Sabaki River Camp and Cottage
at Sabaki River Estuary, Kenya
Budget Accommodations in Idyllic Surroundings
(formerly called Malindi Camp and Cottage)
The Sabaki River mouth is a renowned estuary just five miles north of Malindi and two hours north of Mombassa on the Kenya coast. This beautiful site is well known for birds such as the Malindi Pipit, Madagascar Pratincole and Zanzibar Red Bishop, and is visited by thousands of migrant waders, gulls and terns, and resident waterbirds including flamingoes; it has been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA)of Kenya.
 The newly renovated Sabaki River Cottage is on a hill overlooking the estuary. The two large rooms have private showers and flush toilets. At US $30 per night, the cottage solves the problem birders face of finding reasonable accommodations close to the birds on an otherwise expensive coast. Meals can be arranged and safe camping is available for $7. Important Kenya coastal sites like Mida Creek, Gedi Ruins and Sokoke Forest are about half an hour away. In addition to the estuary there are ponds, marshes, dunes and diverse bush. Photography options are infinite.
(Please see our Photo Gallery.) The owner is well known to the guides at Sokoke Forest.
The Cottage 
The Sabaki Cottage sits atop a broad, stable dune overlooking ponds, sand dunes,the Sabaki River and estuary, and the Indian Ocean. The two rooms are adjoined by a dining/study area. A small library of African natural history books is available, as are binoculars. Cooking is done in a room behind the cottage and served outside or in by Janet and Zawadi Karabu. There is no electricity, but light is provided by lanterns.
The Campsite
The Sabaki campsite is located on the same breezy dune-top just 150 meters from the cottage. A grove of cashew trees affords shade and washing and drinking water are provided in tanks. There is a shower, flush toilet, fireplace and cooking grill. A guard is always on duty, although the area is very peaceful.
Meals
For US$12.00 per day, travelers receive three traditional meals per day, including fish, ugali, vegetables, fruits, tea or coffee. Beer, soft drinks, and special food items can be arranged.
Costs
| Costs are in US Dollars, payable in Kenyan shillings. |
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Sabaki Cottage |
$25.00 Single room |
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$30.00 Double Room |
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$ 8.00 per additional persons
in room |
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Sabaki Campsite |
$ 7.00 per person per night |
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Meals |
$ 2.00 for Breakfast |
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$ 5.00 for Lunch |
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$ 5.00 for Dinner |
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Volunteer Researchers |
$15.00 per person per night with meals, in single
or shared room. |
Directions
To reach the cottage drive or taxi north from Malindi about five miles and cross the large Sabaki River bridge. On the north side immediately turn right through the village. You may need to ask in the village how to get onto the track through the village and headed east toward the cottage. Tell them you want to reach the home of Rodgers Karabu (pictured at right), who is well known. Perhaps a boy can accompany you. The track is passable, with care, to any vehicle when dry. After rains you may need to park the car halfway. Proceed from the village about half a mile towards the river mouth. It is an easy walk. The cottage is signed and on the right.
Reservations
For reservations contact:
Rodgers Karabu
PO Box 5289
Malindi, Kenya, East Africa
karabu45@yahoo.com
Phone:
International
254-722-861072
In Kenya
0722 861 072
Drop-ins are welcome and space is usually available at the cottage and always at the campsite.
Sabaki River Camp and Cottage
(Malindi Camp and Cottage)
on the Sabaki River
www.sabakirivercampandcottage.com
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