Kinondo Kwetu

3 double bedroom cottages are available at Kinondo Kwetu, these all include a large double bed and an ensuite, with authentic thatched roofs. Guests can relax and sleep safely from mosquitos, protected by the generously draped mosquito netting around the bed. Clean, white walls are contrasted by the dark wooden features of the room and the splashes of colour in cushions, throws and traditional wall hangings. A large private veranda area includes two chairs to wind down in with stunning views out over the luscious greenery and sparkling sea in the distance.

This cottage is perfect for a small family, with one double bedroom and one single room and a shared bathroom complete with an indoor shower. Traditional bed frames and colourful bedding add to the cosy atmosphere in this cottage, with beds draped in mosquito netting and air conditioning to make sure guests have a pleasant nights sleep. A spacious private veranda area wraps around half of the cottage and includes relaxing sun chairs, and two authentic sofa areas wrapping around the cottage itself. Guests can enjoy a gentle swing in the hammock or spend time on the veranda looking out to the glistening Indian Ocean.

This cottage is perfect for families, one large double bedroom downstairs connects to a single room – both with their own bathroom – and a spacious double room upstairs with a private bathroom. All beds come complete with mosquito swathed around the beds and crisp, clean linen. The cottage has air conditioning so guests can remain cool in the heat of the day. Upstairs, a romantic balcony with two sun chairs affords a fantastic view over the towering trees, and breathtaking vista.

With all the rooms in this villa sold separately it is the perfect place for honeymooners and families. One spacious and romantic honeymoon suite with a large comfortable bed, romantically draped in mosquito netting. Air conditioned, so guests can keep cool, there are private entrances to the veranda area which comes complete with sun chairs and a large hammock, perfect for whiling away the afternoon lulled by a gentle swing.

Also in the Mama Taa Villa is a family suite of rooms, with 4 family rooms that inter-connect. All rooms come with their own ensuite, complete with walk-in indoor shower. The veranda is the perfect place for the whole family to spend some quality time together, with sun chairs for chilling out and watching the sunset over the sea.

Another set of rooms which offer a perfect place for families are Mama Tina Villa rooms, with one double bedroom and 2 single bedrooms with a sharing bathroom between. The double bedroom is air conditioned, with the interconnecting bathroom and 2 bedrooms complete with ceiling fans. Colourful cushions and bed linen brighten up the space inside with soft lighting warming the space during the evenings.

Alex House is Kinondo Kwetu’s private villa for families or large groups, which is available on holiday seasons only. With private access this villa consists of 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an open plan living room and kitchen. The villa is light and decorated with soft tones to make the most of the natural light from the wide wooden framed doors and windows.

The villa is cosy and homely with modern decorations and a modern bathroom, making guests feel at once at home. The whole villa has air conditioning to keep the space cool and comfortable beds and sofas make this villa a relaxing and deluxe space.

Various dining experiences can be arrange at Kinondo Kwetu and dinner is often served in a different area each day. One of the most unique experiences can be found at the dining table in an old hull of a dhow boat. Dinner can be served made to order and the food is always organic, fresh and healthy – also locally sourced – with accompanying wines or cocktails made at the bar, which is open until 11pm.

On horses from the on-site stables, guests can explore the beach and surrounding forests on horseback. This is a unique and entertaining way to place yourself within the surroundings and maybe even learn a new skill. Horse riding has physical and mental benefits, so not only will you leave this activity with a greater understanding of the surroundings but you will feel better for it.

Guests have the opportunity to visit Kinondo village and the community works that Kinondo Kwetu helps to implement. Engage with the local communities and deepen your understanding of the rich history of Africa, whilst embracing local traditions and customs. Many of the staff at Kinondo Kwetu are from this local village, and this is an excellent way to find out more about them and their lives.

Shimba Hills National Park is the nearest national park to Kinondo Kwetu and game drives can be arranged for guests who wish to explore this area further. Set inland, luscious hills offer untouched landscapes, cooling fresh breezes and a paradise for nature lovers. The mixture of rolling meadows and dense forests is home to elephant, elusive leopards and the rare Sable antelope. The park offers outstanding views over the vast Indian Ocean and on clear days, the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen.

Guests can arrange excursions to the town of Ukunda or the historical port town of Mombasa. The cosmopolitan population of Mombasa brings with it a buzz of culture and guests can enjoy some shopping in quaint shops which sell a variety of traditional and authentic crafts and curios.

Tennis lovers will feel at home at Kinondo Kwetu as there is an onsite plexipaved tennis court on-site. Enjoy a game of tennis with unique surroundings or if you’re a novice, a tennis coach is available for you to learn how to play.

With the beach on your doorstep, water activities will be a highlight of your stay. Paddle on the gentle waters on a stand up paddle board, try your hand at wind surfing or kite surfing – with courses available close to the lodge – or explore the shallows by snorkelling, and see ocean life up close. Scuba diving lessons are also available from PADI diving instructors. Boat trips to the ‘Paradise Lost’ island are  available for guests to explore the coconut fringed island. These activities are exciting and endlessly entertaining and will benefit your body and mind.

Guests can clear their minds in a daily yoga class. With a focus on controlled breathing, guests will feel relaxed and mentally rejuvenated as well as improving your flexibility, strength and balance. For the fitness fanatics, a gym with a stunning sea view is available, so you can work out but still be present in the breathtaking surroundings.

Kinondo Kwetu created their own trust fund, the Kinondo Kwetu Trust Fund, which allows them to give back to the community and village in which they operate. The average income in this area is the lowest in Kenya and through sponsorships the trust fund supports higher education of the children from Kinondo, and the local primary school has been able to recruit more teachers allowing the class sizes to be more manageable and effective. There are three main activities in which Kinondo Kwetu Trust partake and they are to run a medical centre, “to support the local primary school” and “to sponsor studies for children whose parents cannot afford to pay.”

In November 2008, the Medical Centre was established. There was an urgent need for basic health care in the surrounding area, and since 2008 the medical centre has continued to help improve the general health of the members of Kinondo villages, as well as immunising babies, holding antenatal visits, offering hospital births, treating people with HIV, TB and diabetes and reducing the ‘jigger parasite’ which infected school children and caused fatigue and pain.

The healthcare that is available is affordable and high quality, the centre now being a ‘level 4 hospital’, where all surgeries except brain and heart can be done at the facility. The medical centre has not contributed to unemployment, the local ‘traditional birth attendants’ now work for the medical centre and are birth companions during the delivery of babies. With their own well equipped laboratory, they are able to offer help to other medical centres and clinics in the area.

Kinondo Kwetu Trust fund supports the Kinondo Primary School. In 2004, a local reform meant that school was free for the first 8 years, however funds were not made available for more teachers, so classes were full of pupils and schools were understaffed. The trust supports the salaries for more teachers at the primary school, to help even out the student teacher balance. The trust has also helped repair the premises of the school, since 2005 when the premises “were in a very poor condition.” The fund also provides funds for school uniforms for children who can not afford them.