Kilifi Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Kilifi County, Kenya
Is Airbnb profitable in Kilifi in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Kilifi, Kilifi County, Kenya to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Kilifi, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 75 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Kilifi, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Kilifi Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Kilifi Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Kilifi (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Kilifi is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Kilifi is typically March, while September often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Kilifi across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $4,937+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,760 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $674 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $223, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Kilifi
Kilifi Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Kilifi STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Maysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while November experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Kilifi:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 76%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 56% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 31%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 14% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Kilifi
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Kilifi (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Kilifi involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Kilifi typically peaks in December and dips lowest during February. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $304+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $125 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $48 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $26 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Kilifi
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Kilifi (2025)
Peak Season (March, May, July)
- Revenue averages $2,009 per month
- Occupancy rates average 42.2%
- Daily rates average $128
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,632 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 38.3%
- Daily rates hold near $130
Low Season (June, September, November)
- Revenue drops to average $1,127 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 27.2%
- Daily rates adjust to average $129
Seasonality Insights for Kilifi
- The Airbnb seasonality in Kilifi shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Kilifi's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $2,396, occupancy reaching a high of 48.2%, and ADRs peaking at $136.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $957, occupancy could drop to 25.4%, and ADRs may adjust down to $118.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Kilifi.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Kilifi seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Kilifi (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Kilifi? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
---|---|---|
Malindi | A popular coastal destination known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs. It's famous for water sports like snorkeling and diving, appealing to tourists year-round. | Malindi Marine National Park, Watamu Beach, Gede Ruins, Malindi Museum, Portuguese Chapel |
Kilifi Creek | A serene location perfect for relaxation and water activities. It's known for its scenic views and is ideal for tourists looking for a calm retreat. | Kilifi Creek, Mnarani Ruins, Bofa Beach, Kilifi Bridge, Sandy shores |
Bofa Beach | Renowned for its white sandy beaches and clear waters, Bofa Beach is ideal for families and couples looking for a beach getaway. | Bofa Beach, Beachfront resorts, Water sports, Local dining spots, Beach bars |
Watamu | An eco-tourism hotspot with stunning beaches and natural parks. Great for eco-friendly travelers and those interested in marine life. | Watamu National Park, Turtle Bay Beach, Watamu Beach, Bio-Ken Snake Farm, Local seafood restaurants |
Mnarani | A tranquil area known for its beautiful landscapes and proximity to Kilifi. It's great for visitors looking for peace and nature. | Mnarani Ruins, Kilifi Bay, Local artisan markets, Cultural tours, Birdwatching spots |
Gedi | Famous for the ancient ruins of Gedi, it attracts history buffs and those interested in Swahili culture and heritage. | Gedi Ruins, Gedi National Monument, Nature trails, Cultural tours, Local guides |
Dongo Kundu | A developing area with potential for investment, known for its beaches and close-knit community feel. | Dongo Kundu Beach, Local fishing villages, Nature walks, Water activities, Community crafts |
Amani Estate | A quiet neighborhood ideal for longer-term stays, attractive for those seeking tranquility and a slower pace of life. | Nature retreats, Local markets, Gardens, Community events, Cultural experiences |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Kilifi (2025)
While Kilifi, Kilifi County, Kenya currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Kilifi to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Kilifi (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Kilifibased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Bulloch House Kilifi
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

Wesa house - Large private beachfront Villa & pool
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

Rusty's House Kilifi
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

Cosy Bofa Beach House
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

★Maweni House - Beachfront, Pool, AC & Cook
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

Villa in Kilifi
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Kilifi (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Kilifi based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Leah | 6 | $164,468 | 206 | 4.77/5.0 |
Jess- | 2 | $78,965 | 4 | 2.50/5.0 |
Charlie | 1 | $66,622 | 88 | 4.91/5.0 |
Kaila | 1 | $62,174 | 83 | 4.93/5.0 |
Karen | 1 | $60,320 | 70 | 4.74/5.0 |
Host #427803414 | 2 | $58,111 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
Michelle | 3 | $54,510 | 52 | 3.25/5.0 |
Ken | 2 | $25,087 | 49 | 4.92/5.0 |
Shaffiq | 1 | $18,606 | 21 | 5.00/5.0 |
Wairimu | 1 | $14,175 | 10 | 4.50/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Kilifi.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Kilifi STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Kilifi. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsKilifi Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Kilifi
- The Kilifi Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 81.3% of the 75 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Kilifi, House properties are the most common (52%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 52% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 6.7% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique (combined 1.3%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Kilifi Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Kilifi
- The dominant room capacity in Kilifi is 1 bedroom listings, making up 32% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 52.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Kilifi, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 34.7% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Kilifi.
Kilifi Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Kilifi
- The most common guest capacity trend in Kilifi vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (33.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Kilifi STR market, accounting for 56.0% of listings.
- 33.4% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Kilifi.
- On average, properties in Kilifi are equipped to host 4.0 guests.
Kilifi Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Kilifi
- The most common availability pattern in Kilifi falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 72% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 84.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 1-30 days range is most frequent in Kilifi (53.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 17.3% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Kilifi Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
36 listings
50.7% of total
2 Nights
14 listings
19.7% of total
3 Nights
9 listings
12.7% of total
4-6 Nights
3 listings
4.2% of total
30+ Nights
9 listings
12.7% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Kilifi is 1 Night, adopted by 50.7% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (70.4%) of the Kilifi Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (12.7%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Kilifi, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 50.7% of Kilifi hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 12.7% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Kilifi.
Kilifi Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
17 listings
33.3% of total
Moderate
10 listings
19.6% of total
Firm
13 listings
25.5% of total
Strict
11 listings
21.6% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Kilifi
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Kilifi is Flexible, used by 33.3% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (52.9%) and stricter (47.1%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 33.3% market standard in Kilifi.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Kilifi.
Kilifi STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Kilifi
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Kilifi is 57 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during October (average 84 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in June (average 35 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (66 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (56 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (57 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Kilifi.
- For October stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 84 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 66 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Kilifi averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Kilifi (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Kilifi
- Essential amenities in Kilifi that guests expect include: Kitchen, Free parking on premises, Wifi. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Essentials, Dishes and silverware, Refrigerator are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Kilifi: Kitchen, Free parking on premises, Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Free parking on premises, Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Essentials or Dishes and silverware to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Kilifi to stay competitive.
Kilifi Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Kilifi
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Kilifi consists of a mix of domestic (36%) and international guests, with top international origins including United States, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Swahili.
- Domestic travelers account for 36.2% of guests.
- Key international markets include Kenya (36.2%) and United States (15.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (45.1%) followed by Swahili (10.5%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from United States.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Kilifi Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ramisi ward | 11 | $2,492 | $218.58 | 43% |
Dabaso ward | 101 | $2,051 | $172.40 | 42% |
Tiwi ward | 21 | $1,536 | $167.22 | 32% |
Shella ward | 97 | $1,492 | $215.69 | 30% |
Kinondo ward | 161 | $1,247 | $175.97 | 33% |
Ukunda ward | 273 | $1,225 | $130.95 | 36% |
Mkomami ward | 44 | $1,159 | $287.21 | 24% |
Mnarani ward | 34 | $1,059 | $153.05 | 22% |
Lamu | 24 | $982 | $126.68 | 29% |
Watamu ward | 236 | $892 | $152.92 | 29% |