Hotels in Lamu Island Kenya

Manda Bay is on one of the many unspoilt, idyllic islands within the Lamu Archipelago situated on the northwestern tip of Manda Island. The lodge lies along the calm inshore waters on a protected sandy beach surrounded by miles of palm fringed beaches and intriguing creeks. There are 16 Rooms flawlessly designed to keep with local landscape. Nine of the rooms are set right along the seafront with the other rooms set in between and slightly behind. Each Room has a large ceiling fan, refreshing showers inside the en-suite bathrooms, and their own verandahs. The cuisine at Manda Bay naturally features a marine flavour. Fresh tuna, mangrove crab and prawns are a Manda Bay delicacy. There is a large dining room but on most nights dinners are taken outside under the stars. A large lounge and bar area on the waterfront is the ideal retreat in the heat of the afternoon. Darts, table tennis and a pool table in the games room offer alternative entertainment, and the games room encompasses a swimming pool overlooking the creek. Spa treatments and massages are also offered. Manda Bay offers guests a chance to relax and unwind from the pressures of the real world, but for the more adventurous the variety of activities are abundant. Guests can choose from deep sea fishing, windsurfing, laser sailing, mangrove trips, cultural visits, kayaking, waterskiing and scuba diving. With regular sightings of dolphins, turtles and the occasional humpback whale, the marine life excels. Guests can enjoy safe snorkelling in the warm, gentle and clear waters. Game drives and scenic flights are also offered here and the lodge has its own airstrip. There is a network of tracks and roads through the acacia woodland and sightings have included bushbuck, buffalo, mongoose, porcupine and dik dik. Bushbabies and genets are often seen around the lodge at night.

Jahazi House was named after the historical large trading dhows that brought Lamu its trading wealth and stands right on the edge of the Indian Ocean in a large garden of frangipani, fruit trees and shrubs. On arrival by boat, it is a two-minute walk on a makeka path up to the house. The house is built of coral block and is designed along traditional lines around an inner courtyard, which holds a private swimming pool that cools the public rooms and bedrooms. The entrance hall has a baraza area with a large cushioned day sofa and a dining area and leads onto the inner courtyard. The four en-suite guest bedrooms are all accessed from the inner courtyard and have their own private verandas. At the back of the house overlooking everything, is the cool and spacious main bedroom. The bedroom has a private salon, en-suite bathroom and dressing area. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering and separate from the main house. The verandas are furnished with writing desks, an occasional table, chairs and a traditional Lamu daybed. The covered baraza area behind the pool can also be used for an afternoon nap and leads through a carved door onto a wooden deck with two swing beds. The roof is one big terrace, partially covered with makuti to provide a shaded bar, eating and sitting area. Frangipani, jasmine and lime trees have been planted in abundance around the house which comes fully staffed with a cook, a room and table steward, a laundress, a boat captain and a gardener. From the expansive, first floor makuti-covered veranda you can watch the dhows come and go, collecting sand and delivering coral blocks and fish. On the main land lies Kenyatta Lake, an area with lovely indigenous bush and rich in wildlife, perfect for a safari. Guests who prefer to stay at Jahazi House can enjoy various water sports like swimming, fishing, skiing and ocean safaris.

Kuni Jogoo House stands on a small sand dune, allowing a 180-degree panoramic view over the beach and channel in Lamu. Built in a U-shape around the pool and gardens, the house offers spacious public areas and large terraces. Guests have a choice of five ventilated en-suite bedrooms, perfect for a holiday group. Four of the bedrooms are located on the ground floor and each one has their own veranda and stunning sea views. Two staircases lead up to the grand master suite and a dining terrace with covered and uncovered dining areas. The main baraza area is equipped with a bar, music and comfortable seating. A central internal baraza area looks across the spacious veranda, with a large round teak dining table, onto the ocean and the passing dhows. The kitchen is fully equipped and a laundry room is available for use. Guests can go for long walks on the beach just a few feet away, relax next to the pool, go fishing, water skiing or on a safari on the main land. Kuni Jogoo is perfect for a group looking for an island vacation.

If this is your first time in Shella, then Msafini Hotel is the place where you can enjoy a silent environment and have complete views of the whole village and ocean. Guests can enjoy excursions around Lamu and Shella; visit nearby curio shops and markets, take a stroll on the beach and enjoy the beautiful ocean scenery. The hotel comprises 14 self-contained en-suite rooms, each with a private balcony. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and well ventilated to ensure a cool night?s sleep. The hotel?s facilities include a lovely swimming pool, a dining area and a roof deck with lovely views over the town.

Located on the shores of East Africa, in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Kenya, Lamu is a town, an island, and an archipelago. There, time seems to have stopped somewhere in the XVIII or XIX century, and life is still much what it used to be at the time of the Sultanates of Pate and Zanzibar. Alternating endless beaches and mysterious mangroves, old historical buildings and untouched nature, fishing trips and BBQ, Lamu can fulfil all holidays dreams. The house is located between Lamu Town and Shela village, in a 1/4 acre secluded garden, remote and peaceful, 200 m from the sea. With 200 sq. m., three bedrooms, two terraces, living room, equipped kitchen and toilet/bathroom, the house can comfortably sleep six people. Spare mattresses in the attic, terraces and balconies, not to mention tents in the garden, have in the past allowed catering for more than 12 people. Facilities include a care-taker and a watchman on-site. Motor-boat hire, sailing boat and cook can be arranged. Airport / bus-stop meet and greet. Our extensive knowledge of the island assures you that any request for fun-time, whatever incongruous, can be fulfilled.

Samaki House a 300yr Old Swahili Mansion is a unique experience in the heart of the old town overlooking the waterfront. The property has wonderful Boriti Poled ceilings, traditional Lamu decorations and arabesque plasterwork niches, Inset tiled work and beautiful roof terraces. This 380 sqm Arab traders Mansion is furnished with antiques and artefacts, and presents the ideal place to observe the rich Swahili culture of this unique setting. Its architecture and layout offer a unique exotic experience in luxury and comfort to its privileged guests. Lamu is essentially a car free zone where transportation is by foot power, Donkey or sail power and life takes on another more humane pace. Enjoy the terraces of the shaded courtyard garden and profit from the fruits of the Guava and Star fruit trees when in season. Two staff ensures that you have everything you need. A sailing Dhow or motorboat can be arranged from the harbour for you for a daily trip to Shela Beach, which is a 15 minutes boat ride away from Lamu town. The property is fully equipped to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. All rooms have traditional ceiling fans. A laundry service is provided by the staff, you get all the comforts of staying in a hotel whilst enjoying the space and privacy of your own home in Lamu. There is Rooftop bar complete with fridge, fully equipped terraces for breakfasting or sun-dowers, a chilled mineral water system, and an extensive range of cookbooks to select menus from. Hot water is provided by Solar panels and the House is equipped with an electrical inverter system to minimize power-outs. There are spacious living and entertaining areas which are all comfortably furnished. The dining room overlooks the seafront and comfortably seats ten.

Perched on the edge of its own beach, Kipungani Explorer is one of East Africa's most simple but sophisticated coastal hideaways. Overlooking a deserted 14-kilometre beach on the southwestern tip of Lamu Island, Kipungani Explorer is a dream destination for those seeking a true desert island holiday. After a 90-minute flight from Nairobi, you will be met at Manda Island and transported by boat to the lodge, which is located two degrees south of the Equator. Snorkelling and diving on the reefs off Kinyika Rock and Manda Toto (November to March), Windsurfing in the sheltered Lamu channel, Creek or deep sea game fishing, Sailing aboard our own Arab dhow, Bird walks in and around the property, Visits to Lamu's historic mosques, markets and museum, Day trips to the ancient ruined forts of Manda Island, and Visits to our neighbours in Kipungani Village. Our 14 spacious and secluded chalets sit above the soft white sands of Kipungani Bay, which is Swahili for 'the place of fresh air'. Shaded by the palm trees that line our 600-metre beachfront, the chalets are constructed entirely from local materials, with mkeka matting floors and makuti thatch roofs woven by the residents of neighbouring Kipungani Village. The large interiors are a picture of rustic simplicity, with giant king-size beds and furniture all handmade from local mangrove and palm woods. Each chalet has an ocean-facing verandah with local funzi sofas and chairs piled high with colourful cushions. Amenities include freshwater showers, flush toilets, and separate dressing areas with wash basins. The beach-facing lounge and bar at Kipungani are furnished for complete relaxation, with large driftwood furniture, hanging moon beds, and a variety of natural discoveries 'combed' from our shores. The dining room sits beside a small tropical garden, with an adjoining library offering guests a broad selection of novels, magazines and board games. In front of the building is a horizon-touching saltwater pool which offers the perfect venue for the ultimate romantic sundowner! Kipungani Explorer enjoys a uniquely harmonious relationship with the residents of neighbouring Kipungani Village. Half of the Lodge's staff come from the village, from where we also buy all our seafood and materials for repairing our bandas and boats. Children above 8 years are welcome.

The Majlis Resort is located in Lamu with views of the Ras Kitau Bay on Manda Island. Featuring exteriors and interiors reflecting a fusion of Italian and Swahili-style design, the resort offers free Wi-Fi. The elegant rooms come with mosquito nets draped over the bed, white interiors and traditional designed furnishings. It includes a minibar, air conditioning and safe. Some rooms have a sea view and a garden view. The Majlis Resort restaurant offers vegetarian, fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas, and serves international, Italian and Swahili dishes. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling, windsurfing and canoeing. Lamu Museum is 0.6 miles away.

Diamond Beach Village offers traditional Swahili thatched roof huts located directly on a private beach. Each has a furnished patio with views of the Indian Ocean. It features an open-air restaurant and bar. Simply furnished chalets provide a mosquito net and solar powered lighting. The private bathroom has a shower, washbasin and toilet. Swahili or international cuisine is prepared from local ingredients such as fruits, fresh seafood and Kenyan coffee. Cocktails can be enjoyed on the terrace or on bar stools or couches at Blue Moon Bar. Guests can relax while reading a book from the library or with a massage or yoga lesson. Snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing safaris can be enjoyed around Manda or Lamu Island. Manda-Lamu Airport is 4 km away.

Situated in Lamu, Jannataan Hotel offers 2-star accommodation with a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a cash machine, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Local points of interest like Shella Primary School and Al Mabruk Shop are reachable within 50 yards and 50 yards, respectively. A continental breakfast can be enjoyed in the breakfast area. Swalah Muslim School, Shela is 60 metres from the bed and breakfast, while Bustani Square is 100 yards from the property.

This historical Arabian-style building is located in the UNESCO-listed town of Lamu. It is less than 300 metres from the seafront and 3 km from the white sandy beach. The bright rooms at Subira House have either a patio or a balcony and some have sea views and free Wi-Fi. Every room has a fan, a seating area, and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a free buffet breakfast each day at the restaurant. The restaurant serves a range of healthy organic cuisine, with packed lunches and room service available upon request. This eco-friendly property has a library and a garden with sunny terrace, and offers massages and babysitting services. Activities in the area include diving, hiking, and canoeing. The Lamu Airport is less than 3 km from the property, but can only be accessed by boat.