Safari travel to Kenya is well-known. This varied East African nation, however, also has a beautiful Indian Ocean coastline with centuries-old Swahili ports, palm-lined beaches, and pristine coral reefs. Mombasa, an island-based city surrounded by some excellent beaches, such as Diani, Nyali, and Bamburi, is the primary entry point to the coast via air, rail, and road. Other beach vacation destinations abound in the Watamu, Malindi, and Lamu areas of the coast. Ten of Kenya’s greatest beaches are listed here.

1. Diani

The most well-liked beach resort in Kenya, or even outside of Mombasa, is Beautiful Diani. It is home to some of the best beach hotels in the nation, which are spread out far enough apart that it never feels crowded. It is the ideal combination of beautiful white sand, swaying palms, and blue waters. Three different species of monkeys and other woodland birds call the coastal forest of Diani home.

Location: 20 miles south of Mombasa, 32 kilometers
Activities include windsurfing, diving and snorkeling excursions to Wasini Island, and day outings to Shimba Hills National Reserve and its neighbor operated by the community. Elephant Sanctuary at Mwaluganje
Places to stay: Accommodations vary from hip backpackers to opulent beach resorts. Elewana AfroChic Diani Beach and Baobab Beach Resort are well-liked choices.

2. The Watamu

Watamu, my favorite beach resort in Kenya, is stunning but in a very unusual way because of the amazing coral outcrops that rise out of the bay like mushrooms. Watamu is the ideal Indian Ocean getaway for energetic, inquisitive tourists because of its close vicinity to Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, Gedi Ruins, Mida Creek, and Malindi Marine National Park.

Location: 23km/16mi south of Malindi, 110km/66mi north of Mombasa
Activities: Swimming and all the typical water and beach sports are offered. You can dive deeper into the marine national park or go off-beach snorkeling in Turtle Bay’s beautiful coral gardens. Don’t miss the community-built bird hide and boardwalk at Mida Creek, the hiker-friendly Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, or the evocative medieval ruins at Gedi.
Where to stay: All price ranges can find lodging. Turtle Bay Beach Club is a regular favorite.

3. The Malindi

Malindi, the second-biggest coastal town in Kenya, is a medieval port that reached its zenith during an alliance with Portugal against Mombasa in the 16th century. Among the historic sites are a Portuguese church from the 16th century, a pillar tomb from the 15th century, and a windswept limestone crucifix that Vasco da Gama built in 1499. An excellent assortment of eateries by the sea is informed by a strong Italian influence, and the swimming beach is quite appealing.

Location: 75 miles/120 kilometers north of Mombasa. The airport in Malindi is located outside of the city.
Activities: Malindi, Kenya’s most urbanized resort, is excellent in terms of dining options and other facilities.

Safaris into Tsavo East National Park, which is located 60 miles/100 kilometers to the west, are also easily organized, as are snorkeling and diving excursions.
Where to stay: A wide range of lodging options are available. Families will love Driftwood Beach Club, and Ernest Hemingway once stayed at the historic Lawford Kenya.

4. Lamu’s Shela Beach

Arguably the most enticing destination on the Kenyan coast is the Lamu Archipelago, which is divided from the northern mainland by a narrow waterway. Lamu Town, a charming medieval trading station with a distinct Swahili architectural identity, serves as its cultural center. There are many beautiful beaches around the archipelago, but none are better than Shela, a 40-minute walk from Lamu Town that has a 10-kilometer (6-mile) stretch of shimmering white sand.

Location: north of Malindi, 215 km/130 mi. Most tourists travel to Lamu via air.
Activities: Shela Beach is pleasantly pristine. Activities for the majority of tourists consist of tanning and taking the occasional plunge in the water.
Where to stay: Lamu Town offers a wide variety of lodging options. Since its opening in 1967, the same family has owned the beachside boutique hotel Shela’s Peponi.
Packages from Lamu

5. Gazi

The tranquil Swahili fishing community of Gazi descends to a stunning bay that is protected by a slender peninsula and ends at Chale Island. One of the biggest mangrove swamps in southern Kenya may be found in the bay’s northern section, while a lovely but undeveloped swimming beach lines the bay’s eastern border. The tiny beach on Chale is even more beautiful, but it is only accessible to visitors staying at the island’s single lodge.

Location: 27 miles/45 kilometers south of Mombasa
Activities: In addition to the typical beach activities, Gazi has a mangrove boardwalk that is maintained by a local women’s organization. The colorful mangrove kingfisher, the amphibious mudskipper fish, and six different varieties of mangrove trees can all be seen here.
Where to stay: One of East Africa’s most upscale, stunning, and environmentally conscious beach resorts is The Sands at Chale Island.

6. The Beach at Nyali

The closest beach to Mombasa Island is Suburban Nyali, which makes it a desirable destination for a day excursion from the city center. A hotel established there in the 1940s, and it quickly became known as Kenya’s longest-running beach resort. It has a beautiful swimming beach and a number of high-end hotels despite being close to the city.

Location: on vehicle, it’s twice as far north of central Mombasa as it is on foot, just 3km/2mi.
Activities: The only 18-hole course in the nation, Nyali Golf and Country Club, is one of the local attractions.
Where to stay: Voyager Beach Resort is one option.

7. The Beach at Kenyatta

Mombasa locals love this family-friendly swimming beach, which bears the name of Jomo Kenyatta, the country’s first president. Because of this, it’s a great spot to spend time at the beach with local Kenyans and have an uncrowded beach experience. It is more tranquil during the week, but it can get busy on the weekends.

Location: 5 miles (9 km) north of the heart of Mombasa
Activities: There is a water slide park and other family-friendly features. Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve’s coral gardens can be reached by glass-bottomed boat cruises.
Where to stay: Easily accessible from urban Mombasa, this is Kenya’s only officially designated beach resort without hotels.

8. Bamburi and Shanzu Beach

The neighboring beaches of Shanzu and Bamburi, which stretch more than 5km/3mi south of Mtwapa Creek, are among the most visited in Kenya. Similar to Nyali, the location is a little more residential, yet the beaches are utterly beautiful and excellent for swimming during high tide.

Location: north of center Mombasa, 10 km/6 mi
Activities include windsurfing, snorkeling and diving excursions in Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve, and dining at a number of upscale beachside eateries.
Where to stay: Shanzu and Bamburi are lined with at least a dozen upscale resort hotels, most notably the well-liked and stunning Serena Beach Resort & Spa.

9. Kilifi

This little creekside hamlet, which is the center of Kenya’s yachting community, is surrounded by a stunning beach with palm trees that is yet little known to tourists. The well-preserved remains of a medieval Swahili trade port and Kenya’s tallest baobab tree can be found at the neighboring Mnarani National Monument.

Location: 42 miles/70 kilometers north of Mombasa
Activities: Excellent swimming during high tide. Hotels can arrange for marine excursions.
Where to stay: Distant Relatives Ecolodge and Backpackers offers excellent low-cost lodging. Kilifi Bay Beach Resort is one of the more upscale choices.

10. The Mambrui

One of Kenya’s nicest beaches, this broad sandy beach is surrounded by towering golden dunes and extends north from the mouth of the Galana River. It’s a fantastic option for people who wish to venture off the usual path because it’s stunning and completely untouched.

Location: north of Malindi, 25 km/15 mi
Activities: Excellent for kitesurfing and swimming. Although there aren’t many amenities, that adds to its appeal.
Where to stay: At the north end of the beach lies the family-run, rustic, yet delightful Che Shale Inn. From Malindi, Mambrui is easily accessible as a day trip destination.