Lamu Island has been a port of call for travellers for centuries. It is one of those enchanting places where you can truly tune out the rest of the world while immersing yourself in a rich culture and history. Add to this the intriguing locals and wayward explorers it provides a heady mix to a holiday.
On a small island governed by tides and seasons, nothing happens quickly, and it looks much as it did in drawings executed 200 years ago – cars are banned and donkeys or boats are the mode of transport. Shela is the smaller fishing village on the mouth to the sea.
The house is large, cooled by the tradewinds and occupies prime beachfront, for twelve to fourteen people with four double rooms and one dormitory style quadruple, all ensuite. It is one minute walk from the legendary Peponis Hotel, a haven for bohemian travellers and sunset drinks, and lies on the channel where you can indulge in many watersports, with your home as your grandstand. It is run by the wonderful Angelika.
We spent three glorious weeks at Shela Beach House. A couple of our guests cried when they left. It can’t get much better than this. The service is superb, and it combines well with a safari on the mainland (let us know if you need some help on this too).
