Description
Kizingo is a secluded and tranquil escape from the modern world. The lodge is situated at one end of a spectacular 12-kilometre beach stretching from Kizingo to the fashionable village of Shela. There are eight beautifully appointed thatched bandas (cottages), set well apart from each other, with unrivalled sea views.
Guests can be as private or as social as they wish, opting to enjoy fine dining on the balcony of their banda or join other guests in the bar and dining room with their magnificent views across the bay to mainland Kenya where giant baobab trees spread into the brilliant blue sky. Kizingo is owned and run by Mary Jo and Louis Van Aardt, both of whom were born in Kenya and couldn't be more welcoming hosts.
The swimming is excellent, both in the Indian Ocean and in the calm waters of the channel that separates Lamu from the mainland. For the more energetic there is a big choice of activities including a guided tour of historic Lamu Town, excellent snorkelling, deep sea fishing and cycle rides to the friendly African villages on the mainland. During the winter months there is often the chance to swim with dolphins. In fact Dolphining is rapidly becoming a recognised word in the English language, well certainly at Kizingo, where it is incorporated into daily life. Dolphining, otherwise known as swimming, entertaining and playing with wild groups of dolphins, quickly becomes an addictive pass-time.
From October to June green turtles come up to the beach to lay their eggs, sometimes quite near to Kizingo. The incubation period is 90 days and when the eggs hatch, the lodge staff take any interested guests to watch over the baby turtles as their find their way to the ocean, protecting them from crabs and birds.
Kizingo is strongly committed to conservation, ecologically sound practices and a symbiotic relationship with the local community. Kizingo was built using the knowledge and expertise of villagers to construct the bandas. Only locally produced materials were used such as mangrove poles, star palm leaves and coconut palms which all help the lodge blend into the landscape.
Hot water and most of the electricity used is provided by solar panels. Shower water and kitchen grey water is recycled to grow their plants and trees.
Guide price
£2,045 Per person
£2,045 per person for 7 nights based on 2 people sharing a thatched banda on a full board basis including Kenya Airways international flights domestic flights and transfers.
Accommodation
Kizingo has eight very spacious bandas with high-pitched thatched roofs and shaded balconies right on the beach. Each has a large double bed romantically draped with mosquito netting and comfortable chairs for lounging. Bamboo screens unfurl to give complete privacy. The en suite bathroom is well appointed with a flushing toilet, hot water shower, wash basin and dressing area.
Childcare
Children of all ages are most welcome at Kizingo - where there are no specific child care facilities but babysitting can easily be arranged. It is possible to tailor food requirements to children's tastes and arrange for earlier meat times if required. Lamu and the coast of Kenya is a wonderful place for a family holiday with calm safe waters, endless activities and plenty of cultural interaction.
Facilities
The two expert chefs at Kizingo prepare delicious lunches and dinners in the restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean using only the freshest local produce. Fish and seafood are the specialities, red snapper, crab and lobster, all served with locally-grown vegetables and salads. Ask the barman, Alex, to mix a Dawa using local fresh limes or a Lala Salama which guarantees a sound night’s sleep. There is no swimming pool at Kizingo - just the gloiously warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Activities
If you don't want to just relax around camp there are a number of activities to keep you busy whilst staying at Kizingo including kyaking, snorkelling on coral reefs, swimming with dolphins, watching turtles and fishing - both in the mangrove channels for snapper and out on the ocean in a deep-sea fishing boat for tuna, sailfish or king fish. You can take a guided cycle ride or visit the fascinating historic town of Lamu. Of course not to be missed is a gentle sunset dhow trip.
When to travel
The rainy season on the Kenyan Coast is generally May/June. So from July onward the weather is gradually getting hotter and dryer until March/April when it reaches the high 90's (over40 degrees C). Christmas/New Year is generally considered the peak season and the weather is lovely then with constant sunshine and gentle off shore breezes. If you want clear seas for diving then make your trip after August/Sept.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Lamu, North Kenyan Coast.
Kizingo is situated two degrees south of the Equator on the island of Lamu off the coast of Kenya. It is reached by scheduled daily flights from Nairobi (90 minutes) or Mombasa (45 minutes) and a half-hour boat ride from the airport on Manda Island.
How to get there
8.5hr international flight, 1.5hr by light aircraft, then 30min by boat
