UNCHARTED is a high-end adventure-travel company that designs, plans, curates, and executes unforgettable travel experiences. If you can dream it, we can make it happen.
Make An Inquiry
UNCHARTED Waters: African Islands for Post-Safari Idylls
Once you submit your form, we'll get back to you with ideas, options, and logistical insight to begin planning the trip of your dreams. It's as simple as that.
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3
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6
Peponi Hotel: A Place to Call Home
KENYA
Perched like the prow of a ship on a grand Indian Ocean stretch of sand, Peponi is a classic boutique Outpost that is steeped in Swahili charm.
It lies on the outskirts of the small fishing village of Shela, and is run by the Korschen family, who stumbled across the Arab-style house in the 1960s while vacationing. Converting the space into what would become a beloved institution, Peponi has now been owned or operated by three generations of the Korschens.
Cars are scant in the area, so this is a perfect place to embrace a slower pace: The property oozes tranquil vibes, and many of the rooms provide a private outdoor patio suitable for napping to the hypnotic sound of lapping waves.
Taking a day trip via dhow is a highlight: This type of vessel used to bring ivory, cowrie shells, and fabrics to the region, and have sailed these waters for thousands of years. While still holding vital significance in local culture, they were also once integral to Arabian peninsula-East African trade.
More than 50 years since its establishment, Peponi plays a pivotal role in ocean conservation through its landmark non-profit, the Lamu Marine Conservation Trust. Small and personal, this Outpost is the perfect place to have a hideaway holiday where the only thing that matters is soaking in the sunshine and sampling local ways.
1
UNCHARTED Waters
African Islands for Post-Safari Idylls
Published on: April 21, 2024
LET'S HANG
Get travel inspiration delivered straight to your inbox—subscribe to our newsletter below.
Most travelers embarking to East Africa picture game drives among big herds, lion sightings, and dramatic savannah sunrises—so the Tanzanian and Kenyan coasts often get overlooked. Here are our favorite seaside UNCHARTED Outposts for rounding out your adventure.
One of this region’s best kept secrets is its shoreline. With clear, cobalt waters, relatively empty beaches, and supremely rich Swahili history, nothing beats unwinding on these banks after the thrill of an exhilarating bush excursion.
Plan to indulge in fresh seafood, explore ancient ruins, soak in Middle Eastern and European influences that create a tapestry of traditions and flavors, and enjoy maritime outings that continue the wildlife journey even after you’ve spotted the Big Five.
Manda Bay: Toes in the Sand
KENYA
Manda Bay is a jewel on the Kenyan coastline with a “no shoes, no news” atmosphere.
Not far from Lamu Old Town—one of the prime destinations for travelers looking to discover African worlds beyond the bush—this locale is pure magic. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the port dates back to 1370 and is one of the original settlements that was formed as part of the ancient spice business, drawing in Persian, Levant, and Indian flair from yesteryear. The thatched cottages that make up this Outpost have verandahs with swing beds, and are made with locally sourced materials, including palm-woven matted floors.
Cape buffalo stroll up and down the beach, and acacias, baobabs, and mangroves extend far out towards the shore. While traversing the Manda conservancy, you might spot Galago bushbabies, white-tailed and dwarf mongoose, dik-diks, civet and genet cats, baboons, and occasionally even leopards. You may still feel like you’re on safari!
For coastal activities, travelers can paddle-board through the tranquil channel, watching surfacing turtles and Sykes’ monkeys swinging through the trees. The best part, though, is resting your arms and floating back to camp with the current. For those who want more of an open-ocean experience, deep sea fishing is also an option.
In short, Manda Bay not only offers spectacular fauna and culture, but also a coastal lifestyle that is unspoiled, allowing you to switch off and decompress under doum palms.
Jannah Lamu: Constellation Pension
Kenya
Wrap yourself in Swahili-chic ambiance at Jannah Lamu, a gorgeous compound that combines village life and beach time. Designed by UNCHARTED partner and friend Anna Trzebinski, Jannah was inspired by both its enchanting marine backdrop as well as the bespoke motifs of its sister property Eden, one of our favorite Nairobi Outposts.
Jannah drew influence from the Southern Cross—a constellation seen year round in the Equatorial skies. This cluster was used by sailors for millennia to navigate the high seas, and the property merges contemporary style with the culture, art, and nature of the Lamu archipelago, derived from the merchants who voyaged there.
Incorporating a few buildings surrounding the Lamu Old Town, Jannah hosts several dreamy ramada-esque outdoor sanctuaries, and is launching an upcoming artist-in-residence program that generates income for families whose unused rooftops and balconies have been converted into workspaces. Alpha Crusis penthouse features three suites, a living room, and a private patio overlooking the plaza, whereas Beta Crusis offers two apartments and another alfresco expanse providing a garden, day beds, and communal dining area where guests are served breakfast. Think airy, light, urban-outside feels, with lots of carefully thought-out details, plants, and layered textures!
Since a major part of the Lamu island experience is linked to the waves, Jannah’s guests also have access to four restored and handcrafted dhow fishing boats. All of them are exquisitely decorated and kitted for swimming in estuaries at sunrise after savoring coffee and dates, or anchoring off a sandbar while watching the sunset with cocktails before heading home under starry skies.
Mnemba: Your Own Private Island
Tanzania
Zanzibar once enticed seafarers from far and wide, and Stone Town, the main city, seems to still have a rich aroma of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon, conjuring images of its bygone days as a spice hub. Many travelers choose to chill here at the tail end of their safari, and Mnemba, an exclusive private island just off the main isle, is getting a brand new look in the fall of 2024. This beach paradise has a dozen bungalows, and the renovation will give the interiors a makeover and increase their sizes. Other lodge developments include renovating the island’s wellness area and dive center, which will have a conservation partnership with Oceans Without Borders.
This atoll is known for its superb scuba and snorkel spots where guests can peep ghost pipefish, green turtles, harlequin crabs, and zebra snout seahorses. At day’s end, sip a sundowner while the sky goes from deep indigo to azure. This is intimate, barefoot charm at its best.
Laba Fanjove: Shores, Seas and Sustainability
TANZANIA
Perfect for a family or friends exclusive buyout, this island lies off the coast of Dar es Salaam and southern Tanzania in the Songo Songo Archipelago. Your entire experience here will be about palm-fringed views, shimmering sands, and azure waters. With the sole structure on the island being a roughly 200-year-old lighthouse (besides the actual villas, that is), this is a place of true seclusion and island spirit.
Humpback whales regularly pay a visit, and 10 luxury dwellings sit in harmony with their surroundings: The whole property has been designed to minimize its ecological footprint. Every room offers uninterrupted ocean views, is solar-powered, and roofed by mukuti palm leaves, giving off an unpretentious aesthetic not usually found with a private-island rental. Fishing day trips practice catch-and-release for most species, including barracuda and kingfish.
Plan to relish the privacy, take boat rides skippered just for you, enjoy swimming with bottlenose and spinner dolphins, choose from a menu of thalassotherapy treatments, and eat meals prepared on a charcoal grill.
Pemba Aiyana: Calling All Divers
TANZANIA
After experiencing the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Kilimanjaro, head to this limestone and coral-clad Outpost boasting beautiful hand-crafted doors and inlay pieces. Perfect for intrepid dive enthusiasts or active adventurers, Pemba Island has been shaped by its Shirazi, Bantu, and Portuguese history dating back to the 7th century. The cay is known for its music and cuisine, and travelers can visit spice farms to learn how seasonings are used in local dishes before enjoying live taarab bands during dinner.
If that doesn’t entice the bold foodies out there, Pemba is often called the “Island Green,” for its fertile land. As a result, Aiyana’s menu of locally sourced vegetables, fruits, and seafood have taken inspiration from across India, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East…we’re talking grilled prawns, lobster, spicy chickpea curries, kulfi, and tropical fruit sorbets!
Beyond gastronomical and musical activities, don your fins and head out for a day of snorkeling or diving. In between your swims, grab the binoculars to observe herons and egrets patrol secluded sandbanks and coves.
Mnemba: Your Own Private Island
Tanzania
Zanzibar once enticed seafarers from far and wide, and Stone Town, the main city, seems to still have a rich aroma of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon, conjuring images of its bygone days as a spice hub. Many travelers choose to chill here at the tail end of their safari, and Mnemba, an exclusive private island just off the main isle, is getting a brand new look in the fall of 2024. This beach paradise has a dozen bungalows, and the renovation will give the interiors a makeover and increase their sizes. Other lodge developments include renovating the island’s wellness area and dive center, which will have a conservation partnership with Oceans Without Borders.
This atoll is known for its superb scuba and snorkel spots where guests can peep ghost pipefish, green turtles, harlequin crabs, and zebra snout seahorses. At day’s end, sip a sundowner while the sky goes from deep indigo to azure. This is intimate, barefoot charm at its best.
4
Peponi Hotel: A Place to Call Home
KENYA
Perched like the prow of a ship on a grand Indian Ocean stretch of sand, Peponi is a classic boutique Outpost that is steeped in Swahili charm.
It lies on the outskirts of the small fishing village of Shela, and is run by the Korschen family, who stumbled across the Arab-style house in the 1960s while vacationing. Converting the space into what would become a beloved institution, Peponi has now been owned or operated by three generations of the Korschens.
Cars are scant in the area, so this is a perfect place to embrace a slower pace: The property oozes tranquil vibes, and many of the rooms provide a private outdoor patio suitable for napping to the hypnotic sound of lapping waves.
Taking a day trip via dhow is a highlight: This type of vessel used to bring ivory, cowrie shells, and fabrics to the region, and have sailed these waters for thousands of years. While still holding vital significance in local culture, they were also once integral to Arabian peninsula-East African trade.
More than 50 years since its establishment, Peponi plays a pivotal role in ocean conservation through its landmark non-profit, the Lamu Marine Conservation Trust. Small and personal, this Outpost is the perfect place to have a hideaway holiday where the only thing that matters is soaking in the sunshine and sampling local ways.
Jannah Lamu: Constellation Pension
Kenya
Wrap yourself in Swahili-chic ambiance at Jannah Lamu, a gorgeous compound that combines village life and beach time. Designed by UNCHARTED partner and friend Anna Trzebinski, Jannah was inspired by both its enchanting marine backdrop as well as the bespoke motifs of its sister property Eden, one of our favorite Nairobi Outposts.
Jannah drew influence from the Southern Cross—a constellation seen year round in the Equatorial skies. This cluster was used by sailors for millennia to navigate the high seas, and the property merges contemporary style with the culture, art, and nature of the Lamu archipelago, derived from the merchants who voyaged there.
Incorporating a few buildings surrounding the Lamu Old Town, Jannah hosts several dreamy ramada-esque outdoor sanctuaries, and is launching an upcoming artist-in-residence program that generates income for families whose unused rooftops and balconies have been converted into workspaces. Alpha Crusis penthouse features three suites, a living room, and a private patio overlooking the plaza, whereas Beta Crusis offers two apartments and another alfresco expanse providing a garden, day beds, and communal dining area where guests are served breakfast. Think airy, light, urban-outside feels, with lots of carefully thought-out details, plants, and layered textures!
Since a major part of the Lamu island experience is linked to the waves, Jannah’s guests also have access to four restored and handcrafted dhow fishing boats. All of them are exquisitely decorated and kitted for swimming in estuaries at sunrise after savoring coffee and dates, or anchoring off a sandbar while watching the sunset with cocktails before heading home under starry skies.
2
3
1
UNCHARTED is a high-end adventure-travel company that designs, plans, curates, and executes unforgettable travel experiences. If you can dream it, we can make it happen.
Make An Inquiry
UNCHARTED Waters: African Islands for Post-Safari Idylls
Once you submit your form, we'll get back to you with ideas, options, and logistical insight to begin planning the trip of your dreams. It's as simple as that.
UNCHARTED Waters
African Islands for Post-Safari Idylls
Published on: April 21, 2024
LET'S HANG
Get travel inspiration delivered straight to your inbox—subscribe to our newsletter below.
Most travelers embarking to East Africa picture game drives among big herds, lion sightings, and dramatic savannah sunrises—so the Tanzanian and Kenyan coasts often get overlooked. Here are our favorite seaside UNCHARTED Outposts for rounding out your adventure.
5
Laba Fanjove: Shores, Seas and Sustainability
TANZANIA
Perfect for a family or friends exclusive buyout, this island lies off the coast of Dar es Salaam and southern Tanzania in the Songo Songo Archipelago. Your entire experience here will be about palm-fringed views, shimmering sands, and azure waters. With the sole structure on the island being a roughly 200-year-old lighthouse (besides the actual villas, that is), this is a place of true seclusion and island spirit.
Humpback whales regularly pay a visit, and 10 luxury dwellings sit in harmony with their surroundings: The whole property has been designed to minimize its ecological footprint. Every room offers uninterrupted ocean views, is solar-powered, and roofed by mukuti palm leaves, giving off an unpretentious aesthetic not usually found with a private-island rental. Fishing day trips practice catch-and-release for most species, including barracuda and kingfish.
Plan to relish the privacy, take boat rides skippered just for you, enjoy swimming with bottlenose and spinner dolphins, choose from a menu of thalassotherapy treatments, and eat meals prepared on a charcoal grill.
6
One of this region’s best kept secrets is its shoreline. With clear, cobalt waters, relatively empty beaches, and supremely rich Swahili history, nothing beats unwinding on these banks after the thrill of an exhilarating bush excursion.
Plan to indulge in fresh seafood, explore ancient ruins, soak in Middle Eastern and European influences that create a tapestry of traditions and flavors, and enjoy maritime outings that continue the wildlife journey even after you’ve spotted the Big Five.
Manda Bay: Toes in the Sand
KENYA
Manda Bay is a jewel on the Kenyan coastline with a “no shoes, no news” atmosphere.
Not far from Lamu Old Town—one of the prime destinations for travelers looking to discover African worlds beyond the bush—this locale is pure magic. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the port dates back to 1370 and is one of the original settlements that was formed as part of the ancient spice business, drawing in Persian, Levant, and Indian flair from yesteryear. The thatched cottages that make up this Outpost have verandahs with swing beds, and are made with locally sourced materials, including palm-woven matted floors.
Cape buffalo stroll up and down the beach, and acacias, baobabs, and mangroves extend far out towards the shore. While traversing the Manda conservancy, you might spot Galago bushbabies, white-tailed and dwarf mongoose, dik-diks, civet and genet cats, baboons, and occasionally even leopards. You may still feel like you’re on safari!
For coastal activities, travelers can paddle-board through the tranquil channel, watching surfacing turtles and Sykes’ monkeys swinging through the trees. The best part, though, is resting your arms and floating back to camp with the current. For those who want more of an open-ocean experience, deep sea fishing is also an option.
In short, Manda Bay not only offers spectacular fauna and culture, but also a coastal lifestyle that is unspoiled, allowing you to switch off and decompress under doum palms.
Pemba Aiyana: Calling All Divers
TANZANIA
After experiencing the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Kilimanjaro, head to this limestone and coral-clad Outpost boasting beautiful hand-crafted doors and inlay pieces. Perfect for intrepid dive enthusiasts or active adventurers, Pemba Island has been shaped by its Shirazi, Bantu, and Portuguese history dating back to the 7th century. The cay is known for its music and cuisine, and travelers can visit spice farms to learn how seasonings are used in local dishes before enjoying live taarab bands during dinner.
If that doesn’t entice the bold foodies out there, Pemba is often called the “Island Green,” for its fertile land. As a result, Aiyana’s menu of locally sourced vegetables, fruits, and seafood have taken inspiration from across India, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East…we’re talking grilled prawns, lobster, spicy chickpea curries, kulfi, and tropical fruit sorbets!
Beyond gastronomical and musical activities, don your fins and head out for a day of snorkeling or diving. In between your swims, grab the binoculars to observe herons and egrets patrol secluded sandbanks and coves.
UNCHARTED is a high-end adventure-travel company that designs, plans, curates, and executes unforgettable travel experiences. If you can dream it, we can make it happen.
Make An Inquiry
UNCHARTED Waters: African Islands for Post-Safari Idylls
Once you submit your form, we'll get back to you with ideas, options, and logistical insight to begin planning the trip of your dreams. It's as simple as that.
4
2
3
5
6
Peponi Hotel: A Place to Call Home
KENYA
Perched like the prow of a ship on a grand Indian Ocean stretch of sand, Peponi is a classic boutique Outpost that is steeped in Swahili charm.
It lies on the outskirts of the small fishing village of Shela, and is run by the Korschen family, who stumbled across the Arab-style house in the 1960s while vacationing. Converting the space into what would become a beloved institution, Peponi has now been owned or operated by three generations of the Korschens.
Cars are scant in the area, so this is a perfect place to embrace a slower pace: The property oozes tranquil vibes, and many of the rooms provide a private outdoor patio suitable for napping to the hypnotic sound of lapping waves.
Taking a day trip via dhow is a highlight: This type of vessel used to bring ivory, cowrie shells, and fabrics to the region, and have sailed these waters for thousands of years. While still holding vital significance in local culture, they were also once integral to Arabian peninsula-East African trade.
More than 50 years since its establishment, Peponi plays a pivotal role in ocean conservation through its landmark non-profit, the Lamu Marine Conservation Trust. Small and personal, this Outpost is the perfect place to have a hideaway holiday where the only thing that matters is soaking in the sunshine and sampling local ways.
1
UNCHARTED Waters
African Islands for Post-Safari Idylls
Published on: April 21, 2024
LET'S HANG
Get travel inspiration delivered straight to your inbox—subscribe to our newsletter below.
Most travelers embarking to East Africa picture game drives among big herds, lion sightings, and dramatic savannah sunrises—so the Tanzanian and Kenyan coasts often get overlooked. Here are our favorite seaside UNCHARTED Outposts for rounding out your adventure.
One of this region’s best kept secrets is its shoreline. With clear, cobalt waters, relatively empty beaches, and supremely rich Swahili history, nothing beats unwinding on these banks after the thrill of an exhilarating bush excursion.
Plan to indulge in fresh seafood, explore ancient ruins, soak in Middle Eastern and European influences that create a tapestry of traditions and flavors, and enjoy maritime outings that continue the wildlife journey even after you’ve spotted the Big Five.
Manda Bay: Toes in the Sand
KENYA
Manda Bay is a jewel on the Kenyan coastline with a “no shoes, no news” atmosphere.
Not far from Lamu Old Town—one of the prime destinations for travelers looking to discover African worlds beyond the bush—this locale is pure magic. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the port dates back to 1370 and is one of the original settlements that was formed as part of the ancient spice business, drawing in Persian, Levant, and Indian flair from yesteryear. The thatched cottages that make up this Outpost have verandahs with swing beds, and are made with locally sourced materials, including palm-woven matted floors.
Cape buffalo stroll up and down the beach, and acacias, baobabs, and mangroves extend far out towards the shore. While traversing the Manda conservancy, you might spot Galago bushbabies, white-tailed and dwarf mongoose, dik-diks, civet and genet cats, baboons, and occasionally even leopards. You may still feel like you’re on safari!
For coastal activities, travelers can paddle-board through the tranquil channel, watching surfacing turtles and Sykes’ monkeys swinging through the trees. The best part, though, is resting your arms and floating back to camp with the current. For those who want more of an open-ocean experience, deep sea fishing is also an option.
In short, Manda Bay not only offers spectacular fauna and culture, but also a coastal lifestyle that is unspoiled, allowing you to switch off and decompress under doum palms.
Jannah Lamu: Constellation Pension
Kenya
Wrap yourself in Swahili-chic ambiance at Jannah Lamu, a gorgeous compound that combines village life and beach time. Designed by UNCHARTED partner and friend Anna Trzebinski, Jannah was inspired by both its enchanting marine backdrop as well as the bespoke motifs of its sister property Eden, one of our favorite Nairobi Outposts.
Jannah drew influence from the Southern Cross—a constellation seen year round in the Equatorial skies. This cluster was used by sailors for millennia to navigate the high seas, and the property merges contemporary style with the culture, art, and nature of the Lamu archipelago, derived from the merchants who voyaged there.
Incorporating a few buildings surrounding the Lamu Old Town, Jannah hosts several dreamy ramada-esque outdoor sanctuaries, and is launching an upcoming artist-in-residence program that generates income for families whose unused rooftops and balconies have been converted into workspaces. Alpha Crusis penthouse features three suites, a living room, and a private patio overlooking the plaza, whereas Beta Crusis offers two apartments and another alfresco expanse providing a garden, day beds, and communal dining area where guests are served breakfast. Think airy, light, urban-outside feels, with lots of carefully thought-out details, plants, and layered textures!
Since a major part of the Lamu island experience is linked to the waves, Jannah’s guests also have access to four restored and handcrafted dhow fishing boats. All of them are exquisitely decorated and kitted for swimming in estuaries at sunrise after savoring coffee and dates, or anchoring off a sandbar while watching the sunset with cocktails before heading home under starry skies.
Mnemba: Your Own Private Island
Tanzania
Zanzibar once enticed seafarers from far and wide, and Stone Town, the main city, seems to still have a rich aroma of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon, conjuring images of its bygone days as a spice hub. Many travelers choose to chill here at the tail end of their safari, and Mnemba, an exclusive private island just off the main isle, is getting a brand new look in the fall of 2024. This beach paradise has a dozen bungalows, and the renovation will give the interiors a makeover and increase their sizes. Other lodge developments include renovating the island’s wellness area and dive center, which will have a conservation partnership with Oceans Without Borders.
This atoll is known for its superb scuba and snorkel spots where guests can peep ghost pipefish, green turtles, harlequin crabs, and zebra snout seahorses. At day’s end, sip a sundowner while the sky goes from deep indigo to azure. This is intimate, barefoot charm at its best.
Laba Fanjove: Shores, Seas and Sustainability
TANZANIA
Perfect for a family or friends exclusive buyout, this island lies off the coast of Dar es Salaam and southern Tanzania in the Songo Songo Archipelago. Your entire experience here will be about palm-fringed views, shimmering sands, and azure waters. With the sole structure on the island being a roughly 200-year-old lighthouse (besides the actual villas, that is), this is a place of true seclusion and island spirit.
Humpback whales regularly pay a visit, and 10 luxury dwellings sit in harmony with their surroundings: The whole property has been designed to minimize its ecological footprint. Every room offers uninterrupted ocean views, is solar-powered, and roofed by mukuti palm leaves, giving off an unpretentious aesthetic not usually found with a private-island rental. Fishing day trips practice catch-and-release for most species, including barracuda and kingfish.
Plan to relish the privacy, take boat rides skippered just for you, enjoy swimming with bottlenose and spinner dolphins, choose from a menu of thalassotherapy treatments, and eat meals prepared on a charcoal grill.
Pemba Aiyana: Calling All Divers
TANZANIA
After experiencing the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Kilimanjaro, head to this limestone and coral-clad Outpost boasting beautiful hand-crafted doors and inlay pieces. Perfect for intrepid dive enthusiasts or active adventurers, Pemba Island has been shaped by its Shirazi, Bantu, and Portuguese history dating back to the 7th century. The cay is known for its music and cuisine, and travelers can visit spice farms to learn how seasonings are used in local dishes before enjoying live taarab bands during dinner.
If that doesn’t entice the bold foodies out there, Pemba is often called the “Island Green,” for its fertile land. As a result, Aiyana’s menu of locally sourced vegetables, fruits, and seafood have taken inspiration from across India, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East…we’re talking grilled prawns, lobster, spicy chickpea curries, kulfi, and tropical fruit sorbets!
Beyond gastronomical and musical activities, don your fins and head out for a day of snorkeling or diving. In between your swims, grab the binoculars to observe herons and egrets patrol secluded sandbanks and coves.