Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers

Sauntered into the much acclaimed restaurant on a weeknight and had a fabulous time. The open plan bar and restaurant immediately feels welcoming. After several shots, even ended up swimming in the pool. The bar has great sound system, where you can play all your favorite songs and burn the dance floor. I can imagine how amazing it must be during busy events!

The rooms were clean and food was really nice. You would need a tuktuk or motorbike to get into Kilifi. Really nice pool and chill area, staff were friendly and helpful. We had access to a local beach that was really nice.

We stayed in one of the lodge huts during new years period. The good: Lodge hut was a lovely big size. Outside shower was refreshing given how hot the climate was and no air con in rooms. Good food and service. Good lounge areas during the day. Mosquito net worked well. The not so good: Rooms were quite dirty, needed a good scrub down. Possibly because of the time of year we stayed but one night, the music played until 7am and then 5am another night even though it was advertised as finishing much earlier. If you don’t like insects, DO NOT STAY HERE. The windows in rooms are frameless and bathroom facilities are outside. There are always all sorts of creepy crawlies around and you can’t escape this! Location was slightly out of town so tuk tuk and taxis racked up quite a bit.

My stay was a delightful experience. The picturesque surroundings offered tranquility, enhancing the beauty of the place. The friendly staff went above and beyond, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A truly enjoyable stay immersed in natural serenity, making it a memorable escape.

We are big fans of Kilifi Backpackers and really do feel like part of the family. This was our second stay of 3 weeks and we will no doubt be back again. Everything was good and it is excellent value for money.

My brief two-day stay unexpectedly transformed into an exhilarating six-day adventure! From the moment I stepped in, I was captivated by the vibrant energy of the place. Every encounter was a revelation as I crossed paths with fascinating individuals, weaving stories of diverse backgrounds and shared passions. The staff's warmth and friendliness added a delightful touch, turning my sojourn into a truly immersive experience. What was meant to be a fleeting visit evolved into an unforgettable journey, thanks to the homely atmosphere that embraced me. It wasn't just a stay; it was a symphony of new connections and cherished moments. Now, with the echoes of laughter and the resonance of newfound friendships lingering in my memories, I'm already eagerly plotting my return. This place has etched itself into my travel tales, and the anticipation of the next adventure is bubbling within me.

Dreamily forest setting with first class facilities. Spacious areas for relaxing and recreation so you can choose to opt in or spend time by yourself. Access to the creek a real bonus whether for a swim or sunset views.

After almost 10 years, it was wonderful to fo back to Distant Relatives and see all the changes and growth that had happened! It is a home away from home. There is a deep amount of care and creativity that has gone into the construction and maintenance of the space. The people who visit and who work there are all welcoming and fun. You leave feeling inspired and rejuvenated. I hope I won't leave it so long again before going back.

WAARSCHUWING. Ga niet naar Distant Relatives. ´This place gets it so right´volgens de Lonely Planet (2018). Volgens ons: this place is so wrong! Vies en onhygiënisch. Overal zit vogelpoep: op de stoelen en tafels, op de kussens, en zelfs vogelpoep op de muren aan de binnenzijde van de banda. Ook de vloer van onze banda was bezaaid met vogelpoep. De lakens en handdoeken waren vies. Bloedvlekken op kussenslopen en het hoeslaken. De schoonmaak maakt het niet schoon, want we hebben drie dagen tegen dezelfde vogelpoep aan zitten kijken. Het meubilair van het restaurant zit ook onder de vogelpoep. Het zwembad is vies. Om dit te compenseren, gebruikt DR extreem veel chloor. Er hangt een walm van chloor meters van het zwembad. Ook het gehang van en het gevoos tussen de beach boys en de toeristen irriteerden ons op den duur. De muziek staat knetterhard en is overal te horen. Er wordt geblowd. En als je wilt gaan eten, dan is het niet leuk om dit in de wietdampen te moeten doen. De excursies die je hier kunt boeken, zijn slecht georganiseerd. Je krijgt een halfbakken excursie en je moet de gids en chauffeur zelf vertellen wat de bedoeling is, want ze weten niet wat de betreffende excursie inhoudt. Het privéstrand is geen privéstrand maar het strandje van het dorpje/ de gemeenschap waar DR zich bevindt. Ook hier veel beach boys en troep op het strand. En als klap op de vuurpijl is het personeel niet integer en niet betrouwbaar. Er was een pakje met souvenirs opengemaakt. Bij navraag kregen we de mededeling dat een aap dat gedaan heeft. Apen kunnen blijkbaar ook de banda betreden; zelfs als je de banda hebt afgesloten. Na drie dagen waren we het zat en zijn we ergens anders naar toegegaan. Spijt dat we dat niet na dag 1 hebben gedaan.