Kenya Coast: Mombasa, Diani and Watamu

Kenya's Indian Ocean coastline stretches 536 kilometres from the Tanzanian border in the south to the Somali border in the north. It is one of East Africa's most underrated destinations — white coral sand beaches, warm turquoise water, ancient Swahili culture and some of Africa's best seafood.

Mombasa is the hub — a historic port city with a UNESCO-listed Old Town that weaves Arab, Indian, Portuguese and Swahili influences into labyrinthine streets of carved wooden doors and coral limestone buildings. The Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway makes the city easily accessible from the capital.

Diani Beach, 30 kilometres south of Mombasa, is consistently rated among Africa's finest beaches. Seventeen kilometres of white coral sand, warm water perfect for diving and kite-surfing, and a growing collection of excellent restaurants and resorts make it an ideal post-safari destination.