Kijani Hotel

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.

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.

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.