Peponi Hotel Lamu
Peponi Hotel is a small boutique hotel on the remote island of Lamu, situated in the Indian ocean off the north Kenyan coast. Even having reached our 50th anniversary the hotel still retains much of the character and charm that it had from the beginning. Small and personal, it is the perfect rest after a safari or a hide away holiday from modern life. Run by the Korschen family who happened upon the old building by chance in the 1960’s, the story begins on the families final holiday in Malindi. While staying with us at Peponi, you can choose to experience some of the many activities on offer or make the most of the view, wind down and relax.
Historical Tours
The archipelago’s history is one of the main draws to the island, for thousands of years the islands provided a welcomed rest for many travelers. Historically trading sailors from Oman, Yemen, Portugal, China and many of the Arab countries visited the port town of Lamu, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. A tour through the main town takes you through a 14 Century Arab port town, where not much has changed since then. To continue with the historical tours there is Takwa Ruins, very well kept, ancient ruins dating back to around 1500 A.D. Further north the other islands of the archipelago can also be explored, each more remote than the last.
The Beach
Peponi sits at the beginning of a 14km stretch wild beach, where a gentle walk can clear the mind, you can lie on the sand and soak up the sun or get adventurous and explore the dunes then dive into the ocean break. Watch the sunrise over the expanse of the Indian Ocean or the sunset over the rolling dunes. There are endless possiblilites as well as beachs though the archipelago.
Turtle Project
The project began in 1992 when Peponi’s, Carol Korschen, translocated a turtle nest to the hotel grounds for protection. Since then the project has been growing every year and has now become an established trust, the Lamu Marine Conservation Trust.
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 sail 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.
Snorkelling
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, even the chance of seeing and swimming with turtles and dolphins. After snorkelling guests can enjoy a picnic breakfast or lunch on the beach.
Water Sports
Peponi has water sports for all age groups and levels of experience. Competent instructors and a wide range of equipment to hire from windsurfers, body boards , wake boards and water skis. Kite surfing instructors are available by arrangement but bring your own equipment. The nearby mangrove creek is ideal for water skiing at high tide. For the less energetic float down the creek or rent a kayak.
History
Aage and Wera Korschen had been farmers in Kenya until their land was acquired during independence. As Kenya had become home for them and their three children, they tried to find a replacement career. However after a few years they solemnly come to the conclusion it was time to travel back to Denmark. During these last days Aage decided that before leaving he must visit the Lamu Archipelago. The couple took a short flight up the coast for a day on Lamu island ending in the small fishing village, Shella, where they happened upon an abandoned Arab style house, perched solitarily like the prow of a ship at the beginning of the long secluded beach leading to the Indian Ocean. Within 10 days of seeing this building the young family had the keys and moved to the island to start a hotel and in 1967 they opened Peponi.
Rooms
The hotel started small with only four rooms but over the years through Aage and Wera, then later their son Lars and his wife, Carol, Peponi has grown in size and popularity. The hotel has organically grown to 28 rooms, all our rooms have an ocean view and each are unique in decor and lay out. Guest have a choice of superior or standard rooms; superior rooms are differentiated by their location, size and private outside area with swing bed. All our rooms have ensuite bathrooms, overhead fans inside the mosquito net and personal safes.
Location
The Lamu Archipelago lies 2 degrees south of the Equator along Kenya’s coast. The archipelago is a chain of islands separated from the mainland by a narrow channel bordered with dense mangrove forest and protected from the Indian Ocean by coral reefs and large sand dunes. Shella village, where Peponi is located, is 2 miles from Lamu Town.
The island
Lamu Island has been a port of call for travellers for centuries. The streets of Lamu town are narrow, cool and quiet. They are surprisingly intimate spaces enclosed by massive stone buildings whose thick coral rag walls give the town its distinct colour and texture.
Legacy
In December 2001 Lamu Town became a world heritage site in order to protect the oldest inhabited Swahili settlement south of the Sahara. The many historical sites are proof of the area’s long and rich history which, when combined with all the natural attraction of its tropical setting, make Lamu a wonderful place to visit. The origin of the village is unknown, but according to tradition it was settled by people from nearby Manda Island. In 1813 the famous “Battle of Shella” took place. This was an attempt by Pate Island, allied with the Mazrui clan from Oman, to subjugate Lamu. The attempt failed totally, and the defeat of Pate at Shella signalled the rise of Lamu as the leading power in the archipelago.
Culture
When you arrive in Lamu you are traveling back in time and we ask that you understand that you are entering a culture very different from your own. Lamu’s islands are steeped in a history of global cultures and religions, but the islanders predominantly follow the Islamic faith. This is a conservative muslim town with an ancient heritage of peace and goodwill. This is our home and we do hope you will respect it and enjoy the unique atmosphere of an enduring yet fragile culture. We do expect tourists to dress modestly while exploring our towns and villages, keeping in mind the local beliefs and for this rare and remarkable is land. Also bare in mind that being situated very close to the equator Lamu can get very hot and humid so light clothing and shawls are ideal for comfort as well as staying respectful.
The winds
The Eastern Coast of Africa has two seasonal winds. The South-East Trade (Kusi) which blows from May to October, a strong gusty wind which brings the rains, rough water and silt from the Tana River. During this time most boat movement takes place along inshore channels and the snorkeling is not favourable, however there are many wonderful activities to experience on a visit during this season. The North-East Trade blows from November to April. This summer wind brings calm, clear water, the best time for snorkeling and the fishing season. Occasionally there are strong winds, but storms are rare.
The tides
Our lives are ruled by the tide in the archipelago. There are two Low and High tides daily, with 6 hours between each. The cycle is about one hour later each day. The difference between High and Low tides vary with the moon. Spring Tide occurs every two weeks on the Full and New moons. During spring tides the current is strong in front of Peponi. Neap Tide occurs on both half moons and has minimal difference between High and Low tide. Since the movement is so little, the water tends to be at its clearest over the Neap Tides.
