Clear waters, kite surfing, and snorkelling among other marine activities describe the most beautiful beach in Mombasa –Diani Beach. Mombasa is a city of cultural and historical awe and an amazing holiday destination for a variety of reasons. The North and South Coast have wonderful beaches crowning the status of Kenya’s second-largest city. Mombasa’s beach life attracts thousands of tourists domestically and internationally.
The Swahili culture is fascinating and complements the amazing moments you spend on the city’s award-winning beaches. This article looks at the most stunning beaches on the North and South Coast too.
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Which is the Most Beautiful Beach in Mombasa?
Diani Beach in South Coast Kenya is the most beautiful beach in Mombasa. It’s also the leading African Beach Destination in 2024 according to the World Travel Awards (WTA). Diani has held its allure as a top beach destination in Africa from 2019. The serenity, acres of soft white sand and turquoise waters attract visitors in droves each year.
It’s only at Diani Beach where you enjoy the best of adventure and natural beauty from the Indian Ocean. The ocean water is shallow and calm at the beach making it ideal for swimming, diving and snorkelling. The coral reef around the beach brings the best of African marine life. A neat garden of palm trees stretching from end-to-end of the beach adds to the natural beauty of Diani. The open-air shade from palm trees is beautiful. Further, the beach is home to luxurious boutique hotels and resorts such as:
- Ocean Village Club
- Nomad Beach Resort
- Kaskazi Beach Resort
- Waterlovers Beach Resort
- Coral Beach Resort
- Ocean Village Club
- Nomad Beach Resort
- Kaskazi Beach Resort
- Waterlovers Beach Resort
- Coral Beach Resort
Diani Beach. Photo/Muthaiga Travel
Which Beach is Better in Mombasa?
Although Diani is the most beautiful beach in Mombasa, there are several other world-class beaches in the coastal city. They include the following:
- Nyali Beach
- Shanzu Beach
- Shelly Beach
- Bamburi Beach
Nyali Beach
Nyali Beach is generally uncrowded, and the neighbourhood includes a variety of beach resorts that provide a variety of lodging alternatives, making it a fantastic choice for a beach holiday. It is located 20 km north of Mombasa, reachable by road from the capital city of Mombasa. The lovely beach is near to the city and a great location for anyone looking to combine business and pleasure. Several regional and international eateries are close by just for your cravings should you decide to go out on a food-binging spree.
Shanzu Beach
Shanzu Beach. Photo/The Beats Beaches in the World
Located 15 kilometres north of Mombasa, near Mtwapa, is the popular Shanzu Beach. Travelling to Mombasa via air with an arrival at the Moi International Airport is less than 30 30-minute drive to the beach. A unique aspect placing it among the most beautiful beach in Mombasa is the abundance of entertainment clubs in Mtwapa. It is the perfect location for tourists who wish to enjoy both daytime and evening fun which these clubs provide.
Additionally, the adjacent Shimba Hills National Reserve, which is about 70 km south of Mtwapa, is a great spot to visit. If you are an outdoor person, the reserve there is an opportunity to spot African elephants, native plants, antelopes, small animals, and birds here.
Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach is the ideal beach in Kenya for shell collectors, with a reputation for huge amounts of shells that wash up on the sand. It’s secluded and perfect for a leisurely day at the shore. However, swimming is not advised due to the frequent presence of seaweed in the water. Instead, you enjoy the vista and the sound of the waves crashing as you lounge in the sun, have a picnic, or while shell-collecting. Still, it passes as one of the most beautiful beach in Mombasa.
Tiwi Beach
Tiwi Beach. Photo by Booking.com
Despite its isolation, Tiwi Beach offers a range of recreational opportunities and a setting of pristine white dunes, palm palms, and casuarina trees. Still, it has more goodies. Of low tide, you can approach as near the sandbars at Tiwi Beach as the reef that is next to the beach. This ranks it among the most beautiful beach in Mombasa. With the exception of the Amani Tiwi Beach Resort, there are no sizable bars or eateries. However, visitors can purchase fresh seafood dishes and beverages at small beach cafes around. The serene nature of Tiwi Beach makes it a stunning coastal haven and a fantastic location for travellers of all kinds.
Bamburi Beach
Kenya’s northern coast has a delightful beach getaway called Bamburi Beach with fine, soft sand and quiet waters. Bamburi is an excellent location for beach relaxation, sunbathing, and watching the sunset. This beach offers a terrific experience because it has camel rides, water sports like scuba diving and snorkelling, and a coral reef just off the coast. Mombasa gives you a blend of options; serenity and hippy holidays across its beaches. You choose what works best for you. Remember, a charming ambience remains constant irrespective of your beach of choice.
