Travel Eye on Shanzu Beach (Kenya)

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Overview:

Nyali, Kenyatta, Bamburi and Shanzu Beaches stretch from Mombasa north to Mtwapa creek. Nyali is the closest and easiest to visit if you are staying in central Mombasa. Like strips of the south coast, this coast has been highly developed with resorts. These beaches are lovely, but can be plagued with seaweed, which can turn the sea into soup.

Shanzu is fantastic for those seeking a beach holiday with little added excitement. The majority of visitors are German and Swiss clients of the all-inclusive African Safari Club chain, access to these properties incurs a hefty admission fee for nonguests.

The beach is a long stretch of soft white sand protected by the offshore coral reef and backed by coconut palms. The water comes up to the sea walls of hotel gardens at highest tides, so access is generally down steps. There are few facilities on the beach apart from those provided by individual hotels in their own beach sections.

Fort Jesus has a varied history, and the free leaflet you get on entry only covers the bare bones. Fortunately, there are a number of English-speaking guides who will take you around at your own pace, making sure you get the most from your visit; although technically free, it is customary to tip them around Ksh200 or so.

There is a strip of self-contained package-tour hotels, most of them all inclusive, as a result, visitors tend to stay at the property they have chosen without wandering far afield. A handful of cheaper places, but some of these double as brothels.

There is the possibility of terrorist attacks on tourists in Kenya, Foreign Office advisory notices offer the latest official advice and should be consulted before booking.

Locality:

Shanzu beach is located in the SE coast, facing the Indian Ocean (300 mls SE of the capital Nairobi, 10 mls N of Mombasa, 57 mls S of Malindi, 20 mls NE of Mombasa's Moi international airport). Shanzu beach consists of several miles of pale sandy coast, adjoining Mtwapa Creek to the N. Most of the area has been cleared of forest.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Daytime offers numerous amounts of water sports, including scuba diving, snorkelling, glass-bottomed boat trips to the coral reef and sailing.

In the evening you will find hotel discos, some bars in Shanzu shopping centre, mostly frequented by the local prostitutes and their clients, although the atmosphere within isn't intimidating.

For mealtimes you are limited to a German bar (bratwurst and sauerkraut), an outdoor Kenyan roast-meat grill and a creekside snack bar serving seafood. It is not advisable to drink the local water stick to the bottled varieties.

The local excursions are generally the same as Mombasa, with organised tours picking up at hotels.