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Fig House is a large private house situated on the confluence of Takaungu creek and the Indian Ocean, three miles south of Kilifi on the Kenyan Coast. It is approximately an hour's drive from international airports at Mombasa and Malindi. It stands in three acres of mature gardens, with 100m of ocean frontage, on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Kenyan coast.
Fig House takes its name from the large number of sycomore fig trees on the property - all nurtured from seed, and today attracting monkeys, bush babies, hornbills and fruit-bats.
The large house ( c. 20,000 sq ft ) covers three levels with swimming pool, atrium, courtyard, kitchen, family and breakfast rooms on the lower level.
A hanging staircase leads from the atrium over a koi pond and waterfall to the next level with its 'village square' and four large bedrooms - all en suite.www.crocodileracers.com
The upper level with its private roof, star-bath, bridge, and sundowner barazza is reached from stairs from the village square or from the master bedroom.
The house sleeps 10 (2+1, 2+1, 2, 2) with ease and there are additional star-beds on the roof for those who'd like to star-gaze.
The house is fully staffed with a team of five that includes a chef, and full catering is offered as an option.
The Bedrooms
The 4 bedrooms are all large with oversize beds ( the master bed is c. 11'), furnished with persian rugs and swahili furniture. All have fabulous views and large bathrooms.
The furnishings are all hand crafted from local wood and fossilised coral. The ceilings are high and even on the warmest evenings, there is always a gentle breeze.
The Ground
Large carved double doors lead to a central atrium with raised koi pond and waterfall. The breakfast room, family room with swimming pool and kitchen all lead from this.
The breakfast room is situated to take advantage of the early morning land breeze.
The family room where you can take lunch, read, or just chill beside the infinity pool.
Roof & Star bath
The large roof has a beautiful 360º view and communal and private areas.
The communal area has a large sundowner 'barazza' facing towards the sea and a cushion store and is accessed by steps from the 'village square'.
The private roof above the master bedroom is reached from stairs in the bedroom or by a bridge from the other roof. It has a built-in star-bed and star-bath.
Kayaking
There are four sit-on ocean kayaks ( 2 large, 2 small) for exploring the creek. Life-jackets are provided. The creek extends inland for approximately five miles through unspoilt mangrove forest (no crocodiles!). It is great for bird watching, sundowners or just a family adventure and best accessed on the last hour or two of the incoming tide so the current helps you up, and then back again once it turns.
Snorkelling
There is reasonable snorkelling from the house and a resident green turtle is often seen in the creek on a evening high tide. There is better snorkelling on the reefs offshore and trips can be arranged by the Crocodile Racers Adventures Safaris Ltd
Diving
There are good reefs approximately a mile offshore and the nearby Vuma cliffs offers drop-offs and caves and is one of the best dive sites in Kenya. It often has large visiting pelagics - mantas, whale sharks, bill fish and resident napoleon wrasse and grouper.
Diving can be organised through Buccaneer Diving, a 5 star PADI centre operating out of the Mnarani Club ( approximately three miles away on the south side of Kilifi creek).
Sailing / Wind surfing
Kilifi creek 'bowl' provides the best dingy sailing in Kenya. A RYA sailing school with BWSF trained instructors operates from Kilifi Boatyard ( 5 miles away, south side of Kilifi Creek) and provides lessons and boat hire. They also run children's sailing camps.
Jet-skiing / Water-skiing / Wake-boarding
Provided by 3º South ( see 'Sailing' above) operating out of Kilifi Boatyard
Dhow Trips
A dhow trip is the ideal way to see Kilifi creek - for bird watching, sundowners or just a relaxed evening sail. Perhaps combine a snorkelling trip with a lobster lunch on the beach.
Children's Adventure Camp
A brilliant outdoor activity camp for children has just opened on Takaungu creek next to Kivukoni school - and it is only a five minute walk away. Highly recommended - children LOVE it!
Golf
There are two newly-opened PGA world class courses at Vipingo Ridge, approximately 20 minutes away on the road towards Mombasa.
Deep Sea Fishing
Can be arranged out of Mnarani club and fish for marlin, sailfish, wahoo, dorado, tuna etc
Safaris
Many will have already been on safari by the time they reach the coast, but if you fancy a few days away within a half day's drive, Lions Bluff lodge
Cultural Visits
Gede ruins are the remains of a 12th C Swahili town close to Watamu approximately one hour north of Kilifi. The ruins are a national monument and covered in strangling fig trees. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon.
A visit to the nearby traditional Swahili village of Takaungu can be arranged through the staff. The village is predominantly muslim and, if visiting, it is respectful to dress conservatively.
Birdwatching
There is good birdwatching around the plantation within walking distance of Fig House.
Further afield there is Arabuko Sokoke forest with its endemic scops owl, and Mida creek - both are close together and c. 45 minutes north of Kilifi on the Malindi road.
