Off Corniche Path, Shela Village, 80500 Lamu, Kenya
#5 of 20 B&Bs and inns in Lamu
Guests' ChoiceBased on 77 B&B reviews
9.4Cleanliness
9.7
Comfort
9.6
Location
9.8
Facilities
9.4
Staff
9.9
Value for money
9.0
Free Wifi
7.5
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End of dialog contentReviewed: September 2, 2025
Michael
United StatesZero
The hotel itself is charming. Our room was on its own floor with great porch and unbelievable view The food and service and consideration and genuine care about every aspect of our stay stood out for us
Stayed in September 2025
Reviewed: August 20, 2025
Patrice
United StatesN:A
We left our room, especially being able to sit out on the deck at night in the most comfortable chairs! I really like how cleaning they kept the room and they turn down service. The pool was lovely and very relaxing. I enjoyed watching the turtles walk by! Very nice breakfast and the restaurant was a great change from having been in Kenya for so long I adored the veggie hummus!!!
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: August 9, 2025
Duccio
ItalyAfrican style amazing. Garden & pool incredible. Staff really nice.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: July 20, 2025
Sophie
BelgiumI’ve returned to Kijani several times now and each visit exceeds my expectations. The hospitality is truly heartfelt – thank you to Elizabeth, Susan, Evans, Tito and the rest of the wonderful team for making me feel so welcomed and cared for. The architecture of the property is stunning, blending seamlessly with the lush tropical gardens. The rooms are spacious, beautifully designed, and a haven of cool comfort thanks to the air conditioning.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: June 23, 2025
Ye
ChinaIf the in-room Wi-Fi connection could be better.
It's a boutique hotel with amiable atmosphere. All the staff are very attentive, friendly and respectful. Evans, Tsofa, Billy are just three of their names. The boat pickup and seeing off are well organized. Breakfast is a-la-cart and the Swahili coffee is very nice. Room is very spacious. Decorations are full of Lamu or the east coast taste, which means beautiful and serenity. Also, the food is delicious, no matter stewed or grilled fish, or their homemade ice cream.
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: June 9, 2025
Hannah
United StatesNo complaints !
Breakfast was delicious at a gorgeous restaurant overlooking the sea. The options were plentiful and fresh.
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: April 16, 2025
Tunde
Belgium-
Kijani is a charming little hotel in Shela, well located to discover the village on foot, and the nearby islands by boat. It has everything one needs for a perfect holiday; provides a quiet and peaceful backdrop. We loved the flexibility of management (even with last minute issues), return boat transfers included in the price, amazing breakfast and restaurant. Fantastic staff (management, reception, cleaning team, restaurant, kitchen, guards, in short: EVERYONE): kind, attentive, all while being respectful of privacy. We have stayed elsewhere in Lamu and Kijani truly stands out. Thank you.
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: April 12, 2025
Anders
DenmarkDay time mosquitoes. Slow WiFi.
Staff was amazing.
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: April 11, 2025
Alex
United KingdomNothing.
The hotel and the those that work here are fabulous. We had originally planned to stay for 2 nights, but ended up staying for 4. The hotel is right in the beach in Shela and about a 2 minute walk from the main part of Shela. The staff were fabulous and couldn’t do enough to help. Nothing was too much trouble. The food was also excellent. The brekfast was plentiful and tasty, and the evening menu was also very good. Honestly, this place is a really gem and I would recommend it to anyone.
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: March 12, 2025
Natalie
United Statesbreakfast was delicious- nice that you got to choose from a menu of options so it wasnt the same thing each day. and location were perfect! It is a short walk to the part of the beach where you can swim. The hotel and pool itself is so nice and picturesque it was also wonderful just to stay on the property and get away from the bustle of the town.
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: March 1, 2025
Andrey
LatviaNothing serious really to complain about. The toilet flush was occasionally stuck with the water running, which merely took a few tries to learn how to operate it properly.
A perfect getaway spot for a demanding traveler. Steps for the immaculate sandy beach, action and numerous fine stores and dining, but offers a quiet refuge within its own compound in an appealing Swahili style, with a resident tortoise family. A convenient on-site rooftop restaurant with a bar and a nice breezy view of the ocean canal and boats. Excellent service with attention to detail. Tito and Bonnie deserve a special mention!!! Complimentary airport transfer on a boat. A convenient 20-minute boat ride (1000 KSh, or about US$8, each way) to the historic Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: February 7, 2025
Diane
United StatesI loved all of it.
Location right on the water, Swahili decor, great staff and wonderful food. I have come here 5+ times! And I will be back!
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: February 4, 2025
Monika
Czech RepublicThe prices are quite high. The wifi in our room had a somewhat weaker signal.
The staff is amazing, room are clean and they bring you drinking water twice daily for free. The restaurant cooks very tasty food and opulent breakfasts.
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: February 1, 2025
John
United KingdomNothing really although we thought the dinner menu could have been more imaginative. For example "catch of the day" seemed not to be a local catch of the day which it so easily could have been.
Excellent location in Shela which is less busy than Lamu town, so there are lots of alleys to explore and a lovely beach nearby facing Manda Island past Pepone Hotel.
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: January 14, 2025
Alan
IrelandNo complaints.
A beautiful room with a nice verandah. Staff were all excellent, Bill the waiter and Tito at reception, also Koech. Boat taxi to and from the airport was a beautiful way to start and finish the visit. Breakfast was plentiful with good choices and dinner on the rooftop is a must.
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: December 23, 2024
Johana
CanadaNothing. Everything was perfect.
The staff were exceptional.
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: December 8, 2024
Assumpta
SwedenThe location was great
Stayed in December 2024
Reviewed: November 18, 2024
Leticia
United KingdomThe staff were fantastic. Bonnie, Tito, Ngala and so many more. A really unusual hotel in that it is small but incredible food and beautifully cared for spaces.
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: October 7, 2024
William
United KingdomMy room had a fan but no aircon
Lovely location, charming staff and generous breakfast
Stayed in October 2024
Reviewed: September 27, 2024
Ballentine
AustraliaWe like the property. If we were to return to Lamu, we would definitely stay there again. It is a bit rustic, has a wonderful atmosphere and is so well positioned.
Its location, and the privacy. Beautiful elevated Restaurant with a lovely view of the inlet. Lovely Pool in the middle of the property and to top it all off, there is a family of tortoises which roam freely in the garden!
Stayed in September 2024
Reviewed: September 19, 2024
Francesca
United StatesEverything was perfect!
Here's a refined version of your review: "My stay at this hotel was absolutely fantastic! The hotel itself is stunning, and the on-site restaurant is hands down the best in town. The food was incredible, the views were breathtaking, and the overall vibe was perfect. Every member of the staff was incredibly friendly and went out of their way to assist with anything I needed. It was an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to return. Highly recommend!"
Stayed in September 2024
Reviewed: September 17, 2024
Manish
United StatesGreat food and very personal service.
Stayed in September 2024
Reviewed: July 4, 2024
Winnie
United Arab EmiratesThe Location, the garden is gorgeous and the food to die for
Stayed in June 2024
Reviewed: June 30, 2024
Diane
United StatesI love everything about this place
The location right in the water provides beautiful views of the islands and sailing shows and cooler breezes to help with hot days. The place is beautifully appointed in Swahili style and the garden is lush with great pool. The food at the restaurant is top notch and the service is excellent. It is my fourth time visiting Lamu and I plan to come back. No place in Lamu matches Kijani Hotel.
Stayed in June 2024
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