TEMBEA: Kilifi; Home to Kenya’s Finest beach!

Where would one expect to find the finest beach along the Kenyan Coast and one of the most idyllic in the entire world? The answer lies not in Mombasa but much more northern. The name Bofa Beach should not ring any bells and that is exactly why it earns that unenviable title. The beach is located in Kilifi, the first town north of Mombasa about half-way to Malindi. The ancient coastal Swahili town is set amidst a backdrop of a most stunning white sandy beach, a startlingly beautiful blue and emerald creek and a magnificent coral reef, about 58 kms from Mombasa International Airport. It is steeped in history and African Culture, famous for the ancient Mnarani ruins dating back to 14th century and the friendly local Kenyan community called the Giriama. The soft white sandy beach at Kilifi is a haven for sun worshipers and stretches for miles. It is protected by a magnificent coral reef, un-spoilt and practically deserted; being well away from the crowded beaches of the tourist hotels near Mombasa and along the South Coast. You can walk for miles. Early mornings were the best when you are only likely to meet only a local fisherman with his fresh catch of shellfish. Kilifi is a famous for World Class Big Game Fishing, snorkeling and Scuba Diving along the vast coral reef as well as Water-skiing in Kilifi Creek. One of the most delightful ways to see the beauty of Kilifi Creek is to take a dhow trip. The small Swahili kijahazi dhows criss-cross the creek visiting the tiny bays and inlets and provide a wonderful vantage for photographing the mass of birdlife and scenic surroundings. Regular ‘sundowner’ trips are a great favorite with the local residents and visitors to Kilifi. Overlooking Kilifi Creek from the Southern side, some 200 metres from the Mombasa Road, you will find the old ruins of Mnarani, an ancient coastal settlement dating back to the early 14th Century. In Mnarani, you will find two mosques and a group of tombs dating back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Mnarani was destroyed by the warring Galla people in the early 17th century. Also at the site of the ruins you will see the largest baobab tree on the Kenya coast. A large hole has been made in the side of the tree where local people leave offerings. Many people visit this peaceful site to meditate and to picnic. Ends

Lifestyle

TEMBEA: Kilifi; Home to Kenya’s Finest beach!