One of the best things about Kenya is that you can watch lions at sunrise and be on a white-sand beach a few days later. A safari-and-beach holiday is the most popular way to travel here, and it is easier to plan than it looks.
Where to Do Your Beach Stay
- Diani Beach: south of Mombasa, with soft white sand, calm turquoise water, restaurants and water sports. A favourite for couples and families.
- Mombasa and the north coast: historic Old Town, Fort Jesus, and more resorts and nightlife.
- Watamu and Malindi: quieter, with marine park snorkelling and turtle conservation.
How to Get From Safari to Coast
- By air: flights from Nairobi (or from the Mara, Amboseli and other airstrips) to Mombasa or Ukunda for Diani take around an hour.
- By road: drive via Tsavo East or Tsavo West and continue to the coast, turning the transfer into extra game viewing.
- By train: the Nairobi to Mombasa SGR train is a comfortable alternative. See our guide to the SGR for details.
How Many Days?
- 7 days: 4 days safari plus 3 days at the coast.
- 10 days: 6 days across two parks, plus 4 relaxing days on the sand.
- 14 days: a full circuit of the Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo, followed by 5 to 6 days at the beach.
Best Time of Year
The coast is hottest and most humid from December to March, and has its heaviest rain between April and June. The best balance of safari and beach weather is from July to October, and again in January and February.
Tips
- Do the safari first and the beach last, so you can rest before the flight home.
- Pack swimwear and a light cover-up for the coast.
- Ask about sea conditions and seasonal weed on the beach at your dates.
Our team can design the full route, flights and hotels in one itinerary. Message us on WhatsApp +254 794 588 242.
