Information & FAQ
Is the house easy to get to?
Yes. As the map on the website shows, there is only one coast road south of Mombasa to the Tanzanian border. Jinchini is one of a row of beachfront houses after you pass through Msambweni town.
- As you travel south on the main road, Msambweni is a left hand turn-off some 30 minutes’ drive after you have passed through Ukunda/Diani. Shortly after passing Base Titanium, you will see a tall mast and a police station.
- You will drive a short distance to Msambweni village on tarmc.
- At the end of the tarmac, you then need to keep straight on through the hospital gates on to the paved road.
- Bear right at the first fork and then sharp left at the next crossroads, alongside the football pitch.
- The road will then meander with private house signs on the left. Pass Nice View, Chingwede, Wimbi Reefs, Chale Reef, Swale
- The road then divides. Take a left marked Kas Kasi, Jinchini and Furdoon. We are the second house.
You can always call our House Manager, Kassim, on his mobile +254 (0) 721 695706 and he can meet you at an agreed place.
What are the roads like?
The main road from Mombasa to Msambweni has a tarmac surface and is in good condition. The two kilometre road from the village to the house is a coral-based dirt road (murram). The hard coral keeps it accessible even in the rainy season.
Is there local transport?
If you don’t have your own vehicle, we advise you to use Glory Car Hire, based in Diani, which offer discounts for Jinchini guests. They can arrange transfers or provide rental cars (and drivers).
The Glory Diani Office Manager, Saidi, can be contacted on +254 (0) 725 372461.
Matatus (combi van taxis) are used by local people up and down the coast road. There is a stop at the hospital in Msambweni and a short cut to the house by walking along the beach. There is no bus service.
Who is employed at Jinchini?
- Kassim is our manager and takes responsibility for the smooth running of the house. He can be contacted on his mobile +254 (0) 721 695706
- Abdullah is our excellent cook, who can cater for all dietary requirements once given menu preferences. However, please note that whilst he can prepare a delicious group meal he cannot be expected to cater for multiple, individual meals per sitting, unless it is adapting the main meal for a vegetarian, vegan or celiac.
- Suleiman supports the team in the kitchen and around the house
- We have two askaris (night watchmen) who arrive at dusk and leave at dawn. One oversees the house from the beach, and the other oversees the back of the plot at the top of the cliff.
The team will carry out household tasks including food preparation, serving at table, cleaning the main rooms, doing the laundry etc.
When there is a need for extra hands, particularly if there is a full house, we can call on trusted outside help for an additional fee such as a nanny for childcare. The team are accommodated in the staff quarters near the gate where they sleep when visitors are in the house.
What are the staff routines?
The team arrive early in the morning to open up the house, make tea and await breakfast orders. They will carry out their duties throughout the day and take staggered breaks. At the end of the day they typically leave after clearing supper and will make sure visitors know about the locking up procedure...
Is the house suitable for young children?
Yes. Jinchini is ideal for young children, especially as the house is so close to the beach. The house has a number of small beds and a travelling cot with plenty of mosquito net. A nanny can be made available for an additional fee.
How do we organise meals?
Kassim and the cook will liaise with you on what you want to eat, however, it is recommended that you stop at Diani en-route to buy groceries.
Where and how do we buy food?
Fish, crab, squid, prawns and lobster are caught locally and are delivered to the door. The cook will check that the seafood is fresh, weigh the fish and ensure that the cost is in line with local rates. However, it is dependent on the catch of the day, especially for squid and lobster.
Fresh vegetables and fruit can be bought locally in the village shops in Msambweni, as can basic provisions such as milk, bread, eggs, rice, sugar and tea. There is also a local canteen for beers and sodas. Kassim will show you where to buy these. If you wish him to shop for you for very small items, that can be purchased in the local village such as more eggs he will keep detailed accounts and you can pay him directly.
There are several well-stocked supermarkets in Diani in the main shopping precincts, ATMs, Barclays Bank and a range of boutique shops and roadside kiosks.
We can make sure that there are basic supplies of fresh fish and vegetables and cold drinks for your arrival if you let us or Kassim know in advance.
Breakages: we would ask that you give Kassim cash for any breakages so that he can replenish.
What about other shopping?
Traders like to come once to the plot with wooden carvings, kikoys, kangas, baskets and mats. This helps to support the local village. However, if you do not want them to come please tell Kassim.
What are the kitchen facilities like?
The kitchen has two gas cookers (supplied by gas cylinder), two fridges and a freezer (electric) as well as appliances such as a kettle and toaster. There is also a barbeque.
There is ample room for keeping food frozen, and beers and sodas cold. There is also a cool box for safaris and sundowners.
What do guests need to bring?
Only what you would bring if staying at someone else’s home or a hotel. You will need to bring beach gear such as snorkels, flippers, jelly shoes for the coral, sun tan lotion, mosi spray etc
Sheets, towels, crockery etc are all provided. Provisions such as soap, loo rolls and cleaning products are also included in the overall let.
Are there adequate local medical facilities?
Diani Beach Hospital, located in Diani, is one of the best equipped general hospitals in Kenya offering ‘first world’ treatment. Opened in 1997, it has a 24-hour casualty and emergency department “dealing in all medical and surgical procedures with highly qualified medical and nursing staff.
The hospital also deals with major theatre operations and has a high dependency ward as well as major and minor theatres. It also has a 24-hour laboratory dealing with cases of haematology, biochemistry, immunology, serology and parasitology.
The Diani Beach Hospital is recognised by IAMAT (International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers). To find out more, log on to: www.dianibeachhospital.com.
The hospital also runs a surgery (clinic), open from 9.00am – 6.00pm daily.
The hospital has a well-stocked, 24 hour pharmacy with most branded and generic medicines on shelf. They are sold at recommended retail prices.
Msambweni village has a functioning hospital providing basic medical facilities to the village and local district. It is compliant with basic international standards (all needles, for example, come from sealed sterilised packets).
For minor ailments, there is a limited medical box at Jinchini with sterilised needles, plasters, bandages and pain killers.
Is Jinchini located in a malarial zone?
Yes. The coast of Kenya is a malaria zone. You would be advised to get professional advice on the most appropriate anti-malarial prophylaxis.
Does the house have mosquito nets?
Yes. Each double bed has mosquito nets and there are spare nets for extra single beds. Mosquito coils, which slowly burn an anti-mosquito aroma, can be bought for the bedrooms. Anti-mosquito sprays are placed in all the rooms and the nets are sprayed when the beds are turned down at night. Guests may also wish to bring their own insect repellent.
Is there a phone at the house?
Since the advent of mobile phones, the landline has become redundant. A mobile telephone mast in the village ensures excellent reception at the house and mobiles with roaming facilities link into the local mobile networks.
Kassim also has his own mobile phone which allows another option for those wanting to contact you while you are on holiday. Kassim can be contacted on +254 (0)722 572796.
You may decide that you want to buy a pay-as-you-go SIM card for the duration of your stay. These can be bought at Diani for a very reasonable cost.
Is Wi-Fi at the house?
Yes, Kassim has a modem for the house. He can buy the access for you through his phone and you can pay him directly with Kenya shillings.
However, the Wi-Fi is temperamental and cannot be relied upon for hosting video calls or downloading heavy files.
Where can we draw money?
There are banks and several ATMs in Diani. Bank opening times and further details are kept in the Notes for Guests at the house.
Is there mains electricity?
Jinchini is connected to mains electricity and traditional UK 3-pronged plugs fit the sockets. There can be short power cuts, in which case there are six kerosene lamps and torches. Kassim will ensure that these are put out when required.
Is the water safe to drink?
Jinchini’s water is sourced from local springs. You may prefer to buy bottled water in the shops. In any event, the staff boil and cool water and a plentiful supply of drinking water is kept in the fridges. Cold water is left in thermos flasks in each room when the beds are turned each evening, and again in the morning. Ice blocks are made from boiled water.
What is security like?
We take care that all the necessary security precautions are taken and have never experienced any trouble. For example, it is wise not to leave cameras, laptops or mobile phones on sunbeds away from the vicinity of the house or too near the beach.
The house is locked up at night and we have two night watchmen who patrol the plot all night. They come at dusk and leave at dawn.
The staff have mobiles and you can call them any time if you have a problem.
There is a safe in one of the bedrooms. Kassim will show you where it is and give you the key. In each bedroom there is a dressing table drawer with a lock for personal items.
There is a police station located in the village and a security checkpoint outside the village on the main road from Mombasa to the Tanzania border.
Is it safe to swim in the sea?
Yes, although we have to advise you that you swim at your own risk in the sea, the beach is protected by a coral reef but the tides, depending on the season, can be strong. Shoes are advisable for swimming at low tide and walking over the coral.
Is there a swimming pool?
Yes. It is located above the house above the cliff, making it an ideal spot for soaking up the late-afternoon sun.
Guests are welcome to use the pool whenever they wish, but please note that they do so at their own risk and the owners of Jinchini Limited accept no liability for any accidents or incidents.
What happens with laundry?
Laundry baskets are kept in each room and will be emptied regularly. All laundry is ironed and distributed back to the rooms.
One small point worth noting is that it is the custom for staff not to wash women’s underwear unless they are in a small laundry bag.
Is there a television?
No.
Are there books at the house?
There is an eclectic range of old novels, thrillers and biographies left by the family and guests over the years.
Are there games in the house?
Yes – a few games such as scrabble, ludo, snakes and ladders plus packs of cards. We should be grateful if these could be looked after and packed away at the end of your stay.
Does it get cold at night?
Jinchini is warm throughout the year. In the rainy season, it is worth noting that it can be noticeably cooler in the evening.
Depending on the time of year you may like to bring a wrap or light covering for the evening.
Do you have air conditioning?
No, but all the bedrooms contain overhead fans and there are a couple of bedside stands if needed for additional beds.
Should we be aware of any particular local sensitivities?
Over the centuries along the Kenya coast, the Muslim faith has integrated with local customs and beliefs. While attitudes to Western dress and culture remain liberal, normal sensitivities apply to issues such as nudity.
Should we tip the staff when we leave?
It is customary to tip the staff if you have enjoyed your stay and they have looked after you well. The amount you leave is entirely at your discretion and will depend on the number of guests in your party. The night watchmen (and sometimes an extra kitchen helper) are part of the Jinchini team as well as Kassim, Abdullah and Suleiman, and, so if you can include them they will be very pleased.
Is there disabled access?
The house is accessed by steps leading down from a cliff. There is no ramp. However, our staff are happy to help and there should be no problem in accommodating most people with a disability.
