Luxury Clifftop Retreat in Kwale, Kenya
Private Luxury Cottage Overlooking Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
About the Room
Private Cottage with Elephant Sanctuary Views
The Cliff House Cottage
Sleep Above an Elephant Sanctuary
Escape to Cliff House, a private luxury cottage in Shimba Hills overlooking Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary. Enjoy panoramic views, Starlink internet, a king recliner bed, and unforgettable wildlife experiences. personalized attention.
Amenities

Air Con

Barbecue

Parking

Wifi

Refrigirator

fire extinguisher

Pool

Crib
Linens
Bathroom
Breakfast
Swimming Pool
Book Shelf
Fine Dining
Barbecue
Working Space
Escape To The Shimba This Summer
Perched high on the cliffs of Shimba Hills, Cliff House is one of Kenya’s most unique hideaways. Wake to breathtaking sunrise views over the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, relax in complete privacy, and experience nature from the comfort of a luxurious king-size recliner bed framed by floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows.
Gallery








What our guests are saying
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The views are breathtaking, the house is beautiful and surroundings are serene and peaceful. The team was great, communicated well and catered to our needs well. Wonderful trip overall
Ann
June 1, 2026
Pumzika Tu is a spectacular property perched up on Golini ridge with sweeping views of the Mwaluganje elephant sanctuary. It took us just 40 minutes to get there from the... read more heart of Diani Beach in our sub compact car. The. journey was very comfortable despite being in a small vehicle.The host, John met us on arrival and we found him to be very warm and bubbly. He showed us around the property and cued us in to some fun things to do in the area. He had many stories from his exciting past and was great fun to catch up with throughout our stay.The staff were equally amazing. We had all our meals prepared without having to babysit the chef. Food was ready on time and was always delicious!There is always somebody nearby to help in case you need anything.Our little cottage had a spacious open plan living room and kitchen and a comfortable en-suite bedroom. Both feature floor to ceiling windows overlooking the vast reserve hundreds of feet below the house. The beds even prop up so you can sit in bed and soak up the views.The house has a huge fridge which is super useful for those who want to stock up and not make a trip to the supermarket in Ukunda.Internet connectivity was good and stable throughout.Bedroom was air conditioned, but the evenings were cool enough that we didn't need it.There in is a small resident dog, Muppet. We miss her terribly! she was great company throughout!Can't wait to get back up there again! Next time we plan to go with friends, since John also has a much larger home on the property that would be amazing for a dozen buddies looking for a unique and breathtakingly beautiful escape!There is KWS Shimba Hills park just 15 minutes from Pumzika Tu. Entry rates were very reasonable and the park is beautiful. Definitely worth a trip while you are here. If you do visit, remember to carry some bug repellent and definitely go in a big car. our little wagon managed, but definitely had some scrapes along the way!
Amann
January 15, 2022
To say our stay was memorable would be an under statement. The house was spectacular and photos don't do it justice. From the views to the facilities made available- private... read more balcony, infinity pool, expansive shared deck and bbq area; This is one of the best places we've ever stayed at. Even working remotely was possible with good internet connection. Many thanks to the team for being hospitable from the day we arrived. Truly cant thank them enough for making our anniversary special. We will definitely be back for a much longer stay in 2022 to celebrate more milestones. Again, thank you and happy new year!!
Cathy
December 21, 2021
We spent a week working remotely from Pumzika-tu. It was a perfect set-up for working remotely, with reliable Wifi from multiple sources and back up power from generators if necessary.... read more The cooking facilities were ideal, especially the BBQ area and a decent supermarket is located a short distance away in Diani. When we didn't feel like cooking, chef John was always preparing something delicious, and we often had lunch prepared by John of local Kenyan cuisine. When not working, Diani beach was a short and scenic drive away, and is filled with restaurants and bars. Also close by are the Shimba Hills national park, easily organized with transport in the accommodation's own 4x4 and driver. We particularly enjoyed being able to sit by the pool at the laptop, watching baboons, monkeys and the occasional elephant going by the watering hole below. Pumzika-tu is the perfect mix of facilities to get work done, and the scenery and sanctity of the surrounding beauty. All of the staff were incredibly friendly and did a great job. The cottage has amazing views (best view from the shower we have ever seen), a large seating area and balcony. The kitchen is fully stocked with utensils, and there is a large fridge/freezer.We loved catching up with host John for a gin and tonic at sunset, and will miss Muppet the dog! John has incredibly interesting stories from his sailing adventures, and is so knowledgeable about the history of the area. Thank you John for our stay, will be back!
Rebecca
October 15, 2021 -
Great place. Amazing location. Nice and cozy place with amazing views from the terrace, bedroom and especially shower. It is hard to get out f the bed; what a view.... read more Just like the pictures. Awesome infinity pool overlooking the valley. Great communication and collaboration from Winnie. We would love to come back.
Joris
February 15, 2021
My first visit to Pumzika-Tu Kwale.What a wonderful Surprise. The cliff house is built on the ridge of the shimba hills. Totally independent from the main house with the most... read more beautiful view of the valley. Fully equipped staff in every way. Very helpful friendly charming people.We had a lovely time.Maggie and Rosemary.
Margaret
January 31, 2020
We enjoyed several wonderful nights in John's new Cliff House. The house is set on the cliffside with spectacular 180-degree views of the Mwalunganje Elephant reserve. The living space is... read more completely open to the elements and supports a cute little kitchen and comfortable living space with a fireplace in the corner. The bedroom has a panoramic view through floor to ceiling glass windows. It's also airconditioned! The bathroom has one of the most amazing showers we've ever had with hot water, great water pressure, all combined with the same view over the Elephant sanctuary. The Cliff House has its own deck area which allows a completely private experience. You are set away from the main house, although shared swimming and bbq facilities are close at hand. The staff service the house on a regular basis offering full maid service, daily laundry, and either full catering or simply catering prep assistance, which we opted for (although from our past experiences staying in the Main House, John (the Chef, not to be confused with John the Host) is excellent -- so if you are a first-timer at Pumzika-Tu, we highly recommend the full catering experience!). There was a seemingly endless array of staff from Salim the gardener, to John the Chef, Saidi, Aisha, Ali, Chenko the driver and several others whose names we missed. It ventured a lavish experience which far outweighed the small price we seemed to be paying for the house. John's land is set up high on the escarpment of the Shimba Hills, near the village of Kwale. The whole area is wonderfully peaceful and enormously private. You never feel in any way unsafe.There's a lovely private road which leads miles into the middle of nowhere. In the mornings, we ventured for long walks while some of our party used the bicycles that are provided as complimentary.From the house, the bird watching is spectacular. There's a quality pair of binoculars available for guests and we were able to spot several rare birds including a Chestnut-fronted Helmetshrike, a crowned hornbill, a palm-nut vulture, a brown hooded kingfisher, and an emerald spotted dove. There were many more we didn't identify so don't forget to bring a book.Below the house is a path that leads down to a watering hole. Elephants, some small antelope and an annoying troop of baboons frequent the water hole. We recommend taking a walk down there toward the end of the evening and waiting quietly to see what you see. TIP: Ask one of the staff for a couple of chairs and a cooler with some cool drinks. During the few days, we did see some 20 elephants although the season was a little verdant for the best game viewing. John also has a Land Rover that you can rent (highly recommend pre-booking before your stay) for the days you would like to venture away from Pumzika (including a driver). On one occasion, we took a drive into the nearby Shimba Hills game reserve and saw Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Warthog, some very rare Sable antelope as well as a huge tortoise, and numerous amazing butterflies. The park is one of the most beautiful we've seen in Africa (although the tropical rainforest is not a great space to try to see Game).On another day, we drove down to the spectacular Diani beach, which is just a 35-min drive from Pumzika. John helped us arrange a day-trip on a sailing boat, where a picnic prepared by the Pumzika staff awaited us at the end of the journey. There is no beach in the world that quite compares to Diani Beach, and we highly recommend spending a few days on the coast and heading back up to the house at no later than 4:30 pm to make it back in time for a gin & tonic while watching the sunset from the Cliff House deck. All-in-all, you really could not ask for a better experience for your vacation than Pumzika-Tu. The main house is capable of hosting 12 people in six double rooms. There are also three rondavels on the property for additional family members. The Cliff House is the newest addition to the property and whether you're staying with a larger party or simply renting the house on your own, you won't be disappointed.John Spouse is a fabulous host and we strongly recommend inviting him to dinner on an evening to hear more about this amazing part of the world. John is a treasure chest of knowledge and will entertain you with fascinating stories. Ask him to tell you about the slave trade in this part of the world. He has spent a lot of time researching this and his knowledge is extraordinary.
Tom & Monica
December 28, 2019
Pumzika Tu is a spectacular property perched up on Golini ridge with sweeping views of the Mwaluganje elephant sanctuary. It took us just 40 minutes to get there from the... read more heart of Diani Beach in our sub compact car. The. journey was very comfortable despite being in a small vehicle.The host, John met us on arrival and we found him to be very warm and bubbly. He showed us around the property and cued us in to some fun things to do in the area. He had many stories from his exciting past and was great fun to catch up with throughout our stay.The staff were equally amazing. We had all our meals prepared without having to babysit the chef. Food was ready on time and was always delicious!There is always somebody nearby to help in case you need anything.Our little cottage had a spacious open plan living room and kitchen and a comfortable en-suite bedroom. Both feature floor to ceiling windows overlooking the vast reserve hundreds of feet below the house. The beds even prop up so you can sit in bed and soak up the views.The house has a huge fridge which is super useful for those who want to stock up and not make a trip to the supermarket in Ukunda.Internet connectivity was good and stable throughout.Bedroom was air conditioned, but the evenings were cool enough that we didn't need it.There in is a small resident dog, Muppet. We miss her terribly! she was great company throughout!Can't wait to get back up there again! Next time we plan to go with friends, since John also has a much larger home on the property that would be amazing for a dozen buddies looking for a unique and breathtakingly beautiful escape!There is KWS Shimba Hills park just 15 minutes from Pumzika Tu. Entry rates were very reasonable and the park is beautiful. Definitely worth a trip while you are here. If you do visit, remember to carry some bug repellent and definitely go in a big car. our little wagon managed, but definitely had some scrapes along the way!
Amann
January 15, 2022
To say our stay was memorable would be an under statement. The house was spectacular and photos don't do it justice. From the views to the facilities made available- private... read more balcony, infinity pool, expansive shared deck and bbq area; This is one of the best places we've ever stayed at. Even working remotely was possible with good internet connection. Many thanks to the team for being hospitable from the day we arrived. Truly cant thank them enough for making our anniversary special. We will definitely be back for a much longer stay in 2022 to celebrate more milestones. Again, thank you and happy new year!!
Cathy
December 21, 2021
We spent a week working remotely from Pumzika-tu. It was a perfect set-up for working remotely, with reliable Wifi from multiple sources and back up power from generators if necessary.... read more The cooking facilities were ideal, especially the BBQ area and a decent supermarket is located a short distance away in Diani. When we didn't feel like cooking, chef John was always preparing something delicious, and we often had lunch prepared by John of local Kenyan cuisine. When not working, Diani beach was a short and scenic drive away, and is filled with restaurants and bars. Also close by are the Shimba Hills national park, easily organized with transport in the accommodation's own 4x4 and driver. We particularly enjoyed being able to sit by the pool at the laptop, watching baboons, monkeys and the occasional elephant going by the watering hole below. Pumzika-tu is the perfect mix of facilities to get work done, and the scenery and sanctity of the surrounding beauty. All of the staff were incredibly friendly and did a great job. The cottage has amazing views (best view from the shower we have ever seen), a large seating area and balcony. The kitchen is fully stocked with utensils, and there is a large fridge/freezer.We loved catching up with host John for a gin and tonic at sunset, and will miss Muppet the dog! John has incredibly interesting stories from his sailing adventures, and is so knowledgeable about the history of the area. Thank you John for our stay, will be back!
Rebecca
October 15, 2021
-
The views are breathtaking, the house is beautiful and surroundings are serene and peaceful. The team was great, communicated well and catered to our needs well. Wonderful trip overall
Ann
June 1, 2026
Pumzika Tu is a spectacular property perched up on Golini ridge with sweeping views of the Mwaluganje elephant sanctuary. It took us just 40 minutes to get there from the... read more heart of Diani Beach in our sub compact car. The. journey was very comfortable despite being in a small vehicle.The host, John met us on arrival and we found him to be very warm and bubbly. He showed us around the property and cued us in to some fun things to do in the area. He had many stories from his exciting past and was great fun to catch up with throughout our stay.The staff were equally amazing. We had all our meals prepared without having to babysit the chef. Food was ready on time and was always delicious!There is always somebody nearby to help in case you need anything.Our little cottage had a spacious open plan living room and kitchen and a comfortable en-suite bedroom. Both feature floor to ceiling windows overlooking the vast reserve hundreds of feet below the house. The beds even prop up so you can sit in bed and soak up the views.The house has a huge fridge which is super useful for those who want to stock up and not make a trip to the supermarket in Ukunda.Internet connectivity was good and stable throughout.Bedroom was air conditioned, but the evenings were cool enough that we didn't need it.There in is a small resident dog, Muppet. We miss her terribly! she was great company throughout!Can't wait to get back up there again! Next time we plan to go with friends, since John also has a much larger home on the property that would be amazing for a dozen buddies looking for a unique and breathtakingly beautiful escape!There is KWS Shimba Hills park just 15 minutes from Pumzika Tu. Entry rates were very reasonable and the park is beautiful. Definitely worth a trip while you are here. If you do visit, remember to carry some bug repellent and definitely go in a big car. our little wagon managed, but definitely had some scrapes along the way!
Amann
January 15, 2022
To say our stay was memorable would be an under statement. The house was spectacular and photos don't do it justice. From the views to the facilities made available- private... read more balcony, infinity pool, expansive shared deck and bbq area; This is one of the best places we've ever stayed at. Even working remotely was possible with good internet connection. Many thanks to the team for being hospitable from the day we arrived. Truly cant thank them enough for making our anniversary special. We will definitely be back for a much longer stay in 2022 to celebrate more milestones. Again, thank you and happy new year!!
Cathy
December 21, 2021
We spent a week working remotely from Pumzika-tu. It was a perfect set-up for working remotely, with reliable Wifi from multiple sources and back up power from generators if necessary.... read more The cooking facilities were ideal, especially the BBQ area and a decent supermarket is located a short distance away in Diani. When we didn't feel like cooking, chef John was always preparing something delicious, and we often had lunch prepared by John of local Kenyan cuisine. When not working, Diani beach was a short and scenic drive away, and is filled with restaurants and bars. Also close by are the Shimba Hills national park, easily organized with transport in the accommodation's own 4x4 and driver. We particularly enjoyed being able to sit by the pool at the laptop, watching baboons, monkeys and the occasional elephant going by the watering hole below. Pumzika-tu is the perfect mix of facilities to get work done, and the scenery and sanctity of the surrounding beauty. All of the staff were incredibly friendly and did a great job. The cottage has amazing views (best view from the shower we have ever seen), a large seating area and balcony. The kitchen is fully stocked with utensils, and there is a large fridge/freezer.We loved catching up with host John for a gin and tonic at sunset, and will miss Muppet the dog! John has incredibly interesting stories from his sailing adventures, and is so knowledgeable about the history of the area. Thank you John for our stay, will be back!
Rebecca
October 15, 2021 -
Great place. Amazing location. Nice and cozy place with amazing views from the terrace, bedroom and especially shower. It is hard to get out f the bed; what a view.... read more Just like the pictures. Awesome infinity pool overlooking the valley. Great communication and collaboration from Winnie. We would love to come back.
Joris
February 15, 2021
My first visit to Pumzika-Tu Kwale.What a wonderful Surprise. The cliff house is built on the ridge of the shimba hills. Totally independent from the main house with the most... read more beautiful view of the valley. Fully equipped staff in every way. Very helpful friendly charming people.We had a lovely time.Maggie and Rosemary.
Margaret
January 31, 2020
We enjoyed several wonderful nights in John's new Cliff House. The house is set on the cliffside with spectacular 180-degree views of the Mwalunganje Elephant reserve. The living space is... read more completely open to the elements and supports a cute little kitchen and comfortable living space with a fireplace in the corner. The bedroom has a panoramic view through floor to ceiling glass windows. It's also airconditioned! The bathroom has one of the most amazing showers we've ever had with hot water, great water pressure, all combined with the same view over the Elephant sanctuary. The Cliff House has its own deck area which allows a completely private experience. You are set away from the main house, although shared swimming and bbq facilities are close at hand. The staff service the house on a regular basis offering full maid service, daily laundry, and either full catering or simply catering prep assistance, which we opted for (although from our past experiences staying in the Main House, John (the Chef, not to be confused with John the Host) is excellent -- so if you are a first-timer at Pumzika-Tu, we highly recommend the full catering experience!). There was a seemingly endless array of staff from Salim the gardener, to John the Chef, Saidi, Aisha, Ali, Chenko the driver and several others whose names we missed. It ventured a lavish experience which far outweighed the small price we seemed to be paying for the house. John's land is set up high on the escarpment of the Shimba Hills, near the village of Kwale. The whole area is wonderfully peaceful and enormously private. You never feel in any way unsafe.There's a lovely private road which leads miles into the middle of nowhere. In the mornings, we ventured for long walks while some of our party used the bicycles that are provided as complimentary.From the house, the bird watching is spectacular. There's a quality pair of binoculars available for guests and we were able to spot several rare birds including a Chestnut-fronted Helmetshrike, a crowned hornbill, a palm-nut vulture, a brown hooded kingfisher, and an emerald spotted dove. There were many more we didn't identify so don't forget to bring a book.Below the house is a path that leads down to a watering hole. Elephants, some small antelope and an annoying troop of baboons frequent the water hole. We recommend taking a walk down there toward the end of the evening and waiting quietly to see what you see. TIP: Ask one of the staff for a couple of chairs and a cooler with some cool drinks. During the few days, we did see some 20 elephants although the season was a little verdant for the best game viewing. John also has a Land Rover that you can rent (highly recommend pre-booking before your stay) for the days you would like to venture away from Pumzika (including a driver). On one occasion, we took a drive into the nearby Shimba Hills game reserve and saw Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Warthog, some very rare Sable antelope as well as a huge tortoise, and numerous amazing butterflies. The park is one of the most beautiful we've seen in Africa (although the tropical rainforest is not a great space to try to see Game).On another day, we drove down to the spectacular Diani beach, which is just a 35-min drive from Pumzika. John helped us arrange a day-trip on a sailing boat, where a picnic prepared by the Pumzika staff awaited us at the end of the journey. There is no beach in the world that quite compares to Diani Beach, and we highly recommend spending a few days on the coast and heading back up to the house at no later than 4:30 pm to make it back in time for a gin & tonic while watching the sunset from the Cliff House deck. All-in-all, you really could not ask for a better experience for your vacation than Pumzika-Tu. The main house is capable of hosting 12 people in six double rooms. There are also three rondavels on the property for additional family members. The Cliff House is the newest addition to the property and whether you're staying with a larger party or simply renting the house on your own, you won't be disappointed.John Spouse is a fabulous host and we strongly recommend inviting him to dinner on an evening to hear more about this amazing part of the world. John is a treasure chest of knowledge and will entertain you with fascinating stories. Ask him to tell you about the slave trade in this part of the world. He has spent a lot of time researching this and his knowledge is extraordinary.
Tom & Monica
December 28, 2019
Pumzika Tu is a spectacular property perched up on Golini ridge with sweeping views of the Mwaluganje elephant sanctuary. It took us just 40 minutes to get there from the... read more heart of Diani Beach in our sub compact car. The. journey was very comfortable despite being in a small vehicle.The host, John met us on arrival and we found him to be very warm and bubbly. He showed us around the property and cued us in to some fun things to do in the area. He had many stories from his exciting past and was great fun to catch up with throughout our stay.The staff were equally amazing. We had all our meals prepared without having to babysit the chef. Food was ready on time and was always delicious!There is always somebody nearby to help in case you need anything.Our little cottage had a spacious open plan living room and kitchen and a comfortable en-suite bedroom. Both feature floor to ceiling windows overlooking the vast reserve hundreds of feet below the house. The beds even prop up so you can sit in bed and soak up the views.The house has a huge fridge which is super useful for those who want to stock up and not make a trip to the supermarket in Ukunda.Internet connectivity was good and stable throughout.Bedroom was air conditioned, but the evenings were cool enough that we didn't need it.There in is a small resident dog, Muppet. We miss her terribly! she was great company throughout!Can't wait to get back up there again! Next time we plan to go with friends, since John also has a much larger home on the property that would be amazing for a dozen buddies looking for a unique and breathtakingly beautiful escape!There is KWS Shimba Hills park just 15 minutes from Pumzika Tu. Entry rates were very reasonable and the park is beautiful. Definitely worth a trip while you are here. If you do visit, remember to carry some bug repellent and definitely go in a big car. our little wagon managed, but definitely had some scrapes along the way!
Amann
January 15, 2022
To say our stay was memorable would be an under statement. The house was spectacular and photos don't do it justice. From the views to the facilities made available- private... read more balcony, infinity pool, expansive shared deck and bbq area; This is one of the best places we've ever stayed at. Even working remotely was possible with good internet connection. Many thanks to the team for being hospitable from the day we arrived. Truly cant thank them enough for making our anniversary special. We will definitely be back for a much longer stay in 2022 to celebrate more milestones. Again, thank you and happy new year!!
Cathy
December 21, 2021
We spent a week working remotely from Pumzika-tu. It was a perfect set-up for working remotely, with reliable Wifi from multiple sources and back up power from generators if necessary.... read more The cooking facilities were ideal, especially the BBQ area and a decent supermarket is located a short distance away in Diani. When we didn't feel like cooking, chef John was always preparing something delicious, and we often had lunch prepared by John of local Kenyan cuisine. When not working, Diani beach was a short and scenic drive away, and is filled with restaurants and bars. Also close by are the Shimba Hills national park, easily organized with transport in the accommodation's own 4x4 and driver. We particularly enjoyed being able to sit by the pool at the laptop, watching baboons, monkeys and the occasional elephant going by the watering hole below. Pumzika-tu is the perfect mix of facilities to get work done, and the scenery and sanctity of the surrounding beauty. All of the staff were incredibly friendly and did a great job. The cottage has amazing views (best view from the shower we have ever seen), a large seating area and balcony. The kitchen is fully stocked with utensils, and there is a large fridge/freezer.We loved catching up with host John for a gin and tonic at sunset, and will miss Muppet the dog! John has incredibly interesting stories from his sailing adventures, and is so knowledgeable about the history of the area. Thank you John for our stay, will be back!
Rebecca
October 15, 2021


