If miles and miles of white sandy beaches, coral reefs, fresh seafood and blue skies is your idea of a perfect holiday destination then you’re in luck when it comes to Kenya. Most beaches along the Kenyan coast are protected by reefs making the sea ideal for swimming and scuba diving in. A visit to the coast of Kenya can be as peaceful or exciting as you wish, with everything from large resorts and water sports to untouched gems reachable only by 4X4 or dhow.

The Indian Ocean laps gently against the coast of Kenya and one of the best places to visit if you’re after a spot of tranquillity is the tropical Manda Island, part of the Lamu Archipelago – an unspoiled tropical paradise - where you can undertake a voyage by dhow and visit the ancient Takwa ruins. And exploring the historic backstreets in the nearby sleepy town of Lamu is a real treat for the traveller who needs a recharge, perhaps after spending some time on safari.

What’s more, the coast also offers a host of wildlife to observe, from thumbless monkeys and elephant shrews to dolphins and turtles, meaning you’ll never be ‘off safari’ even when relaxing on the beach.

Any visit to the coast will likely include a stopover in the coastal city of Mombassa, which has a long and rich history dating back over 1,500 years when it started as a trading port. The Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama, landed here in 1498 and established a colony. Arabs from Oman later took over the city, leaving their mark on the region and the city is now noted for its Swahili culture - a mixture of Arab and African traditions.

Although Kenya is not best known for its coast and beaches, travellers often come away saying that this was the highlight of their holiday – the icing on the cake when combined with a safari.