Kipungani Explorer Lamu - "Robinson Crusoe Paradise"

Kipungani Explorer holds the coveted distinction of the most highly rated hotel in Lamu.

It offers a true "Robinson Crusoe" Experience. Why?

It is located on a secluded stretch of unspoiled white sands of Kipungani Bay Lamu and makes for a fairy-tale "desert island" vacation.

The spacious and private bandas (beach cottages) complement the African holiday feel...

They are constructed entirely from local materials - mkeka floors woven from palm leaves and makuti thatch roofs made from palm fronds by the skilled artisans of the neighboring Kipungani village.

All the furniture is handmade from the local mangrove and palm trees. Deliberately, there are no TVs or landlines and although there is cellphone coverage. So...

You can look forward to taking a break from virtually all the modern trappings of life for a couple of days.

Although the bandas on stilts provide panoramic views of the ocean, they are a row away from the shore. They are also smaller than the ground level ones which are obviously preferable because they are on the beachfront.

The food is delectably fresh - the fish is delivered daily by the local fishermen, the eggs are laid by the hotel's chickens and the fruit and vegetables are from Kipungani Explorer's own kitchen garden.

The personal service and attention to detail is outstanding. The manager and his exceptionally friendly staff will probably be on hand to receive you upon arrival. They will help you out of your speedboat, take your bags and shoes and hand you a refreshing welcoming drink. That way, you get to start your barefoot experience in style.

Activities

The facilities include all that you have come to expect from 5-star accommodation. Private bathroom with a flushing toilet. Efficient laundry services. A swimming pool with a dedicated bar service. A well-stocked guest library with board games, magazines and novels. A boutique that sells local handicrafts and "beach essentials."

And, these adrenalin-rush activities are just a boat ride away:

• Snorkeling

• Diving

• Windsurfing in the Lamu channel

• Dhow cruises - in the hotel's very own safe dhow

• Deep sea game fishing.

• You can also use Kipungani Explorer as a base to visit a Kipungani village or explore Lamu Old Town as well as its ancient mosques, ruins, museums and markets.

Traveler Reviews

This section highlights what real hotel guests liked and disliked about the only hotel in Kipungani Bay Lamu.

What Travelers Liked

• The seclusion of the hotel lends it an atmosphere of tranquility and fresh air

• The unique construction and rustic décor of the bandas are appealing to the eyes and are a constant reminder that you are in Africa

• Warm and professional staff dote on you 24/7 and add to Kipungani Explorer's reputation as "a home away from home."

• Great fresh food. When you are digging into your fish you are certain it is "the catch of the day." The eggs are laid on the hotel's grounds and the salad leaves are plucked from the hotel's own garden.

• Endless quiet beaches. You can stroll along these confident that there are no prying eyes to invade your cherished privacy.

• Breathtaking sunsets provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable sundowners.

What Travelers Disliked

• To complement the rustic feel, the bandas are not equipped with air conditioners. While they are generally well-ventilated, it can get quite hot at night

• The hotel is located away from Lamu town. So, if you want to do justice to Lamu's numerous attractions, you have to take several 30-minute boat rides, which may not be very pleasant if you can't swim or get sea-sick.

Summary

Kipungani Explorer is the epitome of Kenya's coastal hospitality.

I highly recommend this hotel for anyone who wants to take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life. That said, there are many unique activities to keep you busy such as snorkeling and windsurfing, deep sea fishing, dhow cruises and exploring Old Town.

Owing to its popularity, the hotel's 14 bandas are occupied all year round so if you'd like to stay here, be sure to secure your booking early.

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