Marafa Hell’s Kitchen, also known as Marafa Depression is one of the best-kept mysteries along the Kenyan coast. Anyone who sees this hidden jewel is in awed by its majesty.
This undiscovered beauty can be found in the sleepy town of Marafa, 40 kilometers from Malindi. The location is referred to as “Nyari” in the local Giriama language, which means “The place broken by itself” and is spoken in the coastal region of Kenya. This is due to the depression’s natural formation over thousands of years under the influence of severe weather. Surprisingly, the gorges frequently adopt features that seem to have been fashioned.
Today, it is a stunning sandstone canyon with gorges that are stacked in different hues. The array of hues, including white, pink, orange, and crimson, make it a stunning sight, especially after dusk. Hell’s Kitchen got its name because it can get up to 50 degrees Celsius during the day. The local Giriama community runs Marafa Hell’s Kitchen, and the high admission fees support village initiatives.
Marafa Hell’s Kitchen Myth.
Even while geologists claim that Hell’s Kitchen is the product of geological formations, the locals believe that it is the result of divine anger. There are several myths that attempt to explain its origin. The most typical is that a wealthy man once owned the land. He had a large number of wives and kids in addition to a lot of livestock. He was haughty and conceited. He and his family began taking milk baths to set themselves apart from the rest of the neighborhood because he had plenty. leaving the rest of the neighborhood in abject poverty. The gods were enraged by their extravagant behavior and sent an earthquake that destroyed his home as a result. After that, his family’s remains were taken to the sea to be used as fish food.
The gorge is tinted as a result. Red symbolizes bloodshed, whereas white stands in for milk, and the other hues signify various household things.
Elders from the Kaya (shrine) make offerings to God while praying in the gorges.
Optimal Period For A Visit To Marafa Hell’s Kitchen.
Visit Hell’s Kitchen in the morning or in the late afternoon. Daytime temperatures reach a high of 50 degrees, which is considered to be quite hot. To properly enjoy the experience, it is strongly encouraged to go later in the day when the temperatures are a little lower.
Marafa Hell’s Kitchen Hours of Operation.
Just in time to catch the sunset and get a cool drink, the restaurant is open from 6 am to 7 pm.
