Neem House Kenya

Neem House was designed and built in the traditional Arab/Swahili vernacular.

The residence, surrounded by numerous large Neem, palm and fig trees, is
situated high on a coral outcrop catching the ocean breeze. Neem House is approximately
350 m from the beach, accessed via the Driftwood Beach Club or down one of several lanes.

There is a beautiful pool at Neem House.
Built in classic Arabic style, it is in excess of two meters deep and is situated in a private courtyard.
There is an outdoor shower adjacent to the pool and also a large stainless steel gas barbecue.

All rooms are large and spacious and feature Arabesque archways and antique carved doors sourced from Lamu and Zanzibar.

All of the large exterior windows are enclosed with ornate wrought iron and the interior ‘windows’
are fitted with cane blinds or teak shutters. This creates a very open and cool living space.

Ceilings, supported by traditional ‘Boriti’ poles are in excess of three meters.
Floors are tiled with cool Galana stone, sourced from the Galana river to the north of Malindi.

All of the furniture is teak, designed for comfort on the coast. The 3.6m dining room table comfortably seats twelve.
There are teak loungers and large traditional day beds around the pool and on the numerous verandas.

There are four bedrooms, three of which are ensuite. These rooms all have overhead ceiling fans and large walk in mosquito nets.
The main bedroom has a large veranda with a private seating area and three single beds – ideal for families with small children.

Neem House sleeps a maximum of twelve people – there are three double rooms – the remaining six beds are singles.
Two of the double rooms can be converted to twins if required.

The fourth bedroom, containing four single beds, is a classic ‘Zanzibar style’ room.
Situated high in the canopy of numerous Neem and Fig trees, this room features a traditional Makuti roof and waist high perimeter walls.

The traditional flat roof is over 100sq meters and sits just above the treetops.
The views from the roof are breathtaking, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Water is mains supply although we do filter it for drinking. Electricity is VERY expensive and sometimes erratic.
We have beautiful lanterns and candelabras throughout the house in case of power outages.
These interruptions are usually brief, apparently due to the proximity of our house to both of Malindis' hospitals.
The kitchen has a six burner gas/electric cooker and there is a large stainless steel gas BBQ in the courtyard by the pool.
There are three refrigerators, a large Bosch with an excellent freezer and another that we use
specifically for drinks in the kitchen and a smaller drinks fridge on the landing upstairs.

There are four members of staff at Neem House.
Kahindi, an experienced cook, produces classic Swahili dishes, refreshing salads and freshly baked bread on a daily basis.
Kahindi sources only the freshest ingredients from the market and works closely with Abu, the fisherman,
who comes to the door most mornings with a selection of fresh seafood, weather permitting..
Charity is responsible for all housekeeping and laundry duties. Sammy the grounds man is in charge of the gardens and pool.
Tukuya, the night watchman, is on duty in the evenings from 6pm to 6am. The house also has a monitored security system.
Additional help in the house, Ayas' (nannies) and babysitters can be employed on a casual basis if required.

Shopping is fun and hassle free. For groceries and supplies you can either pop into town in a Tuk Tuk
(three supermarkets to choose from) alternatively, you can request one of the staff to shop for you.
If you would like a small preliminary shop done in advance please ensure we are given plenty of notice.


Imported foods are quite expensive, however local fruit and vegetables are excellent quality and good value.
The local markets are very interesting - the range of produce is immense and the people very friendly and welcoming.
The butchery at the Italian supermarket is excellent if you tire from fresh seafood!
Kenyan beer is very good, and wine is also reasonable.


Malindi town has survived 4 centuries and has an incredibly interesting history.
A classic African town, chaotic at times, real Africa mixed with Arab Swahili influences. Vibrant and full of colour.

There are numerous things to do in and around Malindi and lots of sites on the internet about
Malindi, Watamu, Gedi and Kipepeo, Kilifi, Lamu, Mombasa and the Tsavo National Park.

Diving or snorkeling the Malindi and Watamu Marine National Parks is highly recommended.
The coral gardens are spectacular and there is always a chance of spotting turtles, dolphins, giant groupers
or the harmless Whale Shark who are regularly sighted in the area.
Aqua Ventures, a registered PADI dive centre, operates out of the Driftwood Beach Club.

Malindi is famous for big game fishing safaris (tag and release). Sailfish, marlin and swordfish are all plentiful.

Safaris into the East Tsavo National Park, 100kms to the west of Malindi can be arranged.
The classic tented safari camps are situated along the Galana river.

The Gedi ruins, remnants of a 13th to 17th century Swahili town abandoned 3 centuries ago, is also well worth a visit.

The numerous restaurants in Malindi are excellent thanks to the resident Italian and German influences.
Local African style places are also very good. Nyama Choma (BBQ meat) and Swahili seafood curries in particular.

Shopping is excellent and very good value. Beautiful silver jewellery, fabrics, throws, kangas and Kikoi's,
beaded leather sandals, bags and belts, soapstone carvings, locally made brass and glass light fittings.
Classic Tinga Tinga artworks - stylised modern paintings in enamel,
and famous Makonde wood carvings, Arab and Swahili antiques.

There are direct flights into Malindi via Nairobi. The airport is about ten minutes from Neem House.
A driver will collect you with our compliments.

We look forward to you enjoying our home.

Karin Duthie and Mark Henningsen

Neem House is available throughout the year on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
High season, August to January and Easter, is Euro 400 per night.
Off season, February to July excluding Easter, is Euro 350 per night.

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