North coast holiday (Watamu/Malidi)

Overview

The coastal village of Watamu is known for its wonderful white sand beach. The region is protected as part of the Watamu National Marine Park. Like Mombasa, Malindi is an ancient Swahili trading port that fell under Portuguese influence in the 16th century. It is far smaller and more low-rise than Mombasa, and has a less conspicuous sense of antiquity, though the old town is scattered with a few important historical landmarks. These days, Malindi, more than any other comparably large town in Kenya, functions largely as a beach resort, offering a good choice of midrange lodges aimed at the European package market, as well as a lively beachfront restaurant scene, and a host of other urban distractions, from nightclubs to supermarkets.