• About Us

About Us

As long-term Kenyan residents we are fortunate enough to have been able to travel all around the region and to have spent time in some lovely and memorable destinations (as well as one or two places to which we won’t be returning in a hurry…)

We love experiencing East Africa’s magnificent scenery and abundant wildlife, unspoilt coastlines and beautiful beaches – and think accommodation is just as important as location. We value places that are well-designed and nicely furnished, places with originality and charm, places that are fun and family-friendly, with welcoming owners, efficient management, obliging staff and delicious cooking.

In putting together the East African Retreats collection we wanted to help take some of the mystery, uncertainty and hard work out of planning a safari trip or booking a holiday house – by sharing and recommending our favourite discoveries – characterful private homes, small and intimate safari camps, and other unique and special places to stay – and by providing a helpful, efficient and transparent way of booking these handpicked properties.

Individual and Unpackaged

We value the chance to be as independent and unconstrained as possible when on safari – to escape with family and friends to somewhere self-contained, peaceful and private – off-the-beaten-track and away from some of the more well-trodden tourist trails. We really aim to avoid staying anywhere bland, humdrum or uninspiring – or ending up anywhere contrived, overpriced or over-the-top.

Some of the properties on our site have long and colourful histories – as so do several of their owners – and many started their lives as much-loved family homes or private weekend getaways. They range from the historic to the contemporary, from the modest to the palatial, and from the affordable to the somewhat less-so – but all share a sense of individuality and personality which we hope appeals as much to you as it does to us.

Personal Choice and Personal Service

We’re as discerning as you when it comes to choosing the perfect getaway. We take the time to visit, inspect, experience and understand every property – ensuring that each one meets our high standards of quality, character, style and service.

We only deal direct with you – and with the owners, managers and staff of the properties we recommend. We don’t work with other booking websites, platforms or travel agents, and always aim to give as individual and thoughtful a response as possible. We believe there’s no substitute for personal service, well-informed opinions and professional expertise – and nothing about us, our business or our website is automated, algorithmed or AI-generated.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further information or advice of any kind – we’ll be happy to confirm availabilities, make recommendations, share our personal experiences and pass on our local knowledge and travel tips. We look forward so much to helping plan your next escape.

Contact Us

Meet Our Team

Andrew McGhie

Andrew McGhie

Founder

Before settling in Kenya, Andrew spent 15 years in the world of illustrated books in London – working with design-led publishing houses such as Conran, Hamlyn and Quadrille. Falling in love with East Africa and escaping to the Kenyan coast whenever he could, he began to design, build and renovate traditional Swahili houses on the magical island of Lamu – and then to share them with friends and international visitors.

This new focus on beautiful, characterful and well-chosen holiday accommodation inspired the flourishing East African Retreats travel collection – introducing discerning guests to handpicked holiday homes and boutique safari destinations. Resident in Kenya for over 20 years, Andrew lives with his wife and children in Nairobi and, when not seeking out new and exciting places to stay, he enjoys tennis, books and fly fishing for trout in the Kenyan highlands.

Juliet Muthoni – Senior Reservations Manager  

Juliet leads the East Africa Traveller and East African Retreats travel team. She began her career at Sosian Lodge and Offbeat Safaris and has worked with several of Kenya’s leading high-end safari destinations. Juliet’s knowledge and experience are extensive, and her dedication, patience and attention-to-detail are second-to-none. Juliet grew up on her family’s farm beside Lake Nakuru in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. A keen birdwatcher, she loves to escape Nairobi for the bush whenever she can.

Alice Wairimu – Reservations Manager

Alice is a seasoned reservations professional with nearly two decades of experience planning holiday stays and safari itineraries for both resident and international travellers. Her approach is always warm, calm and guest-focused and she has a wide knowledge of Kenya’s most distinctive safari destinations. Prior to joining East African Retreats, her most recent roles were with Nairobi’s very special Eden Residence and the Saruni group of boutique safari lodges. Alice enjoys travelling to the Kenya coast with her family, and Lamu island is perhaps their favourite destination.

Joanne Kariuki – Accountant and Administrator

Joanne qualified in Accountancy and Commerce at Nairobi’s Kenyatta and Strathmore Universities and her wide experience in finance and administration ranges from hospitality and the arts to government and microfinance institutions. Before joining the team in 2022, Joanne was Head of Finance at Kenya’s leading contemporary dance centre.  Joanne’s perfect break is at a luxury beach lodge or private coastal villa.

Yvonne Ondwasi – Administration and Reservations Assistant

Yvonne joined the team in 2024 following six years of diverse work experience in tourism, marketing, fashion and logistics. Yvonne is a graduate of Nairobi’s United States International University Africa and her degree in International Business Administration included specialisations in Journalism and Business. Yvonne brings a tech focus to the team, and she also enjoys trips to Kenya’s beautiful Indian Ocean coast.