The coast north of Mombasa stretches through a string of beach communities — Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, and Kikambala — connected by the main coast road toward Kilifi. The beaches are long and palm-fringed, and most of the large resort hotels are clustered along this strip.
Mamba Village is a crocodile farm about 15 minutes north of Mombasa where you can see crocs at every stage of life, from hatchlings to enormous adults. The Bamburi Quarry Nature Trail is an unexpected find — a former cement quarry that has been reclaimed and reforested into a small nature park with walking trails and resident wildlife. Take a matatu toward Mtwapa and ask to be dropped at Bamburi Nature Trail.
Budget travellers not locked into a resort package can find affordable cottages at Kikambala Beach. Prices vary sharply between high season (January, April-July, August-September, December) and low season.