About Kiwayu
Kiwayu, is a family owned Lodge, and was established in 1973 by Alfredo and Lisa Pelizzoli. It is situated in a sheltered bay, on the edge of the Indian Ocean in the Kiunga Marine Reserve. The perfect place to dissappear into and restore your soul. Miles of deserted beaches with soft white sand and the soothing sound of waves will soon awaken the senses and lead you back to nature’s eternal rhythms.
Across the dunes lie the Dodori and Boni Game Reserves and many miles of unspoiled Africa. For centuries this was a calling point for the arab dhows which traded in ivory, carpets and carved Zanzibar chests between Arabia and Mombasa and on to Zanzibar. Here sailors have always been assured of a warm welcome and a safe anchorage, a tradition that continues to this day.
There are few places in the world which can boast such seclusion. We are visited only by fishermen, the dhows that still come to collect water and the occasional sports fisherman in search of the magnificent marlin, which are then tagged and released back into the sea.
Come with your family or partner and experience this unique place, whether its for enjoying our extensive selection of watersports or just relaxing and switching off from the outside world.
Kiwayu is very conservation orientated and strives to help the unique environment and the local communities where it is situated . Kiwayu is a member of the East African Wildlife Society , the African Billfish Foundation , The Kenya Sea Anglers Association and the Mkokoni Wildlife Conservation Trust.
Kiwayu is open from the 15th July to after Easter.
Accommodation at Kiwayu
The theme of Kiwayu is informality. A bikini, a kikoi (sarong) and a hat are all you need for a holiday there. You will find no concrete; only thatched bandas (ensuite cottages) which blend into the dunes and sway with the sea breeze.
Your banda (cottage) is one of 18 spread along one kilometer of the sandy shoreline, built with great imagination, in the local Swahili tradition of palm thatch and woven matting floors. The only sound you will hear is the lapping of the sea, the wind in the palms and bird song.
“This is not a 5-star hotel: this is a 10-star hotel.” Geneva, Switzerland
Your banda consists of a suite containing a spacious bedroom, a dressing area with twin basins, a shower with solarheated hot water and bidet. Electrical lights are 24 hours . Each private thatched veranda offers you panoramic views across the lagoon from the comfort of your Swahili bed or hammock… and only a stone’s throw from the water.
“The most beautiful place we’ve ever been. Staff are fantastic and the bandas are out of this world”.
Every room is furnished with a super king-size bed surrounded by an ample mosquito net and decorated with local furniture for comfort and relaxation.
Our bandas are designed to blend into the surrounding dunes – no concrete floors,no coral brick walls , nothing to jar the senses. They are within easy distance of the centrally located bar and dining room, also built in the same local tradition.
All this tradtional construction material ,the dried palm fronds and mangrove poles , are harvested and produced by the local Bajuni comummities of Mkokoni , Faza , Kiwayu and Matondoni. The enormous quantites of the hand dried woven palm leaves used on the floor , walls and roof provide a vital income and work for the women of these communities.
“Nearest to heaven we’ve ever been. Wonderful staff. Excellent food – a marvelous wheel”. J.J.
For those who need to connect back home , mobile phone coverage arrived in 2007 and wifi internet connection is available near the lodge office.
Kiwayu´s bandas do not have AC, television or a tiled bathroom or a bath, we have tried to keep the environment and your experience as natural as possible.
The Food
From the sea: charcoal-grilled lobster with tarragon sauce, giant mangrove crab kalaloo or crab with fresh basil from our fragrant garden, red snapper, rock cod, tuna, sushimi with wasabi, sweet rock oysters and other shell delicacies.
Italian touch: pasta in infinite varieties, home-made tagliatelle and lasagne, risotto, tonno tonnato – all simple but oh, so good. Fresh fruit salads filled with mango, papaya and passion fruit flavored with fresh orange, limejuice, and homemade fruit sorbet.
All the fruits and vegatables are selected from the best farms and markets of the country . Naturally the basis of our meals is very fresh sea food .
We have a set a daily menu and can meet any vegetarian or other diets as well as delighting any gourmet. Special food or eating times for children can be arranged . The restaurant is waiter serviced and unlike most safari camp , Kiwayu is not communal dinning .
Excellent and selected wines of the well stocked cellar to please any connoisseur.
Rates for Kiwayu Safari Village
Simply fill-out the form on the left to make your booking.
KIWAYU SAFARI VILLAGE IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Reservations & Fine Print for Kiwayu
The above full board rates vary seasonally and are on a per adult basis staying more than 3 nights.
Please inquire for availability by filling-out the form on the left, call +254 (0)71 3370764 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Upon confirming rates and availability, you will receive an electronic invoice and a deposit can then be made by credit card, paypal, m-pesa or bank transfer to confirm your booking.
On receipt of your deposit, your hosts at Kiwayu will send a confirmation and invoice for the balance owing. The balance for the house rental is due prior to your arrival in Lamu.
Cancellation fees apply.
