East African Retreats

23/05/2026

12/05/2026

Remote, mysterious, dramatic and wildly beautiful, Desert Rose Lodge sits at 5,500 feet on the lush, cedar-clad slopes of Mount Nyiro, sacred mountain of the Samburu.

This extraordinary exclusive-use retreat is a place of understated natural luxury, enchanting isolation and elemental adventures.

Find out much more at https://theeastafricantraveller.com/properties/exclusive-use/desert-rose/

29/04/2026

A spectacular new 6-bedroom private home on the fringes of sought-after Shela, Pamba House sets new standards for space, style, luxury and exclusivity in Lamu.

Beautifully designed, furnished and equipped in sophisticated, airy and harmonious Swahili-modern style, it makes for a deeply soothing and indulgent retreat.

Set on an 8-acre plot backing onto the sand dunes and with easy access to Shela village and the beach, at Pamba House a peaceful, secluded and untrammelled stay is guaranteed.

Find out much more at https://theeastafricantraveller.com/properties/exclusive-use/pamba-house/

26/02/2026

Our latest handpicked retreat is Cardamom House - a delightfully secluded boutique hotel tucked away in vibrant tropical gardens overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Off-the-beaten-track, personal and restful, conservation-minded, family-run and owner-managed, it's a definite hidden gem in a lovely jungly coastal setting.

Designed and furnished in imaginative and sophisticated Swahili-modern style, it makes for a perfect away-from-it-all break at the beach.

13/02/2026

Manzili Mara offers a wonderfully elevated, serene and refined safari experience, with panoramic views across the Mara and Serengeti ecosystem.

Perched atop the Siria Escarpment, the dramatic western boundary of the Masai Mara, this is a uniquely personal 'Masai modern' home in a spectacularly scenic setting.

Formerly the private bush retreat of the late Anthony Russell - photographer, artist and designer - Manzili is built in sophisticated rustic-chic style with sustainable locally-souced materials.

The Mara's most intimate exclusive-use property, this is a stylish and immersive base from which to explore and experience Africa's most celebrated wilderness area.

09/02/2026

We adored our recent stay at Roca River - a classic camp beautifully situated along the banks of the Mara River.

Family owned and operated, it delivers the definitive East African safari experience with charm, class, comfort and care.

Small, personal, welcoming, independent and unpackaged, immersed in nature and wildlife, it's such a delightful place to stay.

04/02/2026

Our latest handpicked retreat is Diani's gorgeous and brand new Pandanas Beach Villa.

A beautifully put-together one-bedroom beachfront hideaway, it is ideal for couples, honeymooners and anniversaries.

Set beneath a majestic Cape Mahogany tree and surrounded by greenery, it is just seconds away from beautiful Diani Beach.

Relax and enjoy the air-conditioned Emperor bedroom, deep turquoise plunge pool, refreshing jungle shower and oceanside lounge.

Owner-managed and with a discreet and attentive team of staff, Pandanas is perfect for a luxurious, carefree and romantic break at the beach.

Find out much more at https://eastafricanretreats.com/retreat/pandanas-beach-villa-diani-beach/

27/01/2026

A lovely, substantial and very private villa built in traditional, airy and imposing Swahili style and surrounded by greenery, Crescent House looks out across the Indian Ocean from one of the best positions in Turtle Bay and enjoys direct access to a quiet stretch of Watamu’s beautiful beach https://eastafricanretreats.com/retreat/crescent-house-watamu/

20/11/2025

Our latest handpicked retreat is beautiful Bembea House - an airy and atmospheric multi-storey mansion designed and built in traditional Swahili style.

A sophisticated sanctuary in one of fhe nicest spots in stylish Shela, Bembea has four double/twin bedrooms and elegant interiors filled with decorative plasterwork and African artifacts.

Bembea enjoys lovely views over sand dunes and village rooftops and is just moments away from the Shela seafront, Peponi Hotel and Lamu's wonderful 8-mile beach.

Find out much more at https://eastafricanretreats.com/retreat/bembea-house-shela-lamu/