Description
Kizingoni House has been built and positioned to take full advantage of the west facing view for spectacular sunsets and sea views and to catch the sea breezes throughout the year. The large central living/dining room is simply designed in the Swahili style with traditional plasterwork and wooden beams, with a magnificent locally crafted dining table.
There are four baraza (meeting/sitting) areas - in the protected courtyard garden, next to the plunge pool, on the first floor terrace and finally on the roof with fabulous views of the sea on both sides of the peninsula. The house has four bedrooms, all with bathrooms en-suite and each with a private balcony with sea views. The large master bedroom faces west with superb sea views framed by coconut palms. Its spacious bathroom has a Swahili style bath and from the bedroom there is direct access to the roof top patio and bar area. The pool has a separate bathroom and changing room. The house is furnished with traditional Swahili items of furniture and antiques from around Africa and Asia.
A private boat and captain allows you to explore the area’s marine life with ease. A private chef and masseuse are also available to complete the holiday experience.
The local village of Kipungani is a friendly and unspoilt fishing hamlet. From there Kizingoni House receives coconut palm products for building, including the makuti thatch for the roofs, makeka for the paths and all the woven carpets. It is also the main suppy of sfaff, fish, dhows and donkeys - all of which are fully utilised at Kizingoni Beach House.
There is always plenty to do at Kizingoni beach, including various water sports equipment to use on your private boat and the swimming, snorkeling and walking is excellent. Sailing is available in a wooden dhow or a hobbie cat, creek fishing and deep sea fished are also possible as well as a small safari on the mainland.
Guide price
£9,325
per person
£9,325 per family of four for 7 nights sharing the house on a fully inclusive basis including international flights, domestic flights, air taxes and transfers.
Accommodation
Kizingoni House has four spacious double bedrooms, all with bathroom en-suite and each with a private balcony with views of the Indian Ocean. The large master bedroom faces west with superb sea views framed by coconut palms. Its spacious bathroom has a Swahili style bath and from the bedroom there is direct access to the rooftop patios. The house is furnished with traditional Swahili items of furniture, locally crafted items and pieces from around Africa and Asia.
Childcare
Children of all ages are most welcome at Kizingoni House - 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 meal 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
Kizingoni House has a spectacular palm-fringed pool looking out over the beach to the sea plus a small plunge pool. The house has a massage bed and treatments can be arranged to suite the requirements of the guests. There is a private speed boat with boat captain to use for a variety of activities. There are several private areas around the house with swahili swing beds where you can read and relax or enjoy a drink or al fresco dining as well as a roof top bar area.
Activities
A variety of water sports are available at Kizingoni House, including sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, donuting and windsurfing. Guests can use their private boat and captain for these sports, whenever they choose and there are instructors available to assist beginners. You can take a leisurely sundowner sail in Kilindini, a luxurious dhow or learn how to sail Mafida, the small fishing dhow. Other activities on the Indian Ocean include deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and kyaking.
Services
Kizingoni House is fully staffed including a chef - able to provide meals and menus of your choice. There is a boat captain for your private boat and instructors available to teach watersports. A babysiting/child minding service can be arranged. There are guides on hand to take you on excursions to the mainland or to Lamu town.
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
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Kizingoni Beach, Lamu, Kenya
Kizingoni House is situated two degrees south of the Equator at the southern tip of Lamu Island, off the coast of Kenya. Positioned to take full advantage of the west facing view for spectacular sunsets and sea views and to catch the sea breezes throughout the year.
How to get there
8.5 hour flight from London to Nairobi. There are three daily scheduled flights between Nairobi and Lamu. The flight takes between 1hr 40mins and 2 hrs, depending on the aircraft used. Ali will meet you at Manda Airport, help you collect your luggage and load it into the Kizingoni Beach trolley. You will then trundle down towards the Manda jetty and your private speedboat. You will see Lamu town straight ahead of you, with Shela village off to the left. Kizingoni Beach is a 20 minute ride.
