Reviews of Kinondo Kwetu
Wildlife sightings and reviews
32 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
Lucy & Richard
London
"Heavenly Kinondo Kwetu "
7 nights Arrived 16 Jan 2022
"Really lovely resort - white sand - a causeway across the coral so you can see the wildlife without getting wet (!) - shady trees - excellent food and lovely, lovely, staff - spectacular architecture - huge spacious accommodation - huge pool - we had a happy lazy week here that ended too soon.
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
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
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr B
London
"Wow. What a beautiful place!"
3 nights Arrived 25 Nov 2021
"Wow. What a beautiful place. Rustic but luxurious rooms, a choice of two pools and when we visited the sea was 32 degrees! Yes, really!
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
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
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Andreas
Switzerland
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
6 nights Arrived 16 Jul 2021
"We (2 adults, 2 children 12 and 15) spent 6 nights to relax after our safari. This was a great addition to our schedule, and we greatly recommend that visitors spend a few days there instead of only visiting safari camps and hushing out of the country thereafter.
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
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
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Dr W & Dr D
Leeds
"Kinondo Kwetu - a great place to relax"
4 nights Arrived 18 Feb 2020
"This place is in a stunning location right on the edge of the beach. There were lots of activities available but we used the time to relax and chill out.
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
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
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Miss G.
Newark
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
4 nights Arrived 30 Aug 2018
"Kinondo Kwetu is beautiful. All the outside areas, the beach, the pools and the bar/restaurant area are really lovely. Our rustic beach cottage was in a great location, we could see the beach from our outside decking.Â
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.Â
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
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.Â
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
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Poor
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs G
Hampshire
"Paradise!"
7 nights Arrived 22 Feb 2018
"We cannot fault a single aspect. The service from top to bottom was exemplary without being overstated, and nothing was too much trouble.
I would say that we experienced the finest and most appropriate level of service and friendliness without comparison anywhere in the World we have travelled, from Australia to Singapore, South America, the Caribbean, numerous islands, and cruises with the best including Seabourne.
This is a real gem!" See all these reviews: 14n in Kenya
I would say that we experienced the finest and most appropriate level of service and friendliness without comparison anywhere in the World we have travelled, from Australia to Singapore, South America, the Caribbean, numerous islands, and cruises with the best including Seabourne.
This is a real gem!" See all these reviews: 14n in Kenya
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr S
Chicago
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
4 nights Arrived 8 Jan 2018
"Delightful retreat, lovely food and service. We more or less just relaxed by the beach, had massages, used the cliff top gym and swam in the beautiful pool. A perfect end to six days of safari which takes it out of you!"
See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs BP
Surrey
"perfect place to relax after safari"
3 nights Arrived 31 Aug 2017
"This hotel is a little gem! After a great safari it is lovely to take time to relax completely.
We were warmly welcomed by Ana who explained everything to us and took us to our cottages. The staff were delightful and always available but not intrusive.
All round the grounds there are numerous chairs and benches beautifully decorated with colourful cushions. All placed in a little corner of peace. Some in the shade, most with fabulous views of the Indian Ocean.
It seems you can always find a little place to be alone and take in the view.
I loved that everything was out for us to help ourselves, drinks by the pool, towels by pool and sea, tea and coffee stations at various points in the grounds. Kayaks and snorkel equipment on the beach.
There is a yoga station and some morning classes, also some rather outdated gym equipment on a cliff giving it a fantastic view out to sea. Very therapeutic!
The food was good, there was a set menu for both lunch and dinner but other things were available on request. The best meal was the Sunday curry lunch!
In the same spirit of informality lunch and dinner is taken in different places throughout your stay.
This was a perfect end to our holiday but guests should realise it is not suitable for trips to Mombasa, the Marine Park, or safaris in Tsavo. It is a good one and half hours drive to Mombasa on slow roads. Also there are no local shops, bars or restaurants.
The beach is beautiful but there is a wide stretch of coral beyond the beach which means you need shoes. The owners have made a concrete causeway below waterline so that it is possible to walk beyond the coral to swim." See all these reviews: 10n in Kenya
We were warmly welcomed by Ana who explained everything to us and took us to our cottages. The staff were delightful and always available but not intrusive.
All round the grounds there are numerous chairs and benches beautifully decorated with colourful cushions. All placed in a little corner of peace. Some in the shade, most with fabulous views of the Indian Ocean.
It seems you can always find a little place to be alone and take in the view.
I loved that everything was out for us to help ourselves, drinks by the pool, towels by pool and sea, tea and coffee stations at various points in the grounds. Kayaks and snorkel equipment on the beach.
There is a yoga station and some morning classes, also some rather outdated gym equipment on a cliff giving it a fantastic view out to sea. Very therapeutic!
The food was good, there was a set menu for both lunch and dinner but other things were available on request. The best meal was the Sunday curry lunch!
In the same spirit of informality lunch and dinner is taken in different places throughout your stay.
This was a perfect end to our holiday but guests should realise it is not suitable for trips to Mombasa, the Marine Park, or safaris in Tsavo. It is a good one and half hours drive to Mombasa on slow roads. Also there are no local shops, bars or restaurants.
The beach is beautiful but there is a wide stretch of coral beyond the beach which means you need shoes. The owners have made a concrete causeway below waterline so that it is possible to walk beyond the coral to swim." See all these reviews: 10n in Kenya
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Family S
Lonond
"Paradise"
5 nights Arrived 7 Aug 2017
"Amazing hotel, with amazing staff. Couldn't fault it."
See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mrs B
Edinburgh
"Fantastic hotel - the most relaxing time ever"
4 nights Arrived 3 Dec 2016
"Absolutely wonderful beach hotel where we had the most relaxing few days at the coast after a week on safari. I cannot praise the hotel enough!
It was quite quiet but even if it was busy the hotel would never feel crowded as there are so many little areas to sit in and enjoy peace and quiet. We loved the fact there is no dining room - finding where our lunch or dinner were being served, from the pool to the beach hut, was great fun and always a surprise. The food was outstanding.
Attention to detail was apparent everywhere and the genuine interest of the managers was great. We had expected to explore a bit and eat out a couple of times - we never left the hotel!" See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
It was quite quiet but even if it was busy the hotel would never feel crowded as there are so many little areas to sit in and enjoy peace and quiet. We loved the fact there is no dining room - finding where our lunch or dinner were being served, from the pool to the beach hut, was great fun and always a surprise. The food was outstanding.
Attention to detail was apparent everywhere and the genuine interest of the managers was great. We had expected to explore a bit and eat out a couple of times - we never left the hotel!" See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
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