Beyond the safari – Kenya’s beach holidays

With over 500km of stunning coastline to explore there's much more to Kenya than just stunning safaris

Though Kenya might be most associated with safari, game drives and the Big Five, a lot of people aren’t aware that it’s also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. An impressive 500km of stunning Indian Ocean coast lines the country, with white, powder-soft sand, pristine aquamarine waters and postcard-perfect islands.

The islands of Lamu

The islands that make up the Lamu Archipelago are a dreamy combination of Swahili culture and tranquil beaches. On Lamu itself, the Old Town is home to narrow stone streets and ambling donkeys, but the beach up at Shela is a little patch of serenity. A quick hop over the water will take you to Manda, where you can explore deserted sands and fulfil all your shipwreck fantasies.

Turtle spotting in Watamu

The sand at Watamu is breathtakingly white, and as soft as icing sugar. But it’s the water that’s home to the real marvel. Watamu Marine National Park was one of Kenya’s first marine parks, and is where you’ll find exceptional diving and snorkelling. The area is home to many sea turtles, which are protected and monitored by conservationists.

Miles of beautiful beaches look out over the Indian ocean © Martha DeJong

Jungle beach

With luscious green jungle running behind the golden sands of Diani Beach, there’s even more of a tropical vibe. In fact, you can even go and get up close and personal with the inhabitants of the forest at the Colobus Conservation monkey sanctuary. The diving is also excellent – you might even see reef or whale sharks, if you’re lucky.

Get active

With a bustling town and spotless beach, Malindi is a more lively option if you want a little bit more action with your coastal break. And speaking of action – this is one of the few places in Kenya with surfable waves, so rent a board and hit the water.

Take a sailing trip on a traditional dhow

Set sail

If you want to explore deserted shores and empty beaches, a sailing trip on a dhow is the perfect option. These traditional wooden sailing boats were historically used to transport spices, but can now be seen drifting along the water, often with dolphins leaping around in their wake. In Lamu, there’s even a dhow you can sleep on: climb into a bed set up on the deck and drift off under a canopy of stars.

The Turquoise Holiday Company is a family owned and run tour operator specialising in tailor made holidays to Kenya and beyond. Each and every lodge, hotel and partner has been hand-picked, so you can rest assured you will be receiving honest, first-hand advice.