Kilifi is my secret. While everyone rushes to Mombasa or Diani, this little town on the Indian Ocean has quietly become a haven for creatives, artists, and anyone craving a slower pace. The first time I came here, I extended my stay three times. That's the Kilifi effect.
I designed this itinerary for anyone who wants the real Swahili coast—boutique stays right on the creek, seafood so fresh it was swimming that morning, and the kind of laid-back energy that makes you forget what day it is. This is my happy place, and I want it to be yours too.
From Mombasa, it's about an hour to Kilifi—watch the landscape shift from city to coast to something altogether calmer. You'll check into a boutique hotel right on the creek, and I want you to just... exhale. Swim. Kayak. Float. Do nothing. As the sun starts to dip, find a spot overlooking the water with a cocktail. This is the moment you'll remember.
One of my favorite things in Kilifi is the boat trip up the creek. You'll glide past fishing villages where craftsmen still build dhows the way their grandfathers did. Lunch happens at a beachside spot in town—nothing fancy, just incredible. Afternoon is yours: snorkel, paddleboard, or wander through the local art galleries. For dinner, I'll send you to one of my spots where Swahili spices meet modern technique.
Don't rush this morning. Breakfast overlooking the creek, one last swim in those warm waters, maybe a massage if you're feeling indulgent. Then it's off to the airport—unless you're doing what I always recommend and continuing north to Lamu. The Kenyan coast is best experienced in layers.
The moments our creators say you can't miss on this itinerary.
Continue to Lamu Island for the complete Kenyan coast experience.
Start My Journey
Content creator and storyteller with a passion for African luxury, wellness, and solo travel. Every itinerary Nia curates reflects her philosophy: travel should nourish the soul.
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