2 of 4 - Kijani Hotel

COVER STORY
authentic. and therefore long-lasting
and durable," says Pierre. "From the
four rooms we began in 1989, we
now have just eleven, because we
want to keep it small and intimate."
The setting is indeed an artist's
dream, with wide arches, carved
doors, shuttered windows and
spacious verandas for each room.
These are complemented by fine
antiques and handmade replicas
of traditional furniture, canopied
four-poster Swahili beds, and brass
lanterns, while the gardens boast a
tasteful arrangement of clay water
pots set under a royal palm.
"We wanted to create a space
where guests are immediately impressed by where they are, a place
to relax and immerse themselves in
the Swahili influences around them,"
says Pierre. "Our guests are more
than tourists - they are true travellers."
Community Delights
The chefs at Kijani are trained to excel, and each is familiar with French
haute cuisine, Italian, Swahili and
Indian dishes. Fresh produce, including limes and oranges for fresh
juices, is supplied from Pierre's own
farm on the island.
In the evenings, guests assemble
in the open-air dining area amidst
spotless linen and softly flickering
candlelight and gleaming Lamu
lanterns. A specially ordered beef
curry arrived at my table in no time
at all - served by a waiter in a long
white kanzu and brocade waistcoat.
It was fragrant and spicy with a hint
of cinnamon, and accompanied by
steaming aromatic rice. At the next
table, diners enjoyed a seafood
soup with clams, prawns, crab and
fish, followed by grilled lobster from
the set menu.
Since Kijani sits at the heart of
Shela's vibrant communal life, the
Lamu World Heritage
Wonderful accommodation at
KIJANI HOTEL
The Only Charming Hotel in
Shela - Lamu Island - Kenya
Contact your Travel Agent or
Call us at: +254 (0) 42-4633235 /6/7
Fax:
+254 (0) 42-4633374
Mobile: +254 (0) 733-545264
+254 (0) 725-545264
Email:
leijani@africaonline.co.ke
Website: www.kijani-lamu.com
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restaurant is open to non-guests
who fancy a culinary treat. The set
menu is invariably and sumptuously
outstanding, and it has gained a
dedicated following within Shela.
But that is not the only reason
for the friendliness all around. The
Oberson's interact with the local
community on many levels - from
fishermen who bring in the daily
catch and local farmers who augment the menu with fresh vegetables and other delicacies, to the
dhow and boat crews who handle
transfers from Manda airstrip; trips
to Lamu's Old Town; fishing, windsurfing, snorkelling and water skiing, as well as day excursions to the
surrounding islands, where guests
can visit ancient Swahili ruins.
All said and done, Kijani Hotel is a
place to relax, a place where charm
and tranquillity meet an ancient
culture.
@ Carole Argwings-Kodhek
Contact:
Pierre Oberson
Tel (+254) 42 463323/5/6n
Mobile (+254) 0725 545264
or 0733 545264
Email:
kijani@africaonline.co.ke