Places to See and Stay: Peponi Hotel - Lamu Archipelago

Peponi Hotel is situated right on the waters edge in Shela village. The privately owned hotel has been in the hands of a Danish family, the Korschens, for 25 years. There are whitewashed terraces, bougainvillea, and waving palm fronds. Nothing is slick, nothing is flash but the hotel is warm, friendly and has a solid timeless feel to it.

In front of the hotel there are always dhows and boats to watch. You can perch in the lively bar and watch the world go by. Adjacent to the bar is the elegant dining room. It has whitewashed walls, dark wooden furniture and Arabic tea urns and antique plates on the shelves. However, the most important aspect of the dining room is the food. The hotel has a table d'hote as well as an a la carte menu. Both feature superb seafood - the speciality of the hotel.

There are 24 rooms in the hotel, all of which look towards the sea. All have terraces or verandas with comfortable chairs. Inside, there are high Lamu four-poster beds, mosquito nets and ceiling fans and simple en suite bathrooms. The rooms are very peaceful and sitting your terrace you hear the rustling palms and see the dhows on the water. All together perfect for a holiday! There is a wonderful swimming pool to relax at should you get tired of walking or sitting on the fabulous beach. Many activities can be arranged from the hotel. There is a dhow into Lamu Town each morning and snorkel trips, boat trips, guided tours of Shela and Lamu are easily arranged.

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