The Fort at Shela, Lamu
Beach Holiday Information
The Fort at Shela, Lamu
Nestled along the sand dunes of Shela Beach, The Fort has been hailed as a monument to Omani architectural ingenuity. Built in 2001, the landmark is the epitome of privacy and seclusion. Its unique architecture occupies an unrivaled position overlooking the Indian Ocean on the deserted 14 kilometre beach.
Peaceful and tranquil in it’s setting, surrounded by natural dunes and breezy casuarinas, The Fort is an elegant and unique sanctuary offering privacy combined with personalized hospitality. Extremely private and secure, this oasis is just a ten minute walk along the beach to Shela Village.
The Fort is constructed of local coral stone and is enclosed by an imposing 50-foot high sandstone wall. The Omani style heavy wooden entrance doors, decorated with iron studs, open onto the main floor of the property, where large arches surround the central courtyard. The living area, lower dining area and lounge look onto the aesthetic pool and the beautiful garden.
From the upstairs formal dining area, guests can enjoy spectacular views of the Indian Ocean as traditional dhows sail by and donkeys and camels cruise the beach. Peering out at the pristine Shela Beach one is reminded that time here has stopped. The Fort comes with a full staff to take care of all of your needs and desires. We can arrange day excursions to Lamu Town, neighboring islands, as well as fishing, snorkeling and sailing trips.
Location & Facilities & Activities
Shela Beach in Lamu boasts as one of the cleanest, serene and uncrowded beach in Kenya. It stretches to slighly over 14kms and the pristine white sands, the revitalizing ethereal breeze and genuine hospitality provide a hideaway for those seeking to gain an immaculate holiday.
Arrive by a flight from Mombasa or Nairobi into Manda Airport and get tranfered to Shela on a speed boat shuttle.
Just a 10-minute walk along the beach from Shela Village, The Fort occupies an unrivaled secluded and secure position overlooking the sea, giving it a peaceful and tranquil setting that is perfect for that extremely private destination wedding
The Fort is also an ideal venue for small corporate events and conferences with the private tower conference room seating up to 22. Being privately owned and operated, the Fort offers discreet, genuine hospitality with attention to every last detail.
The striking exterior and internal spaces of The Fort, combined with the remote and secure coastal setting, makes it highly photogenic. The Fort can be rented from as little as 1 person as well as from groups of up to 18 guests.
Dining
The Fort boasts a state of the art kitchen serving up a variety of culinary delights. Guests can opt for full board or self-catering packages. Featuring the best in local produce and fresh seafood, our chef tastefully combines Mediterranean influences with local and Asian inspirations. International ingredients, wines and spirits can be purchased or flown in upon request.
Enjoy your evening in one of our two dining areas or choose sunset drinks on the beach followed by a private, romantic, candle lit dining experience under the stars.
Activities
- Lamu is a place of peace and tranquility as well as adventure and exploration. All activities and amenities can be arranged in house for private or group sessions. There are a variety of activities offered depending on your interests.
- Take long walks as far as Kipungani, jog down the gorgeous Shela Beach or have fun on sailing, fishing and snorkeling excursions. For the more active taste - kite surfing, water skiing and wake boarding lessons can be arranged for you through our instructor Nawaf.
- Daily Yoga Classes are available at "Fatuma’s Tower" and at "Banana House and Wellness Centre" or you can book your private lesson with instructors Awham or Kelly at the Fort.
- Various Massage Techniques, such as Deep Tissue, Relaxation, Thaivedic and Ayurvedic Massage can be booked upon request with Betty, Makiko and Awham.
- A five minute Taxi-Boat ride takes you to Manda Island where you have the choice of various venues to enjoy a lunch of grilled seafood. Try the "Lamu House Beach Club", "Diamond Beach
Village" or the "Majlis Resort". - Hire a traditional sailing dhow and spend the day snorkeling around Manda Toto or around Kinyika Rock with delicious lunch served on board, or simply sail into the sunset and indulge in the magic
- Tag a Marlin or catch a Tuna for dinner with Nils Korshen on his deep sea fishing boat “Little Toot”. Swim with the Dolphins followed by lunch at Kizingoni or opt for a private lunch on a secluded
beach after viewing the colorful fish surrounding the coral reefs. - Adopt a Turtle with “Lamcot”, Lamu Marine Conservation Trust, a project set up by Carol Korshen of "Peponi Hotel" for the protection of sea turtles. A number of turtle hatchings are taking place on
Manda throughout the year. Interested guests can book to witness that unforgettable and heartwarming moment when baby turtles dive into the sea for their first time - Visit Takwa Ruins on Manda Island, founded in 1500 A.D. and abandoned in 1700 A.D. The Great Mosque and Pillar Tomb is a short distance from the turtle reserve.
- Matondoni Village is a traditional dhow building site, located approximately thirty minutes away by boat. View the local traditional weavers who make unique straw mats from palm leaves and ropes
from coconut. - Private Air and Dhow Charters as well as Speed Boat Excursions can be arranged to the many farther and exclusive destinations around the archipelago and the Kenyan coast. Visit Manda Bay
Resort or “Mike’s Camp” on Kiwayu Island, or any of the nearby game parks such as “Amu Ranch”, the “Dodori Natural Reserve” or the “Tana River Delta”.
Room Options
General Overview
The Fort has 9 principle ensuite double bedrooms 7 which overlook the courtyard. This outstanding beach property can accommodate 18 guests comfortably or as a private getaway.
Get in touch - Enquiry Form
4 Nights Package includes flights and return airport transfers, Manda Airport
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