NORTH COAST

Long stretches of idyllic beaches, fringed with palms, screwpines, casuarinas and scented with oleanders and frangipani make the north coast, between Mombasa and Kilifi, a visitor's paradise. Kilifi lies 70 kilometers north of Mombasa's new Nyali Bridge, which links the island with the north coast. Nyali, on the mainland immediately after crossing the bridge, is a well-established garden suburb for Kenya's oldest metropolis. The town's elite own elegant air-conditioned houses set in landscaped gardens. Turn right just after the bridge and not far beyond you come to the Moorish lines of the famous Tamarind restaurant overlooking the old dhow harbor. Becoming equally well known is the Tamarind Dhow, a floating restaurant serving classical seafood to the sounds of a celebrated African band. Beyond the restaurant, the visitor reaches a promontory known as English Point, marked now by cement silos, which in the last century became the spot for the first 'colony' of liberated slaves established by the English. There is also a memorial to the celebrated missionary Ludwig von Krapf and his wife who reached Mombasa in 1844.

On the coast, towards the north end of the beach is Mamba Village, a crocodile farm, said to be the world's largest, and an entertainment complex. A nearby attraction is Haller Park. Also, nearby on the sea side of the main Malindi road is Kipepeo Aquarium, which displays an astonishing number of Kenya's tropical fish from the lagoons and reefs which fringe the entire coastline. After Nyali beach comes Kenyatta and Bamburi beaches before Shanzu, a beach from which you can swim at all tides.