Which is the Finest of all Kenya Beaches?

Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi or Watamu?

Which is the finest of all Kenya beaches? Hmm... Tricky one! And doubly so...

First, Kenya's entire 536 kilometer (335 mile) southeastern boundary is contiguous with the Indian Ocean. So there are a lot of beaches here!

Second, beaches in Kenya are refuted to be some of Africa's finest so drilling down to the best of the best is a pretty tough call.

So, I'll let you be the judge...

Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi and Watamu are the top Kenya coastal getaways. The common denominator in all of them? Soft white sands. Turquoise ocean waters. Clear blue skies. Swaying coconut palms. An array of water sports. And, a selection of beachfront resorts.

Mombasa

Mombasa's coastline is, from the tourism perspective, often divided into 2, the north and south.

North Coast

The Mombasa North Coast is visited far more than the south coast. This is because it nearer both the airport and city. It also offers appreciably more attractions and restaurants.

The north coast consists of the Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu and Mtwapa beaches.

The up-market Nyali beach is only 10 minutes' drive from the city center so this is where to stay if you'll be making frequent trips to town. Mamba Village, the largest crocodile farm in Kenya, is located nearby. So is the Nyali Golf and Country Club.

Bamburi Beach is much visited for the Haller Park, a rehabilitated cement quarry. Nestled near Shanzu beach are the Ngomongo Villages, which will give you a peek into the traditional lifestyles of its inhabitants.

If you are a game fishing enthusiast, be sure to visit Mtwapa beach.

All these Kenya beaches offer a superb selection of hotels and a variety of water sports such as surfing, diving and snorkeling.

South Coast

The South Coast is coveted for its...

Silky-soft and brilliant-white sands. Crystal-clear turquoise ocean water. And quieter, more unspoiled feel.

In fact, when we last drove around the South Coast, my son Atu exclaimed, "this place looks like a village!" I had to agree. The south coast has a countryside feel to it. Is it the mud huts dotted along the roadside? The sparser population there?

Perhaps. What is certain is that the secluded beaches there are great if you want some privacy to laze, sunbathe or stretch on the beach.

The south coast offers some stunning reefs teeming with coral, colorful fish and even dolphins. And because the reefs lie just offshore, these Kenya beaches are a diver's and snorkeler's heaven.

There are quite a few cottages on Tiwi Beach, making it ideal for budget travelers.

My husband Chris is convinced that Diani is the crown jewel of the Mombasa south coast. Several hotels, cottages and budget rooms are conveniently located on Diani beach enabling you to squeeze every ounce of fun out of your vacation.

As if these Kenya beaches are not enough fun, you can visit the surprisingly close Shimba Hills National Park which is home to several hundred elephants, giraffes, ostriches and antelopes. Or the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary. Or Jadini Forest that is teeming with vervet and colobus monkeys. Or the mystical 500-year old Kongo Mosque.

Lamu

Lamu beaches are some of Kenya's popular holiday destinations.

Lamu is itself a coastal island town that is at peace with itself. The streets here are too winding and too narrow to cater for vehicles so Lamu is best explored on foot or donkey-back. I find though, that this complements Lamu's exotic allure.

But what this medieval stone town lacks in terms of roads, it more than makes up by way of magnificent beaches. If lazing on the beach all day is your idea of a fun holiday, your most convenient accommodation will probably be Shela village.

It is often joked that in Lamu, time either stands still or moves at a donkey's pace. To visit Lamu is therefore to experience miles and miles of Kenya beaches in an unhurried manner. It is little wonder that honeymooners and couples find Lamu particularly romantic.

Malindi

Malindi's main beach - that envelops Malindi Bay - stretches an incredible 7km (4.4 miles)! So you will saunter on the beach until your knees hurt!

The Malindi Marine National Park showcases some truly spectacular coral reefs. Connoisseurs rate these to be among the world's top three - along with Australia's Great Barrier Reef's and the Red Sea's.

Malindi isn't just a diver's haven as it is the undisputed game-fishing and surfing capital of Kenya and possibly the region.

Should you tire of the beach and the ocean, you can explore Malindi's "ancient town" offerings; ruins, gorges and a number of bustling markets.

What's more, you can sample Malindi's culinary delights. Owing to the considerable Italian population, the ice cream, pasta and traditionally baked pizza here are heavenly, probably the best in Africa.

Watamu

Watamu is a little town with probably the widest beaches in Kenya. These complement the striking Blue Lagoon, Turtle and Watamu Bays that are connected by elevated coral cliffs.

Even better, the Watamu Marine National Park is home to some stunning, nay, flawless coral.

You can also go diving and snorkeling in Watamu. There are several PADI-accredited scuba diving operators in Watamu who provide diving lessons, hire out diving equipment and organize diving expeditions.

Other attractions near Watamu are the Kipepeo Butterfly Farm, a forest and ruins. Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, the largest indigenous coastal forest in the entire Eastern Africa boasts a couple of endemic bird and animal species.

The spooky but fascinating Gedi Ruins are the remnants of a thirteenth century Swahili town that was deserted about 3 centuries ago. It is now inhabited by giant baobab trees. Its crumbling walls and winding corridors belie an unyieldingly mysterious past.

There you have it - my primer on Kenya beaches...

So, of all the Kenya beaches, which is your favorite? Share your story here.

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