Alfajiri Cliff Villa | Best Private Kenya Beach Villas

The place

It would be hard to imagine a more perfect location for a beach lodge than the site of Alfajiri Cliff Villa. It’s high enough above southern Kenya’s Diani Beach to afford us superb views out over the Indian Ocean, but close enough that we can hear every whisper of the waves. Graceful palm trees – as tall as the villa itself – sway in the maritime breeze, while an endless ribbon of white sand stretches away in each direction, as far as the eye can see. Gazing in the direction of the sunrise, the next landfall would be the scattered islands of the Seychelles; if we missed those, it would be Indonesia. Inland of our seaside hideaway, Shimba Hills National Reserve provides sanctuary to elephant and other wildlife, while passing schools of dolphin draw our eyes out to sea. Thanks to the long, low coral reef, the warm water in front of our villa is smooth, glassy and very inviting.

It would be hard to imagine a more perfect location for a beach lodge than the site of Alfajiri Cliff Villa. It’s high enough above southern Kenya’s Diani Beach to afford us superb views out over the Indian Ocean, but close enough that we can hear every whisper of the waves.

Graceful palm trees – as tall as the villa itself – sway in the maritime breeze, while an endless ribbon of white sand stretches away in each direction, as far as the eye can see.

Gazing in the direction of the sunrise, the next landfall would be the scattered islands of the Seychelles; if we missed those, it would be Indonesia. Inland of our seaside hideaway, Shimba Hills National Reserve provides sanctuary to elephant and other wildlife, while passing schools of dolphin draw our eyes out to sea.

Thanks to the long, low coral reef, the warm water in front of our villa is smooth, glassy and very inviting.

The rooms

My partner and I have the turret suite, with its wraparound windows giving us a phenomenal 270° view of the ocean. Below us – ‘like layers in a family trifle’, as my son delightedly exclaims – are two double bedrooms on the first floor, occupied by my parents and my sister and her partner. The ground floor twin room has been a hubbub of activity since we arrived, as it does its best to contain two energetic, not-quite-ten-year-old cousins. I love our suite best at dawn, when the first sunbeams of the day pour into it, and palm shadows are splayed across the canopy-style ceiling. Each room in Alfajiri Cliff Villa is different, but the decor themes unite them just as this trip is bringing us even closer together as a family. Hand-carved furniture made by local carpenters sits harmoniously side-by-side with lamps and fabrics sourced from India and Morocco – a reminder of the trading links that the Swahili Coast has long enjoyed with far-off lands. A knock at the antique Lamu door announces our butler, letting us know that our al fresco seafood barbeque is ready.

My partner and I have the turret suite, with its wraparound windows giving us a phenomenal 270° view of the ocean. Below us – ‘like layers in a family trifle’, as my son delightedly exclaims – are two double bedrooms on the first floor, occupied by my parents and my sister and her partner. The ground floor twin room has been a hubbub of activity since we arrived, as it does its best to contain two energetic, not-quite-ten-year-old cousins.

I love our suite best at dawn, when the first sunbeams of the day pour into it, and palm shadows are splayed across the canopy-style ceiling. Each room in Alfajiri Cliff Villa is different, but the decor themes unite them just as this trip is bringing us even closer together as a family.

Hand-carved furniture made by local carpenters sits harmoniously side-by-side with lamps and fabrics sourced from India and Morocco – a reminder of the trading links that the Swahili Coast has long enjoyed with far-off lands. A knock at the antique Lamu door announces our butler, letting us know that our al fresco seafood barbeque is ready.

What sets it apart

Alfajiri Cliff Villa is as unique as our loveably eccentric family, as it’s designed especially for family and multi-generational holidays rather than for couple escapes. The staff – including the nannies who once cared for the owners’ children – clearly love sharing in the energy and excitement that seem to infect each child that sets foot in this magical beach retreat. We love that each day happens at whatever pace we want it to; menus, mealtimes and activities are designed around us, and even the fussiest eaters (her child, not mine!) are accommodated by chefs who spend their mornings haggling for the fresh seafood and farm produce that local villagers bring to the kitchen door. There’s a great range of activities to enjoy, from snorkelling to kite surfing, and many of them are included. That spirit percolates through the entire experience as our wishes come to life daily.

Alfajiri Cliff Villa is as unique as our loveably eccentric family, as it’s designed especially for family and multi-generational holidays rather than for couple escapes. The staff – including the nannies who once cared for the owners’ children – clearly love sharing in the energy and excitement that seem to infect each child that sets foot in this magical beach retreat.

We love that each day happens at whatever pace we want it to; menus, mealtimes and activities are designed around us, and even the fussiest eaters (her child, not mine!) are accommodated by chefs who spend their mornings haggling for the fresh seafood and farm produce that local villagers bring to the kitchen door.

There’s a great range of activities to enjoy, from snorkelling to kite surfing, and many of them are included. That spirit percolates through the entire experience as our wishes come to life daily.

At a glance

A three-storey luxury ocean villa with rim-flow pool, perched above Kenya’s best beach for superb views. Up to eight guests (or ten if extra child beds are used) can be accommodated in four distinct bedrooms, with plenty of space for al fresco dining.
Private villa, daily menu and activity choices, flexible schedules, a dedicated team of staff including butlers, nannies and chefs and daily massages.
Snorkelling, swimming, dhow excursions (additional cost), kitesurfing (additional cost), diving (additional cost), deep-sea fishing (additional cost), spa treatments, golf (additional cost), Shimba Hills day trips (additional cost), cultural visits, use of gym and sauna facilities at a nearby property.
Alfajiri Cliff Villa is ideal for family- and multi-generational holidays, with four bedrooms in different layouts for children and adults. Two additional single beds for children can be added, for a maximum of 10 guests. Children’s meals created and served according to their preferences. Babysitting available 24 hours per day with two nannies.

A three-storey luxury ocean villa with rim-flow pool, perched above Kenya’s best beach for superb views. Up to eight guests (or ten if extra child beds are used) can be accommodated in four distinct bedrooms, with plenty of space for al fresco dining.
Private villa, daily menu and activity choices, flexible schedules, a dedicated team of staff including butlers, nannies and chefs and daily massages.
Snorkelling, swimming, dhow excursions (additional cost), kitesurfing (additional cost), diving (additional cost), deep-sea fishing (additional cost), spa treatments, golf (additional cost), Shimba Hills day trips (additional cost), cultural visits, use of gym and sauna facilities at a nearby property.
Alfajiri Cliff Villa is ideal for family- and multi-generational holidays, with four bedrooms in different layouts for children and adults. Two additional single beds for children can be added, for a maximum of 10 guests. Children’s meals created and served according to their preferences. Babysitting available 24 hours per day with two nannies.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.