Kenya is renowned for its stunning coastline along the Indian Ocean, offering a variety of beautiful beaches that cater to different preferences - from bustling resorts to quiet, secluded coves and picture-postcard creeks. One such hidden gem is Msambweni Beach, a serene and unspoiled coastal area that offers a peaceful escape from the more crowded tourist destinations. Located only half an hour by car from the tourist hub of Diani Beach, package tourism has not yet arrived in these parts - on the long beaches you rarely meet another tourist.
Discover Msambweni
Msambweni consists of a cluster of ten villages; altogether they have about 12,000 inhabitants, predominantly Muslims and members of the locally dominant Digo tribe. People in Msambweni earn their livelihood mainly from agriculture, fishing and crafts. The area is full of coconut palms, mango trees, neem trees, and sugar cane plantations.
Msambweni is an extremely safe and peaceful place with friendly people. Even as a foreigner, you can move freely and without worries here at any time of the day.
Getting There
If you want to drive from Mombasa to Msambweni, you can of course do so by taxi (approx. 5,500 KShs). A cheaper option is to take a tuk-tuk from the city center to the Likoni ferry (approx. 200 KShs), and then walk for free to the bus station on the other side. From there, take a Matatu (shared taxi) or bus via Ukunda / Diani towards Lunga Lunga, and get off at the junction to Msambweni (150 KShs).
A lot can be done on foot in Msambweni. Otherwise, public transport is by motorcycle taxi or tuk-tuk.
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Things to Do in Msambweni
There are no real sights. Msambweni is an interesting destination for travelers who want to switch off in the greatest possible tranquility in an African-village environment. You can walk long stretches on the beach and in the village, go out with the fishermen or just swim, lounge or read. If the wind is right, you can kitesurf with your own equipment.
Here are some specific activities you can enjoy:
- Beach Walks & Ocean Swimming: An evening or early morning stroll along the white sandy beach is a must-do at Msambweni Beach House. The beach stretches 2.8 KM and takes about an hour for a round trip back to the beach house.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Snorkeling on the reef is possible, but if you are seriously interested in underwater activities (also for scuba diving) a day trip to the Kisite Marine Park near Shimoni is recommended. Enjoy the ocean water and creatures with a boat ride and snorkelling experience. The boat ride costs KES 2, 000 per person and takes about 1-2 hours.
- Mangroves Boat Ride: Visit the mangroves and sand banks for an awesome encounter with nature. The trip through the mangroves has to be done during the high tide. Bitings are included. Charges are KES 4,000 per person for a maximum of 6 people.
- BBQ On The Sandbanks: This excursion involves a boat ride up to the Sandbanks near the infamous Funzi Island. With a private chef, steward and a waiter, this is the perfect VIP experience on the coastal shores of Kenya. On arriving a BBQ lunch comprising of various delicacies will be prepared for your group.
- Village Bike Ride: Explore your surroundings. One can get a glimpse of the local community while enjoying a bike ride especially in the evening.
- Scuba Diving in Diani: Enjoy one of the most wonderful scuba diving experiences from Diani Marine known to provide first class excursions for more than 30 years.
- Wasini Island & Kisite Marine Park: Wasini Island offers an idyllic mangrove walk. Combine this experience with a visit to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park which offers views of dolphins, snorkelling as well as diving at KES 13,000 per person in a shared boat.
- WHALE SHARKS : SWIM WITH THESE GENTLE GIANTS: With record sightings as early as October 2019, continuing throughout November; the 2020 season is already turning out to be a BLAST! Using a combination of spotter airplanes (this time 4 hours daily) in a combination with waterproof drones that can land on water we have maximized the chances to snorkel with these gentle giants as never before! We start 1st of February and run until 15th of March. Expeditions start daily (minimum 8 pax required) at 08:00 and run for 3.5-4 hours depending on the wind.
- Shimba Hills Excursion: Paradise of the Sable Antelope & the impressive Sheldrick Falls. A trip to the Shimba Hills National Park with the possibility of visiting the Sheldrick Falls. There is a possibility of walking to the waterfalls so kindly wear comfortable shoes.
Other activities in Diani (the nearest town with shops, bars and banks as well as shopping malls) include and not limited to: Diving, Windsurfing, Golf, Quad Safaris, Motor Boating, Beach bars among many others.
Msambweni Beach House: #RediscoverTheMagic #TembeaKenya
Local Life and Culture
In the village itself there are only a few small shops and market stalls with fruit and vegetables, as well as a large local Sunday market in the district of Bomani. Except for some very local (inexpensive!) Restaurants and street kitchens, there are few culinary options in Msambweni.
There is no tourist night life in the Muslim Msambweni. Anyone who wants to go out in the evening will find one or the other very local beer bar with football broadcasts on the television screen.
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Accommodations
There are just four small hotels / bed&breakfasts around, plus some holiday homes (as at March 2018). Some options include:
- Sawa Sawa Beach House
- Msambweni Beach House
Deep in the heart of the virgin coastline at Msambweni, 28 km south of Ukunda by way of the A14 Road, sit the Msambweni Beach House, one of the most-loved destinations, with a main house and three guest villas. The Main House has four en-suite bedrooms, including one ocean-facing suite, sharing a 14-meter infinity pool. A few meters from the Main House are the 3 guest villas each with their own private pool, a garden and a sweeping sea view. All rooms and villas have AC and digital satellite TV.
Here are some other hotel options near Diani Beach:
| Hotel | Description | Price (per night) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Palms Beach Resort | 4-star beach resort with free breakfast, WiFi, and parking. | $348 | 8/10 Very Good! |
| Papillon Lagoon Reef | 3.5-star beach hotel with free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. | $198 | 7.8/10 Good! |
| Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort | 4-star beach resort with free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. | $198 | 8.2/10 Very Good! |
| Amkia Villas Diani | 3.5-star villa with free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. | N/A | 9.6/10 Exceptional! |
Msambweni Beach House Activities
Msambweni Beach House offers a variety of activities, including:
- Massage by the Beach: Get all the tensions massaged out at our beach side massage banda.
- Ping Pong: Get out of the pool and have some entertaining fun at our Ping Pong table by the curio shop.
- Golf: There is an 18 hole 40 minutes drive away that you can tee at in the morning or afternoon. Charges are KES 3,850 for 18 holes, and KES 2,500 for 9 holes payable by cash or credit card.
- Water Polo: Invent your own water games!
- Indoor Games: Fun for the Whole Family.
- Maasai Market: Shop for Gifts to Take Back Home. Our Maasai Market happens daily from 11 AM until late.
- Trampoline: Our Trampoline is a fun activity for kids at Msambweni Beach House. Gift Someone, or even yourself.
Msambweni Beach offers a unique and tranquil experience for travelers seeking an authentic African-village environment. With its pristine beaches, friendly locals, and a variety of activities, it's the perfect destination to unwind and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kenya's coastline.
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