Msambweni: Beaches, Reef and Mangrove Forest

Msambweni combines extensive beaches and a reef with the mangrove forest on Chale Island. If you classify destinations by coastal scenery and nature themes, the area offers several distinct points of interest.

Coast and Snorkelling

Msambweni has a reef and extensive beaches; snorkelling is becoming increasingly popular there. This brings together two types of coastal interest: the scenery along the beaches and an activity focused on the reef. This may help you choose a destination if you are weighing a general beach experience against a stronger interest in snorkelling.

Chale Island: Mangrove Forest and Boardwalk

The Chale Community Boardwalk is a 100-metre-long footpath through Chale’s mangrove forest. It is expected to become a major tourist attraction. On 21 April 2026, the path was unveiled at a ceremony in the Msambweni area. The opening ceremony took place in the mangrove forest on Chale Island in Msambweni. Young women, men and older people sang traditional songs and performed traditional dances there. The boardwalk is therefore associated not only with the mangrove forest but also with a specific cultural occasion.

The Wider Destination of Kwale

In the wider destination of Kwale, a 17-kilometre stretch of fine white-sand beaches extends across Diani, Msambweni, Shirazi, Funzi, Shimoni, Wasini and Kisite Tidal Island. Kwale has 20 islands; four of them are inhabited: Wasini, Funzi, Mzizima and Chale. Chale is therefore part of both the local mangrove theme and the island geography of the wider Kwale destination.

In the same wider destination, the Gazi Boardwalk in Kinondo and the Wasini Women Boardwalk in Vanga are among the tourist sites. Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve is also part of Kwale County and is one of its parks and protected areas. The reserve is associated with snorkelling, diving, swimming with dolphins and sunbathing.

Nature and Wildlife in Kwale

Another nature highlight in the wider destination of Kwale is Shimba Hills National Reserve. It is a coastal forest with rich flora and fauna and is home to the highest density of African elephants in Kenya; such population comparisons can change. Sheldrick Falls and Mwaluganje Forest are located in the reserve. Bird species are found in the forest; the grassland is home to local species such as the Red-necked Spurfowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop. Which species can be seen may vary by season.

Historical Sites in Kwale

The wider destination of Kwale also includes historically significant sites. These include Fikirini Caves, Mwanangoto Caves in Shimoni, Kongo Mosque in Ukunda, Lwayo La Mlungu in Mwereni, Nyumba Ya Hoe in Kilibasi, Vanga Ruins, Jumba la Mbaruku in Gazi and Komboza Caves in Diani. These examples encompass caves, a mosque and ruins as distinct historical points of interest.

Discover more destinations: Diani Beach, Kwale, Kinondo, Vanga, Kilibasi, Tiwi, Ramisi, Kikoneni

Back to the wider travel overview: Kwale.