"Peponi
is simple, fresh, cheerful and everything about it is totally
original and genuine - no frozen foods here, nor frozen smiles."
Harpers and Queen
Peponi is a small hotel on the exotic island of Lamu, in the Indian
Ocean off the coast of Kenya. Peponi is still run by the Korschen
family, who opened the hotel in 1967 and which still retains much of
the character and charm that it had then. Small and personal, it is
the perfect rest after a safari or a hide away holiday from modern
life.
Getting Here
It is also possible to visit us by land although it is a bumpy seven
hour drive from Mombasa and at least four hours from Malindi. You
will have to park your car on the mainland at the Mokowe jetty and
take a boat from there to Shela.
Cuisine
The New York Times remembered us for our giant prawns but whether it
be for fresh seafood and sushi or traditional Swahili style cooking,
our innovative breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and stunning
settings offers some of the best dining in East Africa.
Bar
Peponi’s legendary bar is a favourite watering hole for guests and
Shela village inhabitants alike, with "its nexus of entertainment,
its fountain of gossip". The bar is run by Charles, who will whip up
our famous house cocktail "Old Pal" in an instant or pour a fresh
juice or cold bee.
Pool & Garden
Peponi’s gardens have been integral part of the hotel and Shela
village for over 40 years and boast one of the largest and most
varied collections of tropical palms and exotic plants on the Kenyan
coast. Swing hammocks under the shade of coconut trees and a fresh
water free form swimming pool under two giant Baobab trees offer the
perfect places to rela.
Beach
Peponi is situated at one end of the spectacular twelve kilometre
Shela Beach on the Indian Ocean. Flanked by ancient sand dunes, the
beach is one of the few remaining untouched, empty stretches of
coastline in Kenya. White sands, excellent swimming and an idyllic
setting for a walk at dawn or sunset.
Activities
-
Dhow Trips -
Guests can explore the archipelago under sail in a traditional
Lamu or Mozambique style dhow. Visit the ruins at Takwa, raise a
glass at sunset or dine under a full moon. Experience the
spectacle or even help crew the biannual dhow race, held in August
and on New Year’s Day.
-
Fishing -
Peponi’s deep sea fishing boat ‘Little Toot’ with its experienced
crew and modern equipment offers some of the best sports fishing
in East Africa. Ocean fishing with a hotel speedboat or hand line
fishing from a local dhow is also available.
-
Snorkeling -
Lamu archipelago offers some of Kenya’s best snorkelling waters,
with favorable conditions between October and April. The reefs at
Manda Toto and Kiniyka have an abudance of reef fish and live
coral. After snorkelling guests can enjoy a picnic breakfast or
lunch on the beach.
-
Water Sport -
Peponi has water sports for all age groups and levels of
experience. Competent instructors and a wide range of equipment to
hire from windsurfers, sailing Mirror and Lasers, wake boards,
body boards and water skis. Kite surfing instructors are available
but bring your own equipment. The nearby mangrove creek is ideal
for water skiing at high tide. For the less energetic there are
kayaks on the beach
Accommodation
Peponi has just 24 rooms, which are divided into superior and
standard rooms. All rooms at Peponi have ocean views. Superior rooms
are differentiated by their location, size and private outside area
with swing bed. All rooms have overhead fans, mosquito nets, showers
(no baths), fresh flowers, and personal safes.
