This December, you have an opportunity to bury your head in the sand at some of the best Kenya beach destinations. Why would I bury my head in the sand? You ask. The answer is shockingly simple. The end of year party is coming up in less than a month and it never ends well.
What happens at the end of year party stays at the end of year party but we all too often get afflicted with memories of our misconduct. Like that one time in your drunken stupor, you walked up to your boss and gave them a piece of your mind.
Your boss looked at you and said nothing and you responded to their shocking indifference with tears or insults. The next day, you woke up with flashbacks of your impropriety wondering if you’d keep your job.
If you’re one of those Christmas party guests who for the love of their jobs drink nothing, see nothing and do nothing inappropriate, taking a radical break from monotony would be ideal.
We promise a short trip to Kenya’s coast will give you plenty of opportunities to let your hair down and it all depends on what you’re into. If nightlife, activity and overzealous sun seekers are your thing, beaches on North Coast would be perfect but if all you want is isolation and serenity, take a trip to South Coast.
We can’t pre-empt what will happen at that party, but we can give you Kenya beach destination ideas that will help you unwind as you drown your recollections in the Indian Ocean.
Malindi beach
Average temperatures: 87°F
Gedi Ruins in Malindi
Kenya’s Little Italy has so much to offer from historical sites to lush forests, ocean views and water sports. has been a visitor’s haven ever since Vasco da Gama’s fleet arrived in 1498 and continues to charm its guests with beautiful architecture and marine life. Even its fish are friendly, you will see them swarm in front of you when you’re underwater.
There are plenty of chances to sample Italian pizza, ice cream, and pasta. Make sure you tour the ruins of the 12th-century town, Gede, Arabuko Sokoke Forest and the Vasco da Gama Pillar.
Where to stay: Palatial style luxury is what best describes . Suites have private terraces, Jacuzzi, Italian furniture and comfortable Balinese sun loungers. There are a restaurant, bar and a free-form swimming pool. This is a perfect Kenya beach getaway for those who combine travel with grandeur.
Watamu beach
Average temperatures: 87°F
Sailing through Mida Creek
Watamu is a 7km stretch rambling beach and is protected by a coral reef and rocks. During low tides, the rock pools are dotted with brightly colored fish as seabirds fly overhead. Watamu Marine National Park is one of the main draws of this beach and it hosts 110 species of stony coral, crustaceans, and mollusks and over 600 fish species.
You can sail through the waterways of Mida Creek filled with mangrove trees and tour the Watamu Turtle Watch where turtles are rehabilitated after they are found by local fishermen. Sunbathing, birdwatching and kitesurfing can be enjoyed to your heart’s content.
Where to stay: Stay put at , 300m from Watamu beach. Each unit has a balcony and seating area. There is free WiFi, a games room, restaurant and shared lounge.
Diani beach
Average temperatures: 82°F
Skydiving at Diani / Image: www.watersportsdiani.com
Diani beach has been voted the 7th best beach in Africa in 2017 by Tripadvisor. It incorporates Chale Island, Funzi Island, Kinondo, Msambweni, Galu and Tiwi beaches.
Honeymooners, party groups, aqua sports enthusiasts, families, and backpackers will find a very agreeable. Apart from sunbathing, you may visit the coral mosques, monkey forests, sacred forests and other exciting tourist hotspots.
Where to stay: Amani Tiwi Resort offers all-inclusive packages and all its rooms have a minibar, private bathroom, satellite TV and air conditioning. You will enjoy the various facilities in the resort: 5 restaurants, 4 bars, floodlit tennis court and swimming pool.
Lamu Island
Average temperature: 88°F
The Lamu Museum
Lamu is one of the best preserved ancient Swahili settlements in Eastern Africa. Life here is on a go slow at all times as people walk on foot on the alleyways and footpaths. Motorists are very few and people use donkeys to carry their goods. This complete sense of chill is perfect for holidaymakers who want to do nothing at all during their Kenya beach holiday.
Lamu town is an architectural wonder, built in mangrove timber and coral stones with wooden doors creatively carved. There are many historical sights to visit if you’re in the mood; Swahili stone houses, Lamu Museum, German Post Office, Lamu Fort and Takwa Ruins.
For a higher dose of excitement, try big game fishing on the vast open sea. Barracuda, tuna, giant trevally and other fish are caught for sport then released back into the ocean for their own good.
Where to stay: is a five star, privately owned, luxury hotel with well appointed 25 deluxe rooms and suites divided into three beachfront villas. There are two swimming pools, bars and a restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the bay. Recreational activities on this resort are centered on adventure, wellness, Swahili culture, fishing and water sports.
Public beaches in Kenya
Average temperatures: 87°F
Camel on Bamburi Beach
A Kenya beach holiday can be a reality even if you’re limited in budget. You do not have to stay in a sea facing resort to enjoy the sun and kick ass views of the ocean. You can find cheap accommodation in Mombasa and make time every day to go to the beach.
Beachfronts on Bamburi, Shanzu, Nyali and Kikambala beaches are always open to the public and during the low tides, the water recedes, allowing you to walk on the fringing reef.
Weekend are usually busy, you will see traders hawking their wares, kids taking camel rides and other visitors making a splash in the ocean blue.
Chairs at the beach can be hired for a small fee and glass boat rides are available if you want to explore marine life. In the evening, drive to Mama Ngina Drive or head to the English Point Marina for a sundowner to end your day.
Where to stay: is 7km from the CBD and 14 km from Moi International Airport. It provides an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, and free WiFi and has air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV.
From lavish vacations to all-inclusive packages, Vacay Holiday Deals can make this festive season truly memorable. Book your Kenya beach vacation now and pay in installments.
