Discover sustainable travel in Kenya! Explore our responsible village experiences, safaris, & coastal experiences. Packages customizable upon request.

Sustainable Travel in Kenya | Yugen Earthside

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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to sustainable trips around the world. Carbon removals included with each booking!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

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Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Immerse yourself into authentic Kenyan culture and beautiful nature with this village experience by the famous Mida Creek. 

[3 days] Mida Creek Village Experience in Kenya | Yugen Earthside

Immerse yourself into authentic Kenyan culture and beautiful nature with this village experience by the famous Mida Creek. This private experience is perfect for a small group of friends or for a unique family vacation!

A lovely family welcomes you to their community camp, a masterpiece that has come to life – treehouses, swings, and tent platforms built by their own hands. Have the opportunity to head out to the creek, on a wooden canoe or boat, visit islands, learn about the mangroves, swim in the water, and feel the essence of being in the middle of breathtaking nature.

A bit like summer camp on the gorgeous Kenyan coast, your days will be filled with leisurely hands-on activities that will introduce you to the local way of life here. This style of immersive learning is fun for adults as well as curious children.

This short, sustainable excursion is perfect to pair with other experiences in Kenya, such as our Kenyan Coast & Safari or Kenyan Coast for Ocean Lovers trips, or a luxury Kenyan safari experience in the Maasai. Contact us for help in customizing your adventure; we'll make sure it suits your needs and preferences.

This experience is available year-round. Generally, we suggest the shoulder season (November through February) as the most sustainable time to travel because it promotes tourism dispersal – spreading out tourist arrivals so destinations do not get overwhelmed and resource-constrained. However, since this excursion is off the beaten path and won't have many tourists, traveling during the high season (June through October) would also be fine.

Additional activities other than those mentioned

Treehouse/banda/tent (your preference) at the community camp 

Transport within Mida Creek for all activities mentioned

Transport to/from Mida Creek is not included as the cost is highly variable based on where you’re coming from (Watamu, Mombasa, an airport, etc.). For context, transport from Watamu to Mida Creek is roughly 800ksh (~$6) and we can help you coordinate finding a driver. Contact us for the best way to arrive based on your travel plans. 

This tour promotes tourism dispersal by taking you to lesser-known parts of Kenya. It's reflective of an innovative way of creating new tourism experiences, that are not made for the masses and instead focus on truly connecting with locals. 

Environmental Initiatives
Our sustainable accommodations include tents in the community camp, which focuses on recovering & re-using rainwater and recycling their waste properly. The camp was made my village locals using natural resources such as dried vegetation, and by visiting you are directly supporting the camp and nearby village.

The camp emphasizes serving local & organic Swahili food (vegetarian food available) - many of the ingredients are homegrown in their gardens.

Sociocultural and Economic Intiatives
You'll learn about their culture, and the money you spend will be kept fairly in the hands of those on the ground, thereby promoting the local economy in this area around the small coastal village of Watamu.

This will be slow travel. We will be exploring this creek by canoe or boat, and walking around the mangrove forests and village. The pace will be relaxed so you can soak it all in. Other activities are also local-based, which provides opportunities for cultural knowledge transfers.  This trip takes you off the beaten path, meaning your tourism revenue goes farther here in supporting local people. If you want to be seeped in nature, immersed in the culture, and have an eco-friendly vacation, this trip is for you.

An adventure of a lifetime awaits on this Kenyan Coast & 6-day Safari including a food tour in Mombasa, a giraffe nature walk, & game drives.

[10 days] Kenyan Coast & 6-day Safari | Yugen Earthside

An adventure of a lifetime awaits on this Kenyan Coast & Safari tour that will take you on food tours through Mombasa, nature walks with giraffes, plenty of game drives, and more!

In this land of enchantment, the possibilities are as endless as the savannah. Architecture, food, animals, landscapes, history, Kenya has it all. Join us on this experience to discover the stunning turquoise coast and the awe-inspiring wildlife, all while embedded in the vibrant Kenyan culture. 

Trip length is 10 days: 3 days in Mombasa on the Kenyan coast, a 6-day safari through three national parks, and a final day in Mombasa. 

If you're interested in the 6-day safari only, contact us!

Dhow Ride Experience through the Mombasa Channel

Tsavo West, Amboseli, and Tsavo East National Parks

A glimpse of African homesteads & cultures

The journey begins with a rush of adrenaline as you acclimate in Mombasa. With our nature walk, you will get as close as you have ever come to giraffes, ostriches, and other unique species, so prepare for an adventurous experience. The day does not finish there, with a dhow ride through the Mombasa Channel, you will have the chance to lay back and relax amid the soothing sound of gently flowing water. After that, the vibrant city of Mombasa will welcome you with open arms. Explore the enchanting Old Town, where narrow alleys and intricately carved doors transport you to a bygone era of Arabian influence, and indulge in a tantalizing fusion of flavors at its bustling markets. 

After some wonderful days in Mombasa, the beauty of Kenya's national parks awaits. Walk through the savannah to discover unique landscapes, observe wildlife in its natural environment, learn about local tribes, and see the impressive Mount Kilimanjaro - Africa's tallest mountain.  With local guides assisting you, we make sure you make the most out of this experience.  

Game drives throughout the parks will open your eyes to Africa's limitless expanses of the wild. You may see herds of dust-red elephants wallowing, rolling, or simply foraging; as well as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalo, antelopes, warthogs, ostriches, baboons, birds, and more! In Amboseli National Park, you will visit swamps below Observation Hill, which host large herds of animals including elephants, buffalo, hippos, and a variety of waterfowls like the pelican and Egyptian goose. In Tsavo National Park, you'll see the beautiful man-made Aruba Dam located on the north bank of the seasonal Voi River. This dam is visited by thousands of animals and is a great game-viewing destination. You'll also visit the whale-backed Mudanda Rock which towers above a natural dam, and acts as a draw to thousands of elephants. 

Kenya has two distinct seasons, dry and wet. From December to March, the weather is hot and sunny, making it ideal for beach activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. As minimal rainfall is expected throughout the dry season, outdoor experiences are pleasant as well. 

Another aspect that makes these months the most recommended for visiting Kenya is that it is the best time for wildlife viewing. With thinner vegetation and limited water sources, animals tend to gather around watering holes, making them easier to spot during safaris in national parks like Tsavo East and Tsavo West.

To make it even better, those are the months of the festive season, so Mombasa comes alive with different celebrations, cultural festivities, and vibrant street markets. The city offers a great opportunity to enjoy local traditions and immerse in Kenya's energetic culture. 

Popular attractions tend to get quite crowded during the dry season. On festive occasions, such as Christmas and New Year, Mombasa is bustling with tourists.  Tourist influxes diminish noticeably in the rainy season (April to May, and November), making it easier to enjoy popular attractions and walk throughout Mombasa in a laid-back rhythm.  Choosing to travel in the rainy season contributes to tourism dispersal, creating a positive impact on the local community. 

However, it is important to know that the weather is quite unpredictable in Kenya, so we suggest checking weather patterns in advance. 

We believe in developing tourism in a way that respects and cares for nature. With that in mind, the giraffe walk takes place in a Nature Sanctuary, where animals are well looked after. 

Sociocultural and Economic Intiatives
Your days in Kenya will help you understand the culture, the guides will be locals who can provide you with details and personal stories about life there.  With a 10-day length, this will be slow travel. We will be exploring some of the country's national parks, as well as the city of Mombasa, and enjoying a traditional dhow ride. The pace will be relaxed so you can soak it all in. Other activities are also local-based, which provides opportunities for cultural knowledge transfers.

This trip takes you off the beaten path, meaning your tourism revenue goes farther here in supporting local people. If you want to be seeped in nature, immersed in the culture and have an eco-friendly vacation, this trip is for you.

The money you spend will be kept fairly in the hands of those on the ground, thereby promoting the local economy. We ensure everyone hired is local and we provide them with training to further empower them. 

A sustainable experience to delight ocean lovers along the Kenyan coast with dhow rides, beach trips, snorkeling, sailing, and more. 

Along the coast of the Indian Ocean, the port city of Mombasa and the nearby town of Watamu have their own unique feel for travelers to really experience the Kenyan coast from all angles. More than its beautiful beaches, you'll also have unique wildlife encounters – such as an adventurous nature walk with giraffes! – and take a deep dive into authentic Kenyan culture. This wholesome and off-the-beaten-path itinerary includes a city tour of Mombasa's old town, a food tour, and a chance to visit the nearby forests. 

Your mind will be blown by everything Kenya has to offer you!

With its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, amazing wildlife, and adventure activities, the Kenyan coast is a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Vibrant culture and picturesque local markets, combined with energizing sports activities make this trip through the Kenyan coast unforgettable. You will get to know the thriving marine life, village culture, and delicious food this area is known for.

5 reasons you can’t miss the Kenyan coast:

Beautiful beaches: The Kenyan coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Watamu Beach with its crystal-clear waters. You will visit this beach on your trip!

Rich cultural heritage: The Kenyan coast is home to a diverse mix of cultures, including the Swahili people. On this tour, you will explore the historic towns of Mombasa through a city tour, and a food tour, and learn about its rich history while soaking in the city’s preserved, traditional architecture.

Delicious food: Kenyan cuisine is a fusion of African, Indian, and Arab influences, making for a unique and delicious culinary experience. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, spicy curries, and tropical fruits and vegetables, and on this trip, your tastebuds will be delighted on the Mombasa Food Tour and in Watamu!

Wildlife: While the Kenyan coast is best known for its beaches, it’s also home to some amazing wildlife. Visitors can go on safari in nearby national parks, such as Tsavo East and West, where they can see elephants, lions, and other iconic African animals. Just let us know if you want to add this to your itinerary and we can organize a luxury lodge in the wild for you to use as a home base to see the “Big 5”.

Adventure activities: For those seeking adventure, the Kenyan coast offers plenty of options. Visitors can go snorkeling or diving to explore the coral reefs off the coast, take a dhow cruise, or go deep-sea fishing. This trip includes snorkeling and dhow cruises, and we can help you organize other water activities if you wish.


The Kenyan coastal region experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season and a rainy season. This trip is best in the dry season.

The dry season runs from December to March and from July to October. During this time, the weather is sunny, warm, and dry, making it the ideal time for beach activities, cultural tours, and wildlife safaris. With clear skies and calm waters, the dry season is perfect for snorkeling, dhow cruises, and other water activities.

In the wet season, and especially during the months of May and June, some roads may become impassable and certain areas inaccessible due to flooding.

It’s important to note that temperatures along the coast are consistently warm throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).

Our organization is committed to sustainable practices that prioritize the environment, the economy, and the socio-cultural well-being of the communities we visit.  By focusing on sustainable practices, we believe that we can create a more equitable and just tourism industry.

Environmental Initiatives
In terms of the environment, we prioritize the use of reusable products and provide information on ethical wildlife treatment to our guides and travelers. Additionally, we offer low-carbon impact holidays that promote activities related to combating climate change, such as tree planting.


Sociocultural Initiatives
We also prioritize the economic well-being of the communities we visit. We provide direct jobs and income to locals, as well as upskill our partners so they can expand their services. We focus on community projects and assistance and ensure that vendors, creators of products, and food dishes are met. 

Our accommodation choices are small and locally run, and we personally visit and carry out an impact analysis at all the accommodations we work with. We promote slow travel, staying for 3-4 nights in most accommodations.


Economic Initiatives
We prioritize the socio-cultural well-being of the communities we visit. We take travelers off the beaten path and ensure that our trips are carried out ethically by looking at the local community's perspective. We promote cultural exchange and encourage travelers to respect local customs and traditions.

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Mida Creek Village Experience

Kenyan Coast & 6-day Safari

Kenyan Coast for Ocean Lovers

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