Here is a list of some of the best places to stay in Lamu. Lamu is a beautiful archipelago located on the northeast coast of Kenya. Known for its rich Swahili culture, stunning beaches, and historic architecture, it offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors. Most of the accommodation comprises refurbished coral stone Swahili houses run as guesthouses. If traveling in a group, it is preferable to rent a house.
Whether you prefer luxury resorts or intimate guesthouses, Lamu has a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some great places to stay in Lamu:
Best Places To Stay In Lamu
Shela
1. Kijani Hotel
Kijani Hotel is a charming property with just ten rooms set in buildings that feature the best of Swahili architecture. Comfortable accommodations are spacious and decorated with a smattering of antiques. Plus, there’s a freshwater pool and a rooftop restaurant for local seafood and Swahili curries.
Contact: 0725 545 264
Email: info@kijani-lamu.com
2. Peponi Hotel
The Peponi Hotel is a Lamu institution, perfectly positioned overlooking the bay, with a gorgeous pool and a popular restaurant. Peponi has long been the place to stay on Lamu. Set right on the beach in Shela, it’s an intimate hotel whose rooms have been designed with a nod to the island’s Arab heritage. There’s a romantic pool dining area, which is perfect for honeymooners, and the popular Fisherman’s Bar for lively evenings.
Contact: 0722 203 082, 0742 744 149
Email: reservations@peponihotel.com
3. Banana House & Wellness Centre
Here, three houses arranged around a verdant courtyard garden filled with bougainvillaea, frangipani, and hibiscus create a peaceful refuge on the edge of Shela. The 16 bedrooms come in a variety of configurations that allow for whole sections to be combined, so large groups can rent whole floors, whole houses, or even the whole hotel. A palm-shaded pool in the garden beckons, while a yoga studio offers the opportunity for spiritual fulfilment.
Contact: +254 (0) 721275538
Email: banana@bananahouse-lamu.com
4. Jua House
Jua House is a 7-room bed and breakfast located in the traditional village of Shella on Lamu Island and only a 10-minute walk from the beach. Cleanliness, functionality, comfort, beauty, and, of course, service to the guests are our main focus. The interior design combines traditional Swahili woodcraft, African style, and a touch of modern artistry. From the two roof-top terraces, one has amazing views of the dunes, the sea, and the islands of Lamu and Manda.
Phone/WhatsApp: +254 701 303 598
5. Amani Lamu
A boutique 5-bedroom villa in the peaceful dunes of Shela, on the beautiful island of Lamu Eco interiors handcrafted lovingly by local artists
6. Dudu Villas & Lamu Backpackers
If you’re on a budget, check out this hostel. It’s a little walk from the main part of Shela, but rooms start at around $8, so you can’t complain.
7. The Red Pepper House
Nestled in a lush garden in Shela village, The Red Pepper House is a boutique hotel with a distinctive Arabian and Swahili design. The hotel offers spacious and luxurious suites, a swimming pool, a spa, and personalised service.
Contact: 0721 230 521
8. Forodhani House
Forodhani is one of the most stunning villas in the Lamu archipelago, specifically at Shela Beach. It is a large whitewashed building with a unique location, right on the beach, making it ideal for family vacations. It has a capacity of 10-13 people. It provides refined elegance and stunning sea views, making it an ideal setting for a cool and relaxing vacation.
Contact: 0740 180 754
Lamu Town
9. Makubwa House
This lovely hotel is situated in a quiet street just two minutes off the seafront and a three-minute walk to the Old Fort. This home is an ideal retreat for your stay on the mystical island of Lamu. This home has 3 levels: at the bottom, a traditional entrance with a classic baraza leading to the courtyard with your private plunge pool. On the second floor, you will find the air-conditioned master bedroom, 3 beds in the gallery, the dining area, and our equipped kitchen, which you are free to use during your stay. On the upstairs floor, enjoy the sun and panoramic views of the town and the ocean, the amazing stars and the colours at sunrise and sunset, or relax under the thatched roof while sipping on a glass of wine. There is also a bed in the gallery for lazy siestas or an extra guest. The second air-conditioned bedroom is also located here, as is a full bathroom.
Contact: 00(49) 1573 4714 048
Email: info@makubwa-house.com
10. Jambo House
Budget accommodation in the heart of Lamu Town
Phone and WhatsApp: (+254) 713 411714
Email: info@jambohouse.com
11. Lamu House Hotel
This lovely hotel is located on the waterfront. They have a nice pool and restaurant (Moonrise Restaurant), which is a popular meeting spot.
Contact: 0792 469 577
Email: info@lamuhouse.com
12. The Dhow House
With five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a kitchen, and a pool, this holiday home overlooking the beach is a solid option for large groups looking for a bit of autonomy and self-sufficiency amid bustling Lamu Town. The house sits at the centre of a lush tropical garden (a fixture of which is Mary, the giant resident tortoise), with an abundance of attractions and restaurants in the immediate vicinity.
Contact: +254(0)0722881995
Email: info@dhowhouse.co.ke
Manda Island
13. The Majlis Resort
The most luxurious hotel around is located right on the beach, overlooking Shela. Perhaps visit the restaurant for a special treat, even if you don’t stay. The Majlis Resort is meticulously designed, and spacious rooms effortlessly combine supreme comfort and luxury. There are two pools (both with great views), a restaurant serving international cuisine as well as Swahili and Indian dishes, and a spa for pampering treatments.
Contact: 0702 690 555
Email: guestrelations@themajlisresorts.com
14. Manda Bay Lodge
Manda Bay is a boutique lodge on Manda Island’s northern tip. Set on a secluded palm-fringed peninsula, you can expect deserted beaches, coral gardens, and cottages surrounded by indigenous forest. A romantic, unspoiled, and idyllic beach retreat
Contacts: 0716 579 999, 0722 203 109
Email: bookings@mandabay.com
15. Diamond Beach Village
This is a family-run eco-lodge. If you’re looking for a rustic beachfront experience, Diamond Beach Village is worth considering. Situated on Manda Island, it offers budget-friendly beach huts and bandas, a restaurant, and a bar overlooking the ocean.
Contact: 0720 915 001
Email: info@diamondbeachvillage.com
Kipungani Beach
16. Cabanas Eco Lodge
Kenya meets Hawaii at this eco-lodge, which lies on the far south-west tip of Lamu. You can also visit for lunch and dinner. If you’re up for it, you can also make the 3-hour hike along the beach from Shela.
Contact: +254 794 989881
Email: Info@thecabanaslamu.com
17. Pepo House, Kizingoni
A 15-minute boat ride from Lamu Town is the golden beach of Kizingoni, and perhaps the last thing you’d expect to find on this more deserted part of Lamu is a large private villa. Pepo, meaning “wind” in Swahili, is a tall, modern villa designed to catch the cooling sea breezes and exude Lamu-style comfort with its spacious bedrooms and outdoor dining areas.
18. Mandarina Beach Cottage
This self-catered cottage verges the channel that divides Lamu and Manda islands, with the picturesque spread of Shela visible beyond the billowing sails of the dhows that ply their trade up and down the opposing coastlines. The house can hold up to eight people, who are provided with a cook to man the on-site kitchen and a boat to ferry them along the beach or across to the (relatively) cosmopolitan attractions of Lamu.
19. Subira House
Situated in the heart of Lamu Town, Subira House is a restored 18th-century Swahili mansion that offers an authentic cultural experience. The hotel features beautifully decorated rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a courtyard with a plunge pool.
Contact: +254 726 916 686
Email: info@subirahouse.com
20. Kizingo Lodge
If you’re seeking a secluded and serene retreat, Kizingo is the perfect choice. This eco-friendly resort is located on Lamu Island’s remote western tip, offering a unique and idyllic getaway. The resort features spacious bandas (beachfront cottages), delicious meals, and pristine beaches.
Contact: 0712 575 261
