Africa’s Best Beach Destinations: Zanzibar vs. Kenyan Coast

We have always recommended either the Kenyan Coast or Zanzibar for some R&R at the end of a safari. In previous years, those who went on safari in Tanzania would head to Zanzibar and those choosing Kenya for their wildlife watching would travel to the Kenyan Coast – that made perfect sense. But with the introduction of more low-cost airlines and additional routes, you now have more choice at your fingertips – you needn’t simply go to the closest place. We chatted with our knowledgeable Africa travel experts about the differences between the two beach destinations and the best places to stay.

Watamu is a small fishing town that’s about a 2-hour drive north of Mombasa. Like most towns along the coast, Watamu is located close to a creek. It’s spread along a couple of coved coastline areas and is home to beautiful beaches, a superb marine park, and the fascinating Gedi ruins. Watamu is a seasonal town and is dependent on the tourism brought by the local Nairobi population, who own a lot of residences in and around Watamu town. There isn’t a huge amount of hotel accommodation on offer, though Hemingways Watamu is a notable exception.

Lamu is the oldest and best-preserved town in East Africa. Established in the 12th century as a Swahili settlement, it has been inhabited ever since and is the only settlement that was never abandoned. The history, the beaches, and the islands of Lamu are by turn fascinating and absolutely breathtaking. There is so much to see and do here, and it’s still not on everyone’s radar (thankfully, we think!). There are plenty of private beaches in and around the island, featuring some of the more characterful properties on the Kenyan Coast. Manda Bay and Peponi are two of our favorites.

Along the Kenyan Coast, there are some great activities to enjoy, such as snorkeling, fishing, and boat trips. However, on the whole, this is a beach location for those who appreciate doing very little, eating well, and enjoying the ocean.

Zanzibar has a different feel to the Kenyan Coast. There’s something electric about being on this legendary island, with its amazing cultural heritage and superb resorts. The ambience is also much more varied, depending on where you stay. Travelers seeking a busier social scene will enjoy the north of the island, while those looking for a more relaxed pace and seclusion will be happy on the east coast. The list of activities available on Zanzibar is much more varied – for example, visiting the monkeys of Jozani Forest and exploring the eclectic capital of Stone Town! The island offers lots of different brilliant diving spots – and while Kenya also offers you the chance to dive, I do find Zanzibar’s underwater world much more appealing.

This is also a very relaxed beach area, with long stretches of picture-perfect, white sandy beachfront set back with palm trees. This is where to come to get away from it all and is home to one of Zanzibar’s best-value lodges! Pongwe Beach Hotel, set within its own private cove, offers a charming, relaxed vibe, an excellent beach, and a wide range of activities. Sunshine Marine Lodge is a similarly unpretentious property, brilliant for divers due to its close proximity to the nearby Mnemba Atoll, accessible by a short boat trip.

There are plenty of satellite islands surrounding Zanzibar. Pemba and Mafia are renowned for their superb dive sites, so if you’re going to spend lots of time underwater, these are good to consider! There are also private island retreats, such as Mnemba Island Lodge, which is the ultimate in barefoot luxury and certainly the best beach in the whole region. The rustic and minimalist lodge comes in at a high price point but you’ll find the wonderful privacy, snorkelling from the shore, and fine dining make splurging on a true paradise island worthwhile. For somewhere with a few more mod cons, Bawe Island offers sprawling 5-star villas, various restaurants, and every activity imaginable, including tennis, padel, yoga, spa, a kids club, cycling, and a host of watersports.

To summarise, both the Kenyan Coast and Zanzibar offer you that picturesque Indian Ocean beach paradise you see on postcards. Your decision will most likely be affected by many factors, such as budget and the overall experience you’re looking for.

In terms of the beach quality, both the Kenyan Coast and Zanzibar offer superb powdery-soft white sands and sparkling turquoise oceans – but that’s mostly where the similarities end! If you’re seeking a relaxed and secluded experience with plenty of beach time and seafood, your best option is the Kenyan Coast. But if you’re after some epic watersports, culture, and more adventure, Zanzibar is the destination for you!

If you’re still unsure about where to travel after your safari, get in touch with us and one of our East Africa specialists can discuss your options with you. Alternatively, you can check out our other beach destinations below: