Tiwi Beach, Kenya
Overview: Tiwi Beach, located south of Mombasa, is a hidden gem in Kenya. Unlike the more crowded resort beaches, Tiwi Beach offers a secluded retreat with its pristine white sand stretching for several kilometers. The sandy bottom and the beach's serene environment make it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Swimming and Safety: While the tides significantly affect swimming conditions, small pools remain on the beach even during ebbs, providing safe spots for bathing. However, during flows, algae and sea urchins are brought in, so special shoes are recommended for swimming. Palm trees line the beach, offering shade, and you can rent a sling chair and umbrella for comfort. There is a small café on the shore serving fresh seafood dishes.
Activities: Tiwi Beach is ideal for snorkeling and diving, with a coral reef located just 50 meters from the shore. This lesser-known sister to Diani Beach offers a mellow atmosphere where the reef comes close to the shore, creating rock pools at low tide that are perfect for snorkeling. These pools are filled with tropical fish, rainbow-colored starfish, and sea urchins, offering a vibrant underwater experience.
Weather: Tiwi Beach enjoys warm weather year-round. Even in winter, daytime temperatures can be high, although nights can get cooler with the wind and rain, making long trousers and a sweater advisable. Summers can be extremely hot, so air conditioning is recommended if you're not staying right by the ocean. The best time to visit is during the cooler months of July and August when the humidity drops. The rainy seasons are from April to June and October to November, but it rarely rains all day.
Things to Do:
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Visit the Africa Pool: The Africa Pool is a natural wonder, a pool shaped like the African continent carved out of the coral reef. It is perfect for snorkeling, with chances to see octopus, starfish, and various tropical fish. Accessible at low tide, it’s best visited in large groups or with a local guide due to occasional security concerns.
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Hike to the Starfish: North of Maweni Beach, a sandbar attracts large numbers of starfish, creating a magical trekking experience across the reef at low tide. Guides can provide fascinating insights into starfish biology and behavior, making this a memorable trip.
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Visit Diani Beach: Just a 20-minute drive from Tiwi, Diani Beach offers numerous bars, restaurants, and water sports facilities. Notable spots include Sands at Nomads for its cocktails and beach views, and The Salty Squid at Kenya Ways for a more laid-back vibe.
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Explore Shimba Hills National Reserve: A half-hour drive from Tiwi, this reserve features a mountainous rainforest home to elephants, buffalo, leopards, and more. The scenic Sheldrick Falls and Mwaluganje Forest are highlights of this beautiful, biodiverse area.
Accommodation: Tiwi Beach has limited hotel infrastructure, with Amani Tiwi Beach Resort being the main resort. However, the area excels in offering large villas and smaller cottages. Many of these properties are owned by a few residents, featuring older fisherman-style cottages, faded resorts, and modern villas designed with the local environment in mind. You can also camp along the beach.
Best Time to Visit: Tiwi Beach is welcoming year-round, but the best time to visit is February when the temperatures are slightly cooler. The rainy season from June to April brings humidity but doesn’t significantly affect the warm air and sea temperatures.
How to Get There: Tiwi Beach is about 1.5 hours south of Mombasa, which has the nearest international airport. A 20-minute drive from Diani Beach, Tiwi is also accessible from Watamu and Malindi in about 3 hours. The best transport from Mombasa is by taxi, costing approximately $40 one way. Alternatively, frequent flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Ukunda Airport, which is a 10-minute drive from Diani Beach, provide a quick and convenient option.
Tiwi Beach, with its untouched beauty and serene environment, offers a perfect escape for those seeking tranquillity and natural wonders on Kenya’s coast.
