Guide to Watamu

"Coral reefs to the east. Mangrove creeks to the west. The sandy Watamu peninsula is a haven for both people and wildlife. Watersports enthusiasts will love it here and the lively village and gently shelved sands are perfect for couples and families alike."

Kenya's known for its laid back atmosphere, magical beaches and beautiful scenery – and Watamu's no exception. If you're coming over with relaxation firmly on your mind, you're in for a real treat. Here, the stars of the show are definitely the sandy beaches. Stretching for miles along the coast, they're exactly how you thought they'd be. Powder-like white sands. Sparkling seas. And palm trees swishing from side-to-side.

The waters are usually pretty calm here, so there are plenty of watersports to try. Windsurfing and sailing are popular, but it's the diving seems to grab most of the attention. Under the seas you'll find all manner of brightly-coloured fish, swimming between a kaleidoscope of coloured coral. But you don't have to don a mask and flippers to see such treats. If you head out to the Marine National Park, you can walk to the reef's coral gardens when the tide's out.

Of course, there's more to this place than sun, sea and sand. You'll find more than enough Kodak moments to take home as a souvenir. Take a trip south to Arabuko Sokoke Forest, which is the last of Kenya's coastal woodlands. Visit the Gedi ruins of a 13th-century Swahili city. Or get into 'giriama' rhythm with dancers in the traditional village. And if you need a few souvenirs to take home, the colourful village has plenty in the way of arts and crafts stalls. Here, you can pick up wooden carvings, paintings and authentic sarongs.

With another Kenyan day tucked under you belt, there's only one thing left to do. Throw down your blanket, take a seat, and watch the sun set over the sparkling seas.

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