The Kenya coast in a nutshell
The coast has long white beaches, coral reefs, mangrove creeks and old Swahili towns. Diani Beach and Galu lie south of Mombasa, Watamu, Kilifi and Malindi to the north. Mombasa sits in the middle with Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, and an Old Town. Inland, Tsavo East is a long day trip or an overnight safari from the coast.
Most visitors arrive at Moi International Airport in Mombasa and continue by road. Diani also has its own airstrip at Ukunda, which the airline FlyALS lists as a destination, so check a dated schedule. The Madaraka Express train links Nairobi and Mombasa. This guide covers the places between Shimoni and Malindi, plus the safari add-ons. It is an independent site, not run by any tourism board, park authority, museum or tour company. Prices below are published figures for 2026 or the latest list available, and they change.
What this guide covers
From the south coast to Malindi, plus safari.
The south coast around Diani is the main beach area, with Galu and Tiwi nearby, plus boat trips from Shimoni to Wasini Island and the Kisite marine park. Mombasa has the fort, the Old Town, the Nyali and Bamburi beaches and Haller Park. North of the city are Kilifi with its creek, Watamu with its marine park and Mida Creek, the Gede ruins and Malindi. For wildlife you can add Shimba Hills near Diani or Tsavo East, with a stay in the Taita Hills if you want two nights. Lamu has its own guide: see Lamu. We stay with the coast south of it.
Our picks: Kenya coast tours
An Old Town walk, a dhow trip to Wasini Island and a two-day safari in Tsavo East.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Two-day Tsavo East safari
The price is per person. It covers a pop-top safari vehicle, Tsavo East entry, one night at Voi Wildlife Lodge with dinner, breakfast and lunch, and the transfer. Other drinks, snacks and tips are extra.
Check availability →
Dhow trip to Wasini Island and Kisite
Pickup on the south coast, fins and masks (also with prescription lenses), breakfast, lunch and drinks, including two beers or two glasses of wine.
Check availability →
Old Town, spice market and Fort Jesus walk
A guide, air-conditioned transfer within Mombasa, a tuk-tuk ride and a spice and coffee stop. The Fort Jesus entry is extra and is paid by card (Visa or Mastercard).
Check availability →Kenya coast tours and day trips
Boat trips to Kisite, city tours in Mombasa and safaris to Tsavo East, with live prices and availability.
Places and sights
Pick a stretch of coast or a sight.
12 things to do on the coast
A selection from Diani to Tsavo East, with entry prices.
Best beaches in Kenya
Diani, Galu, Watamu, Nyali and more, with tide and reef tips.
Diani Beach
The long white beach, Galu and kitesurfing.
Mombasa
Old Town, Nyali, Bamburi and the marine park.
Fort Jesus
Tickets, history and a walk through the Old Town.
Watamu
Marine park, Mida Creek and the beaches.
Malindi
Marine park, the Vasco da Gama Pillar and the Old Town.
Gede ruins
A UNESCO-listed Swahili town in the forest.
Kilifi
The creek, Bofa Beach and the Mnarani ruins.
Wasini Island and Kisite
Snorkeling trips from Shimoni, with park rules.
Shimba Hills
Forest, sable antelope and the Sheldrick Falls.
Haller Park
Giraffes, tortoises and forest trails in a former quarry.
Safari and planning
Wildlife, getting around and the practical pages.
Tsavo East
Gates, park fees and how to reach the park from the coast.
Safari and beach
Day trip or several nights: how to combine them.
Tours compared
Boat trips, safaris and city tours, and what to check.
Getting there
Moi Airport, Ukunda, Dongo Kundu and the Likoni ferry.
Madaraka Express
Timetable, fares and the transfer from Miritini.
Weather and best time
Monthly temperatures and rain for Mombasa.
Safety
Travel advice by country, with dates, and beach tips.
Where to stay
Diani, Galu, Watamu, Mombasa or Kilifi: which area fits.
Good to know in October 2026
Where older guides are out of date.
Travel advice changed on 19 October
The US raised Kenya to Level 3, Reconsider travel, on 19 October 2026, citing additional health risks. It lists Do Not Travel for Kilifi County north of Highway C103, coastal areas north of Malindi and Tana River County except Tsavo National Park. That is not the whole of Kilifi County. The UK and German advice differ in areas and categories, so read your own government's current pages.
Safety page →Health insurance for entry
According to the UK FCDO, most foreign short-term visitors have needed Kenyan state travel health insurance since 5 October 2026. A foreign policy does not replace it, and an existing eTA does not exempt you. Check the current rules for your nationality before you fly.
Getting there →New museum and monument fees
Since 7 May 2026, visitors from outside Africa pay $17 (adults) and $8 (children) at Fort Jesus, and $8 and $4 at the Gede and Mnarani ruins. Old KES tariffs for foreigners no longer apply.
Fort Jesus →Park fees are still unsettled
The Kenya Wildlife Service October 2025 list shows Tsavo East at $80 (adults) and $40 (children), Shimba Hills at $50 and $25, and the marine parks at $25 and $15 for non-residents. A court stop was reported soon after the rollout, so treat these as planning figures and confirm the price when you book or pay.
Tsavo East →Two ways to Diani
The Likoni ferry still runs, and pedestrians travel free according to press reports. The Dongo Kundu bypass is the alternative for road traffic. A small car was reported at KES 180 on the ferry in May 2026.
Routes to Diani →Train fares
The Madaraka Express lists KES 1,500 Economy, KES 4,500 First and KES 12,000 Premium one way between Nairobi and Mombasa. The terminus is at Miritini, so plan a road transfer to the Old Town, Diani or Watamu.
Madaraka Express →Kenya coast: frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the Kenya coast?
There is no single best month. Records for Mombasa show the most rain in May (240 mm) and the least in February (15 mm), and the Kenya Meteorological Department describes March to May and October to December as rainy periods. The data series is old, so use it as a guide. Kitesurfers look for the windy periods from mid-December to mid-March and mid-June to mid-September. See the weather page.
Is the Kenya coast safe?
Governments rate areas differently, and the ratings change. The US advice of 19 October 2026 is Level 3 for the whole country, with Do Not Travel areas north of Malindi and in northern Kilifi County. The German Foreign Office has a partial travel warning, mainly for the northeast, and notes a higher risk of robberies on beaches and in city centers at night. Read your own government's current advice and the safety page.
What do I need to enter Kenya?
Kenya's entry system is the electronic travel authorization (eTA), applied for on the Kenyan government portal. The portal lists standard processing of about 3 working days and a fee from $30, and the authorities recommend applying at least 2 weeks before you travel. Since 5 October 2026, most short-term visitors also need Kenyan state travel health insurance. Check the details for your nationality on the getting there page.
How do I get to Diani Beach?
Fly to Mombasa and drive on, or fly to the Ukunda airstrip if your airline serves it. By road from Mombasa you can take the Likoni ferry or the Dongo Kundu bypass. Pedestrians ride the ferry free according to press reports. Allow extra time for the ferry, as waiting times are not fixed.
Can I combine a safari with a beach stay?
Yes. You can take a long day trip from the coast to Tsavo East, or add an overnight stay inside or near the park. A day trip means a very early start. Details are on the safari and beach page.
Is visitkenyacoast.org an official site?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to the Kenya Tourism Board, the Kenya Wildlife Service, the National Museums of Kenya, any county government or any tour operator.