Holidaying on the Kenyan coastline is one sure way to spend time off the normal routine, especially with family and friends.
With scenic views to behold, beaches to bask in and fresh crisp air to breathe in, this is your go-to place if you are looking to have limitless fun, whether on a tight budget or not.
Along this coastline lies Kilifi County, a place that will see you with the beauty it has to offer.
You can get to the place via a number of means; either through air transport using the airport at Malindi, through railway and get off at the terminus in Malindi, or simply via road which gives you the chance for an epic road trip.
Kilifi is dominated by the Giriama, a subtribe of the Mijikenda from the larger Bantu community, so you get a peek at diversity in culture.
Below is a list of places to visit and the respective activities to engage in when in Kilifi
Watamu Beach
A day’s experience at the pristine Watamu beach will surely spice up your day and have you craving for more.
If you are looking for a romantic getaway and want to spice things up, then look no further.
Simply basking by the beach, getting that tan and staring at the clear blue skies is enough to get you all plumped up.
When the temperatures get searing, take a dip in the waters and swim to your satisfaction.
Afterwards, dry by the shores while slowly sipping one of your favourite drinks. You definitely need to see the sun going down by the beach, and the mesmerizing golden horizon throwing its shades in the blue waters, a classic case of ‘sky meets the sea.’
Enjoy the scenic view while slowly sipping your sundowner, and even listen to an old classic song if you are a lover at heart.
Take evening strolls by the beach, especially if you fancy some me time and enjoy the cool breeze; it is the best way to calm down your thoughts and feel rejuvenated.
Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve
This is your go-to place if you are an adrenaline junkie and are looking for thrilling activities to engage in.
Swimming is one activity to engage in, something you are going to need especially with the hot temperatures.
If you want to go a bit deeper in the waters, try snorkelling, although this is not recommended for beginners.
It is where you go underwater with a mask and a breathing tube called a snorkel. This way, you get to interact with various marine life such as fish and turtles.
Scuba diving is highly recommended should you wish to make your experience wilder. With diving, you go deeper into the waters and interact with marine life such as coral reefs.
The glass-bottom boat ride is an activity to engage in, where you cruise the waters of the Indian Ocean on a boat with a transparent bottom, giving you the chance to see what lies underneath. You should definitely bring your camera for this.
Mnarani Ruins, Hotel and Club
Located approximately 200 kilometres from the Mombasa-Malindi road, the Mnarani ruins are a historical landmark dating as far back as the 14th century.
They are the remains of two big mosques overlooking Kilifi Creek. A couple of Madrasa classes and old tombs are also found here.
Visit the place to learn about religious diversity and about how Muslims conduct their religious functions.
The ruins are run by guards who are multilingual and well-versed in the historical happenings from within, so feel free to ask questions in relation to that.
The ruins also double up as a place of worship and are still considered sacred by the locals.
Located within is the popular Mnarani club, so if you are looking for a comfortable place to stay or simply dine, you need not go far.
The facility has a private beach for you to comfortably enjoy some water sports without the fear of crowding.
The views of the nearby Kilifi Creek are simply the spot for sore eyes. They have top-tier services, from a strong internet connection, hospitable staff and good culinary skills.
Accommodation facilities are also offered should you wish to extend your stay for a day or two.
An on-site bar is also available for those who wish to spice things up by indulging a little.
Vipingo Ridge
If you are a golfer or fancy yourself a new sport, try visiting this picturesque facility that oozes nothing but splendour.
It is where the who’s of the who’s retreat to spend quality time with family and friends while playing golf.
The facility has topped the list of golf courses in the country and is actually the only golf course in Africa that is PGA-Accredited.
The architecture, designed by David Jones, is quite a sight to behold, and the landscape and well-mowed gardens are exactly what you need to wind down.
A swimming pool is available should you wish to cool down. Horse riding is something you should try if you are looking for a thrilling activity to spice up your day.
Food and drinks served in buffet style and made by the most experienced hands are also served as you sit by the baobab trees, breathing in the fresh crisp air and getting lost in the beauty of nature.
Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve
This magical place is the only forest cover found within the coastal area. About 400 square kilometres is a covering with nothing but indigenous trees, forming a lush green landscape.
The reserve is home to hundreds of animal species, so make a point of going on a tour and have the guides take you on an epic game drive to interact with herds of elephants, monkeys, antelopes, giraffes, and zebras, the list is endless.
Seeing the animals in proximity is sure to thrill and blow your mind. Bird watching is another top activity to engage in with the hundreds of birds flocking the area during the migration season.
Listening to them chirping is simply music to the ears. Go on a guided nature trail across the expansive piece of land, sample different plant species and get lost in the sheer tranquillity and serenity, exactly what you need to wind down.
Cycling is allowed in the reserve, which is a good way to tour the place. Should you wish to make your experience wilder, try camping in the wild, falling asleep staring at the bare skies, and the only noise filling your night is the occasional chirping of crickets and the distant laughing of hyenas.
Mida Creek
This is an inland area that stretches from the Indian Ocean all the way to the Arabuko Sokoke Forest.
The best and most enjoyable activity to engage in is kayaking, where you cruise through the waters with the help of a kayak, a type of boat which is peddled.
It does not require much skill, so beginners can engage in it too. Other water sports to engage in are skiing and wakeboarding.
The creek surrounded by indigenous trees forms the perfect haven for bird watching, looking at them in their different colours, sizes and shapes is likely to fill your day with satisfaction.
Enjoy incredible sunset views by the creek while sipping your favourite sundowner. The picturesque view forms the perfect backdrop for taking photos, so be sure to bring your camera along.
An on-site restaurant is available to cater for your food cravings. Indulge in different delicacies, traditionally made dishes and foreign cuisines such as seafood.
A bar is also available, fully stocked with every kind of assortment, so feel free to indulge and let loose, although exercise responsibility while at it.
Silver Palm Spa and Resort
If you are looking for luxury, pomp and splendour, try putting up at this state-of-the-art facility located in Mnarani, along Bora road in Kilifi.
The four-star hotel offers accommodation services in lavishly decorated deluxe double rooms going for about 270 USD and deluxe suites going for about 370 USD.
The rooms are strategically positioned to overlook the beach, so you wake up to stunning views of the blue waters.
Room service is 24/7, and the staff is very hospitable, and ready to cater for your every need.
A spa is readily available with well-trained masseuses to give your body the massage you need.
Two restaurants are located within, specializing in both local and international cuisines, all you have to do is ask.
Wash this down with a different assortment of drinks that you can slowly sip while sitting by the pool.
Parking facilities are ample, and the security is tight, so you need not worry about anything.
The check-in and check-out time is 1.00 p.m and 11.00 a.m respectively, so be sure to adhere to their schedules.
