classic barefoot luxury beach experience
Scuba diving and snorkeling on pristine reefs, sunset dhow cruises and swimming with dolphins - the unspoilt Lamu Archipelago combines all the elements of a fantastic beach holiday and is a perfect add-on to a Kenya safari or as a sensational honeymoon destination. Superb luxury accommodation is available both on Lamu Island and nearby Manda Island.
LAMU HOLIDAY
Lying just off Kenya’s far north coast is a string of beautiful Indian Ocean islands - Lamu, Manda, Pate, Kiwayu and Manda Toto - known collectively as the Lamu Archipelago. An area of archaeological and historical interest as well as great natural beauty, these islands are well worth visiting for a more tranquil and away-from-the-crowds Kenya beach holiday, especially when compared to the busier and more developed central and southern parts of the coast.
Largely unvisited until quite recently, the Lamu Archipelago is now home to some lavishly luxurious accommodation in stunning settings. Popular as a post safari and go on activities include snorkeling and scuba diving (best between November and March when the water is clearest), historical walking tours, dhow sailing trips, sea kayaking and diving with dolphins. Flying is the best way to reach the archipelago and the airport is located on Manda Island from where you will be transferred to your hotel or lodge by boat.
Lamu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001 and a Centre of Swahili and Islamic culture for over 700 years, is the most popular and most developed of the islands and its hotels have gained a well-deserved reputation for delivering a superb 'barefoot luxury' experience. Expect great beaches, dazzling coral reefs, a wealth of activities, great cuisine and friendly, discreet service while on a Lamu holiday.
Lamu Old Town is worth exploring - either on your own or as part of an organized tour - and there are plenty of opportunities; to pick up traditional clothing, silver jewelry and leatherwear. Note that Islamic Lamu Island is conservative and visitors would do well to respect local customs and adhere to recommended dress codes while away from the beaches.
Less developed Manda Island offers a more exclusive feel just across the narrow channel from Lamu Island. It's virtually uninhabited but besides the archipelago's airport, the island is home to several archeologically important sites including the ruined towns of Takwa and Manda. Excavations at the sites have revealed their historical legacy, finding Chinese porcelain and Islamic pottery.
The Majlis hotel is a privately owned luxury beach hotel on Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago, off Kenya’s Northern Coast. It is one of the most unique luxury resorts in Kenya.
With a superb beachfront location and breathtaking views over the bay and Lamu Island, it offers the perfect setting and the ideal accommodation for barefoot luxury and informal pampering on your trip to Kenya. The boutique hotel offers 39 exquisite deluxe rooms and suites divided into three beachfront villas.
The rooms, all presented in timelessly elegant Lamu Island style, are very spacious, well appointed, and fully air-conditioned. The Majlis restaurant will not fail to impress with a panoramic
View of the bay and the finest cuisine.Additional state-of-the-art facilities include two bars, two swimming pools, and an activity center that co-ordinates a wide variety of water sport activities.
ACTIVITIES AT MAJILIS HOTEL
Built using local materials, Manda Bay is largely a wood and thatch build in the Swahili tradition, and its high roofs, open sides and low overhangs serve to provide guests with shade and – by funneling air down and through the space – the best of the sea’s breeze. Consisting of a bar, lounge, dining area, reading room and 16 cottages, Manda Bay is a beautiful resort, thoughtfully designed, and the style – matted floors, low seating, both formal and informal dining options, brightly printed throws – encourages in its guests a relaxed approach to the business of enjoying oneself on holiday.
ACTIVITIES AT MANDA BAY
Peponi Hotel is a small boutique hotel on the remote island of Lamu, situated in the Indian Ocean off the North Kenyan coast. Peponi Hotel’s location allows unrivalled access to Shela’s pristine beach, as well as to Shela village and to the Lamu town. No roads, no cars, the pace of life reduces literally to a slow walk, or indeed to a sail by dhow. Behind the hotel sits a 14th century mosque, which, together with the shops and the houses, provides a focus for the community that is outside of the hotel.
ACTIVITIES AT PEPONI HOTEL
Jabari Safaris is a luxury safari company based in the United States with roots in Africa, offering a wide range of luxury holiday packages — from ready-made itineraries to fully customized experiences.
