After spending an unforgettable 4-day vacation in Kilifi on a budget, I want to share my personal experience along with comprehensive insights about this magical coastal town for anyone planning to visit
Table of Contents
Introduction
Located about 60 kilometers north of Mombasa, Kilifi blends stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant local culture, all while remaining affordable for budget travelers.
Getting to Kilifi
From Nairobi
You have several options to reach Kilifi from Nairobi:
From Mombasa
If you’re already in Mombasa, regular matatus ply to Kilifi throughout the day (300 Ksh, 2 hours). Taxis and Bolt are also available but slightly more expensive.
Where to Stay: Budget-Friendly Options
Airbnbs with Pools: The Smart Choice
For the best value experience, I strongly recommend booking an Airbnb with a swimming pool near the beach. Here’s why:
- Kilifi’s hot climate makes pool access invaluable
- More affordable than hotels with similar amenities
- Kitchen access for self-catering saves on food costs
- Often located near beaches
- Perfect for families or groups
My Experience: Tamarind Villa
I stayed at Tamarind Villa, a gem on Bofa Beach:
- 5,000 Ksh per night per room (low season) 7,000 Ksh (high season)
- Entire house: 20,000 Ksh (low season) or 40,000 Ksh (high season)
- 4 double ensuite bedrooms plus additional sleeping areas
- Set on 7 acres, just 30 meters from the beach
Amenities included:
- Swimming pool
- Private beach access (1 minute away)
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Security (askari)
- Housekeeping services
- Outdoor dining area
- Beach chairs and towels
Other Accommodation Options
Kilifi offers a range of stays for different budgets:
- Backpacker Hostels:
- Distant Relatives Ecolodge (dorms from $10)
- Kilifi Backpackers
- Shared facilities and social atmosphere
- Mid-Range Hotels:
- Kilifi Bay Beach Resort
- Mnarani Club
- Usually include breakfast
- Luxury Options:
- Kilifi Creek properties
- High-end villas with staff
To book other Other Pocket Friendly AirBnbs under 4,000 Ksh call 0792 558 544
Food on a Budget
Self-Catering Strategy
I found the most economical approach was shopping at Naivas supermarket in Kilifi town and preparing meals at our villa. This saved us significantly compared to eating out for every meal.
Local Eats Worth Trying
When you do eat out, try these affordable local options:
- Mama Ngina’s for authentic Swahili dishes
- Fish markets for fresh seafood you can have cooked on the spot
- Baobab meals (when in season)
- Bahari
- Fayaz
- Village dishes
Upscale Options for a Treat
For a special meal:
- Boathouse for sunset views over Kilifi Creek
- Mnarani Club restaurant
- Distant Relatives’ farm-to-table offerings
- Kilifi Bay beach resort
Must-Do Activities in Kilifi
During my stay, we enjoyed the villa’s pool, but Kilifi offers many affordable activities:
- Mnarani Ruins (which we visited)
- 15th century mosques
- Ancient tombs
- Stunning views of Kilifi Creek
- Entrance fee of 250 Ksh
- Beaches:
- Bofa Beach (where our villa was located)
- Kilifi Creek’s calm waters
- Watamu Beach (day trip)
- Vasco da Gamma pillar (Malindi)
- Turtle bay (Watamu)
- Marine park (Watamu)
- Water Activities:
- Dhow sailing on Kilifi Creek
- Snorkeling at Vuma Cliffs
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Kayaking through mangroves
- Cultural Experiences:
- Kilifi town market (Thursdays and Saturdays)
- Mida Creek boardwalk
- Gede Ruins (slightly further but worth it)
- Local music performances
- Nature:
- Arabuko Sokoke Forest
- Bird watching along the creek
- Sunset walks along the beaches
Practical Tips for Budget Travelers
- Visit during low season (May-July, September-November) for better rates
- Book accommodations directly rather than through platforms when possible
- Use local transportation (matatus, tuk-tuks) rather than taxis
- Self-cater most meals, splurging occasionally on local experiences
- Bring cash as ATMs can be limited (though there are several in Kilifi town)
- Learn basic Swahili phrases to better connect with locals
- Pack light but bring sunscreen (it’s expensive to buy locally)
Nightlife in Kilifi
While not as vibrant as Mombasa or Malindi, Kilifi has its charm:
- Distant Relatives hosts regular events
- Boathouse for sundowners
- Beach bonfires (arrange through your accommodation)
- Local bars in Kilifi town
When to Visit
- Peak Season (December-January, July-August): Busiest and most expensive
- Shoulder Season (February-April): Good weather, fewer crowds
- Low Season (May-June, September-November): Best deals, occasional rain
Safety Tips
Kilifi is generally safe, but take normal precautions:
- Don’t walk alone on beaches at night
- Use reputable tuk-tuk drivers
- Keep valuables secure
- Be aware of strong currents when swimming
- Drink bottled or filtered water
Also Read
My Return Journey
When it was time to leave, I took a direct bus from Kilifi to Nairobi for 1,500 Ksh, which was much more economical than the SGR train & flight option. The journey took about 9 hours, but the savings were worth it for our budget.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Kilifi on a budget offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, culture, and natural beauty without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, this coastal gem delivers an authentic Kenyan experience that’s accessible to budget-conscious visitors. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our time there and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable yet memorable coastal getaway.
