Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers

3.0 star property
Family beach hostel near Mnarani ruins

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers

Exterior
Comfort Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Shared Bathroom | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes
Comfort Quadruple Room | Bathroom | Shower, towels
Pool
Comfort Quadruple Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Seahorse Road, Kilifi, Kilifi County, 80108
  • Kilifi Creek
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Kilifi Bridge
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Mnarani ruins
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Vipingo (VPG)
    ‪37 min drive‬

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Room options

Comfort Quadruple Room

  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Large Twin Bunk Bed

Comfort Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Shared Bathroom

  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Comfort Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom

  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large Twin Bunk Bed

Economy Tent, Shared Bathroom

  • 97 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Kilifi

Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers places you 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Mnarani ruins. This 22-room, 3-star hostel welcomes guests with a restaurant, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Pwani University - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Kilifi Creek - 4 min drive - 0.3 miles
  • Kilifi Bridge - 6 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • St. Patrick's Catholic Church - 6 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Mnarani ruins - 9 min drive - 3.2 miles

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
At Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers, guests have access to karaoke, free WiFi in public areas, and meeting rooms. There's free parking, and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 55 per vehicle one-way. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with luggage storage, tours or tickets, and securing valuables. Other amenities at this beach hostel include a refrigerator in a common area, an arcade/game room, and a library.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Private yards, stovetops, and portable fans are also available.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English, French, Swahili

Similar properties

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 transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip 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 7:00 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 elevator
  • 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
  • Stovetop
  • 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

  • This property welcomes pets for free
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

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

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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 1:00 PM—-10 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • 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, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • This property uses a grey water recycling system.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There is no hot water on site.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.
  • 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

Are free cancellation options available at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers provides free cancellation on select room rates. To learn more, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

As of Jun 4, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers on Jun 14, 2025 start from $29.66, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do around Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

This hostel is located in Kilifi within a short 11-minute walk of Kilifi Creek. You'll also find St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Kilifi Bridge within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hostel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Is a spa located at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

Spa services at the hostel include massages.

Does Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers have a casino?

No, Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

This waterfront hostel offers plenty of amenities for couples including a bar, a restaurant, and live shows.

Are there hot tubs at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

No, this hostel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers serves continental breakfast for a surcharge each morning at Distant Relatives.

Will Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers allow pets to stay free of charge?

Yes, pets stay free at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers.

Are there connecting rooms at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How close is the airport from Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

The closest major airport to Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers is Vipingo (VPG), which is 18.6 mi away (30 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers?

Yes, some rooms at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers offer a patio and may feature garden views.

Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 8 out of 12 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 12 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 12 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 12 reviews

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 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

Traveled 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 traveler

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

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 traveler

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