Chale Island, located just 600 meters off the Kenyan mainland near Diani Beach, is the country’s only private island resort.
Surrounded by lush jungles, soft white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and a serene tidal saltwater lake, the island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Accommodations range from semi-circular rooms with verandas to traditional thatched bandas with private lawns.
Guests can enjoy diverse culinary experiences across nine bars and restaurants, including Kenyan, Italian, and Oriental flavors, as well as a sunset deck bar.
Adventure seekers can dive into coral reefs, go game-fishing, sail on a catamaran, explore mangrove waterways, or take guided hiking tours.
Amenities and Services include free Wi-Fi in public areas, free private parking nearby, private beach access, outdoor furniture, yoga classes, spa, and wellness treatments.
Additionally, visitors get daily housekeeping, laundry services (on additional charge), concierge, 24-hour reception, airport shuttle (on additional charge), and multilingual staff (English, Spanish, French, Italian).
Check-in is from 2:00 pm to 11:30 pm, and check-out is from 10:00 am to 10:30 am. Children of all ages are welcome, though pets are not allowed. The accepted payment method is cash.
Room Types at The Sands, Chale Island
Deluxe Room – Spacious and elegant, these rooms offer breathtaking views of the island or ocean. Each includes a master bedroom and private balcony, ideal for a relaxing getaway.
Ocean View Banda – Sleek and stylish, these traditional Kenyan-designed bandas provide unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean. Guests can enjoy the changing colors of the day and the ocean breeze from their private veranda.
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Overwater Suite – Kenya’s first overwater suite, suspended above the waves, offers panoramic views of Bird Island, Gazi Bay, and the Shimba Hills.
Featuring a large bedroom, en-suite bathroom, and separate sitting room, it is perfect for watching the tides and immersing in Chale Island’s natural beauty.
Suite on the Rock – Located on a private islet connected by a stone bridge, this suite offers complete escapism.
With a high thatched roof, circular stairway, wall garden, and veranda overlooking the cliff and sun deck, it offers a truly unique and immersive experience.
Tower Suite – Positioned at the heart of the resort, the Tower Suites provide elevated views of Chale Island and the ocean.
The large bedroom and living space, along with a private balcony, make it perfect for enjoying sunrises or quiet moments of reflection.
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Getting to the Island
By Air: Visitors can reach Chale Island through a combination of flights and road travel. From Nairobi, take a one-hour domestic flight from Wilson Airport to Ukunda Airstrip, then a 30-minute drive to the island.
Airport (NBO), about 15 km southeast of Nairobi, and can then catch connecting flights to Ukunda. International travelers usually arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
By Road: Those traveling from Mombasa can take a two-hour drive along the coast, finishing the journey with a short boat ride to reach the island.
By Sea: Guests can also access the island via direct boat transfers from nearby coastal towns, offering a picturesque approach through clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
Weather at Chale Island
Chale Island experiences cool and breezy summers, while winters are long, cold, and often very windy.
The climate is partly cloudy throughout the year, with temperatures generally ranging from 39°F to 66°F, rarely dipping below 32°F or rising above 72°F.
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