Diving
All year
A wilderness beneath the Indian Ocean as rich as any game park, with balmy water and consistently good conditions.
Mombasa North Coast · 1 of 3
Mombasa North Coast beach extension
Calm, warm water and world-class resorts at Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu and Vipingo.
A beach stay close to the airport
The coastline north of Mombasa is a world of history and natural beauty, lined with palm-fringed beaches and the calm, inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. The beaches of Nyali, Bamburi, Vipingo, Kikambala and Shanzu are home to a wide range of resorts, and the quieter havens of Mtwapa and Takaungu feel a world away.
Offshore reefs are alive with coral, fish, sea turtles and dolphins. The inner and outer reef walls offer excellent diving, including Kenya's best wreck dive on the MV Dania.
It is a short drive from Moi International Airport, which makes the North Coast an easy add-on after a Tsavo or Amboseli safari.
Things to do on the North Coast
Kite and wind surfing
Windy months
Perfect wind and wide tropical beaches. Try Nyali Beach, Che Shale in Malindi or H2O Extreme in Diani.
Beach walks
All year
White sand and a cool sea breeze, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Big game fishing
December to March
Full and half-day charters from Malindi for sailfish, marlin, kingfish and wahoo, with tag and release.
Where to stay
Our picks, chosen for their beaches, service and value. Tell us which you like and we will add it to your safari.
Serena Beach Resort & Spa
Whispering coconut palms, lush gardens and one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches on the Indian Ocean.
Add to my tripSarova Whitesands Resort & Spa
Ocean, pool and garden views, three themed restaurants, five pools with water slides and floodlit tennis courts.
Add to my tripSeverin Sea Lodge
Round bungalows and two pools in a palm garden directly on Bamburi Beach, designed in traditional African style.
Add to my tripTravellers Beach Hotel & Club
Right next to the beach, with elegant rooms and plenty of activities for all ages.
Add to my trip
Voyager Beach Resort
A ship-themed resort famous for family entertainment, themed journeys and evening shows.
Add to my tripNeptune Beach Resort
On the silver sands of Bamburi, 14 km north of Mombasa, with lush gardens and a friendly family atmosphere.
Add to my tripPrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa
A tranquil retreat inside an exclusive coastal estate, known for its service and attention to detail.
Add to my trip
English Point Marina
A boutique hotel and serviced apartments with a spa, gym and infinity pool on the Mombasa waterfront.
Add to my tripSample 4-night North Coast extension
How a typical extension runs after a Kenya safari.
- Day 1 Fly or drive from your last safari stop to Mombasa and transfer to your resort.
- Day 2 Free day on the beach, or a dive on the inner reef.
- Day 3 Optional dhow trip, snorkelling or a visit to Mombasa Old Town.
- Day 4 Free day to relax by the ocean.
- Day 5 Transfer to Moi International Airport for your flight home.
Compare our beach extensions
| Feature | Mombasa North Coast | Diani, South Coast | Zanzibar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Getting there | Short drive from Moi International Airport, Mombasa | Ukunda airstrip in Diani, or by road from Mombasa via the Likoni ferry | Flights from the Serengeti, Arusha or Nairobi; 20 minutes from Dar es Salaam |
| The beach | Palm-fringed beaches at Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Vipingo and Kikambala | About 25 km of white sand, protected by a long coral reef | White-sand beaches on every coast of the island, each with its own character |
| Best for | Families, wreck diving, value resorts close to the airport | Couples, kite-surfing, dhow trips to Wasini Island | History in Stone Town, diving at Mnemba, island romance |
| Water sports | Diving including the MV Dania wreck, kite-surfing at Nyali, deep-sea fishing from Malindi | Kite and wind surfing, diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing | Diving and snorkelling, kite-surfing, big game fishing from Nungwi |
| Pairs well with | Tsavo and Amboseli road safaris | Any Kenya safari | Serengeti and Ngorongoro safaris in Tanzania |
Safaris that pair well with Mombasa North Coast
Big Five Safari & Beach Holiday
Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East National Park & Diani Beach
From US$3,790 pp
View trip
Trails of Amboseli & Tsavo
Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West National Park & Tsavo East National Park
From US$1,750 pp
View trip
Southern Circuit Comfort Safari
Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West National Park & Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
From US$1,870 pp
View tripPrice my safari with Mombasa North Coast
Tell us which safari you are considering, how many beach nights you would like and any resort you liked. We will send one combined quote.
- Flights or road transfers from the safari to the coast arranged for you
- Resorts we know well, from family favourites to small boutique hotels
- One team looking after you from arrival to departure