Christmas on the Kenyan coast
Replies: 7 - Last Post: Dec 12, 2012 4:47 AM Last Post By: ceedot
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Christmas on the Kenyan coast
After having just spent an amazing 4 days hiking Mt Kenya ( organised simply and cheaply in Nanyuki) my girlfriend and I have decided that we would like to spend Christmas somewhere on the Kenyan coast. Where do people recommend?( we are backpacking through Africa so it needs to be good value) Also if there is anyone else around we would love some company to make it feel a little more like home. (We are around 30 and from Australia and Ireland)1
I recommend Twiga Lodge, which is on the beach about 20 km south of Mombasa. It is not the only campground on the South Coast but it is buzzing at Christmas, it has a great tent site and you are sure to have a good time.To get there, take the Likoni Ferry at Mombasa, then board a matatu for Ukunda. Tell the conductor to let you off at Tiwi Junction which is actually before Ukunda town. It is 3 km or so to the beach - you can probably find motorcycle taxis to drive you there for about 150 shillings pp.
The only possible drawback is that it is quite far from the night spots on Diani Beach.
2
South coast is quiet and romantic with a string of hotels with exclusive beaches...but after a while you get bored. If you want more activity and buzz, north coast would be a better choice, there is much more to see and do there. And yes there are basic campsites in the north coast and depending on how far north you are there is Mike's camp and Tana Delta camp3
Thanks for the info so far. I guess to clarify "backpacking" I mean travelling through Africa by local buses and staying in budget hotels not actually camping.Twiga lodge sounds interesting but may be a little quiet and far from everything.
We also have some concern as to the availability of alcohol in some of the Muslim areas as it isn't Christmas without a glass of wine and a beer or 2!
4
You can easily buy alcohol in any part of Kenya, including Lamu.5
Yeah i would definitely say to head to Mombassa for a couple of days. Then take the bus up to Malindi, stay there for a couple of nights... enjoy the beach and go see the Gede Ruins. Amazing sites and easy access. Then I would head up to Lamu (depending on the current political situation there) Lamu is amazing! There are some nice beaches, beautiful surrounding islands and island tours as well as a stunning old town. Highly recommended. For more on these places visit the links below.Lamu Blogs
Mombasa To Malindi
Safe Travels!
Goats On The Road
6
Watamu close to Malindi might be what you're looking for; a couple of expensive hotels as well as plenty of cheap lodging. I stayed for around KES 1000 (room, kitchen,ensuite bath) at Villa Veronica but pklenty of other options. Watamu is laid back andmewhat dominated by Italian visitors (= usually very good food)Have a safe trip /Jesper
