The pristine white beaches of Kenya’s coast offer a delightful and tranquil escape for visitors on vacation. The coast also boasts beautiful coral reefs beneath its crystal blue seas. It is 480 km of a beach lover’s paradise: palm trees, white sand, and stunning oceanside. In addition, this area has a rich history as it was the original passage for the Arabian Spice Trade. Throughout the coast one can see numerous old towns, deserted ruins of Swahili outposts, as well as ancient Arabian and Portuguese forts.
South Coast Beaches
The South Coast beaches of Mombasa offer an excellent mix of beach and rainforest, filled with spectacular wildlife and beautiful views. As the sunshine beats down on beachgoers, others choose to indulge in the world class diving the reefs off of this shore offer. One can be sure to see a variety of fish, sea turtles, unique coral, and dolphins in the turquoise waters offshore. The beach is bordered by a lush rainforest that is home to a variety of birds, baboons, the rare colobus monkeys, and leopards. A perfect day trip to the beautiful Wasini Island offers diving, snorkeling, and other fun watersport activities. For a low key, secluded, and relaxing vacation, be sure to visit the quaint Tiwi Beach. Or try the small fishing village, Shimoni, that features beautiful coastal caves.
North Coast Beaches
The coast that lies north of Mombasa is also a natural beauty filled with palm trees, beaches, and coral reefs. Kilifi Creek offers a popular yachting port as the calm waters of the Indian Ocean entice international boats in as a nice break from sea. In addition, the most popular beaches of the area include Vipingo, Nyali, Kikambala, and Shanzu; all offering excellent world-renown resorts and exquisite cuisine options. For a more peaceful and and less populated beach experience, be sure to visit Takaungu and Mtwapa that feature desolate beaches just as beautiful as any of the others. The north coast beaches also offer Kenya’s best wreck diving experiences.
Lamu
The stunning island of Lamu offers a relaxing lifestyle filled with a rich history of medieval stone towns and long winding roads. The landscape of the island features numerous beaches, rolling sand dunes, as well as coconut and mango plantations. Its Old Town is a 14th century Swahili settlement with many foreign influences making it a very unique and culturally infused location. With friendly locals, dhow safaris, ancient ruins, endless waterfront, and an exotic vibe; this place will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Tana River Delta
Where the Tana River meets the Indian Ocean lies a beautiful escape featuring excellent game viewing opportunities, panoramic views, canoe trips, and swimming in the warm waters of the ocean. A desolate region not visited by many tourists offers a serenely picturesque escape from reality.
Malindi and Watamu
At the center of a strip of tropical beaches lies the small town of Malindi. This area offers numerous resorts, guesthouses, and relaxing venues. North of this town you can find the Marafa Depression or popularly known as Hell’s Kitchen that feature numerous sandstone gorges, sheer gullies, and landscape that is told in local folklore. Watamu is filled with white sandy beaches and is home to a Marine National Park which is great for divers and snorkelers alike. Don’t forget to visit the Arabuko Sokoke Forest reserve as well for some great sightings of birds, mammals, and herds of elephants.