Location

Kizingoni Beach - a place to watch the sun rise and set…

Kizingoni Beach, where Chuchungi House is located, is a 30 minute speedboat ride from the hustle and bustle of Shela and Lamu town on the east side of Lamu island. Known as ‘the beach’ to go to for clear water, golden sand and some of the stillest waters - Kizingoni is perfect for those looking for more than your usual beach holiday.

With only a few private houses, built carefully into the palm trees, this beach feels as private as it gets. Chuchungi House looks onto the creek - a beautiful and calm waterway that cuts Lamu island off from the mainland. This creek water teems with little fish, is calm enough for swimming and paddling in the shallow waters and mangroves that are a birders paradise.

Chuchungi House sits on the peninsula of the the west side of Lamu island, and because of that not only can you walk along the creek-side beaches and marvel at the setting sun and beautiful colours, but you can turn the headland and change on the beach behind the house: the ocean beach. This side of the island is completely different - wild, whipping winds and huge sand dunes make for a monumental walk. To do a circle around the house on both beaches makes for a great walk and takes about 40 minutes. For those feeling extra-energetic, you can walk from Chuchungi House to Shela Fort, a hot, sweaty four hour walk (trust us when we say we will bring the boat to meet you and bring you back again!).

Three donkeys standing on sandy ground with tropical plants and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.

Shadows of two people with arms raised along a sandy beach near the water's edge, with scattered shells and rocks on the sand.

A black chalkboard with white handwritten tide data and times, placed on a wooden surface with a piece of coral in front of it.

Beach setting with beige rug on sand, surrounded by green palm trees and moonlit lanterns, with blue chairs, small tables, pillows, and bottles, under a pink and blue sunset sky.

Lamu island

Lamu and Shela are unlike anywhere else on Earth (although it comes close to old-school-cool Zanzibar, just without the tourists) - a captivating blend of culture, history, and coastal beauty that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. Located on Kenya’s northern coast, these ancient towns are part of the Lamu Archipelago, where time seems to slow down and tradition continues to shape everyday life.

Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlements in East Africa. Walking through its labyrinth of narrow, coral-stone alleys, you're immersed in a living history shaped by centuries of Arab, Persian, Indian, Portuguese, and African influence. There are no cars - just donkeys, dhows, and the occasional bicycle - preserving an old-world charm that’s feels deeply authentic. The people of Lamu town are welcoming and friendly, always ready with a smile and a ‘karibu’.

Just a short walk or dhow ride away is Shela, a peaceful village known for its long, untouched beaches, elegant Swahili houses, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to unwind while soaking in views of the Indian Ocean and watching traditional sailing dhows drift past on the horizon - a drink or lunch at the famous Peponi Hotel is a must for anyone looking to enjoy a day visit to the village.

What makes Lamu and Shela truly special is the history of the people, architecture, and landscape. The carved wooden doors, breezy verandas, and whitewashed walls speak of a refined, centuries-old aesthetic, while the call to prayer echoes across rooftops at dawn and dusk, grounding the place in its spiritual rhythm.

The hospitality of its people, the richness of its heritage, and the sense that, here, life moves not by the clock, but by the tide. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, learning to sail a dhow, savoring traditional Swahili seafood, or simply walking barefoot along Shela’s endless shore, Lamu offers something rare: a journey both deeply peaceful and profoundly meaningful.