Kwale County is the southernmost part of Kenya. Its capital city is Kwale town, and Diani – a major tourist area, is the most well-known town in the county. Kwale County borders the Republic of Tanzania to the South West, Taita-Taveta to the West, Kilifi to the North, Mombasa to the North East, and the Indian Ocean to the East.
Quick facts
Population: 866,820 million as of 2019
Size: 8,270.3 km2 (3,193.2 sq mi) 62 Km² is underwater.
Subdivision includes:
Msambweni
Lunga lunga
Matuga
Kinango
Geography and climate
Kwale County has four major topographical features, the coastal plain, the foot plateau, the coastal uplands, and the Nyika plateau.
Kwale County has a monsoon type of climate; it`s hot and dry from January to April, while June to August is the coolest season. Rainfall comes in two seasons; short rains are experienced from October to December while the long rains run from March- to June/July. The average temperature of the county is 24.6°C, and rainfall amounts range between 400mm and 1,680 mm per annum.
Getting To Kwale County
Ukunda Airport is the only airport in the county, and it is only an hour away from Nairobi. Most domestic carriers charter this route daily, and some have two flights a day. Here are some airlines that fly to Ukunda at least once a day.
Safarilink
Fly 540
Jambojet
Via Road:
The road from Mombasa has tarmacked the journey from Mombasa via the likoni ferry typically takes about two hours.
By Train
Visitors who wish to travel by train would have to take the Nairobi -Mombasa SGR, also known as the Madaraka express, and then take a taxi or one of the minibusses available at the train station.
A journey from Nairobi to Mombasa takes less than five hours, and a ticket for the economy class costs Ksh 1000 or Ksh 3000 for first class.
Train schedule
Mombasa to Nairobi:
Departure 08:00, arrival: 13:42
Departure 15:15, arrival 20:14
Nairobi to Mombasa:
Departure 08:20, arrival: 14:18
Departure 14:35, arrival: 19:18
Attractions In Kwale County
- Shimba Hills National Reserve.
- Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
- Wasini Island
- Kaya Kinondo Forest
- Colobus Conservation Centre
- Diani Beach Art Gallery
- Tiwi beach
- Sheldrick falls
- shimoni caves
- Diani beach
Accommodation Options
From luxurious beach resorts to budget-friendly hostels, Kwale county has a wide range of accommodation options that will suit every budget and taste. Whether you’re looking for an exclusive island getaway or a remote off-the-beaten-track beach holiday, our selection of accommodation list is sure to inspire you. Browse through the accommodation section or contact us directly with your desired accommodation type and we will recommend the best options.
