Kenya Beaches

Kenya is full of surprises: just when you thought it was all about safaris you find out that it also has some of Africa's greatest beaches.

Protected by coral reefs, the squeaky-clean white sand Kenya beaches melt into warm tropical waters that are ideal for diving, snorkelling and swimming - and that's before the annual spectacle of whale sharks passing along the Kenya coast around February and March each year.

The beaches of Kenya can be divided into four main regions:

South Coast

The beaches of the south, including Diani Beach, are renowned for their palm-fringed white sands and great coral reefs. The diving - in particular at Kisite Marine Reserve - is considered the best in the south, with many wrecks to entice underwater enthusiasts.

The South Coast vibe is chilled and relaxed - and it's a great place for family beach holidays as there are activities for all ages including glass-bottom boats, kiddies clubs and golf courses.

Accommodation is plentiful: we recommend the good-natured character of Pinewood Village Beach Resort, ideal for both families and couples (they can even arrange weddings here) or if you prefer something smaller and a little more intimate, then it's hard to beat the classic honeymoon destination of The Funzi Keys.

Mombasa region

OK, Mombasa is where the crowds are, but it's a young, funky and vibey atmosphere and you're sure to have a great time. This is where you'll find the larger resorts and popular beaches not to mention luxury spas to cater to your every whim.

Happily though it's not all about the beaches: Mombasa sits at a cultural crossroads where Africa meets both East and West. Spend the morning on the beach and then explore the markets, alleyways and historic ruins of Old Town.

Predictably there's tons of accommodation in Mombasa - we recommend the resort-style Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel offering just about every activity you can think of.

Malindi

North of Mombasa lies the historic and 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 seriously good diving and snorkelling at the Malindi Marine National Park.

The range of accommodation is extensive but we'd particularly recommend the traditional charms of Hemingways Resort.

Lamu Island

In the far north of Kenya is the Lamu Archipelago which includes the islands of Lamu and Manda.

Steeped in fascinating history, the archipelago has a distinct Moorish feel and provides a wonderfully exotic beach holiday experience. Combine its wonderfully laid-back beaches with an Islamic culture - oh, and expect to do some walking: there is only a single car on the island and it belongs to the mayor...

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. While the smaller islands of the archipelago provide an exclusive setting for honeymoons and romantic getaways - we recommend the luxurious retreats of Manda Bay or Kiwayu Safari Village for a slice of Kenya beach paradise.

Best of both worlds: Safari and Beach combinations

Here's the good news: Kenya's reputation as one of Africa's greatest safari destinations has just been enhanced - wildlife-packed national parks such as Amboseli, Tsavo and Shimba Hills are a short distance from the coast and can easily be built into a Kenya beaches holiday.

Get information and suggestions for Kenya Safari & Beach Holidays here.

Enjoy day trips or overnight stays at these great destinations - and should you want to travel further to view the wildebeest migration of the Masai Mara, just let us know and we'll put together a perfect itinerary for you.

We recommend:

Masai Mara & Lamu Island Safari

Our flagship Beach 'n Bush safari, this 9-day tour takes in 2 of Kenya's best wildlife destinations - the game-packed Amboseil and the world famous Masai Mara - and combines them with the footprint-free beaches of Lamu Island where you can sail, scuba, snorkel or just sizzle on the beach.

Amboseli, Mara Safari & Beach Holiday

Explore not only Kenya's classic game parks on this luxury 11-day fly-in safari but the glittering Indian Ocean coast as well - the Masai Mara and Amboseli provide the big game action; glorious Galu Beach the relaxation.

View all Kenya Beaches accommodation

View all Kenya Beaches tours

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