Mariakani sits at the meeting point of the Kilifi coast and the inland Mijikenda homelands. Most of the region’s highlights are within an hour of the hotel — ask our desk to plan your day.
A short list of where we send guests when they ask. Each one is reachable in a half-day or full-day excursion from the hotel — and we’ll help you arrange a driver, a guide, or both.
The warm, palm-lined tidal creek at Kilifi — kayaking at sunrise, dhow trips to the creekside ruins, and the famous Mnarani ancient Swahili tombs. Bring a towel; the swimming is excellent at high tide.
White-sand beaches, glass-bottom boat tours over the coral, and one of Kenya’s best snorkelling spots at low tide. The Watamu Turtle Watch runs nesting-season visits between March and September.
A network of eleven sacred forest groves inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Walk the trails at Kaya Kinondo or Kaya Kauma with a community guide, learn about the Kayas’ spiritual role, and support local villages.
A short hop inland, Rabai is the site where the first Anglican mission on the East African coast was established in 1844. The original stone church, the Jumuia buildings, and a small museum tell the early story of the Kenya coast.
One of the largest remaining fragments of coastal forest in East Africa, and a globally important bird area. Walk the forest trails at dawn with a guide — look for the Sokoke scops owl, the golden-rumped elephant shrew, and the endemic Sokoke pipit.
Board a traditional Swahili dhow out of Mtwapa or Watamu for a sunset sail — or charter one with tackle and head out for marlin, sailfish, and dorado. Half-day and full-day trips available with reliable local operators.
The closest national park for a long-day safari from Mariakani. Tsavo East is famous for its red-dusted elephants, the Galana River, and Lugard Falls. Long days, but the easiest add-on if you’ve come to the coast for a week.
Tell our desk what you’d like to see and we’ll arrange a driver and guide, the route, and the meal stop. Prices depend on group size and vehicle — ballpark figures below.
Creek views, the Mnarani ruins, and a stop at the dhow harbour. Optional kayak or swim. Best at high tide.
Snorkelling or glass-bottom boat, lunch by the beach, and time at the turtle sanctuary. Best at low tide.
Forest walk with a Mijikenda community guide, followed by a heritage stop in Rabai and lunch back at the hotel.
The hotel has reliable drivers and contacts for guides, boats, and entry fees — so you don’t need to spend your holiday Googling. Tell us what you’d like to see; we’ll come back with options within the day.