Peponi Hotel, Shela, Lamu

A Lamu legend for more than 50 years, Peponi has grown from a simple beachfront guest house to a unique and characterful boutique hotel with a worldwide reputation. Family-owned and run, with a celebrated restaurant and bar, Peponi is at the charismatic heart of stylish Shela village

“The truth is Peponi ‘happened’. It was a house that grew into a hotel, an idea that little by little, took shape from its sea-mad proprietors. An entire village looks to Peponi as its watering hole, its nexus of entertainment, its fountain of gossip. Throughout the decades I’ve been coming, Peponi has benefited from this popularity; it has gained and regained inspiration from the surrounding culture it celebrates. It is life’s exception; a place that is both luxurious beyond one’s dreaming and innocent of all pretence. If I want to escape, I close my eyes, and dream of Peponi; swimming at dawn on the world’s most beautiful beach, mornings in which I can bombard myself with discoveries; Islamic/Swahili history, dhow culture, natural history above and below the very blue sea, eccentric expatriates joining me in the bar for bitings of fried coconut and glasses of lime juice. (Believe me Lamu limes are different from all others.) Dinner distinguished by a plethora of new ways of celebrating seafood with ginger, lime and garlic. A staff that is ultra-attentive but never obsequious, day’s end in a bedroom designed for the play of the evening winds. When you go, pick your traveling companion well. Peponi and Lamu are not to be wasted.”

John Heminway

Summary

A charming and iconic coastal hideaway – atmospheric and simple yet sophisticated
Designed, built and furnished in traditional Swahili coastal style
Exceptional cuisine, waterfront dining – warm, hospitable and personal service
Freshwater swimming pool, tropical gardens, direct access to Lamu’s wonderful 8-mile beach
Water sports galore – including windsurfing, waterskiing, snorkelling, SUP, kayaking, dhow sailing, deep sea fishing
Explore the many historic and cultural attractions of Lamu, Manda and Pate islands
A choice of standard or superior rooms, family rooms and apartments – 29 bedrooms in total

Detailed Information

Accommodation

17 Superior Bedrooms –
6 Superior Twins
9 Superior Doubles
2 Superior Family

12 Standard Bedrooms –
5 Standard Twins
6 Standard Family
1 Standard Family

All bedrooms have –
Ocean View
Balcony
Ensuite Bathroom
Personal Safe
Beach / Pool towels
Hairdryer
Overhead Fan

Additional in superior bedrooms –
Swinging Hammock
Mini Fridge
Additional space

Restaurants –
The classic Dining Room
On the terrace overlooking the channel
At the pool among the Baobabs
On the rooftop under the Balanites
Outside the bar under the Bougainvillea

Bars –
Peponi’s legendary bar
The Jahazi Bar
Rooftop bar

Event spaces –
The Palm Garden – up to 100 pax
Jahazi Bar & Grill – up to 30 pax
Pool & Rooftop – up to 30 pax

Activities at a fee –
Sunset dhow sail
Guided runs and dune hikes
Guided shopping trips
Guided tours of historic sites –
Lamu Town – Unesco World Heritage Site
Shela Village
Takwa Ruins on Manda island
Pate Island – Siyu Fort, Shanga Ruins, Pate Town
Yoga
Massage Treatments
Private Trainer
Deep Sea fishing
Traditional fishing by dhow
Water sports with instruction – water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, donuting
Snorkelling (October – March)
Laser sailing, kayaking, SUP
Creek Floating

Location

Peponi sits on the seafront in Shela Village on the very eastern tip of Lamu Island. The island’s beautiful 8-mile beach starts on Peponi’s doorstep and all the other attractions of Shela are within moments of the hotel. Historic Lamu Town is two miles north of Shela, and Manda Island and its airport are just a short boat ride away across the Lamu Channel.

Visitor’s Book

“Peponi – true to its name – really is a piece of heaven! I went for the first time 17 years ago and it’s as great now as it was then in terms of comfort, service, food and atmosphere. The place has soul and Carol and her team are incredibly helpful and hospitable.”

“This is our third time at Peponi and it NEVER disappoints – in fact it keeps getting better. Peponi is probably one of the most iconic hotels in Kenya – it has charm, history, a boho feeling to it whilst being child-friendly and sophisticated all at the same time. The staff are friendly, attentive and we couldn’t complain about anything. If you haven’t been here before, book without hesitation. We can’t wait to be back.”

“Peponi could not have been more perfect for a wind-down from an 8-day safari. The owner and staff were absolutely amazing – as was the hotel and restaurant. The sunset dhow excursion and the day spent on a dhow visiting a beautiful island with an incredible lunch thrown in were wonderful. We strongly recommend Peponi!”

“It is the unexpected things in life that can make a place and an experience so memorable, even remarkable. Peponi Hotel is exceptional. The cuisine is excellent and the freshness of its ingredients could rival any top European restaurant. The menu has many choices from fresh fish dishes, sushi, and local cuisine. The hotel prepared a Swahili feast for our family and set up a low table with cushions so we could have an authentic experience.”

Rates

Standard season – March to mid December

Standard Rooms per night
1 guest – ksh 22,000
2 guests – ksh 27,500

Superior Rooms per night
1 guest – ksh 28,500
2 guests – ksh 35,700

High Season – mid December to end February

Standard Rooms per night
1 guest – ksh 27,500
2 guests – ksh 35,000

Superior Rooms
1 guest – ksh 35,500
2 guests – ksh 44,500

These rates are for East African residents – please contact us for non-resident rates and further terms & conditions of booking