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Neem House was architecturally designed and built in the traditional Arab/Swahili vernacular.
The house, situated on a coral outcrop and surrounded by numerous large Neem trees, is constructed from
coral/limestone block, has traditional boriti pole ceilings and beautiful Galana slate on the floors.
Neem House is approximately 350 m from the beach,
accessed via the Driftwood beach club or down one of several lanes.
There is a wonderful pool at Neem House.
Built in classic Arabic style, it is over 2 meters deep and is situated in a private courtyard.
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All rooms are large and spacious and feature Arabesque archways and antique carved doors sourced from Lamu and Zanzibar.
Ceilings, supported by traditional ‘Boriti’ poles are in excess of three meters.
Floors are tiled with cool Galana stone, sourced from the Galana river to the north of Malindi.
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There are four large bedrooms. Three are ensuite, with beautiful Swahili furniture, overhead ceiling fans
and custom made mosquito nets. Deep verandahs surround these rooms on all sides.
The large outer windows are enclosed with wrought iron and the
inner window spaces (no glass) are fitted with cane blinds or teak shutters.
This creates a very open and cool living space.
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The fourth bedroom is situated high in the canopy of the numerous Neem trees surrounding the house.
This room, with its' high pitched Makuti roof and waist high walls, sleeps four singles
or can be reconfiguered to accomodate a couple if required.
Neem House sleeps a maximum of twelve.
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The traditional flat roof is over 100sq meters and sits just above the treetops.
The views from the roof are breathtaking, particularly at sunrise and sunset and in the afternoons,
when the dhows are in full sail, heading home after a days' fishing.
There is a sweet little Sykes monkey who will often join you for sundowners Please do not feed her.
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All of the furniture is teak, designed for comfort on the coast.
There are loungers and day beds on the verandahs and by the pool and wooden outdoor furniture on the roof.
There are four permanent staff at Neem House.
Kahindi, head of house and the Neem House chef , Rogers,the housekeeper, Sammy, the groundsman and Tukuya, the night watchman.
Kahindi, cooks fabulous seafood, classic Swahili dishes and sources only the freshest ingredients from the market,
Rogers takes care of all housekeeping and laundry, Sammy is in charge of the one acre of gardens and the pool area
and Tukuyu is on duty in the evenings to assist you with anything you may need.
Abu, the fisherman, comes to the door most mornings, weather permitting.
Additional help in the house, Ayas' (nannies) and babysitters can be employed on a casual basis if required.
Neem House is available for rent throughout the year.
High season, August to January and Easter is Euros 300 per night, off season is Euros 250 per night.
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Shopping is fun and hassle free. For groceries and supplies you can either pop into town in a Tuk Tuk
(three supermarkets to choose from) or send Kahindi with a shopping list.
The fisherman comes to the door most days - fish, prawns, calamari, oysters, crab, crayfish... tough decisions.
Imported foods are quite expensive, however local fruit and vegetables are excellent quality and good value.
The local markets are very interesting - the range of produce is immense and the people very friendly and welcoming.
The butchery at the Italian supermarket is excellent if you tire from fresh seafood!
Kenyan beer is very good, and wine is also reasonable.
Water is mains supply although we do filter it for drinking. Electricity is VERY expensive and sometimes erratic.
The kitchen has a six burner gas/electric cooker and an electric oven. There are two fridges,
a large Bosch with an excellent freezer in the kitchen and a smaller drinks fridge on the landing upstairs.
Malindi town has survived 4 centuries and has an incredibly interesting history.
A classic African town, chaotic at times, real Africa mixed with Arab Swahili influences. Vibrant and full of colour.
There are numerous things to do in and around Malindi and lots of sites on the internet about
Malindi, Watamu, Gedi and Kipepeo, Kilifi, Lamu, Mombasa and the Tsavo National Park.
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Diving or snorkeling the Malindi and Watamu Marine National Parks is highly recommended.
The coral gardens are spectacular and there is always a chance of spotting turtles, dolphins, giant groupers
or the harmless Whale Shark who are regularly sighted in the area.
Aqua Ventures, a registered PADI dive centre, operates out of the Driftwood Beach Club.
Malindi is famous for big game fishing safaris (tag and release). Sailfish, marlin and swordfish are all plentiful.
Safaris into the East Tsavo National Park, 100kms to the west of Malindi can be arranged.
The classic tented safari camps are situated along the Galana river.
The Gedi ruins, remnants of a 13th to 17th century Swahili town abandoned 3 centuries ago, is also well worth a visit.
The numerous restaurants in Malindi are excellent thanks to the resident Italian and German influences.
Local African style places are also very good. Nyama Choma (BBQ meat) and Swahili seafood curries in particular.
Shopping is excellent and very good value. Beautiful silver jewellery, fabrics, throws, kangas and Kikoi's,
beaded leather sandals, bags and belts, soapstone carvings, locally made brass and glass light fittings.
Classic Tinga Tinga artworks - stylised modern paintings in enamel,
and famous Makonde wood carvings, Arab and Swahili antiques.
There are direct flights into Malindi via Nairobi. The airport is about ten minutes from Neem House.
A driver will collect you with our compliments.
We look forward to you enjoying our home.
Karin Duthie and Mark Henningsen
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