Beaches, Creeks, Coves in Kilifi
Takaungu Creek: Barren Marine Greatness
“Of a divine, clean, barren marine greatness, with the blue Indian Ocean before you, is the deep creek of Takaunga” – Karen Blixen, Out of Africa. Vuma Cliffs and River Mbogholo Bridge are the most outstanding features at the picturesque and historically significant inlet of Takaungu Creek and, if you can locate it, there is an old colonial house once tenanted by Karen Blixen. For the braver swimmer, a blissful plunge in the deep Takaungu Creek is worth all the efforts of getting there.
The modest settlement of Takaungu, with only 1,500 inhabitants, is a faraway village with little to offer for tourism but there are some accommodation options found nearby like the Takaungu House. Takaungu was settled in the early 19th century by members and clients of the Mazrui family after they were ousted from power in Mombasa by the influential Seyyid Said. Migrating fishers from the Bajun Islands to the north had probably founded a fishing village there before the Mazrui arrived; as they are known to have done at many places along the Kenyan coast.
Explore Takaungu Creek by taking a boat ride is certainly a good way to learn how the Bajun also migrated in numbers to the little settlement. Later Mijikenda also moved to the town. Eventually, the Swahili and Bajun settled in the town centre (the oldest part) with the Mijikenda mostly living in the outskirts of the town. There is no marine park in the vicinity of Takaungu but anglers in Takaungu have used informal methods of fishing and conservation for many decades, and fishing is still the most important livelihood. These traditional ways have, however, lost value.
Concomitantly, the anglers in Takaungu are increasingly willing to participate in marine conservation activities provided these do not endanger their livelihoods and are on an equal partnership basis. Small boats operate as ferries across the Takaungu Creek from where one can reach the staff quarters of the Kilifi Sisal Plantations. For the history buff, a visit to the Kitoka Ruins, on the northern flank, comprised of two distinct ancient mosques among other smaller ruins. Takaungu Creek lies 49 km north of Mombasa. There is a road connection to Takaugu with B8 Mombasa-Malindi Road, distance 5 km from the Takaungu road junction.
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.
You Are Here: Takaungu Creek
Where to Next?
Explore Destinations Near Takaungu Creek
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.
