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Escape to East Africa’s most enchanting island

Tucked up against the beautiful, unspoilt Indian Ocean coast of northern Kenya, Lamu Island is one of the most beguiling places on earth.

Little changed in centuries, Lamu has long been renowned for the warmth of its welcome to visitors, its rich and colourful maritime trading history and its distinctive Swahili culture – a unique amalgam of African, Arabian, Indian and European influences.

Unique and unpackaged, tranquil and traditional, sleepy yet sophisticated – in a world that is increasingly rushed and regimented, Lamu remains a wonderfully authentic and unhurried retreat.

Handpicked Holiday Homes

Staying in a fully-staffed private house is a wonderful way to experience the best of Lamu hospitality – and we’re delighted to share our personal selection of the most distinctive and desirable.

Luxury beach villas, historic Swahili mansions, romantic retreats and family-friendly getaways – each one is a unique and carefully-chosen place to stay.

We have decades of experience in Lamu and we visit, revisit, experience and understand every property that we recommend – making sure each lives up to our high standards of quality, character, style and service.

Our Latest Properties

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Asali House in Shela Village, Lamu
Asali House, Shela Village

Coming Soon

Syngué Sabour Cottage, Manda Beach in Lamu
Syngué Sabour Cottage, Manda Beach

Coming Soon

Falcon House located in Manda Beach, Lamu
Falcon House, Manda Beach
Discover All Our Accommodation

Around the Archipelago

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Shela Village

Shela Village

Sleepy yet sophisticated, Shela Village sits on Lamu’s South Eastern tip at the start of the island’s wonderful 8-mile beach.

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Manda Island

Manda Island is Lamu’s low-key and laid-back near-neighbour – just moments across the channel from stylish Shela.

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Kizingoni Beach

On the remote and unspoilt South Western tip of Lamu Island, peace, seclusion and beautiful sunsets are guaranteed.

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Lamu Town

Lamu Town

The oldest living town south of the Sahara, the best-preserved settlement in East Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Find the perfect place to stay

We will be happy to make recommendations, confirm availabilities, share our personal experiences, pass on our local knowledge and help in any way we can.

“We had a remarkable time at Manda Bay and are very confident in looking for our next destination through you and your team. They were great and did their best to help find us such a great place to stay. Continue doing your great work. I will definitely use your services again.”

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What our latest guests say…

 
Beach Palazzo

“We stayed at Full Moon House and it was just perfect. We were two families with kids and we all had a fantastic time relaxing by the pool, going down to the beach, taking boat trips and enjoying the superb seafood prepared by chef Joseph. The whole team of staff were brilliant and made our stay very enjoyable.”

Full Moon House

“We had an absolutely amazing time on Tusitiri, Mia and the crew looked after us wonderfully, Tusitiri is such a beautiful boat and the archipelago was beautiful too. We hope we get the chance to sail on her again as it was all so very special!”

Tusitiri Dhow

“Our stay at Uzio House was very enjoyable. The house, with its three-storey architecture and decoration, left a strong impression on us. Special mention to the team and especially to the chef, an outstanding talent capable of preparing tuna sashimi and lobsters to perfection. We won’t forget it anytime soon!”

Uzio House

“We have had the most amazing holiday at Shela Beach House. We really enjoyed our day on a dhow, cruising through the mangroves and eating lunch on a sand dune. The kids absolutely loved it! These few days relaxing in Lamu were a perfect contrast to our active early mornings on safari.”

Shela Beach House
Moon Houses Lamu

“We stayed at Full Moon House and it was just perfect. We were two families with kids and we all had a fantastic time relaxing by the pool, going down to the beach, taking boat trips and enjoying the superb seafood prepared by chef Joseph. The whole team of staff were brilliant and made our stay very enjoyable.”

Full Moon House
Mnarani House

“An absolutely beautiful home with lots of stunning terraces and outdoor spaces. Great for a group of friends or a large family to relax in for a few days. The location is perfect, just behind Peponi Hotel which means it’s super easy to enjoy a sunset cocktail at the bar while the wonderful staff at Mnarani House prepare a delicious dinner.”

Mnarani House
Asali House in Shela Village, Lamu

“We had a great time at Asali House. The cook was awesome. He clearly loves food and was happy to teach and to learn from us too. The house is beautiful and was such a gem to find. We really appreciated the stay.”

Asali House