Safaris departing from Mombasa

Kenya can be full of surprises: just when you thought it was all about big cats safaris you find out that it also has some of Africa's greatest white sands beaches.

Protected by coral reefs, the white sand Kenya beaches melt into warm tropical waters that are ideal for diving, snorkelling and swimming - and that's before the greatest annual spectacle of whale sharks passing along the Kenya tropical coast around February and March each year.

The beaches of Kenya can be divided into four main regions:

South Coast The beaches of the south, including Diani Beach, are renowned for their palm-fringed white sands and beautiful coral reefs. The diving - in particular at Kisite Marine Reserve - is considered the best in the south, with many wrecks to fire up underwater enthusiasts.

The South Coast pace of life is chilled and relaxed - and it's a great place for family beach holidays as there are activities for all ages including glass-bottom boats, kiddies clubs and golf courses.

Mombasa region OK, Mombasa is where the crowds are, and you're sure to have a great time. This is where you'll find the larger resorts and popular beaches not to mention host of world class luxury spas to cater to your every tropical whim.

Happily though it's not all about the beaches and diving: Mombasa sits at a cultural crossroads where Africa meets both East and West. Predictably there's tons of accommodation in Mombasa.

Malindi North of Mombasa lies the rural historic and ever-popular Malindi, a town at the centre of some of the finest tropical beaches and beach quality resorts in Africa.

Blessed with endlessly long, clean beaches, Malindi is also the place in Kenya for deep sea fishing as well as some seriously good diving and snorkelling at the Malindi Marine National Park.

The range of accommodation is of course extensive but we'd particularly recommend the traditional charms of Hemingways Resort.

Lamu Island

In the far north of Kenya is located the famous Lamu Archipelago which includes the islands of Lamu and Manda.

Rich in fascinating history, the archipelago has a distinct Moorish feel and provides a wonderfully exotic beach holiday experience. Combine its wonderfully laid-back beaches with an Islamic culture - oh, and certainly expect to do some serious walking: there is only a single car on the island and it belongs to the mayor...

The smaller islands of the archipelago provide an exceptional setting for honeymoons and romantic getaways - we recommend the luxurious retreats of Kiwayu Safari Village or Manda Bay for a slice of Kenya beach paradise and the best start for a safari is from Mombasa.mombasasafari.co.uk

Best of both worlds is of course: Holidays and Beach combinations Here's the good news: Kenya's reputation as one of Africa's greatest safari destinations has just been enhanced - wildlife-packed national parks such as Amboseli, Tsavo East and West and Shimba are a short distance from the coast and can easily be built into a Kenya beaches holidayor even Tanzania beach holiday.