Sleeps | 8 |
Bedrooms | 4 |
Bathrooms | 2 |
Property type | house |
Minimum Stay | 2 - 3 nights |
A rare combination of attractions is found along the 2km near-empty sandy beach, lapped by the warm Indian Ocean. Relax on the balcony of Chale Reefs, eating freshly-roasted coconut strips, or home-made cake, while watching the gentle waves. Chale Reefs is a comfortable, fully-staffed, family house situated on a vast white sandy beach in the far south of Kenya. Spend your days swimming in the sea or the newly installed pool (Oct 2014), snorkelling, fishing, playing tennis, reading from the well-stocked shelves, bird watching and, if you are lucky, watching newly hatched turtles make their first dangerous journey down to the sea. Visit the colourful market in Msambweni, the traditional village down the beach and wonder at the shellfish, barracuda, snapper delivered to the door on a daily basis by local fishermen. Chale Reefs is a stunning setting for a memorable holiday which can be as active or as relaxing as you want.
When the owner retired from an international company in 1986, after 20 years of living in Kenya, the family wanted to retain a connection with this wonderful country and its people. By chance they came upon Msambweni and were at once taken by its relative remoteness and lack of tourist development. The beach was very uncrowded then and remains so now. The whole family was excited by the idea of building a house on the beach and the house was completed in 1988. Chase Reefs is regularly visited by the family, including the five grandchildren, who now live in the UK. We support village efforts particularly the voluntary Msambweni Orphans Programme and an educational charity set up by our daughter (www.etatu.org.uk)
Judy Lindgren purchased this house in 1980
Thank you,we had such a good week at Chale Reefs.It was so nice to arrive to familiar faces after along journey, and the staff all did a really wonderful job looking after us.That was the beginning of our holiday and set us all up really well for Christmas and the New Year. J
Special interest holidays:
Diani is about 20 kms away. It is a major tourist centre where one can make arrangements for fishing trips, diving, or game-viewing. Shimba Hills National Reserve is about 40 minutes from Diani. Tsavo National Park is three to four hours by road. The Mara can be reached by airplane from the Ukunda/Diani airport.
We will be happy to supply any further information and recommend local operators.
Kisite Marine Park is about 20kms further south of Msambweni. Captain Ali can arrange trips there as well.
Coast/Beach:
The beach is blessed by two kms of fine white sand. High tide brings the sea within 10 metres of the garden; low tide exposes the teeming rock pools.
One meets few others on the beach: a few fishermen and the occasional tourist. The Turtle Watch supervisor, Captain Ali, can take visitors out in his 'ngalawa' (local fishing boat) for snorkelling trips to the reef. He can also escort visitors to watch seasonal turtle hatching.
Travel:
Overseas visitors usually come to Mombasa airport. The drive to Chale Reefs is about 1 1/2 hours across the Likoni ferrry and South to Msambweni.
There are flights from Nairobi to Ukunda/Diani which avoids Mombasa and is a much shorter transfer. The drive to Msambweni is almost all on tarmac, with just the last couple of kilometers on a dirt road. Precise directions will of course be given to visitors. Alternatively we can supply contact details for trusted taxis that we use.
Distances:
Mombasa 45 kms
Diani 22 kms
Further Details:
In Diani the major banks have ATM machines. In addition to all the facilities usually found in a small town, there are plenty of restaurants, travel operators and curio shops.
Fees | No additional mandatory fees |
Notes on prices:
The prices quoted above are for four people.An increment of $12.50 per person per night will be charged for 5-8 people and consideration will be given to children as part of those larger groups. 25% deposit secures the booking and full payment 2 weeks before arrival. .|Arrival dates are flexible, likewise the length of stay. Arrival in daylight is recommended