Discover Kilifi town, the beautiful Kenyan coastal paradise most travelers miss

I visited Kilifi for the first time in September 2021 for a work-related engagement. This would become “love at first sight.” Every time I tour the Coast, this town is one of the places on my bucket list.

In this article, I will walk you through everything you need to know to appreciate this town as a great destination next time you plan a tour of the Kenyan coast. 

Kilifi at a glance

I find this town calm, laid-back, and tranquil. Things here move pleasantly slowly and with a more peaceful rhythm. Kilifi people are hospitable. The culture here is vibrant, with a rich heritage rooted in the Mijikenda and Swahili traditions.

During the day, there are exhilarating water sports on this creek, and in the evening, the traditional Swahili dhows glide across for the magical Kilifi sunset ride. The beaches of Kilifi remain unspoiled and delightful, unlike those of Mombasa and Diani.

So, where is Kilifi town?

Kilifi town is on the shoreline of the Indian Ocean, 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Mombasa City and 55 kilometers (34 miles) south of Malindi. Kilifi town serves as the administrative headquarters of Kilifi County.

Things to do when you visit Kilifi town

Here are my top activities to do in Kilifi. These will indeed make you appreciate this town as an underrated Kenyan coastal tour destination.

Tour Bofa Beach

Bofa Beach is one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches along the Kenyan shoreline. It stretches approximately 5 kilometers from the Baobab Sea Lodge to the Silver Palm Resort. Visitors will enjoy this beach for its calm atmosphere and fine sparkling white sand, making it a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or a relaxing walk along the shoreline.

Tip

While on Bofa Beach, you may need sunglasses to cope with the brightness of the sun and the white sands.

Along Bofa Beach, you will find many chill spots, where you can sit and enjoy the view and the breeze of the Indian Ocean as you have your favorite food and drink. These spots vary from simple bandas to big resorts.

Salty’s Kitesurf Village is one of my favorite bars, especially in the evenings and on weekends. It is located on Bofa Beach. You can lounge in the afternoon here with your favorite drinks until the evening, when the party comes to life. The DJ is great, there are live acoustic music sessions, bonfires on the beach sometimes, and other times a movie night. This village has beautiful villas where you can spend the night.

Try kitesurfing

Bofa Beach is the theater of this thrilling sport. With steady winds year-round, Kilifi provides ideal conditions. Salty’s Kitesurfing Village provides equipment and lessons to anyone interested in learning how to kitesurf.

Enjoy a Dhow Ride and Explore the Kilifi Creek

Every time I’m in Kilifi, I must take a dhow ride. A dhow is a traditional wooden sailboat, which has been in use for over 2,000 years in the Indian Ocean. This ride helps you experience some magical moments and explore the hidden gems on the Kilifi Creek. To catch a dhow ride, one should go to the Old Ferry on the Creek.

Depending on the service provider, some dhow rides serve drinks, seafood, music, and photography. Most of the dhow rides will also include:

• A tour to the mangrove island
• Birdwatching
• Sunset watching and photography
• Swimming and snorkeling sessions

It is possible to live in Kilifi for years and not know the existence of this rustic floating bar and restaurant, Salty’s on Kilifi Creek. I discovered this hidden gem on one of the evening dhow rides and fell in love with it.

This is a sister facility to Salty’s Kitesurf Village on Bofa Beach. Here, enjoy the breathtaking views and the creek’s breeze while enjoying authentic seafood, drinks, and music. Visitors can also engage in swimming and snorkeling; however, this is not allowed for those who have consumed alcoholic drinks.

Tip

To visit Salty’s on the Creek, you are required to reserve your seating spot. This is necessary because the facility can accommodate a determined number of people at a time. To reach this bar, one needs to catch a boat at the Old Ferry and pay around 3 USD.

The magical Kilifi sunset is viewed well from the creek. Anytime I want to have this experience, I take a dhow ride west of the creek and watch it from there or at Salty’s in the Creek. The golden sun disappears on the horizon, creating an aura of tranquility over the waters of the Indian Ocean.

Try out sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving

The calm waters of Kilifi Creek create a perfect setting for learning how to sail, snorkel, and scuba dive. 3 Degrees South, a company based at Mnarani Beach Club, offers equipment and lessons.

Step into the Swahili heritage at Mnarani ruins

Visit the Mnarani ruins and learn about this Swahili settlement that existed from the 14^th century up to the 17^th century, when it was abandoned. It is located just over Kilifi Creek on the southern side near the Old Ferry crossing and is run by the National Museums of Kenya. The curator here is very knowledgeable and engaging; he will take you on a tour and give you the fascinating history of this important settlement.

When you are done exploring the history of this ancient Swahili settlement, visit the snake park within the same facility and learn a thing or two about the rescued reptiles housed there.

Make day trips from Kilifi

Kilifi town is located midway between Mombasa to the south and Malindi to the north. There are many places you can visit between these two towns while enjoying your stay in Kilifi. Some of these include:

Where to stay while in Kilifi town

When it comes to accommodation, Kilifi really spoils you for choice. You’ll find everything from cozy Airbnbs tucked away in leafy neighborhoods to charming beachfront cottages, stylish villas, and full-service resorts. If you’re looking for something more traditional, guesthouses are also easy to come by.

Where you choose to stay usually depends on your budget. Properties set a little further back from the beach tend to be easier on the wallet, while those right on the sand come with the luxury of waking up to the sound of waves—but at a higher price.

Here’s a list of some resorts, villas, and cottages in Kilifi you might want to check out for your next visit (it’s not exhaustive). Click on each to explore their website and see which one feels right for you.

How to get to Kilifi town

Getting to Kilifi is fairly straightforward. If you’re flying in, you’ve got two options: Mombasa or Malindi. Mombasa International Airport is just about an hour away, while Malindi’s smaller airport is roughly an hour and a half. Personally, I’d go with Mombasa—it’s cheaper, better connected, and the drive feels a lot shorter.

From Mombasa, the simplest way to get to Kilifi is by taxi, which will set you back about 40 dollars one way. It’s worth it for the comfort and speed. I once considered a tuk-tuk for the trip, but trust me, you don’t want to spend hours rattling along the highway in one—it’s an adventure you won’t enjoy.

If you’re traveling on a tight budget, Matatus is another option. They’re crowded, hot, and noisy, but they do get you there for a fraction of the price. Plus, you’ll get a small taste of local life on the Kenyan coast before even arriving in Kilifi.

The weather in Kilifi town

Kilifi enjoys warm weather almost all year round, which makes it a great escape for anyone who loves the coast. The most pleasant time to visit is in July and August, when the air feels cooler, the breeze is stronger, and nights can be cozy enough for a light sweater. For the rest of the year, the heat can be intense, so staying somewhere with a pool, beach access, or reliable air conditioning makes a big difference. The rains usually come between April and June and again in October and November, though showers are often short-lived rather than lasting the whole day.

What is not in Kilifi town

To be honest, Kilifi is a lovely place, but there are days you really feel the gaps. When the sun sets, the town pretty much goes quiet. If you’re after music, dancing, or just a buzzing night out, you’ll probably be disappointed because most spots close early.

Shopping is another thing. Sure, we’ve got Naivas supermarket in town, and it’s where everyone goes for basics, but beyond that the choices are slim. Don’t expect a mall, big clothing stores, or even a big bookshop.

When it comes to healthcare, there isn’t a large hospital with advanced facilities, which can be worrying in case of emergencies.

These are the kinds of things that, if improved, could really lift Kilifi as a tourist spot and also make everyday life easier for locals.

My final thoughts

Kilifi might not have the big malls or flashy hospitals, and the nightlife is almost non-existent, but honestly, that’s not what makes people fall in love with it. What stays with you are the simple moments — the quiet beaches, the warmth of the people, the thrill of water sports on the creek, and the comfort of beautiful hotels that let you wake up to the sound of the ocean. It’s real, it’s unspoiled, and for me, that’s enough reason to keep going back.