After your morning arrival and check-in, ease into the coast with a gentle beachfront walk along Gede Beach, peeking at tide pools and local fishermen bringing in the catch. Head to Watamu Village Market for fresh tropical fruit, Swahili coffee and a light seaside brunch at Café Qawina, then take a short guided stroll through the shaded trails of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest's edge to spot birds and get a calm, nature-rich introduction to the region before lunch.
Recover from travel with a lazy seaside lunch at The Old Man and The Sea where you can sample grilled fresh fish and coconut rice while watching dhows ply the turquoise water; afterward wander the mangrove boardwalk at Mida Creek to spot crabs and shorebirds as the tide shifts. As the sun dips, head to Watamu Beach Club for a sundowner on the terrace or a gentle paddle in a hired kayak, letting the day settle into an easy, coastal rhythm before dinner.
As the heat softens, stroll the boardwalk to Watamu Turtle Watch Centre for a brief talk about local conservation and, if timing allows, a guided night-check for nesting turtles or their tracks on the shore. Follow with dinner at Mama Kwanza's Kitchen-a lively spot serving Swahili pilau and coconut fish-then finish the night with a slow drink and live taarab music at the beachfront bar Nashata Lounge, letting ocean breezes ease you into the coastal pace.
Begin the day with a guided snorkeling trip out to the coral gardens at Watamu Marine National Reserve, launching from Watamu Creek to swim among parrotfish, butterflyfish and vibrant coral formations; glass-bottom boat options are available if you prefer to stay dry. Afterward, return to shore for a leisurely seaside brunch at Turtle Bay Café, then stroll the tidal flats toward Blue Lagoon to spot colorful shells and small reef life while the tide is low, keeping the gentle coastal pace set by yesterday's arrival.
After a morning on the reef, drift into a lazy afternoon at Ocean Sports Watamu where you can try stand-up paddleboarding or book a short boat trip to the lesser-visited coral outcrop at Garoda Reef for shallow snorkeling and sea-star spotting. Later, savor a coastal lunch of Swahili seafood platters at Chez Pascal before wandering the rock pools and palm-fringed stretch of Vasco da Gama Beach, watching local fishermen mend nets and enjoying a slow seaside siesta as the light softens.
As the day cools, take a sunset dhow cruise from Watamu Creek Jetty for gentle sailing, glass-of-wine views and a chance to spot dolphins skimming the horizon; many operators include short stops for twilight snorkeling at shallow channels. After the cruise, dine at The Wharf Restaurant & Bar on fresh seafood tapas and Swahili spiced prawns while enjoying live acoustic sets, then finish with a moonlit beach stroll toward Vasco da Gama Point to listen to the waves and plan tomorrow's coastal drive south toward the Tanzania border.
Leave Watamu after an early coastal breakfast and drive south along the scenic B8, stopping to stretch at Kilifi Creek Viewpoint for palm-fringed estuary views and a coffee from a roadside stall. Continue to explore the lesser-known shoreline near Ngomeni Lighthouse, where you can wander salt flats and coral rubble, meet local fishermen hauling in their morning catch, then cross toward the border with a relaxed lunch stop in Lunga Lunga to sample Swahili biryani before the Tanzanian border crossing into the Tanga region.
After crossing into Tanzania, pause for a relaxed seaside lunch at Mkwaja Lodge, sampling coconut curry prawns while gazing over a quiet mangrove inlet; afterwards stroll the shoreline to the nearby Pangani River mouth to watch dhows and local boats come and go. Continue with a cultural stop at Pangani Old Town to wander timbered streets, visit a local spice trader and sip spiced tea at a beachside cafe, then drive a short way to Mabuyuni Beach for a late-afternoon swim and shell-hunting as the sun begins to warm the sand before evening plans.
Wind down the day with a seaside dinner at The Deck Pangani, savoring grilled kingfish and coconut-infused sides as the sun slips over the estuary; later join a community-led storytelling session at Pangani Cultural Centre to hear Swahili coastal tales and learn about dhow-building traditions. Finish with a quiet nightcap on the veranda of Milele Beach Bungalows, listening to the tide and planning tomorrow's exploration of Tanga's markets and hidden coves.
Start with a coastal breakfast at Kijito Café before joining a guided walk through Mafia Street in Tanga Old Town to admire carved wooden doors, colonial-era architecture and lively spice stalls; pause at Tanga Fish Market to watch the morning auction and sample freshly grilled octopus with tamarind chutney. From there, take a short drive to Amboni Caves for a cool, shaded exploration of limestone chambers and dramatic cliff views, finishing with a stroll along the quiet sands of Manza Beach to cool off and chat with local beachside vendors about dhow trips and seafood specials for later in the day.
After a morning of markets and caves, drift to Boma Beach for a languid seaside lunch of coconut crab curry and freshly grilled prawns at a beach shack, then hire a local fisherman to take you out in a traditional dhow for a short, calm cruise to Kirui Island where shallow reefs make for easy wading and casual snorkeling among colorful fish. Later, explore the mangrove boardwalk at Tongoni Ruins-wander among centuries-old coral-stone mosque foundations and shaded trees while a guide explains Swahili trading history-before returning to Tanga town with time for an early evening coffee at Seaview Terrace and a slow stroll along the waterfront.
As dusk falls, take a short drive to Kaole Ruins for a guided twilight walk among ancient coral-stone tombs and an evocative sunset over the mangrove-lined shore, then pause for freshly made street-side samosas and sugarcane juice at the nearby Tanga Night Market. Afterward, enjoy a seafood-focused dinner at Milele Terrace Restaurant, where chef-special Swahili stews and grilled lionfish pair with live taarab music, and finish the night with a peaceful moonlit stroll along Kigombe Bay listening for distant dhow bells.
Wake to a slow seaside breakfast at Tonga Beach Bungalows then take a guided kayak through nearby reed-lined channels of the Kipumbwi Mangrove Lagoon, pausing to watch kingfishers and mudskippers while your guide explains local ecology. Mid-morning, board a small pangasi (local wooden boat) for a short coastal hop to Chumo Island, where you can stroll palm-fringed sands, swim in a sheltered cove and meet a local family who will show traditional net-mending and offer fresh coconut water.
Spend a slow afternoon exploring the sheltered coves around Mchanga Bay, where you can swim in clear shallows and laze on powdery sand before a seaside lunch of grilled prawns at Blue Pearl Beach Shack. After eating, take a short boat ride to Kigomasha Point for easy snorkeling among shallow reefs and an informative walk with a local guide through nearby casuarina groves to learn about coastal foraging and traditional dhow-fishing techniques.
As the sun softens, head to Pangani River Estuary Viewpoint for a golden-hour dhow-watching session and a photography moment as local boats glide past mangrove silhouettes. Follow with a seafood barbecue at Seaside Nyumba, where you can sample freshly smoked mackerel and coconut-laced sides while joining a casual beachside storytelling circle about dhow traditions; finish with a nightcap under the stars at Moonlight Terrace Boma, listening to waves and local taarab melodies.
Start with a sunrise boat transfer to Fishers' Cay, where you can snorkel shallow coral gardens teeming with angelfish and sea cucumbers before a beachside breakfast of freshly grilled calamari and cassava at a local family shack. Afterwards, take a guided mangrove walk through Kibaha Creek, learning about crab-harvesting and birdlife from a community guide, then pause at Sandbank Njia for a lazy swim and shell-combing before heading back for a relaxed seaside lunch, keeping the day's pace gentle after recent coastal drives.
After a relaxed morning, take a short boat ride to Bwejuu Islet for shallow snorkeling among seagrass beds and a picnic of freshly smoked tuna prepared by an island family; later wander the shady boardwalk at Mkulumuzi Mangrove Reserve to watch fiddler crabs and migratory waders while your guide explains local mangrove conservation. Finish the afternoon with a laid-back swim and shell hunt at Matipwili Sands, followed by a coconut-and-lime refreshment at a beach shack as you plan an easy seafood dinner back onshore.
As twilight falls, take a short boat ride to Mwana Wa Maji Islet for a private seafood cookout on the sand-savor smoked kingfish, coconut cassava and tamarind-glazed prawns while local cooks flame-grill over coconut coals and share recipes. Afterwards, wander the moonlit mangrove boardwalk at Bweni Creek to listen for night birds and watch bioluminescent plankton near the roots, then finish with swahili coffee and taarab played by local musicians at Sandbar Nyumba, a low-lit beach shack perfect for lingering conversation under the stars.
Pack a light breakfast and set out for a gentle coastal farewell with a sunrise walk along Boma Point Beach, then stop at Mabwepande Coffee House for strong Tanzanian coffee and mandazi before departure. If heading inland, detour to Soni Falls viewpoint for a short guided trail and panoramic photos of the valley, or if continuing south along the coast, take a last slow swim at Mlingotini Bay and enjoy a seaside brunch of coconut-crumbed fish at a family-run beach shack.
After a relaxed coastal breakfast, take a scenic drive toward Mkomazi National Park's western approaches for a late-afternoon game-viewing stop at a shaded picnic site, followed by a short guided walk with a ranger to spot giraffe and antelope grazing the acacia scrub. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay by the sea, pause at Tanga Bay Lookout for panoramic views and a seafood lunch at a nearby beach shack, then visit the nearby Madalani Salt Pans to watch traditional salt-harvesting and meet local producers before continuing your onward journey.
For a gentle final evening before travel, settle into a waterfront sundowner at Kwale Cliff Terrace, watching dhows glide past while sampling spiced coconut cocktails and locally smoked fish tapas; later stroll the nearby moonlit sandbar at Ngomeni Point to collect shells and enjoy quiet tidal views. If you prefer a cultural send-off, join an intimate village feast at Zanzibar House Homestay-sharing pilau and banana-coconut puddings with hosts, hearing coastal folk songs and bidding the coastline farewell before tomorrow's onward journey.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Gede Beach (beachfront walk, tide pools) | Free |
| Watamu Village Market (fruit, coffee, light brunch) | KES 400 |
| Café Qawina (seaside brunch) | KES 800 |
| Arabuko-Sokoke Forest (guided stroll at edge) | KES 1,200 |
| The Old Man and The Sea (lunch - grilled fish) | KES 1,800 |
| Mida Creek (mangrove boardwalk visit) | KES 600 |
| Watamu Beach Club (sundowner / kayak hire) | KES 1,200 |
| Watamu Turtle Watch Centre (brief talk / night-check possibility) | KES 500 |
| Mama Kwanza's Kitchen (dinner - Swahili pilau & coconut fish) | KES 900 |
| Nashata Lounge (drink / live taarab) | KES 700 |
| Watamu Marine National Reserve (snorkeling trip) | KES 3,500 |
| Glass-bottom boat option (reserve alternative) | KES 3,000 |
| Turtle Bay Café (brunch) | KES 700 |
| Blue Lagoon (tidal flats stroll) | Free |
| Ocean Sports Watamu (SUP or short boat trip to Garoda Reef) | KES 2,000 |
| Chez Pascal (coastal lunch) | KES 1,200 |
| Vasco da Gama Beach (rock pools, stroll) | Free |
| Watamu Creek Jetty (sunset dhow cruise) | KES 2,500 |
| The Wharf Restaurant & Bar (dinner) | KES 1,500 |
| Kilifi Creek Viewpoint (stop) | Free |
| Ngomeni Lighthouse (shore wander) | Free |
| Lunga Lunga (lunch before border crossing) | KES 600 |
| Border crossing (Kenya-Tanzania; typical fees not incl. visas) | KES 0 |
| Mkwaja Lodge (seaside lunch) | TZS 25,000 |
| Pangani River mouth (stroll / dhow watching) | Free |
| Pangani Old Town (cultural stroll, spice trader stop) | Free |
| Mabuyuni Beach (swim & shell-hunting) | Free |
| The Deck Pangani (seaside dinner) | TZS 30,000 |
| Pangani Cultural Centre (community storytelling session) | TZS 10,000 |
| Kijito Café (breakfast in Tanga) | TZS 6,000 |
| Mafia Street guided walk / Tanga Old Town visit | TZS 5,000 |
| Tanga Fish Market (market visit / snack) | TZS 3,000 |
| Amboni Caves (entrance & guide) | TZS 10,000 |
| Manza Beach (stroll & vendors) | Free |
| Boma Beach (lunch) | TZS 20,000 |
| Dhow to Kirui Island (short trip & easy snorkeling) | TZS 25,000 |
| Tongoni Ruins (visit with guide) | TZS 8,000 |
| Kaole Ruins (twilight walk with guide) | TZS 5,000 |
| Tanga Night Market (street food samosas & sugarcane juice) | TZS 4,000 |
| Milele Terrace Restaurant (seafood dinner) | TZS 25,000 |
| Kigombe Bay (moonlit stroll) | Free |
| Tonga Beach Bungalows (breakfast) | TZS 6,000 |
| Kipumbwi Mangrove Lagoon (guided kayak) | TZS 20,000 |
| Pangasi local boat to Chumo Island | TZS 10,000 |
| Blue Pearl Beach Shack (lunch - grilled prawns) | TZS 12,000 |
| Kigomasha Point (short snorkeling & guide) | TZS 15,000 |
| Pangani River Estuary Viewpoint (dhow-watching) | Free |
| Seaside Nyumba (seafood barbecue dinner) | TZS 20,000 |
| Moonlight Terrace Boma (nightcap) | TZS 4,000 |
| Fishers' Cay (sunrise boat transfer + snorkeling) | TZS 22,000 |
| Kibaha Creek (guided mangrove walk) | TZS 8,000 |
| Sandbank Njia (swim & shell-combing) | Free |
| Bwejuu Islet (snorkeling & picnic) | TZS 18,000 |
| Mkulumuzi Mangrove Reserve (boardwalk visit) | TZS 5,000 |
| Matipwili Sands (swim & coconut refreshment) | TZS 3,000 |
| Mwana Wa Maji Islet (private seafood cookout) | TZS 35,000 |
| Bweni Creek (moonlit mangrove boardwalk) | Free |
| Sandbar Nyumba (swahili coffee & music) | TZS 4,000 |
| Boma Point Beach (sunrise walk) | Free |
| Mabwepande Coffee House (coffee & mandazi) | TZS 4,000 |
| Soni Falls viewpoint (short guided trail) | TZS 10,000 |
| Mlingotini Bay (last swim & brunch) | TZS 8,000 |
| Mkomazi National Park approach (late-afternoon game-viewing stop & ranger walk) | TZS 40,000 |
| Tanga Bay Lookout (panoramic stop) | Free |
| Madalani Salt Pans (visit & meeting producers) | TZS 5,000 |
| Kwale Cliff Terrace (sundowner) | TZS 6,000 |
| Ngomeni Point (moonlit sandbar stroll) | Free |
| Zanzibar House Homestay (village feast option) | TZS 25,000 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | KES 13,700 + TZS 350,000 |