Mnarani Hotel

We flew Kenya Airways that delivered a similar standard of service as South African Airways (other guests that flew in from Europe on Kenya Airways commented that the service on that leg was commendable). On arrival one luggage piece was missing. Kenya Airways’ personnel were friendly and helpful, and handled the matter efficiently. Luggage does go missing on international flights, but proof is in the pudding and 24 hours later the luggage piece was at the destination, safe and sound. Both Kenya Airways and Kenyan Customs officials were friendly and helpful in releasing the item.

The road from Mombasa to Mnarani was recently resurfaced and the trip to Mnarani was quick and uneventful.

Reception at Mnarani was friendly and effective. Their records were up to date and booking in was uneventful. The senior manager on duty was informed of our arrival and came to welcome us in person. It was remarkable that she knew who we were and our different points of origin as we had somewhat different from normal travel arrangements.

The room was clean and prepared for us. The bed had a firm matrass with good pillows which made for good night rests. The linen was clean and fresh and changed frequently. The room was sufficient in size with basic amenities including small fridge, kettle, cups etc. Coffee/tea however is not included and can be purchased separately at the onsite shop or in town. Cupboards are large with clothing hangers and a safe for valuables. The room had an air conditioner. Lighting in the room was sufficient. The bathroom had a bath, a separate showers, washbasin, large surface and large mirror. The towels were clean and changed daily. The balcony has a very good view of the creek and sea. Every afternoon the room was prepared for the night, the bed was set, mosquito net opened, sprayed for mosquitoes and the air-conditioner switched on.

Early the next day new guests were invited to detailed briefing of the facilities, what to expect and where to turn for support/advice.

Three meals a day (depending on the relevant package booked) were served. The food was wholesome, and the service was always friendly. More than sufficient time was allocated to serve all guests. When our itinerary caused us to be late for breakfast (we dived frequently early mornings), we made prior arrangements for a late breakfast and this was accepted and served in the usual friendly manner.

The hotel offered a forex service at the same rates as the bank (but the bank was more expensive as it charged an additional service fee).

An outstanding feature of the hotel is the pool which has a magnificent view of the creek and sea. You need to experience this to understand what I mean. A variety of activities are presented every day. The animation team had a daily programme that covered all from water aerobics to excursion to local (and distant) attractions.

At the small, but very private beach one can go kayaking, skiing, sailing, fishing, dhow sailing with meals onboard and a snorkelling opportunity, sunset cruising and bird watching in the creek and much more? Again, staff went out of their way to be friendly and of assistance. Because the beach is private, one is not hounded by hawkers and other people trying to make a living off tourists as happened at other venues we visited. Should one feel need to contribute to this alternative economy, plenty opportunities are available during visits to the local town.

An independent dive operator offers dive excursions from Mnarani’s private beach. The reefs are outside the marine reserves that Kenya is known for, and though there are plenty juvenile fish, the fish life is not as abundant as we found at Watamu. However, the barrier-like reef is of the same quality as at Watamu (and better than the reefs just north of Mombasa we were informed by other guests). Small life abounds on the reefs. Hard and soft coral are vibrant and one can hear the crackling of the reef. The reef is large, stretches all along the coast and depending on the tide, starts at about 6 – 10 meters and slopes gradually down towards offshore to about 24+ meters. This means that the reef is quite wide and the same spot can be dived repeatedly without feeling “oh, been here before”. Noticeable were the variety of nudibranches, star fish, lion fish, clown fish, and other life forms.

All came together on the second to last dive when a whale shark in excess of 7 meters paid us a visit. To cap it all a large pod of about 15 dolphins gave us a display on the way back after the dive – guess it was just our lucky day.

We visited for two weeks the latter part of Aug 08 that is still out of the diving season. We understand the prime time for dive activities are November to March. Though there were a considerable number of guests, tourism is still way down from where it was before Kenya’s recent disputed elections results. Regrettably tourists misread the media, as all related trouble was way up country and far from the coast. We understood from some staff that we spoke with that when other similar facilities closed down/laid off staff, Mnarani retained all personnel, even when there were only two guests booked in during the most difficult time. The staff spoke with evident respect and appreciation for the way their interests were considered by management. To us, this reflected a positively on management ethics and sustainable development programmes of management.

In retrospect; why Mnarani, and not elsewhere? Well, Mnarani’s location on the Kilifi Creek does it all. If the surf is up, then the creek remains calm and water activities could carry on without concern for safety. This included windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, etc (bear in mind few guests are experienced and all these together to take on a difficult sea – and breaking surf on the reefs at low tide may be risky). If it is windy, then the private beach at the creek is quiet. If it is too hot then the pool at the hotel does it all. All other venues that we visited did not provide these alternatives and guests were confined to the pool/bar/TV when the wind was up. Considering we went primarily for the diving, the quality of the reefs is commendable and all these other activities made this a real different break from the usual.

Adré & Mandi

Had part of our honeymoon here and its a great place! Arrived one day before our scheduled arrival but they accommodated us and still did up the room with flowers and a great bottle of wine! No TV in room but the pace is great enough for a quiet get away.

We loved the pool overlooking the creek. Great water sports during the day, excursions can be organized through the hotel.Always something in the evening-dances,games, acrobatic shows, great african dinner by the beach down the creek.....

Good staff attending to all and sundry. tipping is discouraged but a common box for tips provided to be shared to all. A simple but well stocked memorabilia shop well priced.

quite a great experience! Highly recommended to anyone who doesn't mind the ride there(the roads are soon to be upgraded)

A excellent holiday, peacefull and relaxing. The hotel was outstanding and staff of the highest quality. Rooms were spotless and the service the best. Anyone who does not enjoy this hotel, it will not be the hotel that is the cause.

The welcome was great after a bumpy road which made to the atmosphere of the holiday.

The staff were all very helpful and could not do enough for you, but at the same time never overbearing.

Our room was kept clean and fresh towels everyday. The service was with out doubt of the top quality. A place you want to visit again and again.

Miss this and you miss the most relaxing time you will ever have.

Praise to all the staff and owners for a delightfull holiday and setting.

We have recently returned from the Mnarani Hotel in Kilifi and all we can do is praise this fabulous hotel and its staff. Admittingly after an hour and a half (very bumpy) journey from Mombassa, nothing had prepared us for the magnificent view of the infinity pool overlooking the creek meeting the Indian Ocean. Breathtaking isn't a good enough description.

Our spacious, well maintained room gave us further spectacular views over the private beach and creek.

The service provided by the staff was bar none. Nothing was too much trouble and staff were always keen to answer questions relating to the area.

Plenty to do during the day, not that we did much, apart from watch the hotels resident troup of monkeys. The evening entertainment when provided (Masi dancers, musicians and local acrobats) were very good but lacked excitement on other nights (bingo is not my thing) this we were told was due to the time of the year but that only encouraged us to talk to other guests about the beautiful surroundings, views and warm hospitality of the staff and locals.

We must once again say a big thank you to Matthew our driver and guide from Somak Safari, his knowledge and expertise provided us with the most fabulous and entertaining 2.5 day safari to Tsavo East and West. (Yes it is worth upgrading to the better lodges). A pride of 9 lionesses tracking buffalo was an experience not to be missed. Anyone who ever says - seen one elephant seen them all didn't want to be with us. The couple who travelled with us in our PSV were just as excited as us to see the two hundredth elephant on the third day as we were to see the first. Also in abundance were giraffes, zebra, buffalo, hippos, a variety of antelope and monkeys. Unfortunately we didn't see rhino or cheetahs although we did track them for a substantial period of time. Never mind, that gives us an excuse to go back.

All we can recommend is that if this is the only long haul trip you ever undertake - take it.

We stayed for only one short week - having booked through First Choice Web site. We were given a lovely welcome - and from the moment we arrived off the pot-holed road from Mombasa we felt at peace. A welcome drink - Lovely spacious rooms, a breathtaking swimming pool. Delicious food and beautiful courtious service throughout. Nice to see the local life in Kilifi town. Also a fantastic Dhow sail from the hotel beach with Captain Issa and his crew - cooking us a delicious lunch of Lobster, fish and prawns whilst sailing out into the Indian Ocean and then up Kilifi Creek to see the mangroves and bird life - all so interesting. We cannot wait to go back.

My boyfriend and I spent an unforgettable week at Mnarani from 17 -24 Dec'06. Despite the dodgy roads, which actually added to the entire African experience, our stay was extremely comfortable and SO much fun. The hotel staff were over friendly and generous with their service and had planned activities every evening which included my favourite beach BBQ with a proper rasta DJ pumping tunes from Haddaway to Kenyan Local music which you could jam to all night!! The fresh seafood was extrememly tasty, especially aboard Captain Isa's Dhow on a sunset cruise.

We made friends with so many other couples there and I would think anyone would have to try really hard not to enjoy a holiday at Mnarani.

Thanks again to all the staff!!

Melissa

Visited Club Mnarani in November 2004. Really enjoyed our stay. The Hotel staff were very friendly and helpfully and very funny. There was nothing they would not do to make your stay enjoyable. The excurtions were very well planned. The food was exellant. The rooms were very comfortable and the air conditioners all worked very well. Will definatley revisit in the near further.