Mombasa’s most popular northern beach suburb, Nyali is a good alternative to staying on Mombasa Island. What it lacks in Mombasa’s hustle and bustle it makes up for in amenities – there’s a nice selection of places to sleep and eat, and the sand is but a hop, skip and jump away.

Diani Beach with a flawless, long stretch of white-sand beach hugged by lush forest and kissed by surfable waves, it’s no wonder Diani Beach is so popular. This resort town scores points with a diverse crowd: party people, families, honeymooners, backpackers and water-sports enthusiasts.

Bamburi Beach merges with neighbouring Nyali to create one long Mombasa holiday strip. Either place works fine as a base for exploring Mombasa Old Town. Kenyatta Beach, near the south end of Bamburi, thumps to the beat of holidaying Kenyans. Alternatively, Bamburi makes a good day trip from Mombasa; many resorts offer day passes to non-guests.