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  5. Reviews of Kijani Hotel

Reviews of Kijani Hotel

Off Corniche Path, Shela Village, 80500 Lamu, Kenya

#5 of 20 B&Bs and inns in Lamu

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 77 B&B reviews

9.4

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.7

  • Comfort

    9.6

  • Location

    9.8

  • Facilities

    9.4

  • Staff

    9.9

  • Value for money

    9.0

  • Free Wifi

    7.5

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: September 2, 2025

    10
    Unreal location and kindness
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Zero

    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

    8.0
    Definitely relaxed and reenergized! A beautiful place to stay!!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Suite
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    N: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

    10
    African Eco Retreat
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    African style amazing. Garden & pool incredible. Staff really nice.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: July 20, 2025

    10
    Another unforgettable stay at Kijani
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I’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

    9.0
    A boutique comfy hotel
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    If 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

    10
    Would highly recommend and hope to return!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Standard Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    No 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

    10
    Lamu's most charming hotel
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    -

    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

    8.0
    Perfect retreat for ultimate relaxation
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Suite
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Day time mosquitoes. Slow WiFi.

    Staff was amazing.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: April 11, 2025

    10
    Fabulous stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing.

    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

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Standard Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    breakfast 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

    10
    A paradise getaway on an ideal sandy beach, in a nice Swahili style, within easy reach of the historic UNESCO heritage s
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing 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

    10
    Beautiful location, wonderful rooms, great staff and food.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I 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

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Business trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The 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

    8.0
    Very relaxing and chilled out.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Nothing 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

    9.0
    Loved the stay.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    No 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

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing. Everything was perfect.

    The staff were exceptional.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: December 8, 2024

    10
    I enjoyed it
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The location was great

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: November 18, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Standard Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The 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

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Superior Suite
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    My room had a fan but no aircon

    Lovely location, charming staff and generous breakfast

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: September 27, 2024

    8.0
    Limo is a great place to visit. One really needs few days to relax and appreciate the uniqueness of the town and the peo
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We 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

    10
    "A perfect stay with amazing views, exceptional food, and outstanding service—can't wait to return!"
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Everything 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

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Great food and very personal service.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: July 4, 2024

    9.0
    Amazing! I’ll definitely go back
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Standard Double or Twin Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The Location, the garden is gorgeous and the food to die for

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: June 30, 2024

    10
    Perfect place to enjoy Lamu! Highly recommended!
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Superior King Suite
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I 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

Showing 1 - 25

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