Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya, second only to the capital city Nairobi. It is situated on the country’s east coast, on Mombasa Island within the Indian Ocean.
Historically its trade in spices, gold and ivory attracted the attention of numerous countries overseas.
Catch your flight to Mombasa, Kenyan coast either to Lamu Island or Watamu, Kenya’s coast it’s all about relaxation and pleasure.
The Kenyan coast is known for its beautiful white sands that stretch for miles, place and time to completely relax and do as much or as little as you like, with activities from sea kayaking to snorkelling and sailing to fishing on offer
Option One: Lamu Island
Lamu is a secluded tropical archipelago. It is perfect for adventurous travellers and holidaymakers who fancy something a little bit different from the type of holiday offered by other Kenyan destinations. Lamu is a beautiful area in which to escape reality with a beach break! The main island contains large white sand dunes, with the amazingly serene waters around it offering loads of opportunities to snorkel and experience the coral reef at nearby Kiwayu Island.
Lamu is so remote that it is not an easy place to visit.
The island is approached by dhow. Here, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to a jetty to board the boat for your 20-minute journey across the water to your idyllic beach retreat with castaway-style white sand beaches and charming waterfront accommodation.
At your lodge, the chefs take immense pride in rustling up the most exquisite cuisine using local ingredients including fresh seafood, succulent freshly picked fruit and vegetables. Whether dozing in your hammock, novel in hand, or racing across the water behind a speedboat, your time here on the island will be both memorable and invigorating.
Make yourself at home and begin your relaxation from the moment you arrive!
Option Two: Watamu
The delightful village of Watamu is an eco-tourist’s dream, lined with sandy white beaches and hotels dedicated to sustainable tourism. Watamu is a quick snorkel away from the Malindi Marine Reserve Park, and Turtle Beach is the ideal spot for a swim and a tanning session.
The village has plenty to do and visit like small Kenyan shopping stalls called dukas, where you can stock up with fresh supplies and souvenirs.
Make sure to visit the Gede Ruins, a mysterious and heavily overgrown 12th century Swahili village, and the beautifully fluttery Kipepeo Butterfly Project.
7 Day Itinerary
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to suit you. This sample itinerary is intended to give you a flavour of what we can do.
Get your bearings. Acclimatise to your destination whether you chose Lamu Island or Watamu, you’ll be stunned by the natural beauty of your environment.
Spend lazy days ambling along miles of tropical beach, frequented only by a handful of fishermen, the waves lapping gently at your toes.
The Kenyan cost is true escapism, a chance to recharge your batteries and indulge in the simplest pleasures, from fly fishing and snorkeling to sailing and swimming.
There are plenty of more energetic watersports on hand too, including water skiing, windsurfing and kite surfing as well as one of the most popular activities – deep sea fishing, with the waters along this coast, bountiful as well as beautiful.
In Lamu there are excursions inland where the dry scrubland is home to a wide variety of birds and mammals, not least a number of nocturnal species such as mongooses and porcupines.
You can also hop on a boat and explore the historic town of Lamu, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continually inhabited towns in the country.
Enjoy a final leisurely last morning with perhaps a last stroll along the beach before a long lazy lunch.
In mid-afternoon you will be met for your private transfer to the airport and after a short flight to Nairobi you’ll arrive in plenty of time to connect onto your overnight international flight back to the UK… or on to another adventure?
While all of our beach holidays are completely tailor-made and prices will vary based on things like time of year and level of accommodation, we want to give you as good an idea of how much this itinerary will cost.
- Group Leader, comprehensive pre-departure information & planning advice
- Food (3 meals per day) and bottled water throughout the trip
- Safe and comfortable accommodation
- UK/Kenya Administration Support
- Local Transfers (Air & Boat)
- All transport within Kenya, to and from included excursions, and between the main destinations on the tour
- Your international flights
- Visas (if needed).
- Medications, antimalarial or vaccinations.
- Travel/health insurance (required).
- Drinks & meals that are not mentioned.
- Optional activities.
- Tips for local staff.