Wazi Dubu House, Kizingoni Beach

“We spent a week at Wazi Dubu – we were 3 couples and lots of children. The setting is perfect – you just fall out of the house onto the beach. The staff bend over backwards to accommodate you and the food is superb – we had a different flavour homemade sorbet or ice cream daily for 7 days! The house is big enough not to have to feel you are stumbling over each other. We spend time fishing, running, snorkelling, water-skiing and just lounging in the midday heat. I can honestly say that everybody in the group rated this as the most relaxing holiday they have ever had. We will be back.”

Wazi Dubu is the southern-most property on Kizingoni Beach. Its spacious, cool design and palm fringed position have made it a great favourite with families and groups of friends alike. Soft yellow walls, colourful shrubs and tall coconut palms around the central pool courtyard allow complete privacy and security, while the three elevated communal areas – the breakfast roof, sundowner baraza and main dining terrace – provide huge views of the ocean, the beach and the passing dhows.

Entertaining areas are vast and cool, decorated with traditional carved plasterwork and sturdy hardwood furniture. Brightly patterned kanga-covered cushions invite you to sink onto expansive baraza seats or cool swinging beds that are so comfortable you never want to move. There are bookshelves and bars, intriguing local artifacts, generous pots full of bright green ferns and palms and the discreet, attentive staff, cheerfully carrying trays of fresh lime juice, afternoon tea or something stronger.

The palatial Master Suite, dominated by a huge carved mirror reflecting the facing ocean, has a breathtaking view over the pool, the beach and the sea. Also on the first floor is a dining terrace with a table long enough to seat 16 comfortably, the perfect party venue.

“Wazi Dubu in our view is probably the best house on the beach – it’s a short walk along the sand to the Kizingo bar and the 8 miles to Shela is a must for any would-be runners or anyone who enjoys a fabulous walk along deserted beaches! The staff are wonderful, and the food is deeeeeeelicious – freshly-caught fish and lobsters from the local fishermen – all of whom are so friendly. Our daughter is a kite surfer and she was in heaven – it really does seem to be purpose made for kitesurfing (and skiing and wakeboarding) and our son spent most of his time on the beach with the staff getting to know the local fishermen! The general ambience is perfect to relax in – no air-conditioning because the breeze seems to provide all you need! I have stayed at many wonderful places, but this is a real discovery, a hidden gem, and we will be back very soon. A wonderful stay.”

Nothing has been forgotten to ensure guests’ comfort. The ensuite guest bedrooms have private terraces, large netted beds and working desks. Even the pool has floating beanbags. At the back of the garden is a child’s climbing frame which has been converted into a fabulous massage area, also perfect for yoga. A separate kitchen, with a laundry and staff quarters stands behind the house.

Situated close to the southern tip of the island, just 30 minutes by speedboat from Lamu Town, Shela village and Manda airport, Wazi Dubu looks out towards the Kenyan mainland and enjoys panoramic views of the Lamu Channel, the Indian Ocean and spectacular sunsets.

Guests have access to a private speedboat and captain, and a variety of activities and excursions are available by arrangement including trips on Kizingoni’s own ocean-going dhow ‘Kilindini’. Trips to historic Lamu Town, Shela Village and the archipelago’s other attractions can also be arranged.