Elewana Collection has two stunning beach properties, one on the Kenya coast located on Diani Beach, a magical setting where white sandy beaches, rustling palm trees and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean are a stone throw away. Elewana AfroChic enjoys beach front ocean views and delicious sea breezes on a quieter, more secluded section of Diani Beach. Voted as one of the top 25 beaches in the world in the Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice awards, Diani Beach is the ultimate holiday destination with a wide variety of activities and excursions on offer.
A plethora of water sports is available, where guests can enjoy scuba diving in prime spots that offer a number of dive sites for those that are just beginning to those that are more advanced and want to explore shipwrecks. Regardless of ability there is so much to see under the waves; white tipped reef sharks, rays, turtles and so much more. The coral heads have a myriad of colourful tiny reef fish to marvel at and the occasional octopus can be spotted. The best months are from September to April, the weather is perfect and diving conditions optimal for those wanting to explore the ocean floor. If you are unable to dive, snorkelling offers just as much in the shallower waters and trips to Wasini can be arranged, November being the best time as the waters are calm and visibility is crystal clear.
For those that want to stay dry but still explore the ocean from above, sailing and boat trips can be arranged, with the opportunity of seeing Humpback Whales from July to October as they travel annually in their thousands from the Antarctic to Kenya to breed and have their calves in Kenya’s safe tropical waters. Humpback whales are among the most acrobatic of whales, and spend time leaping or ‘breaching’ to communicate, play, or give themselves a mini spa to remove unwanted skin parasites. Another marine animal that can be seen along the Kenya coast is the Whale Shark and the best months to spot the largest fish in the world is from February to March.
A very special experience to witness is turtles hatching and Elewana AfroChic has its own hatchery on the beach in front of the hotel. This is unpredictable as it depends on when the eggs are laid and collected to be transported to the safety of our hatchery. Last year we were extremely fortunate to have six nests hatch, three between April and May and then another three in September and October with a total of approximately 370 tiny turtles emerging and making their way to the ocean to our guests delight. With such a variety of options, visitors to Diani have the ability to make their holiday what they want.
The second destination is on the magical Island of Zanzibar with its sandy white beaches, turquoise-blue water and swaying palm trees and should be on everyone’s bucket list of places to visit. The historic Spice Island seems to have been lost in time with its narrow streets, carved doorways and ancient trade routes. As you head to the north of the island, Elewana Kilindi overlooks the ocean that has witnessed the spice trade route for over 500 years. Facing west, you can witness the sun set as you relax on your private balcony.
Explore the hidden secrets of the island with a trip to Jozani Forest to watch the rare and endangered Red Colobus monkeys, which is a species of red colobus monkey endemic to Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar. Visit early in the year to see the new-borns fumble in the trees as they learn to climb and once you are ready to move on, continue your tour of the Jozani forest, passing along a few trails through the variety of flora and fauna. A visit to Stone Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, is a must and a place where history still lives. The stone buildings, meandering alleyways, and markets still existing as they have done for centuries make for a fascinating day of exploring.
Guests can also enjoy day boat trips, scuba diving and snorkelling to get a glimpse of the dolphins, copious fish and vivid corals that thrive in Zanzibar’s waters. The Humpback whale migration takes place between July and September each year. During this time there is also a slight possibility to see whale sharks around Mnemba Island. A boat trip to Prison Island (Changuu) can be arranged to learn its fascinating history but also hosts more than 100 giant tortoises, a collection of endangered Aldabra giant tortoises, which were originally a gift from the British governor of the Seychelles.
Your time in the coastal destinations of the Indian Ocean can be as active or as leisurely as you wish, with a multitude of experiences to enjoy from water based sports to exploring the secrets these beautiful destinations hold or simply the favourite coastal pastime of relaxing and soaking up the sun. The world is your oyster but the pearl is found here.
