Forming part of the Lamu Archipelago along Kenya’s spectacular coastline, Lamu Island is a peaceful tropical island where life moves slowly. This charming island is mostly blanketed in sand dunes, mango trees and palm groves. Lamu Old Town is one of the best-preserved and oldest Swahili settlements in East Africa featuring many influences from Omani Arabs, Turkish and Portuguese traders, who all left their mark. To this day there are only a few vehicles on the island and in many respects, the narrow streets, footpaths and alleyways and markets have barely changed in hundreds of years. All of this adds a level of ancient mystique to your tropical island holiday.

Diani Beach

Famous for its gorgeous palm trees and its powder white sand lapped by glistening azure waters, Diani beach is a popular resort area resting on Kenya’s magnificent Indian Ocean shoreline. The area’s wonderfully warm waters and exquisite coral reefs provide an ideal environment for an array of exhilarating water-based activities including snorkeling, scuba diving and boat safaris where you can witness the richly diverse marine life for which the southern coast of Kenya is known. You’re likely to see turtles, mantas, barracuda and, if you are lucky, even the elusive and exceptionally large whale shark. Don’t miss: the Colobus Conservation which provides a sanctuary for these fascinating endangered primates; the Shimba Hills National Reserve which offers an exceptional and unforgettable safari experience; and the nearby Kisite Marine National Park close to the Tanzanian border.

Watamu

Located north of Mombasa, the small coastal village of Watamu is renowned for the Watamu Marine National Park. The park boasts three sparkling bays, white-sand beaches and an underwater coral wonderland offering one of the best snorkelling and diving experiences on the East African coast. This charming village is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty; fringed by lush tropical rainforests and mangroves. Visitors flock here to spend lazy days on the beautiful Watamu and Turtle Bay beaches, explore the Gede Ruins, and fish in the mangrove-edged waterways of Mida Creek. Don’t the miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve to spot monkeys, elephants and a variety of rare bird species.