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Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers

3.0 star property
Family beach hostel near Mnarani ruins

Photo gallery for Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers

Relax in a serene outdoor space with a natural backdrop, featuring a stone-paved pathway and lush greenery.
Relax by the illuminated pool surrounded by a thatched roof structure and decorative metal fencing.
Escape to a serene garden setting, surrounded by lush greenery and a, intimate atmosphere.
Stroll along the serene garden pathway to two traditional huts, surrounded by lush greenery and warm lights.
Enjoy a tranquil beachfront setting surrounded by lush greenery and open spaces.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pet-friendly
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View map
Seahorse Road, Kilifi, Kilifi County, 80108
  • Pwani University
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Kilifi Creek
  • Mnarani ruins
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Vipingo (VPG)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Comfort Quadruple Room

Cozy retreat with a thatched roof, wooden bed, and a desk for work or relaxation.

Comfort Quadruple Room

Highlights

Patio
Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Portable fan
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
3 bathrooms
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Large Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Comfort Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Shared Bathroom

Experience a rustic ambiance in this cozy retreat with a four-poster bed and natural light pouring in through the large window.

Comfort Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Portable fan
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Eco-friendly cleaning supplies
Stovetop
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Comfort Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom

Guests can relax beneath a thatched roof structure with a central tree and wooden beams.

Comfort Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Portable fan
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
3 bathrooms
Eco-friendly cleaning supplies
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Economy Tent, Shared Bathroom

Two beds with white linens and pillows are positioned side by side, separated by a bench with a vase and flowers.

Economy Tent, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Garden
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Portable fan
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
3 bathrooms
Eco-friendly cleaning supplies
  • 9 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

About the area

Kilifi

A family-friendly stay in Kilifi awaits you at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers. You'll be 4.7 km (2.9 mi) from Mnarani ruins and 17.9 km (11.1 mi) from Vuma Cliff Paso Noroeste. Highlights at this beach hostel include a restaurant, free self-parking and a bar/lounge. .The restaurant, Distant Relatives, serves local and international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy the karaoke along with access to ecotours and scooter/moped rentals. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a snack bar/deli and laundry facilities. Continental breakfast is available daily between 7 AM and noon. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle. .In proximity to this 3-property class Kilifi hostel you'll find Watamu Beach.
View more Hostels in KilifiOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Pwani University - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Kilifi Bridge - 6 min drive - 3.4 km
  • St. Patrick's Catholic Church - 6 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Mnarani ruins - 9 min drive - 5.2 km
  • Takaungu Creek - 18 min drive - 10.3 km

Getting around

  • Vipingo (VPG) - 30 min drive

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

Family beach hostel near Mnarani ruins
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. A library, a terrace, and an arcade/games room are also featured at the family-friendly Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3-star Kilifi hostel.

  • 22 guestrooms or units
  • Conference rooms
  • Built in 2012
  • Karaoke
  • Deli
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Games room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Corner/local shop
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers offers 22 accommodations with portable fans and blackout curtains. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. This Kilifi hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include a shower. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Languages

English, French, Swahili

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Free in-room WiFi is limited to 24 hours per day
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 7 AM to noon for a fee: USD 2 to 9 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Distant Relatives

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Beach volleyball
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Concerts/live shows
  • Ecotours
  • Evening entertainment
  • Games
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Karaoke
  • Library
  • Playground
  • Scooter/moped rentals
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Laundry facilities
  • Playground
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Direct access to the beach
  • Garden
  • On the waterfront
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Massage

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • Built in 2012
  • Communal living room
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Mosquito nets

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Freezer
  • Hob
  • Toaster

More

  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Composting
  • Electrical adapters
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Portable fan
  • Recycling
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out before 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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets are welcome and stay free

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately USD 2 to 9 per person
  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 55 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and cash. This property uses a grey water recycling system. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.

We should mention

  • There is no hot water on site.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Free in-room WiFi is limited to 24 hours per day.

Property is also known as

Distant Relatives Ecolodge Backpackers Hotel KILIFI
Distant Relatives Ecolodge Backpackers Hotel
Distant Relatives Ecolodge Backpackers KILIFI
Distant Relatives Ecolodge Backpackers Hostel KILIFI
Distant Relatives Ecolodge Backpackers Hostel
Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers Kilifi

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

Yep, Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

The closest beach to Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers is Watamu Beach (33.2 km).

Is Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as babysitting services, a playground and an arcade, it's no surprise that Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers is a hit with families.

Does Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers serve breakfast?

Sure does, continental breakfast is on offer daily from 7 AM to noon.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves local and international cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 13 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 13 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 13 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bhavin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Zhao

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

4/10 Poor

Muhammed

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

Githaka

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved the Bandas, with the open showers and composting toilets. Friendly staff and good location.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Emma Kristin mørk

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice place. I would come there next time again. Nice people there. Nice landscape.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Huug

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Huug

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

sofia

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018