Relax in Kenya’s Mombassa

Diani, Watamu, Malinidi and other Beaches on the East African Coast

Apr 7, 2007

The all-year beaches on the East African Coast in Kenya are perfect for scuba, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and just relaxing. Combine them with your safari.

Kenya’s hot and humid coastal region along the East Coast of Africa provides relief for bathers on its sandy beaches with amazing coral reefs - 480 km of them. This is a paradise for scuba, snorkeling, big game fishing and a large range of water sports in the warm, clear Indian Ocean.

Mombasa (one hour by air from Nairobi) is Kenya’s oldest and second largest city with a vibrant mixture of cultures, architecture and entertainment. You will be charmed by its winding roads and Arabic architecture. Downtown Mombasa is filled with extravagant art designs and curio shops that sell antiques and popular Kenyan souvenirs.

Spend some time in this humid island-city that is linked to Kenya's east coast by causeways and bridges. The array of really good hotels and resorts on the beachfront, situated along the North and South coasts make Mombasa the ideal place for a honeymoon or a family vacation.

What to shop for in Mombasa

Silk, spices, African wood carvings, crafts, cloth.

What to see in Mombasa

The Ivory Room; the fake tusks spanning Moi Avenue; Fort Jesus Old Town; markets and shops; Bombolulu Hindu Temple; Mamba Village, situated in Nyali, East Africa’s largest crocodile farm; the Bamburi Nature Trail, the largest animal sanctuary in Mombasa.

Where to stay in Mombasa

Mombasa has accommodation that ranges from casino resorts to camp sites with everything in between. The best beach hotels and resorts are out of town, up and down the coast. Find out all about Mombasa hotels – North and South coast. You could rent a rustic cottage at Tiwi Beach, especially if you're into golf.

What to do in Mombasa

Indulge in a Tamarind Dhow Safari; dance the night away in the many nightclubs situated along the North and South Coasts of the town, with different themes catering to different crowds; kiss Lady Luck in any of the many casinos or take a day trip or short safari.

The beaches and resorts of the East African coast

Popular Diani is always voted the most beautiful, but it is also the most developed, which does not detract from its spectacular setting. Its many hotels and resorts are surrounded by forest. A wide range of world class resorts, centre around Diani Beach. Take your pick.

For a bit of a break from the beach routine, visit the unspoiled game reserve at Shimba Hills with its tree house lodge and two camps. It is one of the largest coastal rainforests in East Africa and home of the magnificent Sable antelope

Tiwi Beach is a small getaway on the south coast, ideal for travelers looking for a peaceful break. Further south is the small fishing village of Shimoni, home to a series of deep, mysterious coastal caves. Shimoni is also an excellent base for big game fishing in the waters of the Pemba Channel.

Watamu and Malindi (you can fly, drive or take the bus) in the north are protected areas with white beaches and blue lagoons set in forested areas. They offer the visitor a range of world class resorts and quiet relaxing hideaways. The fragile natural beauty of the Marine Parks astound scuba-divers and snorkellers, who return over and over again to their favorite dive sites. For the sociable, Kilifi is a pretty town on the banks of the Kilifi Creek, home to an arty/yachtie community.

North of Mombasa, other beaches like Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Kikambala and Vipingo are well-worth a visit.

When you spend some time on an East African Coast beach, you will realise that a journey of discovery through Kenya is so much more than just one thrilling wildlife park after another. To truly appreciate the spirit of Kenya you need to discover the contrasting scenery; the wildlife environments and the many cultures; the beaches and the under-sea life and the contrasting tastes, aromas and sounds that make up the rich tapestry of East African life.

For more about beach holidays in Kenya.