30 F O R R E S E R V A T I O N S C A L L U S O N 0845 130 6982 African Beach Extensions Kenya Kenya’s coast offers some of Africa’s finest beaches and excellent opportunities for diving or snorkelling on the offshore reefs. Add to this the fact that centuries of trading have left some fascinating historical sites, with Portuguese, Arabic and Indian influences and you have the perfect beach sojourn. Mombasa The beaches both north and south of Mombasa offer some beautiful resort hotels which are perfect for relaxing in after your safari. We highly recommend the Serena Beach Hotel on Shanzu Beach. Based on a Swahili village, it has an intimate atmosphere and an Arabic design of alleyways, shady courtyards and hand carved doors. Shaded by palm trees and draped in bougainvillaea, this member of ‘Leading Hotels of the World’, is a perfect retreat by the Indian Ocean. Watamu Bay Watamu still preserves it’s village feel and has it’s own marine park offshore. Hemingways Hotel is highly regarded and all its rooms have ocean views. A beautiful barrier reef protects the white sand beaches which have been voted in the world’s top ten. Nearby, Mida lagoon’s mangrove creeks teem with exotic birdlife while boat trips offer dolphin watching, snorkelling and diving. Lamu This romantic archipelago is renowned for its laid back atmosphere, clear waters and pristine beaches. Time stands still in this trading port for the Arab dhow traders and nature is uninterrupted by the modern world. Manda Bay Resort is a small boutique resort with an intimate atmosphere on one of the many unspoilt islands off Lamu. Simply relax here, join a dhow trip or snorkel off the gently sloping beaches in the clear, calm waters. What better way to relax after a successful safari than a few days soaking up the sun beside warm tropical waters? Many destinations offer excellent snorkelling and diving and birdwatching as well. The places and properties that we illustrate below work well with any safari to southern or eastern Africa – but do ask for our advice and suggestions as to which will be the best place for you. Serena Beach Hotel, Mombasa Hemingways Hotel, Watamu Bay

S E E U S O N T H E W E B AT wildlifeworldwide.com 31 Africa / Beach Extensions Malawi Malawi is a hidden treasure offering a relaxing beach holiday on a par with any on the coast. Its 230 kilometre long fresh water lake is lined with golden beaches lapped by crystal water. Snorkelling and diving in the clear fresh water is particularly rewarding with the lake boasting the largest number of fish species anywhere in the world and some fantastic birding. A beach holiday at Lake Malawi is easy to add-on to a safari in Zambia or Malawi. (Please see pages 58 & 72 for more details). Mauritius Mauritius, a lush volcanic island in the Indian Ocean is famous for its world class resorts. Its beaches are fringed with palm trees and most of the island is circled by a coral reef. Volcanic peaks rise above forests, nature reserves and bird sanctuaries with many rare species. Its climate is idyllic with sunshine moderated by sea breezes and little variation in temperature year round. The Residence is an elegant luxury hotel built in a colonial style. Each room has its own private butler and the hotel is popular among those seeking seclusion for its cosy and intimate style. Paradise Cove Hotel and Spa is on the northern shores of Mauritius. The rooms are furnished with precious wood, shimmering silks and vibrant colours, reminiscent of the olden days in Pondichery. They nestle in a tropical prize-winning garden and meander round a sheltered cove and beach. Mozambique Situated just off the mainland is the Bazaruto Archipelago. The islands boast beautiful beaches where Dugong feed in the shallow waters alongside Loggerhead, and Green Turtles, and the coral reefs sparkle with dazzling fish. Birdwatchers will also appreciate regular sightings of Lesser Crested Tern, Olive Bee-eater (which breed in the sand cliffs), Pygmy Kingfisher, Purple-banded Sunbird, crabplovers, flamingos and a host of others. Mozambique makes a great extension to a safari in Southern Africa. Marlin Lodge has sea-facing chalets each with a private patio and walkway down to the beach. The wood-reedand- thatch chalets are a perfect blend of elegant luxury and African Island beauty. Benguerra Lodge is the ultimate romantic hideaway. Each chalet is on stilts and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Encircled by silver beaches, coral reefs and turquoise seas, this up-market lodge offers exclusivity in a tranquil setting. Quilálea is an idyllic island resort nestling in a forgotten corner of Mozambique's Quirimbas Archipelago in the tropical Indian Ocean. Completely uninhabited, it has nine private villas each with sea views. Quilálea is an ideal honeymoon destination or holiday location for those in need of relaxation. Quilalea works well as an extension to a safari in both east and southern Africa. Tanzania – Zanzibar Island Unguja and Pemba Islands combine a rich cultural heritage with brilliant white beaches. They offer much more than just a beach vacation however. You can visit spice plantations, nature reserves and wander round the fascinating labyrinth of narrow alleyways, bustling bazaars and great Arab houses of the old Stone Town. Stone Town Emerson’s and Green is the ultimate Stone Town experience. This boutique hotel is a restored merchant’s house where ten traditionally furnished rooms evoke the days of the Sultanate. A refreshing change from the uniform modern hotels, this hotel is situated in the heart of the old Stone Town. Meals and sundowners overlooking the harbour and rooftops in the Tower Top Restaurant are a highlight. Pemba Island A mecca for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, the island of Pemba is a short flight from Unguja. Fundu Lagoon offers luxury accommodation on five kilometres of white sandy beach. The secluded bungalows make this the perfect retreat for couples and those seeking peace and outstanding natural beauty. With a fullyequipped PADI dive centre it is listed among the top diving locations in the world Unguja East Coast Breezes Beach Resort on a pristine beach is a family run hotel with a relaxed atmosphere, personalised service and warm hospitality. Stroll for miles on a white sandy beach, dine in candlelight overlooking the ocean and snorkel in the calm, clear waters. Unguja North Coast On the northern-most peninsula of Zanzibar Island, Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel overlooks a sparkling expanse of iridescent Indian Ocean. The lush gardens drop down onto one of the finest and most unspoilt beaches on the island, which in turn is fringed by a wide and thriving coral reef. Marlin Lodge, Mozambique Nungwi Beach Hotel, Unguja North Coast Breezes Beach Resort, Unguja East Coast