Stretching from Nyali to Malindi, the North Coast is known for its long white beaches, its trading history and its Swahili ruins. Highlights include Tana River Delta, Malindi Marine National Park, Watamu Marine National Park, Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Mida Creek and Gede Ruins.
Overview
What is referred to as the North Coast is the northern half of Kenya’s east coast. The north coast beaches are Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Kikambala, Vipingo, Takaungu, Kilifi, Watamu and Malindi. Nyali, Mtwapa, Watamu and Malindi are sizeable towns. Mombasa, to the south, has an international airport called Moi International Airport. Malindi, to the north, has a domestic airport that receives scheduled flights daily from destinations in Kenya. The road from Mombasa to Malindi is generally good; the road from Malindi to Lamu requires 4WD.
Tana River Primate Reserve, on the lower Tana River, has riparian forests, dry woodlands and savannah habitats. Two endangered primates, Mangabey and red colobus monkey, are found here, as well as a variety of wildlife and over 200 species of birds. The reserve offers bird watching, primate watching, walking trails and game viewing.
Malindi Marine National Park is Africa’s oldest marine park. Located to the south of Malindi town, the marine park has fringing reefs, coral gardens, mangroves and a high diversity of fish, marine mammals and shorebirds. Activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, boat rides and nature walks. There is a resource centre, a library and an education centre. Malindi town is a 12th century Swahili town, around which resorts, bars, casinos and shopping centres have grown up.
Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Mida Creek and Watamu Marine National Park form one large ecosystem supporting a huge diversity of plant, animal and birdlife. The marine park is enclosed by Malindi Marine National Park. Marine life includes fish, turtles, dugongs and crabs. Activities include windsurfing, snorkelling, water-skiing, scuba diving and trips in glass bottomed boats. Mida Creek, bordering Watamu Marine National Park, is a large tidal inlet with productive mangrove forests. The high diversity of mangrove species provides refuge to both resident and migrant bird species. The suspended boardwalk makes an ideal place from which to bird watch or enjoy a sundowner. Arabuko Sokoke Forest, an indigenous coastal forest, is home to over 500 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and butterflies. Nature walks, bird watching and night tours are all on offer. Nyari viewpoint and the tree platform have wonderful views. It is also possible to camp in the forest or on the tree platform.
Gede Ruins are one of the most significant and attractive Swahili ruins on the coast. Established in the 13th century, Gede became a trading post. Ming Chinese porcelain and glazed earthenware from Persia have been found here. The compound, consisting of houses, palaces, mosques and tombs, was mysteriously abandoned in the 17th or 18th century. Guided tours and nature walks are recommended.
At the entrance to the Gede ruins, Kipepeo Butterfly Project gives visitors a chance to see conservation in action. The project was started by a zoologist from the University of Nairobi, and breeds and sells butterflies taken from Arabuko Sokoke Forest. Profits support local conservation projects; butterflies are on display in the Butterfly House.
Itineraries
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Listings In The North coast Region
A stylish and peaceful house just minutes from Malindi Beach, Umande Mbili is perfect for families or groups of friends. The house is set in over an acre of lush garden around a swimming pool. Umande means morning dew; mbili, the number two, notes that there’s another Umande next ...
Takaungu House, set in lovely beachfront gardens, has 3 elegant whitewashed houses available for holiday rent. The self-catering houses are stylishly furnished; the compound, on a headland with sea views on all sides, is bright with bougainvillea and flame trees. The main house has a master bedroom, 2 double bedrooms and a ...
On Bofa Beach in Kilifi, Silver Palm Resort and Spa has beachfront gardens, large winding swimming pool that runs from the reception through the gardens to the seafront and an elegant scented spa. The 40 rooms are made up of 24 executive rooms, 6 swim-up suites, 6 deluxe suites, 2 premier suites, and 2 premier suites ...
Established in 2020, Awali Estate is a collection of attractive bungalows and maisonettes designed, built and managed by Vipingo Development Limited. The properties are individually owned, and many of them are available for holiday rent. The 74 units comprise 38 bungalows and 36 maisonettes, all with 3 bedrooms. The maisonettes have a central living and ...
In spacious gardens near Kilifi’s Bofa Beach, Maison Muge is a collection of cottages and a restaurant around a swimming pool. Swiss owned and managed, the ambiance is that of being welcomed into a private residence. There are 3 villas and 3 rooms, all designed in the theme of an African ...
This eco-lodge, on a cliff overlooking Watamu’s national marine park, has views of both Mida Creek and the ocean. The bubble concept, the first of its kind in Kenya, gives guests the chance to see the striking views from their bed. The 3 bubbles are inflatable domes with circular, clear-sided ...
With the only PGA-accredited golf course in Africa, Vipingo Ridge is setting its standards high. The immaculate golf course is surrounded by villas, a clubhouse, and a selection of entertainment venues; zebra, oryx and eland stroll around the area. There are 28 Golf Villas, with 2, 3 or 4 en-suite bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, ...
This exquisite house stands in the centre of Che Shale Beach. Yolanda McIntyre, of Yolanda McIntyre Interiors, designed and decorated the house in collaboration with Anthony Forbes and Marzia Chierecetti. The house is built from pale coral stone in Moroccan Swahili style. It centres on an open courtyard with a ...
On Jacaranda Beach, to the north of Watamu, is Simba wa Kale. Established in 2020, this boutique resort offers suites and a restaurant on the beachfront. The owner, an architect and fashion stylist, designed the hotel. The villa houses 3 en-suite suites, a central living area and a veranda facing the sea. ...
In beachfront gardens, Kenya Bay Beach Hotel has lovely views of Bamburi Beach. Formerly known as Kenya Beach Hotel, the hotel became Kenya Bay in 2003. There are 100 en-suite rooms, made up of standard, superior and deluxe. Standard rooms can be twin or double, and have aircon, TV, fridge, telephone, safe ...
Boko Boko was established in 1975 as Porini Restaurant; the cottages were added in 2005. Boko Boko and Porini Restaurant are in lush tropical gardens, filled with baobabs, ferns, bamboo and jackfruit trees. Crocodiles, monkeys, giant Aldabra tortoises and miniature sharks also live here. There are 5 cottages linked by paths through the ...
This lodge’s moniker ‘the charming Lonno Lodge’ is entirely apt. The lovely lodge on Watamu’s beachfront is owner-managed; privacy and good service are a priority, and visitors have the feeling they’re being welcomed into the owner’s home. There are 4 en-suite rooms and 4 suites. The spacious tower ...
On the beachfront of Jacaranda Beach, on the northern fringe of Watamu, Alawi Boutique Hotel is an elegant and welcoming space. According to legend, Alawi, a rich and famous merchant in the 18thcentury, fell in love with a local girl named for the coastal trade wind Kaskazi; they married and ...
An elegant resort on Watamu’s beachfront, Kobe Suites has a selection of accommodation options, two swimming pools and an attractive beach restaurant. The 23 en-suite rooms are made up of 10 standard rooms, 5 ocean view rooms, and 8 deluxe rooms suitable for families. The rooms have whitewashed walls and white furniture, living ...
Palm Garden is an apt name for this boutique hotel set in lush green gardens. The hotel opened in October 2019 and is an inviting oasis in Watamu. The 6 deluxe suites have 2 bedrooms, spacious open-air living and dining area, kitchenette and veranda. The 2 standard suites have 1 bedroom, living and dining area ...
On secluded Che Shale Beach, King’s Cottage is a beach cottage in mature and spacious gardens. There are 2 en-suite bedrooms, one double and one twin. Both have African art, woven floor mats and mosquito nets; the walls are whitewashed, with exposed beams in the ceiling. The veranda makes a ...
The sister of welcoming Nairobi homestay, Hob House, opened in 2020 in Watamu. The name Hob was chosen because it means love in Arabic and infers the centre of the home in English. Founders Kelly and Peter opened Hob House in Nairobi in 2015 with the aim to promote intercultural exchanges, tasty ...
Established in 2019, Salty’s is on Bofa Beach, Kilifi. The resort has whitewashed coastal rooms, beachfront gardens and a popular beach bar and restaurant. Salty’s is known for kite surfing, great seafood, sustainable ethos and a relaxed atmosphere. The superior suite is on the 1st floor and has a ...
On the secluded Che Shale Beach, Ampoja House is a family-owned beach house surrounded by coconut palms and other indigenous plants. The house is named for the three daughters of the family: Amber, Poppy and Jade. The family has been in Kenya for three generations; the building started in 2015 and ...
On the banks of Mida Creek, Jahazi Resort is a house in coastal Swahili style. The house is close to Watamu Marine National Park and Watamu’s famous 7km Long Beach. The house has whitewashed walls and Arabic arches. The 5 en-suite rooms are made up of 3 doubles and 2 twins. All ...
On the seafront of Watamu, Medina Palms is a luxury collection of suites and villas. In traditional Swahili style, the suites and villas surround a string of interlinked swimming pools leading down to the beach. The Palmerie has a 4-bedroom luxury ocean villa, 5 3-bedroom villas and 5 1-bedroom suites. The Medina ...
East Africa’s first and only luxury marina opened in 2016. The lavish development includes a hotel, serviced apartments, conference centre, multiple restaurants and a boardwalk with designer shops. On the seafront of Nyali, the complex has views across the water of Mombasa Old Town and Fort Jesus. The hotel has 26 ...
This eco-friendly and hospitable lodge opened in 2012. A short walk from Kilifi Creek and its own private beach, the lodge promotes socially conscious living, environmentally friendly practices, adventure and parties. The wide range of accommodation comprises 11 en-suite bandas, 4 private rooms, 5 safari tents, 2 dormitories and a campsite. The gardens are dotted ...
Bare feet are recommended at this rustic idyll on the beach. About half an hour north of Malindi, this camp is beachfront, secluded and welcoming. The 6 tented rooms all have permanent bathrooms and thatched makuti roofs. The handcrafted furniture includes 4-poster beds, daybeds and arm chairs; each tent has a ...
This architecturally extraordinary house was built in several stages, and includes contributions by Andrew Melesi, Sala Terrena Creative Construction, Kitengela Glass and Anselm’s Hot Glass. The result is two whitewashed towers, linked by bridges and studded with colourful glass adornments. Stylish, striking and completely unique, the house has been ...
The stunning Neem House is built in traditional Swahili style, with Arabic arches, wrought iron windows and antique Lamu doors. Traditional boriti poles decorate the roofs and cool Galana stone paves the floors. The courtyard has an attractive swimming pool and the extensive rooftop offers breath-taking views over the treetops. ...
Established as Nyali International Beach Hotelin 1946, the hotel was taken over by the Sun Africa Group in 2010 and extensively refurbished. This large hotel is in lush gardens on the beachfront. There are 48 palm wing seafacing rooms, 102 garden wing rooms, 3 luxury villas, 3 presidential suites and 3 executive suites. All rooms are equipped ...
Tamarind Village is a collection of luxury serviced apartments on the waterfront in Nyali. With its towering white walls, curling archways and classical turrets, the village rises from its coral ramparts like a formidable 14th century fortress. There are 48 apartments, made up of 24 1-bedroom, 9 2-bedroom and 15 3-bedroom apartments. Each apartment ...
A vibrant, ship-themed resort, Voyager Beach Resort is moored on the coast, at Nyali Beach. The resort provides family entertainment and animation programmes, including themed journeys across the seven seas. The 232 cabins are made up of 68 seaview cabins, 96 gardenview cabins, 12 superior seaview cabins, 51 superior gardenview cabins, 2 large studio cabins and 3 ...
Reef Hotel is set in spacious beachfront gardens, and offers a selection of restaurants, bars, conference rooms, water sports and nightly entertainment. The hotel opened in 1972 and was extensively refurbished in 2005. There are 134 en-suite rooms, made up of 96 standard sea facing, 23 garden wing and 15 superior sea facing. All rooms have ...
Fusing Swahili interiors and Arabic architecture, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa is an exotic resort on Bamburi Beach. Set in 22 acres of landscaped gardens, this resort has the largest beachfront on the North Coast. Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa has 338 en-suite bedrooms on 3 floors, made up of 133 standard ...
Kahama Hotel is a bright and friendly hotel set in gardens dotted with palm trees. There are 32 en-suite double rooms, made up of 24 superior and 8 executive, and 2 apartments. All rooms are equipped with aircon, telephone, mosquito net and satellite TV. Executive rooms also have 4-poster beds and kettles. The rooms ...
On palm fringed Bamburi Beach, Sentido Neptune Beach Resort has a family atmosphere and offers a range of activities in the water, on the beach and in the resort. The 78 en-suite rooms are made up of doubles, superiors and deluxe. All the rooms have a telephone, satellite TV, safe, kettle, ...
On peaceful Shanzu Beach, Serena Beach Hotel and Spa offers a wide selection of facilities and activities. The hotel replicates the winding lanes and colourful market places of a 13th century Swahili town. At the centre lies the coral Fortress of Tranquillity, in which is found the Maisha Mind Body ...
Across the creek from Kilifi town centre, Mnarani Club looks out over the water. The name, meaning lighthouse, refers to the hotel’s position at the entrance to the creek, and the hotel’s infinity pool appears to be tumbling into the creek. There are 82 en-suite rooms, made up of ...
Set in 26,000m2 of tropical gardens, Kilifi Bay Beach Resort has 130 metres of sandy beachfront. The only hotel on this stretch of beach, the resort enjoys complete privacy. There are 49 en-suite rooms, including 9 suites intended for families, with double room, twin room, sitting room and bathroom. The main dining room ...
Manfriday’s Mida Creek is a collection of individually designed beach villas, located near the world bio-heritage Mida Creek. It combines the facilities of a hotel with the privacy of private villas. There are 4 villas, all elegantly furnished, fully equipped and fully staffed including private chef. Stonehouse is designed in ...
Named after an ancient temple on the headland, Temple Point Resort is an attractive resort with an extensive selection of activities and facilities. The resort, set in lush gardens, covers the whole headland and has its own private beach. There are 106 en-suite rooms, made up of garden rooms and Mida ...
Turtle Bay Beach Club is set in 10 acres of manicured gardens on the edge of Watamu Marine National Park. Entitled the responsible resort, Turtle Bay has received a prestigious gold award from Ecotourism Kenya. The 89 super club rooms have a double and single bed; some have interconnecting doors; 3 are designed ...
Hemingways Resort, a luxury tropical retreat, lies along the fringe of Watamu Marine National Park. Named for Ernest Hemingway, it recreates this famous author’s style and elegance. Hemingways has 2 accommodation wings, one each side of a central block which houses the bars, restaurant, reception, shops and business centre. There ...
In 1952, Ian Pritchard sailed into Watamu and set up a drinking hole on the beach which he named Ocean Sports. The original boat he sailed in still stands prominently in the bar, along with trophies from fishing grounds near the resort. To this day, Ocean Sports remains popular with beach ...
Giriama Residence is an attractive whitewashed house with a friendly atmosphere. The house is located near the main Watamu junction and is convenient for all the shops, restaurants and bars of Watamu. There are 6 en-suite rooms, made up of 4 doubles and 2 family rooms. All rooms have carved 4-poster bed, table, ...
The sun, considered the life giver, and the lion, considered a force of nature, were chosen to give their names to this luxury resort. The resort’s concept is open spaces, freedom, unique environment, complete relaxation and self discovery. Arab and Indian influences fuse in the architecture. There are 7 suites, 7 ...
In beachfront gardens on Malindi Beach, Kilili Baharini Resort and Spa is an exclusive resort, offering luxurious relaxation. There are 29 en-suite rooms, 4 suites and 2 junior suites. All rooms have aircon, fan, minibar, safe, telephone and mosquito net. They are tastefully furnished in Swahili style, and adorned with African artefacts and ...
Set in tropical gardens along Malindi Beach, Sandies Tropical Village offers an all inclusive package. The 109 en-suite garden rooms are made up of 85 deluxe garden rooms, 12 of which interconnect for families with children, and 24 junior suites. The rooms are designed in Lamu or English style, and have a mini fridge, ...
The Driftwood Beach Club has long been a favourite with locals. The charming club, set in beachfront gardens, is one of the original hotels in Malindi. There are 30 thatched bandas, each containing an en-suite double room. All bandas have aircon, telephone and veranda. There are 2 luxury director’s cottages, in ...
Che Shale is a boutique hotel situated on 5km of deserted beach, fringed by coral reef and surrounded by thousands of palm trees and lush indigenous vegetation. Che Shale is renowned for being the pioneer of kite surfing in East Africa and has conditions that are ideal for learners and ...
Perched on top of rolling sand dunes, Delta Dunes Lodge has panoramic views of the Tana River Delta and the Indian Ocean. The only wetland of its type in East Africa, the area provides unique birdlife, aquatic life and wildlife. There are 7 elegant en-suite cottages, built from driftwood, mangrove poles ...