Magical Storytelling Swahili Dinner in the Bushbaby Treehouse

There is something instantly special about eating in the Treehouse, a venue built around a baobab tree, while the evening unfolds over the creek in Malindi. You start with a sundowner at about 5:15 pm, then you get a three-course Swahili dinner that is broken up with story moments led by award-winning storyteller Mara Menzies.

I love how the night feels personal even with a small group, and I also love the mix of nature plus culture, especially the chance to feed the sweetest little Bushbabies that visit the treehouse each evening. The only drawback I’d flag is timing and extras: the whole experience is about 3 hours, and alcoholic drinks are not included, so you’ll want to plan for that if you like a cocktail with dinner.

Why the Treehouse dinner in Malindi feels different

This is not the kind of dinner where you rush in, eat, and disappear. The Treehouse is wrapped around a baobab tree in a spot with outstanding natural beauty, and that matters because the setting is doing half the work for you. The creek view and sunset are part of the experience, not scenery that you ignore once your food arrives.

It also helps that the group is kept small, with a maximum of 6 travelers. A tiny group changes the vibe: you can hear the storyteller, the staff can manage the bushbaby feeding smoothly, and you are not trying to hold a conversation over a room full of strangers.

The provider is Msitu wa Ndoto, and the experience includes dinner with a chef named Baraka. You’re paying for more than food here. You’re buying a crafted evening: storytelling woven into the meal, then a close-up moment with animals that show up nightly.

The best parts you can count on

• Sundowner by the creek around 5:15 pm, timed for sunset views
• Mara Menzies storytelling punctuating each part of the dinner with Kenyan mythology and history
• A three-course Swahili dinner by Chef Baraka, freshly made for your evening
• Bushbaby feeding at about 6:30 pm, with a strong chance the family visits
• A compact 3-hour format, plus help arranging transport after dinner

5:15 sundowner, sunset views, and Kenyan stories that match your group

The evening begins with a welcome moment at about 5:15 pm, when you sit for a sundowner facing the creek. This is when the mood turns calm. If you like photographs, this is your time, but it is also your time to just watch the sky shift. The story portion is not “waiting in the background.” It starts to build the evening’s energy right away.

Then Mara Menzies takes over with storytelling. She is a professional storyteller, and the evening is built as Stories Under an African Sky. What I like is that the stories are not locked in stone. They are chosen on the night so each dinner has its own vibe and you can lean into the mythology and history that interest you most.

That flexibility matters for you in a practical way. If you are the type who loves legends, you’ll likely get that side emphasized. If you’re more curious about historical threads, you might see that show up too. Either way, the storytelling is not random trivia. It’s meant to break up the meal so the evening feels like one flowing experience instead of separate activities.

One small reality check: the night is outdoors and timed to the evening. So wear something comfortable and plan for it to feel like an evening in the bush, not an indoor restaurant.

Chef Baraka’s three-course Swahili dinner, plus stories between each course

Around dinner time you’re treated to a three-course Swahili dinner prepared by Baraka, one of Kilifi’s top chefs. The big value here is the rhythm. Each course is punctuated with a story pulled from Kenya’s rich mythology and history, with some folklore and legend mixed in.

Swahili food has a reputation for bold, aromatic flavors that come from the coast and its trade routes. While I cannot promise specific dishes without seeing your menu, you can expect Swahili-style cooking to be a highlight, not a filler. The dinner is also described as freshly made, which is exactly what you want when you are eating in a special setting. Warm food, timed properly, tastes better when you are not fighting a long wait.

Here’s the practical takeaway: you’re not stuck listening to speeches while food goes cold. The format is designed so the stories and the courses support each other. You’ll eat, then you’ll pause for the next story moment, then you’ll go back to the table.

Also, alcohol is not included. If you want a drink with your dinner, consider that as an added cost. You can still have a great evening without it, but I prefer knowing ahead of time so there are no surprises at the table.

Bushbaby feeding at about 6:30 pm, what to expect and how to make it go smoothly

One of the most praised parts of the evening is the chance to feed the bushbabies that visit the treehouse nightly. You’ll likely get this opportunity at around 6:30 pm. The information is very clear that this is one of the few places in Kilifi where you are pretty much guaranteed to hand-feed the sweetest little Bushbaby family.

This is the moment that turns the dinner from “nice outing” into “I will remember this.” It’s intimate wildlife viewing without the distance you get at zoos. And because the bushbabies visit nightly, you’re not crossing your fingers for luck in the way you often do with animal encounters.

How do you make it work well? Do what the team asks you to do. Ask for guidance before you start feeding. Keep your movements calm and slow, and give the animals a moment to approach. In these close-up situations, your best move is patience, not speed.

One more practical note: this is an evening activity. That means you might want to check what lighting conditions are like around the treehouse area. Bring what you need to feel comfortable outdoors at night, like a light layer and shoes you can walk in safely on uneven ground.

The creek swimming option at high tide, when it’s worth planning around

In the overview, there’s a fun extra: in high tide, you can enjoy the thrill of swimming in Kenya’s cleanest, most beautiful creek. Whether you can actually swim depends on the tide timing on your date, and the experience itself is described as part of the evening with your sundowner, dinner, and bushbaby feeding.

So I’d treat swimming as a bonus possibility rather than a guaranteed slot. If you’re eager to swim, pack accordingly. Bring swimwear and a way to keep your essentials dry. You may only get a chance if the tide lines up and if there’s time within your evening flow.

Even if you do not swim, the creek view and sunset are still central to why this place is special. You’re not buying the experience for a single optional action. You’re buying the combination of setting, stories, and the bushbabies.

Price and logistics that help you plan a smooth night

The price is $75 per person, and the average booking window is about 11 days in advance. At first glance, that sounds like a night out. But when you unpack what’s included, it becomes more clear why it can be worth it.

What you get for that $75:

• Dinner included (three courses, freshly made by Baraka)
• Storytelling with Mara Menzies
• A strong chance at bushbaby feeding
• A small group size, up to 6 travelers
• Pickup is offered, and you get a mobile ticket

What you should plan for:

• Alcoholic beverages are not included
• Private transportation is not included

Meeting is at Naivas Supermarket – Kilifi Sokoni, Kilifi, Kenya, with a start time of 5:00 pm. The activity ends back at the meeting point, and the whole thing runs about 3 hours. You can also expect help arranging transport home or wherever else you want to continue the night after dinner, which is around 8:30 pm.

A quick practical tip: if pickup is offered, take it. It simplifies the evening, especially if you are not local to the area. Also, double-check your start time and plan to arrive a bit early so you’re not rushing when the sundowner begins.

Value wise, the best part is that you’re not paying for one attraction. You’re paying for a packaged evening that combines food, storytelling, wildlife interaction, and sunset views. That is why it tends to sell out, which is also why booking about a week or two ahead is smart.

Who this experience suits best, and who might want another option

This fits best if you like evening plans that have a story element, not just a meal. You’re likely to enjoy it if you want Kenyan mythology and history told in a way that sits naturally alongside dinner. You’ll also enjoy it if you are excited by animals showing up close by, especially bushbabies.

It is also a good choice if you want a smaller, calmer group experience. With a maximum of 6 travelers, you get a more personal feel. And if you are the kind of traveler who likes to do one “special” thing during a trip, this is a strong candidate.

Who might consider a different option? If you only want modern, indoor comfort with minimal outdoor time, this might not be your ideal evening, since it’s set in a natural outdoor venue and timed to sunset. If you are strictly budget-based and do not want to add anything beyond the included dinner, keep in mind alcohol is extra.

If you are traveling with a service animal, service animals are allowed. The activity is also described as near public transportation, and most travelers can participate.

Should you book the Magical Storytelling Swahili Dinner in the Bushbaby Treehouse?

I’d book it if you want an evening that mixes a real setting, real storytelling, and a guaranteed-feeling wildlife moment. The combination is what makes it: a baobab tree venue, creek sunset vibes, Mara Menzies guiding the mythology and history, and a Swahili dinner by Chef Baraka, plus the chance to hand-feed the bushbabies around 6:30 pm.

I’d hesitate only if you hate outdoor night plans, dislike “add-ons” like alcohol not being included, or you are counting on swimming every time, since the creek swim is tied to high tide.

If your calendar allows it, book ahead since the booking pace is fairly active. Then show up ready for a slow, memorable night where dinner is the centerpiece, and the stories and bushbabies make it feel like something you cannot replicate in an ordinary restaurant.

FAQ

How long is the dinner experience?

It runs for about 3 hours (approx.).

What time does it start?

It starts at 5:00 pm, with a welcome sundowner around 5:15 pm.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Naivas Supermarket – Kilifi Sokoni, Kilifi, Kenya.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What is included in the price?

Dinner is included.

What is not included?

Alcoholic beverages and private transportation are not included.

Can I feed the bushbabies?

You will likely get the chance to feed the bushbabies around 6:30 pm, since they visit the treehouse on a nightly basis.

How does cancellation work?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What group size should I expect?

The experience has a maximum of 6 travelers.