Marafa is a coastal area in Kenya, close to Malindi. Marafa’s main attraction is called ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, a unique geological site with rock formations and deep red sand gorges that create a surreal and fascinating landscape.

The geological wonder of Hell’s Kitchen

“Hell’s Kitchen” is the result of erosion caused by wind and water on sand and clay deposits, which has left us with some spectacular rock outcrops. The cliffs and gorges are a range of colours, from red to brown, which gives the area an almost extraterrestrial ambience.

The name “Hell’s Kitchen” comes from how the landscape looks like an arid, hellish place and from how hot it can get during the day.

There are organised trips that explore the area’s most impressive gorges and unusual rock formations, including one that looks like a rhinoceros’ head.

At sunset, the gorges of Hell’s Kitchen reflect the warm hue of the sun: an immensity of red, orange and gold cloaks the entire area, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

The legend of Marafa

Marafa is associated with a legend about the Giriama tribe, which settled there.

The legend says that this was once a green and fertile land. There was a family that lived there who were so rich that they could afford to bathe and wash their clothes with milk, which was a very precious commodity in Africa, where even water is lacking. But one day, God saw all this waste and got really angry. He plunged the rich family and all their cattle into this inhospitable gorge that’s marked with blood and milk.

Marafa is not only a beautiful place to visit, but it also offers the chance to learn more about the local culture and interact with the surrounding communities. The area is a popular destination for tourists who want to take a break from the coast and beaches and explore some unusual landscapes.

How to reach Marafa from Villa Jua

If you start from Watamu and Villa Jua, it’ll only take about an hour to get there. Just a heads-up: the drive to get there can be rough because the roads are uneven and littered with potholes. The views are pretty special, though. The land turns red and dusty, and the landscapes become more pristine among the baobabs and typical villages.

Marafa is on the Che Chale Road, so you can see it on the way back from Che Chale in time to enjoy the sunset.