good for you

Two degrees south of the equator on the island of Lamu off the coast of Kenya, you will find Kizingo - the ultimate 'no news, no shoes' beach resort.

Kizingo (which means 'the point' in Swahili) sits at the end of a spectacular 12 kilometre beach, where a few secluded thatched cottages provide the perfect escape from the modern world.

Have your morning cup of tea in bed, while looking out over the sea to mainland Kenya, the giant baobab trees leaving no doubt about your location.

At sunset, watch the fishing dhows tack south to Malindi while you ask the barman to mix you ‘a dawa', one of the house specialties using local fresh limes, which will guarantee you a sound night's sleep.

While it's tempting to do very little while on Lamu, Kizingo is strongly committed to conservation and nurturing a close connection with the local community, and the philosophy of this remote island retreat will have you saving turtles and building schools before you know it.

Nearby Lamu Island's Old Town is a UNESCO world heritage site and the oldest best-preserved Swahilli settlement in East Africa - wandering through its windy streets an unforgettable experience.

good for kenya

Because of their long and close relationship with the local village, Kenyan-born owners, Jo and Louis Van Aardt, were able to lease this prime piece of beachfront land from the local Chief, in order to build a small eco-friendly resort. Kizingo has a close relationship with the local village, and with farmers on the mainland who grow food and make furniture for the lodge.

Kizingo consciously works to have a positive impact on its community and minimal impact on its environment. The cottages (‘bandas') were built using all local materials and village knowledge and expertise. The resort provides employment to the local community by hiring local staff; and food supplies are sourced from local fisherman and businesses.

Kizingo also encourages guests to become involved in its conservation and community programs such as turtle protection; beach cleaning and tree planting. It is also active in building schools, to date building ten schools in the community.

Rooms

Food

Guests can either enjoy the privacy of dining on the balcony of their ‘banda' or join other guests in the bar and restaurant, which is worth it for its spectacular views across the Indian Ocean.

The resident chefs prepare delicious lunches and dinners using fresh local produce. Fish and seafood straight off the boat are the specialties here: red snapper, crab and lobster, all served with locally-grown vegetables and salads and complemented by fine wines from South Africa, Chile and Italy.

Special diets and vegetarians are catered for, and breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the room rates as well as delicious afternoon teas with homemade cake.

Features & Facilities

• Eight thatched traditional cottages overlooking the 12 km of beachfront off the island of Lamu in Kenya.
• Cultural, sporting and nature tours can be arranged.
• Authentic eco-resort on land leased from the local area Chief.

Local Info & Activities

Activities: It is possible to spend your whole stay just relaxing and doing nothing except reading and sunbathing, but for the more energetic there are many activities on offer; such as visits to African villages; historical town tours; fishing and bushwalking.

Swimming and snorkelling: Both the Indian Ocean and the calm waters of the channel between Lamu Island and the mainland are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The unspoilt coral reefs surrounding the islets of Kinyika, Tenewa and Manda Toto are easily reached by the resort's speedboat.

Swim with dolphins: From November to April, the resort offers guided snorkelling trips to the coral island of Kinyika, where there may be the chance to swim with wild dolphins - truly an experience you will never forget.

Turtle watch: Between late October and June, green turtles come up to the beach to lay their eggs and you can be part of helping the baby hatched turtles find their way to the ocean and on their life journey.

Village cycling tours: Meet the farmers who grow food for Kizingo as well as cashew nuts, sim sim and cotton. They also brew delicious honey beer which has quite a punch. Keen cyclists may enjoy a trip to Lake Kenyatta known for its wonderful bird life and the rare chance to see hippos.

Sunset dhow trips: A dhow (traditional sailing boat) can be hired from the local village to sail round the bay. Watch the sun drop into the ocean from the deck of the dhow under full sail.

Lamu Old Town: Just a short boat trip or 1hour walk from Kizingo, Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO world heritage site. Lamu is the oldest town in East Africa and a magical example of Arab influenced Swahili architecture and culture. Think Zanzibar without the development and far less tourists. Tall white washed buildings front onto windy lanes and people disappear behind beautiful wooden carved doors. There are no cars and donkeys are the main mode of transport.

insider tips

The south east monsoon, the 'Kusi', blows from May to October when the weather is usually cooler with stronger winds, but great for sailing and body surfing. Average temperatures during this time are between 28°C to 32°C.

The north east monsoon the 'Kaskasi' comes between November and April. The weather is usually hot with clear water suitable for snorkelling. Average temperatures range from between 30°C to 35°C.

Sustainability

Kizingo is strongly committed to conservation, ecologically sound practices and working in harmony with the local community.

In building the resort, locally produced materials such as mangrove poles, star palm leaves and coconut palms, were used to blend the lodge into the landscape. The owners also engaged the knowledge and expertise of local builders to ensure authenticity.

Hot water and electricity is provided by solar panels and shower water and kitchen grey water is recycled on the gardens.

Kizingo actively supports the local village schools; as well as turtle conservation projects; and encourages guests to become involved in these projects.

Getting There

Lamu is situated in East Africa just a half hour boat trip off the Kenyan Coast.

To reach Lamu by bus, catch a bus from Mombasa (6 hours), Malindi (4hours). Tawakal is the recommended bus company.

NB: In the past, Somali bandits have been known to hijack buses between Mombasa / Malindi and Lamu. It's worth checking with locals before you take the bus and find out whether this practice is still common.

Alternatively, flights operate daily from Nairobi (1 hour) and Mombasa (40 minutes). A boat from the airport to Lamu Island takes about half an hour.

Adventurous travelers should consider chartering a Dhow and crew from Mombasa or Malindi and sailing all the way to Lamu.

Kizingo is a half hour boat ride from the airport or from Lamu Old Town.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

US$160 per person per night, based on two people sharing a cottage.

includes:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Afternoon teas with homemade cake

booking & cancellation policies

A booking is secured on payment of 15% of total cost of booking

The remaining 85% is payable on arrival at the hotel.

• Should a cancellation be made 30-15 days prior to arrival, 15% of total cost of booking is forfeited.
• Should a cancellation be made between 15 and 7 days prior to arrival, 50% of total cost of booking is forfeited.
• Should a cancellation be made between 7 and 1 day prior to arrival, 75% of total cost of booking is forfeited.
• A ‘no-show' will incur the total forfeiture of the total cost of booking.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.