Kenya Coast Itinerary: Mombasa, Diani, Watamu, and Lamu in 10 Days
Kenya’s coastline spans 536km and contains five distinct beach destinations, each with a different character. This itinerary covers all of them in 10 days — from Mombasa’s Arabic-Swahili history through Diani’s excellent reef to Watamu’s turtle nesting and Lamu’s medieval Swahili town.
The routing is south-first (Diani), north-second (Watamu, Lamu) to avoid backtracking on the ground.
Before You Arrive
Entry: Kenya eVisa required for most nationalities — apply at immigration.ecitizen.go.ke at least 2 weeks ahead, USD 50.
Arriving: Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA) has direct flights from Nairobi (1 hour) and limited direct European services. For the north coast (Watamu, Malindi, Lamu), Nairobi connections via Wilson Airport are simpler.
Health: Malaria precautions required for the entire coast, including Mombasa. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dress: The coast has a largely Muslim population, especially north of Mombasa. Cover shoulders and legs in towns, markets, and mosques. Swimwear for the beach only.
Days 1–2: Mombasa
Day 1: Fort Jesus and Old Town
Fort Jesus (built 1593 by the Portuguese, UNESCO World Heritage Site) is one of the finest examples of Portuguese military architecture on the Indian Ocean. It is also a well-curated museum of the coast’s layered history — Portuguese, Arab, and British. Entry approximately USD 15, open daily 8am–6pm. Allow 2–3 hours.
The Old Town is a 30-minute walk north of Fort Jesus — narrow streets, Arab merchant buildings, carved wooden doors, spice stalls, and a waterfront that still moves at a dhow’s pace. The Swahili House Museum (entry KES 300) gives context. Lunch at Mtwapa Restaurant (local Swahili seafood, approximately KES 800–1,500/person).
Day 2: Haller Park and North Coast Beach
Haller Park (Bamburi, 15km north) is a wildlife rehabilitation centre built on old cement quarry land — giraffes, hippos, giant tortoises, and a feeding programme. Excellent for families. Entry approximately USD 10.
Afternoon at Bamburi Beach (short taxi or matatu from Haller Park). The north coast beach is less dramatic than Diani but accessible for a quick dip.
Accommodation Mombasa (per night):
- Budget: Mtwapa Backpackers (north coast, from KES 2,000/dorm)
- Mid-range: Sarova Whitesands Beach Hotel (Nyali, from KES 12,000/room)
- Upmarket: The Tamarind Village (Old Town area, from KES 20,000/room)
Days 3–5: Diani Beach (3 Nights)
Cross the Likoni Ferry (free, 15 minutes) and head 36km south to Diani.
Day 3: Arrival and orientation. Snorkelling trip to the inner reef (afternoon, approximately USD 30 including equipment). Sunset at Forty Thieves Beach Bar. Dinner at Nomad Restaurant.
Day 4: Full day water sports. Options: scuba diving (Diani Marine, USD 60/dive), kitesurfing lesson (H2O Extreme, USD 80/half-day), or glass-bottom boat trip to the reef (KES 2,500, no swimming required). Whale shark trip if October–March (Hemingways or Diving the Crab, USD 100–150).
Day 5: Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant for a special dinner (book 24 hours in advance, KES 4,000–6,000/person). Morning: beach and a walk to the southern, quieter Galu Beach section.
Accommodation (per person/night):
- Budget: Diani Backpackers (dorm KES 3,500, private from KES 6,000)
- Mid-range: Baobab Beach Resort (from KES 12,000/room)
- Luxury: Alfajiri Villas (from USD 350/night, clifftop views)
Day 6: Travel Day — Diani to Watamu
By road and matatu:
- Diani to Mombasa: return via Likoni Ferry (30–45 minutes)
- Mombasa to Malindi: matatu or bus from Mombasa Abubakar terminal (approximately KES 400–600, 2 hours)
- Malindi to Watamu: matatu south (KES 80–100, 20 minutes) then boda-boda to accommodation
Total journey: Approximately 4–5 hours. An early start (7am from Diani) arrives in Watamu by midday.
By air: Fly Mombasa Moi → Malindi Airport (Safarilink, 30 minutes, from USD 60). Taxi Malindi to Watamu approximately KES 1,500.
Days 7–8: Watamu (2 Nights)
Day 7: Watamu Marine National Park reef trip — glass-bottom boat or guided snorkel (approximately USD 40–60 including equipment, approximately USD 20 park entry). Green turtles visible on the reef. Dolphins possible in the morning.
Afternoon: kayaking in Watamu Bay or relax at the beach.
Day 8: Gedi Ruins (15km from Watamu) — a 15th–17th century Swahili town abandoned mid-occupation and reclaimed by forest. Giant baobabs grow through the walls. The mosque and palace are largely intact. Entry approximately USD 10. Take a boda-boda from Watamu (KES 300–500 return).
Evening: Turtle night walk with Local Ocean Conservation (booking in advance essential, USD 20–30, October–March). The monitoring team finds active nesting female turtles on the beach after 9pm.
Accommodation (per night):
- Budget: Baraka Beach Backpackers (from KES 3,000)
- Mid-range: Ocean Sports Hotel (from KES 10,000/room)
- Luxury: Hemingways Watamu (from USD 250/person)
Days 9–11: Lamu (3 Nights)
Travel: Fly from Malindi Airport to Lamu Manda Airport (Safarilink, 30 minutes, from USD 50). Take the complimentary or paid boat transfer to Lamu town (10 minutes).
Day 9: Settle into your guesthouse in Lamu Old Town or Shela. Afternoon walk through the old town — Lamu Museum (entry approximately KES 600), the waterfront, and the maze of alleys.
Day 10: Full-day dhow trip — hire a traditional sailing dhow for a day. Typical route: Takwa Ruins on Manda Island (15th century Swahili ruins in mangroves, approximately KES 400 entry), Manda Toto Beach sandbank for snorkelling and a seafood lunch cooked on the dhow. Cost approximately KES 4,000–8,000 for a group of 4.
Day 11: Shela Beach. Swim in the bay, walk the dunes south of Shela village, and visit Peponi Hotel for lunch on their terrace (approximately KES 2,500–4,000 for mains with a view).
Evening: Sunset dhow sail from the Lamu waterfront (approximately KES 2,000–3,000 per person). Return to Nairobi or departure via Lamu Manda Airport.
Accommodation Lamu (per night):
- Budget: Yumbe Guest House (Lamu Old Town, from KES 2,500)
- Mid-range: The Majlis Resort (Shela, from USD 120/room)
- Luxury: Peponi Hotel (Shela, from USD 250/person full board)
10-Day Budget Summary (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | USD 50 | USD 50 |
| Internal flights (Nairobi–Mombasa, Mombasa–Malindi, Malindi–Lamu, Lamu–Nairobi) | USD 300–400 | USD 400–550 |
| Accommodation (9 nights) | USD 250–400 | USD 800–1,500 |
| Food | USD 100–200 | USD 200–400 |
| Park and entry fees | USD 80–120 | USD 100–150 |
| Activities (reef, turtle walk, dhow, ruins) | USD 100–160 | USD 200–350 |
| Total (approximate) | USD 880–1,280 | USD 1,750–3,000 |
Driving rather than flying south coast to north coast saves approximately USD 100–150 but adds 5–6 hours of travel time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you visit Mombasa, Diani, and Lamu in one trip?
- Yes — 10 days is enough to cover Mombasa (2 days), Diani Beach (3 days), Watamu (2 days), and Lamu (3 days). The routing requires backtracking through Mombasa to reach the north coast, or flying between south and north. A 10-day coast-only trip is a genuine alternative to a safari trip — particularly for visitors who are not first-timers to Kenya.
- Is Kenya good for a beach holiday (not safari)?
- Yes. Kenya's coast is East Africa's best beach destination. The combination of white sand, warm Indian Ocean, intact coral reefs, marine wildlife (turtles, whale sharks), and Swahili cultural depth means the coast works as a standalone holiday. Diani Beach has all the infrastructure for a comfortable resort holiday; Lamu and Watamu offer more distinctive, nature-focused experiences.