
Vacation rentals in Lamu Island
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Lamu Island
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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.
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 69 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.
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 117 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.
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 21 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.
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 55 reviews
Private Beachfront House with Pool In Lamu
Shanti Sands is an exclusive and romantic beachfront hideaway on Manda Island, in Lamu. Fully staffed with a private chef and daily service, the villa features a private pool , two ensuite bedrooms with tropical outdoor showers and serene ocean views. Built with organically and powered by solar energy, it’s a haven of barefoot luxury and eco-sustainability. Perfect for Romantic couples retreat, families seeking privacy, Peace, and a magic escape accessible only by boat.#Kenyagetaway
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 27 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”.
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 62 reviews
ONEWAY House Lamu Seaview Rooftop and Pool
ONEWAY House, a beautiful three-story home is located in the heart of the historic Lamu Stone Town. In 2012 the award-winning architect Urku Sanchez transformed a dilapidated ruin into this elegant structure. The renovations were carried out with sensitivity to the Swahili architecture and Islamic culture of Lamu. With four spacious ensuite bedrooms and various sitting areas, the house can comfortably accommodate up to 8 adults and is ideal for families or groups of friends.
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 79 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.
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 30 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.
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 71 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.
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 32 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
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 128 reviews
Tamarind House
Tamarind House will seduce you with its tranquillity and its breathtaking views. You will love its simplicity and authentic environment. A breezy balcony allows you to relax and enjoy the sea, garden and village views.
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviewsPopular amenities for Lamu vacation rentals
Other great vacation rentals in Lamu Island

The Sand Dunes!
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 45 reviews
Serene Coastal Hideaway Penthouse
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 15 reviews
Mbibo House in the Shela Dunes with Pool
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 35 reviews
Luxury villa in Shela with pool & garden
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 21 reviews
Bone Idle, Lamu Beach House
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 15 reviews
Jaha House Shela
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 35 reviews
Beautiful beachfront ForodhaniHouse
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 34 reviews
Fisherman House
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviewsFrequently 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
- Waterfront rentals Lamu Island
- Rentals with beach access Lamu Island
- Villa rentals Lamu Island
- Bed and breakfasts Lamu Island
- Rentals with breakfast Lamu Island
- Pet-friendly rentals Lamu Island
- Beachfront rentals Lamu Island
- House rentals Lamu Island
- Apartment rentals Lamu Island
- Rentals with pools Lamu Island





