Discovering the Coast

Kenya's coast is a world of its own — culturally, climatically, and culinarily completely different from the highlands and savannas in the interior of the country. Here, the Swahili culture has its home: a fascinating blend of African, Arab, Persian, and Indian influences, reflected in language, architecture, food, and music.

The climate is tropical-warm: year-round 25–33°C, high humidity. The best time to visit the coast is January to March (hot, dry, perfect bathing weather) and July to October (slightly cooler, dry). April/May is the rainy season — many beach hotels close.

The coast can be divided into three main areas: Mombasa as the historical center, the south coast (Diani Beach) as a beach paradise, and the north coast (Watamu, Malindi, Lamu) as a mix of nature and culture.