Guidebook
From snorkeling with sea turtles to sailing dhows at sunset, discover the magic of Kenya's coast
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!
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…
Reading the creek
- Swimming
- Currents run strongest in the middle two hours between high and low tide. Swim either side of the turn, and keep to the edges of the creek.
- Kayaking
- Set off for the last hour or two of the incoming tide and let it carry you up the mangroves; come back once it turns.
- The beach
- At low tide the water pulls back to reveal a kilometre of sand below the cliff, reached by the tunnel.
- The turtle
- Our resident green turtle is most often seen on evening high tides.
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
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 & Sport
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 at FOMO
A floodlit court with a lively club around it — weekly tournaments, social games and coaching. Equipment is included and refreshments come from Food Movement.
Booking: fomopadel.com · 90-minute sessions
Distance: 5 min walk, at Food Movement
Padel at Mnarani
Glass-walled courts at Mnarani Beach Club, run by Padel Force. Rackets for hire, and the open-air Garden Parlour café sits courtside for juices and Kenyan coffee.
Contact: Mnarani Beach Club +254 20 807 0501
Distance: 15 min drive
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)
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
Ready for Your Adventure?
Let us help you plan the perfect coastal escape