10 Best Beach Holidays In Kenya - Updated 2024

beach holidays in kenya
Louise
Louise 
Updated
| 5 min read

Boasting a breathtaking Indian Ocean coastline, Kenya is a beautiful country in East Africa, with a vibrant culture. It showcases majestic natural wonders and marvelous landscapes from the dramatic Great Rift Valley to rolling plains and mountain highlands. Also, it is popular for its wildlife and safaris. While in the country, be sure to visit Nairobi and immerse yourself in the country’s capital’s culture, eats, and arts. If you want to see gorgeous flamingos in their natural habitat, visit Lake Nakuru. If your idea of a wonderful vacation is accommodations that are close to the best beaches in the country, here is a list of the best beach holidays in Kenya. Feel free to browse below.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.

1. Bamburi (from USD 249)

playing on the sand bar
Source: Photo by user McKay Savage used under CC BY 2.0

Nesting on the Northcoast of Kenya, Bamburi is a tourist destination, residential area, and commercial industrial area in one. It has beautiful beaches and fascinating attractions. Here, you can visit gorgeous landmarks and natural parks such as Haller Park, the Butterfly Pavillion, and Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve. If you are looking for fantastic accommodations in the area, you might want to check out Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa nesting in front of the Marvelous Mombasa Marine Park. This resort has a private beach area, an indoor pool, three excellent onsite restaurants, and a wonderful bar.

Stayed at this property?

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Along NyalI, Malindi Highway
72.76 km (45.3 mi) from Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre

2. Mombasa (from USD 102)

Nyali Beach from the Reef Hotel during high tide in Mombasa, Kenya 8
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user CT Cooper used under CC BY 3.0

One of the many charming and breathtaking coastal areas in Kenya is Mombasa. It is filled with lush greeneries, gorgeous beaches, and a balance of city life. It is one of the largest cities in the country. If you are a beach person, you can check out the stunning Diani Beach, Mombasa Marina National Park, and Nyali Beach. If you are looking for a wonderful place to stay, book accommodation in the fabulous Bahari Beach Hotel. It is adorned with tall coconut trees and majestic natural views. It has a stunning outdoor swimming pool, excellent dining options, and delightful spa & wellness services.

Stayed at this property?

Bahari Beach Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: Mt Kenya Road, Nyali Beach
77.61 km (48.3 mi) from Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre

3. Shanzu (from USD 170)

Severin Sea Lodge - Beach
Source: Photo by user John Hickey-Fry used under CC BY 2.0

A fascinating suburb in Mombasa, Shanzu nests close to the Mombasa-Malindi highway. It is popular for the breathtaking Shanzu Beach with strings of gorgeous hotels, excellent eats, shops, and more nearby. If you want to stay in this part of Mombasa, accommodations in PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort might pique your interest. It is a breathtaking resort with a fabulous garden, an inviting outdoor pool, two exquisite onsite restaurants, four hip bars, and a stunning private beach area where you and your family can swim and play all day while basking in the warmth of the sun.

Stayed at this property?

PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa Mombasa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Dolphin Road
69.28 km (43.1 mi) from Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve

Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden Terrace

4. Kilifi (from USD 77)

Kilifi, Kenya
Source: Photo by user Nina R used under CC BY 2.0

Nesting north of Mombasa, Kilifi is a lovely coastal town near Kilifi Creek and Goshi River. It boasts of breathtaking Indian Ocean beaches, excellent resorts, charming nightlife, fantastic souvenir and local stores, and a lot more. You may also love watching green turtles in their natural habitat in Watamu Marine Natural Park. If you are visiting Kilifi anytime soon, check out the Residence Maison Muge resort. It is a stunning resort with a year-round outdoor pool that you and your family will surely love. It also has cozy rooms with private bathrooms, an onsite restaurant, a laid-back bar, and more.

Stayed at this property?

Residence Maison Müge

Wifi Available

Address: Bofa Road P.O. Box 1526
29.55 km (18.4 mi) from Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve

Parking Restaurant Room service Bar Garden Terrace Airport shuttle Laundry

5. Msambweni (from USD 48)

Msambweni Beach House1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Holiday Dan used under CC BY 2.0

Found in Southeastern Kenya, Msambweni is a fascinating fishing town in Kwale County. Here, you will find the breathtaking Chale Island which is a gorgeous beach destination, a snorkeling paradise, home to safaris, and a lot more. It has lots of exceptional resorts, vacation rentals, eateries, and local stores. If you want to visit Msambweni, you might be interested in staying in Sawa Sawa Beach House. It is a luxurious and elegant tropical resort with interiors that resemble authentic African designs. It has a gorgeous outdoor pool and accommodations with private bathrooms.

Stayed at this property?

Sawa Sawa Beach House

Wifi Available

Address: sawasawabeach
132.74 km (82.5 mi) from Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve

Parking Restaurant Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Babysitting/child services Laundry

6. Malindi (from USD 187)

Sun rise Malindi
Source: Photo by user Xiaojun Deng used under CC BY 2.0

Located in Malindi Bay, Malindi is a lovely town found in Southeastern Kenya. It boasts breathtaking tropical beaches with lots of excellent hotels and resorts. While in Malindi, be sure to check out the marvelous Watamu Beach and see lovely corals and marine life up close. You can also find there the Palace of the Historic walled city called Ruins of Gedi. If you are planning a trip to Malindi anytime soon, you might want to check accommodations at Kalili Bahariri Resort & Spa. It is a beautifully furnished tropical resort next to Casuarina Beach. It has a stunning outdoor pool, onsite dining options, a fitness center, and many more.

Stayed at this property?

Kilili Baharini Resort & Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Casuarina Road
23.29 km (14.5 mi) from Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Garden

7. Lamu (from USD 665)

Lamu, Kenya
Source: Photo by user r'world used under CC BY 2.0

Lamu is a lovely little town on Lamu Island, which is a part of the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya. It is a beautiful town with a vibrant culture, fascinating architecture, marvelous landmarks, and pristine white beaches. While in the city, you can visit and take souvenir photos at Lamu Fort. You can also marvel at fascinating artifacts in Lamu Museum. If you want excellent accommodation in town, check out the majestic Majilis Resort. It is a beautiful tropical resort with cool and airy interiors and delightful amenities.

Stayed at this property?

The Majlis Resort

Wifi Available

Address: Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island
160.3 km (99.7 mi) from Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve

Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden Terrace

8. Diani Beach

Diani Beach Sunrise Kenya
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Łukasz Ciesielski used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Part of the Indian Ocean, Diani Beach is a fabulous and breathtaking coastal area and beach resort in Kenya. Not to mention, it’s been recognized and voted as one of the top beach destinations in the country for three consecutive years. Its crystal clear waters and fine white sands are what draw tourists to this paradise. If you are one of these tourists, you might like to spend your time in the Ocean Village Club while on a vacation to Diani Beach. It is a tranquil haven with direct access to the beach, gorgeous interiors, delightful amenities, and relaxing laid-back vibes.

Stayed at this property?

Ocean Village Club (Adults Only)

Wifi Available

Address: Diani Beach Road
114.33 km (71.1 mi) from Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve

Parking Restaurant Bar Tennis court Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Non-smoking rooms Fishing

9. Watamu (from USD 81)

White-Sand Beach in Watamu
Source: Photo by user Filip Lachowski used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Boasting pristine white beaches, marvelous landmarks, and vibrant nightlife, Watamu is a fascinating small town in Kenya, located north of Mombasa. Here, you can find the gorgeous Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve. It is also known for being home to splendid coral reefs and bird sanctuaries. If you are looking for a place to stay in this part of Kenya, Sunset Beach Resort is a fantastic choice. It is a beautiful tropical resort with excellent service and lots of amenities like excellent onsite dining options, a hip bar, a stunning private beach area, spa and wellness facilities, and more.

Stayed at this property?

10. Mbita (from USD 36)

Mbita Tourist Hotel
Source: Photo by user Moshe Njema used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Found in Nyanza, Kenya, also known as Mbita Port, Mbita is a small rural town on the shores of Lake Victoria. It has breathtaking beaches and fascinating landmarks. While in town, be sure to experience swimming in the White Stone Beach Resort, and visit the remarkable Tom Mboya Mausoleum. If you are planning a trip to Mbita Port, why don’t you book an exciting stay at Bimoss Beach Resort? It has a fabulous shared lounge, a gorgeous garden, an onsite restaurant, a laid-back bar, and a stunning private beach area.

Stayed at this property?

Beautiful Kenya

Kenya is a breathtaking country that is famous for wildlife, safaris, marvelous landmarks, fantastic tourists attractions, and vibrant culture. This country offers so much to tourists including gorgeous beaches and fascinating cities. If you are planning a trip to Kenya any time soon, you might want ideas about the best beach holidays in the country. Use this as your guide when planning your trip, and may you have a delightful vacation experience ahead.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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