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HomebusinessHidden Gems: Inside the Luxurious Majlis Resort in Ras Kiatu Bay, Lamu

Hidden Gems: Inside the Luxurious Majlis Resort in Ras Kiatu Bay, Lamu

The Majlis hotel is a privately owned luxury beach hotel on Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago, off Kenya’s Northern Coast. For those seeking a family or corporate getaway, it is a home away from home that is surrounded by lush green trees, exotic Swahili culture and breathtaking views of the Indian ocean.

The Majlis restaurant will not fail to impress with a panoramic view of the bay and the finest cuisine.

The Majlis Boutique hotel is conveniently located in front of Shela village (Lamu Island) and only 10 minutes from the Lamu airport (Manda airstrip). It offers 25 exquisite deluxe rooms and suites divided into 3 beachfront villas. The rooms, all presented in timelessly elegant Lamu Island style, are very spacious, well-appointed and with air conditioning.

It is one of the most exotic Kenya luxury hotels that offer an exquisite blend of appealing architecture and luxury. The Majlis also caters to the needs of your children and offers special treats to keep them happy, amused and entertained throughout the stay.

File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|

The hotel has 39 beautifully appointed air-conditioned suites and deluxe rooms that are considered one of the most comfortable and available luxury accommodation options on the Kenya coast.

The Majlis has 3 restaurants and 4 bars where you can relish exotic delicacies and a wide variety of drinks.

Beside this, the Majlis has a well-maintained wellness centre, two pools and a wide range of other activities that will offer the best means to relax and rejuvenate during your stay at our beautiful hotel in the Lamu archipelago, Kenya.

To book rooms at Majlis or to know about the services offered by the resort, one can browse through the company photo gallery on their website and get an overview of the outstanding ambiance, excellent services and highly satisfactory facilities.

The Majlis is one of Lamu’s best kept wedding and honeymoon secrets due to its venue. 

If you are contemplating the romantic idea of a wedding or honeymoon in Lamu, Kenya with an idyllic beach as the backdrop and the sounds of the Indian Ocean lapping against the shore, then look no further than Majlis. The luxurious beach accommodation sleeps up to 85 people

This unique spot boasts different venues and a luxe beach and accommodation – including the luxurious royal suite. As guests approach down the palm-lined beach, they’ll feel like they’re entering a secret paradise.

File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|

Excursion around Lamu, Manda, and Kiwayu Islands by boat

Lamu Island – Depending on weather, the trip around Lamu Island can be arranged clockwise from the open sea or by following the channel between the mainland and Lamu Island. The boat will stop on the beach of Kizingo point.

On the way back, there is an option to visit the Matondoni or Kipungani villages. The trip is typically organized by speed boat but our dhow sailing boat can also be used.

This is a half day trip and can take up to 3-4 hours.

Manda Island – This is a half day trip on the other side of the island with stop-over in Manda Toto, a small island made up of sand off Manda Island.

Access to the other side of Manda Island is possible by navigating into a narrow mangrove channel on the west coast of the island. The excursion can be organized with a speed boat or by dhow.

This is a half day trip and can take 3-4 hours depending on the stops.

File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|

Kiwayu Island – Kiwayu is a small island in the north eastern part of the Lamu Archipelago, situated in the Kiunga Marine National Reserve.

The main attraction on Kiwayu is the tidal pools and snorkeling/diving pools located on the eastern side of the island.

This is a full day trip and it takes about 1 hour and 1/2 one way by boat. Fishing can also be organized on the way to Kiwayu.

Majlis Resort provides for a speed boat with captain. A barbeque lunch can also be arranged at your request.

Kite Surfing – The Majlis kite school

The Majlis kite school is located on Shela beach, one of the best spots in Kenya and considered among the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. Transfers from the hotel to the kite spot take about 5 minutes by boat and can be arranged at all times.

The spot is very wide and quiet, making learning easier and safer both for beginners and intermediate/advanced riders.

The location has a sandy bottom with no corrals and, most importantly, there is good reliable wind all year long; over 70% of the year there are 12-20 knots. From July through End of September, the wind blows all day from early morning till sunset.

From end of November until end of May, the wind picks-up from 11:00 am and keeps blowing till late afternoon.

File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|

Game drive safari to Lake Kenyatta

The Majlis Resort is ideally located to offer you the best of Kenya’s beach & bush without having to commute too far during your holidays.

Across from Lamu Island, on the mainland, lies Lake Kenyatta, an area of pristine indigenous bush, rich in wildlife, including zebra, topi, hippo, waterbuck, buffalo, warthog, elephant and other seasonal game.

The Majlis Resort offers a half day safari with a guide from Kenya’s Wildlife Service. Depending on the tide level, it is possible to organize the trip in the early morning or late afternoon.

Departure is from the hotel by boat to reach Kenya’s mainland (15-30 minutes depending on the tide level) and then by Jeep (15-40 minutes) to reach Lake Kenyatta and the wildlife area. This trip is for maximum 4 persons and requires 24 hours notice.

Excursion to Tana River delta by boat

The Tana River starts its long journey on the slopes of Mt Kenya and meets the Indian Ocean just south of Lamu in a magnificent River Delta, teeming with birdlife and game.

Considered to be one of Kenya’s great coastal wildernesses, it is a wildlife refuge and a particularly important site for thousands of breeding birds.

The river boasts more than 40 recorded fish species, and this rich environment is a haven for elephant, lion, buffalo, crocodile and over 800 hippos.

The Majlis offers a fantastic day trip to into the Delta, by boat from the hotel to the river (1 hour & ½ one way) and includes fishing on the estuary, fascinating bird and animal watching with a qualified guide and a visit to the historical Town of Kipini.

The trip is for maximum 4 people. This excursion can also be organized by private plane (10 minutes from Lamu’s airport) and it is possible also to book an overnight stay at a small lodge located on the Tana River delta.

Other activities at the Majlis Resort include:

  1. Cultural Excursions
  2. Fishing
  3. Dhow Trips
  4. Snorkeling and Water Sports.
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|
File image of the Majlis Resort in Ras Kitau Bay, Manda Island, Lamu County. |Courtesy| Majlis Resort|