Location: Shela Beach, Lamu Island, Lamu County, Kenya.
Overview
Peponi Hotel is located at Shela Lamu, Shela in 829 m from the Centre. This small boutique hotel on the remote island of Lamu, off the North Kenyan coast is run by the Korschen family who happened upon the old building by chance in the 1960’s.
The story begins on the families final holiday in Malindi; Aage ‘Lemmy’ and Wera Korschen had been farmers in upcountry Kenya until their land was acquired during independence. As Kenya had become home for them and their three children; Lars, Hanne and Nils. Before leaving for Argentina, Aage decided that, before leaving, he must visit a part of the coast he had always been drawn to; the Lamu Archipelago.
In 1966, when Lemmy & Wera first visited Shella and laid eyes on the building that would dictate their entire future they were captivated, as many have been since. Within 3 days they had the keys and Peponi was born, starting as a small 4 bedroom guest house. Over 50 years later and a few generations Peponi is still run by the Korschen family, the same ethos and atmosphere remains although it has grown slightly.
The hotel has organically grown to 29 rooms, all rooms have an ocean view, unique in decor and lay out. Guest have a choice of superior or standard rooms; superior rooms are differentiated by their location, size and private outside area with swing bed. All our rooms have ensuite bathrooms, overhead fans inside the mosquito net and personal safes.
Uniqueness of this Camp
Peponi is still run by the Korschen family, this being their home, they ask you will respect it and enjoy the unique atmosphere of an enduring yet fragile culture in this Unesco World Heritage Site. Lamu Old Town is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, retaining its traditional functions.
Our partners ask that you respect their culture by dressing correctly and behaving in a proper manner, and expect tourists to dress modestly while exploring the towns and villages, keeping in mind the local beliefs of this rare and remarkable is land.
Dating back to the 12th century, Lamu Town is the oldest inhabited Swahili town in Kenya, comparable only to Tanzania’s Zanzibar, with its ancient fort, its wood carved doors, bustling markets and the ubiquitous donkeys the town is charming and authentic—no wonder UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site.
Accommodation
with 29 rooms spread between standard and superior categories, Children of any age are welcome.
The 12 standard rooms – 5 Twins, 6 doubles and 1 standard Family room ( sleep 4people) all have a private verandah, unique Swahili styled interiors, ensuite bathrooms, overhead fan-inside the mosquito net and personal safe.
The 17 Superior rooms – 6 Twins, 9 doubles and 2 Superior Family (sleep 4people) rooms these are more spacious, ocean view, with a private outside area with swing bed and mini fridge. All rooms have beach towels, ensuite bathroom, overhead fan inside mosquito net and personal safe.
3 Apartments: 1 Studio, 2 separate bedrooms and a spacious open living, dining and Kitchen area.
Amenities
Hotel Amenities: Fresh water swimming pool, Free form pool under the Baobabs, swinging Hammocks under the shade of the Coconut Trees, reverse Osmosis water maker, reduced plastic waste, Wi-Fi, credit cards: Visa/Master Card/Amex, 3 bars and 5 Restaurants.
Activities
The lives of people of Lamu are ruled by the wind, moon and tide, so the activities on offer also vary depending on the time of year and tide. The Eastern Coast of Africa has two seasonal winds. The South-East Trade (Kusi) which blows from May to October, a strong gusty wind which brings the rains, rough water and silt from the Tana River, disrupting boat activities and excursions like snorkeling are not favourable, however there are many wonderful activities to experience on a visit during this season. The North-East Trade (Kas Kazi) blows from November to April. This summer wind brings calm, clear water, the best time for snorkeling and the fishing season. Occasionally there are strong winds, but storms are rare.
Include: watching the sunset while on board a dhow, Shella beach boasts a 14km stretch of untouched beach – to walk bare foot on, bird watching, massage, visit Takwa Ruins and Lamu Town, water sports:- swim the channel, windsurf, wakeboard, waterski, kite surf, snorkel, Kayak, sail, go creek floating between Oct-Mar snorkel at Manda Toto and enjoy BBQ picnic or visit Kinyika to play with the Dolphins, Fish Squid in the Channel by hand-line, on Traditional Dhow catch bigger Fish or Sports Fishing on ‘Little Toot’ captained by Nil Korschen.