East African Coast
The norm in East Africa is understated, ‘barefoot’ luxury and bliss, cottages with no windows and doors and the gloriously warm Indian Ocean becomes your giant swimming pool. The days are spent walking, reading on your Arab daybeds or in hammocks, searching for shells, perhaps doing a spot of fishing in the mangrove swamps (deep sea fishing for the more ambitious), kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving in a completely uncontrived environment and, often, at places where there are very few guests. But there is nothing remotely basic here except one’s tendencies to revert to nature! The food tends to be unsurpassed, always a fresh catch of the day – lobster, crab or the most magnificent fish.
Highlights of the East African coast
- Small, boutique style properties, often set in remote, beautiful locations.
- Gorgeous beaches one frequently has to oneself.
- Choose from Robinson Crusoe hideaways – the best of simple living without foregoing any of life’s luxuries to cottages made from local materials – giving an authentic and unique feel, to beautiful private villas for famillies of four to twelve in Lamu, Shela and Mombasa.
- Beautiful food , fresh catch of the day – lobster, crab or the most magnificent fish.
- Impeccable, warm and friendly staff – the essence of Africa.
- Sail on Arab Dhows, spending a night on board, transferring from one island to another or dive and snorkel from the dhow.
- Deep sea fishing.
- Perfect for couples and famillies alike.
- Magnificent villas on Zanzibar.
- Catamaran sailing around Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, sleeping on board your boat.
- General Information on the East African coastline: No matter how deep one’s pocket, one will always find the world’s most “well heeled” returning to these East African hideaways simply to get away from western trappings; places where one can regain the qualities one appreciates in life. Kiwayu and Funzi Keys both reflect these qualities whilst, for those seeking a bit of Bohemian chic, Peponis is the obvious choice in Lamu. We also have some wonderful private villas in Lamu, with their own swimming pools which is perfect for famillies and friends travelling together, such as Kizingoni. On the Kenyan coast, we have some wonderful new properties that have recently opened, plus the most magnificent villas in the form of Alfajiri, where olive oil, wine and cheese is flown in from Italy. In Tanzania, we find Matemwe Bungalows, Matemwe Bungalows Retreat, Kilindi and Mnemba in Zanzibar offer these qualities in different styles, whilst Fundu Lagoon, on Pemba, has been cited as one of the top ten diving spots in the world. There is are also a handful of lovely places on Mafia island, including a tree house where you can stay! Ras Ku Tani, on the Tanzanian mainland, is a wonderful coastal oasis for a beginning to, or end of, a safari. Baraza Villas is the perfect choice for those wanting sophistication, spas and elegance.
