The Coast Information

Lamu

Lamu and it’s surrounding villages and islands, have an appeal that many find irresistible! This picturesque Swahili town with it’s quaint narrow streets and absence of cars, epitomizes the slow, gentle way of life in this part of the world. It’s relaxed rhythm and charm, makes other quiet places on the east coast seem like sizzling metropolises! After flying in, the usual way to arrive is to sail across to Lamu by dhow (a locally made sailing boat). There are various places to stay from lovely Swahili houses with rooftop patios overlooking the sea, to hotels with pools and all mod cons. The Lamu Archipelago includes some very beautiful uninhabited islands and exclusive very upmarket destinations visited by rockstars and royalty.

WHERE TO STAY

Recommended TOP END 

Kipungani (Heritage Hotels)

Manda Bay

Forodhani House

Recommended Accommodation: MID RANGE

Fatuma's Tower Guest House

Samaki House

Mombasa & Nyali

This famous old town has a fort dating back several centuries. Visitors can see beautifully carved Swahili architecture in the old town of Mombasa (ornately carved wooden doorways etc). Evening dhow trips to the harbour can be arranged with meals and entertainment laid on. There is a railway station, airport and large superstores and shopping malls. Nyali is slightly north of Mombasa and both Nyali and Mombasa and there are many rental homes and swanky hotels in this area. Bamburi nature reserve is close by where you can see hippos and various other animals.

WHERE TO STAY
Recommended TOP END

Tamarind Village

Serena Beach Hotel

Recommended MID RANGE

Voyager Beach Resort

Reef Hotel

Diani

Diani is a very popular destination in Kenya for so many European visitors. It has a beautiful long white sandy beach that stretches for several miles on the south coast. Many large hotels are found in Diani with dive clubs, discos, dhow trips, dolphin tours etc. This beach is close to the Shimba Hills nature reserve where you can see elephants and other wild animals. A little further south is Shimoni which is a beautiful place for a day trip. This unspoilt and less built up area of the coast offers superb diving opportunities and dolphins are frequently seen in this area. 

WHERE TO STAY

Recommended TOP END

Flamboyant Hotel

The Sands at Nomad

Kinondo Kwetu

Recommended MID RANGE

Papillon Lagoon Reef Beach Resort

Swahili House>

Taj Riviera House

Sunset Villa

Watamu

North coast, Watamu is home to a marine park and is a popular area for deep sea fishing. There are one or two large hotels here; however, Watamu is most popular with the local expatriate population come to stay in rental cottages along this stretch of the coast. The long white sandy beach stretches for many miles. There are several attractions are in this area (Gedi ruins, Bioken snake park, marine park, etc).

WHERE TO STAY

Recommended TOP END

Hemingways Resort

Recommended MID RANGE

Turtle Bay Beach Club

Ocean Sports

Malindi

A favourite with Italian visitors on the north coast so no shortage of great Italian food available. Nice bays and white sandy beaches and the Kisite Marine Park nearby. There are also entertainments here including clubs and casinos.

WHERE TO STAY

Recommended TOP END

Kilili Baharini

Driftwood Beach Resort

Sandies

Kilifi Creek

A picturesque creek with several holiday rental houses along the creek and overlooking the coast. Day trips include dhow trips, snorkeling and diving trips. Watersports activities available including jet skiis, banana boat, water skiing etc.

WHERE TO STAY

Recommended MID RANGE

Mnarani Club

Kiwayu

Kiwayu is an exclusive part of the coast offering high end, luxury in a completely quiet and unspoiled environment. Frequented by filmstars and celebrities, the pure white sandy beach and nothing much to do except swim and relax is the perfect island getaway.

WHERE TO STAY

Recommended TOP END

Kiwayu