Reviews of Kinondo Kwetu
Wildlife sightings and reviews
27 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kinondo Kwetu and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
"A little bit of paradise on the Kenya coast. "
As you drive through the discreet wooden gates you are warmly welcomed and that welcome continues throughout your stay.
The staff are extremely friendly and hospitable. Nothing is too much trouble. Even though the meals were absolutely delicious, they catered very well for our fussy teenager. The accommodation is rustic but comfortable. The bedroom outdoor terraces are lovely.
Three beautiful days by the sea and a perfect end to our stay in Kenya." See all these reviews: 10n in Kenya
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
Snorkelling trip was excellent.
Staff were very accommodating and thoughtful throughout, went the extra mile, for example getting in a specific type of wine when requested I would describe this as a luxury boutique lodge rather than hotel as a hotel would have a wider menu." See all these reviews: 10n in Kenya
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
Rather odd eating arrangements - no dining room as such so moved around to different locations each evening. Dinner on top of water tower not a good idea - food cold by the time it got there and had to eat sitting on the floor - difficult to cut meat! Food excellent.
Very helpful staff, nothing too much trouble.
For the price, I was disappointed to be charged extra for a group yoga session." See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
The location and setting is stunning, the staff fantastic and the food is some of the best we have had. From all our research then this is the most luxury you will find on the Kenya coast and so if this is a special trip (ours was our honeymoon) then I’d highly recommend Kinondo. The one downside is that a lot of the activities incur an extra cost but kayaking/tennis are free and if you are happy to just eat/drink and relax then that’s not a problem.
Aside from the amazing staff and food, a lovely touch is you move around for each meal and experience different places to eat.
It’s worth doing some research on the rooms, we had a night in a beach cottage which was lovely albeit a bit rustic but luckily we were upgraded to a suite for our honeymoon which was very nice." See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
Accommodation was good but a little rustic
Food was good although a little repetitive although having said that they do offer to cook you something different if you ask and they are happy to do this." See all these reviews: 19n in Kenya
"Heavenly Kinondo Kwetu "
Only slight criticisms are (1) that it is quite a trek into town - although the resort was so lovely that you really didn't want to leave it it's always nice to see how the locals live and (2) boat trips seemed eye-wateringly expensive.
But, honestly, I can't think of any other resort I'd so like to return to." See all these reviews: 14n in Kenya
"Wow. What a beautiful place!"
Fantastic food and extremely friendly and kind staff (who are very good at making cocktails!) They move the location of dinner to a different beautiful spot every evening!
We were really pleased to see that the whole lodge was in the process of switching to solar power, and it really felt like an environmental theme was quite prominent. It's also worth noting that the lodge is quite far out of town, and as a result it is extremely private - you can walk out on the beach and often have it all to yourself.
We did two dives while staying at Kinondo Kwetu, and the boat picked us up right from the beach. We were lucky to see turtles, anglefish, trumpet fish, crocodile fish and even huge shoals of sardines. Having dived in both, I would say the reefs are in substantially better condition than down the coast in Zanzibar.
We also took a visit to the nearby sacred forest. If you do one thing (in between eating and relaxing), you must visit the incredible forest just a few hundred meters away. We were shown around by a local student who was a fountain of knowledge about the wildlife, trees , medicinal plants and indignous groups that lived in this area. There are so few patches of coastal forest left, do take the opportunity to see one - and the very modest $10 entrance fee is a worthy contribution to its preservation. If you like birds, ask to go early in the morning!
Next time, I think we would start our trip at the beach to relax and unwind, before then setting off on our safari. That way around might be even better!" See all these reviews: 15n in Kenya
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
The information and photos on the internet had set high expectations, but our experience surpassed those. The generous park-like setting with many trees full with birds and monkeys is marvelous, the buildings and rooms are exceptionally well designed and influenced by traditional, local styles, decorated with African art, but with modern comfort and much attention to detail. The staff, headed by Anna, was overwhelming in how much they cared, considered our wishes, repositioned the locations of our meals, surprised us with cocktails during the day and invited artists and musicians.
The place with its two pools, sandy beach and comfortable furniture are already a good basis for spending days there. We made good use of the morning gym classes (facing the ocean) and sea kayaks, and other local activities would have been available. Trips to Diani Beach are further away and require transportation. We also visited the well run Kinondo Kwetu Health Services center supported by the Kinondo Kwetu foundation.
On the last day, we had the opportunity to meet the Andersson family and were amazed to hear that they conceptualized Kinondo Kwetu by themselves and how much they care about their employees and the people in the village nearby.
As we were going to thereafter leave Kenya, we much appreciated that a nurse came to the camp to take samples for the Covid tests and thereafter mailed us the results. The staff was very careful to heed the health precautions." See all these reviews: 14n in Kenya
"Kinondo Kwetu - a great place to relax"
However, the one activity that we did was amazing and we would definitely recommend it to others who love marine life. We went snorkelling with whale sharks with Whale Shark Adventures.
Anna, the manager, was very friendly and extremely helpful throughout our stay." See all these reviews: 15n in Kenya
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
It was very quiet when we were there with only around 5 other rooms taken which meant we had the beach and the pools to ourselves most of the stay, however there are loads of sun beds and the main pool is very big so I don't think space would be a problem even when it's full.
The beach was lovely, it was great for a walk and a swim when the tide was in. They have discrete security staff on the grounds at all times so it felt quite safe and secure. All the staff were really helpful and friendly.
The breakfast was ample, however lunch and dinner were just okay. Their vegetarian options were limited. We stayed for 4 nights and on the 4th night they wanted to give me what I'd had on the first night for dinner.
All the excursions they offered were mega expensive ie 600 us dollars to have a boat trip to the marine park. The next place we stayed in Diani did similar trips but for a lot less." See all these reviews: 15n in Kenya
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