SHANZU BEACH
Area: Kenya


Location:
On the SE coast, 10 miles N of Mombasa, 300 miles from the capital, Nairobi. 57 miles S of Malindi. 20 miles NE of Mombasa's Moi International Airport.

Telephone code from UK:
254 11

Position:
Several miles of pale sandy coast facing the Indian Ocean, adjoining Mtwapa creek to the N. Most of the area has been cleared of forest, which means little shade. Low-rise buildings with white walls and sloping thatched roofs predominate.

Description:
Spread over 2 miles of coast, Shanzu lacks both a distinct focus and local style as the majority of its hotels are all-inclusive, and thus reduce the need for shops and other amenities. That said, Shanzu shopping centre is becoming a little village in its own right, with its bars frequented by prostitutes working the tourist clientele.

Suitability:
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 non-guests for these incurs a hefty admission fee.

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

Shopping:
Limited to tourist-inclined curio booths and high-class shops in Shanzu shopping centre.

Beach:
A long stretch of soft white sand protected by the offshore coral reef and backed by coconut palms. Hawkers and peddlers abound during the day, and not at all safe alone after dark. Weed can be a problem during the rainy season (Jul_Sep).

Entertainments:
Daytime: numerous water sports including scuba diving, snorkelling, glass-bottom boats and sailing offered by hotels.Nightlife: hotel discos; some bars in Shanzu shopping centre, mostly frequented by prostitutes and their clients, although the atmosphere isn't intimidating.

Eating:
Limited to a German bar (bratwurst and sauerkraut), an outdoor Kenyan roast meat grill, and a creekside snack bar serving seafood.

Public-transport:
Irregular "matatus" (pick-up minibuses) to Mtwapa and Mombasa via Bamburi Beach.

Local-excursions:
Organised tours are as for Mombasa, and pick up at hotels.