The low tide is best to make a trip. Floating slowly over the coral beds you get to see brilliantly coloured marine fishes of bizarre shapes, spiny fish urchins, brightly hued seas slugs, crabs and starfish.

The coral reefs are home to over 140 species of hard and soft corals. Their symbiotic relationship with the chlorophyll generating plants give the corals their spectacular night-time

Dodori National Reserve was opened in 1976 to preserve a breeding ground for the East Lamu Topi, pelicans and with other local birdlife. Covering 877sq. kms with views of Dodori River and creek outlet with the densest, most varied species of mangrove forest in Kenya. Lion, Lesser Kudu, giraffe and hippo are also common to this Reserve.

Birds already noted are palmut vulture, Southern branded harrier eagle, honey buzzard, brown hooded kingfisher, European and carmine bee-eaters, brown breasted barbet and violet breasted sunbird There is no accomodation in this park.

Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve encompasses the Mida Creek mangrove forest where young coral begins its existence before the tides take it out to the reefs beyond. The forest roots are rich in fish, crabs, prawns and oysters and are also excellent for bird watching. Tewa Caves, near the mouth of the creek, are partly underwater where Giant Groupers co-exist with many other tropical fish species.

The coastal resorts of Malindi and Watamu are also world leaders in the accessibility, beauty and diversity of marine life which lives just off-shore on Barracuda and North Reef coral reefs and Turtle and Whale Islands; which is the nesting ground for roseate and bridled terns from June to September when they should not be disturbed and are protected by razor sharp rocks and rough sea.

The historic Gede Ruins in Watamu offer an interesting excursion.

There is an excellent range of accommodation along this stretch of the Kenya coast.

There are a number of short walking trails at Elephant Lookout and Pengo Hill and the falls. Shimba Hills is an easy drive and offers beautiful, lush scenery. It has a unique and botanically rich coastal rainforest. Two of Kenya's most beautiful orchids can be found here.

Another rare species, unique to the Reserve, is the Sable Antelope with its handsome near-black coat. Game includes: roan antelope, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard, bush baby, black faced vervet monkey, sykes' monkey, black and white colobus, serval, duiker, suni, bushbuck.

There is one lodge with 31 rooms, one self-help banda site with 8 beds and two camp sites.

The Tana River Primate Reserve was opened in 1976 to protect the Lower Tana river forest and two endangered species of monkey: the crested Mangbey and the Tana River Colobus.

The forest also supports a rich array of mammals, a high number of reptiles and amphibian species, as well as a number of rare plants, some of which are unique to this area.

Access is via the Malindi-Garissa road. As well as the lush river forest, there is dry woodland and open savannah bisected by the river. Many of the bird and animal species are unusual in East Africa, generally they are typical of Central Africa's lowland rainforest. One bird in particular, the White-Winged Apalis, is extremely rare. Others include ;openbill stork, martial eagle, bat hawk, pygmy falcon, barred owlet, scaly babbler, starling, golden pipit.

Limited accommodation is available at Muchelelo Research tented camp, by prior arrangements through KWS