Weekend Getaway from Nairobi go to Kilifi : A Coastal Escape

Escape the hustle and bustle of Nairobi with a refreshing weekend getaway to Kilifi, a serene coastal town on Kenya's stunning coastline. Just a few hours' drive from the capital city, Kilifi offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, here's your ultimate guide to making the most of a weekend in Kilifi.

Day 1: Friday Evening - Arrival and Welcome Sunset

• Departure from Nairobi: Start your journey out of peak traffic hours and head to the airport. The drive to Kilifi takes approximately 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and the road conditions so in my opinion it's worth flying there rather than driving. We took a flight to Malindi and then took a taxi for 50mins to Kilifi.
• 💰 Taxi to the airport usually - price will vary depending where you leave from
• ✈️  with Jambojet should be around $140 round trip
• 💰 Taxi Malindi - Kilifi 50km, around 50mins - $30-35 (4000-5000 KES)

• Check-in at Accommodation: Upon arrival in Kilifi, settle into your chosen accommodation. Whether you prefer a beachfront hotel, a cozy guesthouse, or a luxurious resort, Kilifi offers a range of options to suit every taste and budget.
• We picked Salty's Kitesurf village, it's an affordable cozy and surfing vibe. Even if you don't kitesurf you will enjoy the laid back atmosphere, their bar restaurant and direct access to the beach without mentionning the cool sunset spots they created to chill looking at the ocean 
• 💰 $39 to $110 / night depending on the comfort you want

• Chill at the bar and enjoy the beach: Rest from your travels and tune yourself to the slow coastal rhythm of Kilifi where everything is laid back. Take a plunge in the Indian ocean, get a drink for sunset and chill in the elevated areas that oversee the sunset. Bean bags, cocktails - mocktails, beers, hammocks feets in the say you arrived to your destination. Eat dinner on the spot with the awesome daily menu with fresh catch from the morning.

Day 2: Saturday - Exploration and Adventure

• Breakfast by the Beach: Start your day with a delicious breakfast overlooking the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. 

• Take a Dhow Cruise: Kick off your gate away with a magical dhow cruise along the Kilifi Creek or the Indian Ocean coastline. Relax as you sail past the villas if kilifi, mangrove forests, enjoy the cool breeze, and witness the sky ablaze with colors as the sun sets over the horizon.
• We went with Captain Marcelo, it was an awesome experience. We went to the creek with a Boda (local motorcycle taxi) got on the boat and sailed into the creek, got a lunch break picnic on the beach, they even brought tons of vegetarian options for me. We continued to sail and jumped off the boat in the creek at sunset watching thousand of colourful red birds (Carmine Bee Eater) coming to sleep in the trees. Later on we were super lucky and they brought us to see some bioluminescence algae.
  
  
• Bring sunscreen we got burned like a fresh lobster 🦞 
• They provide you water and snacks 
• 💰 Cruises go from $12 to $26 per person depeding of the length of the trip you take.

• Eat dinner back at your hotel, we got to enjoy a night swim in the ocean and get a nice dinner feets in the sand back at Salty's. 

Day 3: Sunday - Cultural Immersion and Beach

• Beach Day at Kilifi Beach: After breakfast, spend the morning relaxing on the pristine white sands. Swim in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathe, or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.

• Lunch and afternoon at the Food Movement: Head to this local handcraft spot, nestled inland for a unique lunch experience
• Eat at Va va voom! In a tree grab coffee get lunch there and enjoy the chilled vibe. Admire the unique decor of an old Ranger Rover defender turned in a bar and much more!
• Stroll around and get some traditional baskets 
• Visit all the craft there is from clothes to souvenirs you will me mesmerised by the treasures you can find there.

• Head back for a swim if you would like to and go for a local immersion in the city center or for a cultural dive by visiting Mnarani Ruins

• Go have dinner beneath the Baobab tree at the Twisted Fig, enjoy the menu the atmosphere and the view over the canopy. Watch the laterns turn this place to a fairytale moment. 
• 💰 the most expensive meal is around $15 
• Enjoy the complementary creek oysters if they have them

Tips for Your Weekend Getaway:

• Pack Light: Kilifi is warm year-round, so pack light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Book Accommodation in Advance: Especially during peak seasons, book your accommodation in advance to secure your preferred choice.
• Meet the locals : Take the time to interract with the locals you meet, I met Omar a seashell fisherman running an orphanage and he gave me a tour of the beach. Kenyans are really nice and welcoming.
• Negociate your Bodas : Of course if you are 2 persons to jump on the motorcycle the price will be a little bit higher than if you are alone. A ride for 10kms should be around $5 (600-700 KES)
• Bring cash or use M-pesa : Most of the places you will deal with beside your hotel will not take card payments. So prepare your cash ahead or if you have a Kenyan sim use M-Pesa to pay with your phone.