5 Days Along the Kenyan Coast

The signature Tembea Kenya route: Mombasa's history, Kwale's forested reserves, Diani's beaches, and Watamu and Malindi's marine parks and ruins, in one five-day loop up the coast.

• Fort Jesus & Mombasa Old Town
• Shimba Hills & Sheldrick Falls
• Diani Beach
• Gede Ruins & Watamu Marine National Park
• Vasco da Gama Pillar & Marafa Hell's Kitchen

Good for: First-time visitors, Couples, Small groups wanting a full coastal overview

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   Day 1: Mombasa Town & History

   • MorningFort Jesus. Start with a guided walk through the 16th-century fort and its museum exhibits.
   • Late morningMombasa Old Town. Wander the narrow streets, carved doors and market stalls surrounding the fort.
   • AfternoonMama Ngina Waterfront. A relaxed walk along the palm-lined seafront park.
   • Late afternoonElephant Tusks. Stop at Mombasa's crossed-tusk landmark on Moi Avenue.
   • EveningDinner. Settle in with dinner in Mombasa before the next day's travel south.
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   Day 2: Mombasa Nature & Coastal Wildlife

   • MorningHaller Park. Explore the rehabilitated quarry-turned-nature-park and its walking trails.
   • MiddayBamburi / Nyali Beach. Time on one of Mombasa's north-coast beaches before heading south.
   • AfternoonTravel south toward Diani/Kwale. Cross to the south coast toward Diani and Kwale.

   The journey south to Diani/Kwale crosses the Likoni channel, so allow extra time for the ferry or crossing.

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   Day 3: Kwale, Shimba Hills & Diani

   • MorningShimba Hills National Reserve. A game drive through the forested reserve, with a good chance of elephants.
   • Late morningSheldrick Falls. A guided walk to the waterfall inside the reserve.
   • AfternoonDiani Beach. Settle in on Diani's white sand for the rest of the day.
   • OptionalColobus Conservation. A short guided forest walk focused on protecting the endangered Angolan colobus monkey.
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   Day 4: Watamu & Gede Ruins

   • MorningGede Ruins. Explore the forest-reclaimed ruins of this centuries-old Swahili town.
   • Late morningArabuko Sokoke Forest. A walk through East Africa's largest surviving coastal forest.
   • AfternoonWatamu Marine National Park. Snorkel the reef, weather and tide permitting.
   • Late afternoonBlue Lagoon / Turtle Bay. Wind down at one of Watamu's calm, shallow swimming spots.

   Watamu is roughly an hour north of Diani/Kwale by road.

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   Day 5: Malindi & Departure

   • MorningVasco da Gama Pillar. Visit the coral-stone pillar marking the 1498 Portuguese landing.
   • Late morningPortuguese Chapel. Step into one of Malindi's oldest surviving structures.
   • MiddayHouse of Columns. See this distinctive piece of Swahili coastal architecture in Malindi town.
   • AfternoonMalindi Museum. Exhibits covering the region's Swahili, Portuguese and maritime history.
   • Late afternoonMarafa (Hell's Kitchen). A day trip inland to see the striped sandstone canyon, especially striking in late light.

   Marafa is about an hour inland from Malindi town; departure travel typically follows from here.