The Kenyan coast has many fine beaches bordering the Indian Ocean both to the north of Mombasa and to the south. Diani Beach is one of the best known to the south of Mombasa. The journey to Diani and other southern beaches from Mombasa Moi International airport goes through the heart of Kenya’s second city and East Africa’s largest port to Kalindini Creek, now the heart of bustling commercial Mombasa.

There is no bridge across Kalindini Creek, so all transport south uses the Likoni Ferry. This is all part of the Kenya beach holidays south of Mombasa experience. These venerable vessels make the crossing from where the Matatu (minibus) Terminal disgorges its passengers in a lemming-like rush down the slipway. If in a vehicle get out and hug the rails, because this is a fine opportunity for a panoramic view of modern Mombasa’s skyline and observing the city’s great mix of different ethnic groups and cultures.

The road south to the beaches is almost straight and flat, through the dappled sunlight of palms groves and patches of residual forest. Wayside villages and schools flit past among mango, banana, citrus and cashew nut trees, with new villa complexes marked by bright splashes of bougainvillea. At intervals to the left are the entrance gates to the many beach hotels large and small that have access to the long stretches of fine sands.