This is a list of the top and most popular hotels in Lamu County. Lamu is a port town and an island just off the coast of Kenya. It is about 150km from Mombasa and about 660km from Nairobi. Lamu is a haven for travelers seeking a taste of luxury amidst its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Lamu was founded in the 12th century, and it has best preserved the remaining settlements of the Swahili tradition in East Africa that remain today. With its pristine beaches, historical charm, and stunning landscapes, Lamu offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable getaway. To enhance your Lamu experience, we’ve curated a list of the most popular luxury hotels in Lamu that will not only pamper your senses but also make your stay truly memorable.Â
List Of Best Hotels In Lamu County
1. The Majlis Resort
The Majlis Resort is located in Lamu with views of Ras Kitau Bay on Manda Island. It is about 10 minutes from Lamu Old Town and the airport. With 39 rooms, it is the biggest hotel on this list. Its rooms are spread over 4 blocks and have 3 restaurants, 4 bars, and 3 swimming pools. Each block has a lounge on the ground floor with different seating options where you can hang out. They have great rooms with proper A/C, a bidet, and everything you would expect in a 5-star hotel. They also have all the water sports you can find in Lamu. The beach here is not very empty, but it is also not very busy since there are few hotels on this side. Current rates start at Ksh. 39,000 for two on half board. In some seasons, the rates are lower, and in other seasons, they are higher. If you love luxury and 5-star hotels, Majlis is the one for you.
Contact: 0702 690 555
Email: guestrelations@themajlisresorts.com
2. Peponi HotelÂ
Located in Shela, about 10 minutes from Lamu Old Town and the airport, It’s across Majlis, and a boat ride will take about 3 minutes to cross from one side to the other. It’s one of the most iconic hotels in Lamu, having started in 1967, and they have 29 rooms. All their rooms are sea-facing. Most of their rooms differ slightly from each other, even in the same room category. For instance, some Superior rooms will come with a fully fitted kitchen, while others don’t. The beach here is slightly crowded since there are a lot of hotels on this side. If you love exploring, then Shela is suitable for you because you can try out different restaurants and activities and even interact with the locals since there is a village within. Their bar is probably the most popular hangout joint in Lamu. Their current charges start at Ksh. 25,000 for two for bed and breakfast and also fluctuate depending on the season.
Contact: 0722 203 082, 0742 744 149
Email: reservations@peponihotel.com
3. Lamu House
Located right at the heart of Lamu old town and about 5 minutes from the airport, it’s not a big hotel, and they only have 11 rooms. Interestingly, they have a proper swimming pool with a baby pool and a separate private plunge pool that can be used by any of the residents. They are right next to the ocean, with some rooms getting unobstructed views of the ocean, but there is no beach here. You have to go to Shela or Manda to enjoy the beach. They have a restaurant known as Moonrise, which is one of the best in Lamu’s old town. Lamu House gives you a chance to experience the authentic Lamu through the donkeys, narrow streets, and people. It is also on the main street of Lamu, and you can watch any cultural events happening from your hotel room. All the main attractions of the old town are very near the hotel, and you can visit them as much as you want. If you’re visiting Lamu for its history and culture, this is the best place for you. Current charges are Ksh. 18,000 for two people for bed and breakfast, and they also fluctuate depending on the season.
Contact: 0792 469 577
Email: info@lamuhouse.com
4. The Cabanas LamuÂ
This hotel is located farthest from Lamu Old Town, at the southernmost tip. The hotel has six cabanas and one villa. The Cabanas are uniquely built, hidden in the surrounding vegetation, with great views of the ocean. This is the perfect hotel for anyone looking for privacy and exclusivity. The beach here is very clean and empty. You can walk for about 10 minutes without seeing anyone. I loved how they offer personalized services. You are served by one waiter from the first to the last day. You also choose your meal times and where you want to have them. Due to their location, they only offer full-board packages. If you stay for less than 3 nights, you pay for airport boat transfers. Their rates start at $200 per night and go up to $395 in some seasons.
Contact: +254 794 989881
Email: Info@thecabanaslamu.com
5. Jua House
Situated within 500 metres of Manda Beach and 500 metres of Shela Beach in Lamu, Jua House features accommodation with a seating area. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property. There is a private bathroom with a walk-in shower in all units, along with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Guests at the bed and breakfast can enjoy a vegetarian breakfast. Jua House offers a sun terrace. Mnarani House is 200 metres from the accommodation.
Phone/WhatsApp: +254 701 303 598
6. The Red Pepper House
The Red Pepper House is situated between a paradisiac beach and a primary forest with architecture that is considered one of the most beautiful in Africa. They offer the following services and facilities: Swahili culture, safaris on a dhow, sunsets, virgin beaches, magical nights, a swimming pool and bar, massage, and beauty treatments
Contact: 0721 230 521
7. Kizingoni Villas
The houses are a relatively new addition to the Lamu coastline but offer a great alternative to the private houses of Lamu and Shela. Each of the houses has been built to a very high standard, and with the luxury of having staff pick up groceries from Lamu, if you are not in the mood for cooking, a stay in one of the houses is fantastic. The only drawback that we can mention is that the plot they have, while benefiting from being around the point, is not in as good a location as the nearby Kizingo.
8. Forodhani House
Located on Shela Beach, overlooking the Indian Ocean, Forodhani House is situated in Lamu. With white-arched terraces, this spacious villa offers bright rooms, and free Wi-Fi is available. Decorated in authentic Swahili style, Forodhani House features an open-plan lounge and a dining area that overlooks the pool. The villa includes five en-suite bedrooms, air conditioning, and a washing machine.
The self-catering unit comes fitted with a fully equipped kitchen, including a coffee machine, dishwasher, and barbecue facilities. A few restaurants can be found within 5 kilometers.
An array of activities can be enjoyed in the surroundings, including windsurfing, fishing, and snorkeling. Facilities include a children’s playground, and a massage can be arranged upon request at a charge. The property offers free parking, and a complimentary airport shuttle is available. Manda Airport is 4 km away.
Contact: 0740 180 754
9. Kijani Hotel
A great place to stay is the Kijani Hotel, which has nice rooms starting at $230. Offering an outdoor pool, room service, a restaurant, snorkeling, and a bar, it also has a great guest rating of 8.80 out of 10 from many previous guests. It’s located at Off Corniche Path, Shela Village. This comfortable hotel is also nice because it offers parking, breakfast, child care, laundry services, and a free breakfast, which visitors will enjoy. Also, it’s just 2 kilometers from the city center. The pool here was very nice, relaxing, and fun.
Contact: 0725 545 264
Email: info@kijani-lamu.com
10. Diamond Beach Village
Diamond Beach Village has a great guest rating of 8.40 out of 10 and offers room service, a restaurant, snorkeling, a bar, and breakfast. The great rooms here start at $150 before taxes, depending on the season. It can be found at Plot 4, Ras Kitau. Furthermore, it also offers child care, a free breakfast, cooking classes, kid meals, and laundry facilities, which is nice for travelers. Just 3.4 kilometers from the city center, this terrific hotel is a terrific choice. We found the price of this hotel to be a great value because the price is less than average for one-week trip hotels.
Contact: 0720 915 001
Email: info@diamondbeachvillage.com
11. Subira House
The great guest rating of Subira House is 9.20 out of 10. This place has room service, a restaurant, snorkeling, a bar, and a kid-friendly buffet. Prices for the terrific rooms start at $65, and they’re located behind Lamu Fort. We also love the hiking, child care, city views, kid meals, and laundry facilities, which are great for visitors. And since it’s just 1 km from the center of the town, the location is great, too. The price of this hotel is less than average for one-week trip hotels, which makes it a great value.
Contact: +254 726 916 686
Email: info@subirahouse.com
12. Msafini Hotel
With terrific rooms starting at $54, the Msafini Hotel at Shella-Lamu provides an outdoor pool, skiing, room service, a restaurant, and snorkeling. Its terrific guest rating is 7.60 out of 10 from previous guests staying here. Visitors will like this exciting hotel, which also offers breakfast, child care, laundry services, a free breakfast, and city views. It’s located just 2 kilometers from the city center, too. It’s a great value, as the price is less than the average for one-week trip hotels.
Contact: 0720 223 043
Activities in Lamu: Tourist Attractions in Lamu County
- Walk along deserted beaches
- Explore narrow streets
- Sail in traditional dhow
- Rent a beautiful Swahili townhouse
- Visit Shela village and make sure you get lost
- Sunset watching on Manda Island
- Visit the reunited city of Takwa
- Feast in some great Swahili food
