This is a list of the top 10 best places to visit in Kilifi County. Kilifi County has an estimated population of 1, 109, 735 people. Tourism and fishing are the major economic activities in Kilifi. This is due to the county’s close proximity to the Indian Ocean.
In no particular order, here is a list of the best places to visit in Kilifi County.
1. Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve
It is one of Kenya’s best marine park that has a rich and diverse birdlife, fish, turtles, dugongs, the lizard buzzard and other marine animals. It is a perfect place to enjoy the sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean, snorkelling, water skiing, windsurfing and glass-bottomed boat tours.
2. Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve
It is situated in Malindi, about 110 kilometres north of Mombasa. It is endowed with magnificent coral gardens, fringing reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, mudflats, marine mammals and different species of shorebirds. It is a perfect place for bird watching, camping, diving, glass-bottomed boat rides, sunbathing, water skiing, windsurfing and snorkelling.
3. Gedi Ruins
It is a national museum and historical site located approximately sixteen kilometres south of Malindi. Gedi Ruins are the remains of an early Swahili town called Gedi, which was inhabited by sailors, traders and settlers from Oman. You can take guided tours through the ruins, museum and information centre located within the area, to learn about the early Swahili culture.
4. Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve
It features one of the largest stretches of indigenous coastal dry forest in East Africa. The stretch is about 400 square kilometres. It is a notable place for bird watching activities, game drives, guided walking safari, cycling, camping and nature trails.
5. Malindi Museum
It is situated in Malindi town. The museum houses cultural exhibitions and artefacts used by early Arabs and the local coastal people. It also doubles as an information centre for attractions and local happenings in Malindi and its environs.
6. Mida Creek
It is a tidal creek that stretches from the sea to Arabuko Sokoke forest. It is a perfect kayaking destination and a bird watching paradise. It is an ideal place for water sports such as waterskiing and wakeboarding. It also features a 260-metre walk board, perfect for nature walks with family and friends. A restaurant and a mini-bar are also available at the site.

7. Watamu Beach
It is a calm sandy beach located in Watamu. It is a popular destination for snorkelling, diving, swimming, boat rides and various water sports. It is a perfect place for lovers of a tranquil environment.

8. Vasco Da Gama Pillar
It is a monument that was built by the Portuguese to give direction to explorers who were following the sea route to India. It is one of the popular tourist attraction and historical sites in Malindi.

9. Mnarani Ruins
Mnarani Ruins is located in Kilifi and overlooks the Kilifi Creek from the southern side, approximately 200 metres from the Mombasa- Malindi road. It consists of mosques, madrassa and a group of tombs and pillars.

10. Jumba La Mtwana
It is situated about 4 kilometres from the Mombasa-Malindi road. Jumba la Mtwana is a Swahili word that means ‘the large house of the slave.’ It is a national monument which features ancient mosques, four houses, courts and kibla. It was gazetted as a national monument in 1982.

Marafa Depression
This is a vast canyon-like area resulting from soil erosion. Its located 30km northeast of Malindi.

- Villa Vipingo Ridge
- Bofa Beach
- Cobra Village
- Watamu Turtle Watch
- River Rare Eco Centre and Nature Park
- Kilifi Creek
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