Kijani hotel

Kijani Hotel is a boutique beachfront hotel located in Shela Village on Lamu Island, one of Kenya's most historic and culturally significant destinations. The property is known for its traditional Swahili architecture, tropical gardens, ocean views, and relaxed atmosphere. It sits directly on the seafront and is within walking distance of Shela's jetty and beach. 

Location

• Situated in Shela Village, Lamu Island, Kenya.

• Address: Ocean Front, Shela, Lamu, Kenya.

• Approximately 3 km from Lamu Old Town and about 4 km from Manda Airport, which serves flights from Nairobi and other Kenyan cities. 

History and Design

The hotel occupies several restored traditional Swahili houses that were formerly private residences. The buildings feature:

• Coral stone walls

• Makuti (palm-thatch) roofs

• Handcrafted Swahili furniture

• Antique décor collected from the Lamu Archipelago

The design emphasizes authentic coastal Kenyan heritage rather than modern high-rise luxury. 

Accommodation

Kijani has a relatively small number of rooms (around 10–11 rooms/suites), making it an intimate boutique property. Rooms generally offer:

• Private bathrooms

• Verandas or balconies

• Garden or ocean views

• Traditional Swahili furnishings

• Spacious layouts in many suites

Each room has a unique design rather than a standardized hotel-room format. 

Facilities and Amenities

Guests can access:

• Two freshwater swimming pools

• Tropical gardens

• Rooftop restaurant

• Beachfront setting

• Free Wi-Fi in public areas

• Airport transfer services

• Massage services

• Restaurant and bar facilities

Some booking platforms also list complimentary breakfast and free airport shuttle arrangements. 

Dining

The hotel's restaurant focuses on:

• Fresh seafood

• Swahili coastal cuisine

• International dishes

• Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options

Many reviews highlight the ocean-view dining experience and locally sourced ingredients. 

Activities

Popular activities arranged through the hotel or nearby include:

• Dhow sailing trips

• Sunset cruises

• Deep-sea fishing

• Snorkeling

• Windsurfing

• Water skiing

• Guided exploration of Lamu Old Town

• Beach walks around Shela Village

Lamu itself is a UNESCO World Heritage destination known for its centuries-old Swahili culture and architecture. 

Reputation and Guest Reviews

The hotel is consistently rated highly by travelers:

• Around 4.5/5 rating from hundreds of reviews on major travel platforms. 

• Booking platforms report guest scores above 9/10, with particularly strong ratings for location and atmosphere. 

• Guests frequently praise:

  • Authentic Swahili character

  • Friendly service

  • Beautiful gardens

  • Peaceful environment

  • Excellent ocean views

Common considerations mentioned by travelers:

• Access requires travel via Manda Airport and boat transfer.

• The traditional style may appeal more to travelers seeking character and culture than modern luxury amenities. 

Pricing

Rates vary by season and room category. Recent listings show rooms commonly starting around the equivalent of USD 200+ per night during many periods, though prices fluctuate significantly based on demand and travel season. 

Who It Is Best For

Kijani Hotel is particularly suitable for:

• Couples and honeymooners

• Cultural travelers

• Beach vacation seekers

• Photographers

• Travelers looking for an authentic Swahili coastal experience

It may be less suitable for travelers seeking large resort facilities, nightlife, or extensive business amenities. 

Quick Facts