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
Sarova Stanley Hotel
The Sarova Stanley Hotel, in Nairobi, Kenya, offers a wide range of accommodation and services with all rooms elegantly furnished with an ambience that remains as friendly and welcoming as it has always been since its humble beginnings in 1902.
One of the more classic options for anyone looking for a hotel in Nairobi, especially one with a long history.
Lewa Safari Camp
Situated in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a 62,000-acre wildlife sanctuary near the northern slopes of Mt Kenya.
Lewa Safari Camp offers up some of the best wildlife viewing that Kenya as a country has to offer, to put it simply, a safari in the Laikipia is simply stunning.
Ngare Serian Camp
Ngare Serian Camp, located in the Mara North Conservancy on the banks of the Mara River, offers up a private and intimate safari experience with only four luxurious tented suites on offer.
Ngare Serian is the perfect safari camp for a large family, a small group of friends or couples alike.
Mara Plains Camp
Masai Mara Plains Camp, one of only three Relais & Chateaux establishments in Kenya, offers guests a private and intimate safari experience within the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
The ultimate in luxury while paying homage to that classic tented safari that Kenya is so famous for.
Mara Sarova Game Camp
Mara Sarova Game Camp is located within the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, 75 tents capture the true spirit of the Kenyan wild, in Kenya's richest game reserve, renown for its annual wildebeest migration, Big Five and hot air balloon safaris.
One of the better safari camps for those on a budget.
Sarova Panafric Hotel
Sarova Panafric Hotel is idyllically located 5 minutes drive from the Nairobi central business district, amidst beautifully landscaped gardens in a quiet suburb of Nairobi; 153 hotel rooms in a range of standard, superior, club and suites are all decorated in a vibrant style.
One of the better hotels in Nairobi if you are looking for a more city-based experience with a swimming pool.
Mara Nyika Camp
Mara Nyika Camp an intimate and luxurious tented camp tucked away in a quiet corner of the Naboisho Conservancy that borders the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Five of the most amazing tented suites, all with excellent views, including two family suites, are on offer: Nyika Camp, one of the best in Africa.
Sasaab Lodge
The Sasaab Lodge with 9 luxurious rooms is in the midst of a community conservancy, rich in raw Samburu culture and traditions and has been built with wildlife conservation and preservation of the environment foremost in mind.