Marafa Hell's Kitchen Canyon Sunset Tour from Watamu

Overview

This Marafa Hell's Kitchen sunset tour from Watamu takes you inland from the coast to a canyon of cream, ochre, rust and crimson sandstone that glows as the sun goes down. We collect you at your accommodation in Watamu or Malindi in the early afternoon and drive about an hour and a half through rural villages, coconut plantations and open bush, with your guide telling the history and culture of the Giriama and the coastal region along the way. At Marafa a guided walk of about an hour leads down into the gorge among pillars, gullies and wind-carved walls, timed so that you are on the rim for sunset. A small-group trip of about five hours, with guides in English, Italian, German or French, that suits couples, families and photographers.

Highlights

• Marafa Hell's Kitchen, a sandstone canyon of cream, ochre, rust and crimson layers
• A guided walk down into the gorge among pillars, chimneys and deep gullies
• Sunset from the canyon rim, when the colours of the rock are at their strongest
• The local legend of the village swallowed by the earth, told by your guide
• A scenic drive through Giriama villages, coconut plantations and open countryside
• Stories of the history and culture of the Kenyan coast on the way
• Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Watamu or Malindi
• Small group with guides in English, Italian, German or French

Itinerary

1. 14:30 Pickup in Watamu or MalindiOur guide collects you at your accommodation and the small group sets off inland.
2. Scenic drive through villages and coconut plantationsAbout an hour and a half through Giriama country, with stories of the history and culture of the coast on the way.
3. Marafa Hell's Kitchen guided walkAround one hour descending into the gorge among the sandstone pillars and gullies, with photo stops.
4. Sunset from the canyon rimBack on the rim as the light turns the rock orange and red, about thirty minutes.
5. Return to Watamu or MalindiThe drive back along the coast road, with drop-off at your accommodation about five hours after pickup.

What's included

• Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Watamu or Malindi
• Scenic drive through villages and coconut plantations
• English-speaking guide (Italian, German and French also available)
• Guided walk through Marafa Canyon at sunset
• Stories about the history and culture of the coastal region

Not suitable for

• Guests with reduced mobility who cannot manage sandy paths and the descent into the gorge

Meeting point

We pick you up at 14:30 at your accommodation in Watamu or Malindi; the exact time is confirmed with your booking depending on where you stay. Please be ready at reception with closed shoes, a hat and your camera.

Important information

• Wear closed shoes and light clothing; the paths in the gorge are sandy and the afternoon heat is strong
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, bottled water and your camera; meals and drinks are not included
• The walk includes a descent into the gorge and the climb back; it is easy for most but not suitable for reduced mobility
• The return drive is after dark; the group is small, limited to ten participants
• The Kenyan coast is a malaria area; ask your doctor about precautions and use repellent at dusk
• A small contribution to the community at the site may be requested on the day; ask your guide
• In the rainy months of April and May the track can be muddy and timings may change
• Carry a copy of your passport; guides speak English, Italian, German or French