Masked in the mangrove forest of Funzi Island, lies Mikoko Cove Ecolodge, the ultimate hideaway for a once in a lifetime getaway. Mikoko Cove is a little holiday/vacation destination that appeals to an adventure-loving holiday maker.

I came across Mikoko Cove on Facebook and I did not need a second chance to make up my mind on whether I was going or not. Funzi island is in South Coast; Kwale County. There are two ways to get to south coast from Nairobi; one is to go to Mombasa Island the head via the ferry, the second one is to fly direct to Ukunda. As usual, my more-than-ready-to-travel sister and cousins were already on board!

I was not sure of what to expect at all. But if the photos they had posted on their website was anything to go by, then we were in for a real treat. The furthest I had been in south coast was Golini, so it was exciting to go and figure out what lied ahead.

I wish I remembered how long it took us to get to the end of the road, blame it all on Sophia; Our host. She was really pleasant and happy to host us for the weekend.

End of the road, preparing for the boat ride to Mikoko Cove Ecolodge.

We got right into a village road that led us to the Mangrove forest. From there, we took a boat ride to Mikoko.

No one thought there was a boat ride in the journey! The girls were so excited. I thought I even heard someone even say they can’t wait to experience sea sickness. lol. The boat ride was anything between 20-30 minutes. We requested our ‘captain’ to ride slowly. Nothing beat the views along the way. A photo at a time, and salty air after the other.

Selfies, then some more selfies.

On arrival, the staff from Mikoko were waiting for us. We loved their beaming smiles and their warm reception. We felt at home. We were then taken straight to the old fashioned Arabic/Swahili restaurant where we were served with freshly squeezed, chilled fruit juice.

Arrival…

Welcome juice…

Thereafter, we were taken to our rooms. The different accommodation units are spread across the area, as self-contained loft styled house characterized by a makuti roof, Lime/coral walls and large Arabian doors. The room we were shown to had five beds inside; just enough for each one of us. After freshening and getting some rest, we were notified that a quick snack had been prepared and we should also place our order for dinner.

The rooms.

Checking in to the room.

Masked in the mangrove forest of Funzi Island, lies Mikoko Cove Ecolodge, the ultimate hideaway for a once in a lifetime getaway. Mikoko Cove is a little holiday/vacation destination that appeals to an adventure-loving holiday maker.

One of the five beds.

Let me just make it clear from here hence forth that, the best food I have eaten away from home ,is at  Mikoko.I lack words to decorate the food experience, but all I remember, is that we kept asking for more unashamedly. The barbeque sauce, coconut rice, marinated red snapper, assorted sea food platter and the entire coastal delicacy was finger licking good!

Dinner…No one does it better than Mikoko.

It mostly felt like a culinary trip. After dinner, there wasn’t much to do and the almost cold weather did not make the situation better. It was drizzling on and off.

I had spotted a swimming pool on arrival, and hence did not worry much about what to do the next day. Lazing by the pool has never been a bad idea.

When you pay for accommodation at Mikoko, breakfast is complimentary but any other meal is charged separately. Eggs, toasted bread, sausages, tea or coffee and fruits.

Despite the sun playing hide and seek with us, that dip couldn’t wait any longer.

We have to swim/Lazy around.

Or buy houses…These girls love Monopoly.

Best feeling ever.

Moments later, Sophia told us they needed to show us some place. Mohammed was the one taking us.

Remember the previous day when we got to Mikoko and the tide was high; an interesting phenomena had taken place, the whole area was dry, no water at all, apparently the waters had taken a ‘walk’.

Heading to the surprise destination.

Even the water took a break and went for a walk.

The Mangrove roots exposed in low tide.

We curiously followed Mohammed, who was carrying a cool box as he made way into the mangrove forest. Following closely from behind was another lady, who we hadn’t met carrying a set of clean towels. It was hard to guess where we were headed but man, we were already excited.

Following the icebox man 🙂

We walked through the forest and got to another beach. Upon getting there, there was another boat waiting. The lady handed over the towels and in no time we were being whisked away to an undisclosed destination.

Approaching the next beach.

Hopping into the next destination.

I swear this is how surprises are meant to work. As I was busy snapping the forest away, I heard the ladies scream with excitement. When I turned around and couldn’t believe my eyes either. The coolest sandbank ever! Completely empty at the time. The temporary traditional shade was the icing on the cake.

See this! I mean…

I still don’t know what had excited me most. I cannot tell whether it was the photogenic nature of entire set up, the powder white sand, the contrasting pillow throws, cool box with soft drinks, or just the peace of mind. Generally, no one was able to kill the cool vibe that was in the air. This was the ultimate surprise.

Who wouldn’t get excited about this?

We jumped crawled, slept, swam, danced and everything in between at the sandbank.

Let the games begins…

I must confess that the photos we took there could make anyone who loves travel, beaches and exclusive locations green with envy. We could have stayed there forever had it not been for the high tide that was coming hard and fast hours later. Mohammed and the captain were watching from a distant the whole time; far enough to give us privacy yet close enough to attend to us of we needed help. Leaving the sandbank brought forth mixed feelings .One of thorough excitement and satisfaction, the other of separation anxiety.

Mohammed being attentive as usual.

The sandbank was the highlight of the trip.

The waters are back!

By the time we were heading back, the tide was high again and walking through the mangrove forest was not an option.

We were welcomed with hot Swahili snacks as we waited for our late lunch.

Chapati and beans have never tasted as heavenly as that one did.

Best chapos ever!

At the time of visit, it was me and my cousins birthday week. We went back to the rooms to rest after an eventful day.

Mikoko is generally quiet, but occasionally you will hear music from the bar on request. On this day, other islanders had come to chill and dine at Mikoko there was a bit of music, dance laughter and good company. When dinner was served, there was a beautiful banana cake that was baked to celebrate our birthdays. How thoughtful can a host be? Like I always say, the little things make a whole lot of difference. As usual, meals were out of this world!

Our stay unfortunately had to come to an end on the third day, because some of us needed to be in Nairobi same day. After breakfast and some few games, we headed out..

There is more than enough board games to keep you busy/entertained.

I will choose Mikoko again to fully explore the fun activities they offer. In the meanwhile, check out their Facebook page and website to book your next stay.

I promise you will thank me later.

NB: This post is not sponsored. Enjoy. Tupatane Mikoko.