Kilifi Kenya

kilifi kenya

Kilifi, Kenya - a Travel Guide

Kilifi is the sleeping coastal town you never heard of.  Famed for its inland creek and its excellent sailing club, what is whispered only amongst the locals is the hidden splendour of its incredible beach.   Bofa beach is a startling white sand paradise straight out of the pages of National Geographic, rivalled only by Kilifi’s laid back charm. There isn’t huge a amount going on in Kilifi, it is completely off the beaten track, tourist and beach boy free. Meander down the creek on a paddle boat, stroll down the immaculate Bofa road, learn to sail, kitesurf or dive or simply spend the day discovering the cocktail menu at Salty’s. Barefoot beach dreams. 
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Weather in Kilifi, Kenya

The weather in Kilifi beach is always warm and welcoming.  The best time to visit is during the cooler winter months of July & August, when the humidity drops, the wind picks up and you might just get to snuggle in a light sweater at night.   During the rest of the year Kilifi is hot, hot, hot and you want to make sure you have a beach front house or at least a pool and good A/C. The rains fall in April – June and October – November but it rarely rains the whole day.  

diani beach kenya weather

Things to do in Kilifi

Visit Bofa Beach

You need sunglasses to visit Bofa Beach, Kilifi.  The sand is so bright and white, and it’s as soft as talcum powder.  The contrast between the sand and ocean, which sparkles like sapphire and diamonds, is staggering. It is spellbindingly beautiful.   Completed by little rocky out crops for climbing and sheltering. Unlike other Kenya beaches, Bofa beach doesn’t have the reef up close to the shore, so you can wander miles out into the shallow ocean. 
Watch the Kite surfers whizz by and contemplate what you did so right in your life that you managed to end up here. 
 

Hit up Salty’s Kite Surf Cafe and beach bar

Salty’s Kilifi is my favourite beach bar in Kenya. They have nailed that Hawaiian ethic of laid back vibes, boho decor and fabulous, locally caught food.  This kitesurfing bar is the best place in Kenya to spend a lazy day.  Located right on the dunes at Bofa Beach it has the most incredible views.  You can kitesurf, swim, sunbath, eat, drink and then slumber on comfy pillows and hammocks. Later in the evening the tempo picks up, cocktails and shooters come out and the party gets going. If it all gets too much you can stay the night in their bright, spacious cottages.sp

Learn to sail at 3 Degrees South, Kilifi

3 Degrees South is the best place on the coast to learn to sail. The calm waters of Kilifi Creek are ideal for beginners and for the more experienced the ocean waters beckon. 3 degrees offers RYA courses for adults and children as well as 1-2-1 tuition.  Rental equipment is available. The Mnarani Club, Kilifi offers windsurfing and diving to those wanting to experience the water in a different way. 

Mnarani Ruins

Mnarani Ruins in Kilifi over look the creek and are famed for their huge 800 year old baobab trees. The ruins have two remnants mosques and a number of tombs dating from the 14th century.

What there isn’t to do in Kilifi

There are lots of websites suggesting that you visit places that aren’t located in Kilifi at all. Watamu Marine Park, the Gede Ruins, the BioKen Snake Park, Vasco de Gama Pillar, Hells Kitchen and various other locations are in Malindi or Watamu. I highly recommend that you visit them but be aware that they are all approximately 1 to 1.5 hours drive north of Kilifi. 

saltys kilifi

Where to stay in Kilifi Kenya

Accommodation in Kilifi Kenya ranges from luxurious private villa’s to boutique hotels. There are many beautiful villas and cottages and two great companies who rent them out. Kilifi Connection and Discover Watamu.  As always villas and cottages are cheaper the further away from the beach you go and prices come down accordingly, a house on the creek is a good option for slightly cheaper prices whilst still benefitting from a breeze. 

There are a number of mid range resorts, the most well known is the Mnarani Club high up on the cliffs overlooking Kilifi creek. It offers great sailing and watersports packages in conjunction with 3 Degrees South. Other good options are Bofa Beach Kilifi Resort and Salty’s Kite Surfing. 

Travel to Kilifi Kenya

Nairobi to Kilifi Kenya

Kilifi Kenya sits 1 hour north of Mombasa airport and 1.5 hours south of Malindi’s smaller airport. It makes more sense to fly to Mombasa which is closer and cheaper. Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest city has an international airport. 

If you are travelling from Mombasa then I suggest you take a  taxi, the cost should be approx 40 dollars one way.  Don’t be tempted by the far cheaper tuk-tuks,  you will waste hours of your life bumping in slow motion towards your destination. 

Matatu’s also run between Mombasa and Kilifi, it’s a crowded, hot and sticky affair but vastly cheaper.  There are also a couple of bus services, check Kenyabus more information

Flights from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa run a few times a day, take an hour and are cheap. (Approx 50 USD one way).  I recommend Jambojet and Kenya Airways over the smaller airlines. 

The SGR train runs a twice daily, very cheap, clean and comfortable service from Nairobi to Mombasa and makes a cheap, if lengthy alternative way to travel to Kilifi beach.  

It is entirely possible to drive to Kilifi from Nairobi, and many people do.  The journey takes between 8 – 10 hours on the well paved but very busy Mombasa highway.   You always have the option of stopping at Tsavo National Park en-route.

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