Kenya is full of surprises: just when you thought it was all about safaris and wildlife, you find out that it also has some of East Africa’s best beaches and Indian Ocean island getaways.
Picture brilliant blue water lapping against fine white sand – an invitation to stretch out and soak up the sun. When the mood takes you, pick up a snorkel or set sail on a dhow; Kenya beaches are lined with protective coral reefs creating ideal waters for swimming, sailing, watersports, and – for the more adventurous – diving and snorkelling.
There is also drama: Kenya’s warm tropical waters, especially around Diani, are famous for hosting migrating whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean. Whale shark safaris run between October and April and give you the chance to see these magnificent creatures in an unspoilt environment.
The Kenya coast is so easy to experience. From Diani, through Mombasa and Malindi and north to the islands of Lamu Archipelago, there’s a wide range of African beach holiday destinations to choose from: bustling activity-packed resorts will appeal to families and fun-in-the-sun lovers while the more intimate and exclusive island lodges are perfect for honeymooners and romantics.
South Coast
- Kenya’s South Coast is renowned for palm-fringed white sand beaches such as ever-popular Diani Beach as well as accessible coral reefs. The scuba diving – in particular at Kisite Marine Reserve – is excellent and there are many wreck dives to entice advanced divers. There’s a hassle-free atmosphere on the South Coast which together with a wide range of accommodation, kids’ entertainment clubs and golf courses make for matchless family holidays.For a far quieter South Coast experience, six kilometres of beautiful beach awaits at Msambweni, 25 kms south of Diani. There’s excellent snorkelling and diving nearby as well as an 18-hole course and plenty of opportunities for sailing, fishing and watersports.
Mombasa
- Mombasa’s lively atmosphere has long attracted beach-lovers seeking a classic sun and sea vacation. This is where you’ll find the larger hotel resorts and popular beaches, so – for a more relaxing break – we’d recommend a selection of hand-picked boutique hotels on the quieter Diani Beach, set 30 kilometres south of Mombasa. Shimba Hills National Reserve, a small national park situated 56 km south of Mombasa and directly inland from Diani Beach, is a great option for visitors on a beach holiday but who want to fit in a game drive or two. Wildlife highlights of Shimba’s forested hills and grasslands are elephants, leopards and sable antelope plus many bird and rare plant species – and it’s easy to build a visit into your itinerary.
Malindi
- North of Mombasa lies ever-popular Malindi, a town at the centre of some of the finest tropical beaches and beach resorts in Africa. Blessed with enormously long, clean beaches, Malindi is also the place in Kenya for deep-sea fishing as well as some excellent diving and snorkelling at the Malindi Marine National Park.
Lamu Archipelago
- In the far north of Kenya is the Lamu Archipelago which includes the islands of Lamu and Manda. Lamu’s distinct Moorish feel makes for a wonderfully exotic beach holiday experience and this low-key little island has become well known for its Lamu villas – Swahili-style beach houses with large cool living areas and rooftop terraces. The smaller islands of the archipelago provide idyllic and exclusive settings for honeymoons and romantic getaways.
If you cant decide where to go just ask one of our Safari Experts to tailor-make the perfect package for you.
