Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest — Local services in Kinondo ward

I recommend this tour combining learning about nature and the native people of the Coast AND discovering an ancient forest on coral rock with all senses on. The knowledge of the Digo people about plant species, tree burials and energy exchange is just being rediscovered. Call the phone number indicated on Google maps and reserve a tour slot. The fee for Kenyans is 500 KES, for residents 800 and for foreigners 1000. All the money goes into conservation efforts and supporting the Digo community. The entrance fee includes the tour guide. The last tour of the day is at 04pm because the tour guide closes the info house at 06pm and the forest is darker at dawn. There is a long tour (2h) to the freshwater spring and a shorter tour around the forest (1 - 1.5h), depending on how fit you are. Drive South on Diani Beach Road, past the paved road on the bumpy one, turn right after the sign for the forest comes and enter the parking spot. First, you will be introduced to the Digo culture and customs in the informational house because you cannot do certain things in the sacred forest and want to show respect while enjoying the tour. The tour is interactive and I encourage you to ask the guide lots of questions. I was amazed by the answers which showed vast...

This sacred forest is not on most people's bucket list when they go to Kenya but if you are in the area I highly recommend a visit, especially if you are into nature, spirituality, learning about medicinal plants/trees and local culture and traditions. They charge 1000 ($10) per person + tips are extra. The tour around the forest lasts about an hour. Our guide Mohammed was very nice and knowledgable and told us about the uses of the different plants and trees.

Most people spend their whole time at Diani beach but learn very little about local culture. Visiting Kaya Kinondo is an opportunity to do so as well as understand the importance of medicinal plants and the eco system.

Go visit the forest and enjoy...

We walked down to the sacred forest whilst staying in one of the resorts up the coast. There was no need to book or plan a specific time (we went down mid morning). The project is run by the Digo community and upon entry we were greeted by one of the local guides who showed us around for an hour or so. He was so knowledgeable about the history of the area and the religious significance and biodiversity of the forest itself. It was fascinating! Would highly recommend if you're in the area - particularly as it's a really valuable project to show your support to. (Entry fee was 1000ksh - very reasonable; also allow for a bit extra for the...