KENYA BEACH HOLIDAYS – KENYA BEACH SAFARIS AND VACATIONS
Unwind and relax after strenuous land safari adventures by choosing the world-class Kenya beach holidays. Kenya is an East African nation with several diverse landscapes, including savannah plains, waterscapes, the Great Rift Valley, mountains, and above all, a large coastline along the Indian Ocean where Beach holidays in Kenya are held.
Kenya beach vacations offer a perfect blend of relaxation atmosphere and feel beyond the Kenya wildlife safaris on the pristine Indian Ocean white sand beaches, amid vibrant coral reefs, while staying at top-tier luxury resorts in areas like Watamu, Diani, and Lamu archipelago.
Some of the world-class beaches in Kenya, where beach holidays are enjoyed, include Diani Beach for lively resorts and Watamu for fascinating marine parks.
These Kenyan beach safaris are ideal for tourists seeking to relax after wildlife safaris in places like the Masai Mara National Reserve, and the various Kenyan beaches offer fun activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing.
It is therefore worth noting that these Kenyan beach vacations can be easily combined with wildlife tours in Kenya safari parks like Tsavo Parks, Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli, Shimba Hills, etc.
The Kenyan beach vacations are best done during the dry months (June–September and December to February) for extreme fun and adventure.
Essential Insights About the Kenya Beach Vacations
- Kenya beach vacations are some of the most memorable safari experiences done in the East African nation, Kenya, by adventure-seeking travelers.
- Beach vacations in Kenya are done at beautiful beaches along Kenya’s stunning coastline with a laid-back atmosphere, swaying palms, soft white sands, private villas & boutique hotels, thrilling wildlife encounters, etc.
- Some of the prominent beaches of Kenya to explore on a beach vacation include Diani, Funzi, Tiwi, Gazi, Nyali, and Bamburi, among many others.
- More information you need to know as you start planning your beach safari itinerary in Kenya for your friends and family, such as optimal beach time, private villas, optional activities to do, access, nearby towns, etc.
Best Kenya Safari Tour Packages
Here is a detailed breakdown of what the Kenyan beach safaris entail.
World-Class Kenya Beach Holidays Per Destination in East Africa
The fascinating Kenyan beach vacations are done in specific destinations in East Africa that include the following.
South Coast Beach Holidays on the Kenyan Coast (Funzi, Galu, Msambweni, Diani Beaches)
A Kenyan beach vacation on the south coast (e.g., Diani Beach) is one of the top-rated beach vacations held on the African continent.
Some of the popular South Coast beaches to explore include:
- Diani Beach
- Funzi Beach
- Galu Beach
- Tiwi Beach
- Gazi Beach
- Shimoni and Wasindi Island beaches
- Msambweni Beach
The most popular of all South Coast Beaches, Diani Beach, situated south of Mombasa, is renowned for being the longest of all Kenyan beaches with fascinating powdery white sands, active nightlife, palm trees, etc.
Travelers on a South Coast beach vacation in Kenya have plenty of chances to enjoy luxury stays, romantic getaways, and water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, sky diving, big game fishing, and kitesurfing due to its protective coral reef.
The South Coast has several luxury accommodations, such as the Swahili Beach Resort, Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa, AfroChic Diani, or Leopard Beach Resort & Spa, worth staying at during beach safaris in Kenya.
South Coast Kenya beach vacations can be easily combined with wildlife safaris in parks & reserves like Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Reserve, and Shimba Hills National Reserve for memorable adventures.
Getting to the South Kenyan Coast is normally by flying to Ukunda Airstrip in Diani or using a ferry from Mombasa, just 30km north.
Kenya Beach Holidays on the North Coast of the Indian Ocean (Kilifi, Nyali, Bamburi Beaches)
The north coast beach trips in Kenya are another one of the world-class African safari holidays worth heading for in this country by friends and families.
Some of the popular Kenya beaches along the northern coast, found close to historical sites like Fort Jesus, and vibrant nightlife spots include:
- Nyali Beach
- Bamburi Beach
- Shanzu Beach
- Kikambala Beach
- Vipingo Beach
- Kilifi Beach
- Watamu Beach
- Malindi Beach
- Mambrui Beach
Some of the fun beach vacation activities done on these Kenyan beaches include snorkeling, diving, glass-bottom boat rides, turtle conservation, kite surfing, deep-sea fishing, and other marine experiences.
Tourists who choose the north coast beach trips in Kenya can stay at various lodging options ranging from budget to luxury, including Voyager Beach Resort, Hemingways Watamu, Diamonds Dream of Africa, Sun’s Sand Beach Resort, etc.
Visitors seeking a longer destination-specific itinerary can also consider a Malindi beach vacation.
Beach trips held along Kenya’s Northern coast can be easily combined with Kenya wildlife safaris to the nearby Watamu Marine Park, Tsavo East & West National Park, Malindi Marine National Park, etc.
It is worth noting that getting to the north coast beaches is quite easy since it is closer to the airport.
Lamu Island/Archipelago, Kenya Beach Vacations
The Kenyan beach safaris on the Lamu Archipelago are another of the fascinating safari experiences worth enjoying in Kenya.
The Lamu archipelago in Kenya offers some of the most pristine and uncrowded beaches with white sands and clear turquoise waters, mainly on the Manda and Lamu islands, amid UNESCO World Heritage Sites and rich Swahili culture.
Some of the most popular beach trips on the Lamu archipelago include:
- Shela Beach (12km beach on Lamu Island)
- Manda Beach (Manda Island)
- Kiwayu Island beaches
- Sandbanks, etc.
Travelers who visit beaches on the Lamu archipelago during Kenyan beach vacations enjoy several activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, guided walking tours, kayaking, and sunset dhow sailing, among others.
Some of the good lodging options on the Lamu archipelago worth staying at during beach trips include Lamu villas, Swahili-style beach houses with big living areas and rooftop patios, etc.
Getting to the Lamu archipelago is quite easy, as tourists need to just fly to the airport on Manda Island and then use boat transfers to their lodges or beach destination.
Fun Safari Activities to do during Kenyan Beach Safaris
Some of the unique activities and watersports done by friends and families on beach adventures include:
- Kite surfing
- Swimming
- Scuba diving by advanced divers
- Boat rides
- Snorkeling
- Sunbathing
- Sailing
- Cultural tours along the historical Old Town Mombasa, Swahili ruins in Lamu, etc.
- Deep-sea fishing to see marine life like dolphins, etc.
- Guided forest walks to the nearby Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve to see the rare Sokoke wildcats.
Best Time to Go for Kenyan Beach Vacations in Eastern Africa
Kenya’s beach getaways are open year-round for those looking to explore or relax, but the best times to visit are during the dry seasons between June and September and December and March when the skies are clear blue, the water is clear and the temperatures are cooler, perfect for beach excursions, incredible wildlife viewing and other outdoor activities.
World-class Kenya Beach Resorts and Accommodations to Stay at During Beach Tours
Travelers on Kenyan beach tours for more than two nights have a wide range of beach resorts and other accommodation options worth staying at, such as Kinondo Kwetu, Cove Treehouse, Sarova White Sands Resort & Spa, and Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel, among many others, ranging from budget to midrange to high-end lodges. Travelers can also consider a Mombasa beach holiday. READ MORE!
Costs To Incur on Kenyan Beach Vacations | How Much Does a Safari and Beach Holiday Cost?
Average safari prices for a Kenyan safari and beach holiday: As with travel style and level of luxury, safari costs can vary widely, but range from USD 100 to 1,000 per day.
Other factors that determine the costs of a beach vacation in Kenya are accommodation, flights, local transport, seasons, and other safari activities.
How To Access the Beautiful Beaches of Kenya?
Getting to Kenya safari beach destinations is very straightforward. All travelers need is to take an international flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or other airports in the country, and from there take domestic or chartered flights from Nairobi to the desired beaches or use road transfers to Kenyan beaches like Mombasa, Diani Beach, etc.
Alternatively, travelers seeking affordable but fast transport means can use the SGR Train to transfer from Nairobi to the Kenyan coast for sun-beach vacations.
Other Kenya Safari National Parks to Combine With Indian Ocean Beach Safari Destinations (e.g., Masai Mara)
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Amboseli National Park (an elephant hub in Kenya)
- Tsavo East National Park
- Watamu Marine National Park
Reputable Kenya Travel Agencies Offering Beach Safaris
- Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Kenya Safari Tours
- Africa Safari Tours
- Tanzania Safaris and Tours
Checklist for Kenya Safari Beach Vacations
Travelers on beach vacations seeking to explore the beaches of Kenya are encouraged to bring along essential items like sunscreen, swimwear, life jackets, insect repellent, protective footwear, etc. READ MORE!
Kenya Beach Holidays FAQS
1. Is It Safe to Go to Kenya Right Now?
Yes, Kenya is generally speaking safe to visit now, but just like any other safari destination, you need to exercise caution.
2. Which Is the Best Month to Visit Kenya?
The most optimal time to visit Kenya is from July to October, which falls in the dry period and the great migration timeframe.
3. Is Kenya Good for A Beach Holiday?
Kenya is a superb beach holiday destination with fantastic beaches of crystal-clear blue water, smooth white sand, colourful reefs of coral, and plenty of water sports to explore on your beach holiday.
4. How Much Does A 7 Day Trip to Kenya Cost?
A typical 7-day vacation to Kenya could range anywhere from USD 1,000 to USD 5,000+ per person, depending on travel style, season, housing, transport, and other considerations.
5. Which Is Better Kenya or Zanzibar Beaches?
Kenya and Zanzibar are some of the most gorgeous beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline. It relies on individual choices for the best ones.
| Feature | Beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania | Beaches of Kenya |
|---|---|---|
| Vibes and emotions | Electric, historic, exotic, with a hint of Arab, Indian, and Swahili beach influences | Laid-back or relaxed white-sand luxury |
| Beaches | Paje Beach, Jambiani Beach, etc. | Diani Beach, Watamu Beach, etc. |
| Activities | Diving, snorkelling, spice tours, historical visits | Kitesurfing, snorkelling, beachside eating, sunbathing |
| Audiences | Honeymooners and adventurers seeking romantic vacations in Zanzibar, Tanzania | Families and safari travellers that need convenient access from Mombasa and Nairobi towns and a tropical paradise |
6. Are There Good Beaches in Kenya? | Does Kenya Have Good Beaches?
Yes, Kenya has some of the world’s most amazing tropical paradise beaches like Diani, with powder-white sands, turquoise waters, and diverse wildlife, such as coral reefs, etc.
7. When To Visit Kenya Beaches?
Kenya’s beaches are best visited during the dry months from July to October and January to March, when the weather is pleasant and the seas are calm.
8. Is It Worth Going to Diani Beach?
Yes, Diani Beach, Kenya, is worth seeing with its clear blue waters, abundant marine life, powder-white soft sands, etc.
9. Are There Any Beach Resorts in Kenya?
Kenya has numerous wonderful beach resorts along the ocean coastline, especially on the south coast (Diani) and north coast (Watamu/Malindi), such as Sarova Whitesands, Leopard Beach Resort, etc., that give good relaxation in a tropical paradise for friends and families.
Inquire from us now for more details about the Kenyan beach vacations, itineraries, and safari packages!