A trip to South Coast gives a visitor an opportunity to experience the broad expanse of pure white beach, and as ALLAN OLINGO recently found out, the inviting ocean and the exotic world of holidaying in a rented villa is just the best way to relax
Leaving Nairobi on a chilly Friday morning, I was upbeat about the prospects of spending a three-day holiday unwinding in one of Kenya’s pristine beaches. As the Air Kenya plane taxied away, my fear of flight constantly pricked me but I decided to turn a blind eye.
Landing at Ukunda Airstrip slightly an hour later, the weather was different. It was sunny and hot, just the perfect getaway compared to the crappy weather in Nairobi.
We drove straight to Bahari Dhow Beach Villas, where I booked in to their three bed roomed villa. Now the heavens gate had opened itself to me.
Bahari Dhow comprises of 24 fully furnished self contained, double storey villas, each with three large ensuite bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, dining and living room. As I checked in I realised that my bedroomed faced the beach and the scenery was breathtaking. This is what I needed; an escape from the bustling rough life of the newsroom to this world of its own.
Swahili inspired
Inspired by the Swahili architecture, Bahari Dhow Villas are elegant and imposing. The three pools each at the villas’ entrance remind one of the missions to the Coast — holiday. The beauty of holidaying on a rented villa is that you live like you would in your house. That was my excitement.
Too tired to start making my own lunch, I opted for a meal of grilled chicken with lettuce and mashed potatoes from the in-house African Oasis Beach Bar and Restaurant. That afternoon, I decided to let go and swim in the ocean even though the tides were now getting stronger.
It was then time to explore the nightlife of Diani. With a little enquiry from Nancy, the Bahari Dhow manager, I settled for Forty Thieves, that was three minutes drive away. The place was beaming with foreigners and lots of ‘Nairobians’ whom I later learnt were advocates on a convention in South Coast. After a few drink, I retired for the night.
The sun rises quite early in the Coast so, the cool bright morning presents a beautiful opportunity for a beach walk. There is no better moment to collect one’s thoughts than when taking an early morning walk or jog along the beach. I later drove to Nakumatt Diani and did my shopping for the house. I was now determined to cook for my self and enjoy the ‘home away from home’ experience of renting a villa.
I had made arrangements to visit Wasini and Shimoni on Sunday and as I woke up the following morning, just like a toddler on their first day at school, I was filled with excitement. This was, however, cut short when it started raining. After a few phone calls, I decided that I still had to continue with the schedule.
Slavery caves
