LAMU

Description:
A MAGICAL PLACE Lamu is an historical town with many old buildings, narrow streets and friendly Arab population. It has been trading center and already in the 11th Century dhows sailed along the East African coast to Arabia, Persia and Indiab, but with the abolition of slavery in 1907 the economy of the island went into decline. In the early 1970s, Lamu was discovered by 'hippies' and they loved the laisser faire attitude of its people and ambiance. They have gone, but tourist are still coming to Lamu, it has now some good hotels, guesthouses. In recent years, some wealthy people have restored the beautiful grand houses in authentic style and hose houses are sometimes for rent, inclusive cook, staff and all comfort. Life for the Arab/Bajuni people has not changed much, men still wear full length robes (khanzus) and caps (kofia), the ladies in bui-bui. The young generation is very friendly and open to visitors loving to make some 'business' deals. Meeting them is easy, as Lamu has no cars - only donkey's - and everybody meets everybody on the two main streets. Shela, a small fishing village next to Lamu is becoming very fashionable with the jet set, ceo's and royalty, who have restored beautiful old houses in their past glory. It has also the best hotel, Peponi, and a fantastic beach.

Banana House

Price range $: 60-100
Meal Plan : Bed & Breakfast Type : Beach Hotel
Can accommodate : 8
Description:
Banana house is situated in Shella, about 50 mtrs from the sea, it has a large walled garden, fantastic views on the dunes, the sea and the village. It is a 4 minute walk distance from Peponi Hotel, and in a quiet area. We have an excellent cook, who prepares lunch/diners against costing price (account of guests), breakfast is included, except when whole house is booked. We have staff who look after the guests so they can completely relax. The house has 3 bedrooms on the groundfloor (all connected with each other, ideal for a family with small kids), the main kitchen and a large veranda, the first floor has 3 bedrooms (all self contained, all dlarge double beds) and a separate kitchen for the use of guests. A large veranda/sitting area with great views. The rooftop is 200m2, has 1 big bedroom/bathroom, different terraces, very private and of course fantastic views.
Small Banana house is in the same garden and has a lovely groundfloor appartment ( 1 bedroom/bathroom, separate extra toilet) and sleeps comfortable 2, but it can sleep 4 (in the living room), the house has direct access to the garden and has a very intimate atmosphere. The rooftop is also like an appartment with 1 bedroom, terrace, dining, swingbed and the rooftop with benches to gaze at the stars. Both houses are simple decorated with taste.
Facilities: beach, snorkelling,

Beach House

Price range $: 101-150
Meal Plan : Self Catering Type : House - self catering
Can accommodate : 10
Description:
Beach House is situated at the edge of tranquil Shella Village on Lamu Island at the beginning of a long stretch of white sandy beach. A large house with four double and one triple, ensuite bedrooms. On the first floor, raised above beach level, there is an edgeless, fresh water swimming pool. It has a bar area and low comfortable baraza seats. Up the first flight of stairs is a large dining and living room, leading out onto an alfresco terrace. Another door leads onto the wooden deck over the pool and to two double bedrooms with their own private terraces. The third floor comprises three bedrooms and an open terrace. From the rooftop you can enjoy panoramic views of the whole Lamu channel.
Facilities:
beach, deep sea fishing, snorkelling,

Baytil Ajaib

Price range $: 151-200
Meal Plan : Half Board Type : Town Hotel
Description:
Wealthy Arab merchants dominated the Swahili Culture through business, religion and social structure for over 2,000 years. The wealth of these merchants was manifested in the palatial town houses they lived in. Baytil Ajaib is one such structure. The restoration completion coupled with the furnishing of the interior with authentic Swahili furniture allows the discerning traveller to bathe in a splendour that has long since been forgotten.
Facilities:
Air strip,Beach nearby

Island Hotel

Price range $: 50
Meal Plan : Half Board Type : Beach Hotel
Description:
The Island Hotel is situated in the sleepy village of Shella which lies approximately 3 kms along the beach from the hustle and bustle of Lamu town on Lamu Island. The inhabitants of Shella, approximately 700 people, are traditionally fishermen but are now dependent upon tourism for their livelyhood. The atmosphere is peaceful and the village people are among the friendliest to be found anywhere.
Facilities:
Fishing-deep sea,Beach nearby

Jannat House

Price range $: 50
Meal Plan : Half Board Type : Beach Hotel
Description:
Jannat House is a restored Arabic Merchants house built in the 18th Centuary. It is situated on Lamu Island and from the roof top terrace you have a spectacular view over the surrounding town and the channel between Lamu and Manda islands.
Facilities:
Swimming pool,Beach nearby,Fishing-deep sea

Jasmine House

Price range $: 51-100
Meal Plan : Self Catering Type : House - self catering
Description:
Jasmine House is a three bedroom, self service House on Lamu Island. There are staff to cook and take care of you.,
Facilities:
Air strip,Beach nearby,Boating,Fishing- deep sea,Scuba diving,Snorkeling

Kijani House

Price range $: 60 -100 Location : Shela
Meal Plan : Half Board Type : Town Hotel
Description:
Kijani House lies in the village of Shela, on Lamu island, in tropical gardens leading directly to the sea. Six airy and spacious double rooms and four triple rooms each have their own balcony or verandah facing the garden or the sea and are spread through the garden in three small thatch roofed Swahili buildings which were formerly private homes.
The furniture is Lamu style with four poster beds with mosquito nets. There are ceiling fans to keep guests cool. The kitchen specialises in seafood, Italian and African dishes.
Facilities:
Swimming pool,Beach nearby

Kipungani Explorer

Price range $: 201-250 Location : Lamu
Meal Plan : Full Board Type : Beach Hotel
Can accommodate : 300
Description:
Kipungani Explorer is a rustic, natural beach hideaway, under swaying coconut palms, perched over a sandy bay on Lamu Island at the opposite end of the Island to Lamu Town. Enormous bright cushions are scattered around, sun bleached driftwood furniture, shells and beach paraphernalia decorate the decked terrace together with hanging 'moon beds'.
15 beach cottages made from palm leaf mats with thatched roofs and wide open spaces for windows and doors are well spaced along the beach. Each bedroom has a king size bed with mosquito netting, ceiling fan to keep you cool at night, bathroom with basins, flush toilet and fresh water shower (the water is unheated) and private verandah, facing the ocean. Dining is excellent with the emphasis on fresh seafood. Breakfast may be served on your verandah to order at the hour you choose.
Facilities:
Beach,Boating,Scuba diving,Snorkeling,Swimming pool, Walking

Kisimani House

Price range $: 60-100 Location : Shela
Meal Plan : Self Catering Type : House - self catering
Description:
Kisimani House is situated on Lamu Island a minute's walk from Peponi Hotel on Shela Beach. Originally built in the early 18th Century for the Caliph of Zanzibar, Kisimani has been carefully restored, extended and beautifully furnished in Swahili style. A large and heavy carved Lamu door opens into cool spacious interiors which provide a welcome contrast to the brilliant heat outside.
Facilities:
Boating,Beach nearby

Kizingo

Price range $: 151-200 Location : Lamu
Meal Plan : Full Board Type : Beach Hotel
Can accommodate : 14
Description:
KIZINGO (which means the point in Swahili), is a small beach resort on the Island of Lamu, off the coast of Kenya in the Indian Ocean. There are six individual bandas, each with unspoilt ocean views, which are fully equipped and have solar powered electricity. Step off the balcony of your banda straight onto the beach. The bandas consist of a double bed which is romantically draped with mosquito nets. The large space has a table and lounging chairs for your comfort. The bathroom area a flushing toilet, hot water shower, wash basin and a dressing area. Take afternoon tea in your banda, with a slice of home cooked cake. Relax in the bar area for pre-dinner drinks, to discuss your day with Mary Jo and Louis, the manager owners, and the other guests. Dining at Kizingo is of the highest standard. Fish is the speciality, freshly caught and served with locally grown vegetables and salads.
Facilities:
Beach, Fishing- deep sea, Snorkeling, swimming with dolphins

Lamu House

Price range $: 101-150 Location : Lamu
Meal Plan : Bed & Breakfast Type : Beach Hotel
Can accommodate : 24
Description:
Our hotel is made up of two Swahili houses, restored and adapted to modern use, retaining the enchantment of the traditional Swahili architecture. Each house has five separate bedrooms, a living room open to the courtyard with a plunge pool, a top terrace overlooking the sea and the town, and a kitchen. The houses may be rented exclusively, or by room.
Each room is unique, and all have en-suite bathroom and private terrace. Staff are provided and the cook produces a mix of local and international cuisine. We do not sell alcoholic beverages, but you are welcome to bring your own, or we can assist in obtaining them locally.
Facilities:
Beach near by, culture, swimming

Manda Bay

Price range $: 301-350 Location : Manda Island
Meal Plan : Full Board Type : Beach Hotel
Can accommodate : 30
Description:
Manda Bay lies on Manda Island, just north of Lamu Island, and consists of 15 accommodation bandas, surrounded by a beautiful stretch of empty beach, accessable only by boat. Manda Bay is unique in its location as a home-stay type property as opposed to a beach hotel/resort. It is perfect for family groups and honeymooners alike. The accommodation is thatched makuti roofs, coral and matting rooms with ensuite bathrooms with shower.
Facilities:
Air strip,Beach,Bird watching,Boating,,Fishing- deep sea,Scuba diving,Snorkeling,Swimming pool,Watersports center,Windsurfing

Mnarani House

Price range $: 60 Location : Lamu
Meal Plan : Self Catering Type : House - self catering
Can accommodate : 8
Description:
Mnarani House is a 4 bedroom house set in the village of Shela, on the tip of Lamu Island, a short distance from the 15kilometer long Shella beach. There are 3 double bedrooms with fans and mosquito nets. There are solar hot water showers in each room. Three levels give several areas for lounging. A full time cook and house staff are there to take care of you.
Facilities:
Air strip,Beach nearby,Boating,Fishing- deep sea,Scuba diving,Snorkeling

New Lamu Palace

Price range $: 60 Location : Lamu
Meal Plan : Bed & Breakfast Type : Town Hotel
Description:
The Lamu Palace House is situated on the waterfront of Lamu town. Recently built and with air-conditioning throughout this hotel is conveniently situated for exploring Lamu town. Beaches are a short ride away by boat taxi. There is a restaurant in the hotel.
Facilities:
Air-conditioning,Boating,Business Center,Fishing-deep sea,Organised walks,Scuba diving,Beach nearby

Palm House

Price range $: 60-100 Location : Lamu
Meal Plan : Self Catering Type : House - self catering
Can accommodate : 8
Description:
Palm House, situated in Shela town, Lamu, is designed around an open courtyard. The living and dining areas look onto the courtyard and another small side garden. It is spacious, yet compact - two doubles and one twin bedroom on the first floor, all ensuite with private balconies. The second floor has an open terrace, which leads off to a small covered baraza area in front of the fourth bedroom. This master bedroom has a Lamu four-poster bed and balconies on two sides. There is a panoramic view from the covered rooftop, with a bar, sun beds and baraza lounging area.
This house is let on a weekly basis from Saturdays.
Facilities:
Beach near

Peponi Hotel

Price range $: 151-200 Location : Shela
Meal Plan : Full Board Type : Beach Hotel
Description:
Peponi Hotel is situated at the entrance to Lamu Harbour on the edge of a picturesque fishing village called Shella. The hotel overlooks Manda Island and from the verandah one is able to step onto the beach which stretches for 8 miles with no other sign of habitation to disturb a carefree swim or walk.
All rooms have their own verandahs facing the sea and ensuite bathrooms.
Facilities:
Air strip,Beach,Bird watching,Boating,Fishing- deep sea,Scuba diving,Snorkeling,Swimming pool,Watersports center,Weddings,Windsurfing

Petleys Inn

Price range $: 60 Location : Lamu
Meal Plan : Bed & Breakfast Type : Town Hotel
Can accommodate : 22
Description:
This old, well known hostelry is on the waterfront near the museum. It is steeped in Lamu tradition. The hotel has 11 bedrooms and a three-room family suite. Some rooms have air-conditioning and others have ceiling fans. There are traditional Lamu four-poster beds and private balconies. There is a small swimming pool taking up most of the second floor, a rooftop restaurant and a pub on the ground floor.
Facilities:
Swimming pool, beach close by

Shela House

Price range $: 60-100 Location : Shela
Meal Plan : Self Service Type : House - self catering
Description:
Shela House, in Shela Town, is built on three floors around an open courtyard, the house well and an ancient gardenia. The entrance hall leads into the courtyard, edged by a baraza sitting and eating area. Two staircases lead to the upper rooms. There are five ensuite bedrooms - three double bedrooms, another with two large four-poster single beds and a smaller single bedroom. There is also a nursery room. A second floor dayroom and terrace provide additional lounging areas. Most time is spent relaxing on the two rooftops. The house experienced staff to ensure your comfort.
Facilities:
Air strip,Beach,Fishing- deep sea,Scuba diving,Snorkeling,Walking,Windsurfing

Stone House

Price range $: 50 Location : Lamu town
Meal Plan : Bed & Breakfast Type : Town Hotel
Description:
Stone House is situated in Lamu, a small island off the Kenya coast and one a major port of call for dhows sailing the Indian Ocean. Lamu town is one of the oldest on the East African coast, still with its predominantly Arab architecture and narrow, winding streets.
Facilities:
Beach nearby,Air strip

Stopover Guest House

Price range $: 50 Location : Shela
Meal Plan : Bed and Breakfast Type : Beach Hotel
Description:
Stopover Guest House, Shela Harbour is situated directly on the sea front in Shela Village near the dhow harbour. The property is newly renovated and locally owned. There are 5 self-contained rooms in total, 2 on the second floor with a large balcony, and 3 on the first floor, the front 2 with a small balcony. Rooms are clean, simply furnished with fans and mosquito nets and have good views of the sea and plenty of sea breeze. All 3 rooms on the first floor can be rented as an apartment with access to kitchen facilities on the same floor for self-catering accommodation.
Facilities:
Beach nearby

Yumbe House

Price range $: 50 Location : Lamu
Meal Plan : Bed & Breakfast Type : Town Hotel
Description:
Yumbe House is situated in the center of ancient Lamu town, about 100 meters from the sea front. The roof-top lounge provides panoramic views of the harbour and old town with its narrow streets just wide enough for donkeys to pass through. The house opens into a wide courtyard garden.
Facilities:
Air strip,Beach nearby