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
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.
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.
Saruni Mara Safari Lodge
Saruni Mara Safari Lodge, with accommodation for only 18 guests, is a small boutique safari lodge located with a private concession bordering the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, offering the thrill of a real African adventure coupled with the highest standards of style and comfort.
Early morning, late afternoon or full-day game drives are on offer.
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort
One of East Africa's most exotic and best-known resorts, Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, is located in a dreamlike setting, on Bamburi Beach on the North coast of Mombasa, a fusion of Swahili interiors and Arabic architecture.
Whitesands offers up a beach holiday like very few others can, the perfect setting for family holidays.
Leopard Beach Resort
Situated on Diani Beach near Kenya's bustling port of Mombasa, Leopard Beach enjoys a position on Diani Beach with 158 comfortable and welcoming rooms. One of the more popular beach lodges near Mombasa.
Sea views, water-based activities and scuba diving are all exceptional, pair those with excellent service and location, and one will not be disappointed.
Taita Hills Game Lodge
Taita Hills Game Lodge offers a truly exclusive bush experience, being situated in the heart of the Taita Hills Sanctuary, a private conservancy of 28,000 acres at the foot of the Taita Hills and adjacent to Tsavo West National Park.
A more budget-friendly option in the Tsavo West one cannot find.
Amboseli Serena Lodge
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge bordering that Amboseli National Park is framed against the glorious backdrop of Africa's highest mountain, the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro.
All 92 guest rooms at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge offer an uninterrupted view over the ever-changing vistas of the African plains.
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge is located on a ridge that commands magnificent sweeping views of the Chyulu Hills at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Kilaguni was the first safari lodge ever to be built in Tsavo West National Park and has long been a favourite of tourists by offer outstanding game drives.