Beaches, Creeks, Coves in Kilifi
Mida Creek: A Picture-Postcard Inlet
The picture-postcard tidal inlet of Mida Creek, covering 32 km2 with mangrove fringes on either side, is part of Watamu Marine National Park. Lauded as a great sanctuary for shore birds, with over 200 species, it is also a proper sanctum of beautifully contrasting flora both seaward and landward. Moreover, Mida Creek is an essential passage and wintering stopover for migrant waders. Counts of over 8,000 waders have been made on site including notable species like the novel black and white Crab-plover recognizable by its heavy bill for crunching crabs.
The populations of plovers – Greater, Lesser Sand and Crab – resident at Mida Creek have further brought it under the limelight as an Important Birding Area. A total of 71 aquatic bird species have been recorded to use the site, and it is also significant feeding area for Dimorphic Egrets, Lesser Crested Egret, Kingfisher, Waders and a non-breeding population of the Greater Flamingo. Other common migrant shorebirds here include: Sanderling, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Terek Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Grey Plover, and Greenshank. A rare birders destinations!
Still and all, the ecosystem of Mida Creek, fragile and vulnerable, has come under increased pressure. Wanton harvesting of mangrove poles at Mida Creek, as well as other ecosystems at Mto Kilifi, Ras Ngomeni, Malindi and Lamu, for export to Arabian countries [Iran, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Kuwait and Bahrain] and Somalia, is a major threat, despite the Government ban of 1982. The mangrove forest at Mida Creek, covering 17 km2, accounts for 25% of the mangrove forests along Kenya’s coast. This magnificent ecosystem is best explored aboard the local mdau boats.
A visit to Mida Creek should not omit a call in on Mida Ecocamp, boating safaris to the nearby Sudi Island – embodying the feeling of cast-off paradise islands – and walking along the raised boardwalk, whose revenue goes to the local community. The 260-metre boardwalk bridge, through the mangroves, offers a memorable skywalk over innumerable bird nests. Also found at Mida Creek, in the middle of nowhere, really, across a board walk, and just when you are thinking it must be surely around here somewhere, near Dabaso village, is Crab Shack Watamu.
The restaurant is a discreet, low impact wooden construction standing at the edge of the mangroves looking out to Kilepwa Island. They didn’t want an atmosphere that felt too established. Since its opening, it has thrived in reams of good reviews. So book 24 hrs in advance. Their seafood cuisine is complemented with a unique opportunity to absorb the beauty and magical atmosphere of the mangrove forest and channels, and a lovely sunset. For reservation – breakfast, lunch or dinner – and pricing, you can get in touch with Crab Shack Dabasa via: 0725 315 562.
Kenya is renowned for its stunning coastline along the Indian Ocean, offering a variety of beautiful beaches that cater to different preferences – from bustling resorts to quiet, secluded coves and picture-postcard creeks. Diani Beach, known for its powdery white sands and turquoise waters, is, perhaps, the most popular. Yet, each offers a unique experience, in almost always perfect tropical weather.
Index of Beaches, Creeks and Coves in Kenya
Busia County - Port Florence, Marenga Beach, Homa Bay County - Takawiri Island Beach, Kilifi County - Mtwapa Creek, Kikambala Beach, Takaungu Creek, Vuma Cliffs, Kilifi Creek, Bofa Beach, Mida Creek, Watamu Beach, Turtle Bay, Garoda Beach, Malindi Beach, Mambrui Beach, Kisumu County - Luang'ni Beach, Kwale County - Tiwi Beach, Diani Beach, Gazi Beach, Msambweni Beach, Munje Beach, Lamu County - Kizuke Bay, Lamu Beach, Shela Beach, Kizingoni Beach, The Manda Toto, Kiwayu Beach, Ras Kitau, Migori County - Muhuru Bay, Lake Victoria Sanctuary, Mombasa County - Tudor Creek, Shelly Beach, Nyali Beach, Bamburi Beach, Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach, Shanzu Beach
Touring Kilifi County offers a delightful blend of coastal beauty, lovely beaches, cultural richness, natural wonders, and fascinating ancient ruins. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, historical sites, or vibrant cultural experiences – or a combination, Kilifi promises a memorable and enriching travel experience.
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A Guide to Kilifi County
A Summa Digest of Kilifi
About Kilifi Way Back When
95 Destinations in Kilifi County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north, east then north - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Shimo la Tewa Prison, Mtwapa Creek, Mtwapa Ruins, The Moorings, La Marina Restaurant, Jumba la Mtwana, Kikambala Beach, Vipingo Mosque Ruins, Kinuni Ruins, Kuruwitu Conservancy, Neem Tree House, Vipingo Ridge, Chasimba Cave, Kilifi Sisal Plantations, Vuma Cliffs, Old Town Takaungu, Takaungu Creek, Kitoka Ruins, Takaungu House, Beneath the Baobab Festival, Kilifi Creek, Kilifi Bridge, Kilifi Boatyard, Distant Relatives Lodge, Mnarani Ruins, Mnarani Snake Park, 3 Degrees South, Kamili House, Mazingira Park, Bofa Beach, Saltys Kitesurfing Bar & Restaurant, Bush Baby Kilifi, Casa Dalton, Panga ya Saidi Cave, River Rare Geo Park, Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Mwangea Hills Forest, Watamu Marine National Park, Uyombo Ruins, Rock & Sea Resort, Mida Creek, Sudi Island, Kirepwe Ruins, Watamu Beach, Ocean Sports Watamu, Medina Palms, Hemimways Watamu, A Rocha Eco Lodge & Conservation Centre, Watamu Treehouse, Garoda Beach, Tribe Watersports, Kite House, Local Ocean Conservation, Bio-Ken Snake Farm, Kiburugeni Ruins, Mgangani Ruins, Mida Creek Nature Camp, Gede Ruins, Kipepeo Butterfly Farm, Malindi Museum, Henry the Navigator Monument, Malindi Pier, Malindi Pillar Tomb, Malindi Waterfront Park, Portuguese Chapel, Vasco da Gama Pillar, Malindi Beach, Ndoro Sculpture Garden, White Elephant Sea & Art Lodge, Malindi Crocodile & Snake Farm, Malindi Marine National Park, Malaika Beach Sunbeds & Restaurant, Sawa Sawa Dhow Excursions, Lo Sfizio Coffee Shop, Lennox Art Gallery, Falconry of Kenya, Hanging Gardens, Malindi Golf & Country Club, River Sabaki Delta, Marafa Depression, Dakacha Woodland, Mekatilili wa Menza Site, Mambrui Dunes, Mambrui, Mambrui Tombs, Kibirakani Ruins, Che Shale Hotel Kitesurf Center, Ngomeni Shipwreck, Luigi Broglio Space Centre, The Nyika Plateau, Galana Conservancy, Ngala Mausoleum, Rabai Museum, Kaya Kambe Shrine, Thomas Wakefield Memorial Church
Know More About Kilifi County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Kilifi can be split into three zones – the narrow coastal plain, varying in width from 3 kms to 20 km; few coastal hills lying below 30 ms asl, and the Nyika Plateau rising from 100ms to 340 ms asl.
For the greater part of the year, the climate along the coastal plain is pleasurable, though humid. Temperature ranges between 21C and 30C along the coast, and between 30C and 34C further inland.
