Lamu Town

Lamu Island lies to the north of Kenya's coastline and here you find the jewel of the Indian Ocean. The most exotic place in Kenya is set in an archipelago of islands, surrounded by coral reefs, the island lies virtually undisturbed by the surrounding, materialistic world.

Lamu town, now a World Heritage by UNESCO, was an important trading hub since 13th century. Great Ocean sailing dhows sailed in from India to Lamu town and trading ivory, rhino horn, turtle shells, slaves and mangrove poles. Today Lamu is a cultural mix and has a vibrant atmosphere. Also up to today, you will find no cars on Lamu island and that means transport on Lamu island is by donkey or by foot, and between the islands still to a large extent by traditional sailing dhows.

Location - Shella Village
Lamu Island has a charming character and within that a picturesque village called Shella, just a short boatride (or donkeyride) from Lamu town. Shella is located right on the sea and is a pleasant tangle of winding, sandy lanes and tall, traditional Swahili houses, mosques and a couple of small hotels. Strolling through the small lanes you will meet woman covering their faces with the traditional black buibui, elderly men and women, cheerful children and a large number of donkeys.

Friendly people welcomes you at this absolutely safe place and we can offer great accommodation at Shella Royal House and it´s just a stone's throw from the 14 km long white sandy beach. A paradise for those who want to be active - snorkling, fishing and sailing. Or just lie back and relax. Here you will practice the word of wisdom "Hurry hurry has no benefits", which means there is little merit in doing things in a hurry.

Place to stay:
Shella Royal House
Shella Royal House is located on a hill and has probably has the best location of all in Shella. We are facing the Indian Ocean and the view from the Royal House is breath-taking. This small hotel is only minutes away from the excellent, 14 km long white sandy beach of Shella.

Shella Royal House offers bed & breakfast and accommodation on half board basis. Our house, which is two buildings, are stone houses and built in traditional style with carved entrance doors with delicate ornament. Shella Royal Houses are bright white, one of the them is a four storey building and the other three storey building with the ground floor of coral and a small indoor garden. In total we have 13 rooms, all en suite rooms and tastefully furnished in local Swahili style. Every room has fans and mosquito net and on every floor you will find a terrace with a stunning view, dining room and a fridge with cool drinks as well as alcoholic beverages to make your stay comfortable.

Shella Royal House has well trained staff including a permanent gourmet cook who specialises in Swahili food and a wide variety of excellent, fresh seafood dishes including lobster, crabs, prawns and many different sea fish. At any time guests can choose to dine on the open air, rooftop terrace with the best views of Shella and with the local sounds from the village all around.

To get to Shella Royal House is easiest by air. Daily flights from Nairobi, Malindi and Mombasa to Manda Island airstrip. From there it is only a short dhow trip (15 min) to Shella village and Shella Royal House.

Activities
We offer different excursions and activities in the wonderful archipelago of Lamu. Take the opportunity to explore the islands, coral reefs and Indian Ocean with our dhow "Lkhlasw". Visit historical sites and dhow building, remote fishing villages or do activities as snorkeling and fishing. You can camp overnight on deserted beaches in our mosquito net covered tents. Freshly grilled fish will be served under the stars on the beach or on the deck of "Lkhlasw".

You can choose among short excursions, half day, full day or on overnight basis.