Let me tell you a secret: there’s a place where the sun kisses your skin in the most flattering light, the ocean hums like a lullaby, and time slows down just enough for you to breathe — deeply.
That place?
The Eastern Coast of Africa.
I’d spent months planning my dream escape — something more meaningful than a beach holiday, more elevated than a backpacker trail, and definitely more curated than your average resort package. I wanted soft living, vibrant culture, and yes… Instagram magic.
And so I did it. I spent 15 unforgettable days riding the coast from Kenya through Tanzania, all the way to Mozambique— where the world’s most underrated beaches are quietly whispering, “Luxury lives here.”
Here’s exactly how it went…
Days 1–3: The Heat & Heritage of Mombasa (Kenya)
I arrived at Moi International Airport with sand on my mind and my out-of-office already on. Mombasa greeted me like a long-lost friend — chaotic in the best way, spicy, sun-soaked, and smiling.
Instead of going straight for the obvious resorts, I checked into The Cliff Nyali, a sleek newcomer sitting boldly above the Indian Ocean with floor-to-ceiling views and coastal chic interiors made for reels. Think minimalist Swahili decor, private infinity plunge pools, and locally sourced seafood served on open-air terraces.
I spent my mornings exploring Old Town Mombasa, wandering past crumbling coral-stone buildings with carved doors and lingering scents of clove and cardamom in the air. At night, I sipped tamarind cocktails at La Marina, watching dhows drift past under golden skies.
Most Instagrammable moment? Camel ride at golden hour on Diani Beach, draped in a flowing linen dress and oversized sunglasses, obviously.
Days 4–6: Lamu — A Timeless Island with Zero Cars & Maximum Soul
Lamu was like stepping into a dream — soft, ancient, and spiritually charged. The kind of place where time is a rumour and life is lived to the rhythm of tides and call to prayer.
I checked into Forodhani House, a Pinterest-perfect Swahili mansion perched at the edge of Shela Beach — where donkeys outnumber vehicles, and the architecture feels like something out of Arabian Nights. The villa came with its own staff, private chef, and views that made me want to cry from joy. (Yes, I cried. No regrets.)
I wandered the maze-like streets of Lamu Town, drank hibiscus tea in boho cafés run by barefoot creatives, and boarded a traditional dhow for a champagne sail under the stars. No music. Just the wind, waves, and laughter.
Lamu isn’t just a place. It’s a frequency.
Days 7–9: Zanzibar — The Island That Smells Like Spice & Feels Like Gold
Just a quick flight from Lamu, I landed in Zanzibar — all spice, stone, and sea.
While Stone Town was captivating in its cultural density, I was here for soft sand and chic indulgence. So I escaped to the north, checking into Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa, one of the newest luxury resorts on the island. Think boho-meets-boutique, infinity pools that melt into the sea, and spa treatments that feel like rituals.
I made a mandatory stop at The Rock Restaurant (yes, the one perched literally on a rock in the sea), and took the kind of photo every algorithm loves — plate of grilled lobster, glass of rosé, breeze in the hair.
The real flex though? A boat day to Mnemba Island, where the water looks fake and dolphins dance alongside your snorkel boat like it’s rehearsed.
Days 10–12: Pemba Island — Zanzibar’s Wild, Secret Sister
While everyone else was trying to get into fancy beach clubs in Zanzibar, I flew off-the-grid to Pemba — Zanzibar’s untouched twin, and arguably the most peaceful place I’ve ever been.
I booked into The Aiyana Resort & Spa, a newer ultra-luxe, eco-conscious stay where each villa opens right onto soft, powdery beach. The decor? Ethereal. The mood? Sacred.
Here, I meditated. I read. I journaled. I walked barefoot for hours. And I had a private, candlelit beach dinner surrounded by nothing but the stars and the sound of the tide coming in.
If Zanzibar is for romance and Instagram, Pemba is for your soul.
Days 13–15: Mozambique — The Quiet Queen of Indian Ocean Luxury
For the final leg, I splurged. Full soft life mode.
Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago is still wildly underrated, which is exactly why it should be your next getaway. I chartered a quick flight from Pemba to Medjumbe Island, where I checked into Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort — an exclusive private island escape where I was literally one of ten guests.
Each villa has its own plunge pool and outdoor shower. The sunsets are art. The silence is addictive.
On my last night, the staff arranged a surprise picnic dinner on a sandbank, lit by lanterns and moonlight. It felt like a scene from a movie I never wanted to end.
Final Takeaway: East Africa’s Coast Is the New Riviera
Everyone’s in Bali. Or Tulum. Or Santorini. And that’s fine.
But if you’re looking for something raw, soulful, luxurious, and less filtered, this 15-day East African coastal tour is the blueprint. It’s where African heritage, barefoot elegance, and new-world softness collide.
Whether you’re a solo traveller craving reconnection, a creator hunting visual gold, or a group of girls redefining what luxury looks like — this route gives it all.
Planning Tips
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Travel Light, Dress Soft: Linens, neutrals, gold jewellery, woven bags.
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Photography Tip: Early morning and dusk = best lighting. Bring a drone.
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Stay Safe & Local: Work with verified local guides or boutique travel planners. Support eco-friendly stays.
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Book Early: Especially for Lamu & Medjumbe — they fill fast due to exclusivity.