The best available hotels & places to stay near Lamu Island

August 12, 2022 Sachiko Swiger

The main town on the island of the same name just off Kenya's northeastern coast, tranquil Lamu was founded in the 14th century, making it the country's oldest living town and the best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. Lamu Museum (with its prized siwa horns) and the two-centuries-old Lamu Fort are two of the main attractions. The restored Swahili House Museum is small but quite interesting. About a 30-minute walk north of town, white sandy Shela Beach is one of the island's best.
Restaurants in Lamu Island

1. Kijani

Lamu Island 80500 Kenya
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 211 reviews

Kijani

In the village of Shela, on the island of Lamu – just off the Kenya Coast – Kijani Hotel offers a unique accommodation with its 3,000 sq. metres of tropical garden. Located directly at the sea front with two fresh water swimming pools. Kijani Hotel Lamu has 10 rooms spread throughout the garden into three small separate traditional Swahili buildings which formerly were private homes.

Excellent service and highly recommend this hotel for your stay in Shela, Lamu

Reviewed By Hiral S

The management are very welcoming and we loved our time there. The rooms were clean and their location is brilliant, the staff were very attentive. We requested to have a Swahili breakfast one morning, the owners went out of their way to organize this for all the guests for Sunday breakfast. That was very special and we would definitely be returning there again.

2. Lamu House Hotel

Kenyatta Avenue Seafront, Lamu Island 80500 Kenya
Excellent
84%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 258 reviews

Lamu House Hotel

Boutique hotel made of 2 Swahili houses adjoin, with 10 superior rooms, plunge pool. Luxury accommodation, in the Old Stone Town of Lamu, located on the seafront. Restaurant & coffee shop. Traditional dhows for comfortable excursions.

Superb!

Reviewed By sophiekF5153YK

A beautiful hotel with gorgeous rooms and stunning interior design The restaurant, lounge areas and pool is also very well presented. The people and staff were so friendly, welcoming and kind. The food was some of the best we had in Lamu. It’s location near the centre of old town makes it very handy for getting around by foot or by boat.

3. Manda Bay

Manda Island Lamu, Lamu Island Kenya
Excellent
89%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 140 reviews

Manda Bay

Manda Bay is located on the North-western tip of Manda Island, one of the many unspoiled, idyllic islands of the Lamu archipelago. An exclusive resort, Manda Bay offers relaxation, water sports, dhow safaris and luxurious pampering throughout your stay. Surrounded by miles of soft white sand, Manda Bay is the perfect retreat for families and honeymooners. The cottages are in keeping with the local landscape and were constructed using local materials. All of the cottages have large ceiling fans, en-suite bathrooms, and their own private verandas overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Serenity on the beach

Reviewed By CATHERINE W

I just returned from a four night stay at Amanda Bay and I would give more stars if I could! The cottages were lovely and so unique….old world furnishings in elegant grass ”hut”. Each dwelling had both outside and covered private porches with glorious views. All the staff was so friendly and professional. Every meal was exceptional. We enjoyed a vast array of fresh fish and vegetables. Myezi, the manager had a lovely serenity about her that made out trip truly lovely. She arranged a trip to Lamu with a guide and a drive through Amanda island’s 10th century ruins ending with sundowners watching the sunset over the top of an acacia forest… she even welcomed us back when we had a small flight reservation snafoo!! This was the most peaceful, lovely trip I have had in a long time!

4. Jannat House

Mkomani Off Kenyatta Road, 195, Lamu Island 80500 Kenya
Excellent
37%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 59 reviews

Jannat House

The Place To Stay In Lamu. Jannat House Is Situated A Short Work From The Main Street And The Lamu Waterfront.jannat House Combined The Unique Elegance Of Traditional Swahili Architecture With Modern Comfort And Friendly Hospitality.

Alan de Boer

Reviewed By alandV5171PX

A place of sublime beauty and soulful nourishment! Beautifully built Cabanas overlooking indigenous forest, White sandy beaches and glistening creeks. An guest experience of a lifetime. Thank you to Bernie and the whole wonderful crew. You guys are amazing!

5. Jua House

Shela, Lamu Island 80500 Kenya
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 31 reviews

Jua House

JUA HOUSE is a new Bed & Breakfast located in the middle of the traditional Swahili village Shela on Lamu island. There are five double rooms, one single room and a rooftop suite available. All our rooms are equipped with king size beds and have their private bathrooms. Each floor provides a comfortable chill out lounge. Enjoy the 360° views from our rooftop terraces!

Beautiful, characterful hideaway in Shela

Reviewed By 296harryl

A beautiful, quiet and characterful hotel set back from the more touristy parts of Shela. With its idiosyncratic style and intimate feel, Jua House feels more like a guest house; the personal service provided by Amani and his team was also impeccable, and, as everyone says, the breakfast is superb. I hope I have the chance to go back.

6. Subira House

Behind Lamu Fort P.O. Box 341, Lamu Island 80500 Kenya
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 85 reviews

Subira House

The charming and comfortable seven-bedroom historic 200 years old home has two beautiful gardens and plenty of cool terraces to relax and enjoy the tropical breeze as you accustom yourself to Lamu's gentle pace. Right in the middle of Old Lamu Town.Meals on request.Wine licence.Subira House,a 200-year-old coral stone house was built by the governor under the Sultan of Zanzibar now carefully preserved by its Swedish/Dutch owners.

Lovely cozy home

Reviewed By Maggie S

Great house, I enjoyed the hosts. I enjoyed the vegetarian dinner and the breakfast. The hosts give great advice on what to do around Lamu. The house is amazing with a garden and friendly staff. Its situated in a great location

7. Andavelo House

Kivndoni Neighbourhood, Lamu Island 80500 Kenya
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Andavelo House

Andavelo House in Lamu, Kenya is a restoration project of a 300 year old Swahili house made in accordance with the centuries old construction techniques used by the Swahili people. Andavelo is a joint project of three friends who met in Tbilisi, GeorgiaAndavelo House consists of 6 spacious suites ranging from 50-120m2 over a total built area of over 1000 m2 with plenty of lounges, pool area and sea facing terraces.

Brilliant in every way.

Reviewed By Jean R

Jambo. Visited Lamu in early December two years ago ,but due to personal circumstances beyond my control did not get to write the review. Safari and the team at Andavelo house were absolutely brillian from arrival to leaving, so much so that we opted to going back after 5 days on nearby Shellah beach for another two nights. The chef prepared the most incredible meal for supper on our last night . I would return weekly if I could . Totally exclusive, superb place to unwind, and what an inspirational residence, from the indoor swimming pool to the beautiful bedrooms. A very huge and belated thank you .

8. The Red Pepper House

Coconut Beach PO Box 316, Lamu Island Kenya
Excellent
81%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

The Red Pepper House

The Red Pepper House is *the* ideal hideaway where you can catch your breath, relax and immerse yourself in the local Swahili culture, offering the utmost in indulgence and relaxation. Located a stone’s throw from the historical Lamu town, The Red Pepper House provides a combination of real African culture and laid-back beach life. Lamu Island, a world heritage site, is situated within an archipelago off the coast of Kenya. The Red Pepper House nestles between a heavenly beach and an enchanting forest allowing guests to experience the magic of both worlds and lose themselves in the contrasting sounds of Africa. Comprising of only five beautiful and spacious Nyumbas, (the Swahili name for home), The Red Pepper House is perfectly integrated into its natural surroundings and covered by a Makuti thatched roof. Each Nyumba comes complete with a spacious and luxurious bedroom and bathroom area finished in the traditional Swahili manner.

Impeccable service, good food, beautiful house!

Reviewed By rosariokamuti

Enjoyed my stay at red pepper! Joseph is star, together with Faith, Captain and the whole Team! The food was amazing! The house is beautiful! Very aesthetic. Would highly recommend if you're looking for a peaceful holiday! The sunset dhow was the best part of the trip!

9. Jamala Guest House

Lamu Island 80500 Kenya
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 8 reviews

Jamala Guest House

Jamala House is light and centrally located next to Lamu Fort in the historic oldest part of Lamu. It is a quiet and private resort with a relaxing garden compound. All rooms have private bathrooms with hot water. There is a kitchen for common use and couches to relax as well as a rooftop with a great view of the sea. Me Baji, the manager, am also happy to give advice on good places to eat, get you a nice boat trip on my own Dhow or help you with any other questions.

I was at lamu for a solo trip and I stayed at the best possible place for that, Jamala house.

Reviewed By hermelak2020

Getting to Lamu, Badji, Jamala's manager, greeted me from the airport. He also introduced me to a tour guide (Abbas) where I had a very detailed and comprehensive understanding of lamu interms of history, current social structure and furture prospects. Badji is an incredible host who ensures all his guests enjoy their time and caters their stay to their needs as he learns them along the way. He also took me and a few others on a dhow sunset trip which I must add was the highlight of my stay. I highly recommend you stay at Jamala house if you are looking for a serene, authentic experience with a very practical location and simple design. One last note: while in lamu, take a look around town and pay the local (non-tourist targeting) vendors a visit, you will find that they have a lot to offer.

10. Dudu Villas n Cottages

Lamu Shela Road, Lamu Township Talking Trees Beach, Lamu Island Kenya
Excellent
75%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8 reviews

Dudu Villas n Cottages

Our hotel is located between Lamu and shela vilage Just 15 minutes walk north from the main Jetty to DUDU VILLAS n COTTAGES. Right in between Lamu Township and Shella Village is where you will find this fascinating place built in traditional Swahili architecture of 18th century design decor. Its is near the beach front where wind is not strong and the noisy of outboard engine are silent as the boats pass.

Perfect

Reviewed By irene2491991

It is placed in an amazing spot, very quite at night and close to the sea. The rooms are very cozy and clean, every bed has its own mosquito net and a private bathroom. And the garden is stunning, probably my favourite part of the place. Waking up to that view is simply amazing.

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