Are you looking for the best beaches to visit in Kenya? You’ve probably heard a lot about the Coastal towns of Mombasa, Diani, Lamu, etc. But did you know there are other places you can visit that will prove to be a perfect beach getaway?
Kenya is a beautiful country and apart from the thriving wildlife safari experience, you don’t have to travel far and wide to find stunning beaches to relax and enjoy the coastline.
The country is known to host some of the best beaches in the world with so much to offer; from a range of water sports, high adrenaline activities, to unspoiled coastlines to simply enjoy the breeze as you watch the sunset.
While the country’s coastline is best known for miles of beautiful white sandy beaches, colorful coral reefs, clear blue water, and a plethora of activities to choose from, you can still get such an experience away from the Kenyan Coast.
The country hosts a number of lakes that have some rather impressive beaches that are yet to be discovered, even by the locals.
Wondering which beaches these are? Stay tuned as we uncover the five best beaches to visit in Kenya.
1. Diani
Diani is probably the most popular and beautiful beach in Kenya. Turquoise water lapping white sand beaches are the main attraction to this tropical paradise. This stretch can be found 30 km south of Mombasa on the Indian Ocean coastline.
Here, you can enjoy the warmth of the sun, amazing views, unspoiled coastlines, and a tranquil haven to relax and let the breeze kick in.
Diani is also best known as a delightful location for swimming as well as other water sports such as surfing. The beach is also renowned for its coral reefs, widespread vegetation and underwater sandbars.
The good thing about Diani is that if you just want to experience the beach without the presence of thousands of other people, this is the ideal place to visit. You can get here for a calm chilled swim, beach picnics with friends and family, take a walk along the beach, etc.
Oh, did you know that you can go skydiving in Kenya at Diani?
Now you know!
2. Takawiri Island
Did you know we have magical beaches in Kenya that are not necessarily in the coastal region? Welcome to Takawiri island. First of, Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. It is adorned with several known islands, but one of the many yet-to-be-fully discovered ones is Takawiri.
Takawiri island is located in Mbita, Homa Bay County. One can access the region from Homa Bay through the Mbita causeway. From there you will head to Rusinga island, thereafter heading to Takawiri on a motorized boat.
As you approach the island, the first thing you’ll notice is the palm trees waving at you – welcoming you to Takawiri. This is a hidden getaway for nature lovers and a bird watcher’s haven; thick-knees, terns, egrets amongst others can be seen foraging along the shores of the Island. The white sandy beaches will have you thinking you’re in Diani or along the Kenyan coastline.
Takawiri is ideal for friends and family seeking a serene getaway to unwind and relax on the beach over a stunning sunset to reminisce a memorable day.
For destination wedding lovers, Takawiri Island Resort is one of the most romantic destinations in Kenya. It is ideal to host your small private wedding on the beach. The picturesque landscape and views at Takawiri will create lasting memories of your beautiful wedding day. You can also partake in a number of water sports and activities to ensure that you leave there knowing that this is one of the best beaches in Kenya.
3. Lake Turkana
Are you bored with the same old Indian ocean beaches along the coast region? Well, why not switch lanes and head towards Lake Turkana? Yes, Lake Turkana has some of the best beaches in Kenya.
A case in point is Eliye Springs. Also known as Ille Springs, it can be found on the western shore of Lake Turkana, near the mouth of River Turkwel. It is located 50 kilometres east of Lodwar and 40 kilometres south of Kalokol.
At Eliye Springs, you can enjoy your stay at the Eliye Springs Resort, which is a beautiful site with a unique beach on Lake Turkana, which is on the way back to the map in Kenya’s Tourism industry.
This is a white sandy beach with a number of palm trees and other coastal plantations that would have you doubting if you are indeed hundreds of miles away from the Kenya coast. The beach is unspoiled and you can even take a swim on the lake, take a walk, enjoy a walk along the beach, and even take part in water sports.
The one thing that makes this place unique is the fact that you can pitch a tent just next to the shores of the lake and sleep under the clear sky watching the stars (It’s totally safe). If you wish to stay here longer, you can take the time to visit some of the pre-historic sites and national parks near the region.
4. Shanzu
Here is another not so popular yet very attractive beach along the Kenyan coastline. Shanzu beach is only 30 km from Mombasa, off the Mombasa-Malindi highway. You get welcomed by coconut palm groves and pleasant views of the ocean and plenty of water sports to partake in. This is a perfect tropical beach vacation destination in Kenya as it provides its visitors with remarkable experiences and a variety of adventures. There are also numerous beach resorts and hotels where you can get and enjoy your stay.
5. Chale island
Not on a budget? Let’s head to Chale Island. Located at the northern end of Msambweni Bay in Kwale County in southeastern Kenya, this remains to be Kenya’s only privately-owned island. The Crystal clear water with brilliant coral will surround you at all hours of the day and a natural mangrove forest.
Apart from the amazing experience and services you receive at the Sands at Chale Island Resort, the beach is one of the main attractions, which provides an ideal location to soak up the sun and take a dip in the warm Diani waters.
The resort can also arrange snorkeling or scuba diving in Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, kayaking in the nearby mangroves, catamaran sailing, deep-sea fishing, and excursions up the coast to Diani Beach.
Round up on the best beaches to visit in Kenya
While there are very many other coastline destinations, these are, in my opinion some of the best beaches in Kenya. Other honorable mentions include:
- Nyali
- Vipingo
- Tiwi
- Watamu
- Bamburi
Which other places do you think deserve a mention in our list? Let us know in the comment section below.
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