Kipungani Explorer, Lamu Kenya, Exclusive Accommodation in Lamu

LOCATION: Kipungani Explorer is situated at the end of a deserted 12Kms. crescent beach on the Southerly tip of Lamu Island off the northern coast of Kenya. Lamu is approximately 300 kms north of Malindi (40 minutes by air), 90 minute by air from Nairobi, 80 minutes from Mombasa. On landing at Manda Island, (a neighbouring island to Lamu), met by a speedboat for a thirty minute transfer to Kipungani. 

Official Category - 4 Stars

Description: The public areas of Kipungani Explorer are rustic and natural, ideal for letting in the cool sea breezes and enjoying the spectacular and relaxing view. The beach facing lounge and bar area are enormous brightly covered cushions piled up upon each other.  Sun bleached driftwood furniture, shells and beach paraphernalia decorate the decked terrace together with the inviting hanging 'moon beds' with yet more brightly coloured cushions. To relax on these beds is not only a joy, but a must!

NUMBER OF ROOMS: 14 king sized bedded Bandas.

Room Décor: The walls and floors are made from local grass matting called mkeka , facing the ocean is a private lounging area with local funzi beds and chairs piled high with colourful cushions.

Room amenities: Grass villas", well spaced along the 600 Metre sea frontage and have been ingeniously positioned to ensure privacy. The walls and floors are made from local grass matting called mkeka  and the makuti thatched roof has been pitched high enough to make the most of the cool trade winds.

Each verandah, facing the ocean, is a private lounging area with local funzi beds and chairs piled high with colourful cushions. The ample bedroom has an oversized king size bed draped with mosquito netting. All beach bandas are furnished with specially treated mosquito nets and in addition we provide mosquito repellent coils and spray the rooms every evening.Behind the bedroom is a dressing area with a wash-hand basin and separate room for flush toilet and fresh water shower. The water is unheated, which is not a hardship when one returns hot and salty from the beach. There are no doors or windows, just wide open spaces with roll down mats which let in the air and frame the lovely views of the sand and sea.

Special features:

· Honeymooner's Paradise.

· Off Season - closed down after Easter till July dues to weather conditions.

FOOD & BEVERAGE FACILITIES:

The dining room is in a small tropical garden with an adjoining library. Dining at Kipungani is a delight. Giant crab claws, platters of fresh seafood and fish, perfect fresh salads flown in daily, amazing Swahili fish soups, fresh tropical fruits etc. The emphasis obviously is on fresh seafood, but also available is light vegetarian or meat dishes.

GENERAL FACILITIES:

• Lounge and deck terrace with hanging moon-beds
• Boats - two Trojan motorboats for snorkeling trips and creek fishing with 60hp outboard engines and a 27ft. Sesse canoe with a more modest 25hp outboard engine. Motorized Dhow available for hire.
• Swimming Pool - a 70 sq. M free-form, salt-water, deck-level swimming pool overlooks the ocean with its ingenious spill-over weir affording guests, sitting on the sunken bench in the pool, to enjoy spectacular sunset views with a seemingly never ending horizon to the sea.
• Library - with variety of novels, magazines and games
• Gift shop
• Laundry services at a surcharge
• Room service
• Health and Insurances
• Banking and foreign Exchange facilities + Credit cards
• Electricity 240V on generator. Electric shavers, video cameras can be recharged. (No facilities for hairdryers/irons).
• Communications By UHF radios. Phone/Fax at the office in Lamu.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:

• Relaxation in the cool shady areas, to read, or just admire the beautiful sunsets while swimming in the pool, in the calm sea in front of the cottages, or in the wilder surf on the other side of the sand dunes.
• Water sports - choice of windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, creek fishing or simply walking on the miles of unspoiled beach collecting washed up sand-dollars and shells.
  (Please note that shells may not be taken out of the Country, it is against the law)
• Use of library - For the evenings, Kipungani has a selection of novels and magazines from its library for the literary minded and for the more socially inclined a wide selection of society games.
• Scuba Diving - Alternatively boats can be taken to Kinyika rock during the neap tides where the scuba diving and snorkeling is equal or better than many marine parks, by prior arrangement
• Deep sea fishing - for marlin, sailfish or barracuda.
• Dhow Excursion to Lamu can also be arranged for an excursion into the past. Lamu is the oldest surviving town on the East African coast. A miniature version of the old town of Zanzibar. It has narrow winding streets, historic mosques, a fort, colourful markets, no cars and only donkeys and dhows for transport.
• Visit to Kipungani Village

CONFERENCE FACILITIES: Can be arranged for.

CLIMATE:
Generally hot, 22°C - 30°C (72°F - 87°F) with about 70% humidity tempered by two seasonal tradewinds.  The South-West Trade (Kusi) which blows from May to October, a strong gusty wind which brings the long rains during May to July.  The North-East Trade (Kas Kazi) blow from November to April.  This summer wind brings clam, clear water and the fishing season.  Occasionally there are strong winds, but storms are rare.

Clothing
Kipungani Explorer practices a very relaxed dress code, even the use of the local kikois and khangas are encouraged. Emphasis should be on comfort and practicality. Lightweight cotton shirts, slacks and shorts are ideal during the day. Beach shoes or flip-flops that will not be spoilt by the sea or sand are a must. A light weight rain jacket can also prove to be invaluable in the eventuality of the unexpected rain shower or for boat transfers. Local customs and modesty of dress should be respected, especially in Lamu Town which is Islamic.  As Kenya straddles the equator, the sun can be very fierce and we recommend the use of a hat, in particular when out on the sea in open boats, in addition to using adequate sun-block creams.