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:
Click here for our portfolio of Kenya Beach Accommodation.
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
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Nairobi Serena Hotel is considered by many to be the finest Nairobi accommodation; the Serena stands amidst lush tropical gardens with panoramic views over Nairobi's Central Park and the glittering downtown skyline.
When looking for a good all-round hotel with an outdoor pool in Nairobi, this option should tick all the right boxes.
Sabuk Lodge
Sabuk Lodge was fashioned out of the local Laikipia landscape, built with local materials, twisted wood and stone boulders incorporated into the architecture, open walls and private veranda's face out over the Ewaso Nyiro River gorge 150 feet below.
Saruni Wild Tented Camp
Saruni Wild Tented Camp is positioned on the Masai Mara plains bordering the private Lemek and Mara North Conservancies, surrounded by pristine, untouched wilderness.
A small and intimate camp with only three tented suites available.
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.
Ol Malo Lodge
Ol Malo Game Lodge is a privately owned game sanctuary on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in Kenya's wild and beautiful Laikipia County, overlooked by Mount Kenya and teeming with the elusive antelope and wildlife.
A truly magnificent lodge that offers views and safari activities that very few can match.
Solio Lodge
Solio Lodge is an exclusive wildlife destination located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains within the stunning and wildlife-rich Solio Conservancy. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations, spectacular wildlife sightings, sumptuous cuisine, and numerous safari activities.
Solio Wildlife Sanctuary is the most successful private rhino breeding sanctuary in Africa. Experience the best of Solio Lodge and all that it has to offer for a truly unforgettable African safari experience.
Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs
The luxurious Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs lodge offers up incredible views out over the 57 000 acre Loisaba Conservancy, a Laikipia Conservancy famed for its huge herds of elephants, large lion population, wild dog, leopard and cheetah.
ol Donyo Lodge
ol Donyo Lodge, a Relais & Chateaux property located in the heart of the 275 000 acre Mbirikani Ranch that borders Chyulu Hills National Park.
ol Donyo Lodge is located within wilderness area between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks. A small luxurious safari lodge that offers it all.