Kenya : Lamu

Lamu is a place like no other, a peaceful tropical island where life is lived at its own relaxed rhythm, but a place whose history is as mysterious and fascinating as the winding streets of its medieval stone town. The island itself is a beautiful place of rolling dunes and endless beaches, where tiny villages nestle among coconut and mango plantations and lateen sailed dhows ply the waters. But Lamu's real attraction is its Old town.

The town of Lamu began life as a 14th century Swahili settlement, but the island has seen many visitors and influences, including Portuguese explorers, Turkish traders and the Omani Arabs. All left their mark, but Lamu developed its own particular culture, which has ultimately endured.

Lamu's narrow streets remain unchanged, and in the markets and squares around the fort life moves at the same pace as it always has. There are no vehicles on this island, and the donkey and the dhow remain the dominant form of transport.

Dhow safaris can take you beyond Lamu into the surrounding archipelago, where isolated villages, ancient ruins and a few luxurious and exclusive resorts lie hidden among the islands of Manda, Siyu, Pate and Kiwayu.

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dhows	aerial view	rooftops

Quick links:
Kipungani Bay	Manda Bay
Kizingo	Kiwayu
Peponi
Kijani

Kipungani Bay
Kipungani Bay is where you leave the world behind. This glorious hideaway is set in a bay on a stretch of unspoilt wild southern white beach, on the tip of the sleepy Swahili island of Lamu off the Northern end of Kenya's coast.

Set within a 25 acre coconut plantation there are 14 thatched ensuite villas made from mangrove poles and palm leaves. The open style bandas are spaced along the beach and ensure privacy and complete comfort with a veranda facing the sea. The bandas are simple but comfortable and a cooling sea breeze provides ventilation and stimulates a healthy appetite.

Day trips include a visit to the ancient Swahili town of Lamu , and Kinyika island. Enjoy a choice of activities such as scuba diving, wind surfing, sailing, deep sea fishing, water skiing and snorkelling on the reef. At Kipungani, you have no choice but to relax. Your best memories will be the wide open space, the beautiful sunsets and a sense of almost mystic peace and solitude.

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villa	bedroom	pool

sunset	bedroom	Kipungani

Kizingo
Kizingo is the ultimate 'no news, no shoes' beach resort - a wonderful secluded and tranquil escape from the modern world. The lodge is situated at one end of a spectacular 12-kilometre beach that stretches from Kizingo (which means 'the point' in Swahili) to the fashionable village of Shela . Kizingo has six beautifully appointed bandas (thatched cottages) which are simple but comfortable, set well apart from each other, with unrivalled sea views. In the early morning you can enjoy tea in bed and watch fishing dhows tack south to Malindi.

The swimming is excellent, both in the Indian Ocean and in the calm waters of the channel that separates Lamu from the mainland. For the more energetic there is a big choice of activities including a guided tour of historic Lamu Town , excellent snorkelling, the chance to swim with dolphins in the winter months and cycle rides to African villages on the mainland.

The Lodge is managed by Mary Jo and Louis Van Aardt, both of whom were born in Kenya and have a lot of experience in lodge management. They have a close relationship with the local village and are very active with the local turtle conservation project.

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banda	local children	dhow

the point	bedroom	shore

Peponi
Peponi is a small hotel in the village of Shela on Lamu Island. Peponi is still run by the Korschen family, who opened the hotel in 1967 and which still retains much of the character and charm that it had then. Small and personal, it is the perfect rest after a safari or a hide away holiday from modern life. Peponi has a total of 24 rooms, which are divided into superior and standard rooms. All rooms at Peponi have ocean views and no two rooms are alike. Five of the rooms are built right on the beach, with private veranda areas overlooking the sea, while the rest have a combination of ocean and garden views. The pool which overlooks the sea is the perfect place to relax and the fresh sea food is renowned. Peponi is a lovely intimate hotel, very popular over Christmas and 'the' place to see in the New Year so it can be very busy. There are a number of activities which can be arranged from the hotel including water skiing, diving and fishing and they are instrumental in the conservation of the turtles which breed on the island.

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verandah	dhow race	room

hatchlings	pool	pool

Kijani
Kijani House is a small hotel de charmes overlooking the entrance to Shela channel. In its leafy garden and around the freshwater pool you will find real peace and relaxation. Each room has its own ambiance and character with a terrace facing the sea or the garden where the gentle breeze keeps you cool. The rooms are furnished with coastal antiques and all have a large bathroom with coloured lime stone wall. All rooms are fitted with a ceiling fan, mosquito net and a personal safe.

The emphasis is on healthy, wholesome food and the menu is determined by the fresh produce of the day, which maybe Red Snapper, Tuna, Kingfish and Barracuda or Calamari, Mangrove Crab or Spiny Lobster. The pasta, marmalade and ice cream are all homemade. Herbs are picked fresh from the garden, honey collected from the local farms and the fruit juice freshly squeezed with no additives. The food at Kijani is traditional and authentic with a touch of Italian Cuisine.

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aerial view	terrace	dining room

room	pool	room

Manda Bay
Manda Bay is located on the North-Western tip of Manda Island , one of the many unspoilt, idyllic islands to be found in the romantic Lamu archipelago. It lies in calm inshore waters on a long sandy protected beach. With miles of soft white sand, fascinating creeks and small islets to explore, it makes a perfect retreat for both family groups and honeymooners alike.

In keeping with the local landscape and artisans the accommodation consists of ten cottages constructed from local materials. Five rooms are set right on the seafront and five are set in-between and slightly behind on higher ground. All the rooms have large ceiling fans and ensuite bathrooms.

With its own private, fully fitted 60 foot traditional dhow - Utamaduni - it's possible to arrange day cruises exploring the uninhabited islands of this fascinating archipelago. Activities include windsurfing, laser sailing, water skiing, creek fishing, massage, mangrove trips, scuba diving and day trips to Lamu island.

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beach	dining	manda

aerial view	bedroom	utamaduni

Kiwayu
If you want a really peaceful interlude on your Kenyan holiday, Kiwayu is a setting governed by tide and sun. It is remote and devoid of other habitations or signs of life save the occasional fisherman and a multitude of birds. Palm trees sway over the white sand, the lodge is thatched and open to the sea and sea breezes. It is furnished with raw timber furniture, which are liberally covered with colourful cushions. Private bandas made of wood, woven palm leaves and grasses are spread along the beach, each has a comfortable bed, a dressing area, shower and sitting area plus a veranda complete with hammock and cushions. The food is excellent and if you can summon up the energy there is sailing, water skiing windsurfing and the option for deep-sea fishing. Closed mid April - end of July.

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dining area	sitting area	bed