The Fort

Located just minutes away from Peponi Hotel, The Fort at Shela stands alone in the sand dunes. Beyond it are 14 kilometres of deserted beach, and the next village, Kipungani, is a three-hour walk away.

On the second floor are 10 en-suite bedrooms. Decorated in a style that is both authentic and luxurious, they remain true to the Fort’s overall design: the beds are made from local woods, the fittings are of the highest standard, and the soft furnishings are Arabic chic.

Allowing for constant interaction between floors, and reminiscent of Moorish city architectural designs, each room overlooks the courtyard, while, at the same time, affording spectacular views of the dunes, the ocean, dhows, camels and passing donkeys. Wi-Fi is available, but please note the signal can be intermittent.

For a fee, a boat is available for snorkelling and fishing excursions, trips to Lamu town or other destinations. Pick up from the airport, and drop-offs at Manda Island, across the channel, are complimentary.

The Fort comes with a staff of 10. The house cooks do all the catering. They buy the food, cook it, and suggest menus. Basic vegetables, fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits are all available in the Lamu or Shela market.

Other supplies, such as meat, are flown in from Nairobi or Malindi. The diet is mostly local fish and seafood, which are excellent and brought to the door every day. Chicken can also be found with advance notice.

For a beach holiday, it is generally better to travel in the drier months which is end of June – October

Nothing yet

Lamu Fort is a fortress located in Lamu, Kenya’s northeastern region

The Fort at Shela stands alone in the sand dunes. Beyond it are 14 kilometres of deserted beach, and the next village, Kipungani, is a three-hour walk away.

Access

All flights land on Manda Island, Lamu. Our guests are greeted by hotel staff upon arrival at Manda Airport and are transferred in one of our boats to the hotel. It is also possible to visit us by land although it is a bumpy seven-hour drive from Mombasa and at least four hours from Malindi.

The fastest way to get from Nairobi to Lamu Fort is to fly which takes 2h 8m and costs $130 – $290.

Companies which run services between Nairobi, Kenya and Lamu Fort, Kenya?

Safari link, Flex Flight Aps, and Skyward Express fly from Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) to Manda Airport (LAU) 3 times a day.

Airlines

Safari link logo Safari link

Flex Flight Aps Logo Flex Flight Aps

Skyward Express logo Skyward Express

Jambo jet Limited logo Jambo jet Limited

RATES 2025

7 – 12 guests the rate starts from $2,562 ·

12 – 18 guests the rate starts from $3,848 ·

The Fort Shela has 9 rooms

Content & Images to the Fort