Somalia to Mozambique, the Swahili Coast runs 1,610 kilometres (1,000 miles) along the Indian Ocean.
Barrier islands and coral reefs shield the shore from severe weather.
The sandy Swahili Coast lacks wildlife. Insect-eating golden-rumped elephant shrews are common.
The bush baby, a primitive monkey, lives in Swahili Coast vegetation.
A small strip inland from the beach sands contains these more vegetated places.
This inland Swahili Coast region's flora variety has decreased due to heavy agriculture.
Mangroves' exposed roots allow them to receive oxygen from the air and the nutrient-poor soil.