TRAVEL KENYA’S NORTH COAST: KILIFI
FUN FACTS ABOUT KILIFI TOWN AND WHY YOU SHOULD
VISIT
In keeping with the travel series of Kenya’s north
coast, today we are glimpsing at the town of Kilifi.
Quick facts
Kilifi is among
the largest of the six counties in Kenya’s coast province covering
approximately an area of 12,370.8 square kilometres running all the way from Mtwapa as far as
Malindi to the north. The two towns in the county are Kilifi and Malindi.
Despite Kilifi being the capital it is the smaller of the two. It’s a quaint little place; not what one expects based on how well known Kilifi as a
county is. However let not this dissuade you because it’s a very charming place
to visit with its size and all. In contrast to the sister town Malindi, Kilifi
is more traditional and the foreign influences cannot readily be felt.
The town
is divided by the kilifi creek an estuary of Goshi river with one side being
called mnarani and the other main Kilifi town.
It's location
near the Creek gives anyone entering town a breathtaking view. It is known
for its long beautiful Indian Ocean beaches such as Bofa Beach which is dotted with
resorts.
Kilifi
might have existed as early as the 14th century. Having been built from the remnants of early Arab civilization of the
coastal region because of the presence of the Mnarani
Ruins which are remains of an old Swahili settlement that comprises 2 mosques and several tombs.
WHAT’S
FUN TO SEE?
Manarani Ruins/Monument
The
mnarani (A derivative of the word Mnara in Swahili meaning
pillar/tower) ruins is a historical site built atop 107 steps comprising
remains of two mosques and a number of tombs. The
inscriptions on the tombs and the mosques are written in Persian language which
seems to suggest that the early settlers in Mnarani were Persians except for one which is written in ancient Arabic. Mnarani was eventually
destroyed by the Galla invasion in the early 17th century and archaeological evidence
seems to confirm this. The site is now preserved by the National Museums of
Kenya
There
are also a number of huge Baobab trees said to be as old as 800 years. Due to the
nativity of baobabs in the region, the coastal tribes especially the mijikenda
have a spiritual attachment to them and ancestral histories.
The
Ruins also have a clean compound that is perfect for a nice picnic and clear
pathways for one to take a trip around the ruins.
Kilifi Bridge
The Bridge is
reportedly the longest in Kenya at a length of over 400m overlaying the kilifi
creek to connect the kilifi main town and mnarani enabling movement across the
regions. However the brigdge isn’t good only for its primary purpose; because
of its beauty it has also been used for great photography and as background for
music videos by artists etc.
Old Kilifi ferry
The ferry was used as a means to
cross the creek to either side of the town before the bridge was constructed in
1991.Today the
wreckages of the old ferry can only be seen at low tide but boats and yachts
can be seen docking here.
Kilifi Creek
One of the most
picturesque places in Kenya’s coastline is the Kilifi creek. The creek is the
remnant of the once massive Goshi river at a time when average coastal rainfall was
much higher.At the moment it is just an estuary by the
coastline with an amazing view of the channel leading into the ocean.
Access to either side
of Kilifi town over the creek is via the imposing Kilifi Bridge
It is also a very cool place to relax especially for love birds who want to go for a
wild romantic camp. There are ships that take
people to and from the creek and one can also enjoy boat rides in the evening. The restaurants and hotels along Kilifi Creek have popular seafood which tourists can enjoy. There are various
clubs around the creek which offer various water sports such as kayaking,
sailing, wake boarding, waterskiing. One can also explore the creek by boat
dhow, kayak or yatch.
FUN FACT: The Kilifi creek was the setting for the New
Yorker magazine work of fiction written by Lionel Shriver going by the same
name that won the BBC national short story award back in 2014. You can check it
out here
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/11/25/kilifi-creek
Bofa beach
The town’s seafront 3 km stretch beach where one can enjoy the sandy beach and wild waters of Kilifi
by driving all the way to the beachfront. Bofa Beach is very quiet with white
sands, a few small boats and locals enjoying the ocean. There is also plenty of
accommodation in form of Hotels and resorts lining up here such as the baobab
sea lodge.
Mnarani club and spa
A high end beach resort on the
edge of kilifi creek in a 40 acre landscaped tropical garden. The garden has
beautiful paths that lead down to the private mnarani cove. The little
sheltered beach offers great water sports opportunities such scuba diving, as
water skiing and wake boarding. Its quality and posh facilities caters for
conferences and events, weddings, luxury spa treatments in addition to the
great accommodation rooms available with a choice of creek, garden or pool
views.
Nautilus
This beautifully built over water
restaurant is a combo of authentic Kenyan coastal architecture and
international cuisine. The Swiss owned restaurant is located on the kilifi
creek along the old ferry road. It is famous for its great seafood and Italian
meals. the perfect views overlooking the old kilifi ferry makes it a great spot
for romantic dinners especially at sunset-the view over the creek is just
amazing.
 |
| Karen at Nautilus |
Distant relatives Eco-lodge and back packers.
This is an eco-friendly
destination for all environmentally conscious travellers as everything is
recycled here. Because of its location it’s a good place for all those
backpackers and the budget conscious visitor who enjoys nature. What is there
to love about distant relatives eco-lodge you say? Well plenty…
🙌
Friday nights for all you can eat
pizza (I am starting with pizza because I looove it..)
🙌
Movie nights
🙌Live bands and performances: which
happen to include both local as well as international artistes. The Eco-lodge is also renowned for hosting one of
Kenya’s largest New Year’s Eve parties.
🙌 Camp nights- campers where are
you!! They light actual bonfires and hold a camp night.
🙌
A restaurant catering for both
local and international travellers in terms of cuisine.
🙌Accommodation facilities made
completely from local materials and which also are environmentally friendly.
The bandas as they are called are accommodation units all en-suite that can fit
families or groups. Others include dorms, safari tents and private rooms.
🙌Fun activities- are you adventurous? Say no more because
there is reef snorkeling trips, moonlit dhow sailing, village walks, beach
bonfires, beach volleyball and wild cliff adventures
🙌 Did I mention pizza nights…oh right I did, I just love it.
Hotel titanic
 |
| Roof top swimming pool |
Other attractions within the larger kilifi
area:
The Arabuko Sokoke Forest reserve
This is the last
remnant of the coastal tropical forest that covered most of the East African
region. And also the second largest reserve of birdlife in Africa? Unlike the surrounding coastal environment of
palms and baobab the forest is alive with butterflies and birds of various
species, the trees beaming with monkey population while the forest floor hides
a number of small animals. The elephants even pass through en-route to the
river sabaki on the other side. The ancient town of Gedi, used to thrive hidden
away in this forest before its destruction. The forest is protected and managed
by the Kenya forest service (KFS). While here you can also pop by the community
based conservation program Kipepeo (butterfly) project and enjoy the collection
of butterfly species bred. The local community came together to help and work
towards conservation of the forest; they now breed, monitor and produce insects
which are sold to both local and international markets.
The Vipingo Ridge
This is a private
residential golfing destination on an estate of 2500 acres. For the posh luxury
seeking traveller that seeks the finer things this is the place to be complete
with a clubhouse, beach club private, airstrip and two 18 hole championship golf
courses, horse riding stables, lakes, woodland and nature trails. What is there
not like about the grandeur of this place? Well nothing as long as the cash is
there.
Sultan palace beach retreat
Here is another high end
destination for travelers visiting Kilifi. This beautifully designed array of
holiday homes is perfect for families wanting the extravagance of space and
privacy. One will actually be spoilt for choice for the varied house sizes
ranging from one, two, three and four bedroom. The resort is kid friendly with a
huge water park, a club house for all family entertainment and to top it all off
it is located just a few meters from the beach.
Sun and Sand Beach Resort
Among the oldest luxury hotels in the
Kenyan coast Sun and sand is built over a 12 acre beach property with one of
the best accesses to the Indian Ocean shores. It is located on the southern part
of Kilifi near Mtwapa made to cater for all sorts of travelers
interested in enjoying the warm coastal weather and white beaches.
Bonus photos
Holidaying
Bonus photos
Have a question or suggestion? Tell us in the comment section. To Like, share or both hit the like button below👇.
Love Muchly,
Liz😍😍
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