Kizingo is a small, low-key eco-lodge on the Kenyan island of Lamu. It 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 empty 12-kilometre beach that stretches from Kizingo (which means ‘the point’ in Swahili) to the village of Shela. There are eight bandas (thatched cottages), set well apart for complete privacy.
Guests can be as private or as sociable as they wish, opting to dine on the verandah of their Banda or join other guests in the bar and the dining room.
The lodge is owned and run by the van Aardt family, who started operating Kizingo in 2003.The resort has been carefully planned so as not to detract from the stunning sand island wilderness. It was built using locally produced materials such as mangrove poles, star palm leaves and coconut palms, to help the lodge blend into the landscape as well as creating a sustainable cottage industry for the village of Kipungani.
Accommodation
There are eight very spacious bandas with high-pitched thatched roofs and shaded verandahs tucked into the dunes and on the beach. Each has a large double bed draped with mosquito netting and comfortable chairs for lounging. Bamboo screens unfurl to give complete privacy. The large en suite bathroom has a flushing toilet, hot water shower, wash basin and dressing area. On each verandah is a Lamu swing bed, ideal for relaxing and looking out to sea.
Dining
The van Aardt family is passionate about food. Their chef provides high-quality meals including fresh fish such as red snapper and crab and lobster all served with locally-grown vegetables and salads. The bread is freshly baked every morning in a clay oven. Meals are silver service with a starter, main course and a dessert. Vegan, vegetarian or special diets can be accommodated.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea are all included in the room rate. There is a selection of wines from South Africa, Chile and Italy and guests can enjoy a variety of cocktails.
Activities
Many guests will want to spend their stay at Kizingo just relaxing, reading, sunbathing and swimming (both in the Indian Ocean and in the calm waters of the channel).
Other activities include visiting Lamu town a UNESCO World Heritage site, snorkeling, sea kayaking, swimming with dolphins, fishing, dhow trips, bush walks, runs, guided cycle rides or being entertained at the bar.
There is also a resident masseuse and a small boutique offers a selection of artifacts and textiles at reasonable prices.
