Southern Beaches
Where white sand beaches and crystal coral reefs meet
The South Coast of Kenya offers a wide range of different options for the discerning beach-goer. From the wide, white sand beaches of Watamu and Diani, to the hidden coves of Funzi Keys and the secluded luxury of Msambweni and Kinondo Kwetu, there is something for everyone's palate.
The main two areas that have become known along the coast are the regions to the north and to the south of Mombasa. Mombasa itself, while still offering plenty of beach options, has, in our view, become so over run these days by the larger, package companies, that it is not somewhere that we tend to recommend. With a little research and perseverance, there are plenty of smaller, family run operations that are well worth a look, in particular the lodges to the south of the city and on through to Diani on the Tanzanian border.
North of Mombasa
The main beach to consider to the north of Mombasa is called Watamu and is the home to the infamous Hemingway's Hotel, made famous by the fishing exploits of its famous namesake. The beach and the hotel are still firm favourites both with tourists and locals, mainly for its stunning, 4 mile beach, and the annual run of large sailfish that pass just offshore. Year round, the hotels in the area and humming with activity and so it is definitely in with a strong mention for those looking for a few of the larger hotels that the coast has to offer.
South of Mombasa
South of Mombasa run a series of small, privately owned and managed lodges, set on quiet coves, away from the general melee of the more well known beaches. A few of the less known, but truly fantastic lodges along this coast, between Mombasa and Diani, are Msambweni House and Kinondo Kwetu... both being ideal for either families or honeymooners. Other than these, Diani beach is in a similar vein to that of Watamu... an absolutely stunning, white beach running along the coast for as far as the eye can see with perfect blue waters. Again, this areas is also a good place to base yourself if you are a keen fisherman and, with restaurants such as the Forty Thieves nearby, Diani is a really good option for those looking for a little more than just a beach.
