Guide to Kikambala

"A coconut grove forming a buffer between you and the world. A long ribbon of sand hemming the water's edge. And nothing to disturb the calm of an ultra-relaxing holiday. You'll find it hard to tear yourself away from this Kenyan nirvana."

About 26 miles north of Mombassa, Kikambala's claim to fame is its dense coconut grove, which stretches to the unspoilt oceanfront. And little else. So abandon your watch - just take the time and tempo from the tide and skies. This is the place for a perfect beach break, for strolls along the white sands, al fresco lunches by the pool and sipping sundowners as you plan what not to do tomorrow.

Of course, 'relaxing' needn't mean inactive. There are watersports on the reef-protected bay - snorkelling over the coral reveals a riot of colour - and various sports and games within the hotel you can join in, or not, as the mood takes you.

If you're looking to do a bit of shopping and sightseeing, you're only a short bus or taxi ride away. Explore the little village of Shanzu across the Mtwapa Creek. Take a stroll around Mombassa's historic and chaotic streets. Or simply venture around the bars and restaurants of Bamburi.

Seriously laid-back individuals can do all their souvenir shopping from sellers on the beach. And, with evening entertainment right on site, it's fairly common for Kikambala's visitors to venture out only rarely. It may not impress party people, but it's a great base to complement a spell on safari, or just to recharge your batteries under the African sky. This is one place where relaxation is most definitely the name of the game.

Sitting on the shores of the sparkling Indian Ocean, the secluded resort of Kikambala is north of Mombassa and can only be reached by a 3km track – a more than worthwhile journey. A shimmering expanse of bleached white sand awaits you, softly sloping into the balmy seas that are protected by an unspoilt coral reef, often compared to the Great Barrier Reef. Discover a glittering underwater world of tropical fish in colours richer than the rainbow and a fascinating marine life. Slightly inland, tropical forests unravel into rolling hills and you can explore the captivating landscape woven with bubbling streams and cascading rivers that flow from the high ground down to the ocean.

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