Kizingo Bandas

Kizingo is the ultimate 'no news, no shoes’ beach resort - a wonderful secluded and tranquil escape from the modern world. The lodge is situated at one end of a spectacular 12-kilometre beach that stretches from Kizingo (which means 'the point’ in Swahili) to the fashionable village of Shela. Kizingo has six beautifully appointed bandas (thatched cottages), set well apart from each other, with unrivalled sea views. In the early morning you can enjoy tea in bed and watch fishing dhows tack south to Malindi.

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 the dining room with their magnficent 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, after a spell as coffee farmers in Zimbabwe, have managed a similar beach lodge. Because of their long and close relationship with the local village, its chief leased them this stunning beachfront land to build a small resort that is both eco-friendly and very comfortable. Like all the best resorts in Kenya, Kizingo has a symbiotic relationship with the local village, an hour away on foot, and with farmers on the mainland who grow food and make furniture for the lodge.

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, the chance to swim with dolphins in the winter months and cycle rides to friendly African villages on the mainland.

Accommodation

There are six very spacious bandas with high-pitched thatched roofs and shaded balconies with uninterrupted ocean views. 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.

Dining

The chefs, James and Danson, 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. They also offer special diets and create interesting dishes for vegetarians, or carnivores.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the room rates as well as afternoon tea with homemade cake. There are fine wines from South Africa, Chile and Italy. Ask the barman Alex to mix a Dawa using local fresh limes or a Lala Salama which guarantees a sound night’s sleep.

Conservation

Kizingo is strongly committed to conservation, ecologically sound practices and a symbiotic relationship with the local community.

When Kizingo was built, the knowledge and expertise of villagers was used to construct the bandas. Locally produced materials such as mangrove poles, star palm leaves and coconut palms were used to help the lodge blend into the landscape.

Hot water and most of the electricity is provided by solar panels. Shower water and kitchen grey water is recycled to grow plants and trees.

Guests can visit the local village and its school. Having raised money for the renovation of the Kipungani School, the Paint Pots nursery schools in London are funding the building of another two schools on the mainland across from Lamu in villages where they buy their fruits and vegetables for you.

Turtle conservation

Green turtles come up to the beach to lay their eggs from October to June. The incubation period is up to 90 days. When the eggs hatch, staff alert us so that interested guests may watch over the baby turtles as they find their way to the ocean, protecting them from crabs and birds.

Contact Details

Kizingo Beach Resort
 P.O. Box 138, Lamu, Kenya
Tel.: +254 (0) 733 954770 or
+254 (0)722 901544.
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