8 Best Things To Do In Kilifi, Kenya

1. Spend a day at Bofa beach

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Get in tune with the warm coastal culture and soak up the magical outdoor vibes of Kilifi at Bofa beach. Nestled in a serene neighborhood, just a stone’s throw from the lively blare of the town’s center and amidst the swaying coconut trees, this is where locals and visitors come to blow off some steam and relax during the weekends. Soak your feet in the sand and marvel at the enchanting beach ecosystem around you, or head for a dive in the turquoise waters of the Indian ocean and get a glimpse of the beautiful coral reefs.

Bofa Beach

Address: Bofa Rd, Kilifi, Kenya

2. Explore Mnarani ruins

If you’re a history buff with a thing for religious history and ancient ruins, then a visit to the fascinating site of the Mnarani ruins is one that shouldn’t miss. Overlooking Kilifi Creek from the southern side, Mnarani ruins is undeniably a favorite attraction for most locals and visitors alike, for its thick Baobab trees, two mosque remnants, and several ancient tombs, which are revered as a place of worship by thousands of believers around the globe; many throng here to pray and offer sacrifices. The mosques, tombs, and baobab trees (which are more than 800 years old) are sacred and believed to be holy.

Mnarani Ruins

Address: Mnarani Road, Malindi

Website: Mnarani Ruins

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

3. Play a round of golf at Vipingo Ridge

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you fancy yourself a golfer or you just picked golfing as your new hobby, and you’re looking a serene place to enjoy the thrilling highlights of the elating sport, then make your way to Vipingo Ridge and let the immaculate green of the lush Baobab course envelope you in a warm embrace. Tucked between the gorgeous coastline and the rolling hills of Chodari, this enthralling 18-hole championship course is Africa’s first and only PGA-accredited course. It is also Kenya’s number one golf course as selected by ‘Top 100 magazine’ in 2015. Designed by the famed European course architect, David Jones, and nestled on a high ridge, this enchanting 72 par course boasts a cascading landscape and a picturesque backdrop where players of all ages and abilities can enjoy the game.

Vipingo Ridge

Address: Vipingo Ridge, Vipingo

Website: Vipingo Ridge

Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)

4. Click some pictures at Mnarani Snake Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

When exploring Mnarani Ruins, don’t forget to make your way to the blissful surroundings of Mnarani Snake Park because, unlike the snake park in Gedi National Monument, the entry ticket to the famed ruins also includes a gate pass to this fascinating snake farm. While you’re here, feast your eyes on the fascinating snake species like the black and green mambas, king cobras, as well as monitor lizards and graceful tortoises, as your guide tells you more about these amazing reptiles and their natural habitat.

Mnarani Snake Park

Address: Mnarani Road, Malindi

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

5. Admire bioluminescent planktons at Kilifi Creek

Treat yourself to a magical evening and admire bioluminescent planktons in Kilifi Creek. Located just two hours from Mombasa, this giant estuary of turquoise blue waters that spills out to the Indian Ocean spells out a quintessential gem for avid nature seekers, who will fall in love with the serenity and picturesque surroundings of this breathtaking place. While you’re here, you can either choose to relax by the golden shores and take in the windy breeze or take a sunset cruise and enjoy up-close views of the stunning coastline as you admire bioluminescence planktons.

Kilifi Creek

Address: Kilifi Creek, Kenya

6. Enjoy snorkeling at Kuruwitu Conservancy

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Are you planning on a remarkable snorkeling adventure in the calm waters of the Kenyan coast? If yes, then make your way to Kuruwitu conservancy and prepare to feast your eyes on some of Kenya’s most exotic marine ecosystems. Enjoying a convenient location in Tewa Junction, this incredible conservancy, was first started in 2003 by the local natives to preserve the endangered marine species on the Kenyan coast. Today, this spectacular conservancy is now a proud marine sanctuary, endowed with beautiful corals and over 200 fish species, which accentuates its allure.

Kuruwitu Conservancy

Address: Tewa Junction, Vipingo, Malindi Road

7. Bask in the sun at Kilifi Bridge

When at the Kenyan coast, one cannot stop to wonder about and marvel at the stunning architectural brilliance of the famous Kilifi Bridge. Being the longest bridge in Kenya, this astounding structure measures a total length of 420 meters (1377 ft) and connects the bustling towns of Kilifi and Mnarani. Best described as a prestressed continuous box girder carrying two lanes, this amazing architectural marvel heads to Mombasa towards the South, and the quaint towns of Malindi, Lamu, and Garissa towards the North. Here, you can enjoy a short stroll to stretch your legs as you bask in the coastal sun and take in the enchanting surroundings of the sky-mirrored waters of the Indian ocean.

Kilifi Bridge

Address: B8, Kilifi, Kenya

8. Enjoy a delicious meal with a view at Nautilus Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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After exploring all that Kilifi has to offer, the next best thing to do to complete your experience here is to enjoy delicious fare at the iconic Nautilus Restaurant. Famed for its exquisite menu that offers a wide array of French-inspired cuisines in a relaxed setting, overlooking the creek, this stunning Swiss-owned restaurant is undeniably the place to be for a tantalizing plate of exotic Swahili dishes. They have an impressive selection of wines, too. Situated along the Old Ferry Road, this restaurant features chic interiors with intimate seating, an inviting atmosphere, and beautiful views over the water.

Nautilus Restaurant

Address: Mnarani, Kilifi Ganze Rd, Kilifi

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11:30am - 10pm (closed on Mon)

Discover the rustic charms of Kilifi

Indeed, Kilifi is a fascinating coastal town packed with a handful of fun-filled attractions and even more fascinating venues for you to discover and explore. And whether you’re traveling here for culture, history, or just for a romantic break with your significant other, this list above entails some of the best things to do in Kilifi, for a fascinating discovery of the Kenyan coast.