MANDHARI, Shimba Hills, Kenya – a private hideaway with spectacular views (+ Video)

This post is also available in: German

Wide open spaces, peace and exclusive luxury

The view into the infinite vastness is the most beautiful in Africa. And that’s exactly what makes Mandhari (Swahili for the view) really special – the view quite simply is spectacular!

This luxury property really swept us off our feet – it’s so overwhelmingly beautiful! Mandhari is located in the Shimba Hills – on top of the Golini Ridge – overlooking the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary.

It is privately owned, but can be booked for some time now for overnight stays. The 8 hectare property has only 3 rooms and offers luxury and privacy with very personal service.

We were warmly greeted by Mganda and were well looked after during our entire stay. Chef Suleman took care of our physical well-being and Salim, the third member of the team ensured our safety.

“The view into the endless horizon sometimes helps us to reflect on what might be following next” -Emil Baschnonga

The heart of the lodge and absolute highlight is the extraordinary pool directly on the edge of the ridge with its spectacular panoramic view! WOW!

You can relax and unwind on one of the sunbeds or on the various bench seats in the pool while enjoying the amazing view.

If you’re lucky, you can even see some elephants from here. Unfortunately, we did not. Many of the elephants have already been relocated to the Tsavo National Park (also to protect them from poaching). However, we read in the guest book, that many guests have seen elephants from here!

Mganda always made sure we did not lack for anything. Sunsets are magnificently beautiful to watch and are always accompanied by a sundowner with a small snack of delicious homemade crisps and vegetable sticks.

To enjoy the sunset at the pool is pure luxury!

Rooms

The rooms are also exceptional. One of the rooms is a covered tent with open-air bath, one is built into the rocks and then the family house is situated right by the pool.

Tent Lodge
We stayed in this wonderful covered tent. It is more secluded and perfect for honeymooners!

When clouds of fog float by in the morning or the sun goes down in the evening – the view is simply magical!

We love these safari tents because they are so romantic! And with the outdoor sofa, the huge carpet and the large sky bed, it is also very comfortable.

The view from the bed – awesome!

Another key feature and special highlight is the unique open-air bathroom with a tree right in the middle! It also has a shower, basin and toilet.

It is not as cold here, as in other parts of Kenya or Africa, so you can still use it at night.

Rock Bedroom
The rock room is a small cozy room right under the lounge – built directly into the rocks and it also has stunning views.

Master Lodge
The main house or family house is located directly behind the pool. It has 2 rooms with 4 beds – one room with a double bed and the room next door with single beds.

Lounge

In the center of Mandhari there is a cozy lounge. It functions as a meeting place where you can also relax and enjoy the view from. A little further down there is an even larger terrace.

In the morning and in the evening, meals are also served here. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast on the terrace.

In the evening we could choose, whether we wanted to be seated in the lounge or on the terrace outside next to the kitchen. Of course, we decided to dine outside.

From here, we could look over Suleman’s shoulder while he cooked. He spoiled us with a delicious 3-course menu of soup, chicken curry and fruit salad.

It was a bit odd that the three of them were there just to look after the two of us.

Conclusion

For a special occasion or event, like a marriage proposal, birthday party or a very luxurious time out, Mandhari is just perfect. You can book a single room or the entire property exclusively. The extra-ordinary personal service, the great design, the relaxed atmosphere and the unique location are magnificent! Relaxation, luxury and pure romance! We were thrilled!

Rooms: 3 rooms (1 family house, 1 rock room, 1 tent)
Flight duration: With Condor from Frankfurt to Mombasa nonstop in 8.5 hours
Transfer: 90 km from Mombasa Airport and 40 km from Diani Beach. Our tip for the transfer: D.M.Tours
Check-in / Check-out times: 14:00 / 11:00
Air Temperature: 20 – 32.5° Celsius
Malaria: Malaria risk area. Please ensure that you take the necessary malaria prophylaxis (Malarone)
Vaccinations: Polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B; Yellow fever when entering from  neighboring countries such as Tanzania
Best travel time: Year round; High season is from June – September, October – February are the hottest, March – May are the rainiest months and there might still be some rain in November.
Time shift: 2 hours (in summer: 1 hour)
Price: From 490 EUR / night (for prices incl. staff & catering please contact Richard Glaser via email)
Special features: absolute privacy, pure luxury, great tent, spectacular bathroom, peace, nature
Our tip: Make sure to bring along some ear plugs as the Muslim worship in the village next door starts very early and is loudly called out
Perfect for: couples, families, nature lovers, animal lovers, romantic souls


Mandhari Property 
Kwale/Golini
Reservierung: +254 728 218 255
r.glaser@thesandskenya.com
www.mandhari.org
Facebook

The Mandhari can be perfectly combined with a stay at The Sands at Nomad, the Shimba Hills Lodge and a safari at the Shimba Hills National Reserve or the Masai Mara.

Did you like this article? Then make our day and share it!
_____________________________________________________________

Note: During our stay we were supported by Mandhari. Thank you so much! The opinions expressed in this article are absolutely 100% our own! Our trip  was organized by Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board). A heartfelt thank you!!

Monique De Caro

Monique De Caro

Luxury Travel Blogger & (Wedding) Photographer at Monique De Caro | Photography & Design
Hallo, ich bin Monique #lebensfrohe Weltenbummlerin #Fotografin #Travel Bloggerin und die Schreiberin dieses Blogs. Da ich selbst Hochzeitsfotografin bin und ich meinen Mann Marcus am Strand Anse Source d´Argent auf den Seychellen geheiratet habe, möchten wir euch vor allem Tipps für wunderschöne Flitterwochen, die eigene Hochzeit am Strand, Luxusreisen, einzigartige Hotels oder die romantische Auszeit zu zweit geben.
Monique De Caro
- 3 years ago

Have your say