Palm-lined white sand beach on the Kenyan coast

Safari & beach

From open plains
to the Indian Ocean.

Kenya’s domestic flights make it possible to travel from safari to coast in one day, but the right beach depends on the month and the style of stay you want.

Our take

A natural combination,
without another border.

Kenya’s domestic flights make it possible to travel from safari to coast in one day, but the right beach depends on the month and the style of stay you want.

Lamu, Watamu and the south coast are not interchangeable. Lamu is cultural and atmospheric; Watamu combines beaches, reefs and restaurants; Diani and the south coast offer long sands and a wider choice of conventional resorts and private villas.

01

January–March

Usually hot, sunny and humid with warm seas. This is broadly one of the strongest periods for a beach stay.

02

April–May

The long rains bring heavier showers, higher humidity and rougher spells. Some small coastal properties close temporarily.

03

July–October

Generally drier and cooler. July and August can be windy and some exposed beaches experience more seaweed, while sheltered locations vary.

01

Lamu

Culture and character

Best for travellers drawn to Swahili architecture, dhow trips, small hotels and a slower pace. It is not simply a fly-and-flop resort island.

See The Cabanas Lamu
02

Watamu

Reefs and a relaxed town

A good fit for independent travellers and families who value restaurants, marine activities and a range of smaller hotels. Tides noticeably change the beaches.

Read our Watamu guidance
03

South coast

Long beaches and choice

Diani and quieter areas further south offer broad sandy beaches, villas and resorts. Conditions differ by exact position and season, so hotel selection matters.

See Kinondo Kwetu

A sensible shape

The simplest pattern is four to seven nights on safari followed by five to seven nights on the coast. We check the flight schedule before fixing either half of the trip.

Read our coast guide

Start planning

Tell us what you have
in mind.

We will help you shape the right route before preparing a detailed proposal.

Start planningor call +44 (0) 1235 635749