Promoting Cultural Awareness this World Tourism Day

This World Tourism Day the theme is the important topic of Tourism and Peace.

The experience of different cultures is one that creates lasting memories, but it is good to have some idea ahead of arrivals on any local customs or traditions to expect, and be able to prepare.

Here we help address some of the questions about visiting the Kenyan Coast, which is a fantastic inclusive melting pot on different cultures. As the Port Town of Mombasa has been a global trade hub for hundreds of years, it has created an exciting combination of cultural influences on everything from the architecture to the cuisine, mixed with a Kenyan flair that permeates the whole coastline.

Tourism at the Kenya coast

Vipingo Ridge is perfectly positioned in the centre of the coastline, on the North Coast, in Kilifi County. This position on the Mombasa-Malindi Highway creates opportunities to explore in both directions, with a base in the secure heart of Vipingo Ridge.

By road we are 30 kilometres from Mombasa Airport and 85 kilometres from Malindi Airport, we also have a private airstrip with connection to Nairobi Wilson Airport.

6 tips for travelling at the Kenyan Coast

1. Respect Local Culture and Traditions

Dress Code: The Kenya Coast is home to a diverse community. When exploring outisde of Vipingo Ridge you will see a strong Muslim presence. When visiting coastal towns, especially near mosques and villages, please dress appropriately, wearing modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees.
At Vipingo Ridge we have pools and the Beach Club where swimwear is encouraged, but the Clubhouse we request a more covered dress code, but open shoes and sportswear is permitted.
Learn some local phrases: The Kenyan’s are very welcoming and encourage visitors to learn the local language. Though there are many different languages at the Coast, Swahili and English are common.
You can greet people with respect using common Swahili greetings like "Jambo" (“Hello”) or "Habari" (“How are you?”) to show appreciation for the local culture (They will respond with “Misori”, which means “Good” or “Well”). “Thank you very much” is “Asante Sana” (‘a-san-te-sa-na’) and always much appreciated.
Respect Religious Practices: Be mindful of prayer times and religious events. You may hear calls to prayer and sermons on your travels. Avoid loud behavior or inappropriate actions during these times.

2. Be Mindful of Your Behaviour

Avoid Excessive Drinking in public places: While the Kenya Coast is a popular tourist destination and alcohol is widely served, public drunkenness is not approved of or often seen. Vipingo Ridge is a closed community so is more relaxed and safe for such socialising, but be conscious of behaviour in other situations.
Avoid overt displays of affection: when travelling and in the community, over zealous displays of affection may be seen as disrespectful.
Be Punctual: Respect local time and customs, and be punctual for tours, events, or meetings.

3. Conserve the Environment

Avoid Plastic: Reduce your use of plastic and bring reusable water bottles. Plastic bags are banned in Kenya so you will not be permitted to travel with them (apart from the sealed ones from the airport for duty free). The Kenya Coast is trying to minimize plastic pollution and clean up, with great success, so it’s important to contribute to this effort.
Vipingo Ridge uses almost exclusively glass bottles (apart from the Proshop for golf rounds where glass may break) and sells branded reusable water bottles in the shop.
Dispose of Waste Properly: Always dispose of any trash responsibly. Avoid littering on beaches, streets, and in public spaces. Use trash bins where available. All of the solid waste collected at Vipingo Ridge is sorted into categories and recycled where possible.
Protect Marine Life: Respect the ocean and marine species. We have a coral restoration project at the Vipingo Ridge Beach Club. First time guests wishing to snorkel are asked to have a local guide and pay a donation to this blue tourism activity (which goes directly to the Community-Based-Organisation (CBO) that protects the marine area or “tengefu”. Any fishing can be organised through our team using local partners or local fisherman for an authentic community experience.
Do not remove any large shells or other habitat from the beach. Avoid disturbing coral reefs, fishing in restricted areas, or buying products made from endangered species.
Do Not Disturb Wildlife: Respect animals in their natural habitats. Do not engage in activities that could harm or disturb wildlife or their habitats.

4. Respect Local Communities, Laws and Regulations

Support Local Businesses: Shop at local markets and purchase handmade crafts from artisans. This supports the local economy and helps preserve traditional crafts. We have a community-run shop at the Vipingo Ridge Beach Club. All funds go to the women of the community as part of the marine conservation CBO.
Engage in Responsible Tourism: Avoid engaging in activities that exploit local communities or put them at risk. Do not participate in unethical wildlife tourism (like riding elephants or posing with endangered animals).
Respect Personal Space: If visiting local villages, ask permission before taking photos of people, especially children. Not everyone is comfortable being photographed.
Adhere to Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with Kenyan laws, including those regarding the consumption of alcohol, drugs, and gambling. The penalties for breaking the law can be severe.
Follow Marine and Wildlife Regulations: Make sure to observe the guidelines when visiting national parks, marine parks, and reserves. Stick to designated paths and avoid disrupting wildlife.

5. Support Sustainable Tourism Practices

Book Eco-Friendly Accommodation: Choose hotels and resorts that are committed to sustainable practices. Vipingo Ridge is a member of Eco-tourism Kenya and focusses on activities such as energy conservation, water usage reduction and environmensal waste management.
Participate in Eco-Tours: Opt for tours that promote environmental conservation and cultural heritage. At Vipingp Ridge we work with the community to offer a range of activities that engage and directly benefit the community.
Kitchen Garden Tour - growing food to diversify local diets and create sustainable food systems for the community. Led by local ladies and now in 300 homes in the local community. Meet these inspiring women at the Beach Club.
Snorkelling Tour - see the coral restoration sites that King Charles III visited and the species in the marine sanctuary described by BBC Earth as ‘the Lagoon of Life’. Booked through Vipingo Ridge, with all donations straight to the community, local guides show you the amazing results of a 20 year conservation project.
Plant a Tree - leave a legacy at Vipingo Ridge and plant a native seedling, meet our team that have been rewilding Vipingo Ridge and give to future generations.
Plant a Coral - learn about the important role of coral, plant your own on our structures that help the small corals to grow and see your very own coral block develop for years to come. Funds go directly to the community and your coral joins the ‘Kings Coral’ as a key feature of the snorkelling experience.
Dhow trip - support local tourism boats for a sunset cruise, we can arrange and facilitate the logistics.

6. Respect Health Guidelines

Vaccinations and medications: Make sure you have taken advice from a medical professional for any jobs or tablets recommended during your visit to the Kenya Coast.

Stay Safe in the Water: Always swim in designated safe areas and pay attention to local advice about tides and currents.
Medical Insurance: Take our medical insurance for your trip.
Follow Safety Guidelines: Make sure to observe the guidelines, when visiting Vipingo Ridge we have a 24/7 Medical Centre on site with trained doctors, an inhouse paramedic on the staff, trained first aiders and first aid kits. Not all venues will be as equipped so travel with the basics for first aid.

Come to the Kenya Coast

Our experienced team can offer support in your itinerary, offering local knowledge and solutions should you wish to explore further at the Kenyan coast.

Alternatively, if you are keen to relax, Vipingo Ridge, along with our Vipingo Ridge Beach Club are a perfect haven where we celebrate Kenya through our local team members, cuisine, architecture, native planting and wildlife. There is plenty to do and see, and you can have a taste of coastal Kenyan culture and memories to last a lifetime.

With these tips be confident and be welcomed by the Kenyan people at the Coast.

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