Takaungu Private House – Takaungu, Kilifi

Takaungu Private House sits atop a bluff overlooking the Indian Ocean and a tiny slice of sand-encrusted beach. The house, a haven of tranquillity, was carved from a ruin discovered deep in the beachside brush over 50 years ago. It’s a secret place.  A place to heal hearts, for silent contemplation, for writing, and reading, and resting.

Just south of Kilifi is the ephemeral Takaungu Private House. It is located a short way out of Takaungu village, which winds along the impossibly picturesque Takaungu creek, with its towering coral stone cliffs, sandbars, and puffer fish. Takaungu Private House looks over Takaungu Beach, a slither of white sand frequented only by fishermen and the local kids who come to play football after school. The house is magnificent in its solitude; spend the day reading books on the ocean view day bed, languish in the aquamarine’ shallow pool’ at the end of the reef, take a short walk into Takaungu Creek and hunt for fist-sized sand dollars, or wait for high tide and battle the rollers – no matter how you choose to spend your time there won’t be another tourist in sight. This is truly an off-the-beaten-track gem.

Takaungu House was discovered by the Mason family some 50 years ago. The charismatic owner was venturing along goat tracks in search of a rumoured dive site hidden within Kilifi’s coral cliffs when he came across the white walls of a ruined building overlooking the beach. Immediately determined to buy it, he found the owner and spent several days negotiating a deal. The building, the former home of an Arab Trader, must have a few stories to tell, as does Philip, who is delightful company.

50 years later, Philip is still smitten with his property, and it’s not hard to see why. Extensive developments have been made, including adding two houses to the plot, but nothing has been lost in charm. All three homes are built in homage to the Swahili coastal architectural style, with large, light-filled rooms, antique furniture, shutters to keep out the midday sun, outdoor pools, magnificent views, and flower-filled gardens. 

We stayed at Takaungu Private House. Takaungu Main House is a larger version of the Private House built across three stories and offering more bedrooms, suitable for a larger group. The third house on the property is kept for the family.

Takaungu Private House has four bedrooms: a huge master with a second room suitable for children and a double and a single in a separate building just a few steps from the main house. The three main rooms are en-suite. The bedding is luxurious, and the rooms have mosquito nets and fans.

A large lounge and dining room lead to an expansive deck with different seating options and a pool that overlooks the beach and ocean. As with all well-designed coastal houses, the focus is on the outdoors, but the house also caters to those odd rainy days with a perfect blend of cosy indoors and idyllic outdoor spaces.

The staff, particularly the chef, Bakari, are the best I’ve ever experienced on the coast. Fish is taken directly from the fishermen who land their catch on the beach below. Bakari can turn his hand to anything, cooking us an incredible selection of giant prawns, calamari, fish curry, gargantuan salads, coconut and tamarind ice creams, and the most sumptuous cakes served every day at 4pm with a giant pot of tea. We left Bakari to his own devices rather than specifying food because every dish was a delight.

Lately, I have been somewhat lackadaisical in reviewing properties, and I only blog about the most special places. Takaungu Private House is one of those extraordinary places. A beloved family business rather than a commercial enterprise, everything is carefully curated to deliver a warm and holistic coastal experience that nourishes and restores. It is a beautiful place to stay in Takaungu.

Book Takaungu Private House through Airbnb.

How Much Does Takaungu Private House Cost?

Prices vary according to season, but they start around $250 per night

The property has a chef, cleaner and gardener, but it is usual to tip the staff for their service, so please factor this in.

Things to do in Takaungu

Takaungu Private House was so perfect that we didn’t leave the entire time, but if you fancy exploring the surrounding areas, head over to Kilfii. My blog on Kilifi wiill give you more details; I recommend:

• Salty’s Kitesurf Village on Bofa Beach, Kilifi (restaurant)
• The Food Movement, located in Kilifi Plantation (restaurant)
• 3 Degrees on Kilifi Creek, learn to sail, waterski, kitesurf, paddleboard
• Kuruwitu at Vipingo offers some of the best snorkelling on the Kenyan coast, owing to the community coral rejuvenation project. There is also an excellent restaurant on the beach.
• Watamu is just over an hour away and has many restaurants, beaches, kitesurfing and diving options.
• Mombasa is 90 minutes and is the second-largest city in Kenya.

How to get to Takaungu Private House

Fly into Mombasa, Vipingo or Malindi.

• Mombasa – 90 mins drive
• Vipingo – 30 mins drive
• Malindi – 90 mins drive.

SGR Train to Mombasa

Self-drive from Nairobi approx. 8 hours.

Ubers or taxis are easy to arrange from Mombasa and Malindi. You will need to pre-book a taxi from Vipingo.

Takungu Private House is at the end of a paved road; no special vehicle is needed to reach it.

Sharing is caring!