The Lodge History
The lodge originally was built by a trader early in the century, and then In the 60’s the Jessop family bought the land on which is now Shimoni Reef Lodge from an old settler family who farmed upcountry and had built a cottage as a fishing retreat. The lure of the Pemba channel, and the famous marlin that stalked these waters had already created a myth that till today brings fisherman to Shimoni.6 types of marlin are found here, a rarity even in a global village. The Jessops offered humble accommodation, and fishing experience that keen fisherman traveled far and wide to experience. Old age and a remote location conspired to convince them to retire in Mtwapa, north of Mombasa with other members of the Jessop clan. We bought it in 1983.
With an old lime green ford pick up truck, we went to work, and bit by bit we started what has been a series of improvements that transformed the main building, but still retained its original character of thick white washed walls, high ceilings, and arabesque atmosphere.
With the guidance from a uniquely talented architect to whom we are eternally grateful to, Leif Damgaard designed and transformed the dead gardens into a cozy series of cottages, linked by small paths and makuti thatch roof. The design was ahead of its time, as till today I could not improve on them one iota.
Exploring the area we became to understand how special the environment was, both in the ocean and on land, and we shared the early days with many friends and small groups of clients. Little has changed.
I take great pleasure knowing that these pleasures can be enjoyed by others, who can share in the magnificent atmosphere left behind to us at Shimoni.
Now we have 9 cottages, and 1 honeymoon “suite” perched above the main building with views to die for. A far cry from the old building and one cottage, but the atmosphere is much the same.
The gardens were always alive with old trees and birds and not much has changed there. The monkeys still come and go as they please, with the Colobus a special treat, sitting in the tamarind tree overlooking the reception entrance. The Sykes monkeys, once just curious visitors, have got used to thieving in the kitchen and so there we have had to alter the windows to deter them.
