“We spent the most fabulous new year week at Dzumbe House, which is situated on the most wonderful stretch of beach paradise. I cannot fault anything. The hosts, staff, food and setting were simply perfect. We would have happily stayed on until the next New Year!”

Caroline, London

Dzumbe House is the spacious centrepiece of the five holiday homes at Four Twenty South and provides a uniquely authentic, unspoilt holiday experience, far removed from that of a modern beach resort, in harmony with the natural local environment, the seasons and the tides and harking back to a quieter, gentler era.

Dzumbe dates back many decades to colonial-era Kenya and has been gently renovated and modernised over the years, but still retains its original character and charm. It furnished throughout with a simple but stylish mix of British and Swahili furniture, and antiques and artworks from some of Kenya’s most notable painters.

“We just got home from a wonderful 12 days at Four Twenty South on Galu Beach – this was not our first visit, nor will it be our last. This is just the perfect beach escape for families – beautiful huge lawns rolling out onto the white sand beach. Gorgeous location, lovely accommodation, delicious food, relaxed atmosphere and simply the best stretch of beach – what more could one want?!”

Nikki, Nairobi

There are five bedrooms each with their own private bathrooms, all leading off the lofty central corridor of the house. 3 bedrooms have double beds, 2 bedrooms have twin beds. Dzumbe can accommodate a maximum of ten guests and is ideal for big groups or families sharing.

There is a spacious sea-view veranda with dining and sitting area, along with a comfortable and tastefully-decorated indoor living room and dining room. The house is fully equipped including beach towels. There are overhead and standing fans and a cooling sea breeze, and extra-large mosquito nets cover all the beds.

“What a fabulous, enchanting spot! Small and authentic, right on the best stretch of Galu/Diani beach – but away from the crowds and close enough to everything. Hilary was a warm, efficient host, taking care of details in the background, and our cook prepared the most delicious fish and seafood every night. All the staff are friendly and accommodating. What a beautiful place to spend our holidays and get to know the south coast of Kenya.”

Buck, Canada

Dzumbe has an uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean and is just a stone’s throw away from Galu’s spectacular beach – a quiet and unspoilt southern extension and continuation of Diani Beach. The turquoise lagoon, protected by the offshore coral reef, is a vast natural spa and its warm clear water is heavenly for swimming whether the tide is in or out. The dazzling sand is so fine and white that you can walk on it barefoot at any time of day.

The house comes with a dedicated chef and housekeeper whose aim is to make your stay as relaxing as possible. They will work around you as required – taking care of cooking, cleaning and laundry and are even happy to shop for you – although with fresh seafood and seasonal fruit and vegetables sold door to door by local traders, you may not find that such a chore. On arrival a starter pack of basic provisions including olive oil, balsamic vinegar, spices, tea, coffee, sugar, drinking water, soap and lavatory paper is provided for guests’ convenience. If you would prefer a ‘full board’ menu, that can also be arranged.

  • A characterful, elegant and traditional family beach house
  • Brand new swimming pool
  • Idyllic setting amid 3 acres of tropical gardens
  • Direct access to a glorious white-sand beach
  • Friendly, experienced and competent staff and management
  • Accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 ensuite double/twin bedrooms
  • Self-catering and full-board options available
  • Rentals from Ksh 88,000 per night ‘self catering’ with chef and staff

Detailed Information

  • Good cell phone signal.
  • WiFi internet.

Activities and Excursions Available –

  • Read to your hearts content the unique collection of books in the library.
  • Get your Game on with Chess, Backgammon, Scrabble, Monopoly, Playing cards and the local games Bao and Kumiliki.
  • Massage, reflexology, beauty treatments, yoga, Pilates – available on request.
  • Swimming and long walks on the beach.
  • Sail out to the reef on an outrigger canoe for snorkelling or trips to the reef and sandbank (goggles and cold bag available) or fishing with the local fishermen.
  • Hire a glass-bottomed boat to see the marine life without getting in the water!
  • Kiting, body boarding and kayaking by H2O Extreme at Kenyaways Kite Village.
  • Try one of the nearby scuba diving sites or take a trip to Wasini Island marine park .
  • Get romantic with a sunset dhow ride and picnic.
  • Play a round of golf at the 18-hole Leisure Lodge Golf Club only 10 mins away.
  • Jump out of a plane (with a parachute) at Skydive Diani, open all year round.
  • See Diani from the air with a scenic microlight Flight.
  • Know your local flora and fauna with walk in the Kaya (sacred forest of the Digo) and learn about the traditional uses of plants.
  • Find peace and nature birdwatching in the estuary or river.
  • Gallop or trot along the beach with a nearby horse riding stables.
  • Visit local conservation centre, the Colobus Trust to see orphaned monkeys including Betsy, the first Angolan Colobus in the world to be raised by humans.
  • Depending on the time of year, go out into the open ocean deep sea fishing.
  • Take a camel ride on the beach.
Galu Beach

Galu Beach

Four Twenty South is named for the latitude – it is almost exactly 4 degrees and 20 minutes south of the Equator – as there were no landmarks in the forest which covered the area in the 1960s when the property was bought by Ken & Margaret Martin. Now, still owned and run by the Martin family, their daughter Hilary lives on the property.

Galu Beach kite surfing

Galu Beach kite surfing


Beautiful Galu Beach is an extension of Diani’s powder white sands but is much less busy, sometimes without a single person on it – and the beach is bigger, cleaner and quieter than Diani Beach. Diani has been voted the best beach in Africa by the World Travel Market and one of the 25 best beaches in the world by Trip Advisor. All kinds of water sports and activities are available nearby – please see the ‘detailed information’ section for suggestions.

Galu Beach dhow

Galu Beach dhow

Only a short walk away from the houses there is a supermarket stocking basic provisions, along with several fruit and vegetable stalls. Along the beach road and within 5-10 minutes’ drive there are four larger supermarkets and a number of banks, ATM machines and gift shops. There are a number of good places to eat and drink nearby including Sails Beach Bar & Restaurant and the Blue Marlin.

Galu Beach camels

Galu Beach camels

How to Get There

By Air

Four Twenty South is just 10 minutes from Diani/Ukunda Airstrip which has several scheduled flights each day to and from Nairobi. Airlines serving Diani/Ukunda and Nairobi include :–

Four Twenty South is approximately 50km south of Mombasa Airport, which handles both domestic and international flights. Domestic airlines serving Mombasa and Nairobi include-

By Road

Four Twenty South is approximately 40 km south of Mombasa Island via the Likoni Ferry and the main A17 coastal road. Please contact us for detailed directions. Driving Time from Nairobi should be around 8 hours.

“We spent the most fabulous new year week at Dzumbe House, which is situated on the most wonderful stretch of beach paradise. I cannot fault anything. The hosts, staff, food and setting were simply perfect.  We would have happily stayed on until the next New Year!”  

Caroline, London

“We just got home from a wonderful 12 days at Four Twenty South on Galu Beach – this was not our first visit, nor will it be our last. This is just the perfect beach escape for families – beautiful huge lawns rolling out onto the white sand beach. Gorgeous location, lovely accommodation, delicious food, relaxed atmosphere and simply the best stretch of beach – what more could one want?!”

Nikki, Nairobi

“What a fabulous, enchanting spot! Small and authentic, right on the best stretch of Galu/Diani beach – but away from the crowds and close enough to everything. Hilary was a warm, efficient host, taking care of details in the background, and our cook prepared the most delicious fish and seafood every night. All the staff are friendly and accommodating. What a beautiful place to spend our holidays and get to know the south coast of Kenya.”

Buck, Canada

Self-Catering Accommodation Rates

  • Minimum stay – 5 nights.
  • Maximum occupancy – 10 guests
  • Minimum stay over Christmas, New Year – 7 nights.

Low Season (April post Easter, May, June, November)

  • 4-bedroom rate: Ksh 88,000 per night
  • 5-bedroom rate: Ksh 110,000 per night

Mid Season (January, February, March, April inc Easter, September, October)

  • 4-bedroom rate: Ksh 97,000 per night
  • 5-bedroom rate: Ksh 121,000 per night

High Season (July, August, December)

  • 4-bedroom rate: Ksh 107,000 per night
  • 5-bedroom rate: Ksh 133,000 per night

Please contact us for Christmas and New Year rates

Accommodation is on a ‘self-catering’ basis including the services of personal chef and housekeeper

‘Full board’ accommodation is also available – please contact us for further details

Please contact us for details of the other 2 and 3 bedroom cottages at Four Twenty South

Drinking water and a ‘welcome pack’ of tea, coffee, sugar, spices, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and other essentials are supplied.

Rates include complimentary return transfers from Diani/Ukunda airstrip

These rates, terms and conditions are valid for stays up until 31st December 2024

These rates are for East African residents – please contact us for non-resident rates

Please contact us to make a booking

Please familiarise yourself with all our terms & conditions when making a booking

Availability Calendar

Please click through and refresh the calendar in order to see the most up-to-date availabilities

Available
Booked
MTWTFSS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28 March 2024Provisional
28
29 March 2024Provisional
29
30 March 2024Provisional
30
31 March 2024Provisional
31
April 2024
MTWTFSS
01 April 2024Provisional
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30