Nyali is Mombasa's well-to-do mainland suburb, connected to Mombasa Island by a bridge. Stretching for 6 mls along the coast and 1 ml inland, the resort's hotels rub shoulders with consulates, a golf course and numerous private villas set in heavily guarded gardens. Its main claim to fame is that, in the mid-19th century, it became the site of the first European missionary toe-hold on the E coast. The architecture varies according to the builder - whether a Sikh temple, colonial police station or Victorian church - but most buildings are unobtrusively concealed behind tall trees and fences. 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.

Those seeking a beach holiday with the convenience of Mombasa's urban attractions close to hand.

A wide choice, from the cheaper end to all-inclusive, upmarket, self-contained hotels offering almost everything. At weekends, hotels may be invaded by the wealthier residents of Mombasa and Nairobi although the main market is package-tour business from Europe. Dec to March is high season with July and Aug also busy with charter flights from Europe.

A long stretch of soft white sand protected by an offshore coral reef, which disappears at high tide. Mombasa Marine National Park lies off the Nyali headland. There are few beach facilities and what exists is provided by hotels in their specific areas. The water is clean and the gently sloping shore, extending to coral reef, makes it safe for swimming. Hawkers and peddlers abound during the day and it is not at all safe alone after dark.

Local handicrafts and trinkets are sold in hotel boutiques and in a couple of shopping centres to the S of Nyali. Most visitors tend to go souvenir shopping in nearby Mombasa. The vast Nakumatt hypermarket, 3½ mls from the golf club, offers a wide range of international goods.

Daytime: numerous water sports, including scuba diving, snorkelling, glass-bottomed boat trips over coral reefs and sailing; horse riding; 18-hole golf course; trip into nearby Mombasa for sightseeing and shopping. Nightlife: only in the larger hotels, but discos are a short taxi ride away, along the road to Malindi, near Bamburi Beach.

Little within walking distance, but only a short taxi ride from several top-class restaurants, including those around the Nakumatt hypermarket (Chinese, Kenyan and seafood) and many local joints serving fried fish or grilled goat meat. It is not advisable to drink the local water; stick to the bottled variety.

"Matatus" (pick-up minibuses) connect with Mombasa and points farther N including Bamburi Beach and Shanzu; these offer an adventure in that they tend to be overcrowded, confusing and in poor condition. Otherwise, taxis are available and waiting in every hotel car park. Regional or national transport from Mombasa.

As Mombasa, with pick-ups for organised tours at hotels.

On the SE coast, facing the Indian Ocean. 300 mls SE of the capital, Nairobi. 4 mls N of Mombasa. 66 mls S of Malindi. 10 mls NE of Mombasa's Moi international airport.

Several miles of pale sandy coast, backed by private villas, hotels and gardens.

Telephone Area Code: 41

Airport : Moi International
Airport Code: MBA
Flight time from ther U.K.: 10 hrs