| Kiwayu Safari Village | | | | roof-all are made of grass matting or palm leaves. |
| Kiwayu is on the northern part of Kenya's coastline | | | | There are no doors or windows, just wide open |
| near the Somali border and 120 kilometers from | | | | spaces in the walls which let in the air and frame |
| Lamu. There is an airstrip just minutes away. You can | | | | views of sand and water. Growing trees are often |
| fly direct from Nairobi or from Lamu. | | | | built right into the décor and framework of |
| Kiwayu Safari Village is a favorite place on the | | | | the cottages. |
| Kenyan coast. It combines great natural beauty with | | | | A drift wood mangrove tree stands grey on the |
| exotic accommodations, marvelous food, and perfect | | | | matting, an amusing "towel rack". There is electricity. |
| peace and privacy. | | | | The water is unheated-not a hardship when you |
| The setting is superb-the "village" nestles under a tall | | | | return hot and salty from the beach. You are likely to |
| stand of coconut palms on the white-sand beach of | | | | find hermit crabs visitors in your shower-some |
| sparkling secluded bay. Although situated on the | | | | carrying the size and type of shell you would pay |
| mainland, it feels as though you are on a private | | | | dearly for in a shell shop. The whole place is |
| island. At the far end of the bay, more tall palms | | | | wonderfully harmonious with its surroundings-nothing |
| signal the presence of a local village, but other than | | | | jars or is incongruous. |
| this, there is no other sign of human habitation. | | | | Dining at Kiwayu Safari Lodge is a delight-giant crab |
| Across the water is Kiwayu Island, the waves | | | | claws, platters of lobster, perfect salads, amazing fish |
| breaking white against dark rocky cliffs-such a | | | | soup. The emphasis obviously is on fresh seafood, |
| contrast to the gentle lapping of sea on golden sand | | | | but if you don't care for seafood and give them |
| at your feet. This place was originally a hunter's | | | | advance warning, they will prepare something else. |
| camp, and elephant used to come on to the beach, | | | | The majority of guests spend most of their time |
| sometimes to swim across Kiwayu Island. From | | | | relaxing, eating and drinking. However, included in the |
| elephants to models- now Kiwayu Safari Village | | | | tariff is a whole host of water related activities from |
| attracts international fashion photographers-perfect | | | | wind-surfing and laser sailing to goggling and creek |
| models posing in perfect scenery. | | | | fishing. Deep-sea fishing is also available. |
| Kiwayu Safari Village lines the shore. At the centre of | | | | There are miles of unspoiled beaches to walk, |
| the curving beach, and just above the waterline, a | | | | washed up shells to admire and a choice of swimming |
| long spacious lounge/bar adjoins an equally long dining | | | | in the calm bay water or the wilder surf on the other |
| area. Both have high thatch roofs overhead, grass | | | | side of the dunes. There are many boating trips you |
| matting underfoot, and a few wooden poles to keep | | | | can take-go to Kiwayu Island or glide between |
| the two apart. The place is rustic and natural-ideal for | | | | mangroves along narrow channels of water. The |
| letting the breezes and the view is part of the scene. | | | | snorkeling is magnificent: colorful coral and brilliant fish |
| Do not let this description conjure up Spartan images. | | | | on unspoiled reefs-best of all, there is no one else |
| In the lounge enormous floor cushions covered in | | | | there but you! |
| colorful kangas are piled upon each other in abandon, | | | | This is a wonderfully romantic spot and is popular |
| inviting you to flop- order a cold pimms. The tables | | | | with honeymooners. Many guests are repeat |
| are large logs of grey weathered drift wood, bright | | | | customers. Most guests are repeat customers. Most |
| shells are artistically arranged, and irresistible snacks | | | | visitors come for about a week. Some lucky ones |
| are brought with the drinks. Lights are low, and you | | | | Accommodations in Kiwayu Safari Village |
| hear the sound of the waves lapping on the beach. | | | | There are 22 -cottages. One is a twin cottage for |
| All is delightfully decadent in this dream setting. | | | | two doubles. The other cottages are planned for |
| Guest cottages are well spaced along the beach on | | | | two with one big bed standard. This can be replaced |
| both sides of these public rooms. Each has been | | | | by two single beds on request, and a third bed can |
| ingeniously positioned to ensure complete privacy, | | | | easily be added. Overhanging eaves and shaded |
| and the ocean is just a quick dash across the sand. | | | | verandas insure privacy a s does the distance |
| "Cottage" is too meager a word to describe these | | | | between the cottages. Grass mat shades can be |
| luxurious and spacious grass villas. The enormous | | | | lowered over the windows. Most of the cottages are |
| bedroom has a bigger than King-size bed, high off the | | | | right on the beach, close to the eater. Favorites with |
| floor, spread with bright fabric and draped with | | | | good views: #7, 11 and 19. |
| mosquito netting. Outside is a private lounging area | | | | Special offerings at Kiwayu |
| with hammocks and chairs filled with colorful cushions. | | | | Deep-sea fishing, creek fishing, dhow sailing, laser |
| There is a separate dressing area with a double sink | | | | sailing, windsurfing, goggling trips, mangroves trips, |
| (two enamel basins) and separate rooms for a flush | | | | souvenir shop, four wheel shuttle, airstrip. |
| toilet and a fresh water shower. Walls, floor and | | | | |