PLACES TO STAY
WHERE TO STAY LAMU Photography: Brian Siambi and Respective Properties
KILIMAWINGU HOUSE A Parisian couple fell in love with Lamu in the late 90s and bought this exceptionally charming house which was then converted into a private holiday home. The almosttriangular pool is set in a lush green garden dotted with vibrant bougainvillea flowers. Renovations have since been made to make the house very child-friendly with guarded staircases, balconies and a wood-fenced pool. It can accommodate up to 16 guests in eight characterful double/ twin rooms spread across several floors, with numerous stylish lounging areas. Their kitchen makes the best shortbread cake in the area. Book via www.eastafricanretreats.com MNARANI HOUSE, SHELA ‘Mnarani’ means ‘near the minaret’ in Swahili and this house stands next to Shela’s historic Friday Mosque, around 75 metres from the beach. It was renovated in 2014, one of the new additions being a lovely courtyard pool. Expect walls of intricate zidaka niches, decorative plaster friezes and traditional painted hardwood roof beams. On the ground floor is the kitchen and bar area while the first and second floors have the four ensuite double bedrooms. Rooms are beautifully decorated and furnished in traditional style, including original antique Swahili doors and windows brought from Pate Island. www.lamuislandproperty.com MAMA DAKTARI HOUSE This is where the ‘Flying Doctor’ Anne Spoerry resided from the late 1960s in between her medical expeditions.The house has two suites and is connected to Betty’s Suite (double room, set on the rooftop, with an impressive private infinity pool) and Garden House (recently renovated, has two ensuite double rooms and has front row sea views). It’s master bedroom is the highest point of the property with an outstanding view of the channel. The property also hosts Kiwandani House which has a pool that guests to Mama Daktari may have access to. www.themoonhouses.com
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