Kenya's Hidden Coast: White Cliff Villa

Kenya’s coastline is roughly 483 km stretching from Lamu to Mombasa in the south. Sandy white in some areas, palm-filed in others, filled with sparkling white coral in others. Majority of visitors to Kenya’s beautiful coastal region choose the more popular areas in the North coast over the more secluded South or islands such as Lamu. Most times, we overlook a spectacular treasure in between - Kikambala, Kilifi County.

- Malowa O-Njeru

Also known as Vipingo, it is located past touristy Bamburi close to locals favourite, Mtwapa. This laidback paradise is an oasis of palm trees, bird life and quiet beaches. I would describe is as the perfect balance between what upcountry Kenyans refer to as North Coast - fast paced touristy Mombasa - and the sleepy Ukunda and Diani on the South Coast.

“Are we in ushago?” my youngest sister wonders as we drive further and further away from Nyali, past the familiarity of the Bamburi Hotel Strip. We’re heading to Kikambala, to a place I chanced upon online when looking for a perfect location for a family holiday. Lorine, the home’s owner messages to ask whether we have arrived in Mombasa, and repeats some important information to ensure we will be comfortable. Everything is quiet, hot yet calm. We turn off the Mombasa-Malindi Highway, cruising down a winding road, breezing past scissored-leaf palm trees and makuti huts. An occasional breeze temporarily relieves us from the heat which long overwhelmed air conditioning. A chicken crosses the road (no pun intended), and children laze about by the road. Quaint, modest homes litter the landscape before we turn off at the next sign past a sturdy looking Church, onto a road that seems to leads to the sea. As we drive down towards what will be home for the next five days, there are almost no signs of shops or bars. At least none that our urban eyes can quickly pick out. A goat bleats and my heart beats! It isn’t because I’m spooked: there’s a sense of discovery and relaxation in the air. And I can’t wait!

The hanging house