
Vacation rentals in Lamu Island
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Lamu Island
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

Unique beachfront cottage with large pool & garden
A charming white-washed seafront cottage at the edge of Shela village, nestled in a tropical garden on a small estate. Enjoy spectacular views of the channel and mangroves from the rooftop terrace. There is a 20m pool (shared with the main house) and the beach right at your doorstep. Your stay includes: - daily housekeeping - private chef - airport pickup - daily breakfast - purified water - internet - organic toiletries - 2 kayaks

Naima's House-Near Shela beach on Lamu Island
Sunrise, sunset and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean await you at this lovely house, 5-minutes from the beach. Shops around the corner. Delicious Swahili food abounds. Sunny, breezy, 3- bedroom home (sleeps 6) with lots of space and a garden. Great rooftop verandah with mini-fridge. Great wifi and work space. Huge, fully equipped kitchen. All rooms have ceiling and standing fans. This house comes with a full time staff/cook.

Design Lover’s Dream, featured in WOI magazine '23
Interiors featured internationally in books and magazines, most recently in World of Interiors (Sept 2023). With its centuries-old charm, the White House offers a truly unique stay-full of character, lovingly maintained, infused with local heritage and of course a great pool! Your stay includes: - daily housekeeping - a private chef (Thomas) - airport pickup - daily breakfast - purified water - internet - organic toiletries

Furnished 1 bedroom Apartment
Fully furnished cozy 1 bedroom apartment located on the second floor of Sai Shanti House in the heart of Shela Village, offering stunning views of the village and sand dunes. It features a fully equipped kitchen with all necessary utensils, making it the perfect retreat for your stay. Whether you're here for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled vacation, this apartment is the perfect base for your stay in Shela.

Beach Forest House in Shela
Located on the edge of Shela village, Beach Forest House sits on a 3-acre forest plot with access to the sea front. It has a small dipping pool. It is spacious and light, with high ceilings and areas for relaxing in or out of the sun. It is well equipped for couples and small families going on holiday or looking to stay for longer and work remotely.

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.

Bee house
The only room with a private swimming and air conditioning in lamu 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

Small family house in Shela
Kahindi takes care of laundry, shopping, cooking and more. He stays at the ground floor and has been helping out since the house was built. There is a Starlink Internet connection dedicated to the house. Please ask Kahindi for details.
Popular amenities for Lamu vacation rentals
Other great vacation rentals in Lamu Island

Milimani Villa shela - Fully air-conditioned home

Delightful eco cottages just outside Shela

Najma’s penthouse

Coconut House, Shela: beautiful home with garden

Hisani House Shela

Serene Coastal Hideaway Penthouse

Own cook. Rooftop. Close to beach.

ONEWAY House Lamu Seaview Rooftop and Pool
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lamu located?
Lamu is a historic town situated on the northern coast of Kenya, along the Indian Ocean. It is part of the Lamu archipelago and has a vibrant blend of Swahili, Arab, and African influences.
When is the best time to visit Lamu?
Travelers often suggest visiting Lamu during drier months when outdoor exploration is more comfortable. Mild temperatures and sea breezes can make island strolls and water activities pleasant throughout much of the year.
What are some things to do near Lamu?
Lamu has traditional markets, dhow sailing excursions, and workshops specializing in woodcarving. Around the main town, you can explore historic sites, learn about Swahili culture, or enjoy mangrove forest walks.
How is the weather near Lamu?
Lamu generally experiences a warm, tropical climate, with temperatures frequently in the upper 70s to mid-90s°F (mid-20s to mid-30s°C). Humidity can be high, and rain showers are more common in certain seasons, so light, breathable clothing is suggested.
Destinations to explore
- Rentals with outdoor seating Lamu Island
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