Safari region · Kenya
The Kenya coast
Warm water, white sand and an unhurried pace on Kenya's Indian Ocean coast, a short flight from the other safari regions.
The destination
Time by the sea.
A few days by the sea is an easy way to end a safari. Kenya's coast is generally warm and humid, and the south coast around Diani is a short flight from Nairobi. Time here can be slow: the beach, the reef and a good book.
Most guests fly. There are scheduled flights from Nairobi to Mombasa and to the Ukunda airstrip at Diani, and a scheduled light aircraft service links the Maasai Mara with the coast. We plan the flights and transfers so the journey from camp to beach is simple.
At a glance
- Type
- Safari region
- Destinations
- Diani Beach, Watamu
- Airports
- Moi International, Mombasa; Ukunda airstrip, Diani; Malindi, for Watamu
- Flights from Nairobi
- About 1 hour to Mombasa, about 1 hour 15 minutes to Ukunda or Malindi
- Getting there
- By air, or by Standard Gauge Railway to Mombasa and then by road
Within the safari region
Destinations on the Kenya coast.
Each destination has its own camps, guides and rules, so where you stay shapes what you can do.
On the coast
Ways to spend the days.
Photo: Mombasa Air SafariA few of the things the parks and hotels here list.
The beach and the reef
Swimming, snorkelling and diving along the south coast. Swahili Beach Resort has its own water sports centre.
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
Off Shimoni, near the Tanzanian border. KWS lists snorkelling and diving over coral gardens, and dolphin and turtle watching.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Inland from Diani. KWS lists trails, viewpoints, Sheldrick Falls and guided hikes.
When to go
The safari region through the year.
Between the two rainy seasons. Kenya Wildlife Service describes the coast as generally warm and humid.
The long rains. On the south coast they usually begin in April and peak in May.
The short rains, usually from late November to late December, with some showers in October.
Source: Kenya Wildlife Service.
Where to stay on the Kenya coast
Our selection of hotels.
Photo: Swahili Beach ResortSwahili Beach Resort
View the propertyA beach resort on Diani Beach, south of Mombasa, with pools cascading down to the Indian Ocean.
Photo: AlmanaraAlmanara
View the propertyPrivate villas in gardens on Galu Beach, at the quiet southern end of Diani, each with its own chef and butler.
Photo: The MajiThe Maji
View the propertyA boutique beach hotel of fifteen rooms and suites on Diani Beach, with a pool in gardens that run down to the sand.
Photo: Medina PalmsMedina Palms
View the propertySuites, penthouses and villas around cascading pools on Turtle Bay in Watamu, on Kenya’s north coast.
Africa, Private & Personal
Thinking of time on the coast?
Tell us how you like to travel, and we will suggest where to stay by the sea and how to fit it around your safari.
- Phone & WhatsApp
- +254 795 887765
- Office
- The Piano Building, Brookside Drive, Nairobi