Exploring the beautiful beaches of Kenya

Kenya‘s abundance of wildlife and plentiful national parks and reserves have justifiably earned it the reputation as one of the safari capitals of the world. But Kenya’s golden coastline is equally spectacular and ought not to be overlooked. Its pristine beaches along the Indian Ocean are a haven of peace and tranquility, ideal for relaxing after an action-packed safari trip or escaping Kenya’s bustling cities. On a Kenya beach break, you can relax on powder-soft sands, try a new watersport or explore the underwater treasures of the Indian Ocean coral reefs. Here is our selection of the most idyllic beaches in Kenya.

Diani Beach: fine white sands and plenty of activities

Located 30km south of Mombasa, it is clear to see why Diani is one of Kenya’s most popular beaches. The powdery white sands and swaying palm trees that border the beach are the very definition of a tropical paradise. The town is busy with restaurants and cafes and there are all sorts of activities to enjoy, such as paddle boarding, kayaking and diving.

The waters here are home to a plethora of sea life, including five different species of sea turtles, humpback whales, whale-back sharks and even the elusive whale shark. If you’d rather not dive, you could take a boat safari or for a more authentic experience, cruise along the coastline on a dhow – a traditional lateen rig ship with one or two masts. Glass-bottom boat tours also offer a tantalizing window into the underwater world.

The area around Diani is rich in ancient cultural sites, from mosques to age-old Swahili towns. For a wildlife fix, the Shimba Hills National Reserve is a short drive inland.

Galu Beach: a less-developed gem backed by a rare coastal jungle

Another lengthy strip of fine white sand that joins up with Diani Beach, Galu is quieter and much less developed. Backed by coastal scrub and then the Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest, there is much more space for wildlife here and it’s a haven for the endangered colobus monkey. Back on the beach, kitesurfing is particularly popular, while under the waves you’ll find an exciting world of underwater life, from gliding moray eels to delicate seahorses.

Nyali Beach: a convenient city beach for an easy dose of coastal fun

Mombasa is Kenya’s oldest and second-largest city, with an estimated population of 1.2 million people. Nyali Beach is an oasis of calm with crystal-clear waters lapping the shore, located just minutes away from the bustling metropolis that is Mombasa. Nyali’s natural lagoon, favorable wind conditions and tropical climate combine to create ideal conditions for surfing and kitesurfing – why not give them a go?

Watamu Beach: a triple bay paradise with outstanding snorkeling

Nestled at the edge of lush forest, wetlands and mangroves are the pristine white sands and clear azure waters of Watamu Beach. With its name meaning ‘sweet people’ in Swahili, Watamu is well-known for its laid-back, unique way of life. Its offshore coral formations are protected as a part of the Watamu Marine National Park and there are several eco-friendly hotels dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism in the area. Watamu is also an important nesting ground for the majestic green, olive ridley and hawksbill turtles, with marine conservation projects in place to monitor the progress of these endangered creatures.

Kilifi: cool and youthful with some ancient history thrown in

South of Watamu, Kilifi has become popular with a younger crowd who have brought energy and creativity to the town. There you’ll find some great cafes to hang out in and an emphasis on sustainability, with the continent’s first carbon-neutral music festival (Beneath the Baobabs) held there annually. Kitesurfing is popular on the beaches, as are good diving and snorkeling opportunities. The town is on a creek, so birdlife in the area is abundant, and you’ve even a fascinating 15th-century Swahili settlement to explore.

Malindi: a sleepy beach town serving the best gelato in East Africa

Just north of Kilifi, you come to the unique beach town of Malindi. Back in the 1960s, the Broglio Space Center was founded nearby and the town saw a surge in Italian residents. Although it’s not quite as pronounced today as it was in the past, there is still a strong Italian influence giving it an interesting twist for a beach town in East Africa. Malindi has a fine stretch of sand and plenty of opportunities for gelato, pizza and pasta.

Lamu: a delightful desert island archipelago

Located in the Indian Ocean, close to the northwest of Kenya, is a cluster of tranquil desert islands including Lamu and Manda. Lamu Beach is a two-mile stretch of sun-kissed white sand. The islands are home to some of the best-preserved Swahili settlements and Lamu is recognized by UNESCO as having the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa, making it rich in traditional culture.

Comprising of small fishing villages, the languid pace of life here offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Between the months of September and May is the season to go swimming with dolphins, while from July to December you might be lucky enough to spot a whale. Keep your eyes peeled for a dugong – an unusual walrus-like creature – as although sightings are possible, they are few and far between.

Spend idle hours lazing on the glorious golden sand with a good book. Alternatively, the turquoise waters of the stunning Manda Bay are prime for diving or snorkeling amidst thousands of colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs, allowing you to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature. Back on dry land, the island is home to an extraordinary variety of birds and mammals including porcupine, mongoose, genet cat, civet cat and the dik-dik, a type of small antelope.

When to visit Kenya for a beach break

The weather in Kenya isn’t a cut-and-dry affair with straightforward seasons. Instead, it has rainy seasons sandwiched between dry seasons with some marked regional contrasts. But broadly speaking, January to March are typically dry and hot, with the ‘long rains’ coming from April to around June. From July to October it’s dry and warm in most parts of the country with short, sharp, heavy rainfall in November and December.

There are several factors at play when choosing the best time to visit Kenya, with optimal times for wildlife-watching, cultural festivals and hiking trips. When it comes to a beach break in Kenya, avoid the months of the ‘long rains’. For the best visibility for snorkeling and diving, October to November are ideal, as is March.

Make it happen

If you would like to experience the relaxed, laid-back pace of Kenya’s beaches for yourself, our brilliant local experts can help. Simply click over to our enquiry form, pop in a few details, and they will be in touch to help tailor a bespoke trip for you.