub and stirs the locals as well as the tourists. Although it is modernised, traditional fishing and small-scale trading are still a day-to-day routine. The town is also conveniently located near beaches such as Shanzu and Kikambala.
Shanzu
Shanzu is a town and one of the tourist resorts in the north of Mtwapa. It is primarily characterised by such features as a long sandy beach and luxurious hotels and apartments. Shanzu has developed into a silent but luxurious tourist destination where individuals are able to relax without the congestion and overcrowding of tourist destinations. Despite the fact that tourism is the primary source of the local economy, small businesses, local markets, and residential communities are also sustained in the town. It also has a strategic location so as to be easily accessible in terms of being in Mombasa and, at the same time, a calm coastal environment.
Kikambala
The Kikambala is a small seaside resort in an even more northern position than Shanzu and boasts its unspoilt beaches and easygoing atmosphere. The town has several beachfront resorts and holiday homes and has also been a destination for domestic and international tourists. Local identity is still preserved by Kikambala, and one of the biggest economic activities is fishing. This is the reason why tourists tend to spend their time along the beach, dhow riding and collective interactions with the local communities. It is not a very commercialised region, and this makes it look like a natural coastal one.
Kilifi
Kilifi is a town that is very significant on the north coast of Kenya, which has been mostly referred to as the cultural and administrative hub of the region. The town is located on the Kilifi Creek, and it has a spectacular view with the mangroves covering the waterways and white beaches. Kilifi is also referred to as the Kilifi Bridge, connecting the North Coast with Mombasa using the A7 highway.
This is a young and innovative town that has experienced cultural events such as the Kilifi New Year Festival in the recent past. Kilifi is also historical, having places like the Swahili legacy of the Mnarani Ruins. The local economy is supported by tourism, institutions of learning, fishing and other small-scale farming.
Watamu
Watamu is a seaside resort that is located in the north of Kilifi and is globalised. Its best activity is its marine conservation, as well as the Watamu Marine National Park, which is considered one of the most preserved marine ecosystems in Kenya. Watamu attracts the attention of divers, snorkelers and nature lovers the world over with its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and sea life.
It is a cosmopolitan town that is a mix of both locals and expatriates. Despite the global appeal, Watamu is relatively peaceful, since it is concentrated on ecotourism and sustainable development. Watamu is also benefiting from the adjacent Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, where birdwatching and walks can be done to have a glimpse of nature.
Malindi
Malindi is an ancient and historical town on the north coast of Kenya. It has a history as a Swahili trading port and is influenced by the cultures of Arabs, Portuguese and Asians. The past town image is captured using such landmarks as the Vasco da Gama Pillar, the Malindi Museum and old mosques.
Malindi is currently a major tourism attraction area, which has beaches, resorts and a marine park. It is a commercial centre of the area as well, which supports fishing, agriculture and trade. It is one of the most vibrant towns in the North Coast due to culture, vibrant markets and world-village nature associated with the town.
Mambrui
Mambrui is a small town located north of Malindi, which is linked with dunes and good Swahili culture. The town is so cultural, and the structures, mosques and community practices that people practised are quite dominant. Fishing is the major economic activity, but there is slow progress in the development of tourism, specifically the Mambrui Sand Dunes, where the activities of interest are quad biking and photography.
Gede (Nearby Settlement)
Although it is not in the beach strip, Gede is a major settlement around Watamu and Malindi, the towns of the North Coast. The most well-known is the Gede Ruins, a 12th-century Swahili town. Gede provides important insights into the history of North Coast connections and networks of trade in coastal towns.
Conclusion
The North Coast of Kenya boasts beautiful beaches, a great variety of cultures and numerous ways to have fun and enjoy the North Coast. Lamu Town is situated on the north coast, and it is a very bustling place with a lot of activity in it, including being surrounded by beautiful old buildings and making a walk down narrow streets with rich history.
It is also the location of the relaxed Malindi and Watamu, which are dazzling places to relax on the beach or in the national marine park during a visit to Kenya. Local markets and shops in Lamu offer many of the people fast-paced living conditions, whereas small, relaxing towns like Kilifi and Mtwapa offer visitors a rare chance to associate and learn about the common day-to-day culture practices of local people, as well as become acquainted with the local communities whilst experiencing a very slow tempo in life.
