Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest
Kaya Kinondo
The sacred forest of the Mijikenda's Digo people, part of the 'Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests' World Heritage site. Entry requires an elder guide.
Kaya Kinondo is the sacred forest of the Digo people, a subgroup of the Mijikenda. In 2008 it was inscribed as part of the 'Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests' World Heritage Site. The forest preserves original coastal forest, with ancient trees covered in vines. Guides explain traditional beliefs, taboos and medicinal plants, and lead visitors to ritual sites. Before entering the forest, you must wrap yourself in a local kanga cloth, and hats are not allowed. Picking plants or photographing taboo areas is forbidden. A community ecotourism project runs the tours, and admission revenue is used for conservation.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:00 (guide required)
Nearby sights
- Galu Kinondo Beach
- Colobus Conservation
- Chale Island
- Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant
- Diani Beach
- Msambweni Beach
- Tiwi Beach
- Kongo Mosque