Kizingo, Kizingo Beach Hot

Kizingo Beach, Bandas, Lamu Island

Accommodation at Kizingo

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 eight beautifully appointed bandas (thatched cottages), set well apart from each other. In the early morning you can enjoy tea in bed and watch fishing dhows tack south to Malindi.

The very spacious bandas boast high-pitched thatched roofs and shaded balconies right on the beach. 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.

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.

 

Staff & Dining

Chefs James and John 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. Kizingo can accommodate 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.

 

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Rates at Kizingo, Kizingo Beach

Book with Lamu.org and receive up to a 10% discount off the lowest advertised rates!
Simply fill-out the form on the left to make your booking.

Double Occupancy: $390 per night
Single Occupancy: $260 per night
Children 12-18 yrs: $90 sharing
Children under 12 yrs: $70 sharing

Closed 1st of May to 30th of June

Rates include Lamu airport boat transfers and fullboard accommodation.

Resident rates available. Please inquire.

Reservations

To make a booking and get the lowest rates online please fill-out the form on the left 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, we will send you a receipt, confirmation, and voucher for your stay. The balance of the rental is due prior to or upon your arrival.

Cancellation fees may apply.

Guest Reviews

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Average Guest Rating from: 19 user(s)

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4.8
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4.8  (19)
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4.9  (19)
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4.7  (19)
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Overall rating 
 
5.0
Reviewed by BH   

Heaven on Earth

I recently returned from Kizingo and quite frankly am lost for words to describe this most memorable place other than to say it is "Heaven on Earth". The Banda's (rooms) are extremely spacious and the beds enormous. The hosts, Mary Jo, Louis and Dion are warm, hospitable and most entertaining. I am dining out on the tales of Africa they shared with us over a drink at the bar. The staff are delightful and friendly and nothing is too much trouble. The excursions into Lamu town, Kipingani village and Snorkelling with Louis to view the dolphins must be up there in the 10 most wonderful things to do. I must add to this, walking along that gorgeous uninhabited beach stopping on route to dive into the sea - absolute bliss. We were there in the last two weeks and I felt safe and not in the least bit threatened. We have pretty much travelled all over the world and it just doesn't get better than this. We will be going back soon.

London, UK
Stayed September 2011, traveled with friends

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5.0
Reviewed by Kirran   

Heaven is a crustaceans in your bed

Kizingo is exactly as you see on the pictures, just by the beach, a lot of funny crabs running around and the bandas (your accommodation hut) which is much bigger than a 5 star hotel room and makes the place very special. But without the helpful, generous and welcoming staff and owners Kizingo wouldn't have been the same. It's the best place we've ever stayed to relax and not do anything perfect after months of stressful wedding-planning. Food is fantastic from crab and lobster to amazing Moroccan fish. When you arrive to Lamu you're picked up in a boat and taken about 40 min through the mangroves to Kizingo - which is a stunning trip. We highly recommend it!

Buy your Kikoy here, much cheaper than the airport Don't be scared about the crabs - they're friendly Try the cocktail - Naughty Tom

Dubai, UAE
September 2011 as a couple

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5.0
Reviewed by Cathal   

Real paradise escape with superb service

We spent the first week of our three week honeymoon in Kizingo and although we had lots of excitment planned for the second two weeks of our trip, we were very sad to leave Kizingo.

We don't have a bad word to say about Kizingo but if you are looking for resort accommendation with a strip of bars and restaurants nearby this is not the place for you. There are lots of daily excursions you can take, like a tour to Lamu town (25 mins on boat) or even a dhowa boat trip and the hotel can arrange for spa treatments at very reasonable rates the evening is for relaxing in Kizingo. This is a place where you can totally switch off as there is no TV or other worldly distractions. There is no swimming pool in Kizingo, but you will never want to swim in a pool again once you have experienced the waters on the Kizingo beach.

A special mention to Dion, the son of the owners, who provided us with exceptional hospitality and many interesting discussions over one of Kizingo's tasty cocktails. But be warned, we weighted over 1/2 a stone more when we left...as the food was so lovely.

We cannot recommend Kizingo enough for anybody who wants a special retreat off the beaten track. We can't wait for our next visit.

Ireland
Stayed October 2010

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5.0
Reviewed by Biscuit   

Paradise in Totality

Absolutely wonderful. Kizingo really is a special place, run by wonderful people in Mary-Jo and Louis, who have fantastic staff. Do not be tempted by any place next door - Kizingo is the best spot on Lamu island by some distance (after a few visits). Incredibly relaxing with wonderful food (all food quibles catered for in style). 10/10

London, UK
Stayed April 2011, traveled as a couple

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4.3
Reviewed by Sukah   

The best place to chillax!!!!

We came to Magical Africa Safaris to ask about planning a trip to Mount Kenya and when we mentioned that we were going to Lamu, Henry suggested we visit the Kizingo resort
in Lamu, which we at first were reluctant to go to, as it was higher than our usual budget and with being on the move for over a month and having to limit our costs. So we were
cajoled into agreeing to go there for a night stay...though Henry did warn us that we would definitely want to stay on after we got there. And true to his word, we were totally taken by the place...
which he described as a ‘no shoes beach resort. We enjoyed the hospitality of the owners Mary Jo and Louis, their very helpful staff and met up with a very friendly group of people who also happened to be there at the same time. It was such a relief to be at a place after our hectic travel through other parts of Africa as here is was peaceful and tranquil and a good escape from the modern world.

So we have Henry to thank for the great tip and for giving us his time to help plan some of our travel in Kenya.
Thank for all your help and all the best with Magical Africa safaris.

Priya Machado
Amsterdam
Holland
March 2011

Stayed February 2011, traveled as a couple

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UNESCO
Lamu World Heritage Site