Coastal  Resorts  &  Hotels

Kenya's tropical coast is fringed with beautiful coral reefs, rich marine life and stretches of secluded unspoilt beaches, you just have to know where to find them.  Along the coastline there is a variety of accommodation from large 'fully inclusive' resorts, big beach hotels, exclusive retreats or informal privately owned hotels ideal for a family holiday.    

Featured below are our favourites, away from the crowds and package holidays.  You can choose the Kenya coast purely as a 'Beach Holiday', maybe a two centre holiday to experience different areas of the coast.  Break your holiday up with a 'Flying Safari' to the Mara or a 'Road Safari' to Galana Ranch and Tsavo.  Otherwise the coast is popular for a peaceful finish to a safari upcountry, unwind, relax and dust off by the beach !

If hotels are not your thing and you prefer privacy and doing your own thing, why not consider renting a house at the coast.  There are many stunning houses available to let in  Lamu, Malindi, Watamu and Kilifi.  These are people's private homes or holiday houses so they are fully furnished, staff are there to help out with everyday chores including cleaning, laundry and cooking and in some cases shopping. Fresh fish and seafood can be delivered to your doorstep and shopping in the colourful local markets is an experience in itself.

Kiwayu Safari Village: 30km north of Lamu off Kenya’s remote north coast in the Kiunga Marine Park.  It nestles amongst sand dunes overlooking a sheltered lagoon and the Indian Ocean. A natural, simple secluded retreat, the theme at camp is informality – a swimming costume, kikoy and hat are all you really need.  Miles of deserted beaches with soft white sand and the soothing sound of waves will soon restore a tired soul and take you miles away from superficial sophistication.  Accommodation is in 18 thatched bandas which blend into the dunes, each with a spacious bedroom, a dressing room with en-suite safari style shower and loo.  Each hammock strung veranda offers privacy and panoramic views over the lagoon.  The dining room, lounge and bar are also built with local palm thatch, woven matting floors and colourful scatter cushions.  Activities include snorkeling (from November), picnics on nearby beaches, evening dhow cruises, windsurfing, laser sailing, guided dune walking, mangrove trips.  Optional extra activities include water-skiing, reef fishing, creek fishing, speed boat trip to Lamu & deep sea fishing.

Peponi Hotel:  is a small family run hotel on the unspoiled Swahili island of Lamu.  Sitting at the entrance of the Shela channel that runs between Manda and Lamu islands, to the south of the hotel lies an 12km stretch of beach open to the full force of the Indian Ocean. To the north is Lamu town, still in a time warp, where the streets are just wide enough for a fully laden donkey to pass, the perfect place to explore Swahili culture.   Peponi is simple, fresh, friendly and cheerful, distinguished with a reputation for delicious cuisine.  Accommodation is in 24 rooms, a mix of standard and superior rooms all with a sea view.  Optional activities include windsurfing, water-skiing, scuba diving & snorkelling, dhow trips & deep sea fishing.

Kizingo: is the ultimate 'no news, no shoes’ beach resort - a wonderful secluded and tranquil escape from the modern world. The lodge is situated at one end of a spectacular 12-kilometre beach that stretches from Kizingo (which means 'the point’ in Swahili) to the fashionable village of Shela. Kizingo has eight beautifully appointed bandas (thatched cottages), set well apart from each other. In the early morning you can enjoy tea in bed and watch fishing dhows tack south to Malindi. Guests can be as private or as social as they wish, opting to enjoy fine dining on the balcony of their banda or join other guests in the bar and the dining room with their magnficent views across the bay to mainland Kenya where giant baobab trees spread into the brilliant blue sky.

The swimming is excellent, both in the Indian Ocean and in the calm waters of the channel that separates Lamu from the mainland. For the more energetic there is a big choice of activities including a guided tour of historic Lamu Town, excellent snorkelling, the chance to swim with dolphins in the winter months and cycle rides to friendly African villages on the mainland.

Manda Bay: Manda Bay is located on the north western tip of Manda Island, one of the many unspoiled, idyllic islands of the Lamu archipelago. An exclusive resort, Manda Bay offers relaxation, water sports, dhow safaris and luxurious pampering throughout your stay.  Surrounded by miles of soft white sand, Manda Bay is the perfect retreat for families and honeymooners. Accommodation is in 16 cottages all in keeping with the local landscape and constructed using local materials. All cottages have large ceiling fans, en-suite bathrooms, and their own private veranda's overlooking the Indian Ocean. There is a central dining room and bar area featuring locally crafted Lamu furniture. Overlooking the bay, a separate secluded lounge area provides the perfect place for unwinding over a cocktail or spend time relaxing by the pool.  Activities include dhow sundowner cruises, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing & bird walks.  Optional extra activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, motorised water sports, dhow charters, deep sea and creek fishing, boat trips to Lamu and spa treatments.

Kijani House Hotel: overlooking the entrance to Shela channel, Kijani House is a small hotel set in leafy gardens around a freshwater pool, where you will find peace and relaxation. 

Accommodation is in 11 spacious rooms all en-suite with a veranda.  An ideal spot to explore the surrounding islands by dhow or soak up the local Swahili culture of Lamu.  Optional activities include windsurfing, snorkelling, dhow trips & deep sea fishing.

Manda Dream (694kb) comprises of two houses designed in a refined exotic style and built in precious African wood. One house is four bedroom, the other is three, all positioned on the beautiful Manda beach, includes a boat and captain to explore the Lamu islands at your will.

Kilamawingu (698kb) this 6 double/twin room house is situated in Shela Village and built in the traditional Lamu design, it has its own pool set in beautiful tropical gardens.

La Marelle (698kb)  is positioned on Manda Island, this colonial Caribbean style house sleeps up to six people. The houses open airy style gives it a wonderful cool clean cut feel that just adds to the ambience of Manda beach. Again the house comes with a boat and captain to explore the Lamu islands.

Driftwood Beachclub: located on the Silversands beach, 3km south of Malindi town. Overlooking the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, the Driftwood was established over 40 years ago, and over this time has preserved the essence of a traditional Kenyan beach holiday – tranquil, informal, fun and relaxed. This unique hotel offers sea view dining, the best pub in town and wonderful fresh seafood. It combines hospitality, relaxation and informality – all at its best!

Since it began, the Driftwood has been an important part of the Malindi community and is a popular place to meet for a meal and a drink.

Accommodation is in individual bandas nestled in tropical gardens set amongst the palm trees. They are all air-conditioned, en-suite with a large mosquito net surrounding the bed and have safety deposit boxes. No two bandas are alike and all are equally charming. There are two luxury cottages; each cottage has two spacious rooms, air-conditioned and en-suite. Every room is furnished with spacious mosquito nets. Each luxury cottage has a lounge, bar, fridge and veranda overlooking the private swimming pool. Set in their own tropical garden only seconds away from the beach, these luxury cottages are perfect for increased privacy and seclusion.  Optional activities include scuba diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing & safaris to close by Galana Ranch & Tsavo East National Park.

Kingfisher Villas - Rates - Full Info -  Set in 6 acres of tranquil tropical gardens overlooking a swimming pool. Situated three kilometres out of Malindi Town, in the residential area known as Malindi North. A self catering property ideal for a family, group of friends or fishermen. The accommodation comprises of four individual cottages; one double and three twins, each with their own private veranda and ensuite bathroom (shower & bath). Each room is air conditioned and has an overhead ceiling fan. The main public area consists of a bar and sitting area in one rondavel and a separate dining rondavel attached to a well equipped kitchen. Kingfisher is fully staffed with a cook, two garden/pool attendants and a room steward/laundry plus a night time security guard. The staff are more than happy to help with buying in provisions so you arrive to a fully stocked fridge. Seafood can be ordered and delivered fresh direct to the doorstep. Optional activities include Deep Sea Fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, safaris to Galana Ranch and Tsavo, kite surfing on nearby Che Shale beach, bird watching in Mida creek and Arabuko Sokoke Forest.

Hemingways Resort - overlooks the stunning beach of Watamu Marine Park, about 25km south of Malindi.  The ambience of the hotel is of relaxed sophistication, with the friendliness of a privately owned hotel.  The beach was voted as being one of the top 10 beaches in the world (Nov to Mar), guarded by a beautiful tropical reef, perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. Accommodation is provided in 74 rooms, including 2 Executive suites, 4 Junior suites, Superior and Standard rooms. 

All rooms are air conditioned with en-suite bathrooms and have ocean views.  The hotel staff are renowned for their courtesy and friendliness. Activities include in-house gym, snorkelling in the Marine Park, local excursions to Malindi town, Bio-ken Snake Farm & Gede Ruins.  Optional extra activities include sun downer Dhow cruises on Mida Creek, a nearby tidal creek lined with mangrove and teeming with bird life.  Scuba diving, Deep Sea Fishing in some of the most productive fishing grounds in the world, safaris to close by Galana Ranch and Tsavo East National Park.

Ocean Sports - Special B&B Offer - overlooking the stunning Watamu beach, a protected Marine Park.  During the northerly monsoon know as the Kaskazi, the beach is pristine white with clear blue tropical waters lapping the shoreline.  At low tide there are some wonderful shallow pools ideal for children to play in.  Accommodation is in small cottages nestled in tropical gardens facing towards the ocean.  All rooms are air conditioned.  Ocean Sports pub is well known as the 'local watering hole' and is a popular place to meet in Watamu for a drink. Sitting out on the wooden deck, simply watching the world go by whilst enjoying a cold drink or meal from the restaurant, is all part of the experience.  An ideal informal hotel for family holidays, groups of friends or fishermen.  Optional activities include scuba diving, Deep Sea Fishing in some of the most productive fishing grounds in the world, safaris to close by Galana Ranch and Tsavo East National Park, bird watching on Mida creek and Arabuko Sokoke Forest, visit to historical Gede Ruins and Bio-Ken Snake Farm.

Alfajiri Villas - situated south of Mombasa at Diani, elevated above the Indian Ocean, their position ensures privacy and stunning views.  AlfaJiri is considered to be one of the finest Villas on the East African coast, set in meticulously maintained gardens and featuring some impressive African & Far Eastern artefacts.   Accommodation is in 3 Villas: Cliff Villa which sleeps up to 8 guests on an exclusive basis in 4 bedrooms all en-suite.  With a private dining room, kitchen, lounge and large veranda which overlook the Indian Ocean and your own private swimming pool.  Beach Villa with two luxury double bedrooms and Garden Villa with four luxury double bedrooms make up the rest of the accommodation, all rooms have en-suite bathrooms.  The Villas are owned and hosted by Fabrizio Molinaro and his wife Marika along with a team of experienced staff who provide discreet world class service.  Activities include snorkelling, massage, yoga, gym, sauna and steam bath at a nearby property, golf inclusive of green fees and clubs.  Optional extra activities include scuba diving, kite surfing and deep sea fishing.