Lamu

Kijani Hotel

Name: Kijani Hotel
Address: Lamu Island, Kenya
Price range: From US$160 per person, per night

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Kijani Hotel

About Kijani Hotel

A charming Kenyan beach house with local flavour on the beautiful Lamu Island.

Lamu Island, on Kenya's north coast, is a dreamy sand-and-sea destination in a nutshell and Kijani House, a grand old colonial mansion, makes for a lovely place to stay. Located in the quaint village of Shela, just south of Lamu Town, the hotel has front-row access to the beach and the incredible sunsets over the water. There's a gorgeous garden, lush with palms, albizias and bougainvilleas and two sparkling swimming pools, just in case the Indian Ocean is too warm for you. In the town of Shela, you'll find a small harbour, with two dozen fishing boats and a few sailing dhows lining the shore. This means two things: seafood is fresh and plentiful, and your sunset cruise is waiting for you.

Lamu , Kenya

From $150 per person/per night

Beach

10 Rooms

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Property details

The property

Entering the hotel through a massive hand-carved wooden door, the atmosphere immediately becomes one of Swahili-meets-old-school, with a stately yet understated style. Making your way through luscious, colourful gardens, you'll pass two sparkling pools on your way to the dining room. A dozen or so wooden tables play host to spicy curries, sumptuous crab claws and other delicious seafood. The restaurant extends onto the terrace, where the sounds of Shela drift in through the trees. The beach is just a few short steps away, but the best place to swim is about a ten-minute walk around to the southern side of the island.

The rooms

Ten rooms are made up of doubles or twins and slightly larger suites, both within the main building and spread around the garden. They're decorated with Swahili art, antique furniture and woven rugs and white mosquito nets hang over the beds, spread with colourful blankets. All rooms are en-suite with a basin, shower and W/C and if you choose a suite, you'll enjoy a very spacious place to wash! All boast either a balcony or patio with comfy furniture and either garden or sea views.

Activities

Kijani House is centrally located in Shela, meaning it's easy to explore the village and its many craft shops. The UNESCO-recognised Lamu Town has an ancient fort, elaborately designed mosques, a maze of alleyways and authentic markets and is still largely un-touristy and well worth a visit (just a 4km taxi/donkey ride away). In the evening, don't miss a sunset sail on a locally built dhow and if you're feeling active, snorkelling, diving and kite-surfing are easy enough to organise too.

Why we love it

The hotel has a magical feel to it that transports you to a different culture and a time gone by.

Insiders Tip

If you're looking to chill on a beach away from fishing boats and hagglers, take a 10-minute stroll to the southern side of the island - it will be just you and coconut palms for miles.

Something to think about

As with most hotels on Lamu Island, the journey can be long and to get there, you'll fly to Manda Island (just a few kilometres across the water) and then take a ferry or a small boat (with your luggage) to Kijani.

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How to book Kijani Hotel

How do I book Kijani Hotel?

Kijani Hotel can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Kenya trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Kenya trips featuring Kijani Hotel or get advice and suggestions from one of our Kenya specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Kijani Hotel?

Stays at Kijani Hotel start from around $150 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Kenya

Lamu Island

Uncover the magic of a bygone era on this sultry island that’s Kenya’s ultimate beach hideout.