Water safari Kenya; Top 7 water safari vacations Kenya

1. Tsavo West National Park

This was made famous by the man eaters of Tsavo, the lions that killed hundreds of railway workers in the beginning of the 20th Century. Here you can see most animals, including the "big five". This park is situated west of Mombasa and East of Amboseli National Park. This park is a must see in your Kenyan Water safari.

2. Shimba Hills National Reserve

The Shimba hills are also worth a visit. The reserve has a variety of species including Elephant, Giraffe and Buffalo as well as the rare Roan and Sable Antelopes. The forests are home to a number of unusual species including the black and white colobus monkey, Serval cats, Red Duiker and Suni Antelope. An abundance of birdlife is found among the hills, including Honey guides, Turacos, Wood peckers and Sunbirds. Shimba Hills can be done as a day excursion from your Kenyan Water safari on the Kenyan Beach.

The Makupa Market off Mwembe Tayari, is Mombassa’s biggest market, a colourful place featuring a wide range of produce is worth a visit.

Fort Jesus in the Old town built in the 16th Century by the Portuguese is also worth a visit.

3. South Coast of Kenya Beaches

The south Coast of Kenya Beach is famous for its warm, calm, turquoise waters. It is situated south of Mombasa; you have to cross the Likoni Ferry to reach it. All sorts of water sports including deep sea scuba diving, boating, surfing, parasailing, beach parachuting, Hobie skiffs, kayaking, wreck diving are offered. These are very popular sports with Kenya water safari enthusiasts.

North Coast of Kenya Beaches

The North Coast of Kenya beach is the closest beach to Mombasa Island and has an excellent beach for a Kenyan Water safari tour. Most water sports are offered including deep sea scuba diving, big game sport fishing, jetskies, surfing, snorkeling and goggling etc.

4. Watamu Kenya Beach

The 10 km sq Watamu Marine National Park contains unparalleled marine views and it is world-renowned for its deep- sea fishing and other water safari activities. The area features crystal clear warm waters and white sandy beaches.

5. Arabuko Sokoke Forest Wilderness on Kenyan Beaches

Arabuko Sokoke forest wilderness is nestled besides the water safari beaches of Watamu, just minutes from the waters of the Indian Ocean. In this 400sq km reserve there is an untold wealth of natural beauty. The air is filled with butterflies and birds, the trees alive with monkeys and the forest floor home to many mammals.

The forest stretches to the headwaters of the mighty Sabaki River, and occasionally herds of elephant pass through the forest en route to the river.

This rich forest once hid another secret. The 13th century Swahili town of Gede thrived here for hundreds of years, hidden away from Portuguese sailors and the influence of the outside world. The town was eventually deserted, and today the ruins of Gede, lying among the trees and twisting vines of the forests are a haunting reminder of the past…

6. The Tana Delta

The Tana delta is a place of spectacular panoramic views, encompassing a scrub land teeming with game and birds and the endless rolling sands of deserted beaches. Here you can experience the best of both worlds of a Kenyan water safari, spending the morning exploring a river filled with hippos and crocodiles by canoe, and swimming in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean in the afternoon.

7. Taita & Chyulu Hills

Spanning the vast plains of Tsavo, and lying within view of majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro, are the Taita and Chyulu hills. This is a paradise of elephant herds, plains game, cheetah, remote Maasai villages and wonderful views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This is a breath taking escape from the beach in your water safari in Kenya.

Close to Tsavo East, the nearby Taita Hills are home to a private game sanctuary, with a wide variety of game including Lion, Cheetah, Elephant and plains game. Prolific bird life includes the extremely rare Taita Falcon, a Bird recorded in early Egyptian hieroglyphics. The Taita are in fact three groups of Hills, the Dabida, Sagalla and Kasigau.

About the author:
Robert Muhoho is a tour consultant with Landmark Safaris. He is degreed in tourism and hospitality management and author to 500 Kenya tour articles. For free Kenya safari info please click here.