Kenya Beach Holidays: Watamu, Malindi, Kilifi and Lamu
Kenya coast
Beaches north of Mombasa: Kilifi, Watamu, Malindi and Lamu
End your safari on the Indian Ocean. Kenya's north coast runs from the beaches of Nyali and Bamburi past Kilifi Creek to the marine parks of Watamu and Malindi, and on to the old Swahili town of Lamu. Tell us how you like to travel and we will add the right beach stay to your safari.
Mombasa North Coast
The beaches of Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu begin just north of Mombasa island. They are the easiest to reach: Moi International Airport and the Madaraka Express train from Nairobi both arrive in Mombasa. Snorkelling and glass bottom boat trips go out to Mombasa Marine National Park, and Fort Jesus in Mombasa Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth a morning.
Kilifi
A quieter stretch of coast north of Mombasa, set around the wide mouth of Kilifi Creek. Bofa Beach is long and open, the creek is good for sailing, kayaking and sunset dhow trips, and the area suits travellers who want space and a slower pace.
Watamu
Small and relaxed, with white sand coves inside Watamu Marine National Park, which the Kenya Wildlife Service calls the haven of the green turtle. Nearby are Mida Creek, a mangrove creek rich in birdlife, the ruins of the Swahili town of Gede, and Arabuko Sokoke Forest, the largest remaining coastal forest in East Africa and home to rare birds and the golden rumped sengi.
Malindi
A lively coastal town with its own airport and flights from Nairobi. Malindi Marine National Park is one of the oldest marine parks in Kenya, and the Vasco da Gama Pillar recalls the Portuguese explorer’s visit in 1498. Malindi and Watamu are about half an hour apart, so many guests stay in one and visit the other.
Lamu
Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. There are no cars in the old town: people move by foot, donkey and dhow. Shela has a long beach and dunes, and Manda Island sits across the channel. Guests reach Lamu by air, flying into Manda airport. Some governments advise caution for parts of Lamu County, so please read your government’s current travel advice before you book; we plan Lamu stays by air only.
- Getting there
- Fly to Mombasa, Malindi or Lamu (Manda), or take the Madaraka Express train from Nairobi to Mombasa, about five to six hours.
- Best months
- Generally driest from December to March and from July to October. The long rains usually fall from April to June.
- Pairs well with
- Tsavo East, the nearest large national park to the coast, or any Kenya or Tanzania safari with a flight to the coast at the end.
- Price
- Beach stays are quoted to your dates, hotel and transfers. Ask us for a written quote.
Prefer the south coast? See Tsavo and the South Coast for Diani Beach, or Zanzibar across the border.
Safari and beach trips
10-Day Luxury Kenya Safari & Diani Beach Stayfrom US$4,353 per personYour own vehicle
12-Day Luxury Kenya & Tanzania Safari with Zanzibarfrom US$8,099 per personYour own vehicle
12-Day Luxury Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Stayfrom US$4,147 per personOwn vehicle, some activities shared
12-Day Selous & Zanzibar Safarifrom US$9,600 per personYour own vehicle
12-Day Tanzania & Pemba Island Safarifrom US$10,800 per personYour own vehicle
13-Day Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safarifrom US$9,214 per personYour own vehiclePrices are per person in US dollars and show the lowest published rate for each safari. Rates change with travel dates and party size, are subject to availability and are confirmed in your written quote.
