A piece of paradise at Msambweni

Posted on September 21, 2016 by traveldiarieskenya

One of my regrets whilst producing the TV show ‘Travel Diaries’ was not getting to travel with our camera crew as they filmed a visit to Msambweni beach house. I remember my cousin, Alister, initially telling me about this unbelievable spot in Ukunda. He said there wasn’t any other place like it along the Kenyan coast and it would make a great destination to feature. Boy was that an understatement!

The owner of Msambweni beach house, Frederik Vanderhoeven, was kind enough to recently invite me over for a holiday. And my experience needs very few words… the pictures captured say it all.

The entrance to Msambweni house

This is truly a luxury holiday experience. One definitely worth putting on your bucket list. It’s about a 40 minute drive from the Ukunda airstrip at the coast and once I got to Msambweni, I could feel my body instantly relax. I guess it’s true, being by water calms, nurtures and recharges you.

In terms of accommodation, Msambweni boasts 3 luxurious private villas that each comfortably sleep 6 people. Each villa also has it’s own uniquely shaped swimming pool. I got to stay in my favourite, Villa 3, with its modern T-shaped infinity pool

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Front door of Villa 3

Bed looking out to the sea

T shaped infinity pool

The main house has 3 spacious, luxury en-suite rooms with private verandahs plus a breathtaking 25 metre infinity pool

The main house infinity pool

Karibu Msambweni!

There’s also an Ocean suite perfect for couples seeking romance and privacy. Luxury meets rustic here, a tented room with a panoramic sea view.

In terms of activities, you can enjoy massages at the spa facing the sea, a gym, snorkelling, mountain biking, sailing or deep sea fishing as well as walks to the reef

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Made it to the reef!

Enjoy a relaxing massage by the beach

Msambweni beach house also has self catering options for groups and i was especially please to find out they don’t charge corkage on drinks you choose to bring.

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Blessed by nature

Experience this incredible piece of paradise for yourself, call +254 722 484 173 for holiday rates or check out Msambweni Beach House

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MJ inspired pose at the beach

No really… call +254 722 484 173 for holiday rates or check out Msambweni Beach House

Growing up in Kenya…Nostalgia

Posted on February 14, 2016 by traveldiarieskenya

Thank you for sharing Joshua Mbaga… memories for those who grew up in Kenya in the 70’s and 80’s

The great Safari Rally, Kenya

Shan Cinema 1970’s in Ngara

Former World Heavyweight Boxer Mohammed Ali with then President of Kenya Daniel Arap Moi

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Miss Kenya 1974

Miss Kenya 1972

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Our earlier drink of choice

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Goody goody!!

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Traffic askari

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Pound (Blue)

Kenya Power Bill in 1973

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Home-stay Experience in Kilifi

Posted on November 24, 2014 by traveldiarieskenya

The swimming pool was simply breath taking

It was welcoming from the very entrance

Time out enjoying a game of cards

Never too old to play i the sad

Patrick,the resident chef can whip up a mean dinner.Fishermen stop by the house every morning with a fresh catch ,you’re spoilt for choice.

The beautiful bofa beach is a stretch of beach thats unspoilt and largely deserted

Relaxing and simply serene.

The view from the bedroom window.

The lil man getting his tan on. 🙂

When we set out to produce the show travel diaries, our mission was to really urge more Kenyans to travel and experience Kenya first hand. For a long time, the notion has been tourism is a foreigner’s affair and much of the marketing has been directed towards this, and it’s unfortunate where we have so much, literally at our doorsteps but we are content to hear and read third party stories of travelers’ exploits to Kenya. To change this, we have strived to highlight affordable places and ways to holiday and still have maximum fun and create great memories.
One of the best and most affordable ways to holiday is staying at Vacation home rentals. These are, hands down, the best way for you to enjoy a truly relaxing, rewarding and budget-friendly family vacation. Vacation homes give you much room to relax and provide unique and luxurious amenities and services versus the limited accommodations and space found at even the highest rated resorts and hotels. (IMO)
There are vacation rentals/holiday homes spread out across the country and websites dedicated to these homes where potential visitors are able to search, enquire, negotiate and book a family or large group holiday at these properties.
I recently had such a trip out in Kilifi, and stayed at the gorgeous Bridge house at Mnarani.it was an amazing experience. The house is an ideal house to rent for big groups of people as it has plenty of space, large rooms and plenty of comfy seating areas.
Situated at the top of a cliff, this property offers fabulous views of Kilifi Creek. Access to the beach is through the property via the lush gardens. All of the bedrooms are tastefully furnished with traditional hand-carved furniture, all are air conditioned and all have en-suite bathrooms, with power showers. There are 3 double bedrooms upstairs in the main house, opening on to the veranda with magnificent views of the creek. The other 3 bedrooms, which are ideal for children and teenagers, are in a guest wing to one side of the house (3metres away) containing 8 single beds and en-suite bathrooms.
Having travelled in a large group, the cost of accommodation and meals was evenly shared out ensuring minimal spend for all. The house like most vacation rentals is well equipped with major amenities and staff is usually included in the package ensuring you have people to cook and clean up making this a full vacation. Other perks of vacation rentals include such amenities like Private pools ,Multiple master suites and bedrooms, Games ,Full kitchens plus large and multiple dining areas, Entertainment and electronics amenities like TVs and DVD players ,Wi-Fi internet access .
So as you plan your holiday this season, consider a vacation rental, we have a couple of homes that we have featured on travel diaries and we would love to share their details, kindly inbox for their contacts.

Happy planning.