Vipingo Ridge is open to the public, says manager

Vipingo Ridge clubhouse. Vipingo is rated as one of the top holiday-homes developments in the region. (PHOTO: PETER MUIRURI / STANDARD)

Vipingo Ridge, one the country’s top holiday-homes developments has joined the league of establishments offering holiday options to Kenyans wanting to have a quiet getaway at the coast.

In a media briefing in Nairobi last week, General Manager Mike Round-Turner, stated that contrary to popular opinion, Vipingo Ridge remains open to members of the public who wish to use their facilities, which includes spending a night or more in the high-end homes.

“There is a misconception that Vipingo Ridge is only accessible to the super rich in society. However, any Kenyan who wants to spend some time at Vipingo is welcome. Our golf course is open to all golfers, while accommodation is available at the golf villas,” he said. Alternatively, visiting families can engage in horse riding, tennis, bike riding or spend time snorkelling at their beach property near Kuruwitu.

According to Round-Turner, day visitors need to pay Sh1,000 at the gate, a fee which is redeemable through the purchase of food and drinks at the clubhouse or by engaging in any of the other listed activities.

To boost travel to the area, local aviation company Safarilink recently commenced daily flights to Kilifi through the nearby Vipingo Ridge airstrip. A return flight costs US$99 (about Sh10,000) excluding airport taxes.

The 2,500-acre Vipingo Ridge, located 30 kilometres from Mombasa, and off the Mombasa–Malindi road has been rated as one of the top holiday-homes developments in Kenya and the region at large. It consists of 115 completed homes including 22 golf villas.

Developers have the option to rent their homes while receiveing encouraging capital gains. The project has redefined the property landscape in the hitherto sleepy neighbourhood of Kilifi previously known for its sisal plantations. It is now one of the most sought after pieces of real estate locally. Among the amenities earmarked for Vipingo include a school and a hospital.