Culture & Heritage · Coastal Kenya
Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests
Eleven sacred forest sites along the coast, remnants of fortified Mijikenda villages dating to the 16th century, inscribed by UNESCO in 2008.
How to get there
Scattered along the coast between Mombasa and Malindi; specific kayas are visited with a local guide.
What to find
Forest considered sacred by the Mijikenda people, still used for ceremonies today.
Overview
The Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests are eleven separate forest sites spread along about 200 km of the Kenyan coast. They're the remains of fortified villages (kayas) of the Mijikenda peoples, and were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
The Mijikenda still consider the forests sacred and use them for prayer and ceremonies, looked after by councils of elders. Their protection has also preserved rare patches of coastal forest and wildlife.
Highlights
- Sacred forests still used for ceremonies
- Guided visits with community guides, for example at Kaya Kinondo near Diani
- Coastal forest birds, butterflies and colobus monkeys
- Insight into Mijikenda beliefs and traditions
Things to do
Guided kaya walk
Walk only with a community guide, following the rules of the elders.
Best time to visit
All year. The dry seasons make the forest paths easier.
Getting there
The sites lie between Mombasa, Diani and Malindi. We arrange access through the community projects.
Where to stay
Stay in Diani, Mombasa or Kilifi.
See accommodation options in Kenya →
Good to know
- Follow your guide's instructions: some sites have rules about clothing and what you can touch or take.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.