Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel

Lamu Island, Kenya

(Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel is situated at the end of a deserted 12 Kilometers Crescent Beach on the Southerly tip of Lamu Island off the Northern Coast of Kenya. Lamu is approximately 300 Kilometers North of Malindi and 40 minutes by air. Lamu is 90 minute by air from Nairobi, 80 minutes from Mombasa. On landing at Manda Island, (a neighboring island to Lamu) you are met by a speedboat for a thirty minute transfer to Kipungani Resort)

Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel in Lamu, Kenya

Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel - Lamu Island

Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel; Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel in Lamu is a place of fresh air and perfect peace. Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel is located on the ancient Arabian island-paradise of Lamu - one of Africa’s most remote, relaxing, and richly romantic coastal hideaways. Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel overlooks the tranquil waters of the sheltered Kipungani Channel, on the remote southwestern tip of Lamu Island and is a dream destination for those seeking a true away-from-it-all desert island holiday. After a 90-minute flight from Nairobi, you will be met at Manda Island and transported by boat to the lodge, which is located two degrees south of the Equator, on the edge of a near-deserted 12-kilometre beach.

Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel Accommodation

Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel 16 spacious bandas sit at one end of Kipungani Bay, which is Swahili for ‘the place of fresh air’. Shaded by the palm trees that line our 600-metre beachfront, the bandas are constructed entirely from local materials, with mkeka palm floors and makuti thatch roofs woven by the residents of neighboring Kipungani village. The large interiors are a picture of rustic simplicity, with giant king-size beds and furniture all handmade from local mangrove and palm woods. Each banda has an ocean-facing veranda with local funzi sofas and chairs piled high with colorful cushions. Amenities include freshwater showers, flush toilets, and separate dressing areas with wash basins.

Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel Facilities:
* Delectable catch-of-the-day seafood and continental cuisine
* Guest library with variety of novels, magazines and games

* Gift shop with local handicrafts and ‘beach essentials’

* Lounge and deck terrace with hanging moon-beds

* Seawater swimming pool with all-day bar service
* Fresh water for bathing from our own wells
* Reliable generator power supply

Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel Restaurants & Bars

Kipungani Explorer Resort sunset-facing lounge and bar are furnished for complete relaxation, with cushion-piled driftwood furniture, hanging moon-beds, and a variety of natural discoveries ‘combed’ from our shores. The dining room sits in a small tropical garden, with an adjoining library offering guests a selection of books, magazines and board-games. In front of the building is a horizon-touching swimming pool, which offers the perfect venue for the ultimate romantic sundowner!

Kipungani Explorer Resort Services:

* Early morning coffee or tea served on your verandah

* Marine radio links to fax and phone in Lamu town

* Bottled water and insect repellent in all chalets
* Welcome drinks for all guests upon arrival

* Safety deposit for all guests’ valuables

* Reliable and efficient laundry services
* Treated mosquito nets on all beds

Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel Accommodation Rates

Notes

* One child sharing with 1 adult, adult pays single room rate while child pays 50% of adult sharing rate

* Child age policy 2-16 years sharing with 2 adults, pay 50% of adult rate

* Children in own room pay 75% of adult rate

* 3 Children in own room pay full adult rate

* 3rd Adult reduction 20% of adult rate

Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel Rates Include:

* Sailing

* Volleyball

* Snorkeling

* Windsurfing

* Lawn Tennis during the day

* Table Tennis and a variety of board Games

* Value Added Tax, training Levy and Service Charge

* Non Alcoholic and Alcoholic Drinks (Local Brands) Beverages

* Full Board Accommodation at Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel in Lamu

Kipungani Explorer Resort Hotel Rates Exclude:

* Laundry

* Scuba Diving

* Water Skiing

* Deep Sea Diving

* Drinks not mentioned above

* Extra meals and Room Service

Kipungani Explorer Resort Activities

* Snorkeling and swimming with ‘Africa’s friendliest dolphins’ on the reefs of Kinyika and Manda Toto

* Visits to Lamu’s historic mosques, markets and museums
* Day trips to the ruined 14th century fort on Manda Island

* Tours of local boat-building and mat-weaving industries
* Water skiing and kayaking in the Kipungani channel
* Barracuda fishing from beach, dhow or speedboat

* Sailing and sunset cruises aboard our Arab dhows
* Deep sea game fishing (please book in advance)
* Crab-catching excursions with expert fishermen
* Bird walks around the property and beach dunes

Lamu Cultural Festival (Organized by the Lamu Cultural promotion group)

For thousands of years, the monsoon winds carried sailors from the east to the shores of Africa to trade in its richness – ivory, rhino horn, animal skins were exchanged for eastern spices, cloth, gold and silver. The sea trade gave rise to towns like Lamu, giving rise to the famed Swahili culture of the East African Coast. Lamu Old Town is seven hundred years old, vibrant with its rich legacy. In 2001, it was declared a World Heritage Site, and with it came the annual Lamu Cultural Festival to showcase the unique Swahili heritage of the Lamu Archipelago.

Booking your stay at Kipungani Explorer through African Spice Safaris gives you an opportunity to discover Lamu as you enjoy the relaxing and richly romantic experience that Kipungani Explorer is known for. For our guests, The three day festival (20-22 Nov, 2009) organized by the Lamu Cultural promotion group, was full of song, dance and poetry by celebrated Swahili artists, and also featured a Swahili bridal ceremony including the henna ceremony and the seafront donkey and dhow races. Lamu Fort also hosted a series of exhibitions including a poster exhibition on ‘Bombay Africans (1850 -1910)’ depicting the lives of the slaves taken from Africa to the east and a wonderful expo of Kangas the traditional cotton cloth used by Swahili women to drape around themselves. ‘Kanga Stories’ narrates the social meanings usually of a philosophical context inscribed on the cloth.

The 18th century ‘Dheule Mosque’ in Shela now restored to its former beauty of Swahili architecture was officially opened and ‘Lamu, Kenya’s Enchanted Island’ a superb coffee table book was also launched during the festival. The Lamu Cultural festival celebrates all that is the Lamu archipelago – its stunning beaches, its rich history of sea and trade; architecture, culture and people. Lamu is simply where history continues to live. Discover for yourself the wonders of this ancient Arabian island-paradise of Lamu - book your stay at Kipungani Explorer with African Spice Safaris.

Kipungani Explorer Resort Climate
Kipungani Explorer Resort is generally hot, 22°C - 30°C (72°F - 87°F) with about 70% humidity tempered by two seasonal trade winds. 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.

Kipungani Explorer Resort 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.