Duration
Kenyan Coast for Ocean Lovers
From $800 pp
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:
- 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.
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)
Day 2 Mombasa: Giraffe Nature Walk
Day 3 Mombasa: City Tour & Food Tour
Day 4 Beach Day
Day 5 Mombasa - Watamu
Day 6 Watamu: Dhow Experience
Day 7 Watamu: Village Experience
Day 8 Watamu (departure day)
Customization
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.