Overview
In the quiet southwest corner of Lamu island, near Kipungani village, lies Kizingo. The name means “corner” in Kiswahili. To get there, you take a 30-minute boat ride from Manda airport. Since there are no cars on the island, people use boats or local motorcycle taxis (called boda-bodas) to get around.
Sometimes, visitors enjoy a relaxed 13 km walk along the beach, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Kizingo keeps things simple yet classy. Their buildings have traditional thatched roofs made from palm, coconut, and mangrove wood. Beds and wall coverings are woven from palm and coconut leaves, while shutters and doors hang from the Wakindu tree. They even make their own furniture right on site. You’ll also find local art throughout the place, including a special library meant to inspire and calm you. In the bar and restaurant, hand-carved wooden cypress beams share stories of daily life on the island—a tradition that goes way back in Lamu.