At Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers, located near Mnarani ruins, experience the warm and lively atmosphere of a family-friendly hostel. Indulge in delicious local and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant or unwind with a massage at the spa. Active travelers will appreciate volleyball courts, ecotours, hiking trails nearby as well as scooter rentals available for guests.
Reviews
9.09.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Popular amenities
Airport transfer
Bar
Pet friendly
Laundry facilities
Free parking
Free WiFi
Main amenities (12)
Daily housekeeping
Near the beach
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Breakfast available
Babysitting
Meeting rooms
Airport shuttle
Terrace
Garden
Arcade/game room
Library
Communal living room
Feel at home (6)
Babysitting (surcharge)
Playground on site
Stovetop
Garden
Terrace
Daily housekeeping
The current price is $38
$38
$45 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Room options
Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms
View all photos for Comfort Quadruple Room
Comfort Quadruple Room
Highlights
Patio
Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Portable fan
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
3 bathrooms
30 sq m
Sleeps 4
1 Queen Bed and 1 Large Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for Comfort Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Shared Bathroom
Comfort Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Shared Bathroom
Highlights
Yard
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Portable fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Eco-friendly cleaning supplies
Freezer
Toaster
25 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed
View all photos for Comfort Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom
St. Patrick's Catholic Church - 5 min drive - 2.5 km
Mnarani ruins - 7 min drive - 4.8 km
Getting around
Vipingo (VPG) - 30 min drive
Malindi (MYD) - 57 min drive
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Restaurants
Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant - 11 min drive
Nautilus - 5 min drive
Kusini Tavern - 6 min drive
Dhows Inn - 5 min drive
Village Dishes Catering Services - 5 min drive
About this property
Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers
Situated by the ocean, Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers is a great choice for a stay in Kilifi. Guests can indulge in massages and enjoy local and international cuisine at Distant Relatives, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A bar/lounge, a snack bar/deli, and a terrace are other highlights.
Languages
English, French, Swahili
At a glance
Hotel size
22 rooms
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
No cribs (infant beds)
Babysitting*
Pets
Pets stay free
Service animals welcome
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms (24 hours per day)
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking on site
Transfers
Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Continental breakfast (surcharge) each morning 7 AM–noon
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Shared refrigerator
Snack bar/deli
Water dispenser
Traveling with children
Playground
Babysitting (surcharge)
Grocery/convenience store
What to do
Yoga classes
Beach volleyball
Ecotours
Hiking/biking trails
Scooter/moped rentals
Concerts/live shows
Evening entertainment
Karaoke
Pool table
Beach access
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Safari nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Working away
Meeting rooms
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Tour/ticket assistance
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Multilingual staff
Facilities
Built in 2012
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Library
Mosquito nets
Communal living room
Arcade/game room
Outdoor entertainment area
Outdoor furniture
Walkway to water
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible van parking
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
Wheelchair-accessible pool
Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
Wheelchair-accessible lounge
Well-lit path to entrance
Stair-free path to entrance
Room amenities
Home comfort
Portable fan
Window screens
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Yard
Individually furnished and decorated
Freshen up
Shower only
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Electrical adapters/chargers
Food and drink
Freezer
Stovetop
Toaster
More
Daily housekeeping
Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
Composting
Recycling
Special features
Dining
Distant Relatives - This restaurant specializes in local and international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Continental breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately USD 2 to 9 per person
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 55 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)
Children & extra beds
Babysitting is available for an extra charge
Policies
There is no hot water on site.
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
This property uses a grey water recycling system.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
Also known as
Distant Relatives Ecolodge Backpackers Hotel KILIFI
Does Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?
Yes, pets stay free.
Is parking offered on site at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is airport shuttle service offered by Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 55 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?
Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.
What is there to do at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers and nearby?
Have fun with onsite activities like volleyball and hiking. Additional recreation onsite includes ecotours, volleyball, and yoga. Enjoy amenities like an arcade, a picnic area, and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?
Yes, Distant Relatives offers local and international cuisine.
Does Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a yard.
What's the area around Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers like?
Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers is located on the waterfront, a short 11-minute walk from Kilifi Creek and 15 minutes' walk from Pwani University.
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Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers Reviews
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.0/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Staff & service
5.0/10
Amenities
9.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.6/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 4, 2024
It was a great stay!
Zhao
Zhao, 1-night trip
4/10 Fair
Jan 30, 2023
I stayed at Backpackers before this is not backpacker anymore. Price of beer is $4 cocktail $8. Not eco anymore they have English toilets. Price of room is higher than nearby B&B. Everyone who was staying was complaining about the prices. This place used to be really nice and affordable and staff were friendly. Even new staff don’t seem to like working there. WiFi didn’t work at all so I couldn’t work.
Muhammed
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 18, 2025
Fantastisk!
Utrolig flott «hostel»
Dette lå 5 minutter fra en fin Strand, har utrolig godt basseng.
Mat og drikke er ganske dyrt, men veldig godt. Å bo her Anbefales. Føltes mer som et resort enn et hostel.
Emma Kristin mørk
Emma Kristin mørk, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 25, 2024
Bhavin
Bhavin, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 31, 2023
Amanda
Amanda, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 15, 2019
Nice place. I would come there next time again. Nice people there. Nice landscape.
Verified traveler
5-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 10, 2018
An oasis in busy Kenia
Also this stay was fantastic. The “Back packers” as it is known by the locals gives you a basis to come yo yourself and plan whatever you want. Great assistence when you want something - inside or outside the lodge
Huug
Huug, 6-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 7, 2018
An oasis in Kenia
Fantastic accomodation. It really feels like coming home. The eco element implies that people tend to be more considerste in various ways!
Huug
Huug, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Nov 1, 2018
Verified traveler
2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Aug 15, 2018
sofia
sofia, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Aug 15, 2018
Loved the Bandas, with the open showers and composting toilets. Friendly staff and good location.