563km of coastline, before or after your safari
Diani, Mombasa, Malindi, Watamu, Lamu - and a short hop to Zanzibar. Trade savannah dust for warm Indian Ocean sand.
Voted Africa's finest beach, three times over
Shallow, crystalline water over two coral reefs holding starfish, sea cucumber and bright tropical fish. Uncrowded sand, an international restaurant and nightlife scene.
Shimba Hills' elephants are minutes away, and Diani is a natural jumping-off point for safaris to Amboseli or the Masai Mara.
See safaris from Diani Beach
Kenya's coastal city - history and beach in one stop
Swahili, Arab, Indian and Portuguese influences run through the food, architecture and daily life. Explore Old Town, ride a dhow at sunset, or just relax on the shore - camel rides included.
Reachable from Nairobi by road, rail or plane, and a base for both road and flight safaris to any Kenyan park.
Twin resort towns, two different paces
Malindi brings a historic old town and an emphasis on Italian cuisine; Watamu is quieter, with its own marine national park for snorkelling.
Watamu is also the gateway to Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve - dense jungle-like habitat and the last refuge of the tiny golden-rumped elephant shrew.
A UNESCO town where donkeys outnumber cars
700 years of Arab, Indian, Chinese and Southeast Asian trade shaped Lamu's architecture and daily life - cars are banned, so donkeys still do the work.
Nearby Shela Beach draws visitors for its mosques, relaxed cuisine scene, and quiet stretch of sand.
Turquoise water, and dolphins close to shore
An easy add-on before or after your Kenya or Tanzania safari, with some of the finest white-sand beaches anywhere and coral gardens rich in marine life just offshore.
Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds history, markets and spice tours to the beach days.
East Africa beach holidays - your questions answered
When is the best time for a beach and safari combination?
June to October (dry season) offers the best game viewing and pleasant beach weather. November-December (short rains) suits budget travel with quieter beaches. March-May (long rains) favours beach relaxation over safari, since trails get muddy.
Which beach destination is best for me?
Diani suits quiet relaxation close to Shimba Hills, Mombasa combines history with beach, Malindi/Watamu offer marine parks, Lamu is for slow, car-free island life, and Zanzibar adds a distinct cultural stop.
Can I combine a beach holiday with a safari?
Yes - it's one of our most popular formats. We handle the safari logistics, transfers and accommodation; for beach-only stays we can also advise on resorts and private rentals.
Are these destinations good for families?
Yes - many resorts across Diani and Zanzibar offer family-friendly amenities, and safaris can be tailored with flexible pacing and child-friendly activities.
Is this a good honeymoon combination?
Yes - intimate safari experiences (private game drives, candlelit dinners) pair naturally with a relaxed beach finish at destinations like Diani or Zanzibar.
What should I pack for the beach?
Lightweight swimwear, a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sandals or water shoes, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Insect repellent is useful too.