The South Coast

Although the beaches which lie to the south of Mombasa form part of the ' South Coast ' the phrase always conjures up Diani Beach about 40km from Mombasa where the majority of the hotel resort development is centred. The exceptions are Likoni, better known as Shelly Beach, just across from Mombasa island ferry, Galu and Msambweni not far South of Diani and Shimoni close to the Tanzania border. The whole of the south coast is served by a good paved highway and there is a tarmac airstrip at Ukunda serving the Diani resort area. Diani Beach is 10 km long, a vast uninterrupted stretch of white sand lapped by an opal ocean. Many of the hotels along this beach nestle in cleared beach front areas of Jadini forest - still the haunt of leopard and monkeys as well as a brilliance of forest birds. In addition to the hotels there are private houses, some available for renting and several self catering 'villages'. Most marine activities are available which include windsurfing, water skiing, scuba, goggling and deep sea fishing. Many hotels have there own marine sports centres but there are also independent ones to supply the needs of the more experienced marine addicts. Fishing (all along the Kenya coast) the needs of the more experienced marine addicts. Fishing (all along the Kenya coast) is year round except for May and June and perhaps July. The bill fish season is roughly November to April. The main area for serious deep sea fishing Shimoni 100 km from Mombasa quite close to the border. Shimoni is also the base for visits to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Parks and Reserves where Kenya 's most outstanding underwater world can be viewed. Back at Diani golf enthusiasts will be delighted with the splendid new course. Diani has a selection of restaurants and night clubs offering top class food and entertainment.

Along the coast there are myriads of reef fishes to be seen with no more than a mask and snorkel and perhaps some flippers. The reef building corals, home to these innumerable fish are themselves the world's most spectacular architects. It is no wonder that such amazing homes should attract such sensational tenants.

The North Coast

Long stretch of idyllic beaches, fringed with palms, screwpines, and casuarinas and scented with oleanders and frangipani make the north coast, between Mombasa and Kilifi, a visitor's paradise. Kilifi lies 70 km north of Mombasa 's new Nyali Bridge which links the inland with the north coast. <Next Page>