Guide to Bamburi Beach

"Pale sands stretch out to an offshore coral reef. Butterflies form clouds of colour in the Nature Park. And speciality restaurants are an easy stroll away. This resort adds Western convenience to Kenyan character."

At high tide the Indian Ocean sweeps right up to hotel lawns. At its ebb, you can wander out on the soft sands to the coral reef. In between times, it's a natural playground for sailing, water-skiing, and glass-bottom boating. Small wonder that Bamburi's so popular.

This well established resort is strollably compact, with all the holiday essentials packed into its one-mile boundaries. A sprinkling of shops includes everything from soapstone souvenirs to sun creams, sarongs and supermarkets. There are bars and discos for after-dark fun, and speciality restaurants for Indian, Oriental and Italian cuisines. And you could follow your nose to a sizzling lunch of seafood spiced with cinnamon.

For a gentle introduction to the country's wildlife, the Bamburi Quarry Nature Park has a butterfly farm, jogging trails and giant tortoises. And when you're ready to explore further afield, Bamburi's location makes it easy. There's a water park at Nyali, a couple of miles away. The Bombolulu Craft Workshops are great for some serious souvenir shopping. And Mombasa's just seven miles to the south, with frequent buses and local matatus – minibuses packed to the gunnels and often showing their age - though you can easily grab a cab and travel in comfort.

With a little of everything here, it's a good choice for families and first-timers to Kenya.

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