- Social / Environmental Impact
- Tourism Dispersal
A sustainable experience along the Kenyan coast through dhow rides, food tours, and wildlife! Travel off the beaten path with this wholesome organized trip as you explore Mombasa’s old town, the beaches, and the forests.
Along the coast of the Indian Ocean, the port city of Mombasa and the nearby town of Watamu have their own unique feel for travelers to really experience the Kenyan coast from all angles. Within these 8 days, you will have the opportunity to experience wildlife encounters – such as an adventurous walk with giraffes! – and take a deep dive into authentic Kenyan culture, while also having leisure time to relax on the beach. Your mind will be blown by everything Kenya has to offer you!
What is a dhow?
A dhow is a traditional sailing vessel that has been used for centuries along the coast of East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian Ocean. It is a type of wooden boat with a characteristic triangular sail, typically made from cotton or other natural fibers. They are designed to be sturdy and stable, with a low profile and shallow draft, making them suitable for navigating shallow waters.
In the Kenyan coastal region, dhows are a popular mode of transport for tourists, particularly for sunset cruises or day trips to nearby islands. They offer a unique and traditional way to explore the coastline and enjoy the beauty of the Indian Ocean.
Highlights of the Kenyan Coast:
- Mombasa City Tour
- Mombasa Food Tour
- Nature Walk with Giraffes
- Mombasa Beaches
- Local Craft Markets
- Dhow Trips in the Indian Ocean
- Snorkeling
- Authentic Food
- Interaction with Local Kenyans
With its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, amazing wildlife, and adventure activities, the Kenyan coast is a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Vibrant culture and picturesque local markets, combined with energizing sports activities make this trip through the Kenyan coast unforgettable. You will get to know the thriving marine life, village culture, and delicious food this area is known for.
5 reasons you simply can’t miss the Kenyan coast:
- Beautiful beaches: The Kenyan coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Watamu Beach with its crystal-clear waters. You will visit this beach on your trip!
- Rich cultural heritage: The Kenyan coast is home to a diverse mix of cultures, including the Swahili people. On this tour, you will explore the historic towns of Mombasa through a city tour, and a food tour, and learn about its rich history while soaking in the city’s preserved, traditional architecture.
- Delicious food: Kenyan cuisine is a fusion of African, Indian, and Arab influences, making for a unique and delicious culinary experience. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, spicy curries, and tropical fruits and vegetables, and on this trip, your tastebuds will be delighted on the Mombasa Food Tour and in Watamu!
- Wildlife: While the Kenyan coast is best known for its beaches, it’s also home to some amazing wildlife. Visitors can go on safari in nearby national parks, such as Tsavo East and West, where they can see elephants, lions, and other iconic African animals. Just let us know if you want to add this to your itinerary and we can organize a luxury lodge in the wild for you to use as a home base to see the “Big 5”.
- Adventure activities: For those seeking adventure, the Kenyan coast offers plenty of options. Visitors can go snorkeling or diving to explore the coral reefs off the coast, take a dhow cruise, or go deep-sea fishing. This trip includes snorkeling and dhow cruises, and we can help you organize other water activities if you wish.
This sustainable experience along the Kenyan coast will be a unique and unforgettable travel experience!
Seasonal Notes:
The Kenyan coastal region experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season and a rainy season. This trip is best in the dry season.
The dry season runs from December to March and from July to October. During this time, the weather is sunny, warm, and dry, making it the ideal time for beach activities, cultural tours, and wildlife safaris. With clear skies and calm waters, the dry season is perfect for snorkeling, dhow cruises, and other water activities.
In the wet season, and especially during the months of May and June, some roads may become impassable and certain areas inaccessible due to flooding.
It’s important to note that temperatures along the coast are consistently warm throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
Related Trip:
[3 days] Mida Creek Village Experience
📋 Itinerary
This itinerary is customizable. Contact Yugen Earthside for more information.
Day 1: Arrive in Mombasa, Kenya, and settle into the hotel, beach walk
Day 2: Nature Walk with Giraffes + Animal Sanctuary
Day 3: Mombasa City and Street Food Tour
Day 4: Local artesian market and beach day
Day 5: Mombasa to Watamu, settle into the hotel
Day 6: Full-day dhow trip in the ocean, including dolphin safari (seasonal), snorkeling, sailing, breakfast, and lunch
Day 7: Market exploring and turtle rehab center
Day 8: Beach morning and departure day
🌱 Sustainability
We provide direct jobs and income, as well as upskill our partners so they can expand their services wider. Community projects and assistance are things we focus on,
vendors, creators of products and food dishes are met.
We take travelers off the beaten path and ensure we look at the local community's perspective to guarantee our trips are carried out ethically.
We use reusable products wherever possible, and information on how to care for and treat wildlife ethically is given to both guides and travelers. This trip is a low-carbon impact holiday and involves an activity related to combatting climate change (planting a tree, for example).
Accommodation: They are small and locally run. We stay for 3/4 nights in most accommodations, to promote slow travel. We personally visit and carry out an impact analysis at all the accommodations we work with.
- Adhere to Strict Environmental Standards
- Conserve Ecosystems/Preserve Biodiversity
- No In-Destination Flights
- Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurants
- Local/Organic Restaurants
- Responsible Waste Management
- Local/Organic Food Served
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
- Recycle >80% Waste
- Green Building
- Energy-Saving Lights
- Solar Thermal Panels
- Provide Local Employment
- Fair Wages / Fair Trade
- Ensures Good Working Conditions
- Supports Local Businesses
- Tours Benefit Local Community
📌 Location
Use the Google map to orient yourself about where in the world this trip is. The location indicates the starting point for this trip.
🏷️ Pricing
Prices include:
- Accommodation
- Breakfasts on all days
- 2 lunches
- Transfers
- All activities
- Permits
- Guides
- Park fees
Prices exclude:
- Flights to/from the destination
- Travel Insurance
- Kenya visa
- Tips
- Some meals
ℹ️ Other Info
If you're ready to book this trip or have any questions, contact us!
To reserve your spot on a tour, a 40% deposit will be required. 40 days prior to the trip we need 100% payment.
In case of cancellation on your part, the cancellation fee will be kept as followed:
- 91 days or more before departure: None
- 61 – 90 days before departure: 30% of Travel Fee
- 31 – 60 days before departure: 50% of Travel Fee
- 0 – 30 days before departure: 100% of Travel Fee
This trip has a variable start date, so you can plan a departure date that suits you.
Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
Kenya requires a negative Covid certificate for travelers. Staff is taking precautions to maintain safe handling.
Q: What does the Physical Rating of "Easy" mean?
A: It means that no special physical preparation is required.