The Marafa Hells Kitchen – Everything to Know Before You Visit

Deep in the heart of Malindi Kenya, there is the little-known gem called Marafa Hell’s Kitchen. But wait, is this a traditional kitchen or eatery? Marafa Hells Kitchen is a geological formation with a series of sandstone cliffs and gorges resembling the famous Grand Canyon in the US.

True to its name, Marafa Hell’s Kitchen gets too hot, especially in the day with temperatures soaring to the heights of 40°C. However, it attracts thousands of tourists every year due to its unique and surreal landscape. The layer-cake colors of the sandstone are beautiful to marvel at during sunsets.

Marafa Hells Kitchen formed as a result of weathering and erosion over time. As wind or rainwater rushes down the cracks, it exposes mineral-rich rocks. There’s plenty of Calcium which makes the rocks look white, Iron for the red color, and Sulphur for the yellow color.

Local myth about the Marafa Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen of Marafa is locally known as “Nyari”, translated as “the place that breaks by itself”. According to them, the kitchen was formed as a punishment to one rich family that obscenely used milk for cleaning and other water-related activities during a prolonged drought season.

One local guide explained that people here lived in tough conditions occasioned by the drought. So the rich family using milk as water annoyed community elders and their gods. One day the gods sent a heavy downpour which caused landslides that swallowed this rich family and all its belongings. 

True to this myth, Marafa has occasionally suffered from drought and critical water shortages. To address this challenge, World Vision has drilled boreholes to help people in this town access groundwater. If you visit Marafa town, you’ll notice many automated water kiosks where locals get clean water.

How to get there

Marafa town is approximately a 40-minute drive from Malindi. If you are traveling from Nairobi, flying to Malindi Airport is the most convenient way of getting there. Alternatively, you can fly to Moi International Airport in Mombasa and then take a taxi to Watamu.

I always drive from Nairobi down to the Voi gate of Tsavo East. Spending a night at a lodge in Voi gives me enough rest to carry on into Malindi the next day. The majestic baobab trees on the way are breathtaking. Joining tour groups is also a great option for safety and convenience.

Local guides are the best when exploring the ‘kitchen’ and its surroundings. In most cases, they are people from the local community who will tell you about the myths and other stories. You can hang around the kitchen for an hour or two then enjoy the sunset.

Entry fees

Marafe Hell’s Kitchen is run by the community for tourism. The entry fee is Ksh. 200 per person for Kenyan adults, Ksh. 100 for Kenyans under 18 and Ksh 500 for residents and foreigners. Getting a local guide will cost you Ksh. 500. This is whether you are alone or as a group.

The best time to visit

Malindi is a top tourist destination on the Kenyan coast. December to March is the peak tourist season in Malindi. During this period, the weather is at its best with plenty of sunshine and little rain. It’s typically the best for swimming, sunbathing, and other outdoor activities.

However, beaches and other attractions like the Malindi Marine National Park can be crowded. If you want to enjoy your trip with little crowds and affordable rates, visit Malindi from June to August. This is also a great time to see the area’s lush vegetation.

As said, Marafa Hell’s Kitchen gets too hot during the day and the colors don’t come out just as beautifully. The ideal arrival time should be from 3.00 pm. Make sure to stay until evening during the sunsets to get a glimpse of the never-seen-before earthly tones and colors.

What to carry to Marafa Hell’s Kitchen

Understandably, Marafa town is close to the Indian Ocean. As usual, temperatures are higher. When heading there, the following items can be very useful.

• A reusable water bottle (available on Amazon) and fill it up during your trip. It’s important to stay hydrated in hot weather.
• Clothing lightly is highly recommended. Pack breathable shorts and long-sleeved shirts for evenings or sun protection.
• If you like swimming, carry at least two swimsuits, a cover-up, and a beach towel.
• You’ll need sturdy sandals or comfortable walking shoes (available on Amazon). This will give you grip and comfort when walking on the Marafa sandstones.
• Pack some snacks and bites to boost your energy. Marafa is quite interior and getting a nice place to eat can be a problem.
• UV protection is important. Ensure you have a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and safe sunscreen ((SPF 30 or higher).
• Have some Kenyan shillings in cash for smaller purchases, taxis, and tipping.
• Pack a small first-aid kit with basic medications like ibuprofen and bandaids.
• Don’t forget a camera to take amazing photos of the “Kitchen”.
• Make sure you have copies of your travel documents and always keep them separate from the originals.

Is there accommodation around Marafa?

Spending your night at Marafa gives you the privilege to enjoy the amazing views of the “Kitchen” in sunsets and probably in the morning at sunrise. Unfortunately, most state-of-the-art facilities are miles away. This doesn’t close doors for your desire to stay near the ‘kitchen’.

There are several accommodation facilities in the Marafe town. However, don’t expect a room with air conditioners, Wi-Fi, or a plasma TV with Netflix. At least you’ll have a bed fitted with a mosquito net,  which I found to be worth the price and effort from our local guide.

Final Thought

The Marafa Hells Kitchen is one of the less-highlighted attractions on the Kenyan coast but the narrative changes as soon as you step on those beautiful sandstones. It is a great place to rewind, especially for those touring Malindi, Watamu, or other places in Kilifi Kenya.