Kizingo

Kizingo is a truly special spot that easily exceeded my high expectations. Each of the bandas (large, airy chalets made of local materials) is stunning in its own unique way. After seeing our own bandas, my friends and I insisted upon taking a tour of the others - and we were blown away by the design and personality that has been afforded to each of them. Kizingo is wonderfully remote and placed right upon a deserted beach - but access is incredibly easy, with a speedboat providing direct transfers to the Lamu (Manda) airport. Full board is included, and the pescatarian / vegetarian meals were both delicious and very much aligned with the eco-friendly ethos. And finally, the team made our group feel incredibly welcome and well taken care of. Can't wait to return!

Amazing family holiday on this peaceful side of Lamu in Robinson Crusoe villas along the dunes from the main dining area. Staff so friendly and made Christmas extra special with live music, swimming with dolphins and fresh lobster dinner. You are far from the crowds and dirt of Shela and Lamu Town but if you want to dip in then a boat ride will be organised. The children loved the dunes, the creeks and library full of games. The parents loved the peace, the dolphin swim, the exceptional swahili food and the generosity of all the staff.

Tucked away in a remote location on the other side of Lamu from the main tourist spots, Kizingo is the perfect place to unwind. The location is superb, nestled in the dunes at the back of a deserted beach which stretches for miles. The rooms - self-contained wooden houses on stilts each with a well equipped (solid floor) bathroom attached - are brilliantly designed, comfortable and far enough apart to ensure complete privacy. Service is attentive and friendly. It was very hot when I was there so I asked for a fan which I got immediately. In keeping with the environmentally friendly ethos, it was solar powered. Everything is designed to be low impact: the power is solar, there is no bottled water because the water in the taps is clean and drinkable, the toiletries are organic and you get a bamboo toothbrush to reflect the lodge's commitment to do away with plastic. You are far away from restaurants so it's full board with a set menu which could be a problem except that the food is superb, mostly vegetarian with some fish and all very healthy and tasty. I could happily have just spent my days nature watching from the swing seat in my room, walking on the beach, swimming in the warm, clear Indian Ocean and eating (not to mention the drinking; they do a mean cocktail in the bar/restaurant). But there was too much else to do like snorkelling around a remote island; kayaking through the mangroves; a motorbike safari to Lake Kenyatta and a sunset dhow trip. I'll definitely be back.

We spent 4 VERY relaxing nights at Kizingo prior to staying a few nights in both Lamu town and Shela. It’s located on the other side of the island from Shela/Lamu town and if you can’t stay in one of the bandas it could also be a nice daytrip for lunch/drinks and to visit the islands best stretch of beach. Kizingo can be reached from Lamu town by boat/taxi (~30 mins) - or you could walk the 16km beach from Shela (Peponi) which is completely un-developed and one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in Africa (we did and it was WAY easier than it sounded and totally worth it😊). There are 8 private ‘banda’s at Kizingo which are like staying in your own luxury/super-cool ‘eco-beach’ house. They’re ‘open air’ designed, have every comfort you need, and each has a unique layout and design featuring local art and craftwork. Food and drinks are excellent, and a range of activities/services can be arranged by the outstanding staff. Meals and drinks are served at the bar/dining/common area ‘on-the-beach’ house which has an amazing laid-back island/beach vibe featuring contemporary African art and music, surrounded by nothing but beach and nature. Best of all, Kizingo operates within strict and very ‘legit’ eco-friendly practices which includes some top-notch environmentally friendly (locally made) bath products in the bandas and even ‘charcoal’ toothpaste, sustainable local seafood, organic local vegetables and great cocktails, local craft beers and wine. If you want to unwind, relax and re-charge in an ‘authentic’ non ‘mass-tourism’ environment this is the place to do it.

From the moment we arrived....we had arrived! We are a middle aged couple looking for a peaceful away from it all Kenyan coast holiday. We got it right! Kizingo has amazing open spacious bandas which are well positioned in the dunes above the beach giving total privacy. 12 km of wild beach which is brilliant to walk and swim off. All the staff are excellent. The cooking is exceptional mainly vegetarian and line caught fish. The wine list (important) is great. The fact that KIzingo puts so much effort into protecting and enhancing the environment around them, from the special soaps to the charcoal tooch paste and wooden toothbrushes supplied to using the grey water for the abundant plants in your room is so commendable. Thank you, a wonderful stay! We will be back!.

Kizingo is such a special place, it has been recently updated with lots of love and creativity and provides its guests with a wonderfully warm welcome. We spent 2 nights here in October and had the most amazing sleeps in our beautiful banda. Everything has been thought of- from comfy hang out spaces furnished with local art and textiles, to amazing quality eco friendly products to the highest quality speakers in your room. What is really impressive about this place is it's commitment to sustainable tourism. We had incredibly delicious vegetarian and locally sourced seafood meals as well excellent cocktails from the bar. We can't wait to come back!