The Driftwood Beach Club

An ancient trading capital, Malindi is a fascinating mix of cultures, races, religions, tribes, languages and customs. From The Driftwood, it’s easy to explore these historical surrounds and browse the local traditional shops for curios, Swahili spices, traditional material and popular handmade jewellery and sandals.

Choice of beach-style accommodation

At Driftwood, 70 guests can be accommodated in a choice of light and breezy coastal cottages and private villas. Each is placed for maximum privacy with its own en-suite facilities and small verandah. Nine cottages have a sea view while six overlook the tropical gardens near the swimming pool and the private beach. There’s a choice of doubles, twins and triples with extra beds and cots available for children sharing your room.

There are two superior cottages, set apart in a private walled garden with a shared swimming pool. Each has two large en-suite bedrooms, a living room and veranda overlooking the pool. These cottages offer extra privacy and are ideal for families and groups of friends looking for extra seclusion.

Lastly, there are three luxury private villas set in their own private premises directly behind the hotel. Each has two double air-conditioned, en-suite bedrooms and a spacious living room overlooking the private swimming pool. These villas are a few steps away from the main hotel and beach and make full use of the Driftwood facilities.

Range of activities to keep you busy

The long-standing and friendly staff will assist and advise you on a range of things to do, see and visit within a stone's throw of the lodge:

• Open-air bar and dining area a few feet away from the pool, private beach and warm Indian Ocean
• Driftwood is renowned for its excellent cuisine and outstanding seafood, like red snapper, prawns, lobster and oysters from nearby Kilifi
• Terrific windsurfing, kitesurfing and waterskiing on Mida Creek
• Excellent local birdwatching in the Sabaki Delta and the fascinating Arabuko-Sokoke forest with its unique endemic species: the Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, Amanu Sunbird, Clark's Weaver, East Coast Akalat and Spotted Ground Thrush
• Explore the many historical sites that include the Gedi ruins and Malindi old town
• Enjoy local flavour in Malindi’s many eateries and coffee shops
• Internationally recognised for its sailfish and broadbill fishing, Malindi’s deep waters are home to three species of marlin: black, blue and striped (season is from July to early April)
• Overnight trips to the North Kenya Banks for broadbill, marlin, 'big tuna' and shark deepsea fishing
• A short walk along the beach takes you to the Malindi Marine Park, home to some of East Africa's finest lagoons, coral gardens and seagrass beds; home to several species of dolphin and turtle
• Relax poolside or enjoy some pampering in the treatment room right next to the Indian Ocean
• Perfect for families: private beach, toddlers’ swimming pool and a range of child-friendly activities

Getting there

By Air - There are daily flights from Nairobi to Malindi Airport. Flying time is just over an hour. Malindi is about 193 km (120 miles) north of Mombasa.

By Road - Driving time from Nairobi would be about 7 ½ hours and from Mombasa, it’s about one hour and 40 minutes.

Our take on The Driftwood Beach Club

A perennial favourite, The Driftwood is excellent value-for-money and offers superb hosting, service and accommodation for the price. It's situated in one of the most popular Kenyan coastal areas and offers plenty to do for every taste and age. Great for families who, once they've visited, seem to return year upon year upon year.