Serene weather comes with magnificent sunshine and a stern desire to travel, enticing us all somewhere on a striking shore, be it an infinite stretch of first-class sand, a quiet white cove with twinkling turquoise waters, or anything in between. There’s nothing pretty nourishing like lying on the sands of a striking beach. While Kenya is righteously famous for its national parks and wildlife, it's also home to some of the world’s best beaches most of which are situated just north and south of Mombasa in the southeast. For this reason, we take a look at some of the most striking beaches in Kenya.
Watamu.
One of Kenya's most iconic coastal hideaways, Watamu is essentially a series of beaches set around azure bays on the sandy headland that divides Mida Creek from the Indian Ocean. Situated just 10 miles south of Malindi, the beach area provides stylish retreats and ample acommodation for water sports -- scuba and snorkel, kite- and windsurfing, sailing, and deep-sea fishing. Striking beaches aside, Watamu pays homage to World Heritage site Gedi, the stone ruins of a medieval Swahili town.
Diani
Virgin beach, vivacious nightlife, and limitless beach events make Diani a must-visit. Surrounded by coconut palms, Diani is extensive, white, and very long. Coral reefs safeguard the beach from hefty waves, generating faultless settings to swim, float or snorkel. Beachside bars and cafes offer snacks and liquid sustenance. After dark, some of Kenya's best coastal nightlife is on offer here.
Gazi.
Suspended alongside the coast road sandwiched between Diani and the Tanzanian border, this isolated sandy expanse is known only to the most enthusiastic Kenya beach enthusiasts. Shielded by Chale Island, the waters are tranquil and the sand is backed by old coconut coppices which offer a shadow for those who find the equatorial sun too harsh.
Lamu Island.
The ancient Swahili town of Lamu is a living gallery of the crossbreed African-Islamic-Arabian culture that previously ruled the East African coast. Shela Beach on the island's upwind side is lengthy, easy-going, and utterly youthful.
Mambrui.
Mambrui hovers underneath the beach-going radar, a sanctuary for those well conversant with the coast. Mambrui is located just a short drive north of Malindi. Sturdy offshore blustery weather makes this another kitesurfing nirvana.On the other hand, Mambrui also offers itself to deep-sea fishing, snorkeling at Malindi Marine Park, lengthy strolls on practically empty beaches, and quick sprees into nearby Tsavo East National Park.
Nyali.
Situated across the cove from Mombasa, Nyali is Kenya's most metropolitan beach. As good luck would have it, though, the lack of high-rise hotels and urban traffic makes it feel remoter away from the big city than it is. Behind the lengthy white-sand stripe lie upscale beach homes and resorts like Whitesands and the Serena. The coral reefs and seagrass fields of Mombasa Marine National Park are disposed for exploration by scuba or snorkel.
Chale Island.
If beach bumming isn't enough, the Sands at Chale Island resort can arrange activities like kayaking in the mangroves. Chale Island is Kenya's solitary reserved island resort floating on less than the length of a 200m sq ft field off the landmass. Bordered by coral reefs and concealed in dense tropical flora, the island has one key beach as well as numerous small private elements. Notably is the fact that Chale is a nesting place for numerous species of scarce sea turtles.