Kenyan Coast for Ocean Lovers

From $800 pp

  • Duration

    8 days
  • Bookable From

    Year-round
  • Trip Style

    Self-Guided
  • Country

    Kenya
  • Physical Rating

    Easy

Overview

A sustainable experience to delight ocean lovers along the Kenyan coast with dhow rides, beach trips, snorkeling, sailing, and more.

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. More than its beautiful beaches, you'll also have unique wildlife encounters – such as an adventurous nature walk with giraffes! – and take a deep dive into authentic Kenyan culture. This wholesome and off-the-beaten-path itinerary includes a city tour of Mombasa's old town, a food tour, and a chance to visit the nearby forests.

Your mind will be blown by everything Kenya has to offer you!

This is a self-guided experience, except the activities mentioned which are guided.

Highlights

  • Mombasa City Tour
  • Mombasa Food Tour
  • Nature Walk with Giraffes
  • Mombasa Beaches
  • Local Craft Markets
  • Dhow Trips in the Indian Ocean
  • Dolphin Safari (Oct-Mar)
  • 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 can’t miss the Kenyan coast:

  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
  4. 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”.
  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.

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).

Itinerary

Day 1 Mombasa [Kenya] (arrival day)

Settle into the hotel and then enjoy a beach walk at your leisure.

Day 2 Mombasa: Giraffe Nature Walk

The sanctuary is off the beaten track and most tourists are unaware of this animal haven!

As you walk around the sanctuary, enjoy the company of the free animals in a responsible manner and learn about wildlife conservation in Africa. 

Get your steps in and what better way to do that than alongside Giraffes? Without any fencing, you are extremely close to the friendly giraffes, one of the very few places in the world where this is possible. You’ll literally be inches away from the giraffes, ostriches, antelopes, and other amazing animals. A chance to also enjoy a picnic and some games right by your new pals.

Day 3 Mombasa: City Tour & Food Tour

The City Tour

A tuk-tuk tour through Mombasa Old Town with an English Speaking Guide visiting the famous sites and discovering Mombasa’s favorite off-the-beaten-path spots. 

Experience Mombasa’s iconic sites while learning about its history and culture. 

The Food Tour

Discover and taste authentic food in the melting pot of Kenya – Mombasa Town. This tour consists of 4 stops, with 7/8 foods and drink options. The food tour is fully veggie friendly!

We believe in sustainable, holistic experiences, therefore, you will learn about Kenya, our culture, and people, while digging into some of the most delicious food – making it a truly immersive experience.

We ensure we pay the vendors fairly and food samples will be given to you. If you’d like to purchase more, you sure can!

Day 4 Beach Day

A day reserved for the beach! In Kenya we have endless stretches of pristine, sun-kissed sands that meet the warm embrace of the Indian Ocean. Whether you're lounging under the swaying palm trees, taking a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters, or getting involved with watersports, your beach day on the Kenyan coast promises relaxation, adventure, and the beauty of an African coastal paradise. It's a day to unwind, explore, and create lasting memories by the sea.

Day 5 Mombasa - Watamu

Travel about 3 hours from one Mombasa to Watamu and settle into the hotel. Once you reach Watamu, settle into your accommodation. Then you can visit the shopping street or simply relax on the beach. We'll share restaurant and places to hang out recommendations when you book with us!

Day 6 Watamu: Dhow Experience

Spend a full day on a dhow trip in the ocean. Once on the dhow, you can spend your time how you want. Swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, reading on the hammock, sunbathing, exploring the dhow, and sharing stories with the crew, etc.


Depending on the season, you might even experience a dolphin safari! We may see dolphins swimming in their natural habitat up close on a traditional dhow, swim with the fishes through the marine protected corals, and paddle through the mangrove of Mida Creek.

Day 7 Watamu: Village Experience

Delight in a rural encounter in the neighborhood of Watamu to fully immerse in local Kenyan traditions. There are multiple activities that you can enjoy there, all creating a positive impact on the local community. From local canoe riding in the mangroves, a local cooking class, learning to climb coconut trees, swimming in the creek, and making traditional makuti roofs.

There are many benefits to taking part in this experience, both for you and the local people. By being in contact with traditional activities led by locals, you will interact with the neighbors of the village, learning about their culture. This will give you long-lasting memories that will enrich your life.

Your visit not only contributes to the fields of education and healthcare but also creates employment opportunities for the local community. This sustainable experience ensures minimal waste generation, utilizes clean energy sources, and promotes the use of locally sourced ingredients. Moreover, your active participation in conservation efforts will have a positive impact on the environment.

Day 8 Watamu (departure day)

Spent the morning at the beach before departing. If your flight is from Nairobi, you can fly out of Malindi Airport (20 minutes from Watamu) rather than going all the way back to Mombasa.

Customization

This trip is customizable - contact us to chat about modifications.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Accommodation

  • All breakfasts, 2 lunches

  • Transfers

  • All activities

  • Permits

  • Guides

  • Park fees

  • Flights to/from Kenya

  • Travel Insurance

  • Kenya visa

  • Tips

  • Some meals

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

Pricing depends on accommodation style (budget, midrange, luxury), occupancy type (private or shared rooms), season, and group size. Contact us for more info.

  • Deposit per person

    40% of the trip price

  • Shared Room - sleeps 2 - price per person

    From $800

Sustainability

Our organization is committed to sustainable practices that prioritize the environment, the economy, and the socio-cultural well-being of the communities we visit. By focusing on sustainable practices, we believe that we can create a more equitable and just tourism industry.

Environmental Initiatives

In terms of the environment, we prioritize the use of reusable products and provide information on ethical wildlife treatment to our guides and travelers. Additionally, we offer low-carbon impact holidays that promote activities related to combating climate change, such as tree planting.

Sociocultural Initiatives
We also prioritize the economic well-being of the communities we visit. We provide direct jobs and income to locals, as well as upskill our partners so they can expand their services. We focus on community projects and assistance and ensure that vendors, creators of products, and food dishes are met.

Our accommodation choices are small and locally run, and we personally visit and carry out an impact analysis at all the accommodations we work with. We promote slow travel, staying for 3-4 nights in most accommodations.

Economic Initiatives
We prioritize the socio-cultural well-being of the communities we visit. We take travelers off the beaten path and ensure that our trips are carried out ethically by looking at the local community's perspective. We promote cultural exchange and encourage travelers to respect local customs and traditions.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

FAQs

What does the Physical Rating of "Easy" mean?

It means that no special physical preparation is required.

What are the accommodations like?

We have all options; budget, medium or luxury! Occupancy can be single, double, or family rooms if you are coming with kids. The Final trip price will depend on what accommodation style you prefer.

What should I bring for the nature walk with giraffes?

Wearing comfortable shoes such as trainers is a good idea. Bring a water bottle, sun protection and a device with a camera!

When can I see dolphins, turtles, & whales?

Dolphins are in the area between October and March. However, you can experience turtles and whales during other times of the year and epic sunsets every single day!

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.

Is there a toilet and shower on the dhow?

The day dhow you will be using does not have a toilet or shower.

What do I need to bring for the village experience?

There is no requirement to bring anything, your mere presence will bring joy to their days. There is no need to learn any local language either, most of the families there speak English fluently.
We specialize in vegetarian food, but in case you have any dietary requirements, don't hesitate in talking to us, all requirements can be catered for. All the ingredients in the meals are fresh and locally sourced.

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