Where to go for safari in Kwale County : Kwale county is one of the 47 administrative counties of kenya. It is located on the kenya coast region and consists of Matuga, Msambweni, Lunga Lunga, and Kinango as its four sub-counties. Kwale town serves as the county’s capital and administrative hub while Ukunda is the county’s largest town. Kwale County is 8,270 square kilometres in size with most of its part being along the Indian Ocean coast. The best beach found anywhere in Africa are thought to be found in this county. It provides elegant resorts, villas, and exclusive beach experiences. Tourists and travellers can have plenty of fun filling activities such as skydiving, take a sunset dhow ride, or participate in water sports. These are the greatest Kenya tour sites to visit in Kwale County, listed in no particular order.
Diani Beach
Diani Beach is believed to be the best beach in Africa and a natural paradise along Kenya coast, it is about 18 kilometres stretching from the Kongo River to Galu Beach. Diani Beach is by far one of the top Kenya safari tour sites in the nation because of its serene white sand beaches. There are a wide range of water sports activities to be enjoyed by visitors here, such as skydiving, jet skiing, boat rides, swimming, and snorkelling. Diani Beach offers an unparalleled Kenya safari tour experience surrounded by stunning natural scenery and coastal charm.
Shimba Hills National Park
The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is the largest coastal forest in East Africa and the main Kenya safari attraction of Kwale County together with Shimba Hills National Reserve. This national reserve has the largest number of African elephants in Kenya and is rich in both flora and fauna. The kenya wildlife safaris visit this forest to see the bushy-tailed mongoose, elephant shrew, sable antelope, and other tiny mammals like fruit bats. I This Forest is also a birding safari destination in the coast region with its grasslands being home to endemic species such the Zanzibar Red Bishop, Croaking Cisticola, and red-necked spurfowl. This area also has four campsites, the deep Mwaluganje Forest, and the picturesque Sheldrick Falls.
Kaya Kinondo Forest
Kaya Kinondo Forest is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the eleven forests that are found on the Kenyan coast. The ruins hosts one of the fortified settlements constructed in the sixteenth century by the Mijikenda people. The forest has about 187 plant species, including 36 endangered ones, the 30-hectare Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest is home to several plant species. Some of the animals found here are; monkeys, hyenas, and leopards. Conservationists have safeguarded some of these species, and you can occasionally spot them in the jungle. In addition, Kaya Kinondo Forest is used for spiritual ceremonies and rituals by the nearby Digo community of Mijikenda.
The people found here are the Digo ,they are known for their rites and rituals aimed at preserving the harmony between nature and humanity, they are also good in the environmental conservation activities. Your guide will give you advice on what to do and what not to do while you are in the forest. Some don’ts include not wearing a black sarong, not kissing, not defiling the holy area, and above all not picking or littering the forest.
Colobus Conservation Centre
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Colobus Conservation Centre in Diani is a must-see Kenya safari destination. The black and white colobus monkey which is an endangered species that is present in the area, is the main attraction and focus of this conservation centre. Kenya safari tour visitors here come to see these amazing animals up close and learn about the conservation efforts. They charge reasonable entrance fee to support the continuing conservation efforts.
Diani Beach Art Gallery
It’s amazing to observe how the artwork in this breathtaking location highlights the unique characteristics of other nations. The gallery’s light-filled interior and calming ambience evoke a sense of tranquilly. Unquestionably difficult to attain in busy cities. Visitors who are interested in art work are drawn to stunning works done by both established and up-and-coming Kenyan and African artists. Diani beach art gallery with their extensive understanding of each piece of art, the incredibly amiable guides make visitors feel like the next Leonardo da Vinci.
Mwaluganje Sanctuary
The Mwaluganje Sanctuary was created in order to help resolve the frequent and severe confrontations between the local community and the more than 500 elephants that reside in the Shimba Hills reserve. This sanctuary provides elephant migration corridor by bridging the gap between the reserve and the nearby farms. Mwaluganje is 243 square km sanctuary is made up of property that a community trust has leased from over 200 local families. This area is home to the huge, majestic beasts the African bush elephants. The environment is breathtaking, with baobab trees twisted down, palm-like trees, and indigenous cycads that resemble fans. These provide views of a diverse range of environments, from dry plains to riverine woods that are situated next to glittering streams. Mwaluganje Sanctuary with innumerable insects, reptiles, and birds, and its great diverse landscape is also home to baboons, leopards, warthogs, waterbucks, mongooses, bush babies, and porcupines. This is just one of the two places in Kenya where you may get a chance to see the endangered Sokoke scops owl which is indigenous species to this area.
Where to go for safari in Kwale County : Chale Island
While visiting Diani Beach, Chale Island is a fantastic place to explore as well; you can only get to the island by boat or on foot. The island boasts endless white-sand beaches, a laid-back atmosphere, and possibly one of the calmest turquoise oceans in the world, along with colours and an unbelievable variety of local sea life. It also has the magnificent Sands at Chale Island Resort, an opulent haven that rivals some of the best hotels in the world. Numerous primates call Chale Island home to its old forest, or Kaya.
Where to go for safari in Kwale County : Tiwi Beach
Africa Pool, one of Diani’s best-kept secrets, can be found at Tiwi Beach, which is equally as gorgeous as Diani Beach despite being less well-known. The continent of Africa and its neighbouring islands is reflected in this enchanted lake. This beautiful island is visible at low tide which makes it a pleasant location for swimming. There is an African pool located in this area but it is advisable to go with the guide journey, you may find more pools and observe seashells, coral cliffs, and caves. Note that this beach has a lot of sea urchins in some areas. To shield your feet from their painful spikes, make sure you wear shoes.
Where to go for safari in Kwale County : Wasini Island
Wasini island is an island found 3 km off the kenya coast in the Indian Ocean. The amazing marine park Kisite Mpunguti National Marine Park is located on the island. The island’s natural beauty lies in its captivating and encompassing the pristine water, vibrant coral reefs, there are abundance of marine life inhabiting the park. Wasini Island is best place for photographers who will find this fascinating by the multitude of boats moored around the docks. When one arrives, there are plenty of things to do, including snorkelling and seeing dolphins.
Wasini island is where the flavourful Swahili cuisine started, today the cuisine can be found in numerous eateries serving up meals like fried fish, octopus, calamari, and coconut rice along with other stews and dishes from the coast. Wasini island itself is quite quiet, serene, and sparsely populated. Visitors can also take a tour safari of the island to get a glimpse of the way of life and culture of the locals.
