Kenya Beach Safaris - It's More Than Sun and Sand

Kenya is best known for its wildlife parks which teem with wild animals and birds, and its enchanting landscapes, peoples and cultures. It is after all the birthplace of wildlife safari! However, unbeknownst to many, Kenya is an attractive beach safari destination, thanks to its many stunning beaches.  

Kenya's beaches dot a picturesque 590-kilometre-long Indian Ocean coastline. They come in many shapes and sizes. Their powdery soft-sand landscapes vary from white to golden tones of various shades. They beautifully delineate the sea waters (and sinking coral reefs full of amazing marine life) from green sea-side forests, urban centres and ancient villages. Indeed travel fans and experts routinely list Kenyan beach resorts among the best in Africa!   

Kenya's Beach Safari Hotspots  

The Kenya beach safari scene is divided into two zones or circuits,  namely; the North-Coast and South-Coast.  Mombasa, a 1200-year-old island city and Kenya's second largest after Nairobi is the point of departure. Indeed Mombasa is Kenya's original beach holiday town. It is home to several beaches too, besides its many unique attractions.However, though Mombasa still pulls in its diehard fans and new holidaymakers, it has, thanks to its sea port,  grown into a more business-like city over the years.  

Each of Kenya's two beach circuits has its loyal band of fans, both local and foreign. As expected, each fan base is convinced and loud about the greatness of its preference. Diani is the hotspot in the South-coast. It is a powdery, white sand beach stretching twelve kilometres or more off Ukunda Town in Kwale County. Diani has many a time been voted as Africa's best beach destination.

Kilifi, Watamu, and Malindi in Kilifi County and Lamu in Lamu County are the stars of the North-coast Circuit.

What to do on Kenya's Beaches

Holiday life along the Kenyan coast moves at a modest pace. Most visitors spend most of their time in their hotels or beaches. Sailing, game fishing, windsurfing, water skiing, kite surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling are popular among the more adventurous visitors. Skydiving and paddle boarding count among the trendier things to do here.

If you prefer not to play on the water, you can play golf on courses along the coastline. The evenings are spent sampling urban life or enjoying musical and cultural shows provided by some tourist resorts.