Mombasa

I second Ben’s sentiments on how awesome the coast is. I remember the first time we went there as a family. I was 5 years old and I was so excited I ran away from the hotel room and slept by the beach. Just kidding, I wasn’t such a creative kid. But I enjoyed that vacation so much I’ve been back to the coast countless times.
Mombasa, the largest town on the coast, is Kenya’s second largest city and a coral island located on the eastern coastline bordering the Indian Ocean. Mombasa is ideal for quiet vacations, deep-sea fishing, and water sports activities such as scuba diving and sailing.
There are numerous things to do in Mombasa. Those looking for a relaxing holiday can choose from the numerous beach front hotels and villas. The more adventurous tourists can go snorkelling, deep sea fishing, scuba diving or sailing. Mombasa has beautiful coral reef and marine life making diving and snorkelling an experience not to be missed. There are glass bottom boats at the Mombasa Marine and National Reserve that can be used to view the marine life for those who do not want to dive or snorkel. The sight of multicoloured fish and similarly coloured corals is breathtakingly beautiful.
The history of Mombasa is amazing too; due to its strategic position numerous nations hustled to dominate it in the past. Arab traders occupied Mombasa and their influence is greatly felt with the Swahili culture (a mix of Arabian and African culture) being formed. The Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama ousted the Arabs and conquered Mombasa for a while and during that reign a monumental fort (Fort Jesus) was built. Fort Jesus is now a major tourist attraction with a museum displaying different antiquities. The old town is a part of Mombasa highly dominated by the Swahili culture. The narrow streets and shuttered houses with open fronted shops with smells of spices wafting through are typical of the old town. It is possible to buy African sculptures, jewelery and spices here. It is not surprising to see beautifully carved doors around the town.
All in all Mombasa has lots to offer for the discerning tourist.