Step into the heart of Digo culture and tradition with a guided tour of Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest, one of Kenya’s most spiritually significant and well-preserved coastal forests. Located just a short distance from Diani Beach, Kaya Kinondo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore the ancient customs, beliefs, and natural beauty of the Mijikenda people.
- Duration: 1 Day
- Departs from: Diani Beach
- Trip Ends in: Diani Beach
- Destination: Kinondo
08:00 AM – Pick-up from Your Hotel (Diani Beach Area)
Your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest, located approximately 10 kilometers south of Diani. Enjoy a scenic ride through the coastal countryside.
08:30 AM – Arrival and Briefing
Upon arrival, you’ll meet a local Digo guide who will provide an introduction to the forest’s history and spiritual significance. Learn about how the forest served as a place of worship, initiation, and council for the Digo community for centuries.
09:00 AM – Guided Nature and Cultural Walk
Embark on a peaceful guided walk through the dense forest, home to towering ancient trees, rare medicinal plants, and over 100 bird species. Along the way, your guide will share traditional stories, explain local customs, and demonstrate how plants are used for healing and rituals.
Visitors are required to remove shoes before entering certain sections of the forest as a sign of respect for the sacred land.
10:30 AM – Cultural Interaction
Visit the small Kaya Kinondo community center, where you can interact with local artisans, see traditional crafts, or watch cultural performances (subject to availability). This experience provides a glimpse into the everyday life and heritage of the Digo people.
11:30 AM – Return to Hotel
After the tour, drive back to your hotel in Diani Beach, carrying memories of a truly unique and authentic cultural encounter.
- Guided nature walk through Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest
- Services of a professional local guide
- Entrance fees to Kaya Kinondo
- Cultural interaction with the Digo community
- Storytelling session about the forest’s history and spiritual significance
- Bottled water during the tour
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel (Diani area only)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.)
- Transport outside Diani (can be arranged at an extra cost)
- Optional activities not included in the program
