Kenya
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
9
Coastline
536 KM
Cost of living
Capital
Nairobi
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Semi-consistent in summer
- Warm water
- Virgin reefs & beachbreaks
- Fascinating wildlife
Negatives
- Lots of onshore mush
- Mombassa sharks
- Remote reefs with tidal flats
- Robberies and muggings
Where to surf in Kenya
Kenya and neighbouring Tanzania have recently unveiled a few surfing secrets along their considerable Indian Ocean coastlines. A small expat surfing community has been tapping the surf here for decades, but Kenya is now starting to attract inquisitive surfers to the fringing reefs that break consistently during the southern hemisphere winter. Mombasa Island makes sense as a base for surf exploration, with waves right on its doorstep, plus easy access to the coastline north, featuring Arab and Portuguese forts, old towns and some of the finest beach hotels in Africa.
Surf spots in Kenya
Research the 9 surf breaks in Kenya and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 9 breaks in Kenya.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Kenya
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Kenya.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 1,364,000
- Population
- 53,771,296
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- KES
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +254
- Dialing out
- 000
- Emergencies
- 999
- Language
- English (official), Swahili (national), and numerous other local languages
Electricity
- Plug Type
- g
Visas
Most Nationalities need a visa and can get one on arrival. However it can save time and help with connecting flights to get one in advance. A 3 month visa costs $51. South Africans along with some other african countries plus most Caribbean islands do not need a visa. Get the latest news and any updates here
Getting There
Nairobi (NBO) has many air connections with Europe, many charter flights with package deals. Mombassa (MBA) direct, 500km (310mi) away, is much better. Daily flights from Nairobi with Kenya Airways or Air Kenya to Malindi (MYD). Planes to Malindi generally travel on to Lamu.
Getting Around
Malindi is 120km (74mi) from Mombassa, 2hr drive on tarmac. Mombassa to Nairobi takes 6-8hrs, road varying from excellent to poor, but robberies by ambush are still a problem. Car hire $120/day, so it’s better to be picked up by hotel van and use local transports in the main places like Malindi or Mombassa. In Lamu, use dhows!
Accommodation
Cheap all-inclusive deals for Mombasa and Malindi. The Coconut Village in Malindi offers AC rooms for $70/pax in double rooms, Eden Roc is cheaper and only $8 for a basic backpacker room. Meals go from $4-15 with cheap Ugali or Githeri (maize & beans). Tusker beer is $2 up. Tamarind in Mombassa has the best seafood.
Activities
North of Mombassa has several world-class dive sites. Check Gede Ruins, Crocodile and Snake farms or day trip to Tsavo Game Park. Mombasa: Fort Jesus, Old Town, Yuls’ Beach Bar, Pirates (Disco) or Mamba Village. Diani and Malindi attracts tourists with kite/windsurf, SUP, water-skiing, diving and deep-sea fishing.
Hazards & hassles
Shallow live-coral reefs can be nasty and a shark encounter is likely, especially in the Mombasa Channel. Beware of weed patches in Malindi where thorns, logs, branches and crabs lurk. Nairobi is notorious for robberies and muggings, be vigilant in Mombasa.
Handy Hints
No surf stuff available. Bring a board and you might sell it. The areas bordering Somalia are all prone to banditry, kidnappings and terrorist attacks, making Lamu essential travel only.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
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