- Shimoni is a small coastal village located in Kwale County, in the southeastern part of Kenya, approximately 80km from Mombasa town.
Image: ANDREW BYRON SAFARI
Shimoni is a small coastal village located in Kwale county, in the southeastern part of Kenya, approximately 80km from Mombasa town.
The town is sparsely populated and is known for its rich history and natural beauty.
The village is home to a diverse population of people, including the indigenous Digo people, as well as immigrants from other parts of Tanzania. It has a rich blend of Kenyan and Tanzanian cultures.
Religion is an important part of Shimoni's culture, with a mix of predominantly Islam, alongside Christianity and African traditional beliefs practiced by different communities in the village.
Shimoni village is a very chilled place. It doesn't feature the hustle and bustle of urban towns. Here are three awesome activities one can enjoy in this village.
Visit Shimoni caves
Shimoni was once a centre for the slave trade. These caves were used by slave traders as a holding area for slaves awaiting transportation.
For Sh100, one can take a tour of the interconnected caves and glance at the areas where slaves were kept.
Moreover, these caves were also used by the local people to perform rituals and animal sacrifices.
Stalactites are a common feature in these caves alongside a huge bat population. Make sure to hire a tour guide for a comprehensive experience.
Indulge in the local cuisine
Being a coastal village, seafood is a staple of the local diet. Fish, prawns, crabs, and other seafood are caught daily and sold in the village's bustling fish market.
The ultimate area to sample fresh seafood. There are also numerous eating spots around town that offer signature Swahili dishes such as biriyani, pilau, beans soaked in coconut sauce, and fish among other dishes.
Relax at the beach or take a swim
One can book a boat ride to Wasini Island, and once there one can engage in snorkeling, scuba diving or simply relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun.
Make sure you carry sunscreen and breathable clothes since Shimoni tends to be quite hot.