Kipungani is a Swahili word meaning "the place of fresh air" and that is exactly what this exotic island off the northern coast of Kenya has to offer. Kipungani is where you leave the world behind. This glorious hideaway is set in a bay on an unspoilt wild on the southern white beach, tip of the sleepy Swahili island of Lamu.

After a 90-minute flight from Nairobi or 45-minute flight from Mombasa, you will be met at Manda Island. Your enchanting experience begins here with a 30-minute boat ride to this exclusive island. Amidst a 25-acre coconut plantation stand 15 thatched villas made from mangrove poles and palm leaves. There are no cars and no doors. The open style banda ensures privacy and complete comfort with verandas facing the sea.

Our 14 spacious and secluded chalets sit above the soft white sands of Kipungani Bay, which is Swahili for ‘the place of fresh air’. Shaded by the palm trees that line our 600-metre beachfront, the chalets are constructed entirely from local materials, with mkeka matting 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 chalet has an ocean-facing verandah with local funzi sofas and chairs piled high with colourful cushions. Amenities include freshwater showers, flush toilets, and separate dressing areas with wash basins.

The beach-facing lounge and bar at Kipungani are furnished for complete relaxation, with large driftwood furniture, hanging moon beds, and a variety of natural discoveries ‘combed’ from our shores. The dining room sits beside a small tropical garden, with an adjoining library offering guests a broad selection of novels, magazines and board games. In front of the building is a horizon-touching saltwater pool which offers the perfect venue for the ultimate romantic sundowner! Kipungani Explorer enjoys a uniquely harmonious relationship with the residents of neighbouring Kipungani Village. Half of the Lodge’s staff come from the village, from where we also buy all our seafood and materials for repairing our bandas and boats.

Snorkelling and diving on the reefs off Kinyika Rock and Manda Toto (November to March), Windsurfing in the sheltered Lamu channel, Creek or deep sea game fishing, Sailing aboard our own Arab dhow, Bird walks in and around the property, Visits to Lamu's historic mosques, markets and museum, Day trips to the ancient ruined forts of Manda Island, and Visits to our neighbours in Kipungani Village.