Major city · Kenya
Kilifi
Spend 2–3 days in Kilifi for beach, water sports and nearby caves; add a day trip to Chasimba Caves or Vuma Cliffs if you have extra time.
Kilifi is a small coastal town on a long sandy bay, offering quiet beaches, a marine sanctuary and easy access to caves and cliffs. Two to three days cover the main beach, local food and a short day‑trip; longer stays are only for multiple excursions.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- KES
- Best months
- Jan–Mar, Jul–Oct
- avoid Apr–Jun (rainy season, road delays)
- Airport
- MBA
- Nights
- 2–3
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 9Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Carry the yellow fever certificate on every leg of a mult…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- East Africa ↗Carry the yellow fever certificate on every leg of a multi-country trip: Uganda and Burundi check it for all arrivals, and a stop in Kenya or Ethiopia makes the next border ask for it.
- East Africa ↗Advice for Ethiopia, Somaliland, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan and the Congo border areas can change within days; read your government's page the week you fly and before every regional flight.
- East Africa ↗Price park, reserve and permit fees before comparing lodges: they are charged per person per day, often with VAT, and are fixed whatever bed you choose.
- Kenya ↗Apply for the Kenya eTA only on the official portal (etakenya.go.ke) at least 3 working days before you fly; lookalike sites charge double. Most African passports have been exempt since 2025.
- Kenya ↗Book a travel-clinic visit several weeks ahead; ask about malaria prevention and check whether a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for your route, including transits.
- Kenya ↗Plastic carrier bags are banned; leave shop and duty-free plastic bags behind before you fly in.
- Kenya ↗Light aircraft to the parks have strict baggage limits, usually soft-sided bags only and a low total weight (often around 15 kg); confirm the limit with your operator and leave a hard case in Nairobi.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Kilifi999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kilifi, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES).Kenya-wide
- SIM or eSIMSafaricom (best park coverage) and Airtel sell SIMs at JKIA arrivals; registration needs your passport.Kenya-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.Kenya-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10% if no service charge.Kenya-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 240 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Kenya-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for tourists; petty theft can occur after dark, keep valuables secure and avoid isolated streets at night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels and lodges; long-drop toilets at some park gates and bush stops.Kenya-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police · 112 fire and ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysGovernment offices close on public holidays; parks and lodges open every day.Kenya-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMBA Moi International Airport (Mombasa) (≈50 km (31 mi) south, taxi or matatu to Kilifi).MBA Moi International Airport (Mombasa) (≈31 mi (50 km) south, taxi or matatu to Kilifi).
- Getting aroundTown centre is walkable; matatus, tuk‑tuks and boda‑bodas serve the surrounding area.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a caféKES 150–250
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (50 km (31 mi))Taxi (31 mi (50 km))KES 2,200–2,800
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personKES 800
- Mid-range bedDouble room (2 guests), a night, per roomKES 5,000
- High-end bedDouble room (2 guests), a night, per roomKES 8,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget KES 1,200 · Mid KES 2,500 · High KES 5,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MBA Moi International Airport (Mombasa) (≈50 km (31 mi) south, taxi or matatu to Kilifi)MBA Moi International Airport (Mombasa) (≈31 mi (50 km) south, taxi or matatu to Kilifi)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Jan–Mar, Jul–Oct. Avoid: Apr–Jun. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Jul (6 rain days), driest Mar (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Kilifi: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
1 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
2 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
3 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
5 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
6 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
6 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
5 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
3 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
2 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Town centre is walkable; matatus, tuk‑tuks and boda‑bodas serve the surrounding area. Taxis are available for airport transfers.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Chasimba Caves
goDoor to door: ≈45 min round trip
Matatu or taxi, about 30 min from town
Guided visit recommended for safety and context
Vuma Cliffs
goDoor to door: ≈40 min
Taxi or rented bike, ~25 min drive
Wear sturdy shoes; cliffs are sharp
African Barn Owl Cave
cautionDoor to door: ≈1 h
Taxi, ~45 min drive
Location not signposted; ask locals for directions
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Mnarani Beach Club
Beachfront, good for backpackers
Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers
Budget, close to town centre
Kilifi Bay Beach Resort
Mid‑range resort on the main beach
Baobab Sea Lodge
Quiet lodge a short walk from the beach
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- KES 1,200–2,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- KES 2,500–4,000 excl. bed
- High
- KES 5,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room (2 guests)1 × 2 nights × KES 5,000 | KES 10,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × KES 2,500 | KES 10,000 |
| Taxi from Mombasa airport (one way, 50 km)2 × KES 2,500 · check | KES 5,000 |
| Matatu fare to town (round trip)2 × KES 300 · check | KES 600 |
| eSIM data (7 days)2 × KES 2,000 · check | KES 4,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | KES 2,960 |
| Trip total≈ KES 8,140 per person per day, bed included | KES 32,560 |
2026 estimate in Kenyan shillings; flights and international transfers excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | KES 150–250 |
| Grilled fish plate | KES 300–600 |
| Taxi (50 km) | KES 2,200–2,800 |
| Matatu fare (city‑to‑city)check | KES 150–250 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Roads can become muddy during the rainy season; allow extra travel time.
- Limited night‑life options; plan meals and transport before dark.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 999
- Fire and ambulance
- 112
Pocket card
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KilifiKilifi
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Tafadhali nenda hapaTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- Alternative112
Embassy
US embassy in Nairobi; consulate in Mombasa (check address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Mombasa Airport → Kilifi (taxi): ≈ KES 2,500, 45 min (check)
- Matatu Kilifi ↔ Mombasa: ≈ KES 200–250 each way (check)
Say or show
- Jambo / Habari za asubuhi — Hello / Good morning (jambo / habari za asubuhi)
- Bei gani? — How much does this cost? (bei gani?)
- Nataka maji, tafadhali — I would like water, please (nataka maji, tafadhali)
- Pwani iko wapi? — Where is the beach? (pwani iko wapi?)
- Asante — Thank you (asante)
- Samahani — Excuse me / Sorry (samahani)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kilifi. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jan–Mar, Jul–Oct · avoid Apr–Jun (rainy season, road delays) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Kilifi
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