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Does Nairobi have a beach?

No. Nairobi does not have a beach. It is an inland city, about 480 kilometers (300 miles) from the Indian Ocean coast. Nairobi, being the capital of Kenya, is located at an altitude of approximately 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) above sea level, placing it in Kenya’s central highlands rather than along the coastline.

Why Nairobi Doesn’t Have a Beach

Nairobi’s geography explains why the city has no beaches. The city was originally established as a railway depot on the Mombasa–Uganda Railway, positioned between Mombasa and Kisumu/Lake Victoria. Its central location also implies that on the one hand, you will find enough parks, nature trails, and wildlife reserves, including the popular Nairobi National Park, but no sandy beaches or sea waves here.

Nairobi has a cooler climate than the humid environment found on the coasts of Kenya because of its elevation, hence having a mild and dry environment. This renders it as a destination of sightseeing, business, and cultural tourism as opposed to beach tourism.

Nearest Beaches to Nairobi

Nairobi is an inland city, but tourists can access the beautiful coastline of Kenya in a few hours, and thus it is ideal for a short beach holiday. The closest and most convenient beaches are found along the Indian Ocean, with the best ones being Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, and Watamu.

1. Mombasa Beaches

The most popular coastal getaway is Mombasa, which is approximately 480 kilometers (300 miles) away from Nairobi. There are also several renowned beaches in the city, such as Nyali Beach, Bamburi Beach, and Shanzu Beach. These are Kenyan beaches that are characterized by white sands, crystal clear waters, and a vast array of beach resorts and restaurants. Reaching there can be achieved in one hour by air (Nairobi) or the Madaraka Express SGR train that takes approximately 5-6 hours and provides beautiful scenery of the Kenyan countryside.

2. Diani Beach

Diani Beach, which is some 30 kilometers south of Mombasa, is in most cases rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. It is characterized by palm-fringed shores, turquoise water, and coral reefs, which are ideal for snorkeling, diving, and kitesurfing. Luxury resorts and beach villas are also available in the area, so it is the perfect place to go on a honeymoon or just to relax. You can fly from Nairobi to Ukunda Airstrip, which takes about an hour, and reach Diani Beach within minutes.

3. Malindi and Watamu

To the north of Mombasa, there are more tranquil coastal resorts at Malindi and Watamu. These are well-known towns with marine parks, dolphin viewing, and deep-sea fishing. The Marine National Park of Watamu is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that is home to sea turtles and coral gardens. They can be reached by direct flights from Nairobi to Malindi Airport, or by road via Mombasa.

How to Get from Nairobi to the Beach

  • By Air: The fastest method — just a 1-hour flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) or Wilson Airport to Mombasa, Ukunda (Diani), or Malindi.
  • By Train: The Madaraka Express SGR gives a picturesque 5-6 hour ride from Nairobi to Mombasa.
  • By Road: A longer but exciting 7-8 hour drive that is suitable for those who love traveling by road.

In Summary

Nairobi may not have a beach, but the incredible coast of Kenya is just a short trip away. You can experience the vibrancy and nature of Nairobi while enjoying the calming sea and sand of Mombasa, Diani, or Malindi — all in a matter of hours.

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