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THE FORT
The Fort at Shela stands alone in the sand dunes. Beyond the Fort are 7 miles of deserted beach. Extremely private, it is the last house on the sea front before the next village on the island, Kipungani, 4 hours walk away. Although quite isolated, it is but a short distance walk to the famous Pepponi Hotel, where to relax and enjoy the sunset or go for a sunset cruise on one of the dhows normally parked in front. The Fort comes with a staff of 10 people to take care of all your needs.
The Fort was built 8 years ago as a private house which it still is today. The building is constructed with local materials and is enclosed by an imposing 50 feet high sandstone wall with narrow slits opening for windows to protect from the sand and trade winds. Built with those elements in mind, the Fort has very high ceilings, a large open interior courtyard with a swimming pool at its center and several lounging areas. More than one well provides a regular source of fresh water for all the house needs. The Oman style heavy wooded entrance door decorated with studs of brass open into the main floor of the house where large arches surround the courtyard into the living area, lounging area, and dining area. At the center is the Courtyard with its own well, tropical garden and the pool.
On the second floor are 10 en suite bedrooms, 7 are in use at the moment, with a balcony overlooking the inside courtyard, tropical garden and pool. From the lounging area, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Indian ocean in front, with the dhows sailing by and the camels and donkeys passing in front, reminding you that time here has stopped.
Full Board
Full board means that our house cooks will do all the catering. They will buy and cook the food and suggest menus with excellent fish dishes. Basic vegetables, fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits are all available in the Lamu or Shela market. Other supplies are flown in from Nairobi or Malindi, such as the meat. The diet is mostly the local fish which is excellent and is brought to the door every day. Chicken can also be found with advance notice. Full board is 60$ per person per day and 30$ for children under 12. Alcoholic beverages are not included.
Self Catering
Self catering means you still have the services of our cook. You can choose to do you own shopping or choose to have our staff do the shopping and keep a record of the expenses. Fresh dairy products, meat and chicken are difficult to find in Lamu. Luxury food items should be brought with you or bought in Nairobi.
LINEN AND LAUNDRY
We provide linen, towels and laundry service.
COMMUNICATIONS
Telephone communications from the Fort may vary and at best the cellular signal can be captured on the roof top or on the Beach. Internet is available at the Pepponi hotel for a small fee or at some Internet cafes. Better to buy a Safari com card, they are cheap and well worth it to make all your Kenya calls. |
