Spotlight: Severin Sea Lodge

The Severin Sea Lodge has many unique qualities which separate it from other hotels in Mombasa. One being that it is an eco-lodge. An eco-lodge is an accommodation sustainably integrated with the natural environment. It is designed to have the least impact possible on nature.

To be considered an eco-lodge, the accommodation needs to meet the following prerequisites:

• To be located in a natural area removed from noise, traffic, air pollution, etc.

• Use management systems to protect the surrounding environment from pollution.

• Use a sustainable waste management system, water saving system, and minimal use of non-biodegradable materials.

• Offer organic food, plant native trees annually, support biodiversity, and protect native flora and fauna.

• Use natural cleaning materials, sustainable building materials, and renewable energy where possible.

• Build within natural surroundings, use traditional design for architecture, and use less than one third of the available land.

• Employ local staff as much as possible, pay fair wages, and take part in local village and government meetings.

• Inform guests of the importance of being eco-friendly, utilize nature guides knowledgeable about the surrounding environment, and set an example showing ecotourism as more sustainable than clearing and building.

The lodge lives up to all these standards and more. It is made up of a main building with newer rooms and a series of detached huts, which have been designed like traditional African huts with thatched roofs. There are two different types of rooms in the main building – Karibu and Comfort Class. The Karibu rooms have basic amenities like air conditioning, mosquito nets, and showers. The Comfort Class rooms are much more upscale and feature more amenities such as a mini bar and flat screen TVs. They also boast gorgeous Lamu carved beds and furniture.

The lodge prides itself on its first class cuisine. There are three different restaurants on site and much of the produce is sourced from the lodge’s own organic garden. The Kisima restaurant boasts a wonderful view of the Indian Ocean, while the Imani Dhow Restaurant, situated on an old African dhow, offers fish and other fleshly-caught delicacies. The Safari Bistro is an Italian themed restaurant next to the Safari Bar, which specializes in pizza and pasta.

The lodge has won several awards for its eco-friendly set up. It offers a variety of wedding packages for those seeking a destination event. It is designed mostly for adults; there are no special amenities for children though they are welcome. Overall, it is a wonderful place to spend your Mombasa holiday in.