KENYA BUSH AND BEACH SAFARIS

Offering pristine beaches, clear waters and a wealth of marine life, the beaches along Kenya’s East Coast are the perfect place to relax after a few days on safari. Either side of Mombasa, unspoilt coastline stretches both north and south, offering plenty of opportunity for active pursuits such as diving and windsurfing, as well as peaceful stretches of sand where nothing but relaxation is on the cards. Watamu’s unspoilt shores are the nesting place for the local population of sea turtles, and staying here will give you the opportunity to get involved in the conservation projects run locally. Hotel accommodation in this area is upmarket and luxurious, offering a wealth of facilities including spas, excellent restaurants and activities

Mombasa’s Old Town with its Arabic architecture has had a tumultuous history, which is well worth exploring. Its narrow winding streets with their distinctive architecture invoke the centuries gone by, when the town was a bustling and cosmopolitan hub for the important spice trade. These days, you’ll see traditional sailing dhows coming in and out of the harbour, laden with fresh fish to be sold at one of the town’s busy markets. Don’t miss the impressive Fort of Port Jesus, which dates back to the 16th century struggle between the Portuguese and Arabs. It’s a fascinating building to explore, and it’s certainly worth spending an afternoon wandering through its underground passages, turrets and battlements.

From luxurious lodges dotted across the game parks to opulent beach resorts overlooking the Indian Ocean, Kenya offers some wonderful options for those seeking a little bit of relaxation, adventure and pampering on their 5 star holiday. One of the best ways to see Kenya’s natural beauty, diversity and colour is on a multi-centre tour, where you take in the best that the country has to offer, whether your interest is in big cats or tiny birds.