Vipingo is another relatively small coastal village, and lies about 30 kilometres north of Mombasa. This area of the coast consists mainly of small local swahili villages, and residential properties near the beach. The main beaches in the Vipingo area are Vipingo Beach and Kuruwitu Beach.
Inland from the beach are expansive sisal plantations, interspersed with monolithic Baobab trees.
Kiruwitu beach is a quiet, often deserted beach, with idyllic clear lagoon waters protected by a coral reef. The African Environmental Film Federation (AEFF) is underatiking a fascinating environmental film project here called 'Kuruwitu: Between A Rcok And A Hard Place' focusing on the conservation of marine life in the area. The Kuruwitu Conservation and Welfare Association (KCWA) Marine Sanctuary plays a significant role in promoting marine conservation, and protecting the natural resources of the area.
Accommodation in Vipingo mainly consists of local resident's geusthouses, or beach houses offered as holiday rental properties.
Vipingo has an isolated and important pocket of coastal forest, providing an important sanctuary for many coastal forest species of flora and fauna. The forest meets with white sandy beaches, and old coral cliffs and on spring high tides the indian ocean laps at the feet of this valuable, yet threatened ecosystem.
Old tombs and mosques can be found in and amongst this forest, and other areas of Vipingo - and local tales of spirits and superstition add an eerie sense of an age gone by.
Recently - a large development has taken place a few kilometres inland from the beach on the ridgeline that overlooks the sisal plantations and out to the ocean. Vipingo Ridge is a modern and stylish development that includes an 18 hole golf course, and residential houses.
External Links:
Kuruwitu: Between A Rock And A Hard Place
