Photograph by Dana Allen
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Africa is, of course, best known as a safari destination but it is increasingly coming to the attention of savvy world travelers for its beaches and resorts. South Africa offers thousands of miles of coastline, Kenya has a highly developed tourist infrastructure in Mombasa and the many islands of the Indian Ocean beckon with excellent watersports, wonderful beaches and international flavor. The following "thumbnail sketches" of these destinations should serve to whet the appetite...
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Kenya Coast: Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu
This area is, if anything, overdeveloped. Mombasa has become a charter destination for Europeans and there are a lot of hotels in a very small area. However, there are still some good choices available including the Mombasa Serena on the North Coast and the Indian Ocean Beach Club on the South Coast. The water is warm, there is a wide range of watersports available and access is excellent with multiple flights daily. Mombasa itself offers good shopping, entertainment and dining.
Malindi
Malindi, two hours north of Mombasa, is a bit more low-key. Long ago discovered by the Italians and Kenyans escaping the heat of Nairobi, it has recently become better known to other international travelers as access has improved. We recommend the Indian Ocean Lodge, a lovely intimate hotel built on a coral cliff overlooking the Malindi/Watamu Marine National Park. This lodge has traditional Arab styling, with whitewashed walls, sofas with lavish cushions, Arab furniture, Persian rugs, brass ornaments and Arab chests to complete the historical coastal atmosphere. The six bedrooms are large and spacious with wooden louvred shutters to protect guests from the heat outside. Each room has a four-poster double bed with a single bed, all draped in mosquito nets and cooled by overhead fans. Activities include snorkelling, exploring the local forest and nearby Arab ruins, beach walks and general relaxation. SCUBA and deep sea fishing excursions are available at an extra cost.
Lamu
Lamu is yet further north on the Kenya Coast. This charming muslim town gives the visitor a fascinating taste of times past. There are no cars in town only donkey carts and dirt roads. Dhows ply the waters and accommodations are generally quite basic.
Madagascar
Of all of the Indian Ocean Islands, Madagascar offers the most variety; unique flora and fauna, a balmy climate, strange geology, and a warm, welcoming populace make it a destination worthy of an extended visit. The tourist infrastructure is poorly developed (independent travelers should speak French) but improving. Driving is on the right but the roads are in such terrible condition and distances so large that it is recommended that travelers fly wherever possible. The main resort area is the neighboring island of Nosy Be to the northeast but the most interesting wildlife reserves are in the south of the country.
The Comoros Islands
The Comoros Islands are a string of volcanic islands north of Madagascar that offer some excellent beaches and watersports but little else to do. They are difficult to reach but for those seeking real isolation might be ideal.
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