Best Beaches in Kenya
This list of the best beaches in Kenya will help you discover the most idyllic coastal destinations that offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational opportunities.
When we think of a trip to Kenya, we automatically think of safari and animals living in freedom. The amazing landscapes of the most important natural parks in Kenya also come to mind. But we rarely think of the Kenyan coast. It offers beaches of fine white sand, surrounded by coconut palms, and bathed by the incredibly warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Without a doubt, my recommendation, if you go on a trip, is to spend a few days visiting the parks surrounded by nature and end your trip resting on the most beautiful beaches in Kenya, visiting underwater natural parks, discovering the local culture, and trying all the typical dishes.
First of all, I want to say that most of the beaches in Kenya are private and belong to hotels or resorts that do business right in front of the sea, which makes them very safe. But you should not think that you will only find high-priced hotels due to their location since there are options for a wide variety of budgets.
1. Mombasa Beaches
We begin our list of the best beaches in Kenya with Mombasa beaches. On the southern coast of Kenya, there is Mombasa, the second-largest city in the country. It boasts the busiest maritime port on the east coast of Africa. It is perfectly connected to Nairobi, the beautiful capital of Kenya, with fairly cheap internal flights, trains, and buses (484 km in approximately 8 hours).
The best, without a doubt, is the paradisiacal beaches that surround the city and its beautiful coral barrier, full of life and colorful colors. When the tide goes out, a part of that coral barrier is revealed, and you can walk on it and see sea spiders, sea cucumbers, and stars.
What to Do on the Kenyan Beaches of Mombasa
It is a perfect place for diving and snorkeling, as well as to see fish of thousands of colors, turtles, and even dolphins. Of course, all kinds of water activities are available, such as riding jet skis and even camel riding.
Near the city of Mombasa, you can go to beaches like Diani Beach, amazing for its white sand, with 25 km long and considered one of the best beaches in Africa, Shimoni, Likoni, or Tiwi, from where you can go to visit Kisite, a marine park near the border with Tanzania, sailing in a traditional boat, the dhaw.
To the north of Mombasa, we find beaches that are no less spectacular and with hotels with cheaper but varied prices, such as Bamburi Beach, Shanzu, Nyali, or Kikambala.
Public beaches, such as Jomo Kenyatta near Mombasa, being very small, are usually full of people and are very lively: people selling chips, fried plantain, cassava, etc. There are also 14-seater vans called matatus, which are used to ferry people in and out of the beach.
What to See in Mombasa
You will know you are in Mombasa when you cross the large elephant tusks on the road that have become the city’s hallmark.
Despite its decadent appearance, it has a special energy, like all cities in which there has been a great mixture of civilizations, which is still appreciated today since the majority of its population is Muslim. You will find many women with burqas and mosques; there are also Hindu temples, such as the Swaminarayan Temple, or Catholic ones, such as the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.
The most notable thing to visit is Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in 1593 and later expanded by the Arabs. It has an impressive, well-preserved wall, a huge water cistern, an exhibition of ceramics from the Kenyan coast, and an 18th-century Ottoman house.
Mombasa, compared to the rest of the country, is a fairly safe city where you can walk around calmly, with the usual precautions, so take the opportunity to do so in its old town.
2. Kilifi Beaches
If you continue going up the coast towards the north, we will find what is said to be the best beach in Kenya, Bofa Beach, in Kilifi. It is not so touristy and, unlike the beaches mentioned above, you will only find fishermen in the area. Diving lovers can have a good experience here, as there are caves on the seabed in this area.
What to See in Kenyan Beaches in Kilifi
Kilifi has the ruins of Mnarani, with mosques, tombs, and other remains dating from between the 13th and 16th centuries.
3. Malindi Beaches
Malindi is famous for its luxurious mansions owned by international personalities, which adds to its allure. To the south of Malindi Bay lies Silversands Beach, bordered by hotels, pubs, casinos, golf courses, historic mosques, and the Malindi National Marine Park. Moving towards the northern part, you’ll encounter rugged terrain, including the notable Hell’s Kitchen ravine.
Watamu Marine Park
Very close, you find Watamu, also with a National Marine Park, which has coral gardens just 300 meters from the beach. And if you like surfing, here you will find the best waves in the country.
Very close by, you should not miss Mida Creek, a beautiful cove with underwater caves and natural pools, with a wide variety of fish and birds; without a doubt a romantic and special getaway.
Just 4 km from Watamu, you will also find the ruins of Gedi, once a splendid city with sultans’ palaces and mosques, which was hastily abandoned in the 13th century.
4. Lamu Island
And last on this list of the best beaches in Kenya is the island of Lamu, an essential stop on any trip to Kenya. This is a car-free paradise, where the most used means of transport is the donkey, and where you will enjoy idyllic and endless beaches.
Additionally, it is known for being the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa and has earned the prestigious title of World Heritage Site from UNESCO. Exploring Lamu, you can also tour the Lamu Fort, visit the Riyadha Mosque, or stop by the Donkey Sanctuary. Every door and window on the island offers a glimpse into its rich history and vibrant culture.
Recommended Time to Travel to the Most Beautiful Beaches in Kenya
The climate on the Kenyan coast is pleasant all year round, with February being the hottest month, reaching 32°C during the day, and the coolest months being June, July, and August, with 27°C during the day and between 22 °C and 25°C at night, making it a perfect destination at any time.
The country’s coast is an incredibly attractive destination in every aspect, thanks to the favorable weather, rich gastronomy, and the profound influence of a blend of cultures over its history, including Swahili and Muslim due to the arrival of Arab merchants selling their wares, as well as Western influences following Portuguese colonization.
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