Destinations
Kenya, situated on the East coast of Africa bordering the Indian Ocean, has roughly 540km of coastline. There are numerous villages along the coast and here you will find information on some of the top fishing locations. Kenya is a great destination for fishing but it is also rich in culture, wildlife and has some pristine beaches. Along the coast there is a variety of accommodation from large 'fully inclusive' resorts, big beach hotels, exclusive retreats or informal privately owned hotels ideal for a family holiday. If you are after something more private, there are many holiday homes for rental up and down the coast; fully furnished and staffed these are a great alternative if you want to find a home away from home.
Malindi
Malindi is a town situated on Malindi Bay at the mouth of the Galana-Sabaki River. It is 120km north of Mombasa, and has its own domestic airport (expanding to be international soon.) The Malindi Marine National Park, along with the Watamu one, form a continuous protected coastal area south of Malindi.
Malindi coast is renowned for being one of the top Sailfish destinations in the world and these can be found close to shore all year round. Its not uncommon to have packs of Sailfish on the line at one time. Roughly twenty miles offshore, you will find a group of mountains and banks, which is locally known as the Rips. Here you will experience some of the best Marlin fishing the country has to offer. Closer to shore you will find the Malindi Banks, and if you head south towards Watamu you will find some interesting topography which leads to spots such as the Boiling Pot, which due to the abundance of bait fish can also be a hotspot for billfish. Further out, roughly forty miles straight off Malindi, you will come across the southern tip of the North Kenya Banks, which runs north all the way up to Lamu.
Malindi Accommodation
Driftwood Beach Resort - located on the Silversands beach, just south of Malindi town. Overlooking the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, the Driftwood was established over 40 years ago, and over this time has preserved the essence of a traditional Kenyan beach holiday – tranquil, informal, fun and relaxed. www.driftwoodclub.com
Che Shale - situated 25km north of Malindi, well distant from crowded beaches, indulge in miles of serene and deserted sands, against a lush backdrop of coconut palms and indigenous vegetation. With its blend of low-key luxury and natural beauty, Che Shale has been one of Kenya’s most iconic destinations for almost 40 years. www.cheshale.com
Driftwood
Che Shale
Tropical Village - located in Malindi, Tropical Village is an all-inclusive resort that has been built according to Kenyan tradition but features all the modern comforts. An oasis of tranquillity, the resort is made up of 51 rooms located in the luscious tropical garden. A large beach with facilities, 2 restaurants and 3 bars complete the scene. https://tropicalvillage.sandies-resorts.com
Tropical Village
Scorpio Villas - located on the white beaches of Malindi and set in a lush tropical garden, only 5 minutes from the centre of Malindi. Scorpio Villas is the perfect place to relax, to enjoy the sea and the night life of Malindi or even just a convenient base for those in Malindi for work and looking for an exclusive accommodation. www.scorpio-malindi.com
Scorpio Villas
Watamu
Watamu is a small town situated roughly 105km north of Mombasa and 15km south of Malindi. The shoreline in the area features white sand beaches and offshore coral formations arranged in different bays and beaches. It is protected as part of the Watamu Marine National Park and has what is considered one of the best snorkelling and diving areas on the coast.
The Watamu fishing grounds are much the same as Malindi, as they are situated very close to each other. Once outside of the reef, people have been known to hook up onto Marlin and with the series of underwater mountains easily accessible offshore, bait and big game are concentrated which means even on a half day trip action can be found.
Watamu Accommodation
Ocean Sports - if you are looking for a relaxed and friendly taste of Africa, then look no further than Ocean Sports Resort. One of the most established hotels in Watamu Bay, one of the finest spots for a Beach Holiday in Kenya. www.oceansports.net
Hemingways - 5* hotel, recently renovated and situated on the shores of the pristine Watamu Marine National Park, Hemingways is a tropical paradise with idyllic white sand beaches and turquoise waters at its doorstep.
Ocean Sports
Hemingways
Watamu Property Service (WPS) - Watamu has a large selection of private houses available to rent if you are looking for a more homely atmosphere. Ranging from 2 bedrooms up to 5 + bedrooms, beach front or creek, there is something sure to suit your needs. www.discoverwatamu.com
Lamu
The Lamu Archipelago is located close to the most northern part of the Kenyan coast. The largest and most popular islands are Manda Island and Lamu Island which are situated roughly 315km north of Mombasa by road (although flights from Malindi are only 20mins.) Rich in history and culture, the Lamu Archipelago has welcomed travellers for over a thousand years; Lamu was for centuries a trading port for ivory, rhino horn, slaves and spice from Zanzibar to the Middle East.
Due to the convergence of the East African current and the nutrient rich Somali current, the sea life off of Lamu is thriving. With the Tana River delta pouring its silt laden, nutrient water into the sea, large numbers of fish are attracted and fishing for both game fish and billfish can be outstanding. With the North Kenyan Banks situated just off of the Archipelago lots of big billfish have been fought in these waters.
Lamu Accommodation
Peponi Hotel - a small boutique hotel on the remote island of Lamu, situated in the Indian Ocean off the North Kenyan coast. Even having reached its 50th anniversary the hotel still retains much of the character and charm that it had from the beginning. Small and personal, it is the perfect rest after a safari or a hide away holiday from modern life. www.peponihotel.com
Peponi Hotel
Manda Bay - a jewel in Kenya's stunning coastline, the perfect escape for families, honeymooners, and couples looking for the ultimate 'no shoes, no news' experience. A small boutique lodge located on the tip of an unspoilt, idyllic island in Lamu's Archipelago where you kick off your shoes and enjoy simplistic beauty in palm thatched cottages and open living spaces. www.mandabay.com
Manda Bay
Kilifi
Kilifi is a town situated roughly 55km north of Mombasa and around 65km south of Malindi. The town lies on the Kilifi Creek and the estuary of the Goshi River. The creek is deep enough becoming a perfect harbour for keeled yachts and pleasure crafts. The creek is a perfect place for water skiing and other water sports.
As in Watamu the deep water is close to the creek mouth, Black Marlin and Sailfish are common along this drop off, particularly later in the season. Roughly 13 miles offshore an area where, although the bottom is featureless, rips appear and have been known to host large numbers of billfish. Further out the rips come to an end with a couple of great mountains, Haggard's to the north and Vipingo to the south which has some impressive sheer drop offs; Broadbill of decent size can congregate here making it an amazing night fishing spot.
Kilifi Accommodation
Mnarani Club - situated just where the creek meets with the Indian Ocean, Mnarani provides perfectly for the beach and turquoise ocean under one foot, and the activity and adventure of creek-life under the other. Mnarani is an idyllic retreat and holiday destination; the ultimate destination for your family holiday, or that well-deserved romantic getaway or unforgettable honeymoon.
