Currency

  • USD $
  • GBP £
  • EUR €
Trustpilot Rating : Five Stars

Reviews 132 • Excellent

What To Do

Kenya Beach Holiday

Kenya features some of the world's best beaches!

What was once one of the most popular beach coastlines in the world, Kenya beach holidays dropped off a proverbial cliff during the 2008 to 2012 period due to the affects, real and imagined, of the Somali piracy that has been made globally famous. Since 2012, however, with the introduction of stringent patrols and better equipped shipping fleets, this piracy has dropped by more than 90% and so is, today, no longer something that should concern.

With this in mind, we are, very much, recommending travel to the central and southern beaches of Kenya where destinations such as Watamu, Msambweni and Diani now offer some of the best value beach stays in Africa, if not the world. Featuring stunning white sand and azure waters, the price ranges that are on offer suit almost all budgets and with some excellent diving, fishing and watersports, there is easily enough to entertain even the most active beach goer for a week or so.

Watamu and Malindi Beaches

One of the two more northern beaches along the coast, Watamu and Malindi beaches are arguably the two most famous beach destinations next to Lamu and Mombasa, that you can visit. Watamu beach itself sits along side the small village of the same name and has been voted of the world’s top ten beaches and is one of the only beaches where it is possible to swim at both high and low tides. Reached by short drive from Malindi, the beach stretches for approximately 8 kilometres and features a handful of properties that really deliver on the dream, including the legendary Hemmingways! Some would argue that the beach can get a fair amount of seaweed in the June to October window but this is not something we have really noticed being a problem.

Take a look at: Hemmingway’s Watamu

Diani Beach

Far and away the busiest of the Kenya beaches that we recommend, Diani is south of Mombasa and features a stunning 10 kilometre beach with multiple properties and restaurants dotted along its stretch. There is good reason that it has become more and more popular over the years — it features one of the best beaches that we have ever come across and, with more things to do in the evening than any of the other beach destinations, this is a great choice for those that are wanting a bit more input than just a beach and a book. With daily flights into Diani from both Nairobi and Amboseli, it is also very easy to combine on a safari itinerary. This being said, it is still possible to get away “from the madding crowd” by staying in one of the more exclusive properties that are located at the fringes of the main area. This gives the best of both worlds with access to the nightlife and still giving seclusion.

Take a look at: Afrochic, Alfajiri, Waterlovers, Kinondo Kwetu, Swahili Beach

Msambweni Beach

The final beach on our highlights list, Msambweni is located just south of Diani and is certainly a beautiful and quieter option for those that are after a bit of peace and quiet after (or before) their safari. Featuring two of our favourite beach properties, this is certainly one of the best beaches for your Kenya beach holiday!

Take a look at: Msambweni House, Saruni Ocean

Where to go in kenya
For Beach Holiday, Diving And Snorkeling

Kenya Beach Holiday

Kenya Safari Map

More travel guides for Africa Beach Holiday, Diving And Snorkeling trips in 2026/27

Take a look at a few of our more detailed country selections for 2026/27 Beach Holiday, Diving And Snorkelings across Africa.

Beach Holiday

africa

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Beach Holiday

Diving And Snorkeling

africa

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Diving And Snorkeling

Zanzibar Honeymoon

zanzibar

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Zanzibar beach snorkelling africa specialists hdr pic q76 1a

Tanzania Beach Holiday

tanzania

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Zanzibar beach sand bank africa specialists hdr pic q76 1a

Kenya Beach Holiday

kenya

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Elewana afrochic diani beach 1 southern beaches kenya

Diving and Snorkeling in Tanzania

tanzania

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Zanzibar beach scuba diving africa specialists hdr pic q76 1a

Please visit our What to Do in Africa page to see the full range of safari and holiday options available.

What are the best parks & regions for a Kenya Beach Holiday in 2026/27?

The following are The Africa Specialists’ recommended best parks and regions for Kenya Beach Holiday for 2026/27 but don’t forget that we’re here to help if you need a hand with anything.

Southern Beaches

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Elwena Afrochic, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Lamu Island

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lamu Island

Don’t miss our new Africa Safari Finder to find safari ideas by destination, region and type...

What are the best hotels & lodges for a Kenya Beach Holiday for 2026/27?

We highly recommend the following hotels & lodges for Kenya Beach Holiday for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any questions you may have.

NB. All prices for properties exclude applicable park fees and are guide prices.

$245$540

Price pp pn (USD)

Stars4Stars5

Our Rating

Swahili Beach Resort

kenya

From $250 per person per night
See the hotel now
Swahili Beach Resort

Waterlovers Beach Resort

kenya

From $245 per person per night
See the lodge now
Waterlovers Beach Resort, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Kinondo Kwetu

kenya

From $540 per person per night
See the hotel now
Kinondo Kwetu, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Hemingways Watamu

kenya

From $245 per person per night
See the hotel now
Hemingways Watamu

Afrochic

kenya

From $300 per person per night
See the hotel now
Afrochic

Msambweni House

kenya

From $440 per person per night
See the camp now
The pool at Msambweni House

Alfajiri Villas

kenya

From $290 per person per night
See the hotel now
Cliff Villa pool, Alfajiri Villas, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Do visit our Top Five Africa Hotels & Lodges pages for full reviews.

What kind of wildlife should you expect to find on a Kenya Beach Holiday in 2026/27?

For 2026/27, we expect you may be able to see some of the following wildlife on a Kenya Beach Holiday. Please bear in mind, of course, that wild animals are not predictable and their movements are hugely affected by a broad range of elements and so sightings can’t be guaranteed. 

And don't miss our Africa Wildlife page for a full guide to the amazing wildlife available...

A few of our favourite itineraries for a Kenya Beach Holiday in 2026/27

Below we have outlined a few of our more popular Kenya Beach Holiday for 2026/27. As we only tailormake our trips to your exact requirements these are just to give you a feel for what is possible.

Days10Days13

Duration

$4,000$7,500

Price Brackets (USD)

13 Nights

A Family Treat

Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Southern Beaches, The Laikipia Plateau

From $5,500 per person
See the Trip
Samburu National Reserve

12 Nights

Honeymooners Delight

Amboseli National Park, Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara

From $5,500 per person
See the Trip
Honeymoons at Naibor Camp

12 Nights

Lions and Elephants

Amboseli National Park, Nairobi, Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara

From $4,500 per person
See the Trip
Lions at Governors Camp, Masai Mara

13 Nights

Go On, It Will Be Worth It!

Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Southern Beaches, The Laikipia Plateau

From $7,500 per person
See the Trip
Samburu National Reserve

13 Nights

The Discerning Safari

The Laikipia Plateau, The Masai Mara, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches

From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
The Laikipia Plateau, Kenya, Ol Malo Lodge

10 Nights

Short and Sweet

Southern Beaches, The Masai Mara

From $4,000 per person
See the Trip
The Masai Mara
Don't miss our Tailormade Safari Holidays & Trips to select from our bespoke safari trips.

When is the best time to go on a Beach Holiday, Diving And Snorkeling trip to kenya in 2026/27?

Whereas it’s feasible to go on a kenya Beach Holiday, Diving And Snorkeling trip in 2026/27 almost any time of the year — depending on preferences and wildlife/safari viewing plans — but if you want to avoid peak season or aim to get the timing “just right” then use the following guide to the whole of kenya or call us any time to check feasibility, costs or best options for the perfect kenya Beach Holiday, Diving And Snorkeling  trip…

January fair

Visiting Kenya in January 2026/27

The front end of the year is the first clear month of weather after the short rains of November and December and, as such, is a great time to head to Kenya for a safari. Dry, clear days offer excellent game viewing and, as it not the season of the wildebeet migration, properties are not running at their fullest.

Activities & Events

Head to the Masai Mara for great resident game viewing, in particular in the Greater Mara Concessions.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear skies and mid-20s temperatures
  • + Parks are quieter without the migration herd visitors
  • + Often well priced properties
  •   Migration herds are not in the Masai Mara

Top Tips for January 2026/27

  • + Look to combine a couple of parks for the best experience

February fair

Visiting Kenya in February 2026/27

February is another great month to head to Kenya if you are looking to experience great game without the wildebeest migration visitors. With good weather, good grass cover and plenty of predator action, Kenya offers an excellent winter safari and beach option.

Activities & Events

The Mara is still the main focus for game viewing with other parks such as Amboseli and the Laikipia Plateau also offering a good quality safari.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Dry and warm weather
  • + Really good game viewing
  • + Fewer tourists at this time of year
  •   Game numbers aren’t near the migration herd season

Top Tips for February 2026/27

  • + A lovely time to visit some of the less known areas

March mixed

Visiting Kenya  in March 2026/27

March is the last of the months with good weather before the main rains of April and May break. Temperatures and humidty tend to start creeping up as the month goes on with rain coming at the back end. This being said, game viewing is still very good.

Activities & Events

Very good and reliable game viewing across the country as the last month of the short dry season pushes animals to the water sources.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Warm and dry weather in the main
  • + Camps are running at 50% occupancy in some cases
  • + Good value for money
  •   The end of the month can bring rains

Top Tips for March 2026/27

  • + A superb Easter holiday break for the family!

April mixed

Visiting Kenya in April 2026/27

April heralds the start of the main rains in Kenya and, as such, many of the properties close their doors for maintenance and to give staff a deserved break. This being said, the early part of the month is a photographers delight with stormy skies and moody vistas.

Activities & Events

Game driving in the Mara is still possible although viewing can be sporadic amongst heavy downpours.

Cheat Sheet

  • + The country is at its quietest for visitors
  • + Low season rates for the few properties that remain open
  •   Heavy rains disturb the game viewing

Top Tips for April 2026/27

  • + Ideally it is worth considering an alternative time of the year

May mixed

Visiting Kenya in May 2026/27

The second of the main rainy months in Kenya is normally avoided if at all possible as the game viewing and lodge availability can be very mixed. One of the upsides is that, due to the low visitor numbers, the properties that are open sell at a much lower price point.

Activities & Events

For the intrepid few the open grasslands of the Mara can still offer some game viewing…mainly of grumpy lions!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Temperatures are still warm albeit humid
  • + Still a good time for photographers
  •   Heavy rains can spoil the game viewing potential

Top Tips for May 2026/27

  • + Another month to avoid if possible

June great

Visiting Kenya in June 2026/27

The arrival of June brings an end to the long rains in Kenya and, with it, the promise of the arrival of the great migration herds from the Serengeti. While the high grasses make game viewing harder, it is a very picturesque time to travel with healthy animals and cool temperatures.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara and across in Amboseli is particularly rewarding.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear skies and mild temperatures
  • + Healthy and happy game viewing
  • + Low season rates and fewer visitors make for good value
  •   Just a little early for the great migration herds

Top Tips for June 2026/27

  • + June is a good time to visit on a budget

July best

Visiting Kenya in July 2026/27

July is the start of Kenya’s “main” season…when the great migration herds arrive from the Serengeti and mingle around the rivers and waterways of the Mara grasslands. This is to witness one of the largest gatherings of mammals on the planet…and it is quite a sight! 

Activities & Events

Migration viewing is the main event at this time of the year with river crossings, predation and wildebeest everywhere.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mostly clear, dry weather
  • + Outstanding game viewing in the Mara with the wildebeest
  • + Areas such as Laikipia and Amboseli are also very good
  •   This is the Mara at its busiest for visitors as well

Top Tips for July 2026/27

  • + You will need to get in early for the best properties

August amazing

Visiting Kenya in August 2026/27

The second of the busy months in Kenya, August is probably the Mara at itse very fullest as far as both animals and visitors are concerned…it is mayhem! This being said, there are still pockets of privacy to be had such as in the conservancies or down on the Serengeti borders.

Activities & Events

For many, the migration is the only reason to head to this area of the world but it is worth considering Lewa Downs for a more private and less frantic safari as well.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Right in the heart of the dry season for weather
  • + Animals are everywhere!
  •   Prices are at their peak in the month

Top Tips for August 2026/27

  • + Consider booking in a couple of areas

September great

Visiting Kenya in September 2026/27

September is often the pick of the months to travel almost anywhere in Africa as the weather is always warm and stable, the game viewing is excellent and the prices and visitor numbers tend to fall after the bun fight that is August.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara is as good as it gets with wildebeest starting to consider their move south once more.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear and dry weather with temperatures starting to rise
  • + Outstanding game viewing in the Mara and throughout
  • + Fewer visitors in this window when compared with July/August
  •   Prices are still pretty elevated

Top Tips for September 2026/27

  • + Look to book towards the end of the month

October still good

Visiting Kenya in October 2026/27

October, along with September, is a great time to travel to the Masai Mara if you are looking to see the great migration herds without the high visitor numbers in July and August. The temperatures are starting to rise and rains at the back end of the month can trigger the herds’ movement south again.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara Reserve and up in the Laikipia Plateau are still highly recommended.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Temperatures are creeping upwards
  • + The last month for the great migration herds
  • + Fewer visitors result in lower prices
  •   Rain arrives at the end of the month

Top Tips for October 2026/27

  • + Aim to visit in the first half of the month for the migration

November fair

Visiting Kenya in November 2026/27

November is the start of the short rains in Kenya and, as the rains arrive, so the migratory wildebeest herds start their long walk to the southern grasslands of the Serengeti once again. This is still a good time for seeing the resident herds that remain.

Activities & Events

Game viewing in the Masai Mara plains is still possible and, if you are lucky, the herds may feint to the south and return north at the start of the month.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mild if wetter weather arrives
  • + Rain arrives to bring life and greenery to the parched landscape
  • + Low season rates kick in
  •   Wildebeest herds will have left by the middle of the month

Top Tips for November 2026/27

  • + Book at the start of the month for herds and low prices

December fair

Visiting Kenya in December 2026/27

The end of the year brings the short rains in earnest to the Kenya plains and, as such, many of the properties close for the month to repair and renew after the main season. Game is still very good, however, in the Mara and other main areas of the country for those willing to tollerate the sporadic downpours.

Activities & Events

The December period is a great time for birding in particular as the migratory species arrive from Europe.

Cheat Sheet

  • + The parks are empty in the front end of the month
  • + Fantastic birding
  •   Can be muggy and hot at this time of the year
  •   Rain can spoil a game drive on occasion

Top Tips for December 2026/27

  • + A good month for some winter sun on the coast

Please visit our Best Time to Visit kenya page for full information about kenya

Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?

1

100% tailormade

We help plan your trip from start to finish
We make sure to include all your interests
We offer a range of accommodation types
It is your trip, made to suit you

2

Expert knowledge

We have over 40 years of destination know how
We all spend time in our destinations annually
Local contacts give us unique insight
We are true specialists

3

We have you covered!

We have full ATOL bonding for your financial peace of mind
We provide 24/7 emergency backup as you travel
We make sure that the properties and guides are the best!

4

A trusted service

Established in 2010, you can totally rely on us.
The Africa Specialists trust logos

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

What to do next...

Begin Your Journey (French's Safari Map)
Begin Your Journey

Step with us into a world where every detail is curated, every moment considered, and every horizon feels like it was reserved exclusively for you.

Craft Your Bespoke Safari (icon)
Craft Your Bespoke Safari

Tell us what inspires you — and we’ll shape an African journey like no other — right down to the smallest detail.

Your adventure tailormade (icon)
Your Adventure, Tailored to Perfection

From private conservancies to remote luxury lodges, let us help you design your perfect safari adventure.

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.