The Kenyan coast leaves a lasting impression on many tourists who come to Kenya: miles upon miles of unspoilt palm fringed beaches and a rich cultural heritage. The white sand beaches stretching for 480 kms with whispering casuarinas,   lapped by the clear warm Indian Ocean and totally safeguarded by  coral reefs, offer the perfect holiday for all. 

Mombasa is the major town on the  East African coastline. Today it combines the old and the new, making it an interesting place to visit. There is the 16th century Portuguese- built Fort Jesus, now open as a museum, and the Old Town, with it's narrow streets with building designs that are heavily influenced by the Arabs. 

There are a few hotels on Mombasa Island, but most people prefer to stay either in hotels or lodges on the north coast at Nyali and Bamburi. Nyali is probably the most famous of the resorts due to its closeness to Mombasa Island. There are a number of 5 star hotels and golf courses. Bamburi is about 15 minutes drive from the island using the ultra modern bridge at Nyali. The area is perfect for ocean sports, notably wind surfing. 

Further north are the resort areas of Kikambala (40kms), Watamu (100km) and Malindi (120 kms). Watamu is famous for the Gedi ruins, a city which was inexplicably abandoned in the 17th or 18th  century. Marine life both at Malindi and Watamu is superb, and there are two marine national parks that are open all year round. 

The remote island of Lamu can be reached by scheduled flights either from Mombasa or Malindi. Going to Lamu is like travelling back in time. The town has narrow streets, no cars and the only  means of transport are donkeys or by sea using boats. It has several hotels and another is on Manda Island. 

To the south of Mombasa, the beaches are magnificent, wide and clean. Diani offers several high class  hotels and lodges and the best passtime there is wind-surfing. Shimba Hills National Reserve is nearby, and this is one of the few places in Kenya  which is inhabited by the Roan Antelope. Shimoni, nearer the Tanzanian border is better known for deep -sea fishing. 

Kenya Wildlife Trails offers trips to the coast, either by car, by train (an unforgetable experience) or air from Nairobi to Mombasa with transfer to the hotel of your choice. The coast can be included as an extension of your safari  to Amboseli and Tsavo. Other regular excursions depart from Mombasa for half to several days.