Lamu Archipelago
Lamu.
Swahili houses and barefoot luxury in Shela, Manda and beyond
20 Miki stays available
About Lamu
Old Swahili houses, empty beaches and no cars at all
A UNESCO World Heritage island chain of dhows, donkeys and centuries-old Swahili villages — with some of the most atmospheric private houses in East Africa.
The Lamu archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlements in East Africa — a world of dhows, donkeys and carved coral-stone houses where the pace of life has barely changed in centuries. Most of our houses sit in Shela Village near the eastern tip of Lamu Island, a few minutes' walk from twelve kilometres of empty white-sand beach, with more on Manda Island and Kizingoni Beach across the channel.
Days here revolve around the water: sailing traditional dhows at sunset, swimming off the sandbanks, kitesurfing off Manda, and long barefoot walks on the beach. Lamu Town — two miles north of Shela — rewards a wander with its museums, rooftop cafés and centuries-old alleyways.
Getting there
Lamu is best reached by air, with several scheduled flights a day from Nairobi (Safarilink and Air Kenya from Wilson, Jambo Jet from JKIA), some routing via Malindi. The airport sits on Manda Island; every house arrival ends with a short boat transfer across the channel, which is half the charm.
Where to stay
Villas in Lamu.
Asali House, Shela Village, Lamu
4 beds · sleeps 8 5.0 (3)
A 4-bedroom family home tucked away on the outskirts of fashionable Shela, Asali is welcoming yet secluded and private. Named after the Kiswahili word for honey, Asali is a sweet spot for relaxed village living, with the seafront and beach just a few minutes’ stroll away. Highlights: A calm, comfortable and attractive new retreat; Charming rustic-chic, Swahili-modern accommodation; Swimming pool and lush, shady gardens; A short walk from the seafront, Peponi Hotel and Shela’s other attractions; Just 400 metres from the beach via the village or sand dunes; Accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 double/twin bedrooms; From Kes 35,000 per night for upto 2 guests ‘self-catering’ with chef and staff.
Beach House, Shela Village, Lamu
5 beds · sleeps 12
This magnificent 5-bedroom private home sits in a commanding position above Shela beach, enjoys wonderful ocean views from its beautiful gardens, roof terraces and dramatic infinity pool and makes the perfect luxurious holiday retreat for up to a dozen fortunate guests Highlights: Shela’s most prestigious private holiday house; Space, calm and luxury beside the island’s beautiful beach; Spectacular infinity pool, gardens, roof terraces and dune-top gazebo; Excellent chefs & staff plus on-site management; Accommodates up to 12 guests in 5 ensuite bedrooms; 4 double bedrooms and 1 ‘quadruple’ bedroom – all ensuite with AC; Resident accommodation rates from Kes 180,000 per night.
Bembea House, Shela, Lamu
3 beds · sleeps 6 5.0 (1)
An airy and atmospheric multi-storey mansion designed and built in traditional Swahili style, Bembea House enjoys lovely views over sand dunes and village rooftops and is just moments away from the Shela seafront, Peponi Hotel and the island’s wonderful 8-mile beach. Highlights: A sophisticated sanctuary in one of the nicest locations in sought-after Shela; Decorated and furnished throughout in cool and harmonious style; Uncluttered but maximalist decor – filled with intricate plasterwork, woodwork and African artifacts; Dramatic double-height pillared entrance hall with zidaka wall niches; Elegant third floor living and dining room, spacious eat-in first floor kitchen; Scenic top floor terraces – part open, part makuti-thatched – with lounging, dining, bar and sunbathing areas; Situated on the southern fringes of Shela village – just 150 metres from Peponi and the beach.
Betty’s Suite, Shela Village, Lamu
1 bed · sleeps 2 5.0 (2)
Betty’s Suite is a perfect and highly romantic 1-bedroom retreat for couples and honeymooners. Just steps away from Shela’s seafront and beach, it enjoys lovely views across the Lamu channel from its own private roof terrace and elevated infinity pool. Highlights: A dreamy and luxurious private retreat for two; Exclusive use of rooftop infinity pool; Roof terrace, living room, dining area and celebrated bathroom; Close to waterfront and beach – but private and secluded; Excellent on-site management, staff and chef; Can be rented in conjunction with one or more of the neighbouring Moon Houses; Rentals from US$300 per night.
Dhow House, Shela, Lamu
7 beds · sleeps 14 5.0 (2)
A glamorous, luxurious and expansive private retreat tucked away in a quiet position on the fringes of sophisticated Shela, the Dhow House is a stylish and secluded sanctuary with all the attractions of village and beach just a few minutes stroll away Highlights: A gorgeous hideaway designed and furnished in opulent style; Elegant and dramatic inside and outside living & entertaining areas; Perfect for a serene and luxurious break at the beach; Dazzling 13-metre swimming pool and lush tropical gardens; Rooftop massage and yoga room, multiple al-fresco terraces and verandas; Direct private access to Shela seafront and beach; Accommodates up to 14 guests in 7 ensuite bedrooms.
Forodhani House, Shela Village, Lamu
5 beds · sleeps 10 5.0 (3)
A spectacular 5-bedroom house in one of the best positions on the island, Forodhani sits close to Peponi Hotel at the very start of the island’s wonderful 8-mile beach. Stylish, sought-after and with wonderful sea views, it is one of the loveliest places to stay on the Kenyan coast. Highlights: An iconic private holiday home in a stunning waterfront location; Set on the very eastern tip of the island with panoramic views across the Lamu channel; Designed and built in airy and modern Swahili style; 9 metre (30ft) elevated freshwater swimming pool; Direct access to Shela beach and less than 100 metres from Peponi Hotel; Seafront terrace and verandas and balconies with seating areas on all floors; Five friendly full-time staff – including gourmet chef.
Full Moon House, Shela Village, Lamu
3 beds · sleeps 6 5.0 (2)
A spacious and imposing 3-bedroom home just steps away from beach and waterfront, with lovely views across the channel to Manda Island plus courtyard garden and swimming pool. Full Moon House is often rented with neighbouring Kiwandini House – together they can accommodate 12+ guests. Highlights: A grand 3-storey house looking out onto Shela seafront; Far reaching views from 1st and 2nd floor bedrooms and terraces; Courtyard garden and swimming pool; Accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 double ensuite bedrooms; One double bedroom can become a twin bedroom if required; Can be rented in conjunction with one or more of the neighbouring Moon Houses; Rentals from $660 per night.
Garden House, Shela Village, Lamu
2 beds · sleeps 4 5.0 (1)
A really delightful 2-bedroom village retreat surrounded by Shela’s largest private garden and enjoying elevated sea views across the dhow harbour, Garden House is often rented with the neighbouring Mama Daktari House and Betty’s Suite – together they can accommodate 10 guests. Highlights: A lovely and relaxing place to stay all set on one level; Set in Shela’s largest private gardens; Lovely sea view terraces and veranda; Accommodates 4 guests in 2 double ensuite bedrooms; Can be rented in conjunction with one or more of the neighbouring Moon Houses; Rentals from $340 per night.
Kilamawingu, Shela Village, Lamu
5 beds · sleeps 14 5.0 (2)
An exceptionally charming, spacious and beautifully-furnished family house with swimming pool, set in lovely gardens close to the seafront in Shela village, Kilamawingu is one of the most characterful, luxurious and well-appointed places to stay on the island. Highlights: An elegant, sophisticated and expansive private home; Lush gardens, dramatic pool, stylish outdoor living spaces; Decorated and furnished with taste and imagination throughout; Excellent chef, staff and on-site management; Moments from the seafront, beach and Peponi hotel; One of very few Lamu properties with air-conditioned bedrooms; Accommodates up to 14 guests – ideally 10 adults & 4 children.
Kiwandani House, Shela Village, Lamu
3 beds · sleeps 6 5.0 (1)
A lovely and exotically-decorated house set just back from the Shela seafront and beach, Kiwandani has three double ensuite bedrooms and a spacious courtyard garden and pool. Kiwandani House is often rented with neighbouring Full Moon House – together they can accommodate 12+ guests. Highlights: Beautifully decorated and furnished in Omani Arab style; Courtyard garden and swimming pool; Accommodates up to 6+ guests in 3 double ensuite bedrooms; One bedroom can become a twin-bedroom if needed; A single bed can also be added to an ante room to the master bedroom; Can be rented in conjunction with one or more of the neighbouring Moon Houses; Rentals from $540 per night.
Mama Daktari House, Shela Village, Lamu
2 beds · sleeps 4 5.0 (1)
A charming and architecturally-appealing place to stay which enjoys far-reaching views from upper terraces and seafront gardens, Mama Daktari House has two double bedrooms and is often rented with the adjoining Betty’s Suite – together the two properties can accommodate 6 guests. Highlights: A really charming, traditional and relaxing house; Outstanding views across the channel and village; Roof terraces and extensive gardens; Accommodates 4 guests in 2 double ensuite bedrooms; Can be rented in conjunction with one or more of the neighbouring Moon Houses; Rentals from $380 per night.
Manda Bay, Manda Island
22 beds 5.0 (3)
An idyllic and intimate boutique beach lodge set on the quiet and unspoilt northwestern tip of Manda Island, Manda Bay makes the perfect away-from-it-all retreat and is also known for its excellent ocean fishing and wealth of water sports. Highlights: Informal luxury, privacy and tranquility on a palm-fringed peninsula; Authentic, charming, owner-managed and hosted; Swimming pool and miles of empty white-sand beaches; Big-game fishing, reef fishing, salt-water fly fishing – and plenty of water sports; 22 spacious private bandas with ensuite bathrooms; Rates from Kes 26,000 per adult guest per night on a full-board basis in a Garden Room. Rates are per adult guest per night on a full-board basis in a garden room.
Mnarani House, Shela, Lamu
4 beds · sleeps 8 5.0 (3)
An imposing Swahili mansion in one of the best spots in Shela, very close to Peponi Hotel, the seafront and beach, Mnarani House has 4 double ensuite bedrooms, a courtyard swimming pool and is beautifully decorated and furnished in authentic Lamu style. Highlights: One of Shela’s loveliest private holiday homes; Well located, long-established, highly recommended; Courtyard swimming pool, historic Swahili atmosphere; Airy, sea-view roof terraces and balconies; Exceptional, experienced staff and great cooking; Accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 ensuite double bedrooms; From Kes 70,000 per night ‘self catering’ with chef and housekeeper in low season.
Nyumba Kiru, Manda Beach, Lamu
7 beds · sleeps 14 5.0 (2)
A luxurious, expansive and imaginatively-designed beach retreat with direct access to the lovely empty sands of Ras Kitau, there’s plenty of space at Nyumba Kiru for larger groups to spread out and socialise around the swimming pool and in numerous living, lounging and dining areas. Highlights: Stylish, spacious and flexible accommodation; Shady 2-acre plot with Baobab, Neem and Acacia trees; 85-metre beach frontage, 11-metre swimming pool; Accommodates up to 14 guests in 7 bedrooms; Rates from Kes 24,000 per room per night or Kes 222,000 per night for all 7 bedrooms.
Palm House, Shela Village, Lamu
4 beds · sleeps 9
A classic and really appealing 4-bedroom house set in a quiet part of stylish and sophisticated Shela close to the beach and sand dunes, Palm House shares the same excellent management and staff as Beach House. It enjoys panoramic views from its rooftop terraces, dining room and bar. Highlights: A charming, very comfortable and well-established private holiday home; Beautifully furnished with traditional Swahili furniture and antiques; Set in a prime and peaceful Shela village location; Just 100 metres from beach, seafront and Peponi Hotel; Super-helpful and experienced management and staff; Accommodates up to 9 guests in 3 double and 1 triple ensuite bedrooms; Rates from Kes 60,000 per night ‘self catering’ with chef and staff.
Peponi Hotel, Shela, Lamu
29 beds 5.0 (3)
A Lamu legend for more than 50 years, Peponi has grown from a simple beachfront guest house to a unique and characterful boutique hotel with a worldwide reputation. Family-owned and run, with a celebrated restaurant and bar, Peponi is at the charismatic heart of stylish Shela village Highlights: A charming and iconic coastal hideaway – atmospheric and simple yet sophisticated; Designed, built and furnished in traditional Swahili coastal style; Exceptional cuisine, waterfront dining – warm, hospitable and personal service; Freshwater swimming pool, tropical gardens, direct access to Lamu’s wonderful 8-mile beach; Water sports galore – including windsurfing, waterskiing, snorkelling, SUP, kayaking, dhow sailing, deep sea fishing; Explore the many historic and cultural attractions of Lamu, Manda and Pate islands; A choice of standard or superior rooms, family rooms and apartments – 29 bedrooms in total.
Syngué Sabour Cottage, Manda Beach, Lamu
4 beds · sleeps 4 5.0 (2)
A delightful, romantic and highly original beachfront hideaway and architectural gem, Syngué Sabour consists of a charming plantation-style cottage and separate guest suite, and was specially designed as an intimate and secluded getaway for one or two couples. “What a rare treat, the architectural style is incredible, the food was superb, the service was top notch, we were utterly spoiled. One of the best holidays we have ever had.” “We had a magical time, the house is a piece of art. We slept so well, and Gabriel and Edison were super, the food was delicious, especially desserts. We look forward to visiting again” Highlights: An enchanting private retreat beside the lovely white sands of Manda Beach; Beautifully designed, elegant and airy accommodation with hardwood floors and high ceilings; Filled with delightful design details, bespoke colonial-style furniture and fittings, exquisite murals and paintings; Multiple verandas and terraces, private plunge pool, mature gardens with hammocks and lounging areas; Explore the archipelago in style aboard ‘HMS Intolerance’ a private 9-metre wooden motor boat; Movie projector & screen, Starlink internet. Yoga instruction, massage and beauty treatments on request; Enjoy the services of four dedicated and attentive members of staff.
The Cabanas at Kizingoni Beach, Lamu
1-2 beds 5.0 (3)
Remote, rustic-chic and highly relaxing – a collection of 1 and 2 bedroom beach cottages on Lamu’s quiet south western coast. The ideal escape for couples, singles and small families, the Cabanas have a fun and contemporary focus on watersports, wellness and sustainability. Highlights: A charming and away-from-it-all boutique retreat; Enjoy, peace, seclusion and beautiful sunsets; Beach bar and spectacular elevated freshwater pool; Eco-friendly, off-grid and sustainable; Kitesurfing school with professional instruction; Wakeboarding, SUP, waterskiing, sailing and other watersports; Zen Den with massage, reflexology, meditation and wellness therapies. Rates are per resident adult sharing per night.
The Majlis, Manda Beach, Lamu
39 beds 5.0 (3)
A unique and much-loved family hideaway turned boutique beach resort, the Majlis represents the ultimate in laid-back Lamu luxury. Idyllic and individual, designed and decorated in elegant and eclectic Swahili-Italian style, it’s the perfect destination for a sophisticated break at the beach. “Originally a second home for an Italian family, this Lamu hideaway quickly grew into something too good not to share. Today its founder’s sons, Federico and Stefano Moccia, preside over a boutique resort in the truest sense of the phrase. The seaside castaway seclusion of Manda Island, steeped in Swahili, Arab and Indian influences, met a dream team of architects and artists, including Julian Schnabel. The result is a hotel thick with personality, a place whose every square foot feels thoughtfully, intentionally designed. In the end it’s less like a hotel, perhaps, than an impeccably tasteful guest house – perhaps not surprising, given its origins – albeit a guest house which sprawls across three separate villas, and whose rooms and suites are outfitted with every luxury-hotel comfort. Add to that three pools, a long, gorgeous beach, cocktail bars and open-air restaurants specializing in local seafood, and you’ll quickly find yourself casting about for reasons to return.” The Michelin Guide Highlights: Escape and enjoy La Dolce Vita at this stylish and indulgent beachfront retreat; Refined, romantic and atmospheric accommodation among the palms and baobabs of Manda Beach; Conceived and created with architectural flair, art and imagination; Enjoy three inviting swimming pools, three delicious restaurants and four bars; Welcoming and efficient service. Wellness centre with spa, gym and yoga shala; Deep sea and creek fishing, kite surfing, water skiing, paddleboarding, snorkelling; Dhow sailing trips and cultural excursions around the Lamu archipelago. Rates are per person christmas and new year full board rates (21st dec.
Uzio House, Shela, Lamu
3 beds · sleeps 6 5.0 (2)
A lovely, authentic and historic 3-bedroom house situated on a quiet and sheltered stretch of Shela seafront, Uzio – Kiswahili for ‘fish trap’ – looks out over the dhow harbour and enjoys panoramic views across the Lamu channel. Highlights: An atmospheric, traditional and stylish Swahili home; Filled with antique furniture, Lamu character and charm; Lovely sea and village views from multiple terraces; Just steps from Shela beach and Peponi Hotel; Accommodates 6 guests in 3 double/twin bedrooms; 2 stand fans in each room; Standard accommodation rate – Kes 68,000 per night for up to 6 guests.