Guidebook
From snorkeling with sea turtles to sailing dhows at sunset, discover the magic of Kenya's coast
Water Sports
Cultural Experiences
Nature & Wildlife
Wellness
Dining
Shopping
On the Property
Adventures right at your doorstep
Creek Swimming
The creek is tidal, filling and emptying twice a day to reveal a vast sandy beach. Swimming is best when currents are weaker, usually at the sides of the creek. A resident green turtle is often seen on evening high tides!
Tip: Strong currents occur in the middle two hours between high and low tide.
Kayaking
Sit-on ocean kayaks are available at the house for exploring the creek. The creek extends inland for approximately five miles through unspoilt mangrove forest (no crocodiles!).
Best time: Last hour or two of incoming tide so the current helps you up, then back again once it turns.
Life-jackets provided. Great for bird watching and sundowners!
Water Sports & Adventures
Snorkeling
Reasonable snorkeling from the house with a resident green turtle. Better snorkeling on offshore reefs. Day trip to Kirawitu highly recommended for fantastic snorkeling and coral restoration project.
Contact: John +254 712 833712, Dickson +254 723 163512
30 min drive to Kirawitu
Diving
Vuma cliffs offers drop-offs, caves, and is one of the best dive sites in Kenya. Often has large visiting pelagic fish - mantas, whale sharks, bill fish. MV Fisheagle wreck has giant guitarfish.
Contact: 3˚ South +254 714 783915
15 min drive
Sailing & Windsurfing
Kilifi creek provides the best dinghy sailing in Kenya. 3˚ South is an RYA sailing school with BWSF trained instructors. Dinghy hire also available.
Contact: 3˚ South +254 714 783915
15 min drive
Jet-skiing, Water-skiing & Wake-boarding
All water sports available through 3º South at Kilifi Creek. Professional instruction and equipment rental.
Contact: 3˚ South +254 714 783915
15 min drive
Kite Surfing
Bofa Beach offers exceptional conditions for learning or exploring. Peak seasons: June-Sept (Aug peak) and mid-Dec to March (Feb peak).
Contact: Saltys +254 751 698598 or +254 792 658021
20 min drive
Dhow Cruise
Ideal for bird watching, sundowners or a relaxed evening sail with a swim. Combine snorkeling trip with lobster lunch on the beach!
Contact: Captain Shallo +254 720 678275
Departs from old ferry ramp, 15 min drive
Creek & Tides
Takaungu creek fills and empties twice a day. Here is the water's schedule — all times Kenyan coastal time.
Reading the tide tables…
Swimming in the creek
Ask us about the best swimming windows — the creek has its own rhythm.
Cultural Experiences
Gede Ruins Tour
Explore the ruins of a 12th century Swahili town covered in strangling fig trees. A national monument near Watamu.
Best time: Late afternoon
Distance: 1 hour drive
Takaungu Village Tour
Visit the nearby traditional Swahili village. The village is predominantly muslim - please dress conservatively.
Booking: Arrange through Figgito staff
Nature & Wildlife
Bird Watching
Arabuko Sokoke Forest (endemic Scops owl) and Mida Creek are both excellent locations.
Distance: 45 min drive
Golf
Two PGA world class courses at Vipingo Ridge. Book in advance.
Contact: +254 733 155155
Distance: 30 min drive
Tennis
Two courts at Creek Club. Best time: early morning or late afternoon.
Contact: +254 706 176340
Distance: 10 min walk
Padel Courts at Mnarani
Padel courts available at Mnarani.
Padel Courts at FOMO
Padel courts available at FOMO.
Wellness
Yoga
Multiple local teachers available for in-house sessions.
Morris: +254 721 816 537
Sisi: +254 748 475 111
Nickson: +254 728 341 292
Heather: +44 7494 928317 (WhatsApp)
Massage
In-house massage services available.
Lucy: +254 729 933 575
Wim Hoff Method
Heather: +44 7494 928317 (WhatsApp)
Personal Services
Manicures/Pedicures: Caroline +254 721 738 037
Personal Trainer: Faraja +254 758 644 124
Personal Shopper: Reuben +254 713 543 008
Restaurants & Cafes
Delicious dining options nearby
Food Movement & Va Va Voom
Delicious food and great coffee at Food Movement. Next door, Va Va Voom offers a unique coffee bar built around an old Land Rover with a deck in a fig tree.
Distance: 5-minute walk
Closed Sundays
Salt & Smoke
Kilifi's first Spanish-Argentinian steakhouse blending coastal spirit with classic grilling traditions. Finest cuts of beef alongside the freshest coastal catch.
Distance: 15-minute drive (Bofa Road)
Reservations: +254 112 618138
Salty's KiteSurf Village
Laid-back beach bar with kite surf lessons, simple food, and delicious cocktails.
Distance: 20-minute drive
Salty's on the Creek
Floating restaurant offering fresh seafood and gourmet bites with epic sunsets. Accessible only by water taxi.
Distance: 15-minute drive + 10-minute water taxi
Reservations required: +254 702 747218
Twisted Fig
Dine among ancient baobabs overlooking a lush inland valley.
Distance: 20-minute drive
Reservations required: +254 798 342079
Distant Relatives Ecolodge
Eco-friendly hostel with relaxed vibes, Friday night pizzas, and fun parties.
Distance: 25-minute drive
Ideal for lunch or dinner
Shopping & Essentials
Butterbean
Boutique supermarket with essentials and gourmet foods.
5-minute walk
Express Shop
Local supermarket with decent wine selection and coffee shop.
15-minute drive | +254 715 457510
Naivas Supermarket
National chain with wide selection and decent quality.
10-minute drive
Goodlife Pharmacy
15-minute drive | +254 705 018700
Pharmaplus Pharmacy
10-minute drive | +254 759 270324
Kioko Wines & Spirits
15-minute drive