About Kaya Kinondo
A sacred site and once a great home for the local Digo sub-tribe of the Mijikenda people in South Coast Kenya. Meaning home or village, Kaya was a fortified settlement founded by the local people when they first arrived here more than 600 years ago. It is the only place where local people retreat to communicate with their ancestral spirits in the form of prayers and sacrificial offerings. The site was also a great hideout of local people from enemies who pursued them along their migration route. Kaya Kinondo forest is embedded with great natural and cultural heritage whose protection is deeply sanctified in the local people's beliefs and fears.
The experience begins with a 15-minute briefing at the Visitor Centre, followed by a 50-minute guided forest walk along shaded trails, exploring significant tree species, medicinal plants, and local traditions. After the walk, a short transfer brings guests to the nearby village for 60 minutes of cultural immersion. Guests engage with local life, explore traditional livelihoods, meet the village healer, and enjoy a mandatory Digo traditional dance performance (approx. 15 minutes) as well as a tasting of local African herbal tea made from lemongrass (approx. 15 minutes). Guests may also sample freshly tapped palm wine (mnazi) if they wish.

The experience concludes in the village, where guests depart at their convenience.