Discovering Arcadia: A Haven of Peace, Community, and Sustainability in Kilifi
By Christine Akoth Obanda
For UK-Australian entrepreneur Esme Batley the journey to creating Arcadia East Africa Bush Camp, an eco-friendly sanctuary nestled in the heart of Kilifi, Kenya, has been shaped by a lifetime of exploration, creativity, and a passion for the natural world. Born into a family of entrepreneurs with deep roots in the hotel, accommodation, and property industries, Esme developed an instinct for hospitality and innovation from an early age. Her global travels—from working on cruise ships to backpacking independently—gave her the opportunity to immerse herself in different cultures, environments, and ideas. She carefully gathered these influences and, over time, blended them into her own unique vision.
Having lived in Tanzania and fallen in love with the East African landscape and its people, Esme’s fortunate discovery brought her to the land where Arcadia East Africa Bush Camp would eventually take root. “I stumbled on this piece of land by accident, but I immediately knew what it would be,” she recalls. From that moment, her passion for protecting the area’s indigenous flora, fauna, wildlife, and medicinal botany took center stage. In creating Arcadia, she drew inspiration from the word itself, which means “idyllic, peaceful, and simple,” and focused on attracting a mindset of conscious living rather than catering to a specific demographic.
Arcadia is not just an eco-friendly retreat; it is highly accessible, located 500m off the Mombasa Malindi high and 8 minutes off Kilifi bridge, conveniently situated along the highway from Mombasa. It’s also just 1 hour from Malindi Airport, making it an easy escape for both local and international travelers.
The property offers a variety of camping options to suit families, couples, and even teenagers, making it an inclusive space for all. One of Arcadia’s highlights is its open-air kitchen, where guests are free to cook their own meals using fresh, local ingredients or hire a chef to craft a culinary experience for them. It’s also a perfect spot for bonfires, offering visitors an authentic outdoor experience under the stars.
Powered entirely by solar energy, Arcadia blends elements of glamping and traditional camping, providing visitors a unique connection to nature with minimal environmental impact. The space is alive with rare species of herbs and plants, making it ideal for guests interested in holistic living, traditional medicine, and sustainable practices.
The property is not just a retreat for tourists; it has become a hub for collaboration and creativity. Arcadia welcomes a diverse range of activities, including events, seminars, festivals, and even movie screenings, providing both locals and international visitors with opportunities to connect and grow. The integration of herbs and traditional medicine, in collaboration with local and international healers, adds another layer of authenticity and purpose to the space.
Despite its beauty and serenity, the path to building Arcadia was not without its challenges. Navigating Kenya’s investor fees and visa regulations was difficult, and sourcing eco-friendly building materials also presented obstacles. Esme created a DIY work environment to overcome these barriers. Often working alongside an all-male construction crew, she had to earn their respect through her hands-on approach and determination. Interestingly, the few women who joined the crew proved to be even more productive than their male counterparts, inspiring her to incorporate female artisans and masons into her projects moving forward.
For Esme Batley, Arcadia represents more than a business or a getaway; it’s a way of life. “In a world that is so fast-paced and becoming ever more disconnected, embracing Mother Earth and a collaborative, caring community are the best chances we have of not just surviving, but thriving,” she says.
As Arcadia continues to grow, so does Esme Batley’s vision for what it can be: a place where the modern world meets timeless tradition, where community thrives in harmony with nature, and where creativity and culture intertwine to build something truly special.
