Kipungani Explorer Hotel in Lamu Island, Kenya has been described in the press recently as a “five-star Robinson Crusoe”, “the most laid-back lodge in Africa” and her bandas as “some of the most glamorous beach huts in the world". Kipumgani Explorer Mombassa, located on the ancient Arabian island-paradise of Lamu Island, is one of Africa’s most remote, relaxing and richly romantic coastal hideaways.

Overlooking the tranquil waters of the sheltered Kipungani Channel, on the remote southwestern tip of Lamu Island, Kipungani is a dream destination for those seeking a true away-from-it-all desert island holiday. 
Overlooking the tranquil waters of the sheltered Kipungani Channel, on the remote southwestern tip of Lamu Island, Kipungani is a dream destination for those seeking a true away-from-it-all desert island holiday.
After a 90-minute flight from Nairobi, you will be met at Manda Island and transported by boat to the hotel, which is located two degrees south of the Equator, on the edge of a near-deserted 12-kilometre beach

Kipungani Explorer Hotel Accommodation:
Kipungani Explorer Hotel 14 spacious bandas sit at one end of Kipungani Bay, which is Swahili for ‘the place of fresh air’. Shaded by the palm trees that line our 600-metre beachfront, the bandas are constructed entirely from local materials, with mkeka palm floors and makuti thatch roofs woven by the residents of neighbouring Kipungani village. The large interiors are a picture of rustic simplicity, with giant king-size beds and furniture all handmade from local mangrove and palm woods. Each banda has an ocean-facing veranda with local funzi sofas and chairs piled high with colourful cushions. Amenities include freshwater showers, flush toilets, and separate dressing areas with wash basins.
14 luxurious grass and thatch chalets.
Giant king-size beds and palm furniture.
Private luxurious ocean-facing verandahs.
Bathrooms with showers and flush toilets.

Kipungani Explorer Facilities and Services
Freshwater swimming pool with all-day bar service
Gift shop with local handicrafts and ‘beach essentials’
Safety deposit facilities for all guests’ valuables
Fresh water for bathing from our own wells
Reliable generator-backed electricity supply
Mobile telephone coverage and VSAT Internet links
Boat connections to Lamu town and Manda airport

Kipungani Explorer Activities
Snorkelling and swimming with ‘Africa’s friendliest dolphins’ on the reefs of Kinyika and Manda Toto
Waterskiing and kayaking in the Kipungani channel
Sailing and sunset cruises aboard our Arab dhows
Barracuda fishing from beach, dhow or speedboat
Deep sea game fishing (please book in advance)
Crab-catching excursions with expert fishermen
Bird walks around the property and beach dunes
Visits to Lamu’s historic mosques, markets and museums
Day trips to the ruined 14th century fort on Manda Island
Tours of local boat-building and mat-weaving industries

Ecotourism - Kipungani Explorer enjoys a uniquely harmonious relationship with the residents of neighboring Kipungani Village. Half of the lodge’s staff comes from the village, from where we also buy all our seafood and materials for repairing our bandas and boats.
Since 1999, Explorer has helped to completely rebuild and equip the Kipungani Primary School through a charitable ‘twinning’ with a London Nursery School, 'Paint Pots'.

Explorer guests have also contributed the salary of an extra teacher and helped to launch an annual prize-giving day. The lodge is currently working on a plan to start a second school in Mpakatoni, from where several other staff members hail.