Picture postcard white sand and palm-fringed beaches, exotic island paradises, romantic nights under swaying palms with the sound of the Indian Ocean – Eastern Africa has all the ingredients for a relaxing and romantic beach holiday. However, the Eastern African coast offers a lot more than just that – experience the enchanting harmony of beach and bush with elephants and antelopes cavorting at the beach, discover the mystical spice island of Zanzibar , travel back in time and witness laid back Swahili culture in Lamu, dive at spectacular corral reefs teeming with colourful tropical fish, venture on a canoe-safari between remote and pristine islands in northern Mozambique , follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway and enjoy an exhilarating day of deep-sea fishing or let the local fishermen take you on their dhow for an early morning fishing trip .

Diani Beach is just 40 kilometers from Mombasa and has often been described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the World - 10 kilometers of brilliant white sand , the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and an amazing array of watersports makes it ideal for active sun seekers.

Watamu Beach is guarded by beautiful tropical barrier reefs and has been voted as one of the top ten beaches in the world. The Watamu Marine Park offers excellent scuba diving, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing opportunities. There is also a tidal creek close to the hotel which is good for bird watching, fishing and sunset dhow trips while Malindi and its markets are within easy reach.

Tucked away on a pristine island in the Indian Ocean , Funzi Island appeals for its luxurious seclusion and beautiful scenery. Surrounded by water and superbly located on a west-facing beach with glorious views of the African sunset , this remote and exclusive hideaway is the perfect place to escape from the outside world in style. Life at Funzi Island is relaxed and many guests do little more than unwind with a drink while watching the local fishing dhows sail by. The more energetic guests can enjoy sailing, creekfishing, windsurfing and canoeing or take a boat trip for a memorable glimpse of kingfishers, crocodiles and even dolphins.

Lamu is set in an archipelago of coral-fringed islands, swaying palm trees and aromas of exotic spices. Located off the far northern Indian Ocean coast of Kenya, Lamu Archipelago and is possibly one of the most relaxing places on earth . Lamu is also the name given to the only town on the island and you will soon find that nothing much happens here in a hurry. A trading town for hundreds of years between Arabia and India buying and selling spices and ivory has produced a vibrant culture known as Swahili. Established in the 14th century, Lamu is the oldest surviving Swahili town in Kenya , which explains why the streets are only wide enough for donkeys and pedestrians. In the evenings the aroma of thick Turkishlike coffee permeates the atmosphere; old men sit together philosophizing on the front steps of their houses, and little boys chase one another, darting in and out of quaint shops that line the main street.

Kiwayu Island is the most remote and pristine island in the Lamu Archipelago in the far north of the Kenyan coast. White coral and virgin beaches stretch for miles , with crystal clear water at all times. Snorkeling over a myriad of unspoilt coral reefs, wind surfing, laser sailing, water skiing, picnics, deep-sea fishing and exploring the mangrove forests, caves and coves are all available. Dolphins and whales are seen regularly off the coast of Kiwayu, moving in shoals across the ocean. There are also two villages on the Island that can be visited and allow an authentic experience of contemporary coastal life. The mainland hosts an abundance of game and borders on the Boni and Dodori game reserves and guests can have a break from their their island experience with game drives or walks on the mainland.

The lure of the "Zanzibar spice island" is legendary . From exotic Stone Town with its fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets, to palm-fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs , Zanzibar is a complete change of pace from mainland Tanzania. The spectacular turquoise sea, abounding in marine life and striking coral formations and the fine white sand beaches are a major drawcard of Zanzibar.

Compared to Zanzibar, the island of Pemba , located in the same archipelago, is seldom visited and very laid-back . In addition to its lush green hilly terrain, the island offers an intriguing, largely undiscovered culture and spectacular diving. Much of the island's coast is lined with mangroves, but there are a few good stretches of sand and several idyllic offshore islets.

While Mafia Island is a glorious destination for both active and leisurely holidays, a main attraction for many visitors is that Mafia remains virtually unknown and creates a sense of travelling back in time to the early 20th Century. Surrounded by a corral reef teeming with colourful tropical marine life , the warm, colourful waters of the Indian Ocean provide an ideal location for many sea activities. Experience some of the best diving and snorkelling off the East African coast or discover the many islets and natural, unspoilt sandbars where you can enjoy a picnic lunch after sailing there on a traditional dhow.

Saadani is unique for its combination of beach, river and bush . The Wami River, which passes through the park and empties into the Indian Ocean, hosts a large population of hippos, crocodiles, flamingos, and many large bird species and is a wonderful place for early morning or sunset boat safaris. Elephants are occasionally viewed bathing and playing on Saadani's beach , and sometimes venturing into the crashing surf, which alone makes Saadani one of the most special parks to visit in Tanzania.

The Quirimbas Archipelago consists of 32 coral islands and stretches for 100 kilometres along the Mozambique coast, close to the Tanzanian border. The area has never been developed and remains an unexplored island paradise which resembles the Maldives twenty years ago . It contains some of the richest coral reefs in the world providing habitat for an abundant array of marine life and offering superb game fishing and diving. The region is steeped in Portuguese colonial and Arabian trader history which can be witnessed on nearby Ibo Island and Mozambique Island, a World Heritage site.

The Bazaruto Archipelago consists of small and unspoilt islands ringed by white-sand beaches so fine they squeak. The surrounding waters are filled with some of Africa's most unspoiled coral reefs and are easily explored with a snorkel and mask or by scuba diving. The atmosphere here is of little oases of luxury pinned on the very edge of the known world, perfect for family holidays, honeymoons and beach breaks.