Visit the East Coast Beaches in Kenya

EAST COAST BEACHES

- East Coast Beaches -

Just like neighbouring Tanzania, Kenya is a favourite “beach and bush” destination. While Kenya is famous for its safari opportunities, its beaches are often overlooked in favour of more well-known islands like Zanzibar. And yet, Kenya boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world – uninterrupted stretches of white sand framed by towering tropical palms and warm, inviting turquoise waters.

In fact, the water is so warm you might well find that you go for an early morning swim in the sea, only to experience that it’s warmer than your hotel swimming pool! From the bustling family friendly activity-packed resorts close to Mombasa to more exclusive boutique hotels at iconic and the paradise of Diani beach to intimate island lodges perfectly suitable for honeymooners and romantics – coastal Kenya simply has it all.

Let’s also not forget that Kenya is a firm favourite amongst divers and marine enthusiasts all around the world. It is home to the Kenyan Barrier Reef, the world’s second longest coral reef after Australia. With more than 140 miles of reef stretching from Shimoni in the south to Malindi in the north, and boasting over 100 types of coral and more than 600 fish species at an almost endless selection of supreme dive and snorkel sites to choose from, this is a diver’s paradise!

Like Mafia Island in Tanzania, the waters around Diani Beach are famous for hosting migrating whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, between October and April. The Travel Cafe team can help you book a whale shark safari, accompanied by some of the best marine guides in East Africa, for a once in a lifetime bucket-list experience, should you be keen to explore the underwater natural wonders along with a Big 5 safari.

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Even archaeology enthusiasts will have something to look forward to. Between the abandoned 12th century Gedi Ruins at Watamu to the 14th century Mnarani Ruins in Kilifi, you will be surrounded in the fascinating vestiges of history no matter which beach you choose.

If you are hankering for a romantic and intimate island experience, why not head to the Lamu archipelago? This 14th century Swahili settlement, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a tranquil escape from modern life stresses. Nearby Manda Island is also well worth visiting. These islands offer utter solitude on superb deserted beaches and we couldn’t think of a more perfect place for a honeymoon or romantic getaway of a lifetime.

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Each region is unique!

Click on the different regions below to find out more about the unique beauty each offers, and when the best time is to visit.

View more itineraries to Kenya

Nakuru Lake - Masai Mara - Diani beach

3* itinerary (8 nights)
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Amboseli - Masai Mara - Diani beach

4* itinerary (10 nights)
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Samburu - Saruni Rhino - Masai Mara - Diani

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- Best time to visit The East Coast and Lamu -

Winter (June - October): Like most of the rest of Kenya, the coastal region experiences its best season in winter. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 25°C / 70°F, and you can look forward to wall-to-wall sunshine. Winter is thus the perfect season for an exciting bush and beach combo paring Kenya’s stunning beaches with a safari in the Masai Mara and the country’s other reserves. If you prefer an active seaside holiday, this is also the perfect season to see the migrating humpback whales passing through the area.

Summer (January to March): Summer is also part of the dry season along Kenya’s beaches, however, the daytime humidity can feel somewhat stifling and some may find this makes the heat unpleasant. This is the best time to go to Diani Beach if you want to swim with whale sharks, the gentle non aggressive giants of the oceans.

Spring (November - December): Spring brings the short rains, and while they are contained to short afternoon showers, this is not our favourite season for a beach holiday in Kenya.

Autumn (April - May): April and May bring the long rains, with torrential continuous downpours and muddy washed-out roads. At The Travel Cafe we prefer the other seasons when visiting Kenya and its East Coast. As this coincides with bad weather in the rest of Kenya as well, we suggest skipping these 2 months if possible.