Distant Relatives

Top choice in Kilifi


Both an ecolodge and a backpackers, this place gets it so right. The fantastic owners, staff and guests have created a living, breathing space that's a haven for everyone. Expect good vibes, good people and good conscience. We love the pizza oven and the amazing bamboo showers. Follow the signs for around 2km from opposite Tusky's Supermarket on the main road.

Pretty pathways lead down to the creek, where you can climb aboard a dinghy bound for remote, starfish-studded beaches. Or you can hire a bike, laze in a hammock, muck in at the vegetable garden, or party up at night to the music in the main building.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kilifi attractions

1. Mnarani

1.44 MILES

The partly excavated, atmospheric ruins of the Swahili city of Mnarani are high on a bluff just west of the old ferry landing stage on the southern bank…

2. Kilifi Creek

1.8 MILES

This might be the only place where we wouldn't mind being up the creek without a paddle. It's just gorgeous, from the cliffs jutting up out of the water,…

3. Bofa Beach

4.1 MILES

Bofa Beach is a wide slash of white sand, with swaying palms and rolling Indian Ocean surf. It's the stuff of which fantasies are made. A path to the left…

4. Vuma Cliffs

5.05 MILES

Just outside the village of Takaungu, you fly on the back of a motorbike down dirt roads, past spiky fields of sisal and giant baobabs towering above…

5. Watamu Marine National Park

18.84 MILES

The southern part of Malindi Marine National Park, this reserve includes some magnificent coral reefs, abundant fish life and sea turtles. To get here to…

6. Sudi Island

19.47 MILES

This uninhabited island on the far side of Mida Creek makes an interesting excursion. It is very green (at least during the rainy season) and there are…

7. Watamu Turtle Watch

19.86 MILES

This excellent organisation protects the approximately 50 hawksbill and green turtles that lay their eggs on Watamu Beach. The centre provides much-needed…

8. Kirepwe Island

21.59 MILES

Mida Eco-Camp organises day trips (KSh3500) to this quiet island just across the estuary. The ruins are atmospheric and you can visit a Giriama village…