Top 10 Places To Visit Along the Kenya Coast

The coastline of Kenya is a mix of fine dry beaches, crystal clear waters, rich Swahili culture and appealing history. The coastline extends to over 500 kilometres along the Indian Ocean, the region is home to some of the most splendid coastal destinations. In this guide, we will talk about the top 10 places to go along the Kenya coastline.

1. Diani Beach

Diani Beach is situated about 30 km south of Mombasa. It is one of the most famous beaches in Kenya. It is widely known for its soft white sand, crystal clear waters and uniform palm trees. Tourists can enjoy snorkelling, kite surfing, scuba diving, and skydiving.

Best things to do in Diani:

• Relax on the beach and enjoy splendid views of the  ocean 
• Visit the Colobus Conservation Centre to see the endangered Colobus monkeys
• Go for a boat trip to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park for snorkelling and dolphin spotting

2. Mombasa Old Town & Fort Jesus

The Mombasa old town is a mix of Swahili, Arab, and Portuguese influences, with small streets, ancient buildings, and crowded markets. The main highlight of the old town is the fort Jesus which is an unesco world heritage site built by the  Portuguese during the 16 century. It provides you with beautiful ocean views and a better understanding of Kenya’s colonial past.

Best things to do in Mombasa Old Town:

• Check out the Fort Jesus Museum and learn about its history 
• Visit Forodhani and Jahazi Coffee Houses to get the flavour of  the traditional Swahili tea and snacks

3. Lamu Island

Lamu Island is a Unesco World Heritage site, it is a car-free island with donkeys and dhows (traditional sailing boats) as the main mode of transport. The charm of Lamu Island resides in its historic streets, Swahili architecture, and relaxed atmosphere.

Best things to do in Lamu:

• Check out the Lamu Museum and learn about Swahili culture
• Relax on Shela Beach, one of the most peaceful Kenya coastlines
• Go for a sunset dhow cruise for splendid views of the ocean 

4. Watamu & Watamu Marine National Park

Watamu is a small coastal town widely known for its unspoiled beaches and Watamu Marine National Park, home to lively coral reefs and varying marine life. It is one of the ideal places in Kenya for snorkelling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing.

Best things to do in Watamu:

• Go for snorkelling at Turtle Bay Beach
• Visit the Gede Ruins, an ancient Swahili establishment of the 12th century 
• Check out the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, which to home to rare birds and elephants

5. Malindi

Malindi is a historic town with a mix of Swahili and Italian influences. It has stunning beaches, historical sites, and rich marine life. The town is also popular for the Vasco da Gama Pillar, which was built by the famous Portuguese explorer in 1498.

Best things to do in Malindi:

• Visit Malindi Marine National Park for snorkelling and diving
• See the ancient Vasco da Gama Pillar and learn about the history of Malindi
• Check out the Marafa Depression (Hell’s Kitchen), a unique formation with a dark red and orange tone.

6. Kilifi

Kilifi is a peaceful town along the coastline of Kenya. The town is widely popular Kilifi Creek, a beautiful spot for boating and kayaking.  It also hosts the Kilifi New Year Festival, a music and arts event at the beautiful Distant Relatives Eco-lodge.

Best things to do in Kilifi:

• Go for a boat ride along the Kilifi Creek and witness the beautiful sunset
• Visit  the Mnarani Ruins, an ancient Swahili establishment with splendid views 
• Check out the Bofa beach 

7. Mida Creek

It is situated near Waatamu, Mida Creek is a biodiverse coastal mangrove forest which is full of marine life and birds. It is a great spot along the coastline of Kenya for canoeing, birdwatching, and sunset cruises.

Best things to do at Mida Creek:

• Walk on the hanging boardwalk for amazing views.
• Go birdwatching and spot flamingos, kingfishers, and herons
• Enjoy kayaking across the mangroves channels for a beautiful nature experience

8. Funzi Island

Funzi Island is one the most secluded and clean islands along the coastline of Kenya. It is situated south of Diana Beach. It is a flawless paradise with mangrove forests, white sandbanks, and a growing bird population.

Best things to do in Funzi:

• Go for a traditional dhow tour around the island
• Relax on the Funzi Sandbank, a splendid white sand island which also comes into sight on a low tide 
• Visit the nearby Ramisi River to see crocodiles and diverse birdlife

9. Wasini Island & Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park

Wasini is a small car-free island along the coastline of Kenya, the island is widely known for its closeness to the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. The island is one of the top 10 places to go for snorkelling and diving. The park is home to dolphins, turtles, and colourful coral reefs.

Best things to do in Wasini:

• Take a dhow safari to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
• Visit the Wasini Women’s Boardwalk, a conservation project run by the  community
• Enjoy a Swahili seafood feast at the famous floating restaurant on the island

10.  Tana River Delta

The Tana River Delta is a place where the Tana River meets the Indian Ocean, creating a rich natural habitat with wetlands, mangroves, and beaches. It is a great place for wildlife spotting, birdwatching, and cultural interactions with the local communities such as Pokoma and Orma.

Best things to do in the Tana River Delta:

• Go for a boat safari by the Tana River to see hippos and crocodiles
• Visit local Pokomo villages to get a better understanding of their way of living 
• Check out the mangrove forests and dunes

Conclusion 

The Kenya coastline is a wonderful destination which provides you with a blend of history, adventure, and relaxation. It provides something for every traveller from the historic streets of Lamu, snorkelling in the marine parks of Watamu and Malindi, or enjoying the untouched beauty of Funzi and Wasini Islands. If you a planning a trip to this amazing destination, make sure that you visit these top 10 places and feel the magic of this incredible coastline of Kenya.