When South Africans think of affordable Indian Ocean destinations, Mauritius usually tops the list. But here’s a secret: there’s another tropical escape that’s equally stunning, adventurous, and surprisingly affordable — Kenya’s coast.
Don’t believe us? Here are five key reasons why South African travellers love Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline…
Kenyan beach holidays offer a unique combo: powdery white beaches, turquoise waters and easy access to world-class safaris at nearby(ish) wildlife parks Tsavo and Amboseli.
Tsavo National Park (East & West) is about two hours’ drive inland from Mombasa, and provides a vast (21,000 square kilometres of reserve!), rugged, less commercialised safari experience. Think volcanic hills, ancient lava flows and endless open savannah, and the chance to spot Tsavo’s famous red-dusted elephants — a sight you won’t find anywhere else.
Amboseli National Park is a little further inland — a four- to five-hour drive from the coast — but it’s worth the trek for the park’s postcard-perfect views of Mount Kilimanjaro. This is the place for iconic wildlife photography, and also the chance to connect with Maasai culture.
Starting from Diani in the South, moving up North to Mombasa, Watamu, Malindi and Lamu, Kenya’s coastline is dotted with beach destinations that will make you the envy of your Instagram followers!
Just south of Mombasa, Diani Beach is the crown jewel of Kenya’s coastline — a picture-perfect paradise of swaying palms, powdery sands and turquoise waters. Whether you’re snorkelling in coral gardens, gliding across the ocean in a glass-bottom boat or simply sinking your toes into warm sand with a cocktail in hand, Diani delivers on every dream.
And if you crave a little wilderness beyond the waves, take a short trip to Shimba Hills National Reserve for an elephant-spotting safari with views that stretch to the sea.
Mombasa isn’t just a beach — it’s a living story of Swahili culture. Walk through Fort Jesus, a Unesco World Heritage site, or wander the spice-laden alleys of Old Town where Arabic architecture whispers tales of centuries-old trade routes.
When you’re ready to trade history for horizon, Nyali and Bamburi beaches await — perfect for dhow cruises, watersports or simply floating under a tropical sun.
For those who love the ocean, Watamu is pure magic. Its Marine National Park is a snorkelling wonderland, where kaleidoscopic fish and coral gardens shimmer beneath crystal-clear waters.
Hop on a dolphin-spotting cruise, dive into a scuba adventure, or wander into the Arabuko Sokoke Forest for a nature escape filled with rare birds, butterflies and ancient trees.
Malindi is for those who love their beaches slow and soulful. Golden sands, calm shallows and a laid-back vibe make it the perfect spot to just… breathe.
But it’s not all about the beach — explore the Vasco da Gama Pillar, a beacon of history, or step into the mystical world of the Gedi Ruins, where centuries-old secrets hide among crumbling stone walls.
If ever there was a place that feels like stepping back in time, Lamu is it. With its car-free streets, whitewashed buildings and dhows dotting the horizon, this Unesco World Heritage site is pure coastal poetry.
Wander through narrow alleys where every carved door has a story, or glide across the ocean on a sunset dhow cruise. For couples, it’s romance redefined; for families, it’s a safe, cultural playground that feels like nowhere else on earth.
From diving in Watamu Marine Park to kite surfing in Diani, deep-sea fishing in Malindi and Snorkelling in Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, there’s a smorgasbord of marine activities to choose from along Kenya’s tropical coast.
The coastline is equally rich in cultural experiences. Think Swahili cooking classes and spice tours, exploring Lamu Old Town (a Unesco site), taking in sunset onboard a traditional dhow and attending the Lamu Cultural Festival.
Kenya’s coastal resorts range from top notch 3-star properties to 5-star luxury without the hefty price tag — ideal for budget conscious travellers, with many offering all-inclusive packages, water sports, fine dining and beachfront bliss, like these four popular gems:
Step into a vibrant beach escape where the playful pulse of Kenyan hospitality meets the warm Indian Ocean. At Travellers Beach Hotel & Club, every day brings something new — from live music and traditional cabaret shows to tropical serenity right at your doorstep. The resort pulses with energy: an outdoor disco, kids' club and dedicated pools ensure everyone — from tots to teens — finds their moment of fun.
Go Here With Sure: 6 Night stay at Travellers Beach now priced from R21,175 pps. Package includes: return flights from Johannesburg; return airport transfers; 6 nights’ accommodation; breakfast, lunch, dinner and selected drinks daily. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
Tucked into lush tropical gardens on pristine Diani Beach, Neptune Village Resort & Spa is where nature and comfort come together under makuti thatched roofs. Feel the soft ocean breeze from your Superior Garden Room, indulge in spa moments at Earth & Rain Wellness and dip into activities ranging from pool dives to fashion shows.
Go Here With Sure: 7 Night stay at Neptune Village Beach now priced from R25,170 pps. Package includes: return flights from Johannesburg; return airport transfers; 7 nights’ accommodation; breakfast, lunch, dinner and selected drinks daily. Plus, 1 child under 12 stays and eats free when sharing with 2 adults. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
At Diani Sea Resort, Swahili-style elegance, architecture, gardens and ocean meld into a sanctuary of charm. Enjoy themed dinners, beachfront BBQs, daily water sports and planned entertainment — plus easy access to Shimba Hills for those craving a beach-meets-bush experience. It’s serene, stylish, and deeply Kenyan.
Go Here With Sure: 6 Night stay at Diani Sea Resort now priced from R27,563 pps. Package includes: return flights from Johannesburg; return airport transfers; 6 nights’ accommodation; breakfast, lunch, dinner and selected drinks daily. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
Set along Malindi’s silver-sand shoreline, Diamonds Malindi Resort blends tranquillity with elegance in an all-inclusive setting tailored for families and romance seekers alike. Picture sunset strolls on white beaches, spa indulgence at Mvua African Rain and four-restaurant culinary delights — Mediterranean, Asian, farm-to-table, and more.
Go Here With Sure: 6 Night stay at Diamonds Malindi Resort now priced from R25,499 pps. Package includes: return flights from Johannesburg; return airport transfers; 6 nights’ accommodation; breakfast, lunch, dinner and selected drinks daily. Plus, 1 child under 12 stays and eats free when sharing with 2 adults. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
For South African travellers who’ve been to Mauritius once, twice or more, Kenya’s coast is an obvious choice for your next Indian Ocean Island holiday. Like Mauritius, Kenya’s coastline offers powder-white beaches, warm water and affordable resorts, but it’s a totally different experience.
Here you can explore Unesco World Heritage sites, spice markets and Arabic-inspired architecture, and experience world-class safaris and vibrant Swahili culture — all making for a unique tropical holiday that goes beyond the beach.
With affordable packages, luxury resorts and the ultimate sun-sand-safari combo, Kenya is the Indian Ocean holiday you didn’t know you needed (until now)!
Ready to swap your Mauritius repeat for something new? Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent about any of these Kenyan coastal deals from Thompsons Holidays:
6 Night stay at the 3* Plus Travellers Beach Hotel & Club NOW priced from R21,175 pps. Package includes: return flights from Johannesburg; return airport transfers; 6 nights’ accommodation; breakfast, lunch, dinner and selected drinks daily. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
7 Night stay at the 4* Neptune Village Beach Resort & Spa NOW priced from R25,170 pps. Package includes: return flights from Johannesburg; return airport transfers; 7 nights’ accommodation; breakfast, lunch, dinner and selected drinks daily. Plus, 1 child under 12 stays and eats free when sharing with 2 adults. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
6 Night stay at the 4* Diani Sea Resort NOW priced from R27,563 pps. Package includes: return flights from Johannesburg; return airport transfers; 6 nights’ accommodation; breakfast, lunch, dinner and selected drinks daily. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
6 Night stay at the 5* Diamonds Malindi Resort NOW priced from R25,499 pps. Package includes: return flights from Johannesburg; return airport transfers; 6 nights’ accommodation; breakfast, lunch, dinner and selected drinks daily. Plus, 1 child under 12 stays and eats free when sharing with 2 adults. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent to enquire/book any of these incredible deals! Find your nearest Sure Travel Agency here.
