Kenya’s Coastal Belt: Where Safari Meets the Sea

Kenya’s coastal region is the perfect retreat for travellers wanting to pair an adventurous safari with a relaxing beach escape. This idyllic stretch boasts pristine beaches, vibrant marine parks teeming with coral reefs and aquatic life, and a rich tapestry of Swahili culture and historical heritage.

Top Destinations Along Kenya’s Coast

Discover Kenya’s cultural depth and natural beauty—dive into coral-rich waters and explore centuries-old towns.

Diani Beach: A Tropical Gem

With its powdery white sands and turquoise waters, Diani Beach is a jewel of the Kenyan coast and a highlight of any trip to the Mombasa area. The coral reefs just offshore make it a prime spot for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Adventure seekers can also enjoy kitesurfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding, while those who prefer land-based experiences can opt for camel or horseback rides along the scenic shoreline.

Mombasa Old Town: A Historic Crossroads

Mombasa’s Old Town offers a unique blend of Swahili, Arab, and Portuguese influences. Wander its narrow streets lined with intricately carved doors and vibrant markets. Don’t miss Fort Jesus, a 16th-century fortress that offers a fascinating look into the region’s colonial past. Nature lovers can also visit the Mombasa Butterfly House, a serene eco-facility home to dozens of colourful tropical butterflies.

Marine National Parks: Underwater Wonderlands

Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve, Kenya’s first marine protected area, features fringing coral reefs, seagrass beds, and a dazzling variety of fish and marine mammals, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers.

Further south, Watamu Marine National Park offers a coastal haven rich in marine biodiversity. Here, you might spot green sea turtles, colourful reef fish, and even dugongs while snorkelling or diving. The park is also a hotspot for birdwatching.

Best Time to Visit Kenya’s Coast

• December to March: Expect warm, humid conditions with some rain—great for sun-seekers and beach holidays.
• July to October: Cooler and drier, this is also the ideal season for whale watching, as humpback whales migrate along the coast.

Wildlife Encounters on the Coast

From the shore or on a boat safari, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins and humpback whales. Snorkelers can enjoy underwater views of sea turtles, rays, barracudas, and countless fish species. Birdwatchers will find black kites, speckled mousebirds, palm weavers, common bulbuls, and white-browed coucals among the many resident and migratory species.

Getting There

Ukunda Diani Airport, located in Kwale County, offers convenient access to the coastal region and is just a short drive from Diani Beach, making travel to Kenya’s coast both easy and scenic.