A cornucopia of varied experiences in Kenya

Kenya’s wide stretches of white sand beaches, flank the azure Indian Ocean and visitors will be transfixed by the coral reefs, marine national parks and islands. Beach front banda’s (villas) boast dramatic ocean views and a variety of accommodation is available to suit every visitor.

Mombasa is the main coastal city and East Africa’s oldest harbour which attracted traders from Portugal, India and the Middle East, now it is the gateway to a 500km stretch of beaches and ocean. To the south are the resorts of Diani and Tiwi both with modern hotels and restaurants. Diani opens onto a vast expanse of silky sand and all scales of accommodation can be found.

For the ultra luxury hideaway try Alfajiri which is considered by many as the finest Villas on the East African Coast. These African style villas overlook the Indian Ocean and their elevated positions with large verandas ensure privacy and stunning views. To make luxury more affordable Alfajiri are currently offering the 5th night stay and any subsequent nights at a 40% reduction. Visit  www.alfajirivillas.com

Further south, for those looking for pure escapism the new Gazi Beach Retreat is a luxury camp with 10 tents set in the tropical and palm tree lined gardens on Gazi Beach. Each tent offers an air-conditioned bedroom with four-poster bed, separate Swahili style lounge area with mini bar and en-suite bathroom with romantic shower. With a hint of Bedouin character, these private tents offer a sense of heightened sultry romance on the beach. Here you can take a trip through the Gazi Beach Mangrove forest system which the retreat protects and maintains. Visit www.destination-adventures.com

Also south is the Cove Retreat Treehouses and Villa Resort which consists of six luxury treehouses situated on the beach, all built with great care around their own mature Baobab tree creating an accommodation unit with unique characteristics. The Cove Retreat also has luxury villas, an Arabian-style restaurant and infinity pool area. Community relations form part of the Cove concept and they pride in the protection of the immediate environment and all who live in it. Visit  www.cove.co.ke/treehouses

For those wanting to try out Kenya’s excellent diving and spot a whale shark or turtles head to one of the marine national parks Msambweni House to the south of Mombasa  is a good spot to base yourself before heading off for a diving expedition in Kisite Marine Park. This small boutique lodge has three suite rooms in the main building, two detached cottages, a further tented room and stylish public areas with a superb pool. Visit www.msambweni-house.com

Desert Island bliss can be found on the Lamu Archipelago to the north of the coast which comprises of three islands; Lamu, Manda and Pate. Lamu Town is a Unesco heritage listed site and one of the most intriguing and oldest Swahili communities made up of coral stone and lime houses along the waterfront. What also makes Lamu so appealing is that the preferred mode of transport is donkey and cart and no cars are allowed on the island.

After basking on one of the beaches, visitors can take to the seas on a traditional Dhow boat which are still used by the fishermen but also for day snorkelling and swimming trips and Sundowner cruises. Kipungani resort is located south of Lamu Island and only two degrees south of the Equator. There are 12 spacious locally crafted bandas facing the ocean and shaded by the palm trees that line the 600-metre beachfront. Visit www.heritage-eastafrica.com/explorer_kipungani.html

For more information on Kenya, visit  www.magicalkenya.com