Dhow sailing: Join captain Issa and his experienced crew on their traditional swahili Dhow boat. Trips can be organized for all hours of the day and for a range of activities. Experience “sun-downer” cruises around the creek, dreamy full-moon sails, snorkeling on the reef, fishing trips and much more. Upon request a delicious seafood lunch or dinner can be cooked up on board!
Dinner with Mzee Kombo: Venture by motorbike through the fields, forests and hills of Kilifi until you reach the shamba of your host, Mzee Kombo. Here you will be welcomed by a wholesome family in their homestead, given a tour of the cassava fields, coconut groves, fruit trees and even pay a visit to a small fish farm. With informative and engaging company, you will be able to sample the local coconut wine, learn how to grate coconut and extract the cream as well as participate in meal preparation. Note – every visit with Mzee Kombo is different depending on the growing season!
Takaungu Creek and Village – Just a 15-minute boda ride from Distant Relatives is the magical Takaungu Creek. Explore the cliffs which line the creek wall, on a low-tide walk out out to white sand beaches, or enjoy a refreshing swim on a high tide. If you’re feeling hungry, take a row boat across the creek and enjoy local dishes by a traditional Swahili chef in the untouched Takaungu village. Alternatively, “The Food Movement”, a locally run restaurant boasting some of the best bites in Kilifi, is just nearby on the sprawling Kilifi plantation.
Vuma Cliffs – Experience the full force and beauty of mother nature at Vuma Cliffs. A 30-40 minute trek by boda will deliver you to the black-coral cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean. Kick back with a book and a beer while enjoying the magnificent view or scramble around the rocks and feel the ocean spray. Calm seas lend the possibility of fishing.
Sunset at Giriama Paradise: Join our neighbors down the road at “Giriama Paradise”! The village, stunning 180 degrees from the lagoon, join Rammadani, Juma, Saidi and their wives and sisters at their beautiful home in Giriama Paradise for a traditional meal. The menu includes locally raised BBQ chicken, coconut stew, beans, chapati, moringa, palm wine, baobab juice and other local delicacies.
Snorkeling and Scuba – With several community and nationally-managed marine reserves in the area, the opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving along the extensive coral reef are endless!
Scuba diving can be organized regardless of your experience through Aqua Ventures. The Vuma Caves on Kilifi Creek are a particular highlight, at a depth of about 20 meters just nearby Vuma cliffs. Inside the caves lurk some huge groupers, giant trevallies and barracuda. Dolphins can often be seen playing in the open sea near the caves. Also once in a while you may end up swimming with whale sharks and humpback whales!
For more information go to their website here.
Snorkel and explore some of the most beautiful coral reefs on the coast! If you are looking for a quick 2-3 hour excursion, you can snorkel off a sailing dhow with a local caption. For a more extensive snorkel excursion, you can go to Kuruwitu Marine Park, just a 30 minute drive south of Kilifi or Watamu, a town with stunning white sand beaches just an hour north of Kilifi.