Why Visit Kenya's Beaches

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 greatest 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, exploring the coastline of some of the best beaches in Kenya.

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 Kenya safari and beach tours 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.

Tips For Planning A Kenya Beach And Safari Holiday

1. Combine A Kenya Safari And Beach Getaway

Why choose between a wildlife safari and a beach vacation when you can enjoy the best of both worlds? The beauty of Kenya is that it's simple to arrange a safari and beach holiday combination. Smooth-running logistics and tried-and-tested destinations make for hassle-free and rewarding itineraries.

From seeing hordes of wildebeest stampede across the plains during the Great Migration in Masai Mara to spotting the Big 5 (leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant and rhino) in Amboseli National Park, Kenya's top safari destinations are easily added on before or after your beachside getaway.

2. Choose The Best Time To Visit Kenya Beaches

When choosing the best time to visit Kenya for its beaches, there's hardly a date on the calendar where you can put a foot wrong. Kenya's coast is privy to a tropical climate where balmy, temperate weather is a year-round norm. But with anything in life, different periods are better suited for certain activities.

If activities like sunbathing, snorkelling, and diving are top of mind, then the hot and dry months from December to March are ideal for a visit as the ocean is warm and clear. July to October is relatively cooler and drier but is the optimal time to plan a Kenya beach and safari holiday as the Great Migration in the Masai Mara falls over this period.

April, May and November are the months to avoid as heavy rain, high humidity, and rough seas make it difficult to enjoy everything that Kenya's beaches have to offer.

3. Pick The Right Places For Your Kenya Beach Holidays

Names like Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu should ring a few bells but with so many ones that don't, it pays to get the right advice about where to go. Several Kenya beach destinations are themed in so far as they attract a certain crowd – honeymooners, families, party-goers – and you don't want to pick the wrong one.

So who better to clear up all the uncertainty than someone who has lived and worked there? Former Kenyan resident Lauren Johansson is a Go2Africa Safari Expert and she begins by dividing the coast into four areas – the southern coast; the central Mombasa region and Malindi region; and the far northern Lamu Archipelago, advising which is best suited to certain interests:

Southern Coast: Diani & Watamu

Perfect white beaches are what you can expect on the southern Kenyan coast. Diani Beach is Kenya's most famous beach and is well-regarded for its powdery-soft sand, crystal-clear water, and high-end luxury resorts. An ideal seaside escape for discerning travellers, honeymooners, and the adventurous spirit who loves water sports.

According to Lauren, the service here is so personalised that if you feel like breakfast at three in the morning, you get it – and with a smile. “It's also quieter down south and there are some of the best dive spots on the coast,” says Lauren. One of these quieter, more scenic options is Watamu Marine National Park, a charming town influenced by a mix of Swahili and Italian culture, and best known for its world-class coral reefs.

Central Coast: Mombasa

Good for diving and great for deep sea fishing, Mombasa has long been the Kenya beach destination for the younger, more social crowd which means great restaurants, nightclubs, and adventures. “Well, it's certainly a big party there!” Lauren smiles, “And there are plenty big hotels and resorts but there are also some quieter, more exclusive places too, and with all the facilities and activities on offer, the Mombasa area is great for families.”

Central Coast: Malindi

Popular with the ex-pat crowd and European holidaymakers, Malindi and nearby Watamu are the sort of places that once you've been, you tend to come back to. “For want of a better expression, it's got a good vibe,” says Lauren, “and just offshore there is the Malindi Marine National Park so the diving is fabulous”. Lauren recommends Malindi for families and couples who want a quieter Kenya beach experience.

4. Tick Off As Many Exciting Activities As You Can

There's more to Kenya's coastline than meets the eye. Kenya beaches are lined with protective coral reefs creating ideal waters for swimming, dhow sailing, sunset cruises, watersports (from windsurfing to jet skiing), and – for the more adventurous – diving and snorkelling.

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.

Back on land, cultural and history tours immerse you into Lamu Old Town, Fort Jesus and the Gede Ruins in Watamu.

5. Book With Reputable Africa Safari Travel Agency

International travel is difficult enough without the added stress of planning your own Kenya beach holidays. By booking your trip with a reputable safari tour agency, you avoid the headaches and admin that often come with organising a getaway, and all but guarantee a safe and seamless travel experience.

Beyond logistics and providing ease of mind, consulting a travel agent with years of first-hand experience and intimate knowledge of travelling Kenya means that you get access to valuable, in-depth advice and recommendations based on your interests. Ultimately, you'll be gaining a highly personalised itinerary that's perfectly tailored to you.

Ready To Plan Your Kenya Beach And Safari Holiday?

Take your first steps toward planning your Kenya safari and beach getaway with the help of someone who's been there. Get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts and begin crafting your dream holiday: