Kenya Beach Holidays
Kenya features some of the world's best beaches!
What was once one of the most popular beach coastlines in the world, Kenya beach holidays dropped off a proverbial cliff during the 2008 to 2012 period due to the affects, real and imagined, of the Somali piracy that has been made globally famous. Since 2012, however, with the introduction of stringent patrols and better equipped shipping fleets, this piracy has dropped by more than 90% and so is, today, no longer something that should concern.
With this in mind, we are, very much, recommending travel to the central and southern beaches of Kenya where destinations such as Watamu, Msambweni and Diani now offer some of the best value beach stays in Africa, if not the world. Featuring stunning white sand and azure waters, the price ranges that are on offer suit almost all budgets and with some excellent diving, fishing and watersports, there is easily enough to entertain even the most active beach goer for a week or so.
Watamu and Malindi Beaches
One of the two more northern beaches along the coast, Watamu and Malindi beaches are arguably the two most famous beach destinations next to Lamu and Mombasa, that you can visit. Watamu beach itself sits along side the small village of the same name and has been voted of the world’s top ten beaches and is one of the only beaches where it is possible to swim at both high and low tides. Reached by short drive from Malindi, the beach stretches for approximately 8 kilometres and features a handful of properties that really deliver on the dream, including the legendary Hemmingways! Some would argue that the beach can get a fair amount of seaweed in the June to October window but this is not something we have really noticed being a problem.
Our favourite properties on Watamu:
Diani Beach
Far and away the busiest of the Kenya beaches that we recommend, Diani is south of Mombasa and features a stunning 10 kilometre beach with multiple properties and restaurants dotted along its stretch. There is good reason that it has become more and more popular over the years…it features one of the best beaches that we have ever come across and, with more things to do in the evening than any of the other beach destinations, this is a great choice for those that are wanting a bit more input than just a beach and a book. With daily flights into Diani from both Nairobi and Amboseli, it is also very easy to combine on a safari itinerary. This being said, it is still possible to get away “from the madding crowd” by staying in one of the more exclusive properties that are located at the fringes of the main area. This gives the best of both worlds with access to the nightlife and still giving seclusion.
Our favourite properties on Diani Beach:
Afrochic, Alfajiri, Waterlovers, Kinondo Kwetu, Swahili Beach
Msambweni Beach
The final beach on our highlights list, Msambweni is located just south of Diani and is certainly a beautiful and quieter option for those that are after a bit of peace and quiet after (or before) their safari. Featuring two of our favourite beach properties, this is certainly one of the best beaches for your Kenya beach holiday!
