Shimoni, 100 km from Mombasa is a centre for serious deep-sea fishing. It is also from Shimoni that you can visit Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. Here you will see treasures of Kenya's underwater world. At marine park, snorkeling experience is outstanding and on a lucky day you will swim with dolphins. At Shimoni, there are a series of deep coastal caves stretching from sea to deep inland. Arab slavers reportedly used these caves in dark days of slave trade. The slaves who perished here are remembered in Roger Whittaker's song "Shimoni".

At south coast you have plenty of chances to indulge in some thrilling marine activity such as water skiing, wind surfing, scuba diving, goggling and deep-sea fishing. The Shimba Hills National Reserve, directly inland from Diani is a surprise and you have opportunity to see some of wildlife that Kenya is famed for. Though wildlife is not as prolific as in upcountry game parks, beautiful rainforest and spectacular Sheldrick Falls make it worth a visit. You can also spend night here at Kenya's only tree lodge at coast, which has some water holes where elephants and other animals come for a drink.

The main attraction of north coast is its beaches. Heading north from Mombasa these are: Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Vipingo and Kikambala. Here you will find hotel and resort complexes to suit taste of most beach holiday enthusiasts. From your north coast base, you may want to visit Mamba Village, reputed to be one of worlds' largest crocodile farms. Those interested in eco conservation projects must not miss Haller Park. The park is named after Swiss agronomist who by sheer grit and vision transformed a huge abandoned cement quarry into a spectacular 7 sq km nature and animal sanctuary.

At Mtwapa, just beyond Shanzu beach, Kenya Marineland houses some very diverse marine life, which you view from a glass-sided underground tunnel. From same point, you can take a dhow sailing trip that includes onboard entertainment -acrobatics, fire eating and local dancers. Just off coast, spectacular coral reefs teem with numerous fish, sea turtles and dolphins. You have an opportunity for world-class diving here, including some serious wreck diving. Diving at Kenyan coast is good year round, expect in months of July and August when silting and high seas are a problem. Malindi has a history going back at least 800 years. This is only town along east African coast where Portuguese found friendship without persuasion of arms. Vasco Da Gama erected a pillar to serve as a navigation aid that still stands. Today, town is a particular favourite with Italian visitors. Most of hotel and resort development are to south of town along Silversands beachfront and nearer town around Malindi Bay. At Malindi Marine National Park, you can see some fascinating coral gardens by diving, snorkeling or from a glass bottomed boat.

Malindi is a respected centre for big game fishing and several world records have been set here. The writer Hemingway was here in 1930's to enjoy one of his favourite macho sports. Watamu, 15 km further south, is a small beach development around beautiful inlets of Turtle Bay and Blue Lagoon. Watamu too has its own Marine Park. At edge of park, you find a collection of caves housing a school of giant rock cod, some stretching whole of 2 metres. Consider making an excursion to Gedi Ruins, one of Kenya archeological treasures. Gedi is estimated to have been founded in 13th century but was mysteriously abandoned in 17th century. Experts guess that marauding Galla tribesmen from up north did in settlement. Lamu has in recent years found favour with international glitterati. The town has an ambience of mediaeval romance that attracts those who are offended by burdens of our modern existence. Life in island goes on almost like it did in 14th century when settlement was founded. Lamu has narrow streets and town has only a single car for use by top government official. Everybody else walks, takes a dhow or uses donkey taxis. If you come in by air you land at nearby Manda Island, from where you take a dhow or ferry. In this centre of Islamic culture, men wear full-length whites and women are shorn head to toe in black.

Shela is main beach on island and is just 15 minutes away by motorboat. You will find good rated accommodation at Lamu. There are also some very pricey hideaways in neighboring islands of archipelago favoured by jet set. In centre of town, you find a fort built by invading Omani Arabs in early 19th century that now serves as a cultural centre. Lamu museum is located at seafront, in a house once occupied by Jack Haggard, Queen Victoria's consul in this then important outpost. The museum is a repository of Swahili culture and on display are artifacts, dhows, jewelry and crafts.

At Mombasa and Kenyan Coast you will find rated accommodation. Once you are there, you can take a break to view some of wildlife that country is famed for. From Mombasa, nearest park reachable by road is Tsavo East, 4 hours away. Another good option is to fly to Maasai Mara, Kenya's top wildlife sanctuary and home to big five- elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo. There are many Kenya safari options with Mombasa departures

The Kenyan coast has a tropical climate and it is a hot and humid place. Temperatures year round vary between 22° C and 33° C. July and August are coolest months. Light clothing is recommended, as even evenings are usually warm. Short sleeve shirts, shorts and trousers for men and short sleeve blouses, slacks and skirts are sufficient. However, in this predominantly Muslim area, women need to dress modestly so as not to offend local sensibilities. But swimwear is perfectly acceptable at beaches and hotel premises.

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Once you have visited city, I would head for surrounding towns only a few hours to south in region called El Algarve. There are incredible fishing towns and beautiful sandy beaches. Once you have relax for a day or two, it would interesting to venture into countryside and take direction setting north to Alentejo region. The main city in this region is called Evora. The oldest monument in town dates back to II or III c. and it is temple of Diana - A real architectural beauty. There is a Pousada, reconverted castles and palaces made into historical lodgings which are all over Portuguese geography. Still heading north but towards Atlantic we come across One of most symbolic Catholic cities in world, Fatima. Whether you are a believer or not, everyone has a favor or burning desire to help someone with problems and profound religious ambience found here is very special. An from religious to intellect when we feast our sight on very old university city of Coimbra. Just visiting university grounds is a trip in itself. Still going up coast, we come to River Duero and city of Porto or sometimes called Oporto. This area together with Mino River valley make up fertile vineyards for famous Oporto wine. Other than enjoying green vegetation which are green grapes that make up this delicious wine, we can sip a few samples of different varieties and see process at some wine cellars.

Portuguese Cuisine

Lick your lips and dig in. Let´s see, I will try some Alentejana soup which are morsel of bread with coriander herbs, garlic and poached egg. Or maybe Cacao soup made from fresh fish. If it is chilly, I would like to try a typical meat dish called Pork a la Alentejana which is pork seasoned with wine, coriandro herb, onions and crushed almonds. Rabbit, hare or partridge with white beans can also warm your heart and stomach. Spread some creamy sheep cheese on some toasted bread or some hard, cured cheese from Evora with a touch of olive oil. Cod fish done in a hundred different ways, especially with tomatoes, onions, garlic and boiled potatoes which are all national products. To accompany all this scrumptious food we need right wine. And flaky almond pasties to finish it all off.

Let yourself be overwhelmed by Portugal´s picturesque details, shades of green, enticing bodies of water, tiled murals, white washed houses and warm feeling that Portuguese offer to all passerbyer. The result is a total success, living up to your every dream.

Robert Carlton runs a marketing company and lives with his spanish wife and daughter on the iberian peninsula. He writes travel related articles about Lisbon and Portugal. You can reach him via his website http://www.lisbon-and-portugal.com