Built on an island opposite a convenient gap in the barrier reef, Mombasa is linked to the mainland by bridges and a ferry in the south. The old harbour dates back to the 12th century, when spice traders arrived from Arabia by dhow, delivering frankincense, myrrh and carpets. The historic, old town, quarter gives way to bustling fruit markets and bazaars, where the sounds of haggling over exotic spices and colourful fabrics fills the air. There are numerous idyllic beaches and first class resorts close by, to the north, the beaches around Malindi are fantastic and great for snorkelling whereas to the south the lively town of Diani has over 10 km of unbroken sandy beaches. It is easy to combine beach time with safari as the nearby parks of Tsavo East and West provide a protected wildlife haven.