Mombasa North Coast has been well developed by resort hotels though they reduce as one nears Kilifi but increases again as one approaches Malindi. Kilifi was once a small, undeveloped town, but has now evolved into a watersports centre with many white Kenyans retiring here. Kilifi has a 15 km long creek which is a beautiful natural harbour that today houses ocean-going yachts and local fishing boats. Like Mombasa South Coast beaches, the northern beaches are often plagued with floating seaweed which makes swimming a challenge at best. This is indeed a visitors’ paradise. Nyali, Shanzu and Kikambala beaches are the main beaches within this area and like other hotels in this region cater to package tourists on extended holiday from Europe. Various activities such as nature trails, fishing and golfing are readily available.

Mombasa South Coast is a tropical paradise of palm fringed white sand beaches with beautiful coral reefs which have created ideal beaches with calm, inviting waters. During the day it is sunny with warm and gentle sea breezes at night. The reefs are alive with sea turtles, corals and dolphins with an almost guaranteed sightings of whales sharks between February and March each year. The reef walls offer world class diving with spectacular coral gardens and drop offs. As one drives further south, one will come across the small fishing village of Shimoni which is home to a series of deep mysterious coastal caves that stretch from the sea to the deep jungles. These caves were once used as a refuge for dhow sailors, Arab slavers and explorers. To get to the south coast from Mombasa, one takes the ferry. Kenya’s south coast has everything you could wish for, whether you are looking for a place to actively explore or just somewhere to relax.

Malindi is 120 kilometres northeast of Mombasa town and is unique in many ways in that it boasts of a historic Swahili township as well as a modern holiday center. It is at the mouth of the Galana River, lying on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. Tourism is the major industry here and exceptionally popular among Italian tourists. The nearby Watamu resort and Gedi Ruins are located south of Malindi. The Watamu and Malindi Marine National Parks form a continuous protected coastal area south of Malindi. Many hotels serve this town whose main beach sweeps for 7 km round Malindi Bay. Attractions such as nightclubs, casinos, fascinating ancient mosques, a colourful market and the renowned Malindi Marine National Park are found here. The most exiting thing though is the coral gardens in the middle of the park. The best season to visit is from August to January and it’s all about the beaches. Extraction of shells, starfish, coral and fishing within the Park is strictly forbidden. Malindi town’s history goes back to the 13th century and once rivaled for dominance by Mombasa. It too like Mombasa has been traditionally a port city for foreign powers. Many traditional buildings survive including the Juma Mosque and palace on the beach, a stretch popular with tourists.