Kenya : North Coast

The north coast of Kenya is the stretch of coast line north of Mombasa, there are a number of big hotels along this coast but there are still some unspoilt bays and where small hotels and lodges are the perfect place to relax after your safari, to soak up the sun or dive and snorkel amongst the reefs and coral gardens. There are some lovely smaller hotels in Watamu which is set within a National Marine Park. Turtles come and lay their eggs on the beach and you can visit the Watamu Turtle research centre.

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Quick links:
Tana Delta Camp
Hemingways
Takaungu House

Tana Delta Camp
Set amongst tall white sand dunes at the mouth of the Tana River are a collection of tents and pagoda -like bandas of the Tana Delta Camp. Amongst doum palms, baobabs and tamarind trees the camp blends in, with its design and use of timber, woven grasses and palm fronds. There is cold running water, hot bucket showers and flushing toilets. The six tents are comfortable and original in their furnishings and there is a honeymoon banda perched high on the crest of a dune. The food is tantalising, lots of fresh fish, vegetables and tropical fruit. Myriad birds, bush buck, baboons, monkeys hippos and crocs are regularly seen but the larger animals, including lion, keep to themselves and only leave footprints in the sand. You can just relax and go swimming or take a boat trip up the delta channel to observe the birds and wildlife, try fishing or a stroll along 48km of deserted beach. This camp is very remote and totally unspoilt, very comfortable yet a true wilderness area.

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cottage	Tana Delta camp

the mouth		pool

Hemingways
Hemingways Resort overlooks the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and the white sands of Watamu Bay, recently ranked among the ten best in the world. With its friendly atmosphere and stunning surroundings it is the perfect setting to relax from your safari. Hemingways is surrounded by the wonders of the Watamu Marine Park with its unspoilt coral reef brimming with life, the mangrove bounded bird sanctuary of Mida Creek, the ruins at Gede and some of the richest game fishing waters on the coast. There are 78 beautifully appointed suites with panoramic views of the ocean, there are two bars, two restaurants and two pools all within a stones throw of the beach. All the beach activities are available with diving, fishing, water skiing, windsurfing and traditional dhow cruises.

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pool	dining terrace	aerial view

Takaungu House
If you want palm trees, sea, sand and sun, Takaungu House is a must. Only 50km north of Mombassa, Takaungu has been converted from the ruins of an old Arab house overlooking a sandy beach. The owners, the Masons, have a 40 foot ketch and will take you to Kilifi Creek where you can bird watch, picnic and go snorkelling or diving on the coral reefs. Small and personalised with a maximum of 6 guests this is a breathtakingly beautiful place in which to relax.

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bedroom	courtyard	beach