Skip to content 
Kenya · Coastal Destinations
Kilifi
A wide blue creek, quiet beaches and Swahili ruins on Kenya’s laid-back north coast.
Location
Kilifi County, Kenya
From Mombasa
About 60 km north
Best time
December to March
Ideal stay
Three to four nights
The town
Creek life on the quiet coast
Kilifi sits where a long tidal creek meets the Indian Ocean, halfway between Mombasa and Malindi. The creek is perfect for sailing, kayaking and paddle-boarding, and the town has a relaxed, creative feel, with beach bars, small hotels and a slower pace than the resorts further south.
On the creek’s southern bank, the Mnarani Ruins preserve the remains of a Swahili town with mosques and tombs. Bofa Beach offers wide stretches of sand, and on some dark nights the creek glows with bioluminescent plankton, though this varies and is never guaranteed.
Kilifi is an easy add-on to Mombasa or Watamu, and a peaceful finish after Tsavo East.
Places your guide will show you
Kilifi CreekBofa BeachMnarani RuinsTakaunguVipingoKilifi Bridge
Local secret
Calm creek water for sailing
Marine life
Life on the creek and reef
Kilifi’s creek, mangroves and reefs support plenty of marine life. Sightings vary with the season.
Scroll for more →
01
Dolphins
Sometimes seen off the coast on boat trips.
02
Sea turtles
Feed and nest along this stretch of coast.
03
Mangrove crabs
Scuttle across the mudflats at low tide.
04
Coral reefs
Healthy reefs lie offshore for snorkellers.
05
Kingfishers
Hunt along the creek and mangrove channels.
Experiences
Things to do in Kilifi
Kilifi is about water, sunshine and taking life slowly.
Creek sailing and kayaking
Explore the wide creek by boat, kayak or paddle-board.
Mnarani Ruins
Walk among the remains of a Swahili town above the creek.
Kitesurfing
Breezy days bring kitesurfers to the beaches.
Mangrove trips
Paddle through mangroves rich with birds and crabs.
Dhow sunset
Sail out on a traditional dhow as the sun goes down.
Bofa Beach
Long, quiet sands for swimming and walks.
When to visit
The best time for the coast
The coast is warm all year. Dry months bring the clearest water for snorkelling and diving.
Jan – Mar
Peak season
Hot and dry
Calm seas, clear water and sunshine. The peak beach season.
Apr – Jun
Long rains
Humid with heavy showers and rougher seas. Some hotels close.
Jul – Oct
Cool and dry
Pleasant days, steady breezes and humpback whales offshore.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Brief showers early on, then busy festive weeks.
Getting there
Reaching Kilifi
By road
About an hour north of Mombasa along the coastal highway.
By air
Fly to Mombasa or Malindi, then continue by road.
By train
Take the Madaraka Express to Mombasa and transfer north.
Where to stay
Beach houses and small hotels
01
Creek-side lodges
Small hotels with views over the water.
02
Beach cottages
Self-catering houses on Bofa Beach.
03
Boutique hotels
Stylish stays at Vipingo and Takaungu.
Pairs well with
Some sites, such as the Mnarani Ruins, charge a small entry fee. Ask us for current rates when you request your quote.
Ready-made trips
Safari and coast holidays
We do not run fixed trips to Kilifi yet, but any of these coast holidays can include it. Ask us when you enquire.
- Tsavo West, Tsavo East, Amboseli
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West
- 3 Days 2 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Mombasa, Diani
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Amboseli, Diani, Mombasa
- 7 Days 6 Nights
Good to know
Kilifi FAQs
Where is Kilifi?
On Kenya’s north coast in Kilifi County, about 60 km north of Mombasa.
What is Kilifi known for?
Its wide creek, quiet beaches, sailing, the Mnarani Ruins and a relaxed atmosphere.
Can you see bioluminescence in Kilifi?
On some dark nights the creek glows with plankton, but it depends on conditions and is never guaranteed.
How many days do you need in Kilifi?
Three to four nights lets you enjoy the creek and beaches at an easy pace.
When is the best time to visit Kilifi?
December to March for hot, calm weather, and July to October for cooler days.
Can I combine Kilifi with a safari?
Yes. Tsavo East is a few hours inland, and Kilifi pairs well with Watamu and Mombasa.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Kilifi and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Plan your Kilifi stay
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape a Kilifi itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
