Vacation rentals in Lamu Island

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Lamu Island

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Guest favorite
A shaded seating area features a low wooden table surrounded by a cozy bench with decorative pillows. Two patterned cushions are placed on the floor over a round mat. A view of the village and ocean can be seen in the background.
Apartment in Shela
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 69 reviews

Beautiful Rooftop Apartment

Khayrat Apartment, located in the heart of bustling Shela village is the perfect stay for your Lamu vacation. Our top floor apartment is made up of two floors, the bottom one consisting of two ensuite bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a cosy living room and two balconies. As comfortable as this floor is, our rooftop is the place to be! You'll have a 360 view of the village, the ocean and the sand dunes behind Shela, including amazing sunsets and sunrises. Khayrat apartment sleeps 4 people.

LocationFamilySleep quality

Guest favorite
Home in Shela
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 45 reviews

The Sand Dunes!

The breathtaking Sand Dunes is built with details that calm the eyes, mind & spirit. We are excited to offer this unique & tranquil getaway. Our Stunning 3 bedroom With AC home has all amenities needed for a short or long term getaway. We overlook the beautiful Shella dunes surrounded by palm trees that sway seemlessly with the birds morning songs. Your staff will handle all cleaning needs and caretaker meets you at seafront. A chef can join for a small fee &Boat transfers can be arranged.

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Top guest favorite
Sailboats with billowing sails glide across calm waters near Lamu Island. The shoreline is lined with greenery and structures, reflecting a serene coastal environment. Light catches on the surface of the water, creating a tranquil scene that showcases the beauty of the surroundings.
Home in Lamu
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews

Exclusive Beach House, Shela Lamu, Kenya

Located 100 m from the Indian ocean, the house consists of 4 en suite rooms amongst which 2 master bedrooms and 2 standard berooms. Please note that we limit the number of guests to a maximum of 6 in order to preserve the house, avoid stressing our staff and maximise your experience as a guest. Each room is self contained and has a queen size bed. Two of the master bedrooms have their own private outside verandah. The house is let with a Cook who does also all the shopping and a House boy.

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Guest favorite
The beachfront view showcases a charming villa surrounded by lush greenery and swaying palm trees. Two colorful boats are anchored in the foreground, with sandy beach and ocean visible, creating a serene coastal atmosphere.
Home in Shela
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 21 reviews

Swahili Paradise w/ Private Chef | Steps to Beach

Welcome to a place where the rhythm of the ocean sets the pace. As our guests consistently say, staying here is an experience in "pure paradise." Kinjarling is more than just a beautiful Swahili-style home—it's a fully-serviced retreat designed for ultimate relaxation, with our incredible staff and private chef ready to make your stay unforgettable. Just a one-minute stroll from the pristine sands of Shela Beach and right behind the legendary Peponi Hotel, our location is simply perfect.

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Guest favorite
An inviting indoor swimming pool is framed by neutral-colored walls and traditional architectural elements. Lush greenery, including potted plants, adds vibrant touches around the pool area. A comfortable lounger is positioned beside the pool, creating a serene environment for relaxation.
Home in Lamu
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 55 reviews

Old Lamu historic house with pool,seaview, toproof

DAR EL EDEN HOUSE is an old 18th century swahili house carefully restaured and expanded in 2009 This coral stone house maintains its original swahili architecture with local traditional materials and tadelakt plaster technique used in Marocco. Original 3,5 m ceilings and walls are decorated with carved niches , freezes and alcoves . The 4 levels home with swimming pool ,5 bedrooms suiting up for 12 persons includes a 360 degrees panoramic view on the city and ocean on third floor.

LocationFamilySleep quality

Guest favorite
A tranquil swimming pool is surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant plants. Sun loungers are positioned beside the pool, with a pathway leading to a charming veranda. Tall palm trees provide a tropical ambiance, while the clear blue sky completes the serene outdoor setting.
Villa
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 62 reviews

Kinooni House: A stunning historic house restored!

Kinooni* House is one of the most ancient houses on Historic Lamu Island. Once the home of the Governor of Lamu, who was then the emissary to the Sultan of Zanzibar at the end of the 18th century, it has now been carefully restored with traditional Swahili design and craftsmanship to bring back the elegance, simplicity, and grandeur of the original mansion. * Kinooni means “the place of the sharpening stone” so Nyumba ya Kinooni means : “ the house of where the sharpening stone is”.

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Guest favorite
Home in Shela
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 15 reviews

Serene Coastal Hideaway Penthouse

Escape to this stunning Swahili-style penthouse, a serene hideaway perched above Shella Village. Designed with natural makuti roofing, coral-stone walls, and handcrafted wooden details, this space offers an authentic coastal charm blended with modern comfort, creating the perfect setting for relaxation, reading, or unwinding after a day at the beach. Ideal for couples, seeking something truly unique, this penthouse combines Lamu’s rich architecture with a cosy, home-like atmosphere.

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Guest favorite
Home in Lamu
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 15 reviews

Bone Idle, Lamu Beach House

A rustic beach house, Robinson Crusoe style. At the southern tip of Lamu Island, the house faces the Indian Ocean as it rolls in along a great stretch of empty beach. An absolutely perfect place for simply doing nothing, one can nevertheless also lie on the beach, float out to sea or take long walks across the island. Lamu, centuries old, and the most ancient Swahili settlement on the East African coast, is just a 30 minute boat ride away.

LocationFamilySleep quality

Top guest favorite
Apartment in Lamu
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 31 reviews

Artist’s Loft on Lamu Main Street, Old Town

Set along Usita wa Mui, the main street of Lamu Old Town, this flat is the first project of a graduate architect and artist (the host himself). Housed in a 700-year-old Swahili home, it combines history, craftsmanship, and art. The space doubles as a working studio and small gallery with mixed-media works. Facing the lively street, it carries the hum of daily life and stories below — a true immersion into the spirit and creativity of Lamu.

LocationLayoutNearby

Guest favorite
An aerial view of the interior features multiple levels connected by light-colored, textured staircases. Natural light enters through window openings, illuminating the walls and highlighting the simplicity of the design.
Villa in Lamu
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 71 reviews

Authentic Swahili style villa in the heart of Lamu

Full house ready for guests! The typical Lamu courtyard is the center of it all, a serene space from which all other rooms emerge. The three-story building (475m2) with roof access offers an amazing view of the Indian Ocean under the makuti (typical roof construction from the area made from palm leaves) which protects from the rain and sunshine. This results in a beautiful, spacious and very comfortable house.

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Guest favorite
A dining area is situated on a covered terrace, featuring a wooden table accompanied by four woven chairs. Lush greenery and scenic water views are visible in the background, complemented by a gentle sea breeze filtering through the open space.
Apartment in Shela
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 32 reviews

Star House 4

Relax in this charming 1-bedroom apartment in the heart of Shela, Lamu. Enjoy an open kitchen and dining area that flows onto a private terrace (Baraza) — perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach. It has access to Makuti rooftop terrace with benches and cozy swing bed. Simple, airy, and authentic Swahili style for a peaceful stay.

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Guest favorite
A private swimming pool is framed by smooth beige walls, with sunlight reflecting off the water's surface. Lounge chairs with striped cushions are positioned alongside the pool, offering a serene space for relaxation. Plant pots are placed thoughtfully near the entrance.
Home in Shela
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 128 reviews

Bee house

The only room with a private swimming and air conditioning in lamu I don’t provide shampoo and conditioner 4 minutes walk from peponi and one minute to banana house Beautifully designed and very luxurious with a private chef Please alert me your arrival time one day before Thank you

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