Kenya has been much in the news over the last few weeks for the wrong reasons. A sad and tragic terrorist attack has impacted the country's image. This is doubly unfortunate as Kenya remains the most popular of all tourist destinations in East Africa, and as most visitors will attest, their holiday was perfect and trouble-free.
The combination of going on safari and then relaxing on the beach is alluring, and with its spectacular Indian Ocean coastline, there is much to choose from. In no particular order and with much thought from our team, these are our picks of the most beautiful beaches in Kenya:
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Best Beaches in Kenya
- Galu Beach. Directly south of Diani beach and Mombasa lies one of the most amazing beaches in the world. Crystal clear blue water, fine white sand and, for the most part, fairly empty. This lack of crowds translates into fewer people hassling you for massages or buying trinkets, and you will also not be hard-pressed to find a reclining sunbed under one of the permanent umbrellas.
- Watamu Beach. Directly south of Malindi, Watamu is renowned for its wonderful white sand beach. It is also protected as part of the Watamu National Marine Park. The white sandy beaches and islands become hills when the tide is low, making this place unique. The lack of infrastructure adds to the allure of an isolated and wild beach location.
- Malindi Beach. Malindi is famed for coral reefs that lie just 1,000 feet off its shore. Game fishing, surfing, and simply relaxing on the vast expanses of white sand are the principal activities, as well as visiting the old town of Malindi when you are so inclined.
- Chale Island. Just off Diani beach, you will find the tiny Chale Island. It is a wilderness island with colobus monkeys adding to the atmosphere, and walking at low tide a key ingredient. If you don't scare them, you will be surrounded by hundreds of small hermit crabs on the small coral beach. This is as near you will get to a Robinson Crusoe type environment.
- Manda Island. Part of the Lamu archipelago, it is known for its abandoned 9th-century ruins and excavations and a pristine natural environment of white sand and desert island beauty.
- Diani Beach. South of Mombasa lies probably the most famous of all Kenya's beaches. This 10-kilometre long beach allows you long walks as well as diving on the coral reefs. Black-and-white colobus monkeys add an exotic touch. There are many first-class hotels and restaurants.
Most beautiful beaches in Kenya by the Team at Uyaphi.com
Little Governors Camp
Little Governors Camp in the Masai Mara with just 17 tented suites casts its spell over all who visit, from honeymoon couples to Presidents, is reached by boat and the exquisite, romantic setting has a serenity all of its own.
A classic Masai Mara safari camp that can and does compete with the best in Kenya.
Voyager Beach Resort
The vibrant, shipwrecked resort is famous for hosting some of Africa's finest family entertainments and animation programmes, Kenya's most popular and dynamic beach resort overlooks the sparkling white sands of Nyali Beach.
One of the more popular beach resorts for those on a budget without wanting to sacrifice luxuries and location.
AfroChic Diani Beach
Elewana AfroChic Diani Beach, a boutique hotel with only ten rooms and suites, is located on the famed "Diani Beach" just south of Mombasa. The perfect destination post a wildlife safari, a destination where one can sit back and relax as the cares of the modern world melt away.
AfroChic Diani Beach offers guests incredible sea views and activities year-round; a superb destination awaits.
Elewana Sand River Masai Mara
Elewana Sand River Masai Mara overlooks the Sand River, the endless plains and the grassy hills of the National Reserve.
Year-round wildlife sightings are nothing short of excellent; should one wish to view the annual migration, the best months for this would be August, September, and October.
Porini Rhino Camp
Porini Rhino Camp is located in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, forming part of the Laikipia Plateau, boasting an astounding variety of wildlife, including all of the "Big Five" is situated between the foothills of the Aberdares and the magnificent snowcapped Mount Kenya.
Baobab Beach Resort
Baobab Beach Resort & Spa with its picturesque setting on top of a coral headland overlooking vast stretches of white, sandy beach, shaded by an indigenous coastal forest and coconut palms, offering the ultimate luxury beach holiday.
One of the better beach resorts for both families and romantics alike, a beach property with stunning vistas in every which direction.
Mara Toto Camp
Mara Toto Camp on the banks of the Ntiakitiak River within a thick forest is a small and intimate option in the heart of the Masai Mara National Park.
The wildlife and birdlife in this area are spectacular, with the annual migration being the highlight.
Hemingways Watamu
With a rich history of big game fishing, Hemingways Resort is just steps from the ocean and Watamu Beach, considered one of the world's most beautiful, surrounded by lush gardens with Watamu Marine Park right on the doorstep.
One of our most Indian Ocean beach resorts, Hemingways, is all about location, location and location.